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12/19/09

1B Wright, Ryota's Spin, Deolis, Bay... and Brian Lawrence


David Wright:

I love watching David Wright make highlight plays at third base, but he also makes a lot of errors. With the need for a first baseman, the Mets could solve that problem with moving Wright to first. Do the Mets have any third base prospects in the Minors? And would the Mets ever consider making such a switch?

At one time, eventually moving Wright to first was a consideration for the Mets. But his improvement as a third baseman, the presence of Daniel Murphy and the possibility that a first-base prospect Ike Davis might be ready at some point in 2011 have made such a move less likely.

As long as Jerry Manuel is managing and Carlos Delgado isn't re-signed, Murphy will have a place in the Mets' plans. Wright isn't a great third baseman. His throwing is a problem. But his fielding usually improves in the second halves of seasons. I expect him to be at third for at least three or more seasons. - mlb


Ryota Igarashi:

You can tell a lot about a player by the numbers he produces over his career. The fact that he has a high 90s fastball is nice, but what has that fastball gotten him over his career. Looking at Igarashi’s numbers would have me troubled if I’m a Met fan. He experienced some lower back pain in 2009 that caused him to miss some time and he missed the entire 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. From 2004 until 2008 he had never appeared in more than 50 games. He did have a good year in 2009, appearing in 56 games and picking up 29 holds. The missed time because of the lower back pain prevented him from appearing in 60 games. It will be interesting to see how his stamina will be for a full 162 game season when he has had difficulty staying healthy for a 144 game season. He does hold the record for the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher that hit 98. Marc Kroon holds the record for fastest pitch, hitting 100 a number of times. Since the Tommy John surgery it is said that his velocity has returned, so that should help him. He has never had much command, which could be even more challenging as he faces a new strike zone. - mwob


Deolis Guerra:

Deolis Guerra is the player everyone has forgetten was acquired in the Johan Santana trade. He picked up his second win in his three starts and has now only given up one earned run in his last two starts. He will be a good pick up for the rotation come playoff time if he can pitch to his hype - myob 


Jason Bay:

Jason Bay did not strengthen his negotiating position with Theo Epstein by rejecting the Red Sox’ offer. Nor does having one fewer team in the market with which to sign strengthen his negotiating position with other teams. Right now Jason Bay is unemployed, and a four year 60 million dollar contract is a lot of money and security. 20 years ago (or even 11!), that contract would have made him the highest paid player in the game. But today it wasn’t better than nothing. Because Bay’s status does not exist relative to Andre Dawson’s or Dale Murphy’s or Eric Davis’. His pride, his respect, his sense of whether he is subjugated to the demands of a front office and their tools of objective analysis and value-discernment, or whether he feels that he has the power and authority to get what he wants is on the line. He may of course get what he wants. He may still be in the position to demand, rather than to receive, to be the alpha male to Omar Minaya’s endless beta. Or he may be a drunk with no money and a black eye. It may not be fair, but it’s what he asked for. - thefastertimes




Brian Lawrence:

Carolina 1, Mayaguez 0  -  Former Major Leaguer Brian Lawrence tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out six for the Gigantes. Former Major Leaguer Raul Gonzalez doubled and scored the games only run for Carolina. Hiram Burgos (Brewers) allowed one run on seven hits and struck out five in five innings of work for the Indios. Box score

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