Mets: Matt Harvey, Payroll Drop, John Franco, Gary Carter, Juan Lagares

1-26-12: - http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/index.jsp?partnerId=aw-6182194846943667814-996  - Scouting report: Some were concerned about Matt Harvey’s delivery issues and the resulting command problems he had coming out of North Carolina, leading to the conclusion he might be a reliever in the future. That talk has quieted some with the success he had in his first season. He commands his fastball much better now and has a plus breaking ball as well. His changeup has improved, though there’s still room for growth there. He can still improve his overall command, though there’s more confidence he’ll do so and be a starting pitcher long term. He made good adjustments to a higher level after struggling when he first got to Double-A last year

After general manager Sandy Alderson revealed the organization lost $70 million last year, the Mets appear poised to have the biggest one-year payroll drop in MLB history -- roughly $52 million. That would surpass the former record: $48.4 million by the Texas Rangers from 2003 to 2004, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The Marlins from 2005 to 2006 had the biggest reduction by percentage, trimming nearly 75 percent of their payroll, but the total was $45.4 million. http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7495383/new-york-mets-largest-payroll-dropoff-ever

John Franco will become the 26th member of the Mets Hall of Fame, the team announced Thursday. Franco, a native of Brooklyn, spent 14 years with the club, appearing in 695 games and amassing 276 saves. His 424 career saves rank fourth in major league history. “I am truly honored and humbled by this,” Franco said in a conference call. He said the induction meant more to him because he rooted for the Mets when he was a child. Franco, who retired in 2005, has stayed active with the Mets’ organization, mostly in community activities and charity events. Last season, however, he took time to advise Bobby Parnell, who was learning how to be a closer. Franco said Thursday it was unlikely he would take on any coaching duties anytime soon. http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/

1-27-12 – http://www.213milesfromshea.com/2012/01/27/get-to-know-a-mets-minor-league-player-juan-lagares/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - Juan Lagares is a member of the Mets’ large group of young, far away prospects. Lagares has been in the Mets system since 2006 when he was only 17 years old (played in the Mets Dominican Team). Since then he has worked up the Mets system, reaching AA last season. In terms of his progression since playing in America (2007), his batting average and power (doubles, homers, SLG) have improved every season (with the exception of 2009, where his power dipped a bit). Statistically speaking, last season was by far his best as he destroyed A+ ball, and then did even better at the AA level:  St. Lucie: 308 AB, 51 R, 104 H, 15 2B, 6 3B, 7 HR, .338 BA, .380 OBP, .494 SLG   B-Mets: 162 AB,  21 R, 60 H, 11 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, .371 BA, .391 OBP, .512 SLG  - In his last season, his hitting pace really increased as did his slugging. There has been a lot of buzz that Juan is knocking down the door to be named a top 10 prospect in the Mets system, and it will probably happen if he has another year in AA like he did last season. In 2012 he’ll be 23 and with a positive year, depending on how positive and the health of the Mets, he could be looking at a late season call up, to competing for a spot on the 2013 roster (and entering starting talk in 2014).

Mets: Matt Harvey, Payroll Drop, John Franco, Gary Carter, Juan Lagares

1-26-12: - http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/index.jsp?partnerId=aw-6182194846943667814-996  - Scouting report: Some were concerned about Matt Harvey’s delivery issues and the resulting command problems he had coming out of North Carolina, leading to the conclusion he might be a reliever in the future. That talk has quieted some with the success he had in his first season. He commands his fastball much better now and has a plus breaking ball as well. His changeup has improved, though there’s still room for growth there. He can still improve his overall command, though there’s more confidence he’ll do so and be a starting pitcher long term. He made good adjustments to a higher level after struggling when he first got to Double-A last year

After general manager Sandy Alderson revealed the organization lost $70 million last year, the Mets appear poised to have the biggest one-year payroll drop in MLB history -- roughly $52 million. That would surpass the former record: $48.4 million by the Texas Rangers from 2003 to 2004, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The Marlins from 2005 to 2006 had the biggest reduction by percentage, trimming nearly 75 percent of their payroll, but the total was $45.4 million. http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7495383/new-york-mets-largest-payroll-dropoff-ever

John Franco will become the 26th member of the Mets Hall of Fame, the team announced Thursday. Franco, a native of Brooklyn, spent 14 years with the club, appearing in 695 games and amassing 276 saves. His 424 career saves rank fourth in major league history. “I am truly honored and humbled by this,” Franco said in a conference call. He said the induction meant more to him because he rooted for the Mets when he was a child. Franco, who retired in 2005, has stayed active with the Mets’ organization, mostly in community activities and charity events. Last season, however, he took time to advise Bobby Parnell, who was learning how to be a closer. Franco said Thursday it was unlikely he would take on any coaching duties anytime soon. http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/

1-27-12 – http://www.213milesfromshea.com/2012/01/27/get-to-know-a-mets-minor-league-player-juan-lagares/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - Juan Lagares is a member of the Mets’ large group of young, far away prospects. Lagares has been in the Mets system since 2006 when he was only 17 years old (played in the Mets Dominican Team). Since then he has worked up the Mets system, reaching AA last season. In terms of his progression since playing in America (2007), his batting average and power (doubles, homers, SLG) have improved every season (with the exception of 2009, where his power dipped a bit). Statistically speaking, last season was by far his best as he destroyed A+ ball, and then did even better at the AA level:  St. Lucie: 308 AB, 51 R, 104 H, 15 2B, 6 3B, 7 HR, .338 BA, .380 OBP, .494 SLG   B-Mets: 162 AB,  21 R, 60 H, 11 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, .371 BA, .391 OBP, .512 SLG  - In his last season, his hitting pace really increased as did his slugging. There has been a lot of buzz that Juan is knocking down the door to be named a top 10 prospect in the Mets system, and it will probably happen if he has another year in AA like he did last season. In 2012 he’ll be 23 and with a positive year, depending on how positive and the health of the Mets, he could be looking at a late season call up, to competing for a spot on the 2013 roster (and entering starting talk in 2014).

Citi Softball for Heroes

Yesterday Citi and the Mets Alumni Association held a charity softball event at Citi Field in Flushing. To read more about the event please read this article from the Examiner. I only learned about the event on Friday, but the moment I did I rallied the family to organize an early birthday present for my father.

My father grew up in Whitestone, NY and... he grew up a Yankee fan. He was a fan of Yogi Berra and Roger Marris and, like most kids his age... The Mick. Then came the fateful year where George Steinbrenner FIRED Yogi Berra as manager of the Yankees. My father was hurt that his team would ignore a player's legacy like that and conveniently was nearby for the recently created Mets franchise. Plus... the Mets made the decision to give Ole' Yogi a job.
While he wasn't always a Met fan he's been devoted to the Mets since then and raised me a Met fan too. Yesterday my father was able to make his debut at Citi Field, playing in this charity tournament. He got to meet Ed Charles, Ed Kranepool, Darryl Strawberry and John Franco. My father may have been the only participant in the game to have been old enough to watch the '69 series. Charles quipped, "What, were you 2 when you watched the '69 Mets?" He was only 15 years off.
Later, Ed Kranepool wanted to play a little first base for one of the teams. "Anyone have a lefty glove?" he asked. My father was quick to raise his. I told him that night, "That's your glove forever now."
Just the ability to toss a ball in the outfield of a professional stadium had it's impact. You don't really get an idea of how big the field IS until you're on it. My father may not have the best day at the plate (at least not compared to the 30 year olds he was playing with) but he did show off some solid fielding to make the players of our: "Old Fart Softball League" proud.
He also got some great behind the scenes looks into Citi Field, including a picture with Strawberry. (Who is only about a foot and a half taller than him.) All and all it was an amazing experience that my family was able to give my father for his sixtieth birthday and one he should remember for another sixty years.

I'd like to thank Citi and the Mets Alumni Association for organizing this fantastic charity event. Not only does it support a worthy cause, but it provides fans a once in a lifetime chance to get close to the game they love.

P.S.
My father's team won their two games: 9-0 and 6-0.

Cutnpaste: Juan Lagares, Gnats Baseball Cards, John Franco, Lucas Duda, David Einhorn

9-3-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/09/prospect-pulse-buffalo-2012-help-on-the-way.html   - Juan Lagares - 2011 has been a breakout season for Lagares in the truest sense of the word. After totally demolishing the Florida State League in the first half, with a .338/.380/.494 slash line, he went to Bingo and started hitting even better, to the tune of .376/.397/.523. He is off to the Arizona Fall League after the regular season, and barring a total meltdown, should be starting in LF for the Herd next year. This guy is coming very fast now and has a well-rounded game. It may sound like a broken record, but there is no reason why he can’t break-in at Citi sometime next year too.

The Savannah Sand Gnats are the Mets’ Single-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. They made the playoffs, though they will be trying to stave off elimination after their defeat last night. Multi Ad Sports produced their 36-card team set, which also includes 35 regular cards as well as a blank-back logo card. The fronts are glossy; the backs are printed in black and white with green highlights. They include a cropped version of the photo from the front, stats and biographical information. The photography in this set is among the best I’ve seen on minor league baseball cards. If you were collecting in the early 1990s, think of Topps Stadium Club vs. everyone else. It’s that good. - http://randombaseballstuff.com/2011/09/08/minor-league-baseball-card-review-2011-savannah-sand-gnats

John Franco wouldn't mind trying to pick up another save for the Mets. The franchise's all-time saves leader yesterday said he would love an opportunity to tutor Bobby Parnell for the remainder of this season and beyond, if the Mets ask Franco to help. The right-handed Parnell has struggled in his audition for the 2012 closer's job. "He's a young kid and he's still figuring things out," Franco told The Post before the Mets beat the Cubs 5-4 last night at Citi Field. "It's like on-the-job training for him. If you go into a season with the mindset 'This is my job,' and you have the right tutoring -- someone like myself can come along and maybe help him out and talk to him day in and day out." - http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/franco_says_he_volunteer_to_tutor_e76txaZOlQy1YRfu9IGXVM?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=  

Lucas Duda: I'll come right out and say it: I really like Duda. All of a sudden, the last three weeks of a season are meaningful for a team that will be going nowhere because the Mets have become very cost conscious. Thus, young players can stake a claim for a spot next year. The No. 1 young player performing his way into a starting role next season is right fielder Lucas Duda. The 25-year-old has been given a shot and has been doing what he did in the minor leagues: hit, and hit both lefties and righties. Duda has a .279 average, nine home runs and 46 RBI on the season. Since the All-Star break, he has really found comfort in constant playing time: with a .307/.385/.548 line and all nine of his homers. This is the type of guy the Mets need to excel with their lower-than-normal payroll. His defense may be subpar, but he's got an advanced hitting approach and will come at a cheap price next season. Plus, he's settled in nicely at the No. 3 spot in the order in front of David Wright. - http://newyork.sbnation.com/new-york-mets/2011/9/9/2415542/five-reasons-to-watch-the-new-york-mets-jose-reyes-lucas-duda-johan-santana  

(David) Einhorn won’t invest if he doesn’t believe that the future will benefit him. (He has a good track record, famously shorting Lehman Brothers before the firm went bankrupt in 2008.) What stuck in his craw was an apparent attempt by the Wilpons to get language removed from the agreement which would provide an automatic road for Einhorn to get approval from other major league owners, to allow him to take over the Mets. (Automatic approval itself is prohibited by baseball’s rules.) He explained: “It wouldn’t make sense to invest $200 million into a team and then be denied the ability to exercise a negotiated option [to buy the team] down the road due to the inability to obtain the required vote of other major league owners at that time.” - http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/why-einhorn-jilted-the-mets  

Mathew Budgell, John Franco, Ruben Tejada, Farm System, Ike Update

Mathew Budgell:


7-8-11: - The Mets announced they have signed their 10th round draft pick. – 6-2, 150 (yikes!) – Woodbridge High School, Irvine, Ca. – signed for $225,000 – third over slot signing - 40 IP, 48 H (16 XBH), 18 BB, 33 K, 4.02 ERA


John Franco:


John Franco (1990-01, 03-04): Franco came to the Mets prior to the 1990 season in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. He proceeded to rack up 276 saves with the Amazins, tops in the team’s history. He also owned a 3.10 ERA, 1.365 WHIP and 7.6 K/9. He also pitched well in the postseason, and allowed no runs during his three World Series appearances in 2000. He may not have been the dominant pitcher that Benitez was in terms of strikeouts and power, but Franco was crafty and knew how to get the job done. His 424 career saves ranks fourth on the all-time list, and are the most compiled by a lefty. - http://risingapple.com/2011/07/07/top-five-closers-in-mets-history  


Ruben Tejada:


7-7-11: - http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/07/the-kids-are-all-right.html  - Ruben Tejada was supposed to be the kid with the slick glove who wasn’t supposed to do much with the bat. But in addition to his fielding prowess, his offense has been a pleasant surprise. In 45 games hitting mostly in the eighth spot in the batting order, Tejada has collected 18 RBI, the result of a .314 batting average with runners in scoring position and a .318 average with men on base. Also, unlike most free-swinging young players, the 21-year-old Tejada has made excellent contact this season, striking out only 25 times


Farm System:


The Mets came into the season with an interesting dynamic, as the new front office inherited a large number of raw, high-upside players acquired by the previous regime. At this point, 2011 has gone reasonably well. The primary bright spots have been breakouts from Jeurys Familia and Matt Harvey. The Mets also have a number of high-upside hitting prospects like Wilmer Flores, Cesar Puello, Cory Vaughn, etc. The primary negative was losing Jennry Mejia when he was about to help their rotation. In the draft, the team added a high-upside outfielder in Brandon Nimmo. It’s hard to say how this system will look in five years. There are a lot of potentially productive players, but since many of the high upside guys are speculative, it’ll take time to see how it turns out. On the whole, I think the new front office has the Mets headed in the right direction. - http://www.deepleagues.com/?p=3511  

Ike Update:


Ike Davis has been doing treadmill work on a specialized machine that puts less force on his legs than his body weight normally would supply. And Terry Collins said the sessions to test Davis' troublesome left ankle on Thursday and Friday have gone well. ”Another very, very good report today that the ankle is responding very, very well," Collins said. "There's no discomfort." - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/28891/collins-ike-davis-making-progress