New York Mets 2010

[sonny10305]

Yesterday we got another chance for the candidates for the fifth starting position show is their stuff, Nieve and Niese both pitched and Niese out pitched Nieve who allowed two runs to the Cardinals, and then Niese came in to pitch two scoreless innings. Niese looked good through the first two innings of work, but in the top of the sixth inning, he gave up three runs after a called strike three allowed Rasmus to reach after the ball deflected off of Barajas glove. I also think, no I know, that Niese got squeezed on several pitches during the at bat. Fuckin umpires. Still he looked good, especially in the fourth and fifth innings…
We also got some decent relief work outta Sean Green and Pat Misch. Then the big moment came for me when K-Rod came in, it was the first time we have seen him this season. He was outstanding, three batters, seven pitches -- a ground ball, a fly ball, a strikeout retiring the cards on seven pitches in order, very very nice. Oh and I love the goggles, makes him look mean and intense.
Then with the Mets down a run in the bottom of the ninth, Angel Pagan hit a two run home run to win the game.
I had to laugh at Francouer being walked, I guess LaRussa can't help himself, even in spring trainig games.
See Abs, I told ya we would not hurt you to bad.

So the fifth spot is still wide open, and the result will determine what happens to Nieses, Nieve and Takahashi. A lot depends on how Niese pitches over the next three weeks, If Niese isn't the fifth starter, he'll start at Triple-A Buffalo. In that case, Nieve and Takahashi would both likely make the Opening Day roster, with one as the fifth starter and the other in the bullpen. If Niese is the fifth starter, there would be more competition for the last bullpen spot. Nieve is the only one of the three who is out of options, meaning he would have to clear waivers before being sent to the minors. That gives the Mets more incentive to find a spot for him on the Opening Day roster.
Then here is Nelson Figueroa who by the way has been pitching better than both Niese and Nieve this spring. What happens to him? I will tell you I think Nelson is getting tired of getting ignored and pushed around and if they try and send him back to the minors I expect Nelson to opt out and not go. Prolly see him in another uniform this season.

I can’t not write about what John Maine did the other day, he stunk up the place when he got just two outs while getting hammered for five runs by the Florida Marlins.
Now I can accept John having a bad outing, not thrilled about it but I can accept it. What I can not accept is the things he said after the game. John said he was uncomfortable coming out of the pen; he had come in after Santana who pitched a brilliant four-inning scoreless outing. John said as a starter he was not used to that and, wait it gets worse, he also said "I just wasn't kind of that into it. It wasn't good. It's just I wasn't all that prepared."
Can you imagine that punk making a comment like that? What John needs to learn well there are a lot of things but one of is spring training is all about the pitchers it’s the reason it last as long as it does, the regular players don’t need a month of SP to get ready for the regular season the pitchers do. His lack of preparation and focus during this time is inexcusable and add to that he acknowledged a lack of focus or motivation, even in the relaxed and basically meaningless exhibition games.
Shape up John, or maybe we should leave you in the pen and give your job to Figueroa.

 

[sonny10305]

A very nice outing from Pelfrey yesterday.
With the boys wearin green caps for St Paddy’s day we saw the Pelf we will need in 2010.Mike was stretched to four innings, allowing four hits and a run while walking none and striking out two. He had outstanding control hitting the strike zone with awesome accuracy not to mention most of his pitches were on target. I will tell you it was best secondary stuff I have seen from Mike.
We also got another look at he dude that just makes me gush, my man Jenrry Mejia, all it took was six pitches to breeze through his inning. Five fastballs and one curve, six pitches, five strikes Oh my goodness. By the way the kid has not yet walked one single batter yet this spring, with 8 strike outs in eight innings.
His ERA is currently 1.08 Are ya gushing yet.?
Mejia is making his case to be in the starting lineup opening day, he is making it harder for Omar to send him down to the minors. Manual wants him in the pen pitching the eighth. Now, with K-Rod off to a fast and furious start and Mejia handing him the ball I would say that would be a lights out ending to any game. Sounds real good to me. Of course my dream would be for him to be a starter.

Another outstanding day for Fernando Martinez who hit his third homer, a three run shot that gave us the go ahead and ultimately won us the game. This kid has been on fire, Check it out, in 26 at bats this spring, Martinez is hitting .538 with two doubles, three HR, 10 RBI and has only had three strike out.
I t is still unlikely he will get the center field job, I still expect Pagan to get that and I dono what they will do with Matthews, hopefully trade him, there is talk about the Reds interest in him.
The thing about Fernando is what happens when Beltran comes back? Martinez would have to be demoted, and Beltran is expected back sooner than later, at this point he is doing well. So the best thing for Fernando is for him to go down to the minors were he can play everyday. I love having that guys like him and Ike Davis in my back pocket ready to come to the rescue if we need them. Davis is still expected to play in Buffallo…till we need him, and that’s good cause he needs more defense work, he has hit the ball well but has made too many errors at first plus a really goofy base running error. Oh, and by the way, it was Ike who said it was “goofy”.
Still, depending on how well Murphy does, Ike won’t be in Buffalo to long.

Here is an interesting fact for all you kiddies out there to chew on, so far this spring the Mets have hit 23 home runs which is the most in baseball.

Tonight the Mets play the Marlins with Perez on the mound. Then Friday it’s Santana.

 

[syam24]

Okay, two weeks to go until opening day. Now is the start of crunch time, the way I look at it. I'm a little apprehensive over a couple of hitters, Murphy and his lack of hits, and DWright on many K's. I know there's time and they boys could be working on things, not concentrating 100%, and all that, but now's the time to start getting their acts together. I think, overall, so far the spring has gone relatively well, sans the Reyes saga. THis is the period I usually look for the starters to be really rounding into shape, both the hitters and pitchers. Let's go METS!

 

[sonny10305]

Hang in there Syam the Mets are comin back
I hear you about Murphy and Wright, but David's swing has really improved over last year and he is still working hard at it. I don’t think you will see him making as may adjustments as he did last year, he knows that’s a bad thing to do and he needs to stop doing that almost after every at bat. As for Murphy, I wrote about this a few weeks ago, I am concerned about his new stance; he is standing up straighter in the box and not hitting the ball as well as he did. Now normally looking at the way he stands at the plate I would have thought it would have helped him pull the ball better, or at least it should be. But he is not comfortable in that new position you can see it on his reactions. He is going to keep trying and find his swing, I know Ho Jo has been encouraging him to stick with it. Daniel had better figure out otherwise he will be on the bench watching Jacobs play first or wonder how long got will be before Davis gets the call. By the way, I ain’t buying that story about the possible Lowell/Castillo deal.

What matters the most for me is the pitching and so far I am optimistic, I think all of them, well maybe not Maine, are heading in the right direction. Maybe in a day or two I will give you my take on how all the guys are doing. They have all had bad starts to be sure, but anyone who worries about that shouldn’t cause its spring training and it don’t mean a thing. It’s the time for trying things out especially like Pelf and his new pitches and Perez and his new found strike zone and focus. Even Johan had a rough time last time up, I happens, not to worry. In Santana’s case everything he threw that day was in the Nitro zone or inner half of the plate just above the belt, every change up was high and hanging, the thing is when you throw a high change you lose that perception not only with the velocity being off but they become “fat” pitchers as most hanging pitches are. Now generally that’s his best pitch but that day it was right down the middle of the plate and the batters took advantage of that. If I saw that you can be sure Santana did as well and he will make the adjustments as he stretches out and builds up his arm strength.

 

[syam24]

Got to see a few innings of the Mets-Braves this afternoon, Ollie looked ok, nothing special, but ump looked lousy, against both pitchers, squeezed 'em tight. Wasn't impressed by Murphy or Wright's AB's. At least on the positive side, Jose Reyes gets to start working out again, so hopefully he'll be ready at the start or just shortly after the start of the season.

 

[sonny10305]

Syam, I was disappointed in Ollie’s pitching yesterday, he seemed to take a step backwards and that makes me nervous. Giving up three runs and four hits in 4.1 innings, did not set well with me, to make it worse he walked four including back to back hitters in the fifth. It was obvious he was overthrowing. My biggest concern was his fastball which was very weak. I dono why we did not see more of his changeup.
On the plus side my man Jenrry Mejia, pitching on back-to-back days, pitched a scoreless inning, Igarashi did as well. Sean Green struggled allowing two runs in the ninth inning and almost blew it for us.

Francoeur was on fire both at the plate and on the field, plus he actually walked….twice!!.
D Wright’s day was better than it looked, he is on track with his swing and is making progress working out the kinks, I expect him to bust out very soon. Murphy continued to struggle, like I wrote the other day that kid is just not comfortable with that new stance. He will probably play around with it for a while longer but I full expect him to return to his old stance by opening day, the new one ain’t workin for him at all. Plus he needs to be more patient at the plate again.

The news about Reyes actually chocked me up a bit, I was so happy. He will be in camp today working out again and I have high hopes to see him on opening day. Of course the Mets will have to monitor him carefully over the next week or so to be sure those levels remain normal and he should not overdue at first to be sure he does not reinjure that hammy. But he is very young and it excellent physical condition and should have no problem bouncing back and getting himself ready for opening day. D Wright talked about how he has been calling Reyes at his home in NY to check in on him, David wanted to be sure Jose kept his spirits up and keep a positive attitude. David also needed to be sure the guys were thinking of him and wishing for a quick and total recovery. That is so like our David to do that.

As expected, Ike Davis was sent down to the minors yesterday, the kid has his head screwed on right that’s for sure, he said that even with the spring he’s had, he wasn’t surprised by the move and he welcomes the chance to again play every day in the minor leagues. He also acknowledged that he has things to work on, but feels he is just about ready to play in the big leagues. He said he figured it would come, and that he needs to get some at-bats and get ready for the season in Triple-A, he understands it’s actually a good thing and he has to know he's not that far behind which must be pretty comforting.
Ike said "I can see the goal in sight. I’m not there yet, but to see it is a pretty cool feeling.”
The kid will be back, take that to the bank, prolly much sooner than later, you have to believe that Murphy will be on a short leash
I am waiting for a call with the word on were for sure Ike is going but I am thinking Buffalo is the most likely. That would be great cause I will get a chance to see him when me and the boys go there for the Bisons opener.

The Mets also demoted Pridle, Riggans and Evans with others as well. Martinez will remain for now prolly go down after the Mets break camp, but he too will be back sooner than later.

 

[syam24]

Didn't see yesterday's game, but by all accounts it appears Johnny Maine had a very good outing, save the two dingers, but five fairlly solid innings. Bullpen work was good, too. Nice to see Murphy come up with a couple of hits and HR in Wed's game. Like seeing this stuff as we approach opening day!

 

[sonny10305]

Didn't see yesterday's game, but by all accounts it appears Johnny Maine had a very good outing, save the two dingers, but five fairlly solid innings. Bullpen work was good, too. Nice to see Murphy come up with a couple of hits and HR in Wed's game. Like seeing this stuff as we approach opening day!

John Maine hasn’t been doin it for me this spring, I would have liked to have seen at least one lights-out performance. But he hasn’t raised concerns either other than his attitude which still bugs me. But from a health or a mechanical standpoint he seems fine.The two "dingers" came from Ryan and Pujols so it was easier to take.
But he still gave two walks and had only one strikeout.Maine is slated to pitch one more time before Opening Day. and Johnny thinks that should be enough for him to be ready for the start of the regular season.
Ok John, but maybe you could throw a couple off-speed pitches for strikes a little more... I'm just sayin

Murphy has come out of his slump, funny how as soon as Ike Davis left town Danny boy came to life.
I also see he is standing a bit less straight up and back to his old stance just a bit. I keep thinkin that's what he needs to do.

Reyes could play in a game as early as Monday, and won't that be sweet.
Niese has all but been given the 5th starting position, I can't imagine anyone getting it as of now. I love the way he has been throwin that cutter to the right handers, and I am impressed with his curveball and fastball away as well.

All the pieces to the puzzle will be in place soon.

 

[PhunkSpunk]

It would be a tragedy if David Wright retired without getting a ring.

There's so much young talent up in Buffalo

 

[sonny10305]

It would be a tragedy if David Wright retired without getting a ring.

There's so much young talent up in Buffalo

I can not wait for the day David gets that ring and I watch him ride down the Canyon of Heroes. He is off to a great start, and homered and drove in three runs yesterday continuing his solid spring training
As to Buffallo you said it right, all that "young talent" and won't it be a welcome change over previous years to have all those guys ready to come in and support us if we loose any guys this season. I kept calling the Mets "the Mutts" last year cause the team was so full of irregulars.

Nelson Figueroa had a bad day yesterday, not a good time for it either since he fighting for a job right now. But Manual said yesterday that Nelson may have secured a spot on the roster out of the bull pen. Manual and Warhten both see him as a staff saver who can eat innings. If Figueroa makes the team and depending on if Manuel will go with 12 pitchers we could have seven relievers including Figueroa. Still unknown is what will happen with Mejia if Nelson goes into the pen. It seems everyday I get a new story about Mejia, either he is going into the pen but not as the 8th inning guy, or that he will be sent to the minors to eventually come back as a starter. Ya gotta figure Igarashi will be in there cause they sure as Hell ain’t gonna pay him $3 mill to set up for Buffalo. We still don’t know who the 5th starter will be but as I have written before it’s a good bet that will be Niese with Nieve going to the pen (he is out of options)
So we outta have our answers soon, the 5th starter, the eight inning guy, and who the long man will be (two of em… Three of em?) I also expect Green and Parnell to go down to the minors. But I want Nelson in the pen he will be very good for us there. Plus I can tell you this, if the Mets were to try and send him back to the minors it would be the end of Nelson and the Mets, he will not go, and as a free agent we would soon loose him to another team and I do not want that, no Mets fan should.

 

[sonny10305]

Well kids we are getting down to the wire now with just three more spring training games left before the boys break camp and head home.

Still a lot of unanswered questions like who the fifth starter will be, what will the bull pen look like, who will be in center field and first base opening day. Of the course the one on everyone’s mind, will Reyes play opening day. Jose did take live batting practice yesterday in a minor League game but did not play in the field. It all went well and Jose continues to make progress to a potential opening day start. But he has restrictions placed on him for Tuesday and Weds by the Mets, he is to bat only, playing shortstop is for another day. And he will be allowed to run 90 feet, from the plate to first base more on that I am sure over the next day or two. The Mets are being very careful with this and want to be sure Reyes is completely ready and healthy before putting him in the lineup.

To add to the mix regarding the set up man job, Pedro Feliciano said yesterday he wants to be more than just a lefty specialist in the bullpen. And Jerry Manuel said the Mets might just give him that chance.For me the idea of Feliciano as a setup man would hinge on how well he pitches against right-handed batters. Of course he has been far more effective against lefties than righties (4.07 when facing lefties; 1.28 when facing righties.

I continue to get more worried about our starters who have not exactly set the world on fire during spring training. I guess I expected that from Perez but I thought Pelfrey would be doing better than he is. On Sunday he gave up 12 hits and 6 runs in 5 innings and has allowed 7 homeruns in his last two ST outings. His spring ERA is around 8. He blamed the wind for all the balls going out of the park in his last outing last week, well maybe, but still they were fly balls and he should be getting ground balls not fly balls you can’t hit homers on ground balls. He is giving up to many fly balls.Now I know Pelf is working on things, that’s what you do in spring training it’s a good time to try new pitches. But Pelfrey is slowing down his delivery when he throws off-speed pitches, his fast ball has lost velocity, his secondary pitches ain’t workin and he is not keeping the ball down on his sinker. Other than that he is fine
I also scratch my head when I see him unable to consistently repeat his mechanics.
So anything good? Well yes, he has not been walking batters and seems to be able to keep from loosin it when there are men on base, no yips. And he has been able to pitch from the stretch without losing his concentration.
Still… I am a little worried about Pelf, Maine and Ollie

 

[syam24]

Not exactly bustin' down the doors to get to NY, are they? We kinda knew the pitching could be an issue, and not much has been resolved, although I think Niese may work out fine in the #5 hole. Those other 3, I think Maine is doing okay, Pelfrey certainly has struggled lately, hoping it is as he says, that he's working on his "other' pitches. His next start should give us a better indication of where he is. And then there's Ollie. Guess we just gotta wait and see what he does? WHo knows? Looks like Murphy is coming around a little bit, just in time to save his job. I'm thinking Cora will open at short with Reyes on the bench, or left in Fl to get some work in, and I'm thinking Pagan has come around enuff to open in CF. Getting anxious!!

 

[sonny10305]

We often think alike Syam
I am confident Murphy will get the first base job, I don’t think it is a big deal but you may have seen yesterday he did a bad turn on his knee during a run down. But he left on his own power and seemed ok, however as of now he will sit out Wednesday game.
I also see Pagan in center with Matthews sent packing as soon as Carlos Beltran returns. Beltran took indoor batting practice today in St. Lucie and is still on target to return around mid-may…

Pelf is a mess and now I hear the Mets will not be starting him in the second game of the season following Santana. Probability is that Maine will get that start, not sure yet let you know when I know. This will be for just the one rotation and then Pelf will return to the 2 spot. There is also talk that if Niese gets the fifth starters job he will pitch in the third spot in the rotation, with Maine and Perez to follow. The Mets have also changed the sequence of their exhibition game rotation, John Maine, who was scheduled to start Wednesday, now will start Thursday instead. Nelson Figueroa, still with a chance to be the long man, is to start against the Marlins Wednesday instead. What this means to me is that the Mets are concerned about the Starters…. as well they should.

As to Reyes, he had a good day yesterday he was running very well, perfect in fact and looked great in a game on the back field against the minor leaguers. He was not supposed to play the field but he was out there for two innings at short. I agree that he may not be in the opening day lineup and may instead stay in Florida for an extra week before joining the club. Sounds good to me although most of the people I talk to say the Mets are protecting him too much and need to let him play. My answer would be why? It’s a long season; let him ease in to it what’s the rush. I know a lot of guys wanna see him on the opening day roster but I just don’t think it’s all that important. Santana has also played against the minor leaguers with Reyes and will continue doing that all the way till Sunday when the team returns to NY.

The Nationals claimed catcher Chris Coste on waivers Monday from the Mets, I guess the Mets felt they did not need him. I had expected to see him on the bench in AAA Buffalo, maybe he could have helped Thole. So I guess that leaves Santos as Thole’s backup in Buffalo

File this under who cares, the Mets claimed Manny Acosta off waivers from the Braves. Manny has been added to the 40-man roster, and will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

 

[syam24]

I'm thinking the Mets slid Maine a day so the Marlins don't get a look at him this close to the opening series who they play against. Also would put him on a better schedule to pitch on Wed. Was Ollie horrible yesterday or what! Didn't see it, but I'm thinking those numbers I saw don't lie, windy or not. Bullpen wise, I think Green will stay and Parnell will go to AAA. Nieve and Figueroa are options if Pelf and Ollie really stink it up early on. No real read on the last bench guy Catalonatto or Jacobs. Of course there is always the possiblity of a last minute trade of bullpen or bench players, or waiver pickup such as Acosta.

 

[syam24]

Heard Ed Coleman report on WFAN that D Murphy could be out 2-6 weeks with a knee strain/sprain. Oy! I guess that puts Jacobs on the squad for sure, Catalonatto a probable, I would guess. Perhaps Russ Adams might beat him out, he's had a pretty good spring. We can't afford anymore ailing bodies at this point. Let's get the hell out of FLA.

 

[Sausy]

Heard Ed Coleman report on WFAN that D Murphy could be out 2-6 weeks with a knee strain/sprain. Oy! I guess that puts Jacobs on the squad for sure, Catalonatto a probable, I would guess. Perhaps Russ Adams might beat him out, he's had a pretty good spring. We can't afford anymore ailing bodies at this point. Let's get the hell out of FLA.

That sucks...but we Mets fans are almost conditioned now to hope for the best,expect the worst.Jacobs is a feast or famine type player,so not thrilled he has to play more than a bench role for a period...I just hope David Wright and Jason Bay don't leave their sizzling bats in Florida come this Monday because we're not looking like a club that can hold the opposition in check as virually every starter has not impressed and in some respects regressed.Johann Santana better turn it back on and someone has to give him support in the rotation or the bullpen is going to be demolished by the All Star break.

 

[sonny10305]

I was really bummed to hear about Daniel Murphy, the kid was so looking forward to the new season and had over the last few days began returning to his old stance and hitting the ball better. But I don’t expect him to be put for more than 2-3 weeks the injury simply is not that serious.
When he woke up, the day after the incident in the rundown, his knee was stiff but there was little swelling, just a sprain, at first when he went to bed it seemed like nothing more than a bruise but it worsened and stiffened over night. Since then Murphy had his leg immobilized in a brace that locked it straight from almost ankle to hip. D Wright spoke with Daniel and said that he was in good spirits and that it could have been a lot worse any time you talk about the knee. For him to miss the first couple of weeks is a good thing. David also said Murphy is ready to get rehabbing and rejoin the team as soon as possible.
Sp what happens at first in the meantime, well the obvious choice would be Jacobs, possibly platooning with Tatis although I can’t get to excited about that cause I just don’t have a whole lot of faith in Jacobs. But if Murphy does return sooner than later I guess we can live with Jacobs for the short term. The worst case scenario here is for Murphy not to heal quickly and Jacobs falls on his ass and does not perform well. That would mean Ike Davis would be called up, and that works for me but I wanted Ike to get a bit more seasoning before joining the biggs. Ike meanwhile is till in Florida and will be going to Buffalo Sunday.

Syam you mentioned the bench spot with Catalanotto and Adams, for me there would be no contest with Adams the clear winner, he has had an awesome spring and deserves that spot hands down. I really love the way that kid plays. I can’t agree with you on Maine I really think Manual is making a clear undeniable statement in shaking up the rotation, they all need to start performing better or else.
For me I would want to get rid of Ollie once and for all, I am so sick of him. I can not go another season with that jackass. I would give the job to Figueroa who by the way has had a better spring than all the rest combined. Nelson had another awesome outing yesterday. Trouble with Ollie is we stupidly gave him all that money, which will prolly keep the Mets from kicking him into the pen. But I say don’t add insult to injury, it was a major fuck up giving him all that cash in the first place so now lick your wounds and get that clown out of our rotation. DOI IT NOW!.

As you guys have heard a decision has been made regarding Reyes, he will start the season on the DL which is a smart move. I expected and supported that idea cause I see no reason to rush him. The kid is doing really well right now passing all the tests and feeling great so let him have a week or so before he joins the Mets in NY. It was the team’s doctors who told the Mets that Reyes should not be rushed on opening day and the Mets agreed. I expect it to be short time for Jose to be out prolly see him around Saturday April 10th.

 

[sonny10305]

WTF!!!

I did not write that Gaga crap in my last post. Some sort of joke I guess. Well I can only hope it's gone soon.

 

[Sausy]

WTF!!!

I did not write that Gaga crap in my last post. Some sort of joke I guess. Well I can only hope it's gone soon.

It's April Fools Day....hey,things could be worse,sonny.Your avatar could be extolling the Phillies.Or Abs avatar could be showing some big time Cubby love.Ya never know what JUB will turn into this one day of the year.

And I do NOT love Lady Gaga.........the Ghost in the Machine must have heard you and must like you,sonny cause now it's playing with me...bring it,punk!

 

[sonny10305]

It's April Fools Day....hey,things could be worse,sonny.Your avatar could be extolling the Phillies.Or Abs avatar could be showing some big time Cubby love.Ya never know what JUB will turn into this one day of the year.

And I do NOT love Lady Gaga.........the Ghost in the Machine must have heard you and must like you,sonny cause now it's playing with me...bring it,punk!

Yea it's gone now.I can take a joke and roll with it, but Gaga? that's just cruel
Glad they didn't fuck with my avatar, even though it would have been a great joke puttin the
Phillies in there
But Abs and the Cubs ......poor baby would have gone postal on em.