Mets – The Sommer Frieze (2024)

Posted on August 6, 2010 | Leave a comment

Saw some of the Phils game last night and the more I watch them, the more impressed I get about Carlos Ruiz.

Granted the Phils got a gift last night on a bad call by the third base ump on a line drive (fair, called foul) that would have won the game for the Marlins in the bottom of the 9th.

But Ruiz wouldn’t let the Phils die. Without Victorino, Utley and now Howard, this would be a perfect time for the 2-time defending NL champs to throw in the towel. Ruiz, though not a star, .298-5-26, does have an OPS+ of 123 and seems to be a gutsy player that refuses to let his team lose no matter what the injury status is.

The Mets meanwhile, apparently are saying that (through Fred Wilpon) Minaya is back and that Jeff Wilpon is doing a good job. They are in denial. TheMets are as boring as those CBS-era Yankees clubs were and are at the same level of play as those teams were: .500. If you go on baseballreference.com, some Yanks’ players are “sponsored” by some idiot who goes by metsruleyankeesstink. I guess this guy hasn’t watched his own boring team in quite some time. Not only that, I guess baseballreference.com is desperate for advertising money. The Mets ERA+ is 105, good, but and OPS+ of 89 means one boring offense. Citi Field doesn’t help, but how much fun can it be to watch a punchless offense in a big ballpark and hope to squeak out a 3-2 win? Boring.

Maybe a transition to Whitey-ball…speed and defense, like the mid-80s Cardinals, esp. in that ballpark, would be the key to future success for the Mets.

Boston lost Youkilis for the season. Tonight the Yanks, with a four-game weekend series against the Red Sox, geta chance to bury them a bit. Boston must take three of four.

The Yanks open the series by sending JavyVazquez to the mound. Granted Javy is just 9-7, 4.61, but he started 1-4,8.10. 7-3, 3.05 since.

Question: Who do you trust more right now…Javy? OrA.J.?

Terry Francona has donea good job keeping Boston in the race. They have been devastated by injuries.

Yanks’ leaders:

WAR (Wins above Replacement): Cano #1
BA: Cano 6th; OBP: Gardner 7th, Cano 10th;
SA: Cano 7th, Swisher 10th; OPS Cano 7th, Swisher 9th;
Runs scored: Teix 1, jeter 2, Cano6; Hits: Cano 4, Jeter (despite down year, 7th)
TB: Cano 3rd, Swish (therehe is again) 9th; 2b: Cano 9th;
3B; Granderson 6th, Gardner 10th; IBB: Cano 2nd
HR: Teix 4th, Swisher 8th, Cano 10th SF: Alex 1st.
RBI: Alex 2nd; Teix 6th; BB: Teix 1st; SB: Gardner 5th. OPS+ Cano5th, Swish 8th;
Miguel Cabrera in on top in a lot of categories.

ERA: Andy 5th;W: Hughes and CC tied for 2nd.
W-L %: Andy 1st. IP: CC 2nd. WP: AJ tied for 2nd. HBP: AJ #1.Saves? Mo 7th;

Minors:
Brandon Laird (1b/3b)had 23 HR and 90 RBI for AA Trenton before being called up to AAA SWB where he has gone 8 for 12, 2 HR since the callup. .302-25-94for the season. He is the brother of Gerald Laird. More SWB:

Eduardo Nunez SS: .293-3-44, 21 SB; C Jesus Montero .270-11-47.
PIvan Nova 10-3, 3.02; P Zach McAllister 7-8, 4.76.

P Jon Albaladejo 2-1, 36 S, 0.87.
P Dave Phelps (AA/AAA) 7-2, 2.55

Trenton AA:
2B Corban Joseph, just called up to AA (A+/AA .301-6-57);
C Austin Romine .269-7-51; P Lance Pendleton 10-4, 3.43;
P Hector Noesi (A+/AA) 11-6, 3.35; Andrew Brackman (A+/AA) 7-10, 4.81;
P Adam Warren (A+/AA) 10-6, 2.37.

High A: Pat Venditte, the switch-pitcher, 2-0, 1.71, 5 saves. P Dellin Betances 6-1, 1.26
P Shaeffer Hall (combined Low and High A) 11-3, 2.09;

Low A: last year’s 1st round pick, Slade Heathcott: .271-1-17;
2B Jimmy Paredes .283-5-50, 39 SB.

Gulf Coast rookie League: GarySanchez 34 for 90. .378-4-27.

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Posted in Managers and Coaches, Mike's Musings, Minor Leagues, Players, Regular Season

Tagged Burnett, Francona, Laird, Leaderboard, Mets, Minor league prospects, Ruiz, Vazquez, Youkilis

Posted on February 7, 2010 | Leave a comment

Not a good week for the Post proofreaders (seriously, where can I send in my resume?). In an article about Willie Mays and a new book on Mays, the author writes

In 1954, his first MVP year, Mays had 36 home runs by the end of July, when Durocher asked him to trade the long ball for average. Durocher rationalized that Monte Irvin and Bobby Thomson, following in the order, could drive in more runs and that Mays could win the batting title (which he did at .345, the highest of his career). Durocher was trying to protect Mays from the hysteria, stress and turmoil that would have come with a go at Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record.

Once again, a little research on baseball-reference.com could have avoided a mistake. Mays won his only batting title with the .345 of 1954, but is was not his career high. In 1958, Mays hit .347, losing the batting title to Richie Ashburn of the Phillies, who hit .350.

That’s the third major error in three days for the Post. Where are the proofreaders?

Dana Eveland traded from Oakland to Toronto. Brian Giles tries to continue his MLB career with the Dodgers.

Yankees fans, remember (if you want to) Josh Phelps or Bronson Sardinha? Both signed minor league deals with the Rockies.

Got to love this blurb from MLBTR:

Joel Sherman of The New York Post spoke to one agent about the Mets, who said “How can you have that payroll and still not have a starting catcher or first baseman, a second baseman you hate and no legitimate starters after Johan?”

Another interesting bit from MLBTR:

Rob Biertempfel of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says that Pirates’ GM Neal Huntington admitted that there are “a lot of rumblings” that prospect Jose Tabata might actually be in his mid-20’s. Tabata’s listed age is 21, and ESPN’s Keith Law ranked him as the 57th best prospect in baseball last month.

Want to know about SB Odds? I looked them up. Here are the previous SB’s, the odds and the finals.

I GB by 14; GB 35,KC10.
II GB by 13 1/2;GB 33, Oakland 14
III Balt. Colts by 19;NY Jets 16,Baltimore 7
IVMinnesota by 13; KC 23, Minnesota 7
VBalt. Colts by 2 1/2; Colts 16, Cowboys 13
VICowboys by 6; Dallas 24, Miami 3
VII Redskins by 1; Miami 14, Washington 7 (Yes, the undefeated Dolphins were the underdog!)
VIII Dolphins by 6 1/2; Miami 24, Minnesota 7
IX Steelers by 3; Pittsburgh 16, Minnesota 6
X Steelers by 7; Pittsburgh 21, Dallas 17

XI Raiders by 4; Oakland 32,Minnesota 14
XII Cowboys by 6; Dallas 27, Denver 10
XIII Steelers by 3 1/2; Pittsburgh 35, Dallas 31
XIV Steelers by 10 1/2; Pittsburgh 31, LA Rams 19
XV Eagles by 3; Oakland 27, Philadelphia 10
XVI 49ers by 1; SF 26, Cincinnati 21
XVII Dolphins by 3; Washington 27, Miami 17
XVIII Redskins by 3; LARaiders 38, Washington 9
XIX 49ers by 3 1/2; SF 38, Miami 16
XX Bears by 10; Chicago 46, New England 10

XXI Giants by 9 1/2; NY Giants 39, Denver 20
XXII Broncos by 3; Washington 42, Denver 10
XXIII 49ers by 7; SF 20, Cincinnati 16
XXIV 49ers by 12; SF 55, Denver 10
XXV Bills by 7; NY Giants 20, Buffalo 19
XXVI Redskins by 7; Washington 37, Buffalo 24
XXVII Cowboys by 6 1/2; Dallas 52, Buffalo 17
XXVIII Cowboys by 10 1/2; Dallas 30, Buffalo 13
XXIX 49ers by 181/2; SF 49, SD 26
XXX Cowboys by 13 1/2; Dallas 27, Pittsburgh 17

XXXI Packers by 14; GB 35, New England 21
XXXII Packers by 11 1/2; Denver 31, GB 24
XXXIII Broncos by 4 1/2; Denver 31, Atlanta 19
XXXIV Rams by 7; St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee 16
XXXV Ravens by 3; Baltimore Ravens 34, NY Giants 7
XXXVI Rams by 14; New England 20,St. Louis Rams 17
XXXVII Raiders by 4; Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21
XXXVIII Patriots by 7; New England 32, Carolina 29
XXXIX Patriots by 7; New England 24, Philadelphia 21
XL Steelers by 4; Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 10

XLI Colts by 7; Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago 17
XLII Patriots by 13 1/2; NY Giants 17, New England 14
XLIII Steelers by 7; Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 23

XLIVhas Colts by5. We will see what happens.

Interesting, isn’t it, that the last three double-digit favorites, (Pats in 42, Rams in 36 and Packers in 32) all lost?

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Posted in Ex-Players, Media, Mike's Musings, Minor Leagues, Offseason Moves, Players, Sports Betting

Tagged Eveland, Giles, Mays, Mets, NFL, Phelps, Sardinha, Sherman, Tabata

Posted on December 23, 2009 | 5 comments

Interesting inthat A-Jax and the Melkman are gone but nothing on LF. (Remember that Hairston and Hinske are free agents and we don’t know where they may be headed). So as of now you have Granderson,Gardner and Swisher, and despiteeverything, Cashman insiststhat Granderson is the CF.

So who plays LF? Damon has basically said that he knows that he doesn’t fit the Yanks’ payroll. To which I would like to add this to all the Holliday dreamers (nice pun this time of year, butunintended): If JD doesn’t fit the Yanks’ payroll, what makes you think Bay or Holliday will? Wouldn’t it just be easier to bring JD back? After all, he’s a proven entity in NY, unlike the others. Probably cheaper, too. But if he doesn’t fit, then Bayor Holliday won’t either.

As Mike Puma writes in the Post, Damon says that his price is too high for them right now. he doesn’t think he is their solution.

Cashman calls LF “an evolving situation.” I had my pick of Byrd. Who knows about DeRosa at $6M. It appears that JD won’t lower his demands to that range. Cashmanstates that he won’t be adding a major player to theOF.

WhatCashman said I do agree with. It’s easier to find someone for LF than find a pitcher for the #4 spot—especiallyone who won 15 games last year, consistently gives 200 IP and 200K and was 4th in CYA voting.

No offense to MLBTR, but on 11/11 I pulled off their list of 2010 Top 50 FreeAgents and their picks on where people would wind up. They have been consistently wrong. About the only ones they had correct were Pettitte back to the Yanks and Scutaro to Boston. That’s about it.

So who are the OFremaining on the list? Holliday, Bay, Damon(and if youbelieve Cashman, scratch all of them), Byrd, Vlad (if you think he can play the OF anymore; as with Matsui, I think not); Russell Branyan (yeah, I know, but I’m just listing him here because he hasplayed LF in 150 games; no, I am not interested; great lefty power, .234 BA; 113 OPS+; tons of K’s; 162 game average .234-30-73 with 174 Ks. Last year for Seattle “all or nothing”Branyan hit .251-31-76 with 149 Ks, OPS+ 128). JermaineDye is also out there (mostly RF and I don’t think he would be good at switching toLF in Yankee Stadium; also 36 and if the Yanks don’t wantto pay for a 36 year old JD, then Dye is off the radar, too).

…and one more name. I wonder if he fits the Yanks plans. I obviously don’t have the medical records and don’t know how that throwing arm is recovering…

but could the 2010 LF betheX-man? Xavier Nady? Nady is a free agent who has no leverage, missing most of the 2009 season (8 for 28, 4 doubles, 2 RBI). Nady is a .280 career hitter. 162 game average .280-21-78. I’d like himto walk a bit more, as his bb/k ratio is 34/107. The career OPS+ is 108.

This offseason, we look at all kinds of various lineups with possible pickups/trades. Let’s say (and I’ll use the Johnson2nd scenariorather than the Johnson 5th, which is what I’d prefer).

Jeter SS
Johnson DH (with the OBP)
Teixeira 1b
Alex 3b
Granderson CF
Nady LF
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF

I put it that way for R/L/S/R/L/R/S/L/S. … andbatting 9th is a guy whohad 29 HR and 82 RBI last year. Let me say it again… insane.

I am wondering if Nady may be the rabbit up Cashman’s sleeve. He made $6.55 M in 2009 but$3.35M in 2008 and $2.15M in 2007. Unlike JD, who is coming off a great year and great postseason, Nady has no leverage, coming offa wasted year.

You wonder about his health. Maybe Cashmansees the medical records. Maybe the X-man is the answer at $2M with incentives?

Today I heard talk about that other team in NY. Are they still alive?Good point on Colin Cowherd’s show. Bay turned down Boston, and apparently the only other offer is from the Mets? Shows how badly he wants the Mets, right? The same goes with Benjie Molina, whom the Mets also offered a contract to. Neither exactly rushed to sign it. Not only that, Jason Marquis, a NYlad, didn’t sign with the Mets but went to…the Nationals.

Nice piece by Joel Sherman today. Apparently the Yanks were aware that Holliday would require too much (and Toronto would prefer keeping him out of the division), the Phils wouldn’t like dealing Lee to the team that just beat them in the Series, and despite looking at Harang, Zambrano and a free-agent crop including Piniero, Washburn (looking at him yet again)and Garland, they weren’t bowled over by any of them.

Also interesting in Sherman’s take that Vazquez may have better stuff than Lackey but the fortitude question comes up.

I see Sherman (as I read his column now)raised the point I discussed yesterday:about Vazquez being a 4, and not the projected ace of 2004. Sherman also points out what I pointed out above: Nady on a low-base, high incentive contract could be an option. Lastly he points out something elseI mentionedyesterday: either Hughes or Joba gets #5 with the “loser” setting up Mo. Some loss. Other teams would like “losers” like that, right? So it may appear that those who wanted Joba in the bullpen all along (and then take over for Mo) may be getting their wish.

Sad news today for one like mewho was a child in the 1960’s (that is age-wise; child IN the 60s not OF the 60’s!): Connie Hines, who played Mrs. Wilbur Post on Mr. Ed, died.

I know he is doing well with the Vikings but I can’t take the Brett Favre drama anymore. The wanting to go back with the Pack after announcing his “retirement.” The going to the Jets.More wishy-washiness. Now the incident(s) with Childress. It seems like Favre thinks he is bigger than theNFL sometimes. I respect his accomplishments… as for the man himself, not so much.

Lastly, let’s hope that Vazquez has a bit of “Ralph Terry” in him. Vazquez, of course, gave up the grand slam to JD in Game 7 of the ALCS that ensured Boston’s 2004 comeback. Let’s hope for redemption, ala Terry. After all, it was Terry who gave up Mazeroski’s WS-winning HR in 1960, only to win two games in the 1962 WS, becoming the MVP of that Series. A 1-0 shutout in Game 7. Granted he got a little lucky when McCovey’s liner went straight to Richardson, but afterMaz, Ralph could use the luck.

For those bashingthe trade because of what happened in 2004, they best remember their Yankee history and hope the redemption Terry received in1962 is experienced by Vazquez.

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Posted in Ex-Players, Media, Mike's Musings, Offseason Moves, Players, Postseason, The Front Office

Tagged Austin Jackson, Bay, Bengie Molina, Byrd, Cashman, Damon, DeRosa, Favre, Hairston, Hinske, Holliday, Marquis, Melky Cabrera, Mets, MLBTR, Nady, NFL, Swisher, Terry, Vazquez

Posted on September 20, 2009 | Leave a comment

Mark Teixiera HR’d twice and drove in 5 runs, and Hideki Matsui set a Yankee record for most HR in aseason by a DH as the Yanks bombed Seattle, 10-1.

There was a scary moment as CC took a liner to the upper chest but he’s OK. 7 innings of 1 run (unearned) ball, 4 hits, 2 walks and 8 Kimproved CC’s record to 18-7, 3.31. The 18 wins are tied for the most in the majors. Bruney and Albaladejo mopped up.

Damon continued to come out of his slump with 3 hits. Besides his two HR, Teix had asingle and triple. Robbie Cano had 4 hits.

Matsui’s 26th surpassed 1984 Don Baylor. Baylor had 27 HR in 1984 for the Yanks, 25 at DH.

Joba today, then to Anaheim. I’ll be at work, so probably no postings.

Don’t write Yankees-Tigers in stone yet. The Twins lurk just two games back of the Tigers.

The Yanks magic # for getting into the playoffs is now 2. It is 9 forthe AL East and for the best record in the ALafter getting win #95 lastnight.

In case you missed it, Ian Kennedy is now up with the Yanks. He may see some work beforegoing to the Winter Leagues. He missed most of the year with an aneurysm.

The Mets are closing in on 90 losses.

College Football: Iwasn’t that impressed with my PSU yesterday and still have concerns going into nextSaturday night’s game vs. Iowa. 31-7, 28-7 and 31-6 wins over Akron, Syracuse and Temple don’t show me anything. I still don’t think PSU should be ranked in the top 5. One major shocker yesterday was #3 USC losing to Washington 16-13. ND meanwhile, escaped 33-30. A poor decision by the MSU QB there at the end. #7 BYU also joined the upset list, losing to FLA. St. 54-28. #18 Utah also got picked off., 31-24 by Oregon.

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Posted in Awards, Ex-Players, In-Season Moves, Mike's Musings, Players, Regular Season, Winter Leagues

Tagged Albaladejo, Baylor, Bruney, Cano, College Football, Damon, Hideki Matsui, Ian Kennedy, Mets, Sabathia, Teixeira

Posted on March 24, 2009 | 163 comments

From Pete Abraham, who rightly surmises that this very well could be the opening day lineup.

Opening Day is less than two weeks away.

Derek’s back from the WBC.

YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Nady RF
Ransom 3B
Gardner CF

Pitching tonight: A.J. Burnett followed by Mariano Rivera, Damaso Marte, Edwar Ramirez and Dave Robertson.

Were it me, I’d flip-flop Cano and Nady, to go R-L-R-L after the switch-hitting Posada, but that’s just me.

Good points have been made this week by Kevin Kernan of the Post about the WBC. One thing you notice is how other teams play the game. We’ve argued for quite some time on YFCR and hereabout the need to get back to basics. The fundamentals. Getting away from the “Beer League Softball” that the AL has sometimes become.

Fundamentals. Running the bases well.Taking the extra base. Being able to steal a base. Playing defense (things some ex- and current Yankees have trouble with). Hitting behind the runner when needed. Going deep into counts. Drawing a walk. Throwing strikes. Holding runners on (and Posada praised CC this week on that; we know how Pettitte’s pickoff move has been). Man on 3rd, less than two out, get the SF. Get him in somehow.

The little things. It’s how you win. Not by playing station to station ball, having no range, and waitingfor the three-run HR.

A lesson to be learned from those foreign teams.

Kernan also made a point about some of the talent on those teams. That maybe some teams should go after that talent instead of re-signing retreads like Ponson, Pavano, etc.

Nice points.

I don’t know. I just have a bad feeling about the Mets.Freddy Garcia won’t make that team, John Maine’s spring has been lousy, I’m not sold on their corner OFs,Brian Schneider (from my hometown) had calf trouble, Delgadocould turn old overnight….I know they upgraded their bullpen with the additions of Putz and K-Rod, but I am starting to wonder if they will get tothem? Granted Beltran, Reyes and Wright are still there, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them have adropoff—especially if Santana’s elbow starts barking.

Bruney started S.T. strong, but hasstruggled lately. 3 HR in 8 1/3IP.

Right now I’d have to say Tomko (surprise!) has the edge for long reliever. He isn’t on the 40-man (neither was Igawa). Meaning if he wins the job, who comes off?

The Post says that Girardi states that Ramiro Pena is in the mix forutility infielder. I thinks it’ll probably stillgo to Berroa, who has the experience. Still…

Good start for AJ. 1-2-3 first witha K.The Yanksgo down 1-2-3 in the 1st.

AJ gives up a leadoffdouble in the 2nd but the runneris left stranded.Cano singles for the Yanks in the 2nd but that’s it.

Posada nailsa baserunner in the 3rd. Another K that inning for AJ. Wakefield gets the Yanks 1-2-3.

A K for AJ to start the 4th. He’s looking good. 1-2-3 inning. Jeter gets a hit in the 4th but otherwise, nada. No score after four.

…and AJ has a 1-2-3 fifth. He’s looked great this spring, let’s hope it carries over.

The game is an hour long and we are in the sixth??? You are kidding me, right?

A couple of bleeders and Boston gets a run in the sixth.AJ pulled after 82 pitches. Goes 5 2/3, gives up 1 r, 3 hits, 2 walks and 4 K. Albaladejo gets out of the bases loaded jam.

Ellsbury tries to make a diving catch on Gardner. He misses and the road runner winds up with 3. His speed ties the game as he scores on a little dribbler by Damon.

After the fielder’s choice, JD steals. Jeter walks. Teix pops up. Matsui hits it hard, but a long out.

Enter Sandman.1-2-3, 2 Ks. I swear, the guy could fall out of bed after 6 months off and go 1-2-3 with 2 Ks.Yanks go down 1-2-3 in the 7th. 1-1 after 7. This could be over in say, a little over 2 hours. There must be dinner reservations…

Marte in. Scrubs in. I’ll try to catch some of PSU/FLA NIT later. After an out, a hit off Marte’s glove.…and Marte is nitpicking. Pitch! or find co*ke taking your job!

Wild pitch with 1st and 3rd. It bounces right back to Pilittere and Ellsbury is hung out to dry. Marte responds to his good fortune by walking the batter. Terrible job by Marte.

So with 1st and 2nd, 2 out, Edwar comes in. The human pinstripe (thanks, Jason)gets his man.

One of these stripes is Edwar…

Melky walks.Pena (boxscore on MLB is incorrect)bunts, and Carter (of whom it’s said good stick, no glove) boots the bunt. 1st and 3rd, no one out.It’s the subs in now, but we saw lots of times last year where theYankees starters couldn’t get the run in. Berroa gives the Yanks the lead with a hit.

Catching some of PSU/FLA. Almost halftime and a neck and neck game so far.

…and after another run, Austin Jackson hits a grand slam. 7-1 Yanks.

Edwar finishes it. 7-1 Yanks.

AJ was great, Mo was Mo anda big grand slam by AJax.

…and a run that only Gardner could provide…

163 Comments

Posted in Managers and Coaches, Media, Mike's Musings, Players, Spring Training

Tagged Albaladejo, Austin Jackson, Berroa, Bruney, Burnett, Cano, Edwar Ramirez, Gardner, Jeter, Marte, Mets, Posada, Ramiro Pena, Rivera, Robertson, Tomko, WBC

Posted on January 15, 2009 | Leave a comment

ESPN’s Jayson Stark talks about the arbitration class. I wonder if one reason a lot of top-notch free agents are still available (and their price dropping) could be the prices some players may be getting in arbitration?

The Poor Side of Town?

You have to wonder if Johnny Rivers is singing the Poor Side of Town about the Mets. Yes, they got K-Rod and Putz to shore up the bullpen, but they haven’t done anything else. No Lowe. Ollie Perez still out there for anyone; same with Pedro. Manny and Abreu are out there, and they need an OF.

I think Omar may be hibernating.

Meanwhile, will Citi Field (Bankruptcy Field?) be what they think it’ll be, which is a bandbox like CBP in Philly?

Interesting. John Garland turned down a D-backs offer.

2006 WS MVP David Eckstein signed with the Padres. The Mighty Mite played in 94 games in 2008 for Toronto and Arizona and hit a combined .265-2-27 (OPS+ 84). He turns 34 next Tuesday. Career .284, OPS+ 88.

MLBTR states that So Taguchi signed a minor league deal with the Cubs.

Interesting news from MLBTR:

As MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick points out, any team that signs Jones to the major league minimum will pay only $400k and the Dodgers will pay the rest of the $21MM he’s owed. We know the Braves are reluctant to bring Jones back unless he signs a minor league contract.

This makes me wonder…there are guys who can play CF in Melky and Gardner (not to mention Damon and Swisher) but only $400K? Chump change for the Yanks. 32, 10x Gold Glove winner, cheaper than Cameron, younger than Cameron, shoot, just two years ago (2006) went .262-41-129 (ops+ 126).

You have to wonder….Posada, Teix, Cano, Jeter, Alex, Damon, Andruw? Swisher or Nady with Matsui? Is there anything left in Andruw? Like Garcia (and it’s now said that Garcia is talking to four teams, inc. the Yanks….and the strongest rumor is back to the White Sox) it could be worth a shot….a cheap (for the Yanks) shot.

Then again, the Mets need OF help, too.

The biggest question is whether he can get back to where he was. Say, his 162 ga. average of .259-33-100. OPS+ 111. Gold Glove defense. If so, …. forget a 36 year old Cameron.

It never hurts to look. Nothing there? Cut him in spring training….and for the price….

…and here is an example of something similiar to that. From Bryan Hoch at Bombers Beat:

John Smoltz told Dan Patrick that he chose the Red Sox over other interested clubs, one of which was the Yankees. Smoltz also selected Boston over the Dodgers in leaving Atlanta after a long and illustrious career there.

This is interesting in that Cashman had said that the Yankees would round out their rotation from within, but were willing to at least make a run at Smoltz, who secured a guaranteed deal worth $5.5 million from the Red Sox. Once again, this is further evidence the light may no longer be on for Andy Pettitte, who was offered $10 million on a one-year basis in November.

If the season opened today, the Yankees would choose their fifth starter from the group of Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, Ian Kennedy and Jason Johnson.

Could you imagine Smoltz as the #5? I agree with Hoch….it sure does look like the good ship Pettitte has passed. Looking at Garcia? Looking at Smoltz? Hmmmmmm…….

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Posted in Media, Mike's Musings, Offseason Moves, Players, The Front Office

Tagged Andruw Jones, Arbitration, Eckstein, Freddy Garcia, Garland, Mets, Pettitte, Smoltz, Taguchi

Posted on August 27, 2008 | 1 comment

See the post of last night for a great quote from the Yankee Truth, and go to the comments to catch up on more comments on last night’s game. Speaking of last night’s game,

What presses more, this, or A-Rod?

Now for the minors.

AAA: 9-1 SWB. Playoffs start next week. Igawa (14-5, 3.41) with six scoreless IP. Lovely AAA stats, Kei. Transfers to squat in the majors. Shelley Duncan (see Igawa) 2-run HR. 3 RBI for Ben Broussard, 2 for Nick Green. Prospects? More like has-beens. But then, that’s what the Yanks have been doing at AAA, and that needs changing.

AA: Trenton lost 10-5. Jason Jones (13-6, 2.86) 3 R in 6 IP. I’ll continue to say it. Scott Aldred is the real coaching star of this organization. Look at what he did with Alan Horne (injured this year) last year at Trenton. Eastern League Pitcher of the Year. His work with Kennedy, Hughes, Joba, McCutchen, Aceves, Jeff Marquez (15 wins last year, struggled this year). Chase Wright this year. Jones (despite last night’s loss) this year. Put this guy at AAA or better, the majors. His work speaks for itself. Reegie Corona 3 hits, 2 doubles. Kevin Russo 2 hits, double, 3 RBI. Playoffs next week.

A+: No playoffs for Tampa. 5-1 win last night. Christian Garcia (4-2, 2.90) 1 R in 7 IP. 10 K. Luis Nunez and Chris Kunda 2 RBI each.

A: No playoffs for Charleston, despite Montero, who had two hits last night (.321). 4-2 loss last night. Brandon Laird HR #20.

Remember that teams aren’t kept together, what with promotions. A team that starts out great could finish lousy because of their best players getting promoted to the next level.

Great. As Tim calls them, the “Jayvees” choked one away to the Phils last night. Blew a 7-0 lead and lose in 13, 8-7. It’s bad enough my project ends next week, meaning…searchtime. Bad enough I have a diehard Phillies guy in an office behind me talking about the Phils and distracting me from my job for part of the day. (I’m in a cubicle, down the hall from his office, but yak yak yak—disturbing). Now after this, he’ll probably not shut up all day. Excuse me, trying to work here!

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Posted in Managers and Coaches, Mike's Musings, Minor Leagues, Players, Regular Season

Tagged a-rod, Broussard, Christian Garcia, Green, Igawa, Jones, Kunda, Laird, Luis Nunez, Mets, Montero, Scott Aldred, Shelley Duncan

Posted on January 29, 2008 | Leave a comment

7 p.m. Apparently the Yanks and Red Sox both got their wishes as far as where Johan Santana would go if not to them. The Mets and Twins have supposedly agreed to a deal involving Johan Santana. This a) gets Santana out of the A.L., b) keeps him away from the archrival and c) enables both teams to keep their young talent, be it Hughes, Melky and Kennedy for the Yanks or Ellsbury, Lester, Lowrie and Buchholz for Boston.

Dave Pinto of Baseball Musings (Link at right) reports that: The deal is pending the Mets and Santana reaching agreement on a six- or seven-year contract extension and that Santana passes a physical; they have been granted a 48 to-72-hour window to do so. Santana has a no-trade clause that he will waive if agreement is reached on a contract extension.

The Mets sent four prospects to the Twins to land Santana, and they are (notice that Fernando Martinez is not one of them–a surprise):

OF Carlos Gomez, who will probably be the new CF for the Twins. He hit .232-2-12 with 12 SB in 125 at bats for the Mets last year in his rookie season. The righty-hitter is 22.

RHP Phil Humber, a 25 year old who is 0-0, 6.00 in 9 MLB innings. He was 11-9, 4.27 in AAA last year.

RHP Deolis Guerra, 18, 2-6, 4.01 in A ball.

and P Kevin Mulvey, 22, 12-10, 3.20, mostly in AA.

On the surface, it appears as if the Red Sox and Yanks played the Twins just to get Santana out of the A.L., that they never really were interested in giving up their top prospects but were bluffing in order to force the other to make the deal and give up top prospects to do so. This package appears far inferior to the Yanks’ Hughes (better than any of the pitchers listed here), Melky, Marquez (better than the three here?) deal. No way were the Yanks giving up Kennedy AND Hughes. From Boston’s perspective, they keep Ellsbury (who knows if he or Gomez will turn out better), Lester appears better than any pitcher here so far, and Lowrie stays in Boston as well.

Remember the Yanks pay $1.40 to the dollar for free agents since they are over the luxury tax limit. Say they would have made the deal and given Santana a five-year, $100 million extension ($20M/yr.). It would have cost $140 with the luxury tax, meaning that Santana would have cost $28M/yr.–an A-Rod type deal. Signing pitchers to long-term deals like that is risky business.

Now of course, the Big 3 (Hughes, Joba and Kennedy) need to become the Big 3 (and it wouldn’t hurt if Horne, McCutchen, Marquez or others develop into the little two–or turn things into a BIG 4 (along with Wang)). I don’t list Pettitte because of his age. I’m thinking 2008-2015 or so here.

Shea is a pitcher’s park, and in the non-DH league and what may be a better offense, Santana should flourish. Besides, he should love NY. The best pitcher in the game (arguably) in the biggest market. A new stadium on the way. The Red Sox had enough pitching without Santana and as mentioned, keep some top prospects (although they still have to figure where to dump off the Coco). Although the Yanks don’t have the knock-them-dead ace, they did want to build around the Big 3 of Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain and don’t give them up, nor do they give up a Horne or Marquez. The CF problems that would have arisen had Melky gone don’t need to be addressed (Damon in CF, or going to either an inexperienced Brett Gardner or looking into the FA market for a Corey Patterson).

The Mets needed Santana. With Pedro and El Duque getting older and Tom Glavine going back to Atlanta (where he will team with Smoltz for an aging duo), the Mets had Perez, Maine and a lot of age (the aforementioned) and question marks (Pelfrey).

I don’t get the YES network, but for those of you that do, David Cone is said to be joining YES, taking the spot that Girardi filled last year. Cone was always an outspoken and well-spoken individual, and hopefully he can add something in the broadcast booth that Jim Kaat or Tony Kubek used to when they were broadcasting and that Al Leiter does today. Lord knows we see and hear enough broadcasters who add nothing except being the team’s shill. I only hope that if Cone does become a good broadcaster, that I will be able to see him on the MY9 broadcasts.

Johnny Estrada has signed with the Nats. With Lo Duca already there, they have to figure out who catches. Not only that, Dmitri Young and Nick Johnson are both at 1B. Are the Nats looking to pull off a big deal? The 31-year old Estrada was .278-10-54 last year for the Brewers, but only walked 12 times in 442 AB. OPS+ 78 as a result. He is a .280 career hitter, but his lack of drawing a walk (OBP .320) has led to a 162 g. average of only 28 walks and an OPS+ of just 86. For Arizona in 2006, the switch-hitter walked just 13 times in 414 AB. Despite hitting .302 that year, his OPS+ was still under average (100). It was a 92.

Kip Wells has signed with the Rockies. Wells was 7-17, 5.70 for the Cardinals last year, an ERA+ of 77. He’s 64-91, 4.63 in his career. (ERA+ 96). As if last year wasn’t bad enough, he lost 18 games for the 2005 Pirates. The righty will be 31 in April.

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Posted in Media, Mike's Musings, Offseason Moves, Players

Tagged Cone, Estrada, Kip Wells, Mets, Santana, Twins, YES