The B-Mets found their bats this spring. The Mets offense combined for sixteen hits in the 10-3 victory over the Jacksonville Suns.
B-Met Designated Hitter Salvador Paniagua was at the heart of the offense going 2-3 with a monster three-run homer and a stand-up double. Secondbaseman Emmanuel Garcia and thirdbaseman Shawn Bowman both went 2-5 and while picking up two RBI's each. Catcher Josh Thole added two hits of his own going 2-3 with a single, a double and two RBIs. Ruben Tejada capped the B-Mets offense with a 2-4 performance adding two RBI's of his own.
Pitching was also a strong suit for the B-Mets. Right-hander Ryan Coultas got the win pitching three innings allowing only two hits and one earned run. Roy Merrit was also on his game for the B-Mets. The lefty threw two innings with one hit, one earned run and one strikeout. Nick Abel rounded out the pitching for the B-Mets with two innings of work. He allowed two hits and two strikeouts.
Mack’s Mets – the premier site for information on the New York Mets talent pipeline and dialogue on Mets prospects, Mets news, and Mets opinions.
3/25/09
Buffalo 4, New Orleans 4
The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, played to a 4-4 tie against the New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins) on Tuesday afternoon from Jupiter, FL. The Bisons are now 0-2-2 in their 10-game exhibition schedule (one game lost to rain). Bisons outfielder Jesus Feliciano went 2-3 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. Outfielder Fernando Martinez’s RBI-single in the ninth inning helped the Bisons pull even with the Zephyrs. On the mound, RHP Kyle Snyder threw three scoreless innings while Valerio de los Santos and Connor Robertson each chipped in an inning of scoreless relief.
3/24/09
R.I.P. - THT's John Brattain
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/3/24/809281/john-brattain-passes-away
I want to let all of THT's readers know that one of our most prolific writers and favorite people, John Brattain, just passed away.
Many of us got to know John through the Baseball Think Factory, where his good humor was always on display. John joined the THT writing team more than four years ago, and he further honed his extraordinary wit, humanity and sense of fun every week on our site (and elsewhere). For a while, he even contributed twice a week. He was one of the people who made THT a truly rewarding experience for all of us.
I want to let all of THT's readers know that one of our most prolific writers and favorite people, John Brattain, just passed away.
Many of us got to know John through the Baseball Think Factory, where his good humor was always on display. John joined the THT writing team more than four years ago, and he further honed his extraordinary wit, humanity and sense of fun every week on our site (and elsewhere). For a while, he even contributed twice a week. He was one of the people who made THT a truly rewarding experience for all of us.
Bisons Squad Shaping Up
Watch for a considerable amount of re-shuffling of players from the Mets complex to the minor league side of Traditions in the next few days.
Today's blah performance by Fernando Nieve should have him cleaning out his locker and packing for Buffalo by the end of the week. He will be joined in the Bisons' rotation by Jonatan Niese and Freddy Garcia for sure, and either Nelson Figueroa, Eric Brown, or Adam Bostick. Word is Figgy might go to Queens as a member of the pen.
Right now, other players that seemed locked into the Bufalo roster are:
Relievers:
Connor Robertson, John Madden, Casey Fossum, Joe Hietpas, and Ryan Coultas
Infielders:
Emmanuel Garcia, Jose Coronado, and Junior Spivey
Outfielders:
Fernando Martinez (maybe the IR), and Jesus Feliciano
Catchers:
Robinson Cancel and Sal Paniagua
What If Daniel Murphy Is For Real?
As most of you know, I cut and paste a lot of stuff on this site and there sure seems to be an awful lot of people jumping on the Daniel Murphy bandwagon lately.
Over the past few years I have pointed out that Murphy has hit well at all levels and the only negative to his game is his defensive skills in the field. I’m not saying he sucks; I’m just pointing out that, at a major league level, he doesn’t qualify as a Golden Glove contender.
For whatever reasons still undefined, the Mets deciced he was best suited to left field, and Murphy has since proved, 1) he can hit at the major league level, 2) he can hit in winter ball, and 3) he can hit in spring training.
This is like six or seven “he can hit” declarations that may go back to the Pony League… so there just might be a situation here where we can all safely say that the boy can hit.
Which leads to a brand new “positive” problem:
What If Daniel Murphy Is For Real?
We’ve been at this point before a few years back with David Wright. We knew the kid had talent, but he did stumble at the A level and, for a short time, everybody had a little double. Then David began to hit at all levels, sort of like Murphy is doing now, and everyone had to finally sign on to the Wright train.
Well, we may just be at the point that the Mets have found their future full time left fielder, when frankly, all they seem to be doing was trying to fill the spot until Fernando Martinez stopped getting hurt.
If this is true, we have a whole new set of problems come after the 2009 all-star break:
1. If Murphy becomes the full time Mets left fielder of the future, one must realize that he is not a power hitter, has a future probably as a #2 hitter, and makes the need for a future power bat in right field tantamount to future Mets success.
2. Carlos Beltran still has a few years left on his contract and is solidly entrenched in the Mets center field position.
3. The future of Nick Evans as a Met will be at first base, or no place.
4. Both Ryan Church and Martinez will compete for the 2010 right field position, and the last time I checked, neither look like a future candidate for either the home run or RBI leader of the league.
It seems to me that, if Murphy is for real, the Mets might consider putting F-Mart on the trading block (before he gets dinged again), finish the season with Church and Tatis in right, and go after a big bat come the off-season, for 2010’s RF.
Over the past few years I have pointed out that Murphy has hit well at all levels and the only negative to his game is his defensive skills in the field. I’m not saying he sucks; I’m just pointing out that, at a major league level, he doesn’t qualify as a Golden Glove contender.
For whatever reasons still undefined, the Mets deciced he was best suited to left field, and Murphy has since proved, 1) he can hit at the major league level, 2) he can hit in winter ball, and 3) he can hit in spring training.
This is like six or seven “he can hit” declarations that may go back to the Pony League… so there just might be a situation here where we can all safely say that the boy can hit.
Which leads to a brand new “positive” problem:
What If Daniel Murphy Is For Real?
We’ve been at this point before a few years back with David Wright. We knew the kid had talent, but he did stumble at the A level and, for a short time, everybody had a little double. Then David began to hit at all levels, sort of like Murphy is doing now, and everyone had to finally sign on to the Wright train.
Well, we may just be at the point that the Mets have found their future full time left fielder, when frankly, all they seem to be doing was trying to fill the spot until Fernando Martinez stopped getting hurt.
If this is true, we have a whole new set of problems come after the 2009 all-star break:
1. If Murphy becomes the full time Mets left fielder of the future, one must realize that he is not a power hitter, has a future probably as a #2 hitter, and makes the need for a future power bat in right field tantamount to future Mets success.
2. Carlos Beltran still has a few years left on his contract and is solidly entrenched in the Mets center field position.
3. The future of Nick Evans as a Met will be at first base, or no place.
4. Both Ryan Church and Martinez will compete for the 2010 right field position, and the last time I checked, neither look like a future candidate for either the home run or RBI leader of the league.
It seems to me that, if Murphy is for real, the Mets might consider putting F-Mart on the trading block (before he gets dinged again), finish the season with Church and Tatis in right, and go after a big bat come the off-season, for 2010’s RF.
The Mack Attack - 3-24-9
Mets News
Looks like Livan Hernandez is going to win the fifth starter's job. I know that doesn't fill us with joy, but I do think he has some chance to put a season together. He looks like he's throwing the ball well, and he knows how to pitch. The Mets really haven't had a dependable fifth starter the last two years, nor did they in 2006 come to think of it. Hernandez probably has as much chance as anyone of solidifying the spot, and if he doesn't we'll keep our fingers crossed for Tim Redding to get healthy quick. I was one of many who thought Freddie Garcia would win the fifth starter's job outright, but the velocity hasn't been there. It's been returning slowly, though, and the curve is also showing signs of life. Perhaps someone out there is desperate enough for a starter that they would offer the veteran righty a major league job, anyway. If that's the case, I would think he'll be gone. If not, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if he was willing to pitch in the minors for a month or two and provide a backup if Livan falls flat.
http://www.mikesmets.com/2009/03/two_weeks_to_go_starting_pitch.html
U.S. Army Sgt. Felix Perez maneuvered his wheelchair onto the pristine turf at Dodger Stadium, his mother Marta and stepfather Frank Torres following close behind. It took about a minute before Perez - New Jersey-raised and a diehard Mets fan - was deluged by the first of numerous greetings from Team USA players. "What's up, dude?" outfielder Adam Dunn asked as he shook Perez's right hand. Then Perez's face lit up. David Wright made his way over, huddling close to Perez near the U.S. dugout. "Good to see you," said Wright. Last week, Perez had what he thought was the experience of a lifetime when he attended the elimination game between the U.S. and Puerto Rico in Miami. After Wright smacked the game-winning hit that advanced Team USA to the semifinals and eliminated Puerto Rico, a security guard spotted Perez near the U.S. clubhouse and helped the Miami resident score a backstage pass to the celebration inside. Perez met all the players, including one of his Mets idols, Wright. Perez didn't think that dizzying moment could be matched until he got a call from a Team USA PR representative Friday. "You're going to L.A.," the representative told Perez.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/03/22/2009-03-22_david_wright_helps_iraq_war_vet_attend_w.html
Daniel Murphy proved last season that he could hit, batting .313 as a rookie by being selective about his swings and by hitting to all fields. He continued that impression Sunday by raising his exhibition average to .373 with two hits in a 12-1 victory over Atlanta. But Murphy’s most impressive moment might have been a fielding play in left field in the fifth inning. The Braves’ Clint Sammons hit a ball off the wall, and Murphy snatched the carom barehanded, twirled and threw to the infield. The relay from shortstop José Reyes to second baseman Luis Castillo almost got Sammons at second base. And it showed Murphy’s improvement in the outfield after he struggled there last year following his move from third base. “You can’t just hit,” Murphy said. “You’ve got to play defense.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/sports/baseball/23mets.html?_r=1&re
Every year, CHONE, Bill James, PECOTA, ZiPS, and Marcels projections are released to mixed reactions. Those people inclined toward statistical analysis or who compulsively play fantasy baseball (I am both) eagerly await these numbers, while others loathe them. The common argument complaint is that the season hasn't been played and these numbers will invariably be somewhat wrong. This complaint misses the point: projections are not the end-all of predicting a player's season. Instead, they form more of a baseline, a general idea of where a player will end up. Here are some players whose projections might not tell the story.
Daniel Murphy: Projection systems seem to split squarely down the middle on Murphy. Bill James and Marcels both project an OPS in the .830 range, while CHONE et al. predict him in the .720-.770 range. Marcels is the simplest system, however, and Bill James thinks every hitter will win MVP, so we'll default to the others as Murphy's projection. Needless to say, a .730 OPS would be a massive disappointment. His call-up numbers from last year were pretty flukey with a .386 BABIP fueled by a 33.3% linedrive rate. Still, to even hit like he did demonstrated the significant progress as a hitter he had already made at AA. At his age, Murphy could take more major steps forward and no on is questioning his work ethic. If you haven't already read what Buster Olney recently wrote about him, it's good: Everybody who sees his at-bats walks away thinking they've just seen one of the most savvy young hitters in the sport.
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2009/3/24/808310/mets-who-might-beat-their
Prospects:
Ben Badler/Baseball America: On Jonathan Niese:
Niese also looked shaky, though his stuff was more impressive. Niese threw an 88-90 fastball with some sink, though his location of the pitch got him hit around today. Niese elevated his fastball too frequently, leading to several hard-hit balls off the pitch, including a wind-assisted home run to right field by Allen Craig. It sees to me I recall Niese getting hurt on elevated fastballs in hitters counts in the big leagues in 2008. Niese’s secondary pitches were better than his fastball today. Niese’s curveball came in at 68-73 mph, a plus pitch with sharp break and two-plane depth. His low-80s changeup was another quality secondary pitch that caught a few hitters out front.
On Bradley Holt:
It was clear that Holt was there to work on his changeup as he mixed the pitch in liberally today against hitters. Holt’s fastball sat at 91-92 mph, topping out at 93 against Wallace. Holt has a lot more fastball than that, but at this stage of spring training, that velocity seems fine. Holt showed an 83-86 mph changeup, a pitch he changed his grip for this summer to a modified circle grip. He threw only a few breaking balls, a 77-79 mph pitch that Holt labeled a curveball.
http://www.metsminorleagueblog.com/2009/03/24/badler-on-niese-and-holt
Mets Alumni:
Fans have speculated for ages that Roger Clemens was suffering 'roid rage when he threw that bat against Mike Piazza in the 2000 World Series. But now Clemens is not the only person in that rivalry accused of using performance-enhancing drugs. In his new book about Clemens, "The Rocket That Fell To Earth", which comes out today, Jeff Pearlman writes that: "According to several sources, when the subject of performance enhancing was broached with reporters he especially trusted, Piazza fessed up.
"Sure, I use," he told one. "But in limited doses, and not all that often." (Piazza has denied using performance-enhancing drugs, but there has always been speculation.)"
http://subwaysquawkers.blogspot.com/2009/03/did-mike-piazza-tell-reporters-he-used.html
KEPPINGER ON BLOCK? Had a scout tell me that one of his bosses asked for his opinion on Jeff Keppinger. That could mean nothing. Or it could mean the Reds are shopping Keppinger. Keppinger is out of options. Adam Rosales has outhit Keppinger .273/.346/.545 to .182/.206/.182 this spring. Rosales could fill Keppinger's role. Rosales has more speed and power. Dusty Baker spoke glowing of him yesterday. “He’s in the mix big time,” Baker said of Rosales' chances to make the club. But I can’t see a scenario where the Reds would keep Keppinger and Rosales.
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog07&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ae57bcc87-152a-4f72-96fb-cc08b1f396efPost%3a0ca41d6a-efc5-44a8-8268-4a4bc294ccc7&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com
The Seattle Mariners optioned to Triple-A: RHP Gaby Hernandez
Mets Prospect - SP - Angel Calero
Angel Calero SP L L 6-3 170 9-25-86 Valecia, Venezuela
Calero came out of the VSL system and first pitched stateside with the 2006 GCL Mets (2-2, 6.83 in 9 games, 3 starts).
In 2007, Calero started the season with Kingsport where he pitched fantastically (5-1, 2.79, 1.20 in 11 appearances, 6 starts), which earned him a season ending promotion to Savannah (2-0, 1.54 in 2 starts).
In August 2007, TriCities Sports wrote:
When the Kingsport Mets have needed a stopper, Angel Calero has been their man. Thursday night, Calero flirted with a no-hitter -- just walking one batter and retiring 12 straight before Javier Dominguez broke up his no-no with solo home run with two outs in the fifth, but that was all the Danville Braves got and Calero went to 5-1 as the K-Mets scored a 9-1 victory in the second game to earn a split of a doubleheader.
His 2 year, 3 team totals are 9-3, 3.86 with 78Ks in 91.0 IP.
In 2008, Calero pitched well at Savannah (3-5, 2.57 in 12 starts) and was promoted to St. Lucie, where he also struggled (1-1, 7.07 in 4 starts).
In January 2009, Toby Hyde wrote: #21 - Why Ranked Here: Calero earns this ranking on three factors: lefthandedness, a plus LHP fastball (low 90s) and good size at 6’3”. In A-ball with Savannah, his K/BB ratio was a shade under four, indicating both good raw stuff and lots of strikes. 2008: Promoted to St. Lucie on June 10th, Calero made four starts, the last three of which were three innings or shorter. He was shut down at that point after complaining of shoulder discomfort and did not pitch again the rest of the year. Dr. Pangloss Says: If I had a tree that grew hard-throwing lefties, I’d be a very happy doctor. On the Flipside: Calero is coming off a shoulder problem so he has the injury red flag up high. Projected 2009 Start: St. Lucie (if he’s healthy).
Calero came out of the VSL system and first pitched stateside with the 2006 GCL Mets (2-2, 6.83 in 9 games, 3 starts).
In 2007, Calero started the season with Kingsport where he pitched fantastically (5-1, 2.79, 1.20 in 11 appearances, 6 starts), which earned him a season ending promotion to Savannah (2-0, 1.54 in 2 starts).
In August 2007, TriCities Sports wrote:
When the Kingsport Mets have needed a stopper, Angel Calero has been their man. Thursday night, Calero flirted with a no-hitter -- just walking one batter and retiring 12 straight before Javier Dominguez broke up his no-no with solo home run with two outs in the fifth, but that was all the Danville Braves got and Calero went to 5-1 as the K-Mets scored a 9-1 victory in the second game to earn a split of a doubleheader.
His 2 year, 3 team totals are 9-3, 3.86 with 78Ks in 91.0 IP.
In 2008, Calero pitched well at Savannah (3-5, 2.57 in 12 starts) and was promoted to St. Lucie, where he also struggled (1-1, 7.07 in 4 starts).
In January 2009, Toby Hyde wrote: #21 - Why Ranked Here: Calero earns this ranking on three factors: lefthandedness, a plus LHP fastball (low 90s) and good size at 6’3”. In A-ball with Savannah, his K/BB ratio was a shade under four, indicating both good raw stuff and lots of strikes. 2008: Promoted to St. Lucie on June 10th, Calero made four starts, the last three of which were three innings or shorter. He was shut down at that point after complaining of shoulder discomfort and did not pitch again the rest of the year. Dr. Pangloss Says: If I had a tree that grew hard-throwing lefties, I’d be a very happy doctor. On the Flipside: Calero is coming off a shoulder problem so he has the injury red flag up high. Projected 2009 Start: St. Lucie (if he’s healthy).
3/23/09
The Mack Attack - 3-23-9
Mets News
Mets released Rule 5 pick RHP Rocky Cherry after the Baltimore Orioles declined his return.
From Advanced Fantasy Baseball:
I was already excited about Dan Murphy but this news has me positively giddy. This will ensure that his RBI and Runs totals are approaching the century mark. I see his value approaching $20-25 which is awesome considering his 216.17 ADP in NL-only leagues. - 2009 UPSIDE: 500 at-bats/ .300/15/80/90/15
Buster Olney on Top 10 Players To Watch this season:
3. Daniel Murphy, Mets: Everybody who sees his at-bats walks away thinking they've just seen one of the most savvy young hitters in the sport. Jerry Manuel intends to use Murphy as his No. 2 hitter in the Mets' order this year, writes Adam Rubin.
Is Brian Schneider the answer at catcher? Will Jose Reyes grow up and become the player the Mets expect him to be? Will David Wright be better in the clutch then he was in 2008 (I know he had 124 RBI's which is very impressive, but man can I remember him stranding a ton of runners down the stretch last season). The Mets need better from their third baseman this year. These are valid questions. The answers to them will in large part determine if the 2009 NY Mets are in fact contenders or pretenders. Personally, I think many of these will be answered in the affirmative. The ones that have me most concerned are Luis Castillo, Livan Hernandez and John Maine (only due to health reasons). Again, I think the Mets will get the right answers to these questions. If not, Omar Minaya may have to make some more moves prior to the trading deadline, which could be tough to do in a favorable way. If I were a betting man, I would think the Mets will be just fine and in the mix in October, despite all the questions.
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/mr_mets_daily
Prospects :
My World Of Baseball on: Fernando Martinez OF (Mets) - No one questions Fernando’s bat. It is his ability to stay healthy that is the big impediment for him to have success in the major leagues. He’s had three seasons in the minor leagues and he has yet to play over 90 games. This winter he was having a lot of success, but he had to put an end to it because of a strained right elbow. This limited him to DH duties this spring and did not give him an opportunity to compete for the left field job. His other injuries included a bone bruise to his hand and a knee sprain in 2006; a broken hammate bone to his hand in 2007; and problems with his hamstring in 2008. He is still only 20 years old so playing in AA or AAA is not an insult. The Mets have him playing centerfield, but he is better suited for left field. He doesn’t have nearly enough range to match Carlos Beltran and when playing winter ball there are always better outfielders than him that forces him to play left field. He just doesn’t have the speed to cover the ground necessary for centerfield, but his bat should allow him to survive the corners.
MWOB on: Jefry Marte 3B (Mets) - While Wilmer Flores may not be able to stay at short for the Mets, Jefry has the tools for third base. If Wilmer moves to third Jefry has the speed that he can play the outfield, though he may not develop the power to fit at a corner position and his speed is not adequate to cover center. His .325 average his indicative of what he should do, hit for high average with enough power to be a run producer at third base. What he has to be careful of is that he uses the whole field and doesn’t try to force power by pulling the ball, sacrificing his average but not hitting for enough power to make the balance worthwhile. Next year should be his first year in a full season league.
Mets Alumni:
Pedro Martinez doesn’t have to do anything this year. He is easily one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and based off his performances in 1999 and 2000, I would argue he’s the greatest pitcher to ever live. But the vast majority of baseball analysts think he’s done. There argument is that Pedro has lost his velocity. He has no control and can’t strike guys out. Personally, I think they are wrong, but there are a lot of factors here. Lets start with the whole velocity issue. In my opinion, it is absolutely ridiculous. Sure he isn’t throwing mid 90s anymore, but when was the last time he threw in the mid 90s? While I don’t have full data going back to his days in Boston, I would guess it was something like 2002 or 2003, maybe even earlier. This is the data I do have:
http://fantasybullpen.com/alexs-column/pedro-martinez-a-return-to-greatness
Throughout the majors, older players will start assessing their careers when they get the dreaded news Danny Graves, Clay Hensley, Neal Musser, John Gall and Matt Kata received Sunday morning from Astros general manager Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper. Graves, Hensley, Musser, Gall and Kata arrived in camp knowing they needed to stand out to win jobs. But Sunday morning they were assigned to minor league camp, prompting Graves, 35, a righthanded reliever, to contemplate retirement as the other four wait their turns. Fortunately for Hensley, Musser, Gall and Kata, the Astros' depleted farm system means they'll have realistic chances of reaching the majors. -- Houston Chronicle
Astros lefthander Wandy Rodriguez, who was scheduled to start today, will be pushed back to Tuesday because of a bruised left index finger, which became tender a day after he tried to use his hand to catch Jose Reyes' chopper in the first Thursday against the Mets. Mike Hampton will start today, meaning he'll be lined up to start the second game of the season. Considering Rodriguez hasn't thrown more than two innings in a start this spring, it might be difficult for him to build up his pitch count enough to go on short rest in his final Grapefruit League start after Tuesday or be ready to pitch the Astros' second game. -- Houston Chronicle
Fantasy:
Advanced Fantasy Baseball on:
Lastings Milledge will turn 24-years old on opening day. Although it appears that he broke out in 2008, I believe there is quite a bit more fantasy baseball goodness coming in 2009. Milledge was moved around a injury (and talent lacking) lineup often last year. He also appears to have been a little unlucky with his BABIP judging by his line drive and ground ball rates and very good speed. Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta recently announced more good news for Milledge owners. Milledge will act as the Nationals leadoff hitter this season with the manager's blessing to steal bases. An improved on-base percentage and a stable place in the batting order should significantly increase his stolen base opportunities. The Nationals have an all-star cast of former center fielders and leadoff hitters (Marquis Grissom and Devon White among them) in camp working with Milledge on improving his defense and his base stealing techniques and early reports have been very positive. The Nationals' healthier (and more talented) 2009 lineup should also allow Milledge to score more runs and provide more RBI opportunities. Adam Dunn, a momentarily healthy Nick Johnson, Josh Willingham, a fulltime contribution from Elijah Dukes, and a healthy Ryan Zimmerman should transform a weak lineup into a potential powerhouse. - 2009 UPSIDE: 600 at-bats, .280/.340/.440 with 20 HR, 50 RBI, 90 Runs, 40 SB
Mets released Rule 5 pick RHP Rocky Cherry after the Baltimore Orioles declined his return.
From Advanced Fantasy Baseball:
I was already excited about Dan Murphy but this news has me positively giddy. This will ensure that his RBI and Runs totals are approaching the century mark. I see his value approaching $20-25 which is awesome considering his 216.17 ADP in NL-only leagues. - 2009 UPSIDE: 500 at-bats/ .300/15/80/90/15
Buster Olney on Top 10 Players To Watch this season:
3. Daniel Murphy, Mets: Everybody who sees his at-bats walks away thinking they've just seen one of the most savvy young hitters in the sport. Jerry Manuel intends to use Murphy as his No. 2 hitter in the Mets' order this year, writes Adam Rubin.
Is Brian Schneider the answer at catcher? Will Jose Reyes grow up and become the player the Mets expect him to be? Will David Wright be better in the clutch then he was in 2008 (I know he had 124 RBI's which is very impressive, but man can I remember him stranding a ton of runners down the stretch last season). The Mets need better from their third baseman this year. These are valid questions. The answers to them will in large part determine if the 2009 NY Mets are in fact contenders or pretenders. Personally, I think many of these will be answered in the affirmative. The ones that have me most concerned are Luis Castillo, Livan Hernandez and John Maine (only due to health reasons). Again, I think the Mets will get the right answers to these questions. If not, Omar Minaya may have to make some more moves prior to the trading deadline, which could be tough to do in a favorable way. If I were a betting man, I would think the Mets will be just fine and in the mix in October, despite all the questions.
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/mr_mets_daily
Prospects :
My World Of Baseball on: Fernando Martinez OF (Mets) - No one questions Fernando’s bat. It is his ability to stay healthy that is the big impediment for him to have success in the major leagues. He’s had three seasons in the minor leagues and he has yet to play over 90 games. This winter he was having a lot of success, but he had to put an end to it because of a strained right elbow. This limited him to DH duties this spring and did not give him an opportunity to compete for the left field job. His other injuries included a bone bruise to his hand and a knee sprain in 2006; a broken hammate bone to his hand in 2007; and problems with his hamstring in 2008. He is still only 20 years old so playing in AA or AAA is not an insult. The Mets have him playing centerfield, but he is better suited for left field. He doesn’t have nearly enough range to match Carlos Beltran and when playing winter ball there are always better outfielders than him that forces him to play left field. He just doesn’t have the speed to cover the ground necessary for centerfield, but his bat should allow him to survive the corners.
MWOB on: Jefry Marte 3B (Mets) - While Wilmer Flores may not be able to stay at short for the Mets, Jefry has the tools for third base. If Wilmer moves to third Jefry has the speed that he can play the outfield, though he may not develop the power to fit at a corner position and his speed is not adequate to cover center. His .325 average his indicative of what he should do, hit for high average with enough power to be a run producer at third base. What he has to be careful of is that he uses the whole field and doesn’t try to force power by pulling the ball, sacrificing his average but not hitting for enough power to make the balance worthwhile. Next year should be his first year in a full season league.
Mets Alumni:
Pedro Martinez doesn’t have to do anything this year. He is easily one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and based off his performances in 1999 and 2000, I would argue he’s the greatest pitcher to ever live. But the vast majority of baseball analysts think he’s done. There argument is that Pedro has lost his velocity. He has no control and can’t strike guys out. Personally, I think they are wrong, but there are a lot of factors here. Lets start with the whole velocity issue. In my opinion, it is absolutely ridiculous. Sure he isn’t throwing mid 90s anymore, but when was the last time he threw in the mid 90s? While I don’t have full data going back to his days in Boston, I would guess it was something like 2002 or 2003, maybe even earlier. This is the data I do have:
http://fantasybullpen.com/alexs-column/pedro-martinez-a-return-to-greatness
Throughout the majors, older players will start assessing their careers when they get the dreaded news Danny Graves, Clay Hensley, Neal Musser, John Gall and Matt Kata received Sunday morning from Astros general manager Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper. Graves, Hensley, Musser, Gall and Kata arrived in camp knowing they needed to stand out to win jobs. But Sunday morning they were assigned to minor league camp, prompting Graves, 35, a righthanded reliever, to contemplate retirement as the other four wait their turns. Fortunately for Hensley, Musser, Gall and Kata, the Astros' depleted farm system means they'll have realistic chances of reaching the majors. -- Houston Chronicle
Astros lefthander Wandy Rodriguez, who was scheduled to start today, will be pushed back to Tuesday because of a bruised left index finger, which became tender a day after he tried to use his hand to catch Jose Reyes' chopper in the first Thursday against the Mets. Mike Hampton will start today, meaning he'll be lined up to start the second game of the season. Considering Rodriguez hasn't thrown more than two innings in a start this spring, it might be difficult for him to build up his pitch count enough to go on short rest in his final Grapefruit League start after Tuesday or be ready to pitch the Astros' second game. -- Houston Chronicle
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Lastings Milledge will turn 24-years old on opening day. Although it appears that he broke out in 2008, I believe there is quite a bit more fantasy baseball goodness coming in 2009. Milledge was moved around a injury (and talent lacking) lineup often last year. He also appears to have been a little unlucky with his BABIP judging by his line drive and ground ball rates and very good speed. Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta recently announced more good news for Milledge owners. Milledge will act as the Nationals leadoff hitter this season with the manager's blessing to steal bases. An improved on-base percentage and a stable place in the batting order should significantly increase his stolen base opportunities. The Nationals have an all-star cast of former center fielders and leadoff hitters (Marquis Grissom and Devon White among them) in camp working with Milledge on improving his defense and his base stealing techniques and early reports have been very positive. The Nationals' healthier (and more talented) 2009 lineup should also allow Milledge to score more runs and provide more RBI opportunities. Adam Dunn, a momentarily healthy Nick Johnson, Josh Willingham, a fulltime contribution from Elijah Dukes, and a healthy Ryan Zimmerman should transform a weak lineup into a potential powerhouse. - 2009 UPSIDE: 600 at-bats, .280/.340/.440 with 20 HR, 50 RBI, 90 Runs, 40 SB
Mets Prospect - P - Adam Bostick
Adam Bostick SP L L 6-1 220 3-17-83 Greensburg-Salem (Pa.) High School
Bostick was selected by Florida Marlins in 6th Round (182nd overall) of 2001 amateur entry draft. He signed for a $150,0000 bonus and was immediately assigned to the GCL Marlin team where, according to Baseball Cube, he pitched 0.0 innings over 7 starts, giving up 57 runs and posting an ERA of 720,000,000.00. Let’s all assume that’s wrong. Bostick missed the entire 2002 season following surgery to transpose a nerve in his elbow. 2003 through 2006 were spent at Jamestown (A-), Greensboro (A), Jupiter (A+), Carolina (AA) and finally, Albuquerque (AAA) in 2006. He was a starter throughout his Marlins minor league career. This was a guy that, when in A ball, struck out 163 batters in 114 innings.
On Nov 20, 2006, Bostick was traded by the Marlins with Jason Vargas to Mets for Matt Lindstrom and Henry Owens. Various scouting reports have said that he has a smooth delivery, and pitches at 88-90 mph and tops out at 93 mph. He has known for having the best curveball in the Marlins system, but his changeup needs work. He also has had erratic command and shown a lack of endurance, but only gave up 7 home runs in the 2006 season. Experts project him as a lefty specialist if he masters his control problems and gets to the big leagues.
John Sickles’ 2007 Top Mets prospects has him at #10, with a C+ rating, plus the following comments: “good breaking ball…” In fact, Sickles has always been high on Bostick.
In January 2007, Rotoworld listed Bostick as the 13th top Mets prospect of 2007.
Bostick pitched the entire 2007 season for New Orleans (6-7, 5.66, 1.56, in 21 games, 20 starts).
In September 2007, Bostick was assigned to play in the Arizona Winter League (which is always a sign that the organization wants to invest more time and money in you).
In October 2007, Bostick was assigned to play in the Arizona Winter League.
In late January 2007, Baseball America ranked him as the 23rd overall Mets prospect.
Also in February 2008, Rotoworld ranked Bostick as the #12 Mets prospect.
2008 was unkind to Bostick. He spent much of the season on the IR (left knee) and posted limited numbers (11 games, 10 starts 2-2, 6.04) for New Orleans.
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