or click this link.
Thanks for listening. Hit the comments for any critiques. And yes, I know the end kinda got screwed up, but it was my first time!
7/31/08
or click Podcast @ 2 pm
Just another alert to everyone to tune into BlogTalkRadio today at 2 pm as I will be hosting my very first podcast.
Head here to listen, or use the button on the top of the right hand sidebar...
Joining me is Colin Ake from BravesBlast.com and Ryan Punzalan from Mets Merized Online and Mets Lounge.
Head here to listen, or use the button on the top of the right hand sidebar...
Joining me is Colin Ake from BravesBlast.com and Ryan Punzalan from Mets Merized Online and Mets Lounge.
Rebuttal: My problem with veterans
Yesterday, I wrote about "my problem with prospects." Today, in a guest post, Doug Helferich is going to explain his problem with veterans...
They've seen it all. They know the pitchers, they know how to play each hitter in the field. The provide stability. But are they a sure bet? I think it depends.
Over the years, the Mets have perennially been buyers at the trading deadline. Trading for such gems as Kris Benson (losing the young Ty Wigginton who, while never a stay, provided decent defense and adequate hitting ability) and practically giving away the fireballing Scott Kazmir for the miserable Victor Zambrano, the Mets have time and again thrown away promising young stars for players with a few more years under their belts. Luis Castillo is another recent name added at the deadline.
Other free agent deals and trades in the offseason brought the likes of Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Jeromy Burnitz, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, Cliff Floyd, and Moises Alou into the orange and blue. While most of those deals (certainly more recently) have been at least good if not excellent, some have been questionable at best (read: Castillo).
At some point, you have to plan for the future. The Mets will never truly rebuild like they need to, purging the team of old fallen stars and getting valuable playing experience. However, there are small circumstances where they have had the chance without losing much, if any, skill at a given position. For example, why won't the Mets commit to a youngster at second base? As much as I love Gotay, he was a terrible fielder, and he has not had a good year with the Braves. However, we really didn't give him a real chance to start. Same thing this year with Argenis Reyes; he splits the starts with Easley, and clearly will get less time with Castillo coming back soon.
The Mets opt for veterans time and again, when, by the end of the year, the kid that is replaced would be nearly as good (and certainly not as injury-prone) as the older player. Every veteran we sign is one less opportunity to build a team of players we can keep for years at a time. We don't have to sign or trade for a whole new team each year. 2006 is a good example of solid veteran signings; they unquestionably put experienced players in the needed positions. But what did Luis Castillo offer that necessitated a 4 year deal? Why did we resign Alou when we could have gotten away with a platoon of Endy and friends?
Veterans can be great mentors and provide stability to an inexperienced team. However, they also impede the progress of a franchise. The Mets need to decide whether they are going to sign a new team of old-timers every year, or actually put together a real team that will play together for years.
They've seen it all. They know the pitchers, they know how to play each hitter in the field. The provide stability. But are they a sure bet? I think it depends.
Over the years, the Mets have perennially been buyers at the trading deadline. Trading for such gems as Kris Benson (losing the young Ty Wigginton who, while never a stay, provided decent defense and adequate hitting ability) and practically giving away the fireballing Scott Kazmir for the miserable Victor Zambrano, the Mets have time and again thrown away promising young stars for players with a few more years under their belts. Luis Castillo is another recent name added at the deadline.
Other free agent deals and trades in the offseason brought the likes of Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Jeromy Burnitz, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Paul Lo Duca, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, Cliff Floyd, and Moises Alou into the orange and blue. While most of those deals (certainly more recently) have been at least good if not excellent, some have been questionable at best (read: Castillo).
At some point, you have to plan for the future. The Mets will never truly rebuild like they need to, purging the team of old fallen stars and getting valuable playing experience. However, there are small circumstances where they have had the chance without losing much, if any, skill at a given position. For example, why won't the Mets commit to a youngster at second base? As much as I love Gotay, he was a terrible fielder, and he has not had a good year with the Braves. However, we really didn't give him a real chance to start. Same thing this year with Argenis Reyes; he splits the starts with Easley, and clearly will get less time with Castillo coming back soon.
The Mets opt for veterans time and again, when, by the end of the year, the kid that is replaced would be nearly as good (and certainly not as injury-prone) as the older player. Every veteran we sign is one less opportunity to build a team of players we can keep for years at a time. We don't have to sign or trade for a whole new team each year. 2006 is a good example of solid veteran signings; they unquestionably put experienced players in the needed positions. But what did Luis Castillo offer that necessitated a 4 year deal? Why did we resign Alou when we could have gotten away with a platoon of Endy and friends?
Veterans can be great mentors and provide stability to an inexperienced team. However, they also impede the progress of a franchise. The Mets need to decide whether they are going to sign a new team of old-timers every year, or actually put together a real team that will play together for years.
Trade Luis Castillo at all costs
Send Luis Castillo anywhere for a bag of balls. I beg of you.
That is all.
That is all.
MLB Trades: Marlins acquire...Arthur Rhodes
I know you were expecting "Manny Ramirez" up there, but the Marlins have landed Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.
Gaby Hernandez is heading to the M's in return.
Gaby Hernandez is heading to the M's in return.
Mets Rumors: Why move Scott Schoeneweis?
I keep reading that the Mets might move Scott Schoeneweis.
Why?
Schoeneweis has been one of the best arms in the bullpen all year long. He's had a nice bounceback year after last year's performance. I would hope the Mets would be able to land a solid arm in return if they do trade him away.
Without Schoeneweis, the bullpen would be much worse off than before. He's the third best reliever in the pen, behind Billy Wagner and Aaron Heilman (I never thought I'd write that sentence).
I'll be fine with the Mets making no moves today, and as of now, that's what seems like is going to happen.
Why?
Schoeneweis has been one of the best arms in the bullpen all year long. He's had a nice bounceback year after last year's performance. I would hope the Mets would be able to land a solid arm in return if they do trade him away.
Without Schoeneweis, the bullpen would be much worse off than before. He's the third best reliever in the pen, behind Billy Wagner and Aaron Heilman (I never thought I'd write that sentence).
I'll be fine with the Mets making no moves today, and as of now, that's what seems like is going to happen.
MLB Rumors: Finally teams are asking about Adam Dunn
It's taken to the final hours of the trade deadline, but teams are finally asking about Adam Dunn.
Dunn, who sports a low batting average yet a high on base percentage, isn't known for his glove which has hurt his marketability. He strikes out 25 percent of his at-bats, which is another mark against Dunn.
Both of the Rays and the D'backs are inquring about the availability of this power bat. I wouldn't mind the Mets taking a look-see at what it would cost, though I think they need to look for a bullpen arm over anything. Maybe they could pry Billy Bray away.
Dunn, who sports a low batting average yet a high on base percentage, isn't known for his glove which has hurt his marketability. He strikes out 25 percent of his at-bats, which is another mark against Dunn.
Both of the Rays and the D'backs are inquring about the availability of this power bat. I wouldn't mind the Mets taking a look-see at what it would cost, though I think they need to look for a bullpen arm over anything. Maybe they could pry Billy Bray away.
Mets Rumors: Maybe no deal will go down; Bullpen help
If the Mets sit back and watch the trade deadline pass them by, will you be upset? I won't, and I hope Omar Minaya doesn't make a deal just to make a deal.
The Mets have some team chemistry going, and are playing fairly well together. They lost two our of three to the Marlins, but it was their first series loss in all of July. With Ryan Church on the comeback trail, it may not be the worst thing in the world to keep what they have and continue on.
If the Mets felt so inclined to fix an area on the Mets, I implore them to look to the bullpen. Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith have really started to struggle. Pedro Feliciano has turned into a one man pitcher, and Carlos Muniz switches between being extremely effective (Wednesday against the Marlins) and not effective at all (many times). They need a steady, MLB ready arm to bolster the pen.
The pickings are slim, though.
The Mets have some team chemistry going, and are playing fairly well together. They lost two our of three to the Marlins, but it was their first series loss in all of July. With Ryan Church on the comeback trail, it may not be the worst thing in the world to keep what they have and continue on.
If the Mets felt so inclined to fix an area on the Mets, I implore them to look to the bullpen. Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith have really started to struggle. Pedro Feliciano has turned into a one man pitcher, and Carlos Muniz switches between being extremely effective (Wednesday against the Marlins) and not effective at all (many times). They need a steady, MLB ready arm to bolster the pen.
The pickings are slim, though.
- Arthur Rhodes. Mets haven't really been mentioned in any deal for him, and the Marlins are supposedly on the verge of landing him.
- Will Ohman. Also, haven't really heard the Mets involved here, probably because the Braves are in their division.
- Brian Fuentes. Mets were linked to Fuentes a few days ago, but no one seems to be able to figure out Colorado and if they're buying or selling. Seems like he's going to stick with the Rockies.
- Eddie Guardado. This is the name I've heard mentioned the most of late. Won't cost a high level prospect, but most likely if the Mets trade for him, you'll have heard of the players dealt.
MLB News: Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox pending approval from Griffey
Update: Griffey accepted the trade and is heading to Chicago.
Looks like we have the first trade of the day, but it all depends on the player.
The Reds and the White Sox have agreed on a deal that would send Griffey to Chicago. Griffey has this morning to either accept or veto the trade due to his tenure in the league.
The player(s) heading to the Reds in return are not yet known.
Just imagine the kind of career he could have had if he didn't get hurt all the time. I think he still has one of the sweetest swings in the game when he connects for a home run.
Looks like we have the first trade of the day, but it all depends on the player.
The Reds and the White Sox have agreed on a deal that would send Griffey to Chicago. Griffey has this morning to either accept or veto the trade due to his tenure in the league.
The player(s) heading to the Reds in return are not yet known.
Just imagine the kind of career he could have had if he didn't get hurt all the time. I think he still has one of the sweetest swings in the game when he connects for a home run.
With John Maine on the shelf, do the Mets promote Jon Niese
According to David Lennon, "John Maine, who was diagnosed with a rotator-cuff strain on Tuesday, is likely to miss Sunday's start in Houston and possibly the next one, as well."
Adam Rubin sees it differently, saying, "Maine, who has been diagnosed with a mild strain of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, no longer is officially listed as Sunday's starter in Houston. The expectation is Oliver Perez instead will pitch on standard rest that day against the Astros.
With Jonathan Niese's stellar start in AAA, could the Mets call him up so soon to see what he can do at the major league level? There are other options, such as Nelson Figueroa, Brian Stokes, and Tony Armas Jr., but why not Niese?
A little youth wouldn't be so bad on this squad. Plus, we've seen what Figueroa and Armas are capable of. I doubt the Mets would promote their best prospect, at a mere 21 years old, right in the middle of a pennant race. My gut says that Armas will get the call if he's ready to go.
Still, the Mets need Maine to get healthy. He's a young, solid pitcher who they have penciled into the rotation for years to come. Expect Niese to come up to the majors in September when the roster's expand.
Adam Rubin sees it differently, saying, "Maine, who has been diagnosed with a mild strain of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, no longer is officially listed as Sunday's starter in Houston. The expectation is Oliver Perez instead will pitch on standard rest that day against the Astros.
Maine may not miss a full turn, and could re-enter the rotation as soon as Tuesday at Shea."
The Mets are planning to be safe, rather than sorry. I like it.With Jonathan Niese's stellar start in AAA, could the Mets call him up so soon to see what he can do at the major league level? There are other options, such as Nelson Figueroa, Brian Stokes, and Tony Armas Jr., but why not Niese?
A little youth wouldn't be so bad on this squad. Plus, we've seen what Figueroa and Armas are capable of. I doubt the Mets would promote their best prospect, at a mere 21 years old, right in the middle of a pennant race. My gut says that Armas will get the call if he's ready to go.
Still, the Mets need Maine to get healthy. He's a young, solid pitcher who they have penciled into the rotation for years to come. Expect Niese to come up to the majors in September when the roster's expand.
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