The Mack Attack - April 2, 2009

Mets News

The rotation hasn't changed much either. Last year's group posted a 3.98 ERA in 971 innings, 5th in the NL. The front four of Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, Perez, and John Maine may again be followed by a revolving door of fifth starters. This time the candidates are Hernandez, Redding, Garcia, and Jon Niese. It's inexact, but using CHONE I have the Mets starters around a 4.20 ERA in '09. The system does not see Santana and Pelfrey repeating their ERAs (2.53 and 3.72). The focus of the offseason was to revamp the bullpen. Minaya signed K-Rod and traded for Putz and Green. These improvements should make up for any slippage by the rotation. The Mets played strong defense in '08, and that should hold true in '09. The bullpen should add a few wins, but will that improvement be balanced out by a slightly worse offense and rotation? If so, the Mets are an 86 win team. Bottom line: Minaya may not have done enough by revamping his bullpen and bringing in a new fifth starter cast. The Mets could be players at the trade deadline.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/0...york-mets.html


The Mets released RHP Pedro E. Martinez, RHP Stephen Puhl, RHP Jorge Rodriguez, and OF B.J. Roper-Hubbert…. They also loaned to the Mexican League LHP Heriberto Ruelas


The Mets have no good defensive options at second base. Yes, Luis Castillo is in shape and ready to roll, but the knees are still arthritic. Castillo is the fifth-worst second baseman at minus-20 plays during the 2006-2008 period and getting worse every year. The seasonal ranks since 2003: 8, 12, 21, 23, 32. How low can you limbo, Luis? Alex Cora? He was 28th at second base the last time he saw extensive action there. Weirdly, he's better at shortstop relative to the field -- he's average. I still wish the Mets signed Adam Kennedy, who was plus-18 last year and available for nothing after the Cardinals released him. He's a weak hitter, but so are the other guys, and at least Kennedy still does something well.

http://web.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?y...36 018&vkey=9



Opening Day Roster:


25 Pedro Feliciano L/L 5-10 190 08/25/76
48 Sean Green R/R 6-6 235 04/20/79
33 John Maine R/R 6-4 200 05/08/81
36 Darren O’Day R/R 6-4 225 10/22/82
39 Bobby Parnell R/R 6-4 200 09/08/84
34 Mike Pelfrey R/R 6-7 215 01/14/84
46 Oliver Perez L/L 6-3 215 08/15/81
22 J.J. Putz R/R 6-5 250 02/12/77
75 Francisco Rodriguez R/R 6-0 195 01/07/82
57 Johan Santana L/L 6-0 210 03/13/79
43 Brian Stokes R/R 6-1 210 09/07/79
Catchers B/T Ht Wt DOB
11 Ramon Castro R/R 6-3 258 03/01/76
23 Brian Schneider L/R 6-1 196 11/26/76
Infielders B/T Ht Wt DOB
1 Luis Castillo S/R 5-11 190 09/12/75
3 Alex Cora S/R 5-11 190 09/12/75
21 Carlos Delgado L/R 6-3 265 06/25/72
7 Jose Reyes S/R 6-1 200 06/11/83
5 David Wright R/R 6-0 215 12/20/82
Outfielders B/T Ht Wt DOB
9 Marlon Anderson L/R 5-11 200 01/06/74
15 Carlos Beltran S/R 6-1 205 04/24/77
19 Ryan Church L/L 6-1 190 10/14/78
6 Nick Evans L/R 6-2 214 04/01/85
28 Daniel Murphy L/R 6-2 214 04/01/85
18 Jeremy Reed L/L 6-0 200 06/15/81
17 Fernando Tatis R/R 5-10 180 01/01/75


Its known the Mets' players are great in the community. I just want to show you three of themwho have done a great job and deserve a lot of credit. - Fernando Tatis - Fernando Tatis is one of the best baseball story’s of the 2008 season. He took a two-year break from baseball. Why did he come back? He came back to baseball in 2006 so he can buy land for a new church in San Pedro, his home town. The Orioles invited him to spring training and and he came up to the Majors in the same season on July 21. - Carlos Delgado - Carlos Delgado is known for his great bat, but he is also known for what he does off the baseball diamond. He and his wife, Betzaida are running a foundation call "Extra Bases," established in 2001, a non-profit organization. Carlos is also a member of the NY action team, a national youth volunteer program. - David Wright - David Wright is the Mets' team captain, but he also has his own foundation, the David Wright Foundation. The foundation was established in 2005 and works toward improving the health, education, and emotional development of children in need.

http://www.ddmetsfanblog.com/2009/04...f-diamond.html



Bisons:

The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, defeated the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals), 6-0, on Wednesday afternoon from Jupiter, FL. The Bisons will conclude their spring exhibition schedule on Tuesday against Memphis at Port St. Lucie, FL. LHP Jonathon Niese combined with three relievers on the shutout. Niese worked the first six innings while RHP Kyle Snyder, RHP Eddie Kunz and LHP Connor Robertson all chipped in an inning of relief. OF Fernando Martinez, INF Rob Mackowiak and OF Cory Sullivan all had two hits and drove in a run for Buffalo. OF Jason Cooper added two hits in the win.

B-Mets:

Four runs in both the 1st and 9th innings plus a solid start by Eric Brown brought the B-Mets to a 9-1 Spring Training victory over the Springfield Cardinals. The B-Mets are now 6-1-1 in the Grapefruit League. Brown pitched himself to the win with five solid innings of four hit baseball. In that span he allowed only one earned run while striking out a batter. He was relieved by Edgar Alfonzo in the 6th inning who allowed only two hits. Eddie Camacho and Adam Bostick both pitched perfect innings while each striking out a batter. Julio De La Cruz gave up a lone hit in the final inning while striking out 1. Eight out of the nine batters for the B-Mets reached base through base hits. Shortstop Ruben Tejada and Catcher Josh Thole both went 1-4 with an RBI. Thole also scored two runs. Left Fielder Caleb Stewart racked up three hits in five at-bats including a double. First Baseman Lucas Duda had three RBIs in the game including two in the first inning on a double. He finished the game 2-5. His single in the 6th inning also brought in a run. Josh Petersen added to the scoring with his own RBI in the first inning on a single. He helped the Mets in the 9th inning with a two run double.


Mets Alumni:

Baltimore released C Jose Reyes.

Houston released 1B Josh Pressley and OF Jason Tyner

Toronto released P Orlando Roman and OF Wayne Lydon

Q&A Re: Mets Catching

Bill Metsiac:: Omir Santos and Rene Rivera have looked good this Spring, and have gotten a lot of playing time. How do you see the AA and AAA Catching situations playing out? It seems like the Mets want Thole to be the AA starter, leaving Santos, Rivera, and Cancel (or someone I haven't thought about) for the other 3 spots.


Matt Himelfaub: Mack, you know anything about Charles Doyle? He was high round pick last year who played mostly at Kingsport in 08. He's 23 now, I'm guessing he's starting at St. Lucie.


Mack: Morning Matt and Bill:

Regarding catching...

Both Santos and Rivera have make the prediction of who will catch where must more difficult. It's obvious that both will remain with the team (showcased?) and will be assigned, either to Buffalo or the B-Mets.

The good news is, in less than 3 days, we'll know where everyone is.

I have on my board right now:

Buffalo:

Mike Nickeas
Gustavo Molina
Robinson Cancel
Rene Rivera
Omir Santos
Sal Paniagua

Cancel is a keeper since he is currently the 3rd Mets catcher... I expect Nickeas to be cut this week, especially after the three home runs the other day by both Rivera and Santos...

My guess is Cancel, Paniagua and Rivera, with Santos going to the B-Mets


B-Mets:

Josh Thole
Rafael Arroyo
Jason Jacobs

We know Thole is a keeper... everyone says he has questionable talent defensively, but I never saw it in Savannah... also remember, he's an adequate first baseman also (almost got killed playing there 2 years ago for the Gnats when he took a line drive in the head)

My guess: Thole, Santos, Jacobs


Lucy:

Francisco Pena
Luis Allen
Jordan Abruzzo
Sean McCraw

Pena is a keeper if, for no other reason, the amount paid to him in his bonus. Abruzzo is a bat without a full time gig, that will DH most of the year...

Savannah:

Dock Doyle
Ralph Henriquez
Tony Maccanni

This is where Doyle should wind up... he's considered internally as a prospect... good bat... we need to keep an eye on him...

Nothing intriquing below this level...


All this changes if Reese Havens does continue his conversion to catching.

I agree with Mike on Schneider and Castro. As you know, I'm a big fan of Brian, but he just might be too fragile.

The key to the Mets future catcher may be in Texas.


Bill Metsiac: Who are your picks for the starting/back-up jobs for the two teams, and which (any) would be your pick to replace Castro if he's not re-signed for '10?

Right now, my guess would be Thole, but I truly believe he needs two more years to mature. I would rather have Cancel as the 2010 backup for a new starter.

Thinking Outside The Box - Jack Flynn

The problem could not be ignored forever.

Once it became clear that Mets general manager Omar Minaya was not going to sign or trade for a position player of note during the off-season, manager Jerry Manuel was left with a perplexing challenge. How could he possibly employ a balanced starting lineup with so few right-handed batters?

Manuel’s projected starters included four left-handed batters (Carlos Delgado, Ryan Church, Brian Schneider and Daniel Murphy) and three switch-hitters (Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo). David Wright was the only right-handed bat that was expected to see regular playing time on Manuel’s watch.

Reyes was going to lead off, of course – it wasn’t hard to see through the smokescreen generated by Manuel’s proclamation earlier this spring that he was considering Jose for the #3 spot in the order.

Castillo was apparently going to be given another chance to bat second – the lineup position he seemed destined for when Minaya inked him to a four-year deal after the 2007 season. Wright and Beltran were going to bat third and fourth, as they had done for the majority of the 2008 campaign.

Link: http://www.flushinguniversity.com/moxie/columns/thinking-outside-the-box.shtml

B-Mets 9, Springfield 1

Four runs in both the 1st and 9th innings plus a solid start by Eric Brown brought the B-Mets to a 9-1 Spring Training victory over the Springfield Cardinals. The B-Mets are now 6-1-1 in the Grapefruit League

Brown pitched himself to the win with five solid innings of four hit baseball. In that span he allowed only one earned run while striking out a batter. He was relieved by Edgar Alfonzo in the 6th inning who allowed only two hits. Eddie Camacho and Adam Bostick both pitched perfect innings while each striking out a batter. Julio De La Cruz gave up a lone hit in the final inning while striking out 1.

Eight out of the nine batters for the B-Mets reached base through base hits. Shortstop Ruben Tejada and Catcher Josh Thole both went 1-4 with an RBI. Thole also scored two runs. Left Fielder Caleb Stewart racked up three hits in five at-bats including a double. First Baseman Lucas Duda had three RBIs in the game including two in the first inning on a double. He finished the game 2-5. His single in the 6th inning also brought in a run. Josh Petersen added to the scoring with his own RBI in the first inning on a single. He helped the Mets in the 9th inning with a two run double.

The B-Mets finish their Spring Training schedule tomorrow with a game against the Jacksonville Suns. After that, rosters will be finalized and the players will start heading north to get ready for the 2009 season

Buffalo 6, Memphis 0

The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, defeated the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals), 6-0, on Wednesday afternoon from Jupiter, FL. The Bisons will conclude their spring exhibition schedule on Tuesday against Memphis at Port St. Lucie, FL. LHP Jonathon Niese combined with three relievers on the shutout. Niese worked the first six innings while RHP Kyle Snyder, RHP Eddie Kunz and LHP Connor Robertson all chipped in an inning of relief. OF Fernando Martinez, INF Rob Mackowiak and OF Cory Sullivan all had two hits and drove in a run for Buffalo. OF Jason Cooper added two hits in the win.

Draft 2009: Revised Top 24 RHP Prospects

RHP:

1. Steven Strasburg - San Diego State… 6-4, 220… 56.9 K% 5.4 BB%, 100 mph fasball, but slider may be best pitch... 74 Ks in 34 IP through March 2009… 2008: 97.1 IP 12.3 K/9 1.5 8.3 K/BB…

2. Zach Wheeler – 6-4, 180… 95 mph fastball, sinker, curve, good mechanics… turning 19… East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga…. went 8-3 for East Paulding High School in 2008 with a 1.31 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings.

3. Shelby Miller - 94 mph fastball, sinker, two breakers… touched 97 this spring… 18 years old… Brownwood (Texas) HS…

4. Alex White - 2.7/1 K:BB… some mechanical concerns… hit on early this season… 20 years old… was drafted in 14th round by the Dodgers in 2007… fastball in 93-96 range… slider and spitter… 2.83 ERA in 15 games, 13-3, 113 Ks last year for Tarheels…

5. Tanner Scheppers - top '08 prospect before injury… 95 mph fastball, slider… 40.1% K… 12.8% BB… indy pitcher for St. Paul Saints…

6. Jacob Turner – 94 mph fastball… good curve and change… 6-4, 205… turning 18… Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis… Pitched for Westminster Christian Academy, opponents, 5-2, 1.45, 92K/43 1 IP…

7. Aaron Crow - Unsigned 9th overall pick in 2008… projected as SP2…

8. Mychal Givens – 6-2, 185… Plat HS (Florida) senior… 96 mph fastball… also great defensive shortstop… 18 years old - Plant HS, Tampa…

9. Alex Wilson - 95 mph fastball… slider… had TJS… 38.8% K 6.4% BB … Texas A&M… 49:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio … 2006 freshman All-American… 6-1, 205…

10. Brad Boxberge - USC… closer turned starter… mid 90's fastball plus cutter… 25.5% K 12.7% BB… has 25 walks through 32 innings through March this year… played in Cape Cod League in 2007: 1-0, 1.24…





11. Ryan Berry - Rice… 6’1”, 195… 91 mph fastball, 82 mph pro curveball, 84 mph slider… 4-0, 1.96, 31K/37.0 IP through March 2009… also led nation through March with three complete games… and two shutouts… MVP of Houston College Classic…

12. Kyle Gibson - Missouri - 2nd in country through March 2009 with 54 Ks… junior… 6’6” 195… 2008: 86.2 IP, 10.0 K/9, 2.4 BB/9… 2007 Baseball America Cape Cod League Top Prospect…

13. Mike Leake - Arizona State junior – pitched most innings in country through March, 40.0… 1.35 ERA… 32.4% K 4.7%... sophomore season: 16 G, 11-3, 3.49, 121.1 IP, 104K, 20BB…

14. Chad Thompson - El Toro HS; Trabuco Canyon, CA Specs: 6′8, 215,… has hit 94…

15. Chris Jenkins - Westfield HS; Westfield, NJ 6′7, 225, Bats R, Throws R… has hit 94, averages 91… 2008: 94K/50.0 IP, 1.60…

16. Keyvius Sampson - Forest HS; Ocala, FL. 6′1, 180… fastball in 90-92 range…

17. Daniel Tuttle - Randleman HS; Randleman, NC. 6′2, 185… in 90-92 range… has hit 93… good curve… slight mechanics problem…

18. Matt Graham - Oak Ridge HS; Spring, TX. 6′3, 195… mid-90 fastball …

19. Matt Hobgood - Norco HS; Norco, CA. 6′4, 245… 91-95 range, sinker, 4-seamer…

20. Madison Younginer - Mauldin HS; Simpsonville, SC. 6′3, 190… 91-94 fastball… 75 mph curve… over past 2 years: 6-1-1… verbally committed to Clemson…

21. Garrett Gould - 6-3, 190… Maize H.S. (Kansas)… member of unallamerica team… 12-6 curve…

22. Scott Griggs - San Ramon Valley H.S. (CA.)… low-90’s fastball that has hit 95…

23. Jason Stoffel - Arizona – many consider nation’s top reliever in draft… was named Pitcher of the Week in Pac-10 for Mar. 9 – 15…

24. Sam Dyson - South Carolina… draft-eligible sophomore… 98 mph fastball…

Sand Gnats Stuff

All 2009 Games On The Radio!

The Savannah Sand Gnats and STAR 1400 AM have entered into an agreement to broadcast all 140 games for the upcoming 2009 season. This marks the first time in recent history that Sand Gnats baseball will be broadcast over the airwaves. “This agreement means a lot to the team and to our fans,” said Sand Gnats President R.C. Reuteman. “The radio broadcast will allow us to be more accessible to the community and allow our fans to follow the action when they cannot get to the ballpark or when the team is on the road. This is one of the many changes that fans will be seeing this season and in seasons to come as we continue to look for ways to improve ourselves.” Games will be broadcast live on STAR 1400 AM with a 15-mintue pregame show and 10-minute postgame show. All games will also be simulcast on the internet at www.star1400.com. Mike Passanisi, the voice of the Sand Gnats during the 2008 season, will be the on-air voice of the Sand Gnats in 2009.

Former GM Rick Sisler Returns To The Sand Gnats

The Savannah Sand Gnats have added Ric Sisler, who served as the team’s General Manager from 1991-1998, as the Director of Sales. Sisler brings over 20 years of baseball experience as well as ties to the local Savannah community. His track record of success includes being named the Northern League Executive of the Year in 1999, setting six attendance records in his first stint with the Sand Gnats and winning the 1991 South Atlantic League Merit Award for attendance achievement. He is the grandson of Hall of Famer George Sisler, a lifetime .340 hitter with the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators and Boston Braves and the 1922 American League Most Valuable Player. His father, Dick Sisler, also played in the Major Leagues and managed the Cincinnati Reds in the mid-1960s. Ric played three years in the New York Yankees’ farm system before moving into the front office.

The Mack’s Mets Number One Prospect is On he Way to Savannah:

Here’s just a handful of bio facts, scouting reports, and Mets’ reporters on the 17-year old phenom, SS Wilber Flores. October 2007: Flores was signed as an international free agent by the Mets. In February 2008, Baseball Prospectus named Flores a 3-star prospect, and ranked him as th 4th overall Mets prospect. Also in February 2008, Rotoworld ranked Flores as the #15 Mets prospect.

Mets Prospect - 1B Lucas Duda

Lucas Duda 1B L R 6-4 225 2-3-86 USC

Duda had a career .275 batting average at USC and hit .278 in 2007, with a team-high 6 home runs. He also performed very well last year with a wood bat in the Northwoods League.

From his college web site:

2007: In his 2007 junior season, Duda made 51 of 53 starts in left field...drafted in the seventh round by the New York Mets...led the team with seven home runs...on April 6 at No. 9 Oregon State, he hit two triples including a two-run hit to break a 1-1 tie in the eighth during USC's 4-1 victory...went 3-for-4 with two RBI on March 27 at UC Riverside... had a career day on March 25 against No. 17 Arizona State with two home runs and six RBI...hit a grand slam as part of an eight-run sixth inning against the Sun Devils and gave USC the 14-13 win with a walkoff, two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth...hit a three-run homer in USC's 6-4 win on Jan. 30 in the season opener against Cal Poly.

Summer: He batted .273 (59-for-216) with eight home runs, 12 doubles and 49 RBI for the Alexandria Beetles of the Northwoods League...he was named as a Northwoods League All-Star and also earned the Silver Glove Award at first base.

2006: Duda started in 54 games as a 2006 sophomore, playing as the Trojans' first baseman...he batted .298 (57-for-191) with three home runs and 36 RBI...stole four bases in six attempts...had a 4-for-9 day with two doubles, a triple and two RBI in the doubleheader at Stanford on April 1...went 6-for-12 with four RBI in the Stanford series (March 10-12)...on March 4 against Georgia, he went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI with his home run tying the game at eight apiece in the fifth, leading to a 12-11 win...clubbed his first homer of the season on Feb. 4 against Long Beach State and had a four-hit game on Feb. 7 at UC Riverside.

2005: Poised to have a solid 2005 freshman season, Duda sat out a month with a wrist injury suffered in the March 25 game against Arizona State during a collision at first base...started in 23 of 34 games and batted .208 (16-for-77) for the season with a home run and 11 RBI...hit his first collegiate home run on March 19 in a 10-0 win against Stony Brook in Irvine, Calif., as part of a 2-for-4 day and season-high three RBI.



Duda was drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 draft by the Mets. He was signed and assigned to the 2007 Brooklyn Cyclones roster, where he batted .299/.398/.462 in 234 at bats, 4 HRs, 32 RBIs, 20 doubles, only 6 errors.
In late January 2007, Baseball America listed Lucas as the 29th top Mets prospect.

In February 2008, MiLB.com came out with their top 15 prospects out of the Hawaiian Winter League:

14. Lucas Duda, Waikiki BeachBoys, 1B (New York Mets)

Had Duda been entrenched in Waikiki's lineup from the get-go, instead of joining the squad midseason as an injury replacement, the slugging USC product would have competed for league all-star honors. In 15 games and a resulting 59 plate appearances, Duda notched a .340 batting average coupled with a .660 slugging percentage with six doubles, a triple, three home runs and 13 RBIs. While the Los Angeles native needs some time to smooth out a few rough edges of his game, including his defense at first base and possibly one of the corner outfield spots, Duda's raw power and size should allow him to move up the ladder quickly
A May 2008 scouting report by Andy Braunstein:
Lucas Duda - 1B - He has the bat speed, the power to hit prodigious HRs to remain a force in the middle of the order. Has the bat control to be a #3 hitter, even #2. Is a good fielder. Has better hitting ability than Michel Abreu, Nick Evans and Mike Carp and a better glove. Would be the last one I would trade of the 4, and 1B is a position the Mets are going to need someone next year.

Duda played the entire 2008 season for St. Lucie, hitting .263/.358/.398 in 483 at bats, 11 HRs, 66 RBIs.

The Mack Attack - April 1, 2009

Mets News

Jose Lima will throw out the first pitch at CitiField… April Fools!

New York Mets: Predicted Finish: First Place (96-66) - Forty years ago Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Tommy Agee and Cleon Jones led the “Miracle Mets” to one of the most improbable World Series wins in baseball history. The 2009 Mets don’t have that kind of pitching, but have a far more potent lineup. Jerry Manuel is in his second season at the helm and despite letting his charges blow another commanding lead in 2008, he believes his team is ready to make a run. One change he envisions for 2009 is moving Jose Reyes to the third sport in the lineup to give more presence for his young star, to make him more of a team leader. The most crucial leadership will need to come from Frankie Rodriguez and J.J. Putz who have moved into the NY media glare for the first time. Talking about his shortstop may be a shell game Manuel is playing to keep the press focused on his proven players, rather than the ones most important to September success for the Mets. The other variable is Carlos Delgado who at 37 is the old veteran and who needs to stay healthy to back up Wright and Beltran in the lineup.

http://seamheads.com/blog/2009/03/31/nl-east-preview-grudge-match


Carlos Delgado, 1B New York Mets (6-3/264 Pounds): Delgado should be considered an injury risk every year because he’s getting up there in age (37), but that shouldn’t scare you away from adding one of the most dependable Home Run threats in the game to you HR Derby team in 2009! Delgado went on a tear the second half of last season and hit 27 Home Runs in 84 games which allowed him to finish with 38 Home Runs in ‘08. Delgado is one of the all time best Home Run hitters that ever played the game & should have no problem hitting anywhere from 30 to 35 Home Runs if he can stay healthy all year long. 2009 Home Run Projection: 30 Home Runs

http://allamericanfantasysports.blogspot.com/2009/03/meet-b-list-for-all-american-home-run.html



Who are these guys? Chokers? Jokers? A team with 4 of the games' best players needs to solve its perennial leadership problem (in case you're wondering, Marlon Anderson does not seem to be the answer here) and establish some kind of identity. They haven't had a real ra-ra, sis boom ba kind of leader since Mike Piazza (I keed). In any event, they need a narrative about who they are and where they're going, and this time they must aim for going farther than the last weekend of the regular season. If the team identity is in any way defined by the suits, we're all in trouble. The Mets organization has perfected a certain...something. We need a German word. Laughingstocknfreud.Only the Mets could be so tone-deaf as to schedule the historical Shea lovefest directly after the previously scheduled annual last-weekend collapse, so that no one, in their heart of hearts, could bear to view it. Of course, many of us still watched, as the masterminds of Sterling knew we would. But we couldn't bear it. Whatever didn't kill us, to paraphrase Nietzsche, would strengthen Mets fans... for the coming ticket price gouging of historical proportions.

http://itsmetsforme.blogspot.com/2009/03/demolished-mets-2009-preview.html


Brian Schneider is not only not a good fielding catcher but quite possibly a bad one. Dewan shrewdly measures catcher ERA in the defensive stats and in a good essay on Jose Molina. So we can see that Mets pitchers had a 4.11 ERA with Schneider behind the plate and a 3.68 one with Castro. In fact, Schneider's adjusted ERA of minus-16 runs since 2006 is the second worst Dewan has on record. What I wished the book had, and I'll put in my request with John and Steve, is strikeout and walk totals per nine innings for catchers, too. I've been sitting on this since last year because it was never worthy of an entire article, but Mets pitchers were significantly more prone to issuing walks with Schneider catching than with Castro: 3.73 per nine innings for Schneider compared to 3.14 for Castro. Maybe it's the pitchers they tended to catch. But it could also be another strike against Schneider. Of course, there's little hope that Castro can hold up for anything approaching a full season of action behind the dish.

http://web.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090331&content_id=1496897&oid=36018&vkey=9


A scout told the New York Post that he believes 24-year-old Daniel Murphy will "get better and better." "He has a professional approach at the plate," said the unnamed scout. "He knows what he is trying to do. Guys like that get better and better. His pitch selection will get better and better, and he will start turning on pitches and hitting with more power. Most scouts think he will hit 15 or fewer homers. I think he will be in the mid-20s with a lot of doubles." Murphy will bat second in the Mets' lineup this season. He's hitting .363/.411/.525 this spring with one home run and 15 RBI. - NYPost



B-Mets:

I had a report from one of the “sources” that SP Tobi Stoner went “dead arm”… checked it out with another of my sources, who told me “Tobi told me two days ago that he was long-tossing at 180 feet, and expected to get on a mound any day. He'll be behind, but hopefully will be in Binghamton by the end of April.”


Gnats:

The Savannah Sand Gnats and the Savannah College of Art and Design Bees will play an abbreviated exhibition game at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Historic Grayson Stadium, the two sides announced today. The event is open to the public and there will be no fee for admission. This will be the only exhibition game the Sand Gnats squad, which has yet to be announced, will play before their home opener on Thursday, April 9. This is the first time in recent history a Sand Gnats squad has played a local college team in an exhibition game. “We’re glad that we could provide such a unique opportunity for these kids to play in a professional setting against a professional team,” said Team President R.C. Reuteman. “It will be a great experience for both the Sand Gnats as well as the young student-athletes of SCAD.” The Bees (24-14) are coming off a doubleheader split with Southeastern University at Chain Field over the weekend. SCAD will play the night before, April 7, on the road versus Brewerton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Ga. The Bees have played a majority of their home games in 2009 in the confines of Historic Grayson Stadium.

http://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox/1205e6f7fa3446bb


Mets Alumni:

Jeff Keppinger played in a minor-league game Tuesday, then went back to his condo to pack because he had to be out on March 31. Little did he know his next stop would be Kissimmee. The Cincinnati Reds traded the utility infielder to the Houston Astros for a minor-league player to be named - and the naming must be by May 1.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/cincinnatireds/index.html


Lee Mazilli was born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, March 25, 1955. Mazzilli's grandfather was from Bari, Italy, came to NY and worked in the piano business. His father Libero was a former welterweight boxer & lived in the same 3 1/2 -room apartment until his passing in 2007. Mazzili won eight national speed-skating championships, but chose baseball when the Mets drafted him first round in 1973. At Visalia in the California League, he stole seven bases in a seven-inning game in 1975. He was brought up to the Mets, in 1976 and was promoted as a star prospect. The hometown boy with matinee idol looks drove the ladies crazy, and became a sex symbol. He broke into the majors with a bang in September 1976, pinch hitting a three-run homer off the Cubs' Darold Knowles, then two weeks later a two run game winner off Kent Tekulve with two out in the ninth. Overall in 24 games he only hit .195

http://www.metspolice.com/2009/03/centerfield-maz-lee-mazzilli.html