New York Mets 2009

[sonny10305]

The fifth spot got a little more interesting yesterday.
Livan Hernandez threw two no-hit innings in relief; Jerry Manuel said it was probably Hernandez's best performance so far.
Maybe if he does not get the 5th starter spot the Mets could use him as a long reliever.

Meantime The Mets claimed pitcher Fernando Nieve off waivers from the Houston Astros Saturday.
Why is any ones guess, Nieve had an ERA of just under 9 in 11 appearances with Houston last season.
I Haven’t seen much of him this spring but the one game I know about he allowed seven runs (six earned) over 4 2/3 innings giving him an ERA of abouit12. So what do the Mets know that the Astros don’t? Beats me,

In case you are following this, team USA got creamed by the Puerto Rican team last night, (11-1) I saw it and loved watching Beltran and Delgado. Those guys have been awesome in that series. Bring it home and continue that kind of playing with the Mets.
This means if team USA loses tonight to the Dutch team it’s all over and Wright and Putz come home where they belong. I want those guys back in a Mets uniform for the next game on Wednesday. Come on guys, ya had enough fun, come on home.

 

[syam24]

The one thing I like about Livan is that he is always ready to take the ball, rarely has any injuries. Looks in much better shape than recent seasons, and knows how to pitch, not just throw. (great hitter as well) Will have to wait and see how it plays out. I heard Pudge signed with the Astros today.

 

[sonny10305]

The one thing I like about Livan is that he is always ready to take the ball, rarely has any injuries. Looks in much better shape than recent seasons, and knows how to pitch, not just throw. (great hitter as well) Will have to wait and see how it plays out. I heard Pudge signed with the Astros today.

I like him too, I still think Livnan may be the front leader in the 5th spot.
We saw him recently pitch two perfect innings, changed speeds well and had his fastball top out at about 86 mph.
He also threw breaking pitches that were as low as 63 mph. Also important was his location which was sharp; he needed only seven pitches to retire the side in the first inning. His knees seem to be not bothering him, you may remember he had his right knee surgically repaired..

 

[sonny10305]

I am getting very nervous with the injuries at the WBC, Earlier I said my biggest concern was that our guys would get hurt; I never wanted these damn games to be played now.
Sunday, David Wright took a knee to the head while breaking up a double play, he felt dizzy and his eyes got watery. Thank God, Wright is fine, but four of his teammates are out with injuries sustained in those games.
Since the second round began on Saturday, Team USA has lost Pedroia, Jones, and Lindstrom, who now has a strained right rotator cuff and is done for the tournament, like Pedroia and Jones., who have already left the team.
I want this thing to end, NOW!.

This was the play with David that stopped my heart for a sec.

 

[sonny10305]

I am not a fan of the WBC for reasons I have already expressed
But, yesterday I saw the ending to a game that moved me to tears.
David Wright (of course, who else) ended the game with a walk off single to beat Puerto Rico and advance to the semi finals.
David has said over and over again how much he loves playing in those games and has also said he wants to play again next year.
The kid is having so much fun and to watch him in the dugout rubbin shoulders with all those great players is very fun to see.
The celebration that followed David's hit was more like the World Series

With the victory, Team USA is guaranteed a place in the semifinals in Los Angeles. It will join Venezuela from Pool 2 in making the trip out West. Team USA wraps up its six-game set at Dolphin Stadium on Wednesday against Venezuela in a game that will decide seeding.

Last night my David went to bed with sugar plume dancing in his head.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dakRc4XGhT4[/ame]

 

[sonny10305]

^ Oh Brad,


David Wright has had a decent outing with team USA, In 23 at-bats he is batting .348 with three RBI

I also like what I have seen in J.J. Putz who pitched a scoreless inning, while striking out two hitters.

Puerto Rico is now eliminated from the tournament, meaning Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Pedro Feliciano, Alex Cora and Nelson Figueroa will return Mets camp later this week. Sooo glad to have em back,

 

[syam24]

Saw David take the knee in the head the other night, wasn't too happy about that either, especially after Ryan Church's issues from last year. Last nite's game was awesome, I almost went to bed after the 8th thinking the USA just wasn't going to get it done, but managed to stay up and see the last inning, WHAT A FINISH!!! Great at bats by everyone in the lineup, including Mr. Jeter, who lined out hard to right. Was great to see David get the winning hit, perhaps a sign of things to come this season for the METS!! And how about Beltran's catch over the fence!! A Mets highlight reel last night. Getting psyched for the season.

 

[sonny10305]

Saw David take the knee in the head the other night, wasn't too happy about that either, especially after Ryan Church's issues from last year. Last nite's game was awesome, I almost went to bed after the 8th thinking the USA just wasn't going to get it done, but managed to stay up and see the last inning, WHAT A FINISH!!! Great at bats by everyone in the lineup, including Mr. Jeter, who lined out hard to right. Was great to see David get the winning hit, perhaps a sign of things to come this season for the METS!! And how about Beltran's catch over the fence!! A Mets highlight reel last night. Getting psyched for the season.

More shit to come out of the WBC
Yesterday David Wright cracked his big toe when he fouled a ball off his left foot. Tore the damn thing clean off.
But no surprise, David continued to play and toughed it out. Later he wrapped the toe in between innings, and afterward, he was examined by Marlins doctor, An X-ray was taken and it came back negative, which was the best news he heard all night.
So when asked if he was going on to LA for the semi finals, Wright responded: "One-hundred percent, yes."
But also said that if he Mets tell him they want him home he would go, but he is hoping they won’t call him.

Well I don’t agree, the Mets have got to call him back, enough is enough, bad enough that game yesterday was a total waste of time, simply played to determine seating. Well they could have done that with a coin toss or something and not have those guys play in the rain on a sloppy field for a useless game.
I sent an E-Mail to Kevin Burkhart about all this, dono if/when he might respond. Kevin is taking a week off to be with the family in Jersey.

 

[sonny10305]

Livan Hernandez is officially my choice for that 5th spot
He allowed one run on five hits, while striking out three. Hernandez kept the ball down today, allowing a few hard hit balls, but looked as if he was pitching so free and effortless, which is style.
Freddy Garcia on the other hand was a train wreck once again.
He allowed five runs on seven hits, raising his spring ERA to 16.71. YIKES!
Stick a fork in him, he is done.

 

[Sausy]

More shit to come out of the WBC
Yesterday David Wright cracked his big toe when he fouled a ball off his left foot. Tore the damn thing clean off.
But no surprise, David continued to play and toughed it out. Later he wrapped the toe in between innings, and afterward, he was examined by Marlins doctor, An X-ray was taken and it came back negative, which was the best news he heard all night.
So when asked if he was going on to LA for the semi finals, Wright responded: "One-hundred percent, yes."
But also said that if he Mets tell him they want him home he would go, but he is hoping they won’t call him.

Well I don’t agree, the Mets have got to call him back, enough is enough, bad enough that game yesterday was a total waste of time, simply played to determine seating. Well they could have done that with a coin toss or something and not have those guys play in the rain on a sloppy field for a useless game.
I sent an E-Mail to Kevin Burkhart about all this, dono if/when he might respond. Kevin is taking a week off to be with the family in Jersey.

Livan Hernandez is officially my choice for that 5th spot
He allowed one run on five hits, while striking out three. Hernandez kept the ball down today, allowing a few hard hit balls, but looked as if he was pitching so free and effortless, which is style.
Freddy Garcia on the other hand was a train wreck once again.
He allowed five runs on seven hits, raising his spring ERA to 16.71. YIKES!
Stick a fork in him, he is done.

Sonny apparently isn't enthralled with the WCS!I know it seems like every day someone from Team USA was sent back home with an injury,and David having two near misses,I hate seeing fate tempted.But he has done Mets fans and American baseball proud with his clutch hitting and deication and passion.It really is an honor for him to be among the representatives of American baseball.....and he stated he'd love to do it again in the next WCS in 2013,despite the problems.

I do agree if it wasn't necessary to play the game,if seeding could be factored
with like sonny discussed a coin toss or whatever....don't put the players at risk.Especially with the weather and field conditions being so shoddy.

But sending an e-mail to Kevin Burnhardt?What else did you exchange with Kevin in that infamous men's room chat?Did it start with "Hey,Kevin....Joey here.Remember me?"Ya know I luvs ya,sonny...but I just couldn't let it pass!

Livan is healthy and doing a great job,so barring a reversal of the Mets intentions to not retain Pedro Martinez he deserves to be the fifth starter based on his solid spring.

Bobby Cox paid Daniel Murphy the ultimate compliment the other day,saying"How do you get him out"?Daniel looks poised to break out this year into a major offensive force,and he'll work his fine ass off to be dependable at least defensively.Wonder what position he'll eventually end up?The guy is cocky in a good way.....before he started his college career he was asked what was his best position,and he remarked without hesitation"third in the lineup"so you know at bat this guy has the stuff to develop into a real force.

Finally,though Luis Castillo is having a good spring batting leadoff,it appears Jerry Manuel at least for now has decided the Mets are better off with Jose Reyes at leadoff,having Castillo bat second....I think that's the best call anyway until if and when the Mets find themselves someone to lead off as dynamic and multidimensional as Jose,so long as Castillo returns to form.

 

[sonny10305]

Sonny apparently isn't enthralled with the WCS!


You got that right babe, I have bitching about it for a while now.
These guys need to be in their own camps preparing and bonding together in preparation for the new season. These WBC games make me crazy; I don’t know anyone who gives a rats ass about these games. So what if a team wins the WBS, who cares? What does it mean? They are played at a bad time and please don’t ask me when I think they should be played cause I have had that discussion/argument with waay to many guys. I just want them to go away.
One of my original concerns was over potential injuries, and OMG look what has happens. There have been more injuries in the couple of week’s theses games have been playing than a whole fuckin season of regular play. Well almost. But you get my drift.



I know it seems like every day someone from Team USA was sent back home with an injury,and David having two near misses,I hate seeing fate tempted.But he has done Mets fans and American baseball proud with his clutch hitting and deication and passion.It really is an honor for him to be among the representatives of American baseball.....and he stated he'd love to do it again in the next WCS in 2013,despite the problems.


As for David Wright, there have been stories going around that David said he would refuse to come back to Mets campo if they asked him to. That is total BS, David would never do that. Actually Omar was asked if he wanted David to return and he said “no, David is fine and he is havin too much fun”
The WBC seeding games are another thing; I understand why they play them. Managers have to protect their better pitchers and players, but those games are not worth the positional injuries like the one played in the rain. If I cared at all about them I would say they are necessary and maybe they don’t play enough of them. But when I see the boys playing in the rain slippin around the outfield I get a little nutz. They need to find another way to do this.


But sending an e-mail to Kevin Burnhardt?What else did you exchange with Kevin in that infamous men's room chat?Did it start with "Hey,Kevin....Joey here.Remember me?"Ya know I luvs ya,sonny...but I just couldn't let it pass!



Kevin is one of nicest guys you would ever hope to meet. Totally acsseable and humble. If you ever run into him, never be shy about approching him. He loves to talk baseball. I am planning to try and grab a bite with him at a Cyclone games this summer, I will for sure hook up with again. Talkig baseball wityh Kevin is mind blowing, he is so knowledgeable, I just want to soak up everything he says. No bromance thre just a mutial respect for the great American pastime. Of course here at JUB you are my main baseball man Sausy



Livan is healthy and doing a great job,so barring a reversal of the Mets intentions to not retain Pedro Martinez he deserves to be the fifth starter based on his solid spring.


I did for a while agree that Pedro could/should return to the Mets but after watching Rodriguez, I am not so sure anymore. Did you watch him pitch the other day? His fastball was terrific and he had a great outing. Talk is, The Mets have made Pedro Martinez an offer that's well below his $5 million minimum asking price and have said they will not go higher. It aint gonna happen.
Meantime, the only other pitcher Jon Niese who I thought might have ha a shot has been sent down to a league camp. I guess if you think about it maybe this would be the best thing for Jon cause he can get a more consistent workload, and be able to improve, maybe we will se him in the rotation at some point around mid summer


Bobby Cox paid Daniel Murphy the ultimate compliment the other day


I love the guy as well. But Murphy has some real competition from Nick Evens who unlike Murphy is a home run hitter. In yesterday’s game Evens went 3-for-5 with a home run and two doubles.
He’s hitting .308 with a team-high 12 RBI and a .379 on-base percentage this spring.
In fact Nick will replace Murphy at right in today’s game. Keep in mind they can keep Nick for the first few games of the regular season, there will be room cause they won’t need the 5th starter yet. Maybe when they do Nick will get a demotion.


Finally,though Luis Castillo is having a good spring batting leadoff,it appears Jerry Manuel at least for now has decided the Mets are better off with Jose Reyes at leadoff,having Castillo bat second....I think that's the best call anyway until if and when the Mets find themselves someone to lead off as dynamic and multidimensional as Jose,so long as Castillo returns to form.

Yeah, I kinda thought Jerry would come to his senses and put Jose back where he belongs. You have to be impressed with what Castillo has been doing so far in spring training. If h can stay healthy we will be in great shape at second with him Whoda thunk it?


Can’t end this post without a D Wright story.
Our boys bat is going to the Hall of Fame.
The one he used to deliver he game winning hit Tuesday night will be displayed at the Hall in Cooperstown, N.Y.
The bat will be part of a larger WBC exhibit.

 

[syam24]

At the rate bats were breaking in the one game I saw the other nite, I'm surprised anybody has enuff bats to use. Looks like Livan is a shoein for the #5 slot, I'm fine with that, and hopefully David's toe will heal quickly. I think some of these injuries could have happened anywhere in spring training such as a foul off the foot. If I were a Marlins fan (are there any?), I'd be pissed about Lindstrom's rotator cuff injury. That one could be because of the WBC, possibly over throwing for this competition. See where Jon Niese was sent to the minor league camp, that should just about wrap up the deal for Livan.

 

[sonny10305]

At the rate bats were breaking in the one game I saw the other nite, I'm surprised anybody has enuff bats to use. Looks like Livan is a shoein for the #5 slot, I'm fine with that, and hopefully David's toe will heal quickly. I think some of these injuries could have happened anywhere in spring training such as a foul off the foot. If I were a Marlins fan (are there any?), I'd be pissed about Lindstrom's rotator cuff injury. That one could be because of the WBC, possibly over throwing for this competition. See where Jon Niese was sent to the minor league camp, that should just about wrap up the deal for Livan.

It's those Maple bats which are not as strong as the ole ash ones were.

MLB has formed a committee to investigate the safety of bats made from maple wood, which are popular now. As you pointed out, The maple bats have a problem when they break, they tend to shatter into hard, pointed and dangerous flying weapons.I read somewhere that a bug (beetle?)has been threatening the Ash wood supplies.

You make a good point about Lindstrom, I had not thought about. He got hurt a lot worse than D Wright, and yes injuries can happen anytime in spring training. But D Wright has never been hurt in the 4 complete seasons he has been in the majors with the Mets. So this pisse me off all the more.

As I wrote earlier this is good for Niese, he will come back later this year bigger and badder.

 

[sonny10305]

David Wright update
He was at Dodgers stadium yesterday taking batting practice.
He said his toe is "100 percent,'' and will be in the lineup on Sunday in the game with Japan. Great news.

The even greater news is that this madness is finally coming to an end.

Saturday, Korea and Venezuela will play to decide who goes on to the final game on Monday.
Sunday, USA plays Japan to decide who plays the winner in the Korea/Venezuela game on Monday
Monday the final game with the winners from Saturday and Sunday goin at it to determine the WBC winner.

David will be back in Mets camp as early as Monday or as late as Tuesday depending on the outcome.
We won’t see David on the field for the Mets before next weekend. Manual has been giving the returning guys a couple of days off before putting em back in the line up.

OK ok, so I guess I want USA to go all the way and win this, but only cause it means so much to D Wright.


In case you guys missed it, Daniel Murphy went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI as the Mets shut out the Orioles 4-0 on Friday. The kid continues to impress.

 

[Sausy]

David Wright update
He was at Dodgers stadium yesterday taking batting practice.
He said his toe is "100 percent,'' and will be in the lineup on Sunday in the game with Japan. Great news.

The even greater news is that this madness is finally coming to an end.

Saturday, Korea and Venezuela will play to decide who goes on to the final game on Monday.
Sunday, USA plays Japan to decide who plays the winner in the Korea/Venezuela game on Monday
Monday the final game with the winners from Saturday and Sunday goin at it to determine the WBC winner.

David will be back in Mets camp as early as Monday or as late as Tuesday depending on the outcome.
We won’t see David on the field for the Mets before next weekend. Manual has been giving the returning guys a couple of days off before putting em back in the line up.

OK ok, so I guess I want USA to go all the way and win this, but only cause it means so much to D Wright.


In case you guys missed it, Daniel Murphy went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI as the Mets shut out the Orioles 4-0 on Friday. The kid continues to impress.

Great news sonny!David really could use the few days off before next weekend,he deserves it.I hope Team USA emerges on top,for Dave's sake as well as all those who made the sacrifice to represent the country.

Murphy has been a hitting machine.....and Nick Evans even started in right field for the first time ever.His improvement(like sonny mentioned in another post probably making the team off the bench until Livan Hernandez gets called up)has been impressive,giving the Mets amother righty option potentially though they probably would send him down to get regular at bats for awhile at least.

John Maine is still rusty trying to round back into form today,gettting hit hard though Ollie Perez yesterday after making mechanical adjustments pitched much better from his last time out....didn't look good pitching for Team Mexico at all.Hopefully he has worked the kinks out and Maine can get the rust out soon.But last preseason he was lights out and during the season first inconsistent,then shut down by that elbow so it isn't always what you do in the spring but what you wind up doing when the games count.

When is Johann Santana making his first start of the spring?

 

[sonny10305]

.

When is Johann Santana making his first start of the spring?

Well if you mean spring training he had one already and he was awesome.
Johans next start will be today (Sun) 1:10 p.m. game against the Atlanta Braves. He is still on track to pitch oponing day.

Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado will also be back today.

I am getting a little concerned for Johnny Maine, he got roughed up yesterday giving up five runs on six hits and walked three in four innings..This brings his ERA to 10.38. Says he is still building up his arm strength and just making bad pitches at the wrong time. When I saw him I thought his mechanics were good but had no control. He will get three more starts before the regular season. Like In said I am concerned.

 

[sonny10305]

Nick Evans even started in right field for the first time ever.His improvement(like sonny mentioned in another post probably making the team off the bench until Livan Hernandez gets called up)has been impressive,giving the Mets amother righty option potentially though they probably would send him down to get regular at bats for awhile at least.

I forgot to mention, yesterday Manual said he wants to find a spot for Evans.
I would love that!
But the question is, once Ivan gets 5th starting spot,
at the who's expense do we keep Nick?? Say tuned

Go David Wright and Team USA.

Yeah, I know, I hate the WBS.
But that's the power Wright has over me.

 

[sonny10305]

well of all the teams that choke, i guess this team is suitable for a thread.


im gonna get lashes for that on..

 

[Sausy]

I forgot to mention, yesterday Manual said he wants to find a spot for Evans.
I would love that!
But the question is, once Ivan gets 5th starting spot,
at the who's expense do we keep Nick?? Say tuned

Go David Wright and Team USA.

Yeah, I know, I hate the WBS.
But that's the power Wright has over me.

Well,at least sonny the whole WCS ordeal is over,with Japan the winner of world bragging rights.Sunday night's ending was VERY painful for Team USA.I know David Wright was not happy with the way it ended,another crushing defeat for American baseball.And I'm pissed with Davey Johnson,whom I have to rever for leading the Mets to their 1986 championship,and being a big part of five strong years where the Mets were day in,day out contenders for the best team in the game.He essentially said and acted as if the basic fundamentals,(stealing bases,getting runners moved over,putting the ball in play,etc...which the Japanese excelled at)was no longer vital to the game.Big innings,long ball....he turnedinto Earl Weaver at the worst time ever.Get someone who knows how to maneuver to maximize our advantages in place next time.If we are going to remain part of this four year headache,let's at least show the world we are hungry to prove ourselves the best and not afraid to work for it.

You know David is gonna want to be out there in 2013,sonny.....though I hope by then he has at least a couple of Mets WS championships to talk about in addition.


Johann was outstanding in his Sunday start,Livan Hernandez was terrific Monday which solodified his hold on the fifth spot in the rotation.He has been awesome as of late!John Maine worked on his motion and appears to have resolved a mechanical flaw to his satisfaction.He is a competitor and I'm certain the rough spring trying to work his way back to health has been eating him up inside.He feels with continued action his arm will further loosen annd strengthen and he will pick back up the couple of mph in velocity he has been lacking so far.

Jeremy Reed has really hit the ball.He had been a great prospect for the Mariners but he had not shown the consistency his minor league numbers hinted he could achieve.This guy has the potential to be the best fourth outfielder in the game,maybe cut into someone's playing time in the corner outfield spots.Solid defensively,pretty good speed but it is his potentially dynamic offensive production that Endy Chavez could not dream of as important a reserve he was that will be Darren's calling card.If you remember,
when he was included in the JJ Putz acquisition,I pointed him out as someone to look carefully at to also make an impact.

Finally,Jerry Manuel is seriously considering using Daniel Murphy in the second hole in the lineup,as well as Luis Castillo is producing.Jerry definitely sees Daniel as an RBI machine in the 2 spot behind Reyes.If he bats Castilllo ninth and the starting pitcher eighth,if Castillo remains potent that could be an awfully exciting lineup going into the heart of the order.

 

[sonny10305]

Sausy, I always love reading your stuff we need to start a Mets news show.

Lemme begin with Maine, I know he has been working on his mechanics but that’s not where I see most of his problems.
I have been watching him very closely, (as I do most pitchers) in regular speed, slo mo forwards and backwards. So far I have not seen his curve ball at all; his pitches lack the necessary curves, cuts, splits and speed to get through an inning. His lack of confidence in his pitching and himself is very obvious to me.
Check this out, in the four spring starts so far, Johnny is 0-1 and as I mentioned his ERA is10.38
He has given up about 15 runs in 11-13 innings, has allowed four home runs and has walked seven batters. This is not the Johnny Maine from last the last coupe of years. I looked it up and in that time I figure he struck out struck out over 300 guys. Does he remind you of Trachsel? He too lost his confidence in his pitching and man did it show.
I have friends who say don’t worry it’s only spring training to which I say, dude when you learn a little about the game come see me. Opening day is just around the corner and Maine is in trouble. Now here is where I go way out on a limb and say if he does not improve over his next couple of SP starts, the Mets should give him an extended spring training assignment, which means leaving him in Port St. Lucie for a couple more weeks. Hell I would even send him Triple-A which is in Buffalo, that’s prolly where Evans will be going. Crazy? unheard of you say? Well that’s how bad I think Maine is right now. We can not allow him to pitch in the regular season in his current state he needs to work out his arm and his mental state.

With Garcia now gone it looks like a lock for Hernandez to get the 5th spot. Excellent!

I love the idea of Murphy in the number 2 hole.
He is not afraid to take a pitch, which is what we need when Reyes is one first (when isn’t he) I love his bat control, and his ability to go gap to gap, foul line to foul line. Just a tremendous situational hitter, hits the off speed well and notice how he keeps his weight back and just turns on the gas. What a polished swing that kid has.