Daily Archives: February 24, 2010
Here is video of Ryota Igarashi first throwing live batting practice, followed by a quick chat with his catcher, Josh Thole, and his translator, during which they talked about what pitches he threw, what pitches he’d like to throw more of, and how to communicate on a pitch out, as well as a wild pitch:
The catchers did a lot of working on drills this morning, such as throwing to second base, pick offs at first, sliding catches on foul pops and wild pitches to the backstop.
Two things…
1) Francisco Pena is a big kid. I have not seen him hit, I’ve only seen him catch live batting practice and working with catchers on drills. He is in the group of young catchers. Meanwhile, Josh Thole works in the veteran group, which includes Rod Barajas, Chris Coste, Henry Blanco and Omir Santos.
2) Blanco looks like a badass. I hear he is one of the nicest people you’ll meet, especially considering all he has been through in his life. That said, he definitely looks like someone I’d want on my side during a fight. Also, he has major tattoos up and down both of his arm, one of which says, ‘Hank,’ i.e., Hank White.
Ryota Igarashi threw live batting practice this morning on Field 5, with Josh Thole as his catcher.
Once done with his first session, he sat in the dugout with Thole and his translator to discuss his pitching sequence and signs.
Thole asked him to throw his splitter next time out, they also planned to work on pitch outs.
Here is some quick video of Rod Barajas catching a bullpen session from Elmer Dessens:
This morning, I interviewed Bobby Parnell, who I wanted to talk with about entering camp with last year’s major-league experience under his belt.
He and I also talk about how he intends to improve his command, and the toll of last season.
To watch the interview, use the video player below:
ESPN’a Baseball Tonight is here, with a massive tour bus parked in front of the ballpark.
The talent is featured on the side of the bus wearing flowered shirts.
Naturally, the one of Bobby Valentine cracked me up.
The word is, Valentine will not be here, which is a good thing, since I’d end up following him around all day, missing everything else.
The Wilson truck is here, at Tradition Field, featuring different gloves for players to choose from, should they be so inclined.
Here, Anderson Hernandez checks out a bag or two, asking questions about the different types of webbing.
Brian Costa of the Star Ledger says Rod Barajas has arrived at Tradition Field.
According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, Barajas will wear number 21.
Updated at 8:50 am:
by Matthew Cerrone
Hisanori Takahashi and Ryota Igarashi are scheduled to throw live batting practice today.
…i will do my best to put up a live stream when they get set to throw… so, keep checking back in, as i will likely give a five-minute or so heads up before turning it on… the embed, streaming player will appear in a new post…
Angel Pagan arrived to Mets camp yesterday, and told Adam Rubin of the Daily News that he believes he did enough last season to replace Carlos Beltran, adding:
“What I’ve got to do is just do my best and stay healthy and help the team as much as I can until he gets back.”
…i watched Gary Matthews Jr. yesterday… it’s interesting, he’s a big dude, he steps on the field and makes you think, ‘Wow, now this guy is a player, he must be the best guy out there,’ yet, when watching him hit, run, field, whatever, it looks like he’s always just one step behind, he’s just a hair off, out of sync… it’s very weird… pagan, on the other hand, looks very comfortable… he knows the guys, he’s talking with lots of people, and, if body language means anything, he’s acting like the job is his to lose… as it should be…
To read additional quotes from Pagan, check out Rubin’s report, here.
Jason Bay arrived to Mets camp yesterday, and talked to reporters about all sorts of subjects, ranging from hockey to his time in the Mets minor leagues to his thoughts on the team’s current talent.
In a report for the New York Times, beat writer David Waldstein writes of Bay’s arrival, and wonders if he will build off his performance in Boston, or fall to New York like Roberto Alomar, Carlos Baerga, and others.
However, he believes, “Bay’s performance in Boston suggests he can handle the pressure of playing in a place where baseball passions reach the same irrational levels that they do in New York.”
In regards to transitioning to the pressure of New York, Bay said:
“I think if I would’ve come some straight from Pittsburgh, like I came from Pittsburgh to Boston, there might’ve been a little bit of a period of getting used to how everything works. Now, I feel I’m comfortable.”
…i don’t find myself thinking about this, oddly enough… usually, i do… i did with Carlos Beltran, for instance… not with Carlos Delgado… and not with bay… perhaps he’s right, and that, because of his time in Boston, where he not only had to deal with constant pressure from fans, but also the pressure of filling Manny Ramirez’s shoes, and because he didn’t skip a beat, i’m confident in what he’ll be able to do for the Mets and how he’ll do it… i think he’ll be fine… i am more concerned how he’ll react if hits just three home runs in April, because of the cross-winds in Citi Field early in the season…
To read more about Bay’s day in camp, check out Adam Rubin in the Daily News, Mike Puma in the New York Post, and Ray McNulty of the St. Lucie News.
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