New York Mets 2008

[Sausy]

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…

Sonny,I knew you'd be all over any good David Wright stuff like white on rice!

Great news!David had so many highlights even when he did get streaky late in the season his defense remained outstanding.He still does scare me on occasion with his throwing but he is more deserving of the Gold Glove than last year,when I thought he was too erratic.He was amazing at times this year,much more focused and always works hard at making the best player possible in all facets of the game.Hope he gets that Gold Glove,He is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game now after starting his career more known for his offense potential than glovework.


And God sonny,he is so hot and that smile could melt glaciers!Oh,those beautiful eyes!I couldn't help myself,but I'm not sorry!

 

[sonny10305]

Great news!David had so many highlights even when he did get streaky late in the season his defense remained outstanding.He still does scare me on occasion with his throwing but he is more deserving of the Gold Glove than last year,when I thought he was too erratic.He was amazing at times this year,much more focused and always works hard at making the best player possible in all facets of the game.Hope he gets that Gold Glove,He is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game now after starting his career more known for his offense potential than glovework.

I hear ya babe, David is more frustrated with his at bats than he is with his defense, which improved dramaticaly this year. While most of the players take the winter off, David is already working out at Hoffstra. He will spend the winter improving his game. I am expecting greatness in '09

 

[sonny10305]

The demolition at Shea continues, Yesterday the scoreboard came down.
I can't explain it but I feel no sadness about Shea, I am totally looking forward to the new park.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2_dWZ32gYo[/ame]


Here is a slide show of the progress at Citifield.


http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568195182nzUjWV

 

[Sausy]

The memories made Shea,certainly not the building.The fans,the electricity when things were really going well.

The new Citifield is gorgeous and proudly traditional on the outside,eye poppingly modern,sleek and sexy inside.No tacky,hideous orange seats!The progress is amazing....Mets fans are going to fall in love with the place.A great,first class stadium for great,first class fans.Just hope there is enough thought to the pruicing structure so the average fan won't go broke trying to get in a few games a season.

Thanks sonny for the link....I'm envious of the amount of access the guy who took all these terrific photos was able to receive!

 

[sonny10305]

The Daniel Murphy saga continues
Murphyn along with catcher Josh Thole and reliever Eddie Kunz, have been named to the All-Star team in the Arizona Fall League. Murphy is listed as an outfielder on the roster of the American Division team, though he has played primarily second base for the Peoria Saguaros.
Murphy was batting .385 with nine RBIs and 12 runs in 10 games through Thursday.
So yeah, I'll say it again, we have our '09 second baseman

 

[Sausy]

The Daniel Murphy saga continues
Murphyn along with catcher Josh Thole and reliever Eddie Kunz, have been named to the All-Star team in the Arizona Fall League. Murphy is listed as an outfielder on the roster of the American Division team, though he has played primarily second base for the Peoria Saguaros.
Murphy was batting .385 with nine RBIs and 12 runs in 10 games through Thursday.
So yeah, I'll say it again, we have our '09 second baseman

Great to hear about Daniel's terrific Fall league stats and being a league All-Star ....he'll be a definite force at least offensively at second and especially about how Eddie Kunz done so well also being named to the Fall League All-Star team.It may have been that he just wasn't quite ready yet being thrown into the pressure iof a pen without the established closer in Billy Wagner.This year hopefully he makes great strides and shows off his tremendous talent with the Mets from spring training on.

How good is Josh Thole?Is he potentially a well rounded player or defensive specialist who hopefully will hit adequately in the majors?

 

[sonny10305]

How good is Josh Thole?Is he potentially a well rounded player or defensive specialist who hopefully will hit adequately in the majors?

Josh is in my opinion one of the Mets’ top catching prospect, along with Pena and Doyle.I have been keeping up with his progress and I like what I see.
He was hitting .300 in 111 games with St. Lucie.
This is his first year he really got a chance to do a lot of catching, he was primarerly a first baseman, but he was drafted as a catcher.
Actually we almost did not get him,The Marlins scout first called him in ‘05 and he had agreeded on the terms of a contract. But then lucky for us it never happened and the Mets gobbled him up.
He moves up to Binghamton next year, and if he puts up numbers like he did in St. Lucie, he could be ready to challenge Schneider in 2010.

 

[Sausy]

Josh is in my opinion one of the Mets’ top catching prospect, along with Pena and Doyle.I have been keeping up with his progress and I like what I see.
He was hitting .300 in 111 games with St. Lucie.
This is his first year he really got a chance to do a lot of catching, he was primarerly a first baseman, but he was drafted as a catcher.
Actually we almost did not get him,The Marlins scout first called him in ‘05 and he had agreeded on the terms of a contract. But then lucky for us it never happened and the Mets gobbled him up.
He moves up to Binghamton next year, and if he puts up numbers like he did in St. Lucie, he could be ready to challenge Schneider in 2010.

He sounds intriguing,if not for the near term like you said by 2010.I'll keep an eye on his progress,and know you'll give us in depth information as the top Mets minor leaguers make their way towards CitiField,sonny!(almost wrote Shea)

 

[sonny10305]

He sounds intriguing,if not for the near term like you said by 2010.I'll keep an eye on his progress,and know you'll give us in depth information as the top Mets minor leaguers make their way towards CitiField,sonny!(almost wrote Shea)

It will take a while to get used to not saying Shea.
I will keep up with the Mets prospects, and of course D Wright
it's what I love to do.

More kodos for our boy David. he has been recognised as a member of the 2008Sporting News National League All-Star team.
In a vote of 41 general managers and assistant general managers,.
David was the only Met elected.
Not a surprise, I have kept score on David (yeah I know, big surprise) and he has led the National League in runs (115), RBIs (124), total bases (334) and hits (189) by wide margins, led in home runs (33), stolen bases (15) and walks (94), placed second in doubles (42) and placed second to Chipper Jones in batting average (.302 to Jones' .364), slugging percentage (.534 to Jones' .574) and on-base average (.390 to Jones' .470) .
David also equaled the franchise record for RBIs, exceeding his previous career high by eight.
Just think about what is yet to be, he's only 25 years old

 

[Sausy]

It will take a while to get used to not saying Shea.
I will keep up with the Mets prospects, and of course D Wright
it's what I love to do.

More kodos for our boy David. he has been recognised as a member of the 2008Sporting News National League All-Star team.
In a vote of 41 general managers and assistant general managers,.
David was the only Met elected.
Not a surprise, I have kept score on David (yeah I know, big surprise) and he has led the National League in runs (115), RBIs (124), total bases (334) and hits (189) by wide margins, led in home runs (33), stolen bases (15) and walks (94), placed second in doubles (42) and placed second to Chipper Jones in batting average (.302 to Jones' .364), slugging percentage (.534 to Jones' .574) and on-base average (.390 to Jones' .470) .
David also equaled the franchise record for RBIs, exceeding his previous career high by eight.
Just think about what is yet to be, he's only 25 years old

Sonny,so that's how you get close to David Wright at Shea!!!That swelled head gives you away,though!!

 

[sonny10305]

Sonny,so that's how you get close to David Wright at Shea!!!That swelled head gives you away,though!!

Yup, I'll do just about anything to get close to him
By the way, I don't have to tell you which head gets swelled

 

[Sausy]

Yup, I'll do just about anything to get close to him
By the way, I don't have to tell you which head gets swelled

He's got the same effect on me,sonny!

I read in the Post even though Daniel Murphy accoprding to an MLB sciout making a good transition to second base(the scout said he had good hands,did a solid job on all the routine plays and his determination and makeup will only serve to make him better at second)he is slated for left field duty next year as of now...with the thinking of bringing in a decent right handed bat to platoon with him and help balance the lineup.Gabe Kapler,Marcus Thames and Jason Michaels were mentioned as possible righty targets.The writer stated that maybe using Daniel Murphy as an everyday "jack of all trades" like Tony Phillips was in his best years might be the way the Mets should go.

The writer of the article(might have been Joel Sherman)also talked about the Mets hierarchy wanting to see Ryan Church perform healthy for a full year before making any long term commitment to him in right field.They like him but still aren't sure he really has the makeup and desire to play in New York long term and if he can be a truly consistent offensive force,as he was for the Mets his first two months before the concussion troubles.Gonna be a really interesting offseason for our Mets.

 

[sonny10305]

Hey Sausy, sure hope you are fellin better these days.
While I completely agree with the Post thoughts on Church, he really should be back, and as good as he was before his injury, I do not agree with the idea of Murphy at left.
He is not an outfielder, and would be better suited for the infield.
I want him at second along with the rest of the infield line up
Delgado (yup he should come back) Reyes and Wright.
The Mets need a corner outfielder, and I expect they will make that that happen over the winter. You can bet I will be watching that.

But first we need to address the pitching, we will need two starters. I do not expect Pedro to return and I don’t expect, or want, Perez back.
Then there is the pen which desperately needs some new arms,
Sanchez and Heilman must go.
We also need a closer, (I still want K-Rod) Billy will be out for most of ’09.

Getting back to Murphy, he did not play in Arizona over the weekend.
He got into collision on the field; he took a spike to his forearm last week trying to steal second. They took him to the hospital to check the injury and the good news is he is expected to return to the line up in a day or two
Oh yeah Sausy, it is going to be a very interesting winter

 

[sonny10305]

Just to remind everyone, eligible players have 15 days, starting tonight at midnight, to declare whether they’ll be a free agent, I am keeping my ears open about Ollie Perez and Pedro Martinez both of whom I expect to be gone in ’09. I am thinking the Mets might keep Perez around if the price is right. But it’s Scott Boras so don’t expect a reasonable price. Hopefully the Mets will use good sense and treat Perez as it does almost any free agent; and establish a sense of his value and then not go crazy trying to keep him, he is just not worth it. I for one can do without Ollie’s inconsistent and performances.
Pedro won’t be back, I pretty much figured that out when the Mets did not retain bullpen coach Guy Conti. Pedro and Guy were very close I think Guys departure bothered Pedro. We love Pedro and he has been a Mets champion, but it’s time.

The Mets sent Figueroa, Bostick and Molina to Triple-A Buffalo, removing them from the team’s 40–man roster.

Update on Daniel Murphy, he is wearing a wrap on his forearm and is feeling fine; he should be in the line up this weekend. He is currently batting .400 with four doubles, one HR, 11 RBI and just three strike outs. Oh Baby!

 

[sonny10305]

Omar has made his first move

Fernando Tatis has been given a one year deal.
That's just about a week after winning a National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
It answers in part the question of left field. Perhaps if Murphy does not get the
2nd base spot he can platoon with Tatis at left. No word on Evans.

Good start Omar, now go get some relief pitchers, you need to replace most of the pen with the possible exception of Smith, Stokes and Feliciano.
Then go get at least one starter.

 

[sonny10305]

So here I am waiting to see what Omar is going to do next.

As I wrote before, Tatis will be back, as will Chavez, Castro and Delgado.
As for Delgado, the Mets have picked up his option, but to what end?
Will Delgado be at first in ’09?, well maybe, but it is also possible the Mets took him on to use in a trade.I have mixed feelings about that, I would have to see what we would get for him and who would replace him before I could make a judgment. I am more concerned about second, with the Mets still leaning towards Castillo’s return. Luis, (no knees, no pop, no range), Castillo has no place in the Mets infield. They need to get rid of him. Oh I know, the Mets have a contract with him, but that was a big mistake in the first place and now they will just have to eat it. Of course I want Murphy out there but will settle for someone else, almost anyone else, but Castillo.
Most important to me is still pitching. Beginning with the starters, I would love to see the Mets make a move for Lowe but not, as I have heard, Vazquez. Why would we want another Perez? Vazquez had an ERA this season of just under 5. He ain’t exactly the ace he was for Omar back in Montreal
The other slot that needs filling is a closer. I still want K-Rod, but there has been talk about Fuentes, I suppose I could settle for him, but the idea does not move me. Something needs to be done there. I am really not interested in the idea of Kunz or Parnell either. I was hot for both of them once, but not so much anymore.
Then there is Perez, Omar will try and sit down with Scott Boras (Ollie’s manager) at the General Manager Meetings to discuss a contract extension.
But that ain’t happening, not with Boras; trust me no deal will be made before Nov. 14, that’s when the Mets lose exclusive negotiating rights. I think we can take it to the bank; Scott will want to explore the market. No worries though I still don’t care if he comes back or not. Watch me eat those words when Ollie leaves the Mets and becomes an ace somewhere else.
As far as the pen goes, the only relief pitchers that should return, in my opinion, are Smith, Feliciano and Stokes.

I’m just sayin

 

[sonny10305]

Carlos Beltran and David Wright were named NL Gold Glove winners yesterday based on a vote of big-league managers and coaches. It's the third Gold Glove for Beltran and the second (in back-to-back years) for Wright.
Beltran ranked first among NL center fielders and was third with eight outfield assists last year. Carlos has been called the best defensive center fielder in baseball during 2008. No argument from me.

Wright, was tied for the NL lead among third basemen in total chances (416) with Kevin Kouzmanoff. Wright did not commit an error in a career-best 36 consecutive games from Aug. 7 a big improvement from '07.
But we all know there is only one third base superstar right now.
Now don't we?

 

[Sausy]

Carlos Beltran and David Wright were named NL Gold Glove winners yesterday based on a vote of big-league managers and coaches. It's the third Gold Glove for Beltran and the second (in back-to-back years) for Wright.
Beltran ranked first among NL center fielders and was third with eight outfield assists last year. Carlos has been called the best defensive center fielder in baseball during 2008. No argument from me.

Wright, was tied for the NL lead among third basemen in total chances (416) with Kevin Kouzmanoff. Wright did not commit an error in a career-best 36 consecutive games from Aug. 7 a big improvement from '07.
But we all know there is only one third base superstar right now.
Now don't we?

Never get tired of looking at our David but I digress,sonny!i definitely wanted to say how happy I was to hear the news of the Gold Gloves for David Wright and Carlos Beltran.You know Carlos is always up there with the best and David is just getting better,and will continue working hard to be a great two way player,it's just in his makeup to be the best .

Agree with your comments overall about the Mets winter.....I am a little concerned about a report I read yesterday about second base not being a priority,either in trade or moving Daniel Murphy(God,is it me or is he a hottie)permanently over there....he seems to want to give Luis Castillo another chance saying he wasn't healthy last year(his range and ability won't resuscitate with age,who is Omar kidding?)Delgado should go if a trade package could net us something strong long term in the future(and for the present)

It looks like they will go pitching first,starter and relievers before adding offense,which is the right move.Manny Ramirez doesn't look like part of their plans so Omar hasn't gone completely off the deep end yet.

I just started the Hot Stove League thread for winter news....look forward to your New York Mets 2009 thread come spring training.Sonny,always a pleasure!

 

[sonny10305]

definitely wanted to say how happy I was to hear the news of the Gold Gloves for David Wright and Carlos Beltran.You know Carlos is always up there with the best and David is just getting better,and will continue working hard to be a great two way player,it's just in his makeup to be the best

Sausy, lemme share some thoughts about the golden glove awards

Of course I was thrilled tom see David and Carlos get them.
David has been critised for some of his errors, but lets not forget he plays everyday, so of course he’s gonna blow a few. But he continues to improve year after year. Where he seems to get into trouble are those easy plays which he over thinks, tapping his glove and missing the throw to first.
BUT, those barehanded bunt plays are spectacular. No one does it better.
My only problem with Beltron is his habit of playing shallow. Now I get it, he does not like to play deep cause it just seems to me he does not go back on the ball as well as say, BJ Upton.
Take notice how Upton will play like 20’ shallower than Beltron, so you will see him catch more of those “cheap shot” that Carlos sometimes does not get to.
Beltron has a solid arm, and is soooo smooth, no denying that, but BJ gives him a run for his money on that score. I mean God knows I love Beltron but Upton may be (dare I say it) a better center fielder. Not by a lot but you know what I’m sayin.

I am a little concerned about a report I read yesterday about second base not being a priority,either in trade or moving Daniel Murphy(God,is it me or is he a hottie)permanently over there....he seems to want to give Luis Castillo another chance saying he wasn't healthy last year(his range and ability won't resuscitate with age,who is Omar kidding?)Delgado should go if a trade package could net us something strong long term in the future(and for the present)

I have heard Omar say hat as well, and as I have written Casillio has no place in the '09 lineup. I really feel that all we need is pitching both starting and relief and the core players will need to hit in the clutch and just play better ball. I see no need for any major changes other than 2nd base for '09.
Get us Lowe and K-Rod, send Ollie packing and let Pedro go off into the sunset whil he still has some dignity left.
Santana-Pelfrey-Lowe-Maine- 5th starter I have not made up my mind about yet.

Manny Ramirez doesn't look like part of their plans so Omar hasn't gone completely off the deep end yet.

NO NO NO Manny, Omar if you do that I will have to hurt you.

I just started the Hot Stove League thread for winter news....look forward to your New York Mets 2009 thread come spring training.Sonny,always a pleasure!

Great I look forward to seeing you there.

 

[sonny10305]

Everyday I keep waiting for word on K-Rod, I know there are at least three other teams besides the Mets who are interested in him.
I am hearing he is looking for at least 5 years and $75 million; he will prolly get that or at least 12-13 million.
K-Rod likes New York and is said to be intrigued by the idea of being a Met. We know he likes a big stage to play in so why not Citi field. Oh man, do I want that.

I am also panting to hear the news on the NL Cy Young Award which will be announced today around 2 pm.
I’m thinking it’s prolly gonna be Lincecum, but Webb’s got a shot as does Dempster. Forget Sabathia or Lidge, I keep reading there names as possible, but I don’t see that happin.
Of course my pick would be Santana (big surprise) because no other pitcher in the league was on the mound longer, and no other pitcher had a lower ERA over the course of the entire season and that should count for something. It is our pen that will have cost him the award. He lost a lot of games he should have won with too many crappy 7th and 8th relief innings and way too many blown saves.