2/16/10

PSL Bound, Sandy Koufax, Jose Reyes, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Predictions, Bay... and Yuniesky Maya

PSL Bound:

I'm travelling tomorrow morning to Port St. Lucie for five nights... note to Mets: please don't sign a first baseman while I'm off line.


Sandy Koufax:


Three days before pitchers and catchers officially report, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax already was offering pitching tips at the Mets' complex. New minor-league field coordinator Terry Collins had invited Koufax. The legendary southpaw offered pointers to prospect Brad Holt and chatted with John Maine and Omar Minaya. "It's always fun to see the start. Once you've got a job, spring training is the most fun," said Koufax, who plans to visit again once Fred Wilpon, his teammate at Brooklyn's Lafayette High School, is in camp. - link 

Jose Reyes:

"I can come back better, a lot better, because the last 14 weeks, I've been working so hard just to get ready for spring training," Reyes told NJ.com. "Now, I'm ready. Maybe I'm going to be a little better."

Reyes’ injury plagued the Mets last year as the shortstop’s return seemed constantly around the corner, except it never came. Reyes said he fully recovered from the injury four or five weeks ago and has no doubt he is fully healthy.

"I have to think that way," he said. "I have to think it's over. I've been working so hard to try to stay healthy on the field, and I have to think that way. I have to be strong in my mind. Hopefully that will never happen again." - link

Kirk Nieuwenhuis:

OF, Azusa Pacific (CA), #100 Overall: Nieuwenhuis was a surprise pick in the third round by the Mets. Featuring a solid arm and solid hit tool, Nieuwenhuis wasn’t expected to be a first day pick, which was six rounds back in the day. It’s an interesting pick, though they might have been able to get him later. Following players selected: Blake Tekotte, Vance Worley, Aaron Weatherford. Signing bonus: $360,000. - link

Predictions:

The National League East

Best players, by positions:

No. 1 pitcher: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia

No. 2 pitcher: Cole Hamels, Philadelphia

No. 3 pitcher: Jair Jurrjens, Alanta.

Closer: Francisco Rodriguez, Mets.

Catcher: Brian McCann, Atlanta

First baseman: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia

Second baseman: Chase Utley, Philadelphia

Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Florida

Third baseman: Ryan Zimmerman, Washington

Right field: Jayson Werth, Philadelphia

Center field: Carlos Beltran, Mets

Left Field: Jason Bay, Mets  -  link

Jason Bay:

The Mets, who were hurt more by devastating injuries than any other team last year, knew that Bay's previous team, the Red Sox, viewed him as such an injury risk that they reduced their four-year offer to him last summer. But the Mets expressed no reservations about Bay, who despite these alleged knee and shoulder issues consistently plays 150 games per year, or more. - link





Yuniesky Maya:

In a season where major and significant moves are few and a regular season here before you know it, I am inclined to be more “open” to any potential move that will help. If the offseason just started, I probably wouldn’t consider it as priority but now, well you know, it’s wise to consider any help. The rotation is always tantamount to a successful season so Mets fans, I give you….drum roll please……Yuniesky Maya.

Now stoic supporters may rather have John Smoltz (stability, experience). Your words, not mines! Or even dare I say, Pedro? (Your suggestions, not mine. Don’t lie. I heard some of them.) I know that 2010 is a defining season where jobs and roles are all on the block so why risk what is a tenuous situation on a pitcher from Cuba with no real major league experience if you count the World Baseball Classic. The answer: IMO The Mets have nothing to lose! - link

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