1/17/12

Mets: Elvin Ramirez, Syracuse Radio, Carlos Beltran, 2012 ERAs



Elvin Ramirez (RHP) Ramirez was the player taken from the Mets in the Rule 5 draft in December 2010, by the Washington Nationals. The 6’3″ righty from the Dominican Republic was throwing up to 97-98 mph last winter in the DWL, and despite a marginal breaking ball, the Nats had every intention of keeping Ramirez in their bullpen for the whole year, until he got hurt that is. A shoulder injury suffered in spring training required surgery on his throwing shoulder, and he was returned to the Mets late in the season. The word circulating about him now is that he is feeling good and could be ready to start the season on time. The Mets will use Ramirez out of the AAA Buffalo bullpen this season, and if he recovers without incidence and regains his velocity, he could be a valuable bullpen arm for the Mets down the road.

Does the Syracuse area have more Boston Red Sox fans or more New York Mets fans?  After carrying Sox baseball last season, ESPN Radio 97.7/100.1 (WTLA/WSGO) is now hedging its bets with Mets fans.  The station announced on Friday that it’ll be Syracuse’s radio home for the New York Mets this coming season. ESPN Radio CNY program director Chris McManus tells CNYRadio.com, “we’re thrilled to add New York baseball to our lineup. We know Mets fans in Central New York have been dying to hear their team for a long time.”  Even if one isn’t a Mets fan, McManus adds, “Howie Rose is as good as it gets in baseball play by play, so any baseball fan should enjoy this summer.” http://www.cnyradio.com/2012/01/15/espn-radio-cny-trades-red-sox-for-mets/

Two weeks later, he had a two-year, $26 million deal, a move that looks to be an ideal fit for the Cardinals and Carlos Beltran. The Cardinals are adding an impact bat to help recover from Pujols' departure and Beltran is getting his wish to play for a contender. He is expected to bat second and play right field, though he could move into the fourth or fifth spot in the order and see time in center. Such details don't matter that much to him. "I have hit second in the past," Beltran said Monday when he was introduced to St. Louis on the final day of the team's Winter Warmup. "I don't mind, honestly. I am just going to come to the ballpark every day prepared to play, and then wherever he needs me, I'll be there." http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-01-16/new-cardinal-beltran-happy-to-be-playing-for-a-contender#ixzz1jf9vbQex

Of course, there's give and take with any fence-line alteration. ERAs could definitely be on the rise, especially for fly-ball heavy pitchers. Jonathan Niese, a strong breakout candidate (3.14 K/BB, 3.77 tERA in '11), Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee shouldn't be too negatively impacted by the change. Each did a commendable job keeping balls in the park posting groundball rates well above 45.0 percent last year. However, Johan Santana, assuming he's healthy, could come down with a nasty case of gopheritis. During his last healthy season, 2010, the two-time Cy Young winner allowed 1.12 HR/9 at Citi Field. He also notched a skyward 0.75 GB/FB ratio with the Mets from '09-'10. If Johan doesn't regain his mystifying form, he could become a punching bag, even at home  http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fantasy-roto-arcade/pressing-questions-york-mets-212418500.html

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