Reyes vs. Larkin, Opening Day Lineup, The Metsier, Mike's Pics.... and Jordany Valdespin

Reyes vs. Larkin:

Inspired by a recent story about David Wright, I decided to make a back of the envelope comparison of Jose against the top tier SS talent from the last generation. For Wright, the clear comp is Mike Schmidt; for Jose I'm going to use Barry Larkin in that like Schmidt, Larkin is considered by most to be a Top 10 All-Time talent at his position, as well as a clear-cut HOFer. Also they have that similar all-around athletic game, offensively and defensively, similar very high ceilings and he's obviously got the requisite amount of star power.

So the question remains, how does Jose Reyes stack up against Barry Larkin at this point in his career?

http://www.amazinavenue.com/2010/2/20/1311183/jose-v-barry-larkin

Opening Day Lineup:

It’s a good time to look ahead at the projected lineup for Opening Day.

1. Angel Pagan CF – The switch-hitting Pagan has the speed and on-base ability to pull it off.

2. Luis Castillo 2B – He may be a slug defensively, but you can’t deny his on-base prowess and bunting ability.

3. Jose Reyes SS – Reyes has the power to drive in runs, and gives the Mets 3 switch-hitters in a row at the top of the order.

4. David Wright 3B – With those three hitting in front of him, and Bay behind him, Wright can drive in 125 easily in 2010.

5. Jason Bay LF – Bay makes it all work. He gives the Mets much needed punch to replace Delgado, and his presence means more fastballs for DW5.

6. Daniel Murphy 1B – You have to go with Murph here because you don’t want to stack three righties in a row. Still, Murph should easily build on last years numbers and the presence of Jacobs will provide extra motivation.

7. Jeff Francoeur LF – A full season in a Mets uniform will mean a big year if he continues his 2009 second half numbers. It also shows how deep this formidable lineup truly is, even without Beltran who just makes them a juggernaut.

8. Rod Barajas C – How many NL teams can boast a number 8 hitter with 19 homeruns in 2009? - link


 The Metsier:

The 2010 New York Mets remind me of how I felt about the New York Rangers when the 1993-94 season began. The Rangers in 1991-92 acquired Mark Messier from the Oilers. They won the Presidents trophy for best record in the regular season, but then lost to the Penguins in the 2nd round, after Mario Lemieux was injured. It was a heartbreaking loss.
The following season the Rangers went from best record to missing the playoffs. I remember feeling quite disgusted at the end of the season. So I remember the Opening Night introductions for the 93-94 Rangers and thinking, “This team sucks.” - link

Jordany Valdespin:

2009: It was a long and windy year for Valdespin. An incredibly hot April in Savannah (.385/.406/.615) carried him to a .322/.366/.480 line in Savannah through June 2. Valdespin was much more ordinary in May (.267/.330/.372) before an injury sidelined him for almost all of June and July. When he reappeared in August, he played a games in the DSL, a week in the GCL and then three weeks for Brooklyn to help the Cyclones’ playoff push. With Brooklyn, Valdespin hit like it was May in the SAL going .279/.338/.397 in 18 games. Scouts, who liked his speed, scoffed at his baseball instincts - link