want to know that, of two equal players (i.e., same total WAR) one is better defensively, because, maybe I have a pitching staff that induces a lot of balls in play, and my lineup is already equipped with heavy bats.
Similarly, the first thing that I look for when I want information about a player's defensive value is his UZR number; but then, I'd like more details. The Range Runs and Error Runs that compose UZR are something I find really useful. Plus/minus gives also clues on the ability of an infielder moving on either side to make the plays. While I believe the Fielding Bible proprietary system has ground to cover yet in order to be on par with Mitch Lichtman's, I really like to be able to know that J.J. Hardy is excellent going to his left, while Jose Reyes is a wizard on the right side (according to plus/minus data for 2008). - link
Gary Sheffield still wants to play. Actually, he wants to play a lot. Ten days ago, a source told MLB.com's Bill Ladson that Sheffield was still looking for an everyday job. But ask Jermaine Dye how easy it is for aging sluggers to find jobs these days. Dye is five years younger than Sheffield and hit 17 more homers last year, but he hasn't seen an offer he likes. It is not surprising to see the 41-year-old Sheffield unsigned at this point in the offseason.
His defense is far from passable (-12.7 UZR last year in 500 innings), but he adds value with his bat. Sheffield, who is just 311 hits away from 3000, posted a .276/.372/.451 line in New York last year.
The Mets have not contacted Sheffield, but the slugger told the New York Post earlier in the month that he had "things on the table" from other clubs. Let's take a look at how Sheffield would fit on some MLB rosters, starting in the American League, where he can DH: - link
"Francisco Rodriguez took a sick day Thursday. The closer, diagnosed with pinkeye, was told to stay away from the Mets' complex to avoid spreading the contagious condition. K-Rod arrived in camp last week with a bloodshot eye. He's not quite quarantined, though. The closer and his acquaintances went to dine at a local sports bar Thursday night. BEVY OF BACKSTOPS: The Mets have six catchers in camp with major-league experience. And team officials already are fielding inquiries about their availability in trades. Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco should form the major-league tandem, while the Mets likely could fit three catchers at Triple-A Buffalo, since Chris Coste also can play other positions ..." - link
Jefry Marte:
Born 6/21/1991 (18 years old) - 3B, NYM -
Which is worse, being a shortstop prospect in the Mets system, or being a third base prospect in the Mets system? Either way, promising young Jefry Marte probably isn't making long-term plans in Brooklyn just yet, despite his high-ceiling talent. Signed as a 16yo International Free Agent, Marte destroyed the GCL at the age of 17, 328/.408/.639. He's a long way off, but he might be the best bat in the system. - link
Despite the hysteria of last week, he is right on time in his rehab, according to the Mets and, more importantly, according to his representatives. The plan from the beginning was not to rush Escobar. The Mets made that mistake with Freddy Garcia last year. If they had taken their time with Garcia, he would still be a Met. The Mets just didn’t make their Escobar plan clear, which happens with the Mets.
The Garcia mess was a Tony Bernazard special. Once the Mets had pitching woes early in the season last year, they panicked and pushed Garcia north when Bernazard was pushing those buttons. The plan was for Garcia to take his time in Florida, rehab slowly, next thing you knew he was shuffled off to AAA Buffalo, which is a bit cooler than here in Port St. Lucie. Garcia never came around as a Met. - link
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