New York Mets 2010-11 Winter report

[syam24]

No lefties in the bullpen doesn't bode well at this point, I know the "off season" has just begun, but with the Phillies in this division, having the proven lefties in the bullpen was a bit of a security blanket. Now, who knows where they'll end up. Just about every team, including the Yankees, Braves, and Phils will be looking to sign them. I'm not real happy about this evolution.

 

[sonny10305]

No lefties in the bullpen doesn't bode well at this point, I know the "off season" has just begun, but with the Phillies in this division, having the proven lefties in the bullpen was a bit of a security blanket. Now, who knows where they'll end up. Just about every team, including the Yankees, Braves, and Phils will be looking to sign them. I'm not real happy about this evolution.

I hear ya dude and I felt the same way at first and then I thought about Alderson and how he prolly has a backup plan, he knows as well as we do that we need more lefties in the pen.
Gotta think like I do syam, The Sandy Man Can

 

[sonny10305]

So Wally Backman had his interview yesterday in San Diego he had a three-hour meeting with Sandy Alderson. Wally said he thought it went very well but he felt it would not be right for him to comment any further.
Kevin B is in Oakland to call the Raiders-Chiefs game maybe if he hears anything we might learn more.
Come on KB get the dirt and spill it

I hope you guys remembered to watch that AFL Rising Stars game, it was sooo much fun. Did not see Holt but we did see a lot of powerful arms pitching and showin us what they got. I mean how great is it to see those future major leagers out there playin hard and just having so much fun.
I remember watching Ike Davis there last year and look where he is now,

I hate to see stuff like this happen even to an old Philly player.
Jamie Moyer who is recovering from an elbow injury he got last season hurt himself again pitching winterball in the Dominican Republic. Reports are his career may be over. Jamie who is a free agent now wanted to show what he still has by pitching in winterball but it has not gone well. He is 47 now and he was one of the best but sadly it looks like it's over for him.

 

[syam24]

I like what Alderson is doing in the front office, bringing in JP Ricciardi and DePodesta, both with GM experience and perhaps different ways at looking at things. DePodesta is young, 37, and will head up scouting, nice to get some young blood in the mix for his perspective. No major news on the manager front, still some interviews in the works, but I'm encouraged by what is happening so far.

 

[sonny10305]

Yes syam, that was another positive move for the Mets, DePodesta is now Special Assistant to General Manager Sandy Alderson. He has a strong background in all aspects of player development and scouting. Paul said he could not pass up a chance to be a part of what Alderson is doing rebuilding the Mets. He also said Winning in New York is something special and for me I couldn’t think of a better place to be.
Kevin Burckhardt calls it Quite a get for the Mets, and said Paul is very well suited for a background role and should gel easily with Alderson and the rest of the Mets' new front office.
So now we have three very smart baseball guys in charge, I am so psyched and encouraged about the Mets The Mets still need a manager, and their ability to be a contender in 2011 just got better.

In the Dominican Daniel Murphy playing for Aquilas Cibaenas went 3-5 yesterday with 2 RBIs and Sunday he was 4 for 5 with a run and RBI his average is now .285. He is concentrating on getting the double plays down at second base something he knows is one of the important things he has to master if he is to have a shot playing at second next season. The team’s game on Sunday will be telecast live in Spanish on NY1’s Latino station. Daniel expects he will be in the lineup, I will know for sure Saturday night.
Check out Murph in winter ball goin for the double play

 

[sonny10305]

The first round of manager interviews is just about over and a few will be brought back for a follow up,
Wally Backman will be among the candidates to get a second interview.
In case you are keeping score, so far, the Mets have interviewed Backman, Chip Hale, Terry Collins, Bob Melvin, Dave Jauss and DeMarlo Hale. Today Alderson will talk with Clint Hurdle and Don Wakamatsu. Sandy also plans on meeting good ole boy Ken Oberkfell who manages the Triple-A Bisons and is currently in the Dominican Republic. Alderson is still looking to have a manger in place before the winter meetings.
I am told that Sandy is not waiting for trade discussions until the meetings, he has had several calls from other clubs, and have had discussions about possible deals, individual players although he believes the fact that free agents including minor league free agents will become available that week is probably the first time most GMs are going to be talking seriously with other clubs He feels that now, it's more a process of looking at those two free agent markets and seeing what's there and having some conversations.. But he does think he is too far behind the power curve here, in spite of what has been going on with the new front office.
Alderson will be Kevin Burkhardt's first guest when Mets Hot Stove premieres Thursday. Kevin asked for thoughts about questions for sandy and I suggested asking about his views in how the Mets will handle the draft this year, his position on bringing Moneyball to Citi and his thoughts about the current starting pitching rotation. Hopefully Kevin will get some of that in the show. I’m bettin he will, especially questions on moneyball and the draft.

Mets Hot Stove can be seen Thursdays at 7pm on SNY thru February (excluding Thanksgiving) when Kevin goes to Florida to cover spring training

 

[sonny10305]

Ok so, let me just say the AL gold gloves were a joke, I mean Jeter? Seriously, please.
I was not expecting any Mets to win in the NL but I did think Davis had a shot. Ike for sure established himself in his rookie season, proving more than capable on scooping throws and making some rather outstanding plays.
I guess the problem was his name wasn’t Albert.

Sandy Alderson is off to meet with Carlos Beltran this weekend in Puerto Rico.
He will attend a press conference being held at the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy, which is scheduled to open next year, and both Angel Pagan and Jose Reyes are expected to attend.But first Alderson will first visit with Ken Oberkfell in the Dominican Republic to interview him for the Mets manager job,
he will also meet up with Luis Castillo.

As I expected, Jeff Francoeur was outrighted off the Rangers 40-man roster after he cleared waivers and declined his outright assignment. That makes him a free agent. This doesn't mean Frenchie couldn't wind up back in Texas, but that would depend on other possible offseason moves for the Rangers. It's Just not likely in my opinion he is prolly going to test the market to see if there's a starting job for him somewhere, I still expect him to play for the Royals next year.

Sad news about Jordany Valdespin he strained his forearm and he looks to be done in the AFL. Damn shame cause he was tearing it up out there hitting .355 and at one point was .386 against right handed hitters.

Don’t forget Kevin Burckhardt’s Mets Hot Stove tonight with Sandy Alderson

 

[syam24]

No telling where Franceour will end up. Although he plays terrific defense, his offense is so hot and cold, that unless he finds a way to become more consistent, I think he'll end up being one of those guys that gets bounced around several more times in his career. Some interesting quotes the last day or so from Beltran on his possible willingness to move positions, or agree to a trade. He sort of is in a no man's land, needs to reprove his value this season if he expects to get another big contract, whether a CF or corner OF.

 

[gtru1981]

Ok so, let me just say the AL gold gloves were a joke, I mean Jeter? Seriously, please.
I was not expecting any Mets to win in the NL but I did think Davis had a shot. Ike for sure established himself in his rookie season, proving more than capable on scooping throws and making some rather outstanding plays.
I guess the problem was his name wasn’t Albert.

Sandy Alderson is off to meet with Carlos Beltran this weekend in Puerto Rico.
He will attend a press conference being held at the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy, which is scheduled to open next year, and both Angel Pagan and Jose Reyes are expected to attend.But first Alderson will first visit with Ken Oberkfell in the Dominican Republic to interview him for the Mets manager job,
he will also meet up with Luis Castillo.

As I expected, Jeff Francoeur was outrighted off the Rangers 40-man roster after he cleared waivers and declined his outright assignment. That makes him a free agent. This doesn't mean Frenchie couldn't wind up back in Texas, but that would depend on other possible offseason moves for the Rangers. It's Just not likely in my opinion he is prolly going to test the market to see if there's a starting job for him somewhere, I still expect him to play for the Royals next year.

Sad news about Jordany Valdespin he strained his forearm and he looks to be done in the AFL. Damn shame cause he was tearing it up out there hitting .355 and at one point was .386 against right handed hitters.

Don’t forget Kevin Burckhardt’s Mets Hot Stove tonight with Sandy Alderson

The only joke about the AL golden glove awards was Jeter. His numbers were terrible, but bc his name is Derek Jeter, he will get whatever he wants.

Of course none of the METS got one because as many people would say they are the METS. I live around Hartford (Yankee/Red Soxs land) and i will tell you the METS are considered to be a huge joke! Family Guy has made fun of them a few times. Even the very extremly small amount of
METS fan we got around here are ashamed to show their pride. The METS what i get from arent considered to be well respected ( i would put the blame on ownership and the crappy GM/Manager they have had last few years) and considered the black sheep compared to the Yankees.

I wasnt ever into baseball and if asked what team i liked, i would say i love the Yankees , but my freind who is a METS fan got me into watching them. I have Dish Network and they dont offer YES so i started watching SNY and i will admit i become much more a METS fan than a Yankee fan because i fell in love with the METS beautiful history (i am a history dork) and became a baseball fan. I still go to a Yankee game at the stadium and watch a game on TV when i can, but i gone to many more METS games and watched every METS game on SNY. I am a huge David Wright Fan, however i once went to a bar with all my freinds wearing a David Wright shirt and lets just say it didnt go well at all!! The METS are just looked down upon and i was asked to leave the bar because i was being teased and sad part by Soxs fan more so than Yankee Fans. Ok, i may have rambled to much now lol.

 

[Absolut]

OMG if you take our "Secret Weapon" I will

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_4ed7ed3e-eec4-11df-aca2-0017a4a78c22.html

But I do wish the best for him, and I've always known that he wants to manage a club in the MLB...

Good ole' Oquendo!

 

[sonny10305]

No telling where Franceour will end up. Although he plays terrific defense,season if he expects to get another big contract, whether a CF or corner OF.

Syam, I love Frenchie in right field he is feared by most hitters and is a force to recon with but his offense has gone down hill. He is also a very calming and positive force in the clubhouse; most of the players anywhere he has played have always respected and admired him. I wish him well.
Beltran has said he is open to talk about that move to right but he also said he is open to lifting his no trade clause giving the metes and opportunity to let him go. For me, Pagan should be in center and Carlos needs to move over plain and simple One thing is for sure if he does play for us in his walk year you can bet he will be on fire and work and play harder than ever.

Of course none of the METS got one because as many people would say they are the METSl.

gtru 1981,Thanks for joining us, hang in there, we Mets fans are going to have an outstanding 2011 and a championship in 2012. You can feel it smell it taste it with what is going on in the front office with much more to come So wear your Wright shirt with pride I wear my Ike shirt and cap a lot cause we are coming back baby.
You mentioned family Guy, here is a fun clip

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH07N4CG37E&feature=player_embedded[/ame]

OMG if you take our "Secret Weapon" I will

Hey Abs great hearing from you. Oquendo does indeed want to manage a club but he is clearly a very dark horse in that race. You may recall he was a Mets; he has also in the past interviewed for manager jobs with the Mariners and the Padres, who were then led by Sandy Alderson. But the Mets want experience and there are three front runners much more likely to get that job. I tell ya what, how bout we let you keep Oquendo and you give us Dave Duncan
I like our pitching coach but Duncan is genius.


So it happend,not surprisingly The Mets fired clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels for violating team policies. The club said the decision came after an internal investigation that lasted several months. I wrote abut this last week when he was suspended and feel they made the right decision in letting him go. It’s a shame but I have no use for what he did, he had to go.

 

[sonny10305]

Had my weekly talk with Daniel Murphy last night, he had another good game with his team winning in no small part to a rally he started to break a tie and bring in 3 runs. Still working on his Spanish and as of now he plans on staying in the D.R. until Christmas. He is currently hitting .310 but he wants more than anything to work on his fielding. He complained about not swinging the bat exactly as he would like but still his priority is defense and playing second base. As far as that knee injury goes he does wear a sleeve brace over his knee something he may have to wear to spring training and even beyond. He is excited about Alderson; he thinks the team is headed in the right direction. The kid is basically feeling good about just about everything. He joked that there are worse places to spend the fall and early winter days than the Dominican Republic, but does he hit the beach? “NOPE”

Fernando Martinez has joined Escogido one of Murphs opposing teams down there and was supposed to start yesterday but was pulled put of the lineup when he was late getting to the park when his car broke down and he had some miscommunication about his activation date. He was due to bat eighth and play left field. He will try again to play Tuesday.

Very sad news for Sandy Alderson his 87 year old father was hit by a car was killed

So it is not looking good for Wally Backman getting the Mets managers job, what I am hearing over and over is that the Mets have narrowed down their managerial search to three candidates: Terry Collins, Clint Hurdle and Bob Melvin, with Collins the favorite. Well it’s like I said already, I wanted Backman but I have great confidence in Alderson to make the right choice and I am prepared for it mot to be Wally.

A bunch of ball payers and I went to see David Wright at Chelsea Piers Saturday afternoon.
It was David’s “Do Wright” Awards for kids (David loves kids) from the After-School All-Stars New York Program; these kids were selected to participate in the clinic because of their excellence in academics, athletics and community service. The program provides free comprehensive after school programs to close to 100,000 children in thirteen different cities. David spent time teaching about fifty kids baseball fielding, hitting, throwing and he spoke on how to stay in shape and eat right. Later David took Q&A and discussed Sandy Alderson, Carlos Belton, and the manager race.
Unfortunately I got no one and one time with Dave just a smile and a handshake but it was a fun day and I left lovin Dave more than ever, a sweetheart of a guy who dedicates so much of his time to kids and charity work. He is one of a kind.

 

[syam24]

Well, one candidate is removed from the list as the Pirates are to name Clint Hurdle their mgr today. I have not been overwhelmed by any of the names in contention, although Oquendo and Backman are interesting at least. Not a fan of Collins, Melvin I guess I could deal with, but since he managed out west, never really got a feel for his style.

 

[gtru1981]

Had my weekly talk with Daniel Murphy last night, he had another good game with his team winning in no small part to a rally he started to break a tie and bring in 3 runs. Still working on his Spanish and as of now he plans on staying in the D.R. until Christmas. He is currently hitting .310 but he wants more than anything to work on his fielding. He complained about not swinging the bat exactly as he would like but still his priority is defense and playing second base. As far as that knee injury goes he does wear a sleeve brace over his knee something he may have to wear to spring training and even beyond. He is excited about Alderson; he thinks the team is headed in the right direction. The kid is basically feeling good about just about everything. He joked that there are worse places to spend the fall and early winter days than the Dominican Republic, but does he hit the beach? “NOPE”

Fernando Martinez has joined Escogido one of Murphs opposing teams down there and was supposed to start yesterday but was pulled put of the lineup when he was late getting to the park when his car broke down and he had some miscommunication about his activation date. He was due to bat eighth and play left field. He will try again to play Tuesday.

Very sad news for Sandy Alderson his 87 year old father was hit by a car was killed

So it is not looking good for Wally Backman getting the Mets managers job, what I am hearing over and over is that the Mets have narrowed down their managerial search to three candidates: Terry Collins, Clint Hurdle and Bob Melvin, with Collins the favorite. Well it’s like I said already, I wanted Backman but I have great confidence in Alderson to make the right choice and I am prepared for it mot to be Wally.

A bunch of ball payers and I went to see David Wright at Chelsea Piers Saturday afternoon.
It was David’s “Do Wright” Awards for kids (David loves kids) from the After-School All-Stars New York Program; these kids were selected to participate in the clinic because of their excellence in academics, athletics and community service. The program provides free comprehensive after school programs to close to 100,000 children in thirteen different cities. David spent time teaching about fifty kids baseball fielding, hitting, throwing and he spoke on how to stay in shape and eat right. Later David took Q&A and discussed Sandy Alderson, Carlos Belton, and the manager race.
Unfortunately I got no one and one time with Dave just a smile and a handshake but it was a fun day and I left lovin Dave more than ever, a sweetheart of a guy who dedicates so much of his time to kids and charity work. He is one of a kind.

I do u finout about these things? you are one lucky person, i surprised you dont go into sports news.

 

[sonny10305]

I do u finout about these things? you are one lucky person, i surprised you dont go into sports news.

Thanks for the post. I get a lot of my information from friends who are ball players. Thru my association with the Brooklyn Cyclones I have become friends with a lot of players like Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans to name a few. They have led me to get to know many other players and we talk, text and e-mail all the time.
I am also friendly with SNYs Kevin Burkhardt who has Introduced me to media guys like Adam Rubin and BrandonTierney (Whose wedding I recently attended), a lot of my stuff comes from them. I also communicate a lot of what I write here back to those guys, so in some sense I guess you might say I do write for sports.

Hey Syam I am so bored with this lets drag this out for as long as we can managers choice.
It might be easier to name the guys Sandy hasn't interviewed.

 

[syam24]

I hear ya Sonny, looks like it will be after Thanksgiving before we get any hiring news.

 

[sonny10305]

I was bummed when I heard that the finalists had been down to three and Wally Backman was not on that list, but last night I got a call telling me that it is not true and Wally will indeed be among the four that are considered finalists.
It is down to Wally Backman, Terry Collins, Chip Hale and Bob Melvin
The choice is clear and still Backman, I can not get my head around anyone else. I have had many a day watching the Cyclones play Wally ball in Brooklyn as well as being in the clubhouse and locker rooms watching Wally working with his boys and seeing their reaction to him, and to see anyone else manage the Mets just does not sit well with me at all. I love Wally ball, lemme tell you just as an example he won’t be telling the hitters to execute a sac bunt with two guys on and no outs, as we saw all too often last year. He has the fire and communication skills we need, trust me, I have seen that first hand and in person
My problems with the other guys begin with Chip Hale (Kevin Burkhardt’s choice) who has a history of failure and he was part Jerry Manuel‘s staff (third base coach) so I worry about that cause I don not see him representing the kind of change necessary.
Next is Collins, I do not like what I have read and heard about his discipline style or leadership skills, I think it would be a disruptive change, I do not even see him as a good bench coach He hasn’t been in a big-league dugout in over ten years, mainly because he lost both the control and respect of the players of the two teams he managed
Melvin (The Mad Scientist) is waaay to calm and what I would describe as analytical too low-key, cerebral, and quiet The players and the fans aint gonna buy that, he would be too much of a reminder of failing seasons past. In any event the Met will complete their 2nd-round interviews with the four guys on Thursday night in Orlando.

I don’t expect much from the meetings that state today although Alderson and his staff will meet with Jeff and Fred Wilpon today or tomorrow in Orlando. My guess is they will try to begin to figure out how best to move forward. Let’s just call it one big fuckin jigsaw puzzle shall we?

A while back I wrote about my concerns that Johan Santana would be ready for opening day, well yesterday Sandy Alderson acknowledged the Mets will proceed through the offseason under the assumption Johan Santana will not be ready at the beginning of the season and so now I wonder what the contingencies plan will be.

I was kinda taken back hearing Alderson say he is noncommittal about Josh Thole as our #1 catcher, Sandy did say he has not seen Josh play so he could not say all that much about him. Well Sandy, for starters he made tremendous strides in his defense doing an excellent job calling games and catching for Santana and Dickey. His offense was impressive as well with 3 homers, 17 runs and 17 RBI his average was up to .277 what is Sandy thinking? bring back ole man Blanco? I think not.

I had told you guys about the trouble Fernando Martinez, was having getting started in the Dominican first with car trouble and then screwing up his reporting date (how do you do that?) He was expected to finally start Tuesday night but when I called to see how it went I was told that the Mets now asked that he play three tune-up games in the academy instructional league in the Dominican Republic before advancing to the winter league. The academy is a softer league to play than winter league so it sounds like they are concerned about him and those injuries that follow him ever where he goes. Not going well for F-Mart

Jenrry Mejia, who you may remember was shut down at the end of 2010 because of problems in his shoulder blade, is back pitching in game in the Dominican Republic; Mejia already has pitched four innings in academy games in the country. He could enter the Dominican Winter League after Dec. 1. I love hearing that

 

[sonny10305]

Alderson has now said he expects to make a decision on who will manage the Mets by Monday and will probably hold a news conference on Tuesday.
Sandy said “I think it is important that one have time to reflect, but I don’t think we need to sleep on this for a week and a half. In fact, I think you get less effective at some point if you wait too long. I think that we should be in a position to make a decision Sunday/Monday, I would think. I don’t think there’s any reason why we can’t do that.”

This is from a poll taken by Matthew Cerrone

Kevin Burkhardt’s subject tonight on Mets Hot Stove will be who do you want as manager and who is the right manager for the Mets
Kevin will be joined by John Harper, you can catch the show on SNY at 7pm

 

[syam24]

I don't know much about Chip Hale, but at this point I will accept Wally or Chip as the next mgr. I, like you Sonny, don't want Collins for sure, and am skeptical about Melvin. I'm willing to accept new blood writing the lineups.

 

[sonny10305]

Yeah syam I hear that, and I am ready to accept the sad fact that Wally will not be manager.

Just heard from Daniel Murphy he is going to talk to Kevin Burkhardt on tonights Hot Stove. He will speak about how he is doing in Winter ball. Murph hit a three run homer the other night
I have been hounding Kevin to keep Daniels name alive on his show during the winter.