New York Mets 2008

[Sausy]

Now that the Mets 08 season has come to a merciful end I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this thread. It has been a fun six months, filled with both heartache and joy. We praised them when they did well and trounced them when they failed, but most of us stuck by them always hoping for that breakout string of wins that would have taken the Mets to the World Series. It was not to be, but I don’t consider 89 wins and hovering around first place for the entire year a failure. They could have done better to be sure and there is a lot of work to be done for 2009, but when you compare the team to most of the other teams in both the AL and NL, I think we did pretty well.

It was a year that saw the firing of the manager and pitching coach, and an excellent turn around resulted, it just wasn’t enough.

The Shea goodbye farewell show was awesome; I teared up more times than I can count. It was a day I will never forget
I will, as I always do, follow the Mets throughout the winter and report any news as we get closer to the ’09 season.

A big shout out and thanks to my boys Chance 1and Sausy, whose outstanding insight to the Mets season was always a joy to read. Thanks guys!

Thanks to you,sonny,such a passionate,intelligent,informative and dedicated Mets fan for giving us a great place to talk about this facinating,maddening,entertaining and frustrating but never boring Mets team.Hopefully future years will bring better results,and CitiField build new tremendous memories.

There of course will be lots to talk about in the offseason before a new spring training will put an official end to this 2008 edition of this thread.Between Abs' thread and a Hot stove League thread I will start after the World Series and this thread,we can tie up all the loose ends,talk about what's going on in Metsland and the baseball world in general...baseball ain't going anywhere as a beloved topic of contention,perspective and news analysis any time soon.


Thanks again to sonny,chance,Abs,Bradlee,everyone who contributed to this thread.Always good to hear from you and if you're a fan who hasn't said your piece yet,never to late to do so...love to hear anyone's perspectives on this past Met season and what may be coming up this offseason.


I commented on the Shea closing ceremonies before,but those pics are so great,sonny.....so many moments from the ceremonies brought tears to my eyes.Shea wasn't the most beautiful stadium but Mets and their fans represent an salt of the earth,real,honest,working class persona that was magical,yes I will say again,"amazing".We've been up and down,but we have tha New York resilience and toughness and character...we'll be back and better.And great news that it appears Jerry Manuel will be extended as Mets manager,what a job he did getting the club from a funk that claimed the beleaguered Willie Randolph earlier in the year after last September's historic,heart wrenching collapse.

 

[Sausy]

Sorry guys.

I know how it feels.

I hope I don't have to talk you down from any NYC bridges!

Thanks Abs,and sorry for your beloved Cards too.I'm kinda afraid of heights anyway,so I didn't contemplate anything like that for more than a millisecond.

Sorry Abs, I forgot to give a shout out to you, thanks for the laughs.

Abs is a tremendous baseball fan and almost makes it cool to root for the St. Louis CardinalsDamn could you all picture Abs,Sonny,chance,myself and Bradlee at Busch or CitiField enjoying a Mets/Cards rivalry?I think Brad secretly likes the Mets,though he'll never admit it!

 

[syam24]

It was a sad ending to the season, but honestly, don't believe we can say we didn't see it coming. The Mets were inconsistent in the clutch, and the bullpen was all to consistent in not providing any relief after Wagner went down. Hopefully, Dan Murphy will learn and play second base in the AZ League, providing a much needed bat in the infield, and we can pick up an outfielder to play 'til Fernandez is ready. The bullpen needs a complete rework, and a definite need for a couple of starters. Lots of work for Omar, the off season should be interesting.

 

[sonny10305]

It was a sad ending to the season, but honestly, don't believe we can say we didn't see it coming. The Mets were inconsistent in the clutch, and the bullpen was all to consistent in not providing any relief after Wagner went down. Hopefully, Dan Murphy will learn and play second base in the AZ League, providing a much needed bat in the infield, and we can pick up an outfielder to play 'til Fernandez is ready. The bullpen needs a complete rework, and a definite need for a couple of starters. Lots of work for Omar, the off season should be interesting.

I am with you dude, Omar had better make some intelligent desions about pitching, both starting and relief. The fans and the team deserve nothing less.
I want the pen cleaned out, certainly Schoeneweis, Sanchez and Heilman for sure. Maybe Hang on to Smith, Stokes and Feliciano.
Next, as much as I love and respect Pedro he has to move on, it’s time.
Ollie Perez should also be shown the door but a lot less politely than Pedro, pretty much don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Next we need a closer and I still like K-Rod for the job. Second base as well, Castillo must also go. Omar made a big mistake giving Luis that long contract and now Omar will have to eat it.

I also think we need some new blood as well, now I am not saying don’t renew
Delgado but it is something to think about. Yeah, he had a great second half but what about next year? Which Carlos will be back.?

Omar needs to work hard at the winter meetings to find us a stud. I like Eckstein and Jacobs just to name a couple. We need a shake up, this years team was not fun to watch.

I could go on and on about what I think the Mets should do but I will hold off until I see Omar start to fix the team. Quite frankly I am a little sick of talking about it. Everywhere I go, everyone I see,
it’s he same story “Hey Joey, what do you think the Mets need to do”

No, I am gonna sit back and watch over the winter, find out who’s available and looks like a good fit.

I am very happy about Jerry Manual coming back I think he is the man for the job.

Get to work Omar, we are watching you.

 

[Sausy]

I'll wait too a bit,sonny....but some of what omar said afterwards really annoyed me.This club doesn't know how to finish....and I don't know how urgently he feels changes are needed.I don't mean blow up the core,and I'd keep Delgado one more season.But there is a lot I'd think about....even Ryan Church should be made available in a deal if it makes sense.I know his hip supposedly acted up a bit,hurting his timing but w need something.Schneider is too inconsistent and second has to be dealt with...I'd be against Orlando Hudson who is not the kind of offensive player we need.

I think Omar thinks the Mets are basically solid and a little improvement here or there is all they need....culture change,an aversion to playing like losers and amantra to make their own opportunities....I've said it before,good clubs give themselves every advantage,force every mistake by the opposition that can lead to victory.They manufacture runs and demoralize the opposition by keeping the pressure on.If I can tell the Mets what they need most,besides relief pitchers who keep you in the game....it would be offensive players who have instincts to do he things like I mentioned that are essential to a winning club.

It will certainly be an interesting off season,and Omar has to get it right.At least in bringing back Jerry Manuel,who was able to get this club to play well enough to almost get back into the playoffs...that is at least one positive move.

 

[sonny10305]

I think maybe The Diamondbacks might to trade Eric Byrnes this winter, if Omar wants a corner outfielder he might be a good fit. Not sure I want to give up on Church just yet.
As for Delgado, like I said I have mixed feelings about his coming back, he has said he wants to,
He would like get rid of the bad taste in his mouth following consecutive last-season collapses.

He said,"I feel like we've got some unfinished business,", The Mets do have a team option on Delgado's contract for the 2009 season
Omar is loyal, so he prolly wants him back, I just worry about his productivity and that he might go back to the days before Manual.

Here are a few names to Omar to ponder:
A.J. Burnett
Ryan Dempster
Derek Lowe
CC Sabathia (yeah right, that will happen)
Ben Sheets
Mark Teixeira

By the way, Maine had successful surgery and will be good to go in ‘09

 

[syam24]

I've also got mixed feelings on Delgado, for one more year, it might be worth picking up the option, a big bat is not easy to come by. CC, from what I've read in various places, being from the west coast probably will wind up with the Dodgers, but I read yesterday the Giants may make a play for him as well. I would make Church available only for another outfielder, Holliday of the Rockies perhaps? The Mets would obviously need to sweeten the pot, but it would be worth it. Will just have to wait and see, I think Niese and Parnell will be pitching for the Mets next year at some point, if not from the beginning of the year.

 

[sonny10305]

I've also got mixed feelings on Delgado, for one more year, it might be worth picking up the option, a big bat is not easy to come by. CC, from what I've read in various places, being from the west coast probably will wind up with the Dodgers, but I read yesterday the Giants may make a play for him as well. I would make Church available only for another outfielder, Holliday of the Rockies perhaps? The Mets would obviously need to sweeten the pot, but it would be worth it. Will just have to wait and see, I think Niese and Parnell will be pitching for the Mets next year at some point, if not from the beginning of the year.

Yeah, it is gonna be interesting.
I feel the same way about Delgado, part of me wants him back but i just dono.
Church should be back as well, lets not make the mistake we made with Nady.
The only player i am sure about is Castillo, he has got to go.
Yes, Parnell and Niese should be back as well,
but we need a closer and it ain't Alaya.
CC was a joke I can not imagine him in a Mets uniform

 

[syam24]

The Nady trade was sort of a last minute forced deal because that's when Duaner Sanchez got injured and the Mets needed a bullpen guy and got Roberto Hernandez (big mistake) and also Ollie Perez, who really hasn't been horrible, just inconsistent at times. It happened right at the trade deadline in '06. Nady really didn't do much with the Yanks either, so don't know which Nady is going to show up in the future.

 

[Sausy]

Jerry Manuel's extension for two years plus an option is most defnitely a posuitive move.And there is hope even with the three year extension of Omar Minaya as the Wilpons seem to be in agreement there must be some changes and have made that clear to Minaya.Even talk Delgado may have had his option picked up for inclusion in a possible deal.Other than Santana,Wright,and Reyes I think there are no untouchables,even Carlos Beltran but only for a great deal that will help the Mets in the long term.

I've read Orlando Hudson's stats and he would be good,especially as a Gold Glove defensive player,but he is going to be 32.I love the talk about Derek Lowe.....a big money postseason starter who would be an outstanding third or fourth starter here.The most important thing is that any player acquired has a warrior mentality,an inner toughness and drive.That's what you need to win.

 

[sonny10305]

Jerry Manuel's extension for two years plus an option is most defnitely a posuitive move.

Funny how Jerry staled about signing, he wanted a longer deal I guess. But then when Bobby V said he was interested in coming back Jerry grabbed the pen and signed

I guess you heard about Santana, he had left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus/. He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready in time for spring training.
That means he was pitching with a hurt left knee when he shutout the Marlins on three days' rest to keep the Mets' postseason hopes alive.
What a stud!
Other good pitching news, John Maine had successful surgery to remove a lesion behind his right shoulder socket and should be throwing this winter as per his normal off-season routine
The dismantling of Shea has already begun, tough to watch but I will be happy in the new stadium.

 

[Sausy]

Great video and pics sonny!I had no idea about Bobby V making noises about returning to MLB.I'm glad Jerry signed on the dotted line and if he does anything with this club to get them deep in the playoffs or they win the WS,he will get to name his price.



Santana is amazing.I saw the story a couple of days back that he had a torn tendon for a month...but would not let up.Makes his performances,especially that last gem on three days rest the last Saturday of the season,even more impressive.He can take the time he needs during the offseason to strengthen the knee and be 100% by the time the new season starts.

Maine is supposed to be fine by spring training...hopeful he can move forward and develop into that stud type pitcher he seemed to be on the verge of becoming last spring training,when he was by far the best starter in the Mets rotation.

 

[sonny10305]

I have been watching what has ben going on with Daniel Murphy in the Arizona fall league.
The future superstar has been hitting .571

He is playing second base, and went 4-for-4 with a double and a walk in Monday's game. Over four games, Murphy is eight-for-14 thats a.571 average,
he has also had two extra base hits and a HR.

I do believe we have Casillo's replacement in '09

 

[Sausy]

I have been watching what has ben going on with Daniel Murphy in the Arizona fall league.
The future superstar has been hitting .571

He is playing second base, and went 4-for-4 with a double and a walk in Monday's game. Over four games, Murphy is eight-for-14 thats a.571 average,
he has also had two extra base hits and a HR.

I do believe we have Casillo's replacement in '09

Thanks for the update,sonny!The Mets haven't yet committed to Daniel playing second base regularly...I believe they want to see if he can be more versatile,but his success in the Fall League will help greatly in making it easier for them to plug him into second base in the everyday lineup next year.

 

[syam24]

That's awesome, I guess Az League pitching is probably not much after you've been hitting in the majors most of the year. Hopefully he picks up the defensive moves needed at second.

 

[sonny10305]

That's awesome, I guess Az League pitching is probably not much after you've been hitting in the majors most of the year. Hopefully he picks up the defensive moves needed at second.

Well of course he didn't play the majors for "most of the year" He only came up on August 2nd from Binghamton. If you recall he started in leftfield when Marlon Anderson went on the DL. But you are right about the pitchers he is facing now, which is small potatoes to what he faced in NY. And yeah, I am ancious to see how well he can turn a double play and handle the defense at second.
He played a decent left field, a little lost at times but made some outstanding plays as well. He also learned a lot from Beltran out there.

Thanks for the update,sonny!The Mets haven't yet committed to Daniel playing second base regularly...I believe they want to see if he can be more versatile,but his success in the Fall League will help greatly in making it easier for them to plug him into second base in the everyday lineup next year.

That’s what I’m thinkln Sausy.
I would love to see Murphy play second next year. He is a very exciting player;
I don’t think I have been this worked up about a player since D Wright back in ’04
Guys like Wright and Murphy just don’t come along every year.

Speaking of David, he went back home to Virginia for a while to spend time with his family and to support his kid brother who is playing high school football.
Then David went to Vegas with friends to unwind a bit. He is now back in NY to start his winter training.
Next month David will be at Hostra’s Topp Camp where on Nov 1st he will give 3 hours of instruction
to kids 7 to 14

That’s our David always giving back to the fans, especially the kids.

Sooooo just how many days till pitchers and catchers ’09 anyways

 

[Sausy]

Well of course he didn't play the majors for "most of the year" He only came up on August 2nd from Binghamton. If you recall he started in leftfield when Marlon Anderson went on the DL. But you are right about the pitchers he is facing now, which is small potatoes to what he faced in NY. And yeah, I am ancious to see how well he can turn a double play and handle the defense at second.
He played a decent left field, a little lost at times but made some outstanding plays as well. He also learned a lot from Beltran out there.



That’s what I’m thinkln Sausy.
I would love to see Murphy play second next year. He is a very exciting player;
I don’t think I have been this worked up about a player since D Wright back in ’04
Guys like Wright and Murphy just don’t come along every year.

Speaking of David, he went back home to Virginia for a while to spend time with his family and to support his kid brother who is playing high school football.
Then David went to Vegas with friends to unwind a bit. He is now back in NY to start his winter training.
Next month David will be at Hostra’s Topp Camp where on Nov 1st he will give 3 hours of instruction
to kids 7 to 14

That’s our David always giving back to the fans, especially the kids.

Sooooo just how many days till pitchers and catchers ’09 anyways

Too many days!Boy,you know sonny you know more about what David is doing than his family,probably!I'm sure that when he starts his training for next season David will go all out an keep working on his game..he is never one to be satisfied,especially with the past season ending another year without a playoff berth.

 

[sonny10305]

Too many days!Boy,you know sonny you know more about what David is doing than his family,probably!I'm sure that when he starts his training for next season David will go all out an keep working on his game..he is never one to be satisfied,especially with the past season ending another year without a playoff berth.

You got that right babe, I am this close to being a stalker

In a phone interview the other day David said,"It's going to be a long offseason, But when you fail, it pushes you and motivates you to work that much harder to make sure the same thing doesn't happen next year. You try to better yourself as much as possible."
David also said It has nothing to do with the Phillies, It just has to do with us coming up short. he went on to say "I'm obviously disappointed with the way the year ended. It left a bitter taste in my mouth.

When asked about the race to the WS, David said; The baseball fan in me,
I find out who wins and who loses.
But as far as sitting down and watching the game, that doesn't quite interest me right now."

I will be watching David and Daniel all winter and keep anyone interested up to date here in this thread.

 

[Sausy]

You got that right babe, I am this close to being a stalker

In a phone interview the other day David said,"It's going to be a long offseason, But when you fail, it pushes you and motivates you to work that much harder to make sure the same thing doesn't happen next year. You try to better yourself as much as possible."
David also said It has nothing to do with the Phillies, It just has to do with us coming up short. he went on to say "I'm obviously disappointed with the way the year ended. It left a bitter taste in my mouth.

When asked about the race to the WS, David said; The baseball fan in me,
I find out who wins and who loses.
But as far as sitting down and watching the game, that doesn't quite interest me right now."

I will be watching David and Daniel all winter and keep anyone interested up to date here in this thread.

I'm certain you will,sonny!

 

[sonny10305]

Last night, ESPN’s Baseball Tonight named David Wright as the league’s Best Infield Web-Gem Maker for 2008.

Wright’s diving catch in foul territory against the Phillies was also named the best Web Gem for a third baseman.

…Rawlings usually announces its Gold Glove winners in the week or so following the World Series…i have to think wright will win the NL Gold Glove at third base for the second-consecutive season…

…i still feel wright’s arm is an issue, at least from time to time…

…that said, he has a tremendous glove…and he’s getting better…