Daily Archives: January 30, 2010
According to Ben Goessling of MASN, Nationals outfielder Adam Dunn said Washington is the prefered destination of free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson.
Dunn, who’s agent also represents Hudson, told reporters “from his point, this is where [Hudson] wants to be” and Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said he is in contact with Hudson as well as several other players, but Goessling says both Hudson and the Nationals are trying to workout a contract.
…like Matt has said over and over again, it would have just made baseball sense for the Mets to sign Hudson and bench Castillo…i understand why the Mets can’t just do that, as there are about six millions reasons for it, but management proclaimed in October they would improve their pitching, speed, and defense, and signing Hudson, even if it’s for one year, goes a long way towards reaching that goal, and i believe it’s worth paying Hudson and possibly Castillo at the same time if it means they can improve at the position…
For more on Hudson, Dunn, and the rest of the Nationals, check out Goessling’s report here.
The Mets have signed Frank Catalanotto, according to Mark Carig of the Star Ledger.
…I think this is a solid pickup for the Mets, as he provides outfield depth as well as leadership and know-how to the clubhouse…
In a post to Twitter, Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post says the 35 year old Catalanotto signed a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
In 77 games with the Brewers in 2009, Catalanotto hit .278 with one home run and nine RBI, with a .346 OBP in 144 at bats.
James over at Amazin’ Avenue says “Don’t criticize Omar for the sake of criticizing.”
Meanwhile, Adam, the Brooklyn Met Fan hates to say it, but he feels the Mets should sign Chien-Ming Wang.
…i am beginning to agree with you, Adam…i think if he’s healthy, he has the capability of being a very solid starter and potentially the number two arm they seek, although he hasn’t pitched a full season since 2007 and is coming off foot and arm problems…
Kevin, from the NY Hot Corner, has the scoop on Cuban RHP Yuniesky Maya from Jorge Arangure of ESPN, who says he hasn’t been declared a Major League free agent as of yet.
…great job on this, Kevin…that answers the question as to why we haven’t heard much about him lately…
According to Peter Keepnews of the New York Times, the original Shea Stadium organist, Jane Jarvis, has died at the age of 94.
According to Keepnews, Jarvis began her career as a jazz pianist and started playing at baseball stadiums in 1956 with the Milwaukee Braves, and then moved onto the Mets when they opened Shea Stadium in 1964, and she was a mainstay until 1979.
For more on Jarvis, check out the Times obituary here.
…hat tip to the Mets Police for the link…
According to the Associated Press, KeySpan Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones will receive a new name this season, as the “KeySpan” name no longer exists.
KeySpan was purchased by National Grid PLC in 2007, and considering that, National Grid Executive Vice President John Caroselli said “it was an opportunity for both parties to discuss other options.”
For more, check out the Associated Press article, in Newsday, here.
In a recent report for the Daily News, Adam Rubin said the Mets will not have Bobby Parnell audition for a spot in the starting rotation.
Parnell told Rubin:
“I don’t have a burning desire to be a starter, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be a starter. If I’m in the bullpen I look at it as a learning opportunity for later on…”
Instead, according to Jerry Manuel, the Mets will have Fernando Nieve audition for a spot in the rotation.
…i think we saw last year that at least right now, Parnell’s upside is as a reliever and i think with his velocity, he can be a very solid arm late in games for the Mets this year…i thought he was a bit overused early in the season in 2009 and he tired quickly, so the responsibility of course is on the starters to improve their efficiency and longevity so they can rest guys like Parnell in the bullpen…but i’ve been saying that for a few years now…
…i’m surprised, considering the Mets have yet to bring in another starter, that Manuel didn’t mention Jon Niese as a candidate, but then again, it’s possible they feel his surgically-repaired hamstring might not be ready by the time the season starts…
In eight appearances with the Mets in 2009, the 27 year old Nieve went 3-3 with a surprising 2.95 ERA, but walked 19 batters and struck out 23 in 36 2/3 innings before he sustained a season ending hamstring injury on July 19 in Atlanta.
In five appearances and four starts in the Venezuelan Winter League, Nieve went 1-2 with a 2.42 ERA, walking just three batters and striking out 26 in 26 innings.
