9-24-10 from: - nyfs - The son of former big league reliever Ugueth Urbina, Juan signed for $1.2 million in July 2009. He made his pro debut in the GCL this summer, and though he posted a 5.03 ERA, there was plenty to like. His fastball currently sits at 89 mph and tops out at 92, but it's easy to think more velocity will come because he has a projectable frame and an easy delivery. He repeats his mechanics well, which also will help him continue to throw strikes. Urbina maintains good arm speed on his changeup, his second-best pitch, which has good sink and fade. He also throws a slider, but it's a work in progress. At times it has sharp, two-plane break, but he gets around it too much, making it more sweepy.
HBT - An argument could be made that Jerry Manuel has done a passable job as the team’s manager. The Mets are on pace to finish a few games under .500, which is in line with the consensus of preseason prognosticators. Their pitching has been better than expected, their offense has been worse, and it has all evened out in the Flushing, Queens wash. From a distance, Manuel’s job could be considered safe. But that is not the internal reality. The vast majority of Mets fans and media expect that Manuel will be fired at season’s end, a sentiment that has not been denied by Mets management or ownership. Mets fans believe that the franchise has become mired in mediocrity. They see the same baserunning mistakes, the same inability to throw strikes, the same inability to play the game smartly, the same lack of leadership from the dugout. Although he is always quotable, Manuel never gets angry at his players. It’s almost as if he accepts the Mets for what they are—an average team that is incapable of overachieving—and that is never the kind of attitude that a manager should have.
Sept 2010 from: - NYFS - He doesn’t quite have the offensive upside of Reese Havens but he possesses many of the same positive attributes. In college, Robbie, was a solid defensive shortstop with a strong throwing arm but due to his slightly limited range, he might be a better fit at 2nd base. He also has the type of sound fundamentals and arm strength to handle third base which could make him valuable as a possible utility player down the road. Offensively, he has a good chance to be an average to slightly above average hitting 2nd basemen. He displays solid offensive tools across the board with potential 12-15 hr pop and 10-12 sb potential. He has the potential to hit for a good average with his solid bat speed and line drive hitting stroke but might need to learn to be more selective at the plate. He is someone who has been praised for being a smart kid with good leadership qualities. This season he has come back from successful TJ Surgery and has displayed some of his upside potential in Savannah by coming on strong at the end of the year. He has the potential to have a very strong break out year next season.
metsmerizedonlie - Mike Hessman will probably be either demoted or allowed to leave due to lack of production. The holes in Hessman’s swing are large enough to fit volleyballs through. He was expected to be the right handed pinch hitting option, but his ability to make contact in any form makes him horrible in that role.
mlbtraderumors - Rodriguez isn't cheap, either. He makes $11.5MM in 2011 and will earn a $3.5MM buyout for the 2012 portion of his contract, even if his option doesn't vest. In other words, any team acquiring Rodriguez will face a $15MM commitment for a pitcher whose fastball has slowed down 4 mph over the course of the last four seasons. But Rodriguez can pitch, despite the dropoff in velocity. He had 25 saves and a 2.20 ERA with 10.5 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 before his injury. He's just 28, but he has been one of the most dominant late-inning relievers in baseball for most of the last decade and has already made 21 postseason appearances. K-Rod has lived up to his nickname, striking out far more than a batter per inning over the course of his career.
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