New York Mets
It’s hard to believe that Anderson Hernandez was the Mets’ starting second baseman on Opening Day 2006. Harder to believe that his stock sunk so far that he was traded for Luis Ayala at the tail end of 2008. And yet even more difficult to believe the Mets were so desperate for a middle infielder that they traded a nondescript A-ball suspect to bring him back to Flushing.
Three years ago, A-Hern was a slick fielding, weak-hitting second baseman with enough arm and range to impress at shortstop in a pinch. In 2009, A-Hern was a slick-fielding, weak-hitting second baseman with enough arm to impress at shortstop in a pinch. The only differences with today’s Hernandez is he’s a little heavier, not quite as fast on the basepaths, can hit the ball out of the infield, and is prone to bouts of vapor lock when over-exposed (not unlike Angel Pagan).
http://www.metstoday.com/3985/2009-mets-evaluations/2009-analysis-anderson-hernandez
What went right: All the injuries to their starting lineup allowed the younger players to get some exposure in the major leagues. Angel Pagan had some baserunning blunders but he took over for Carlos Beltran and did a good job when given an opportunity. I’d be really begging for facts to identify any more “rights”.
What went right: All the injuries to their starting lineup allowed the younger players to get some exposure in the major leagues. Angel Pagan had some baserunning blunders but he took over for Carlos Beltran and did a good job when given an opportunity. I’d be really begging for facts to identify any more “rights”.
What went wrong: Injuries to virtually everyone of their starting players, from Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, Johan Santana, J.J Putz, John Maine and even Fernando Martinez, who was supposed to replace Daniel Murphy in left after Murphy moved to first base after Delgado’s injury. Oliver Perez was signed to a three year extension, had a horrible 14 starts and was one of those players hanging out at the disabled list table. Francisco Rodriguez fastball does not have as much velocity as it used to and his ERA is not as low as it used to be either. David Wright seems to have had a power outage. The Mets finished second in hitting, but were the only team to finish with less than 100 homeruns.
2009 milestone: Gary Sheffield became the 25th player to join the 500 mark in homeruns. It is not the exclusive club that it used to be, but it is still a significant milestone to remember. The Mets did open their new stadium.
Breakout Player for 2009: He’s 28 years old so when you look at the prospects edition of Baseball America you will not find him in the 2009 addition. Angel Pagan took advantage of the Mets injuries to open some eyes and may have wrestled the starting left field job from Fernando Martinez, who was supposed to be the breakout player of 2009.
Breakout player for 2010: If Fernando Martinez can avoid injuries he could break out but that is asking a lot. Myworld’s vote will go to Josh Thole, who will have no problem hitting but may come up a little short on defense.
Of the 69 minor leaguers suspended for using banned substances in 2008, nearly two-thirds - 42 - came from the Dominican Summer League, a developmental program for Latin American players housed in secluded palm tree-lined campuses owned by big-league teams. This year, 31 of the 71 minor leaguers suspended for using banned substances came from the DSL.
In the major leagues, where performance-enhancing substances have been a divisive issue for more than a decade, players with Dominican roots have also been at the center of several high-profile drug cases.
Sammy Sosa and Manny Ramirez have been accused in stories by The New York Times of being on a list of more than 100 players alleged to have tested positive during an initial drug survey of MLB players six years ago. David Ortiz has acknowledged the union told him he was on the list, and slugger Alex Rodriguez, following a February report in Sports Illustrated, said he used steroids while with Seattle from 2001-03.
http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/092709/spo_497947057.shtml
Winter Leagues:
Javelinas 12, Rafters 5
Mariners prospect Dustin Ackley, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 Draft, doubled twice and knocked in three RBIs (the first of his pro career), and Dodgers farmhand Russ Mitchell doubled and homered during a five-RBI, 3-for-5 day at the plate for the Javelinas. Justin Cassel (White Sox) gave up a run over two innings to pick up his second victory with Peoria. Mets prospect Jenrry Mejia continued to struggle, allowing four runs on 1 2/3 innings pitched and absorbing the loss for Surprise while seeing his AFL ERA balloon to 12.91.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091031&content_id=7587492&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
The MLB Network is planning to air 2 games from the AFL league this coming November so at least we will have a little baseball after the World Series. They plan to air the AFL version of the ALL Star Game
"The Rising Stars Game will take place on Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. ET. MLB Network's Tony Clark and Arizona D-backs announcer Daron Sutton will handle the broadcast live from Surprise Stadium. "
"The 18th annual Fall League Championship game will air on Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The Saturday contest will be played at Scottsdale Stadium, and MLB Network host Victor Rojas will call the game. "
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