In 2008, Omir Santos was called up to the major leagues by the Baltimore Orioles for his first cup of coffee in the big show after being a career minor leaguer since 2001. His stay in Baltimore was short-lived as he became a Met in 2009. It was in New York that Santos got his huge break when Brian Schneider got injured, forcing the Mets to call him up for what was supposed to be a short stay. However, something happened on the way to Citi Field. On a team full of fragile players and underachievers, Omir blossomed into a pretty decent (and clutch) hitter.- link
The SP5:
We've got Fernando Nieve, Jon Niese, Nelson Figueroa, Pat Misch, Josh Fogg, Tobi Stoner, and Bobby Parnell -- plus guys like Clint Everts, Eddie Kunz, and Jay Marshall -- as many as three of which could make the team out of Spring Training. One of them will be the fifth starter, but the Mets have two days off in the first two weeks so they could reasonably do without that last starter until 4/19, which would give them an extra hitter or reliever in the interim. Niese should really be given a shot at that last spot; he clearly has the most upside of anyone on this list, and nothing against Figueroa and company, but there'll be something more exciting about watching Niese pitch than any of the rest of these guys. This of course means he'll be promptly shipped to Buffalo. - link
SS (2009 – Power 35; First Base Rate 59; Discipline 75; Speed 80) - We like Tejada better than most, primarily because we think that he is a virtual shoo-in to be no worse than a solid middle infield reserve. Tejada’s glove is solid enough to play SS everyday. His speed is significant enough to allow him to steal 20+ bases per year. His plate discipline skills are remarkably advanced for a 19yo, and he has shown the potential for plus contact/on-base skills. Playing in the ESL last season, only Jesus Montero posted a better Performance Score. The only weakness is that he is unlikely to ever develop double digit home run power. At only 20yo for the 2010 season, Tejada will likely open up in AAA and see New York at some point during the season. While we believe that he has the upside of a Major League average everyday SS, it is far more likely that he has an Omar Infate-ish type of career.- link
And now Dykstra has a new website called "Nails Investments" where he offers stock picks and one-on-one advice for a monthly fee. All of which got me thinking about where "Lenny Dykstra on investing" ranks on the list of "people giving advice about things." For instance, near the top of the list would probably be stuff like "Albert Pujols on hitting a baseball" or "Derek Jeter on attracting women." Near the bottom of the list would be things like "Aaron Gleeman on dieting" or "Craig Calcaterra on hair styles." My challenge to you, the Circling the Bases/Hardball Talk reader, is to come up with some things that would actually rank below "Lenny Dykstra on investing." Winner gets exactly zero dollars, which is more than you'd probably make listening to his advice. Have at it ... - link
You know this guy, don’t you? Well, you once did at least. It seems like light years ago when he was a potential MVP candidate. Let’s put on our thinking caps and try to remember what kind of player he was.
Let us set aside that fact that he was one of the fastest players in the league. Everyone knows that. He was also a pretty good line drive hitter with good bat speed. This led to three plus seasons of at least 17 triples. He also reached a high of 72 extra base hits in 2008. Those are pretty serious numbers. From the time that he was called up in 2003, Jose showed immediately what he could bring to the table. He brought that speed, combined it with above average range, and sprinkled in a top notch throwing arm. If you tally that all up, the end result is a solid all-star player. Now wait a second. It doesn’t end there. We have yet to discuss the intangible factor. I am talking about the distraction he was when he was on the bases. He would drive the opposing pitcher insane whenever he took a lead off any base. This automatically made any hitter in the box for the Mets much more productive. Jose Reyes was certainly a force to be reckoned with. - link
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