Mack Ade – Morning Report – 4-14-13

Adam Rubin on John Buck – link

Asked what would happen if John Buck continued at this production level once Travis d'Arnaud is at the major league level in the second half, Collins said he could foresee both on the field at the same time, potentially with Buck seeing some action at first base. Buck, though, has never played anything but catcher in the field at the major league level.

This is the kind of rhetoric used to light a fire under Ike Davis. I called a scout that covers Las Vegas and asked if d’Arnaud is ready and he said one word, ‘yes’. I don’t know how much longer the Buckarama can go on, but you know teams will start asking about him. Can you trade this guy on the first day of the trade season and send the signs to the rest of the team that 2013 is masturbation?

Jack Dickey on Jose Reyes – link

A freak injury, maybe—a lot like the ankle sprain that felled a 20-year-old Reyes in 2003. But it's hard not to see this, too, as the latest seemingly scripted knife twist in the glorious and tortured history of Reyes's legs. The awkward slide up there came only because he had gotten such a great jump and was speeding toward the base as very few others can. He wasn't expecting a throw.

I miss Reyes and feel sorry for his continued legs problem. He doesn’t know how not to give it 200% on the bases soo I can’t see a long career for him. This should be his last contract. What a shame for a guy that was born to be a Met.

                       

Ed Leyro on Daniel Murphy – link

Murphy has also become a top run producer on the Mets.  After never surpassing 65 RBIs or 62 runs scored in any of his previous four seasons in the big leagues, Murphy has driven in ten runs and has crossed the plate ten times in his first ten games.  Murphy is one of only two players in the National League (Cincinnati’s Brandon Phillips is the other) to have already reached double digits in both categories.  His 10 RBIs are tied for third in the NL and his 10 runs scored place him in a second place tie, just one behind league leader Matt Carpenter.

Yes, Murphy is enough on second base and is starting to look more like Jeff Kent every day. He’s the best 2 hitter on the team and I predict he will end the season in the top five for doubles. I never was the biggest fan in the past, but he has far past grown on me. I no longer dream about Reese Havens. I don’t even dream about Richie Havens.

Alex Butler on Noah Syndergaard – link

Syndergaard, ranked 28th by Baseball Prospectus, garners the most attention for his 96-mph fastball, which he says has reached triple digits. He also has an excellent changeup and has crafted an 80-mph curveball. Still, the 20-year-old smiles when asked about the blockbuster trade. "There is always pressure coming into a new organization,'' Syndergaard said. "But it is pretty cool being traded for the Cy Young winner. I just want to go out and try to stay within myself.''

I hope ‘we’ hold on to this one (reporters should never say ‘we’ when you talk about a team). He will be the final piece of the incredible rotation (Harvey, Wheeler, Niese, Montero) that begins in 2015. Every other starter becomes chopped liver until 2018 (unless there is an injury). The pen should round out well with guys like Gee, Tapia, and Leathersich. It’s going to be a hell of a pitching staff.

Adam Rubin on Jose Reyes – link

Reyes hurt the ankle in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals when he couldn't decide whether to slide or go in standing up on a stolen-base attempt. Reyes decided late to slide into second base, and his left ankle twisted gruesomely beneath him as he slid over the bag. The speedster screamed out in pain as he rolled around on the infield dirt, and then pulled his blue jersey over his face as trainers from both dugouts rushed onto the field.

All Reyes ever wanted was the Mets to match the offer and then, take care of his family back home. The phone simply never rang. It was incredible how rude and insensitive Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon, and Sandy Alderson were over this event. It was a complete lack of respect for a player that left everything on the field for the Mets. I never got over this. I may write about this team, but I stopped being a fan the day Reyes left. This is, and was, all on the Mets.

Mike Pelfrey on Minny - link

“This is completely different over here. It’s more low key and I don’t have to talk to 30 media guys every day. It’s kind of refreshing. I really appreciate the fact Sandy actually called me and told me personally instead of reading it on TV or hearing it from my agent. You’re always disappointed, but I think you realize it’s a business and I knew that it was going to come, so it wasn’t a total shock. I could talk tough if things went well, but there’s not any hate or anything on my end. It’s not like I want to get back at revenge or anything on those guys.”

No one was a better positive attitude in the Mets clubhouse. Not even Jeff Francoeur. The place was in mourning when Pelf went down and everyone figured out he’d never be invited back. This wasn’t like the Reyes mess. This was a business decision and there was no way the Mets could renew a contract that would be in the $6mil range, while he was on the DL. He sure would be welcomed back right now.

TC on 

               Bobby Parnell – link

                        “I would like to get him some save opportunities. but the other night was as good a stuff as I’ve seen Bobby Parnell have. The first pitch was 97 [mph] and the breaking ball was outstanding, so I would like to get him some shots.”

Saves are overrated. Getting three outs in the 9^th inning when your team wins is what counts. Parnell is doing just fine, thank you. He’s not one of the problems in 2013.