New York Mets Winter Report 2012-13

[Sausy]

A very happy Thanksgiving to sonny,and your family and that of everyone who posts here!

 

[sonny10305]

Some great news from Zack Wheeler he joins six of his Minor League boys added to their 40-man roster which means we might see him sooner in Flushing than we thought it also protects him from next month's Rule 5 Draft. Along with Zack are Hansel Robles, Gonzalez Germen, Greg Burke, Darin Gorski and Wilfredo Tovar.I was concerned about the draft cause it would have meant we could have lost him the Winter Meetings
Cause of ML rules he is eligible to be selected in next month's Rule 5 Draft, if not protected. It was important for Zack be added to the 40-man roster.
Zack is going to be very important to us next year I want to see him join Harvey ASAP maybe even right after the all-star break. Watched him pitch in Buffalo a bunch of times great kid heck of a pitcher.

Another kid I watched “grow up” in Brooklyn with the Cyclones is Hansel Robles, and man oh man can this kid pitch you are gonna love him right off, in Brooklyn last year he went 6-1 with a 1.11 ERA in 12 starts . He led the New York-Penn League in ERA and finished the season without allowing an earned run in 45 innings, he struck out close to 70 batters over that time. He was a finalist for the MiLB.com Pitcher of the Year Award. And won the 2012 Sterling Award Winner for the Cyclones.

The other great news I got is that Ike Davis will be honored with the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Feb. 5. As you may know the Foundation offers help to both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ike as you also may remember hosts his own charity event every year for Kids’ Cancer Ike also participates in the Mets Amazin’ Calls program. I can think of no other payer more deserving of this award. By the way Ike’s dad played with Thurman for two years.
I am sure I will have more Ike news when Ike gets to town can’t wait to see him.CC Sabathia will also be honored

As he did last year Kevin Burkhart is in Dallas ready and fired up to call the Cowboys thanksgiving game for Compass Media

Off now to the parents’ house to help with the turkey day feast I join Saucy in wishing all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving

 

[sonny10305]

Not a lot going on in the ole hot stove this weekend but I am happy to tell you that Tim Byrdak has taken a minor league deal that would bring back next season, I like Tim he is a funny funny dude so well liked. He was with the Mets for the past two seasons, and I liked what he brought to us, I was concerned for Tim when he had shoulder surgery in September to repair a torn anterior capsule but although no guarantee he will pitch for us in Flushing at least he got the invite to spring training so that’s a start at least hopefully he will be back with us although maybe not right at the start of the season. Tim is coming into NY this week and will visit with team doctors to get a better look at he is doing post-surgery.
Meantime we do have a couple of kids to fill in the pen with Josh Edgin and Robert Carson and we also have signed Scott Rice to a minor league deal he is also going to spring training. I think the Mets would prefer the Mets sign a veteran left-handed reliever so’s not to depend so much on Edgin or Carson next season.

As to Dillon Gee who also went down with arm surgery ne is expected to be 100% by the time Spring Camp opens with no limitations. Dillon says his arm feels great and that he will begin his offseason throwing program this week. You may recall Dillon had his season end after they discovered a blood clot in his pitching arm. If you look at Dillon’s numbers they don’t reflect the terrific pitcher he is, he finished the season with a 6-7 record and an ERA of just over 4, but Gee was much better than that. His problems come from a high walk rate and he does get a little wild at times. But in 2012 he had made big strides in both those areas

Justin Turner, who had been struggling a little in winter ball in the Dominican has been playing better and the other day he started playing third where he has always been very comfortable. Justin’s position has gotten a bit stronger now that Ronny Cedeno is a free agent; the Mets need backup middle infield depth which Justin can give us. As a big fan of JTs I hope to see him have a great year next season.

 

[Sausy]

Always look forward to your updates, sonny...good to hear about Tim Byrdak but since had that same kind of siurgery Johann and Chris Young had to expect him before the All Star break is unrealistic. But it would them depth and a quality left hander in the pen should they be in contention in August and September and a fresh quality arm in the bullpen is something every contending club needs as the season wears on. Great to hear Dillon Gee is feeling good and looking on track for spring training after that scary bout with a blood clot in his pitching arm. He was showing such good signs of progress, hopefully he can come back without missing a beat and improving even more his command , which was his biggest flaw beforehand.

JT always gives maximum effort, hopefully he can still be an intregal part of the club. Increasingly his flexibility on the field can only help and we know JT is a team first guy.

Reading about David Wright it looks like negotiations, while there is still great optimism on both sides a deal can be struck it ain't there yet. Might be deferred money that they're still haggling over, but it would be sucha waste if now that Mets come to seven years things break down over whether DWright makes or doesn't make more in non deferred money than Johann Santana. Remember even that seven year deal for Johann is something ideally the Mets don't do if they had the horses ready on the farm ...seven years is an awful lot to commit especially when David will be almost 38 at the end of the proposed contract. The Mets really seem this time to be going to great lengths to keep David as a lifetime Met, and sure it would be nice if the Mets bent a little more in the direction David and his agent want to going past $137 mil over seven years. However what other club would offer anything close to that on a player who hit .306, 21 homers, 93 RBI which while very good don't translate at his position and at his age to that kind of money from anyone else. Mets need him and there aren't any David Wrights in their system in the near future but other clubs seeing how risky super long term contracts are for anyone I doubt will be banging David's doors for anywhere near that kind of money. Simply, does a team want to average 20 million over seven years for a player whose once lightning quick bat has slowed some and has the kind of thick body that while in great shape is also prone to injury over time? Don't think so....hoping common sense will prevail for both sides and the Mets and David Wright will be together for the rest of his oplaying career and beyond. Let's hope that by the end of the winter meetings, we get good news on the DWright front.

For RA Dickey..love him but now that the Mets don't seem to want to deal Jonathon Niese who else can get them a better return especially if he can get a window to negotiate an extension? i've read stuff that indicates teams think he is the real deal and while it's uncertain just how good he will remain he has the stuff and mentality and character to win for three or four more years,. Especially as he has mastered the art of not only throwing the knuckleball but one that is harder and unlike other knuckleballers in history...if we can get one major prospect ready to play with the Mets next season and a very good second prospect....the Mets have to continue thinking of the future and not just the near term. Love RA but even he realizes that the Mets are in need of position players outside of starting pitching.... he's the best guy available next to Jon Niese to help get some real help.

 

[sonny10305]

Yesterday I told you guys abut Byrdak and Gee I also wanted to tell you that The Mets plan to non-tender Mike Pelfrey and Manny Acosta . Big Pelf missed all but three starts of the 2012 season because of Tommy John surgery. Acosta had a lousy year with an ERA of 6.46 ERA but still could get a major-league contract in free agency this offseason.Andres Torres, also non tendered; I don’t want him back he has disappointed since that Pagan trade shudda kept Angel. So unless something unexpected happens, the Mets will decline to offer any of em and they'll become free agents. But The Mets remain open to re-signing Pelfrey but he would have to take less than the $5.875M he earned in 2012 plus there is that pesky BorASS Mikes agent who wants Pelf to be a starter and the Mets' rotation seems set. With R.A. Dickey, Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jonathon Niese and Dillon Gee,

The baseball winter meetings are just about here, they’ll be held December 3-6 in Nashville, Tennessee. In RA Dickey’s home town, RA said he would likely sit in on negotiations next week at meetings.
Don’t expect the Mets to make much noise they will not be wheeling and dealing trade-wise, The Mets would like to add two outfielders, both righty hitters, since Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mike Baxter and Jordany Valdespin are all lefty hitters, still a chance to see Scott Hairston who hopefully has not gotten too expensive. Scott has been looking around; He wants to see what there is for him out there.
What the Mets are looking for is one of the two outfield signees to be a starter, and the other at least an option to platoon with Nieuwenhuis or Baxter. I believe the outfield is definitely the priority and the bulk of their winter additions to come via free agency, not deals. I would be surprised if no notable trade happens at all.

As to DWright all we know for sure is that in addition to the $16 million that Wright is due in 2013, the word is the Mets have offered a seven-year contract worth somewhere in the 120-130 million. But David has been irritated by that report saying that the information that came out was inaccurate. We also know that David has said from the start that he wants to finish his career as a Met but he also said he expects the Mets to turn things around and become a winning team again. You also have to think that maybe David could get as much as 8 years, and $160M as free agent next winter.
In other DWright news he wants to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March, he is hoping to be invited. Wright played for Team USA in the WBC in 2009.

My ole pal Met Nick Evans, who I hope you guys still remember, has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the deal includes an invitation to major league camp as a first baseman and third baseman. You will remember Nick, left the Mets to sign with Pittsburgh last year, but the kid played in just 21 minor league games before he broke his hand in a slide and was done for the year but he is expected to be fully healed in time for spring training. He is excited about this new opportunity and I want nothing but good stuff for him ne has had more than his share of bad luck it’s time for him to have some success so best of luck to Nick. He will report to big league camp at Camelback Ranch which just so happens to be in Glendale, Arizona. Where Nick went to high school.

I was excited to get The Brooklyn Cyclones 2013 schedule and game times. We will open on Tuesday, June 18th with a 7:00 PM against the Staten Island Yankees.

I dono about you guys but I can hardly wait for baseball again, I know it’s a ways away but still…..

 

[Sausy]

Glad to hear about Nick, sonny. Just hopes he gets a real opportunity to maximize his playing time somewhere. Maybe he finaly gets that chance with his hometown Dodgers. Yep, definitely can't wait for baseball either...spring training can't come soon enough!

Mets really need to swing a trade for some major league ready prospects and that's why I think RA Dickey is the way to get them. If what I read is real he could well help us land a couple of very good young position players which the organization needs badly, at least one major league ready. he'd have to of course have a window to have him and his agent make a deal but if an extension can be worked out with a team he really likes, Mets should do it in a heartbeat.

I don't think DWRight is going to even sniff eight years, 160 mil offers from anyone, just not that elite a player now in his career. A damn good one still, with Gold Glove type ability at third...but those kind of deals teams tend to regret, especially for second level star players where David is now.The Mets will do seven years in all likelihood, but that's because David means so much to the Mets organization....he isn't a carry on his back dominant hitter, though and that kind of money other teams would want a dominant offensive force...maybe he can do it two or three years in his contract but Iwhile the average of at least .290-.310 is very possible I don't see 35 homers, 120 RBI type seasons..more like 25, 105. I do think he wants the Mets to show a concrete willingness to get better around him and he would only sign if the Mets give him that commitment. Money wise, if he and his agent think a megadeal like what they envision is possible from other clubs, it's advisable to note that the San Francisco Giants won without a lavishly expensive spending policy. You got a few teams flush with money but that alone doesn't buy you championships. David should take the Mets offer if he's looking for the best monetary one... and truthfully with all the shit from thae Mets organization, David would deserve it for staying. But Fred Wilpon was correct about one thing...David if you go by what he is now rather than his four great years 2005-2008 is a very good player, not a superstar cornertone of a franchise anymore.

 

[sonny10305]

I will be headin down to Jacksonville for a few days, Saucy has promised to keep the thread alive,
who knows he may even break some DWright news

Don’t forget Kevin Burkhardt’s Mets Hot Stove returns today at 4:30 on SNY and repeats all week

See you guys Monday

 

[Sausy]

I will be headin down to Jacksonville for a few days, Saucy has promised to keep the thread alive,
who knows he may even break some DWright news

Don’t forget Kevin Burkhardt’s Mets Hot Stove returns today at 4:30 on SNY and repeats all week

See you guys Monday

Have fun in Florida, sonny! Yep, I sure will... Hopefully it will be GOOD DWright /Dickey news!

 

[Ninja108]

The deal the Mets made to David Wright? He took it,so for the next seven years,who will be playing third base will be a moot point. Congrats to one of the nice guys in baseball.

 

[Sausy]

The deal the Mets made to David Wright? He took it,so for the next seven years,who will be playing third base will be a moot point. Congrats to one of the nice guys in baseball.

Yay,thanks Ninja...beat us to it!!!! Well apparently the snags about deferred payment were very quickly fixable after all and one huge less worry for the Mets organizatieon going into Nashville next week with the Winter Meetings. Congratulations David and the Mets organization for getting this done... David has always represented the Mets with class and professionalism and this deal makes it very likely he will play his entire career for the Mets. Let's hope the Mets step up sooner rather than later and surround him with the kind of talent that can lead to getting to the World Series.

 

[syam24]

Glad to see the DWright issue is now behind us. I guess RA Dickey will be the next thing, which will probably get done soon, now that David is in the fold. I see where Pelfrey was non tendered as Sonny said he would be. I've read where the Mets still have interest in him, but at a lower price, of course, and possibly as a bullpen part. Getting excited for the winter meetings, though as Sonny has suggested, the Mets will probably be low key players. Without hockey, my eyes will be on the baseball meetings.

 

[Sausy]

If the Mets get creative, they may be able to get some very nice complimentary players and build depth. Don't forget, San Francisco won the World Series for the second time in two years here in 2012. You don't have to blow eight years and $200 MIL on Zack Greike or Josh Hamilton(both exagerrations I think, but ya never know these days,lol!)as the Dodgers or Angels and other high falutin' spending clubs to win it all.

 

[Sausy]

Night before winter meetings officially start in Nashville... will Mets just try to do it on the cheap for this year after reeling in David Wright,whose upcoming 30th birthday at least got him a very generous early present from the Mets...the new eight year deal, to be announced sometime this week officially. Bet David got a lot of ribbing at Murph's wedding (not sure but thought I saw he was going to be one of the teammates of Murph attending)!

Wondering if RA Dickey will be able to sign his present in his hometown of Nashville this week?Or will the Mets really go after the position ready prospects like Kansas City, for instance, has that they need while waiting for their young pitching prospects to develop? Should be a VERY interesting week for the Mets even if they don't do any dramatic stuff .

 

[Sausy]

A little birdie told me that Kevin Burkhart will be broadcasting live from the Winter Meetings in Nashville tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7pm and Thursday night to conclude all the meeting stuff at 10pm. RA Dickey is also expected to appear live in studio on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central tomorrow evening.

 

[syam24]

Rumors I've read say the Mets have received offers for RA Dickey, and the Mets may trade him, but none of the offers have been substantial enough for the Mets to take action. Again, it's just rumors, so let's see what, if anything developes this week.

 

[sonny10305]

So not much happening yet here in Nashville as far as the Mets are concerned but it’s only been one day and that was expected.
With the DWright issue settled focus now has to turn to RA Dickey and get that deal done. As of this morning there are 8 teams showing interest in RA but some added the Mets are asking too much for a 38 year old Knuckleballer In fact when Sandy talked to the Red Sox for their two best prospects in exchange for Dickey the Sox thanks but no thanks. We all believe that deep down in his heart Alderson doesn't want to trade Dickey, and is fully aware that us Mets fans don't want Dickey to be traded, sorta makes you think that Sandy’s asking for the moon here is a win-win proposition. If he finds no takers, he'll still have a great pitcher at a pretty decent price and he won’t have to worry about us fans going all postal on his ass. Thing is if the Mets don't trade Dickey this week or later in the offseason, they can still sign him to a long-term deal or hold on to him and see if a better trade opportunity comes along mid-season. What the Mets cannot do is give Dickey up for the cheap if they are going to trade him it damm well better be for someone who will be difference-maker. Look, The Mets should not trade Dickey for someone who will primarily help just for 2013, I mean if that were the case we can just keep Dickey Instead, the Mets need someone who will seriously contribute in 2014. Reminder, as Saucy wrote yesterday and yes I am the little birdie who told him RA will be on the Daily Show tonight with Jon Stewart who is a big Mets fan. RA left this morning for NY for a late afternoon taping.

Getting back to Wright he had as expected his physical yesterday but the final declaration he has passed the physical is not expected to be made until Today (Tuesday) so that press conference originally scheduled for today prolly won’t happen till tomorrow, with The club was just awaiting the blood results, don’t expect any problem there just the way they want to handle it. I am sure Burkhardt will have more on that tonight on Mets Hot Stove but expect the big announcement with Anderson and Wilpon tomorrow instead of today In fact David headed back home to Virginia last night form NY to wait out the results and tomorrow he will be flown here to Nashville on Wilpon's private jet.

As I have sayin I am not expecting all that much out of these meetings other than a righty outfielder possibly a catcher and of course bull pen improvement. As to the outfield I am a strong supporter of the ideas of resigning Scott Hairiston and just this morning Scott said he felt a return to the Mets was probable, and today there are reports that the Mets are also optimistic about a reunion. I warmed up to him quite a bit last year after his 20 homerun season, one of the things that did nor as yet pan out for Scott was his desire to get a two-year deal with a good chance of a regular starting role, but so far they ain’t breakin down the door to give that to him so for now at least ya have to think Hairston's best chance at a starting role may actually be with a return to the Mets. It makes sense for us cause we need his depth, and for sure we could use some additional strength from the right side of the plate. So come on guys bring him back for at least a one-year deal it would in my opinion be an excellent move for all parties involved. Of course my little head would love to see us acquire Wil Myers from the Royals I love that kid if you are not family with him do a Google search and learn more about this guy, will be one special player lemme tell ya and I would love for the Royals to part with him but I also know there are no fools and would want more than we would be willing to give up. But hey, ya never know we can dream can’t we? Just too wet your appetite about him Meyers hit a combined .314 with 37 homers and 109 RBIs in 522 at-bats last season between AA and AAA, he can hit and that knee injury is well behind him, he has shown to be able to drive the ball to all fields with a sweet natural swing, and man does he know how to manipulate the bat, oh by the way in case you’re wondering, yup, he can hit all kinds of pitching.

As to the caching situation Last night someone floated the idea of bring Kelly Shoppach back I said “yeah, right” but turns out someone in Mets la la land actually thinks that might be a good idea. Are you kiddin me????? NO NO NO been there done that no freakin way. And while we are on that subject it is unlikely we will see Rod Barajas or Henry Blanco back in a Mets uniform either. In fact I don't look for a catcher who has passed through the Mets to return to the organization as the righy-hitting complement to Josh Thole. Josh has been workin on his game since the season ended and is currently back at work improving himself I have total confidence that Josh will return next year better than ever and may surprise some but not me. Catching is not exactly in abundant supply now about only remaining righty-hitting free agents include Miguel Olivo, Chris Snyder and Matt Treanor. Of course The Mets also could acquire a backup catcher thru trade, but if ya think about it would not be easy because the club may be asked to overpay for another team's backup, cause ya know maybe some teams GMs kinda feel a little desperation on the Mets part for catching.

In the let’s get rid if this guy department Jordany Valdespin had a two week absence from playing for his winter-ball club in the Dominican Republic because of a team-imposed suspension for insubordination, he was allowed back this weekend as a pinch hitter after not playing since Nov. 14. I can’t go into details of what happened but The “discipline issue” was very much like the last one, he is simply a total immature jackass same ole crap he has been dishing up since we first saw him in Brooklyn, I recall watching him strut around the Cyclones clubhouse all full of himself making few friends and acting like a jerk I went out of my way to avoid contact with him spoke only when I had to and kept it short, I have no use for a fool like him. It is time to cut him loose let him give some other teams agida he is unprofessional self-centered and difficult to work with. LET HIM GO! Shame is the kid can play pretty good baseball and could have a great career so it’s too bad about all the demons that surround him with all that baggage. Dono who would take him cause his behavioral track record is getting around fast. But wait there is hope I now for a fact that Omar Minaya likes him a lot (yeah he would) so maybe San Diego will put up with him.

 

[sonny10305]

Hey guys let me first apologize for my Jordany Valdespin rant yesterday, thing is I just had to get that out of my system. Hey! I’m Italian what can I say.

I must say I was disappointed in the way Alderson answered a question from Burkhardt regarding the catching situation. Sandy should have shown more enthusiasm for Josh Thole but he did not even mention Josh by name which was disturbing to me. But then Alderson is always cagy with his answers to questions, sorta likes to generalize rather than give his real thoughts on the subject.
Makes me figure Sandy must be a Republican.

Dwight is here! Now that he has passed his physical the official announcement on his deal will be broadcast live today at noon on SNY. David arrived in Nashville along with Jeff Wilpon and other Mets mucky muck, they all went to dinner with David and the Levinson boys. It was like the second coming here in Music City ….seriously. Dave will be speaking with Burhkardt tonight on Hot Stove at 7 on SNY

Had to love Jon Stewart’s remark to RA Dickey last night on the “Daily Show” telling Dickey Congratulations on The CY Young Award a tremendous story. I guess my question is: How will the New York Mets screw this up?

Gonna get my run in and grab some breakfast I will jump in later if anything good breaks at the meetings

 

[Sausy]

So glad that DWright signed, proud to have him a Met for life as sonny's avatar refers to. Loved the story of David and Jeff Wilpon hashing out the future at a burger joint....and I'm sure with what Alderson would later telll him he just wanted to be convinced the Mets had a positive contending vision for the future. David was going to give the team he's loved since he was a kid growing up in the Norfolk, Virginia and was drafted, developed and has been a star for EVERY opportunity to convince him they not only wanted him but also they were serious about a vision for the future that would get them back in serious contention.

Agree with sonny on Thole, but Josh absolutely HAS to regain the solid contact ability that got him to the majors. He has made great stides defensively, and the Mets know that... but his regression offfensively on a club with so many offensive question marks has to be addressed and remedied. Will he ever be more than a solid platoon catcher? Don't know but a lot of it is up to his own development and the work he does this winter and in spring training to get his sweet stroke back. .230-.240 with virtually no power ain't gonna cut it.

Well they still have RA Dickey and may well keep him, as trade talk has been extensive but the Mets haven't heard anything that meets their parameters of getting back a "difference maker". It seems everyone would give back a fair prosdpect or two but that certainly isn't enough for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner by a longshot. Any talk of giving up RA Dickey or even a Jon Niese without getting back people ready to make strong contributions next year as rightfully Sandy Alderson is emphasizing can go nowhere while teams are not giving up top MLB ready prospects ....don't forget in RA Dickey's case RA and the Mets seem to be very open to the idea of extending RA to get the trade done so you get RA for three years , not just one season. Teams forget prospects are still just that, PROSPECTIVE stars.... getting a very good starting pitcher who gives you innings, plus has a personal story that just so compelling on his route to stardom, well it just doesn't happen for nothing. Sonny seems to be right on track here that the Mets aren't going to really make any other moves here as the meetings end but wll be content to keep everything in the pipeline and see what develops with other players and other clubs. There's no rush to make a trade, and if the Mets and RA can come to a mutually acceptable pact the Mets certainly will be happy to retain RA.

 

[syam24]

That had to be the lamest excuse for baseball winter meetings I've ever seen. Almost nothing happened. I'm sure there will be signings and some trades in the days to come, but please, not even much bluster or rumors of anything major. It looks like Michael Young will going to the Phillies, to be announced later today.

 

[Sausy]

Zack Greinke finally picked a team, and it's the LA Dodgers... joining last year's Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. But or six years, about 145 mil...well, Zack is very good but does he truly deserve ace money? He's had one great year, several good -very good years but isn't consistently unhittable or dominant and also has had fragile emotional stability questions...very easily rattled, can he handle the glare of LA? Probably a LOT better than New York, Boston, or Chicago for sure... wish him and the Dodgers the best except against the Mets

Michael Young will help the Phillies but at 37 he is no long term answer... great character guy and should be a consistent contriburtor offensively despite having his worst year offensively in a long time it was still quite respectable...Young averages around .300 with 17 homers, 95 RBI over the last decade and shouldn't be far off that mark. Maybe with the Greinke domino fallling it will start a chain reaction with the other remaining free agents like probably Josh Hamilton re-upping with the Texas Rangers(now that the Ranger's biggest off season target Greinke has gone over to the LA Dodgers) and clarifying the mark for RA Dickey to stay or be traded from the Mets.

No word from sonny since Wednesday? C'mon, sonny....gotta hear your perspectives from Nashville!