New York Mets 2009-10 Winter report

[Sausy]

Do you think I was going to not notice you all but screaming to the heavens Ike Davis wished you a happy birthday,sonny!!!The night with the guys seemed to have been a blast,but tell ya hearing birthday wishes from Ike Davis had to have made it even sweeter!

I don't know about Fernando Martinez....had a great winter ball but can he finally show off his amazing talent,especially offensively,with the big club?

Henry Blanco is far and away the best of the catching position acquisitions in regards to the things sonny mentioned was essential in the development and progress of the Mets staff,but he is probably even less of an offensive presence than Brian Schneider was.Josh Thole isn;t ready yet,Omir Santos is decent with the bat but lacking in defensive and game calling skills as is Coste.It's ridiculous the Mets wallets suddenly slammed shut,we need a solid two-way catcher.Not an All Star,just adequate-plus.I don't even want to get started on bringing in overpaid,over the hill,overrated Gary Matthews Jr to push Angel Pagan in center.Cory Sullivan and Jeremy Reed,who the Mets let go after decent bench performances this year....just staying with one of them would have been better than Matthews.Even defensively declining Johnny Damon brings a hell of a lot more intangibles just about winning baseball from his success with WS champs in Boston and last year with the Yankees.I don't know the process involved in Jeff Wilpon and Omar Minaya's thinking.

I love Daniel Murphy's effort and dedication towrads improving in all facets especially defensively with the tutoring of Keith Hernandez.He was the best at first and Daniel seems to thrive on getting all the pointers on making himself a strong presence defensiovely at first,eager to take in the knowledge Keith has to offer.Daniel worked out over the winter,adding five pounds of muscle and getting quicker with his footwork as well.I think if he gets the real opportunity to show what he's got,he'll do more than hold the fort for Ike Davis next season and give the Mets more flexibility in the process.

Speaking again of Ike Davis,(and we NEVER get tired of it!)Omar Minayaays Ike will get a serious look in spring training,get a real opportunity to push others and build up his confidence on what he can do when he comes up full time next year (I'm sure he does really well he'll get a callup before rosters are set Aug 31)The more I read about him and have heard from sonny he will be the next big impact Met....the only thing I hear that keeps him down in many scouts eyes on just how big an impact he'll make as a pro is that can he hit left handed pitching consistently?With his talent and work ethic,my feeling is he will make a very positive impression in that direction.



We are of course improved greatly by the apparently healthy and ready to go-go on the bases Jose Reyes.David Wright is working hard to make adjustments to get back to the clutch all-around all star he is,Jeff Francouer looks like he is working towards becoming what Atlanta envisioned him to be...Johann Santana,Mike Pelfrey,John Maine,everything LOOKS healthy and positive as pitchers and catchers approach in a week.This Mets club is going to be the team of ifs and is going to depend on so many bounceback or improved performances without really addressing areas if things don't go well like second base,catcher,and depth at the top of the rotation.EVERYONE will have their eyes,fingers,and toes crossed this season.

 

[sonny10305]

Great post as always saucy. Just to put the whole Ike Davis birthday call into perspective, he called his good friend who currently plays with the Cyclones who is also a good friend of mine. When told about the party asked to speak to me and wish me happy birthday. So it wasn’t that Ike called specifically to speak to me. But hey I’ll take it, right?
Ike is taking it one step at a time and focusing on making the team. Je is a humble guy which is one of the things I love about the kid. There is no bragging about his talent or predicting how soon he will make the team. He is just working hard boning his skills and biding his time quietly. He has his work cut out for him against left handed pitching, as does Murphy. Ike has spent time with Cyclone lefty Mark Cohoon
He talks about his dad a lot, his dad I think you know is Ron Davis who was a big time reliever with the Yankees.In fact Ike’s dad took him to Yankee stadium when he was a kid around 13 to take batting practice. Can you imagine?? He took batting practice in the cage with Jetter, Again, can you imagine?
Ike did pitch in his Freshmen year, but switched to the outfield (played right) in his sophomore year then moved to first base as a junior. Actually what made me gasp is that Ike’s dad thinks Ike was a better pitcher than a hitter AND that Ike is a better hitter than he was. Of course that’s his dad and he is gonna stay stuff like that…but still ...one more time...can you imagine.
The boys and I have talked about going up to Buffalo to watch Ike and that is so gonna happen.

We share the same thoughts on Fernando Martinez he has played well this winter but he always chokes in the bigs. I hope to see him get another shot soon but don’t want him rushed. Thole either or Davis for that matter.
You touched on Matthews which is a real sore spot for me especially after hearing Endy wanted to come back I would have preferred Endy over Gary. But I also expect big things from Pagan; I just hope he learns how to run the bases. I swear last year I half expected him to hit the ball and run to third instead of first.
Beltron is not wasting any time and will report to spring training to begin rehab at the same time the regular players. We may se him back sooner than later.

Here is Ike

 

[Sausy]

Great post as always saucy. Just to put the whole Ike Davis birthday call into perspective, he called his good friend who currently plays with the Cyclones who is also a good friend of mine. When told about the party asked to speak to me and wish me happy birthday. So it wasn’t that Ike called specifically to speak to me. But hey I’ll take it, right?
Ike is taking it one step at a time and focusing on making the team. Je is a humble guy which is one of the things I love about the kid. There is no bragging about his talent or predicting how soon he will make the team. He is just working hard boning his skills and biding his time quietly. He has his work cut out for him against left handed pitching, as does Murphy. Ike has spent time with Cyclone lefty Mark Cohoon
He talks about his dad a lot, his dad I think you know is Ron Davis who was a big time reliever with the Yankees.In fact Ike’s dad took him to Yankee stadium when he was a kid around 13 to take batting practice. Can you imagine?? He took batting practice in the cage with Jetter, Again, can you imagine?
Ike did pitch in his Freshmen year, but switched to the outfield (played right) in his sophomore year then moved to first base as a junior. Actually what made me gasp is that Ike’s dad thinks Ike was a better pitcher than a hitter AND that Ike is a better hitter than he was. Of course that’s his dad and he is gonna stay stuff like that…but still ...one more time...can you imagine.
The boys and I have talked about going up to Buffalo to watch Ike and that is so gonna happen.

We share the same thoughts on Fernando Martinez he has played well this winter but he always chokes in the bigs. I hope to see him get another shot soon but don’t want him rushed. Thole either or Davis for that matter.
You touched on Matthews which is a real sore spot for me especially after hearing Endy wanted to come back I would have preferred Endy over Gary. But I also expect big things from Pagan; I just hope he learns how to run the bases. I swear last year I half expected him to hit the ball and run to third instead of first.
Beltron is not wasting any time and will report to spring training to begin rehab at the same time the regular players. We may se him back sooner than later.

Here is Ike

You're welcome,sonny.Ike did ask to wish you a happy birthday rather than being asked,which tells you how classy a guy he is ...he knew what hearing from him would mean to you on your birthday and didn't need to be prompted.I tell ya,that must have made your birthday.Ike will be a future leader,someone who up and coming players will emulate.A terrific athlete but even more impressive a tremendous person.So happy to hear you and your Cyclone buddies will hopefully get to catch Ike in action in Buffalo this season,sonny.Hope so much he gets to CitiField soon....this franchise needs to have someone who can give them hope for the long term future after so much disappointment.

It also tells of his upbringing,this guy was like David Wright raised the right way.Growing up the son of Ron Davis,a mainstay of the Yankee bullpen in his time...taking batting practice with Derek Jeter at such a young age but always working hard and maintaining a humble attitude shows that he has the maturity and understanding what it takes to be the best professional possible.His father was good but the fact in so many dimensions both as a position player and a pitcher his ability is more advanced than his father...should he develop top full potential (his makeup indicates someone who will never be satisfied and always work hard to remain at the top of his game)he will be a monster offensively and terrific with the glove.I'm so happy to be catching Ike Davis fever from you sonny,it's so delightfully infectious!Thanks for the Ike Davis pics!

Yep...time for Fernando Martinez to get on the big stage and produce.He has the talent but I'm not sure of his makeup.He's got to want it and believe he can reach it but I don't know if he can bring it to that level.This spring we'll start finding out!

I read the Mets are seriously considering bringing back Endy if they are certain he's healthy.Well,better late than never....and as I mentioned in an earlier post,thankfully Omar didn't suffer a complete leave of his senses and got the Angels to pay almost all of Gary Matthews Jr.'s contract.It does speak volumes though they would pay $21 million of the two years left on his contract just to get rid of him.

That was funny about Angel Pagan,you half thinking he'd run to third instead of first!He really is a poor instinctive baserunner and too tentative sometimes in the field,so pushing him with competition in theory is a good idea.Though he does a number of things very well,and on the whole was a plus for the Mets last year the worst thing would have been to give him centerfield until Beltran comes back(btw great to hear Beltran will join the club in spring training working on rehab,hopefully he will be back sooner than expected)as his mental gaffes cannot be tolerated.He has to work harder to get over bad habits and become a valuable consistent contributor.Potential is a dirty word...after a while it becomes an excuse and we know full well all the ones with such potential who had decent careers but not consistent or who flamed out altogether.

 

[sonny10305]

Saucy sounds like you have our boy Davis pretty much pegged.

I have mentioned I have a few good friends who play with the Cyclones one of whom is very close to Ike, through him I am hoping this summer to turn my acquaintance with Ike into a friendship. We have a lot in common and I would love to be able to sit with him and talk baseball for hours. Wouldn’t that be sweet.
Speaking of the Cyclones, I was speaking one of the guys who plays for the team and he asked me about joining in and support the Athletes of Special Olympics New York. Later this month most of the Cyclones are going to participate in the Special Olympics New York Polar Plunge to show their support and raise money for Special Olympics. The goal is to make $2,500, to that end some will jump into the Atlantic Ocean. They are looking for more to join in and take the plunge. I said I would be there and contribute but no freakin way am I jumpin in the cold water. His response was a wink and a smile saying ...“we’ll see”
Nah, I'll prolly go into the water, it’s a cause the Cyclones get behind because Special Olympics New York never charges its athletes, their families or their caregivers to participate. The income generated from the Polar Plunge will help provide sports training and competition to the more than 28,000 athletes in New York City.
And that ain’t bad.

In Mets news Carlos Delgado has said that he does not want to retire, but since he has still not gotten any offers to his liking he has decided to wait it out till mid season to see if anyone is interested in him. I love Carlos, he was a major player for us both with his bat, first base and his contribution to the overall morale as a leader in the clubhouse. I wish him well and hope something good happens for him soon.

 

[Sausy]

Saucy sounds like you have our boy Davis pretty much pegged.

I have mentioned I have a few good friends who play with the Cyclones one of whom is very close to Ike, through him I am hoping this summer to turn my acquaintance with Ike into a friendship. We have a lot in common and I would love to be able to sit with him and talk baseball for hours. Wouldn’t that be sweet.
Speaking of the Cyclones, I was speaking one of the guys who plays for the team and he asked me about joining in and support the Athletes of Special Olympics New York. Later this month most of the Cyclones are going to participate in the Special Olympics New York Polar Plunge to show their support and raise money for Special Olympics. The goal is to make $2,500, to that end some will jump into the Atlantic Ocean. They are looking for more to join in and take the plunge. I said I would be there and contribute but no freakin way am I jumpin in the cold water. His response was a wink and a smile saying ...“we’ll see”
Nah, I'll prolly go into the water, it’s a cause the Cyclones get behind because Special Olympics New York never charges its athletes, their families or their caregivers to participate. The income generated from the Polar Plunge will help provide sports training and competition to the more than 28,000 athletes in New York City.
And that ain’t bad.

In Mets news Carlos Delgado has said that he does not want to retire, but since he has still not gotten any offers to his liking he has decided to wait it out till mid season to see if anyone is interested in him. I love Carlos, he was a major player for us both with his bat, first base and his contribution to the overall morale as a leader in the clubhouse. I wish him well and hope something good happens for him soon.

Sonny,that sounds so great...hope it happens and you and Ike can become friends.Damn don't you wish this kind of stuff happened when David Wright was coming up?

Just a second...you sayin' our boy sonny may well take a dip in the Atlantic wearing nuttin but swim trunks?Damn boy,our Italian Stallion has got to do it!Seriously,it's for a great cause and it's terrific the Cyclones are involved in this.I know you've got a great heart and you'll be out there with your Cyclone buddies in that cold Atlantic water making Special Olympians and their families and supporters very happy.

I think you're right about Carlos Delgado.Wish things could have gone differently from last year and only wish him the best too.He is though best suited now to go over to the AL and becoming a DH.Now the Mets have to turn the page and see what Daniel Murphy can do and keep looking at how soon Ike Davis can make his regular season major league debut.

 

[sonny10305]

Yup saucy, I asked if I could wear a wetsuit for the plunge and all I got back was a one eye brow up, are you kidding me, stare. So I’ll wear what ever the other boys do. Proving I’ll do anything for my cyclones.

Well we may have lost any hope of getting Endy Chavez back he signed minor league contract with The Texas Rangers Monday with an invitation to spring training.

So we know Hernandez has been working with Murphy and now I hear Sandy Koufax has been hanging out at Luice. He gave the boys a bit of fun by watching them throw off the bullpen mound and offering advice and expertise to a couple of em. WOW! How great if Sandy could help Ollie get his focus back, as well as Ollie’s once great curve ball. Sandy could also help Pelfrey with his focus as well. Maybe teach him how turn off those little voices off in his head. Johnny Maine said “I got a little nervous when I heard he would be watching my bullpen session, but needless to say, it’s an extreme honor to have him around.” Maine spoke for several minutes with Koufax, and later said that Koufax offered some sage advice and helped stress the importance of using both sides of the plate, though he was reluctant to give away any trade secrets.“He gave me a great analogy,” Maine said, “one of the best ones I’ve ever heard. I’m going to try to use it when I throw again on Wednesday.”
This is nothing new for Sandy he often seen at Mets camp during spring training to work with the pitchers. But this year is a little different cause the boys could really use Sandy’s expertise. Of course he has to tread lightly on Dan Worthan and could only do this with Dan’s blessing. It wouldn’t be good for Sandy to step on Dans shoes here, after all he is the pitching couch and respect must be paid. The same applied to Hernandez and Murphy, some have said Keith should work with Danny on his hitting as well as first base but Keith declined saying no that’s up to Ho Jo. Way to go Keith.

DWright arrived at spring training super bowl, weekend almost three weeks early to start his work outs. David always come to camp early and spoke candidly about last year and what he hopes to do this year.
David said "The least of my concerns going into the season is to try to hit more home runs because that's when you can really get yourself out of whack - when you do something I've never tried to do in my career," he also said that at among the reasons for his struggles was too much of a concentration on going opposite field last year."I think that's one of my strengths, going to right-center, I think sometimes I relied on that a little too much last year. When I got into some counts where I could drive the ball, I'd settle for pitches that I could flip to right field. Being where I hit in the lineup and with what I'm supposed to do in this lineup, when I get into the counts that favor me, I have to let it loose sometimes."
We have talked aboiut David,s lack of protection last year's injury-depleted lineup. Now I am thinking he will prolly have Jason Bay hitting behind him. David spoke about that as well,"You never have excuses," Wright said. "I'm the one who is in there in the box. I have to control what I'm able to control."Obviously there were times last year where pitchers weren't necessarily coming right after me. But I have to know that going into it and I have to adjust accordingly. And there were times where I did not make that adjustment. It's obviously going to be nice to have the lineup that we're supposed to have out there and we'll see what happens."

Damn I love that kid.

 

[sonny10305]

I have often written about my respect and love for D Wright. Anyone who knows me or reads my stuff here should have no doubt about that.
David doesn't share the low expectations some fans have for the Mets this year. He said today he expects the Mets to win the National League East and make a run in the playoffs, despite a relatively quiet offseason and the expected absence of Carlos Beltran for the early part of the season.
Here is more of what David had to say this morning

Speaking to reporters in the dugout at Tradition Field, Wright also touched on the dispute between Beltran and the Mets over his surgery and his own evolving leadership role.

On whether he plans to do anything differently this year after hitting just 10 homers in 2009:
"Baseball is kind of a funny game. I can't necessarily go in and say I'm going to work on hitting more home runs or trying to hit for more power. It's part of my game, but it's not the part of my game. I try to go in there, drive runs in, score runs, and if I hit home runs, I do. If I don't, if I'm still that run producer that I think I am, then I'll take that."

On his expectations for the Mets this year:
"For us, I don't think the expectations are any different. Maybe the outside looking in, there are some different expectations on us. But the expectations that we have for ourselves are the same expectations we've had coming off a relatively successful year. We're expecting to go out there and win the National League East, go deep in the playoffs and win a World Series."

What gives him confidence that can happen?
"The fact that we did it with basically the same core group of guys in 2006. The fact that we got some guys that are looking good, that are healthy. Just because we don't make a lot of moves during the offseason doesn't mean the ones you did make weren't good. You have a guy in Jason Bay who's an RBI machine, who's a run producer. You put him in the middle of that healthy lineup, and you're going to create some matchup problems for different pitchers. Of course, there's a lot of optimism for every team going into spring training, but with us, with how Jose looks and just a lot of people with something to prove, I like our chances. I guess it's a combination of optimism and confidence I have in this team."

Will the team play with more of a chip on its shoulder coming off last year?
"I hope it's not the outside underdog role that gets guys fired up. I hope it's the embarrassment of last year. I hope it's the not being able to close the last two years before that. That's enough motivation without having to play that underdog role."

On losing Carlos Beltran for the early part of the season:
"We're going to have to find a way. Obviously it's not ideal news. It's never good news when one of your key guys gets a major surgery a month before spring training starts. That's not how I think anybody drew it up. But it is what it is, and we have to find a way for somebody to step up, whether it's Gary Matthews or Angel Pagan."

On the public dispute between the Mets and Beltran:
"I would hope that they're both on the same page. If they weren't before, I hope they're on the same page now. I don't know too much about who's right, who's wrong, who's telling the truth, who's not. I don't really concern myself with that. I concern myself with the results, and that's that we're going to be missing our center fielder for the first part of the season, and we obviously want to get him back as soon as possible. It's discouraging, there's no question, after what we went through last year. Hopefully he gets himself healthy and ready to go. But as far as the back and forth, you want your players and the organization to be on the same page, and hopefully they are."

Will he take on more of a leadership role in Beltran's absence?
"Each year, you develop more and more as a player and as a leader. With each spring training and each year, I feel more and more confident and capable of being a leader on this team and just like I have the last few years, if I see something that I think needs to be said, I'll say it. I'm more of a guy that's going to pull somebody aside down in the tunnel and say it rather than yell and scream."

I have said it before and I’ll say it again I love that kid, he lifts me up and gives me so much hope for 2010.

 

[sonny10305]

Word is stronger than ever that the Mets may end up signing Rod Barajas to a minor league deal He'd make around $1 million if he cracks the roster, If Barajas accepts, he will immediately jump Omir Santos and Josh Thole as the favorite to be the Mets' starting catcher this season. Barajas is a good defensive catcher with some pop, his on-base skills are another matter. But I want him behind the dish helping the pitchers. Now normally I don’t get into speculation and rumor but this is something I really want. Like I have written before we need a god defensive catcher like him.
Meantime Josh Thole has been working his tale off in spring training competing with Santos for the #1 position. Omar wants them to fight it out for the job just as he does with Murphy and Jacobs and all those fifth starter candidates. That’s ok, a little completion is great and may the best man win. As for the catching spot that sorta leaves Henry Blanco out of the three-man competition. As for Thole, I worry if he is ready, he is till a bit green behind the dish and although he had a fantastic winter leading the league in hitting in Venezuela (winter ball). But it’s not his offense I Worry about and I still wonder if he would be better off in AAA for at least a while before he takes the dish at Citi. But I will be watching him and once again may the best man win.
We may have problem with Kelvim Escobar who felt some discomfort in his right shoulder while working out. Some reports were that he can’t even hold a baseball, so there could be concerns about him, he did have surgery on his shoulder in 2007. But than Santana who played catch with him yesterday and said reports about Escobar unable to grip a baseball are not true.
And may I just say to all those media types who are gonna here about this and start with the Elmer Fud voice oh boo hoo a Met down already. To please don’t even go there.

Here is DWright about 2010


[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16mOfc_5fC4[/ame]

 

[sonny10305]

In the ya gotta love it department, Johan Santana talked to reporters today, and said he feels great and he is confident in the team. He said in not making any major acquisitions for the starting rotation shows the organization has confidence in the pitchers they have. He believes the key for this year’s staff is to be ‘consistent.
When asked ‘Who is the best pitcher in the division,’ Johan looked at the reporter shrugged his shoulders and said ....“Santana.”
He said he can once again straighten out his arm, he feels good, and he already has command of all of his pitches. “There is no pain, that’s a big plus for me.”He says he has talked to Oliver Perez about ‘approach,’ adding, “He’s a guy who is always excited and happy and he didn’t have that last year. He’s mentally prepared for this year.”
He said he realizes there are a lot of people saying the Mets are not contenders, but, “We have confidence to win every time. We won’t be surprised if we win if we stay healthy. We have the right pieces to do it. If we’re consistent, we’ll have a chance to win.”
In regards to whether he can win a Cy Young award, he said, “My plan is to win the World Series… That’s what we have on our mind. If I win a Cy Young that’s fine. I’ll try to do my best.”In the end, he explained: “This is a game. You’ve got to go out there and perform. No question, the Phillies have been better than us. But, that makes us work harder. It’s gonna be fun, it’s gonna be interesting.”
I told you to file that under Gotta love it
If you have been watching and reading what just about every Met player has been saying it’s always the same. They are confident they can contend in 2010. They are optimistic with spirits high and their collective enthusiasm and determination as a unit consistent and sincere. Listening to theses guys talk about 2010 is thrilling.

Here is Johan

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8f0WDPJNrU[/ame]

 

[sonny10305]

So yesterday Jerry Manual made had his first spring training press conference.
For the most part it was good said mostly the things I expected to hear him say.
EXCEPT… Jerry announced he is considering moving Reyes out of the lead off spot.
Now I can not imagine what could have put that boneheaded idea into his head but he had better get it right the Hell out. Why in the world would he do such a thing? Especially at the start of the season, it makes absolutely no sense. Oh, Jerry tried to explain his reasoning but that too made no sense, something about that it would be temporary till Beltran comes back. As to Jose, he played it down saying he would play anywhere Jerry wanted him to play in order to help the team. But his demeanor said volumes. Up until that time Jose was jumpin around all smiles joking and vey excited, but as soon as that bombshell hit he was quiet and spoke softly about it. Jose never liked playing anywhere but leadoff and made that very clear to Manual whenever Jerry tried to move him to another position. I am not buying Jose’s acceptance of this idea for a second. NOT ONE SECOND.
Reyes is one of the best lead off hitters in all of baseball. Why take that out of the game? To put a big bat at third? Let Wright stay there, Jose’s natural position is first it’s his DNA for Gods sake, leave him there. With all the decisons Manual has to make WTF is he messing with this now? How about worrying about who is going to hand the ball to k-Rod, who is the set up man going to be. Who is going to be our #5 starter? What about the catcher? That’s what he needs to be worried about, that’s what I want to know about instead of messing up the whole applecart with this stupid idea of moving Reyes. Of course Jerry may be just trying to take the focus off the real problems like he often does. As we know Jerry likes to hear himself talk. I am not a manager and Jerry is, so maybe he knows what he is doing, I just can not wrap my head around this at all.

He also showed a lack of communication or agreement with Omar about first base. Omar said he wanted a completion for that position between Jacbos and Murphy, Manual said Murphy is his guy for that job. If that happens we can expect Jacobs, if he makes the team, to be a bat on the bench.

Sorry for the rant today folks, but this shit just gets my Italian up.

Here is some of what Manual said

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnsBRxGX3Xk[/ame]

 

[Sausy]

Sonny,I'm gonna do something that I hardly ever do and disagree with you bout our Mets!

The Jose Reyes move isn't a bad one at all...and I believe the reports Jose this time REALLY is fine with the move,thinking big picture.After being out so long Jose does appreciate beng out there and broadening his versatility...David Wright likes the move,and it helps deepen the lineup going down the order.Score as many runs as possible.Jose can get tons of doubles and triples and be a real threat driving in runs as well.The Mets are looking for their best set up lineup-wise until Carlos Beltran gets back.Angel Pagan in center leading off,Luis Castillo second,Jose third gives the Mets a quicker,dynamic look.It puts the Mets in a position to force the action....D Wright can certainly run and Bay and Francouer are if not superfast very aggressive,smart baserunners(It would of course help if Angel Pagan could improve greatly regarding his baserunning as opposed to last year's sometimes unfathomable gaffes)and Jerry Manuel should get enough of the benefit of the doubt to see if it is an experiment worth pursuing.Of course Jose is one of the best,most dynamic leadoff men but he has been prone to periods where once he starts getting into a rut,the offense stalls.He hasn't won anything yet as a leadoff man and has the skills to drive in a lot of runs with his extra base power...it could work.This isn't like getting Gary Matthews Jr....that I'll NEVER understand!

So I'm gonna be like Cher in Moonstruck and give my friend sonny a good and tell him "Snap out of it"!I know too well how hot Italian blood can boil from personal experience!Otherwise my boy just about always makes good sense!

It looks like Rod Barajas will be the primary catcher after signing a one year minor league contract.(everyone expects him to be with the big club to start the season and be the primary catcher(Josh Thole likely to AAA,between Omir Santos and Henry Blanco as backups with Blanco favored to win that job and remain)Not the best hitter for average,.240-.250 at best but can hit 15-20 homers and be solid behind the plate,especially working with the pitching staff.At like 1 mil guaranteed,for only one year a much more sensible signing than two years with an option for 10-15 mil overall for Bengie Molina.

Glad to hear Daniel Murphy will get most of the at bats at first base,no strict platoon situation though Fernando Tatis is great insurance.Mike Jacobs may get an occasional start there and is being counted on as a lefty power weapon off the bench...read his pinch hitting numbers recently and they are pretty good indeed.I think Daniel(possible 2 or 7 hitter) will show strongly offensively and with this tutelage by Keith Hernandez and his own work ethic and ability will also display at least an adequate glove at first with the potential of being solid.But we all know who we are waiting on....clue:"I like Ike"!

 

[Sausy]

Btw,sonny and guys...you see the pics on the back page of the New York Post and page 90 in the sports section of a buffer,leaner,meaner D Wright in a very nice form fitting black T?Our boy Dave really put some hard work and conditioning and improved his diet getting ready for the offseason.206 pounds and the fittest he's ever been...and we all know how good he looks.Damn I feel so shallowThe best thing about the article(other than the pics,of course)is that his buddy right fielder Jeff Francouer has gotten him to relax and take an occasional break from his intensity about his game,playing golf on occasion ...he can be his own worst enemy sometimes and think too much when things aren't going the "Wright" way.Which can account for his inconsistency and streakiness last year.He never makes excuses though and to see the hunger to get back to the real all-star level he is,you know that's why we love him...he truly loves and respects the game and will do all he can to help the Mets get the fans back on their side.Looking better than ever is just a happy bonus!

 

[sonny10305]

Well it ain’t exactly what I wanted originally but I will defiantly take it.
As saucy has written The Mets agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with catcher Rod Barajas, I could not have watched Santos call any more bad games and he did not handle the pitching staff well…at all, he .was not the man to help with the other pitchers, Barajas will. Blanco will work fine for me as primary backup and Thole will prolly go back where he belongs to AAA. Thoile will be outstanding but he is just not ready I have said over and over he needs time in Buffalo.In case you are not up to speed on Barajas, he was the Blue Jays' starting catcher last season, hit 19 home runs with 71 RBIs in 2009. Like I aid I’m not thrilled jumpin up and down he may not be a superstar behind the dish but it does solidify the catching position and he is a very good defensive catcher. Barajas and Blanco will work just fine from a defense standpoint. Now there is a bad side cause Barajas did commit a ton of errors last season but on the good side he is very good at throwing out runners (base stealers).From what I hear Omir Santos is not taking the news so well, I guess he had expected to get the starting catcher position. He said “it’s out of my hands. They wanted a more experienced guy.”
Yup Omir. They did.

So the book is no officially closed or more like slammed shut Carlos Delgado underwent a second hip surgery, which has a four-month recovery time. He was seen recently walking on crutches We may have seen the last of the great Carlos Delgado, something that makes me sad.

Oh, and Saucy I actually like the fact that you disagree with me on Reyes, and trust me I have gotten a lot of slack about my position. After hearing from a ton of guys and reading what you wrote (you know how much I respect your baseball savvy) I have decided to take a ok lets see what happens approach. I should point out more guys agree with me than not. I sent a note down to KB I am really intersted in what he thinks.
I am not 100% in favor of it not even close but maybe Manual wants to start him out slow and not give him as many base stealing opportunities by taking him out of the lead off. Plus as you said it will strengthen the middle of the lineup. Jose is going to take full advantage of Citi and be a doubles machine (so will wright) and expect a lot more triples this year as well.

8 days till the first spring training game March 2nd against Atlanta

 

[Sausy]

I think Jerry Manuel wants Jose to watch his legs and not be too aggressive on the bases which as a leadoff hitter would be his natural instinct...give him a little more time to get stronger and not rush it.I understand your skepticism about Jose being moved to third but let's just wait and see...at least you've come down from boiling hot about the move.

I love Jose at leadoff,no one more dynamic and disruptive but like I wrote before he does get into streaks where if he slumps it just stalls the lineup once he fails to get on base.The Mets haven't won anything yet either with Jose leading off and if he can work well extending the lineup batting third it could be a great move. This time after missing so much baseball I think Jose would accept the move and the new challenge,especially if Jerry Manuel does talk with him about it.I'm glad you're okay with me disagreeing with you(though I certainly don't want to make it a habit)sonny....opinionated baseball fan arguments are one of the things that make baseball so special and great!

Us Mets fans here have to catch a game together this season....I believe this year the Mets are adding at CitiField a lot of stuff from the 1986 World Series championship season,honoring the great Mets of that time.If we can swing it,great to have a wonderful day at CitiField together for us JUB Mets fans.It's gonna be a much better year for the Mets as an organization and their fans!Think we can do it sonny,guys?

 

[syam24]

Glad to see the MEts sign Barajas, gives us a legit starting catcher, Blanco on the bench, and Thole a chance to mature and increase defensive skills at AAA. Santos will be available also at AAA in case of emergency, and if Thole takes off earlier than planned can be brought up. Getting psyched for the exhibition games to get going next week.

 

[sonny10305]

Yeah Saucy. Yesterday at a racket ball game one of my boys said, shhh…. nobody mention Reyes.
But it’s ok now although I still do not support that idea; I’m just going along with it if it happens. Jose is our lead off guy, the table setter and if there are concerns about him hitting the ground running on opening day than that concerns me. I’m just sayin.
I sent you a PM about the Citi thing.
I know what Saucy is saying about our team, there is so much optimism and feelings of a major comeback from all the players. It just feels right; it just feels like yup it could happen for us this year.

Looks like Neise is the front runner for the #5 spot, Manual wants him for the job. I was crushed by what happened to him last year we all had so much hope for that kid. The memory of him falling down still haunts me and I would love to se him back and showin us what he can do,

Carlos Beltran arrived at camp a few hours ago and we should get a statement from him later today. People there said he looked great and showed no signs of injury.

I hear what you are sayin Syam just think, 7 days till the first spring training game.

 

[gtru1981]

Nice little bulge i must say...

 

[sonny10305]

Nice little bulge i must say...

Please don't post that sorta thing here
This is a sports forum which is why I posted that pic in another forum.
Do you have any comments regarding baseball?

 

[sonny10305]

Yesterday I mentioned that Carlos Beltran had reported to camp and we were waiting to hear what he had to say.Carlos spoke about the surgery and said it went well and he's already eyeing a return to the Majors.
He went on to say the important thing at this point is to be completely sure that I'm healthy to continue with my goal of returning to play. The surgery involved a reconstruction of the labrum in the right hip and a micro-fracture procedure on his hip socket.
As of now there's still no timetable for when Carlos will be able to play, doctors said it would be 12 weeks or mid April before he could resume baseball activities. He spent the first phrase of his rehabilitation in Puerto Rico, where he mainly focused on mobilization and range of motion. He will now work with Mets trainers to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
What I liked hearing was that when he straightens the leg or bends the knee he feels no pain. He says that so far he is responding well, so he is happy with how he feels. As for his return, Beltran said he is right on schedule. "I am not ahead of schedule because I don't feel like my knee is stable, I wish I could run, but I feel like if I run something wrong is going to happen. The quad is not stable, the hamstrings are not stable, and when once I strengthen those areas, I think everything will fall into place and it will feel good."

In news about pitching (my favorite subject besides DWright) The Mets have been paying special attention to Oliver Perez in spring training as he tries to get back on track with a more consistent delivery. Perez worked with Sandy Koufax on Monday and Ollie said "I spoke with Sandy and got some tips because he was one of the best lefties in baseball, and I had the opportunity to listen and ask how he was successful, Koufax said he was trying to simplify things for Perez and show him he can't control the ball unless he learns to control his body. Koufax said Ollie has a great arm; People pay too much attention to delivery.
Pitching is precision throwing. WOW Sandy I love that!. Sandy also said I think people need some sort of delivery, but delivery shouldn't interfere with your ability to throw. It's just making it simple so you can repeat it. Koufax has also worked with John Maine, and said I thought he should have a longer stride on his fastball. Whether it's going to work or not, those are suggestions, and if they don't work or you're not comfortable with it, forget it. I don't have all the answers and nothing works for everybody. It's just a question of trying it.
GOD, I LOVE that man

Finally, Koufax told Johan Santana to “stay healthy.”

 

[sonny10305]

You guys have seen Saucy and I write about Ike Davis, well he will be on Mets Hot Stove live with Kevin burkhardt Thursday at 7pm.
I am sure Kevin will do a great interview with Ike, who is gearing up for a vey big year. Born in Minnesota he has a terrific and humble boy next door quality coupled with an awesome talent for baseball. Perhaps Kevin will talk to Ike about his advancement from ASU though Brooklyn and up to AAA. He has said that Playing in Brooklyn gave him a look of how involved the fans are. They live and die with their teams in NY. I have heard him use the word “awesome” to describe NY fans.
The kid has a hot bat but early on when he used a metal bat he did not have much of a pop, then when he started hitting with a wood bat he busted out and realized, hey, I can hit. He has said that he is very excited about coming to the bigs and has a really sensible attitude about it saying the only way to play baseball is to have pressure on yourself and to expect to win everyday. Gotta love that
Growing up Ike liked to watch guys like Mark Grace, John Olerud and Chipper Jones. But now he is just excited to one day soon play with Mets like Wright and Reyes. He is currently working hard on hitting the lefties which is a top priority for him now. He thinks on the Mets team the worst matchup for a lefty other than Santana would have to be K-Rod which kinda surprised me.
As to fielding, Ike has been working with Infield Coordinator Kevin Morgan who he describes as great.
Kevin has been working with Ike a lot and believes he has really helped him work on a lot of little things.
First base is his favorite position and wants to play there for his career, he has pitched but he said he does not Want to pitch again,taking me by surprise considering who is father is. But Ike said nope, no pitching for me; if I can’t play first I would play the outfield
Ike keeps in touch with a lot of his Old ASU teammates like Pete Paramore, who he admitted to having a little side action on who is going to get to the majors first. Ike is also tight with. Reese Havens (his fishing buddy) both of whom I have met and admire
So check him out, he will impress you I think.


Angel Pagan said Tuesday it will be "an honor" for him to compete for the Mets' starting center field job in the absence of Carlos Beltran. Pagan also said he has learned from his base running blunders last year and will continue working on that aspect of his game. Angel said a lot of people talk about him on the bases, like he makes a lot of mistakes, but he thinks that's something he can put in the past.
If he can do that it will be just one more part of the improving Mets team. Maybe base on what has happened over the last couple of years we can start calling them Amazins again.