Here we go again.
Aaron Heilman wants out of the Mets bullpen at all costs. According to his agent, Mark Rodgers, he wants to start or he wants out of New York.
I've harped on this in the past, but that was mostly in the middle of the season, when transitioning a pitcher used to relief work into a starter would take up lots of valuable time. According to Adam Rubin, there is a split in the organization about what to do about Heilman. Some would give him the chance to start, others want him in the bullpen.
Obviously, he's not working too well in the bullpen. He had a great 2006 season (until that fateful home run) and has gone downhill since. He shows flashes of greatness, but also long stretches of awfulness.
Right now, I'd have him conditioning to get a chance to start in spring training. The Mets only have three definite starters coming in for '09, how much can it hurt to give him a few reps at starting, evaluate what you have, and see if he can help. If not, a spring training trade is not out of the question, or he can begrudgingly go back to the Mets bullpen.
Jerry Manuel even mentioned he might use Heilman as a started at the end of July. This could have been a ploy to try and increase his trade value during the season, but Manuel did say Heilman could start.
Now that it's the off-season, and there is time to work on pitches and conditioning, why not give Heilman a start or two. He's under your control, could only help if he prospers, and if not, you at least show other teams that he's versatile.
11/20/08
11/19/08
KC Royals have a lot of outfielders
The Kansas City Royals traded for Coco Crisp from the Boston Red Sox. Another man in the Royals outfield? It was crowded before, but now someone will almost have to be traded.
The Royals have seven outfielders on their active roster now. Shane Costa, David DeJesus, Joey Gathright, Jose Guillen, Mitch Maier, Mark Teahen and now Crisp.
Before the trade deadline, Guillen was rumored to want out of KC, and the Mets showed interest. He's a bit of a hot head, but he would have helped, and still could. Guillen hit .264, hit 20 home runs and drove in 97 runs in 153 games in 2008 with the Royals. A career .273 hitter with a .323 OBP. He's a natural left fielder and shouldn't cost too much in terms of a trade.
The player that would be the best fit, I feel, is DeJesus. He's the best player on their team, in my opinion, so he's going to cost a bundle if he's even available. He's a Jersey boy who moved to Brooklyn and attended Rutgers, so he has roots in the area. A career .287/.360/.422 hitter, who can play anywhere in the outfield. He's 28, and had four seasons of MLB under his belt.
I would absolutely love to see DeJesus on this team. It may not be their top priority, but I'm worried Fernando Tatis won't put together anywhere near what he did last year and Daniel Murphy might still need some seasoning, or will be the starting second baseman if I had my wish. Pitching is the issue now, though, so I don't expect any position player talk to come up any time soon.
The Royals have seven outfielders on their active roster now. Shane Costa, David DeJesus, Joey Gathright, Jose Guillen, Mitch Maier, Mark Teahen and now Crisp.
Before the trade deadline, Guillen was rumored to want out of KC, and the Mets showed interest. He's a bit of a hot head, but he would have helped, and still could. Guillen hit .264, hit 20 home runs and drove in 97 runs in 153 games in 2008 with the Royals. A career .273 hitter with a .323 OBP. He's a natural left fielder and shouldn't cost too much in terms of a trade.
The player that would be the best fit, I feel, is DeJesus. He's the best player on their team, in my opinion, so he's going to cost a bundle if he's even available. He's a Jersey boy who moved to Brooklyn and attended Rutgers, so he has roots in the area. A career .287/.360/.422 hitter, who can play anywhere in the outfield. He's 28, and had four seasons of MLB under his belt.
I would absolutely love to see DeJesus on this team. It may not be their top priority, but I'm worried Fernando Tatis won't put together anywhere near what he did last year and Daniel Murphy might still need some seasoning, or will be the starting second baseman if I had my wish. Pitching is the issue now, though, so I don't expect any position player talk to come up any time soon.
Are the Mets going to bring back the same rotation? Or close to it?
We already know 3/5 of the rotation is coming back. Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine will be leading the rotation. Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez are free agents, and there is a possibility one or both will come back in 2009.
Is this really the right play for the Mets?
The starting pitching was good last year. Santana had a Cy Young-caliber season, Pelfrey had a breakout season, finally pitching like we all knew he could and Maine was good, but lost most of his season to his shoulder injury.
Should the Mets forget about Perez and Pedro and look elsewhere? I'd like to see Derek Lowe on the Mets. He's not the youngest guy, but he knows how to play baseball and is a fighter (something this team needs). I'd LOVE to see A.J. Burnett or CC Sabathia, but I can't see that happening.
The Mets need to look to back-end starters, ones who know they're not the ace of the staff and don't wish to be paid like one. Jon Garland is another name I'd like to see the Mets sniff around a bit more.
I hope the Mets shy away from making this team look like last years and shift to a new, different approach with a handful of new players.
Is this really the right play for the Mets?
The starting pitching was good last year. Santana had a Cy Young-caliber season, Pelfrey had a breakout season, finally pitching like we all knew he could and Maine was good, but lost most of his season to his shoulder injury.
Should the Mets forget about Perez and Pedro and look elsewhere? I'd like to see Derek Lowe on the Mets. He's not the youngest guy, but he knows how to play baseball and is a fighter (something this team needs). I'd LOVE to see A.J. Burnett or CC Sabathia, but I can't see that happening.
The Mets need to look to back-end starters, ones who know they're not the ace of the staff and don't wish to be paid like one. Jon Garland is another name I'd like to see the Mets sniff around a bit more.
I hope the Mets shy away from making this team look like last years and shift to a new, different approach with a handful of new players.
MetsLounge.com is back
After a few months offline, MetsLounge.com is back.
Mets Lounge, if you are unfamiliar, is a forum all about the New York Mets and baseball. Right now, there are three main contributors. We post a lot, so adding some more people would make it a lot more interesting.
So head over to MetsLounge.com to check it out, and hopefully you sign up and contribute to the conversation.
Mets Lounge, if you are unfamiliar, is a forum all about the New York Mets and baseball. Right now, there are three main contributors. We post a lot, so adding some more people would make it a lot more interesting.
So head over to MetsLounge.com to check it out, and hopefully you sign up and contribute to the conversation.
11/18/08
Poll: Be wary of Oliver Perez
The results are in!
In my latest poll, I asked if you think the Mets should sign Oliver Perez. Here are the results...
Yes, but be careful -- 56%
No, too inconsistent -- 28%
Yes, pay him what he wants -- 8%
No, too expen$ive -- 7%
I voted "Yes, but be careful." He's a Scott Boras client, a lefty and fairly young with a proven MLB record. All of that means he's going to demand the big bucks. He is pretty inconsistent, and it's been maddening over the last few years to watch a guy with such talent struggle against teams like the Washington Nationals.
I'd like to see him back. I love the hop-skip over the first base line, along with his pitching prowess. I think he started to blossom under Dan Warthen, which was something I did not expect.
If the Mets could lock him up for four years, I'd be happy to see that. They need to fill two holes in their rotation, and plugging it with a talented lefty can't hurt.
Next poll: K-Rod, Fuentes, Jenks, Wood or Other??
In my latest poll, I asked if you think the Mets should sign Oliver Perez. Here are the results...
Yes, but be careful -- 56%
No, too inconsistent -- 28%
Yes, pay him what he wants -- 8%
No, too expen$ive -- 7%
I voted "Yes, but be careful." He's a Scott Boras client, a lefty and fairly young with a proven MLB record. All of that means he's going to demand the big bucks. He is pretty inconsistent, and it's been maddening over the last few years to watch a guy with such talent struggle against teams like the Washington Nationals.
I'd like to see him back. I love the hop-skip over the first base line, along with his pitching prowess. I think he started to blossom under Dan Warthen, which was something I did not expect.
If the Mets could lock him up for four years, I'd be happy to see that. They need to fill two holes in their rotation, and plugging it with a talented lefty can't hurt.
Next poll: K-Rod, Fuentes, Jenks, Wood or Other??
Rumor Rundown: Pedro, K-Rod and Fuentes
It's looking more and more like Pedro Martinez will return to baseball in 2009. The question now is if the Mets are willing to re-sign him, they might want to hurry up.
According to Pedro's agent, Fernando Cuza, "he's definitely coming back...It'll be fun to see the old Pedro again." Yeah, that would be nice, but don't count on it.
Pedro is what he is, an aging, Hall of Fame-bound pitcher, who when he's having a good day can give you six or seven innings. He's a number five starter now, nothing more. If the Mets can keep him in New York with a one-year deal, it would provide some back of the rotation security if guys like Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell don't shine in spring training.
Bring back Pedro!
So even with the news that they're set to make offers this week, I think it will be a while before Omar Minaya gets any traction under his tires.
Sit back, relax and enjoy November. Things will start to pick up next month.
According to Pedro's agent, Fernando Cuza, "he's definitely coming back...It'll be fun to see the old Pedro again." Yeah, that would be nice, but don't count on it.
Pedro is what he is, an aging, Hall of Fame-bound pitcher, who when he's having a good day can give you six or seven innings. He's a number five starter now, nothing more. If the Mets can keep him in New York with a one-year deal, it would provide some back of the rotation security if guys like Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell don't shine in spring training.
Bring back Pedro!
** * **
The Mets are yet to receive the medical reports for Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes. This means the possibility of proposed deals will have to wait, as the team will want to look at the medical report before making any contract offers.So even with the news that they're set to make offers this week, I think it will be a while before Omar Minaya gets any traction under his tires.
Sit back, relax and enjoy November. Things will start to pick up next month.
11/17/08
Mets garner votes for NL MVP
Congratulations to Albert Pujols for winning the National League MVP. This is his second MVP win, his other coming in 2005.
A few Mets garnered votes for their 2008 campaigns. David Wright finished in seventh, and Carlos Delgado finished in ninth.
Other Mets receiving votes: Johan Santana finished in 14th, Carlos Beltran tied for 21st and Jose Reyes landed in a tie for 24th.
Not a bad showing for the Mets. If I ever hear that Beltran is over-rated again, I'm gonna flip.
A few Mets garnered votes for their 2008 campaigns. David Wright finished in seventh, and Carlos Delgado finished in ninth.
Other Mets receiving votes: Johan Santana finished in 14th, Carlos Beltran tied for 21st and Jose Reyes landed in a tie for 24th.
Not a bad showing for the Mets. If I ever hear that Beltran is over-rated again, I'm gonna flip.
Mets set to make pitch to pitchers
The off-season will quickly take shape, as Omar Minaya is apparently set to show the number to the few free agent pitchers he has been courting.
This all makes perfect sense, especially since I shaved my beard last night. And for those of you who are just joining The 'Ropolitans, my beard has had a long history connected to the Mets.
David Lennon in Newsday cites an anonymous source who indicates Minaya will show the money to Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, and possibly Derek Lowe. Lennon points out the Mets are more worried about the amount of years on the contract, opposed to how many bucks they'll be forking over.
Three, thankfully, seems to be the Mets limit. Minaya is fearful of anything more than that, as he's learned his lesson with some long-term contracts with aging or injured players.
Lennon also presents a side to the story I never really thought about:
I've heard a bit of a rallying cry against K-Rod, due to his "arm problems" and "decreased velocity." Are these people just buying into some falsified rumor? I don't think so, because his numbers are there to prove something is up, but maybe the rumor was made to fit the numbers.
Before I get all conspiracy theorist here, let's remember that we we're almost universally worried about Johan Santana and his decreased velocity. He seemed to have lost a few miles per hour off his stuff at times, but look at the season he put together. Could this have been another ploy to land the pitcher for cheaper? Oh, here we go again.
Either way, the Mets seem poised to make the first move of the 2008-2009 off-season as they build around the core for the '09 campaign. The waiting game is quickly nearing it's end.
This all makes perfect sense, especially since I shaved my beard last night. And for those of you who are just joining The 'Ropolitans, my beard has had a long history connected to the Mets.
David Lennon in Newsday cites an anonymous source who indicates Minaya will show the money to Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, and possibly Derek Lowe. Lennon points out the Mets are more worried about the amount of years on the contract, opposed to how many bucks they'll be forking over.
Three, thankfully, seems to be the Mets limit. Minaya is fearful of anything more than that, as he's learned his lesson with some long-term contracts with aging or injured players.
Lennon also presents a side to the story I never really thought about:
The Mets already have suggested that K-Rod, despite the best resume among the candidates, is not a slam-dunk to anchor their bullpen. But it's difficult to determine if their reservations about Rodriguez - floated publicly as concerns - are legit or merely a negotiating ploy to get him at their price.How true and how smart.
I've heard a bit of a rallying cry against K-Rod, due to his "arm problems" and "decreased velocity." Are these people just buying into some falsified rumor? I don't think so, because his numbers are there to prove something is up, but maybe the rumor was made to fit the numbers.
Before I get all conspiracy theorist here, let's remember that we we're almost universally worried about Johan Santana and his decreased velocity. He seemed to have lost a few miles per hour off his stuff at times, but look at the season he put together. Could this have been another ploy to land the pitcher for cheaper? Oh, here we go again.
Either way, the Mets seem poised to make the first move of the 2008-2009 off-season as they build around the core for the '09 campaign. The waiting game is quickly nearing it's end.
11/16/08
K-Rod in NY, close to contract with Mets? [Updated: Or not]
"Yes, it's true. Francisco traveled to New York to get a medical checkup. That's all I needed to give effect to its contract with the Mets," confessed a source linked to stellar closing Venezuelan, who comes to impose a record for Major League, with 62 rescues that conquered during the regular harvest."
-Translated page from El Universal (via Mets Blog), noting Francisco Rodriguez traveled to New York.
If you want to believe this article, K-Rod is getting very close to signing a contract with the Mets, if he's getting checked out by Mets doctors.
A lot of people have taken note of his decreased velocity, so having his arm checked out is something of high importance for whatever team decides to pay him what he wants.
Take this article with a HUGE grain of salt. I don't trust this "source" at all.
Still, I'm nervous.
UPDATE: According to Bart Hubbuch in the Post, this story is completely false. He even quotes K-Rod's agent, Paul Kinzer, who said it was "total BS."
Well, there goes that. For now.
-Translated page from El Universal (via Mets Blog), noting Francisco Rodriguez traveled to New York.
If you want to believe this article, K-Rod is getting very close to signing a contract with the Mets, if he's getting checked out by Mets doctors.
A lot of people have taken note of his decreased velocity, so having his arm checked out is something of high importance for whatever team decides to pay him what he wants.
Take this article with a HUGE grain of salt. I don't trust this "source" at all.
Still, I'm nervous.
UPDATE: According to Bart Hubbuch in the Post, this story is completely false. He even quotes K-Rod's agent, Paul Kinzer, who said it was "total BS."
Well, there goes that. For now.
Rumor Rundown: Closers
There are three big names the Mets have been linked to: free agents Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes and Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks.
According to John Harper in the Daily News, the Mets have contacted the agents of both Rodriguez and Fuentes. On the other hand, he notes "a person familiar with the Mets strategy" the team would rather go the free agent route.
How confusing.
As I said the other day, I'd prefer a free agent over a trade. It would make more sense for the Mets current situation. Harper notes that the Omar Minaya is reluctant to hand out a long-term, pricey contract to a high profile closer.
I suggest a three-year deal for Fuentes. It's nothing over the top, and he'd be paid well. Maybe if they don't overpay, he could transition to set-up man if Eddie Kunz or Bobby Parnell pans out within the next few years. Or he could just be a very expensive 8th inning guy.
Ken Davidoff links the Mets closed to a Jenks trade. He cites a few interesting stats, including his strikeout numbers, walks and velocity. He's an interesting pitcher, and I wouldn't mind having him on the Mets, I'm just wary of what they'd have to give up for him.
The Mets have options, which may help them not overpay or sign to too long of a contract. Should be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few months.
According to John Harper in the Daily News, the Mets have contacted the agents of both Rodriguez and Fuentes. On the other hand, he notes "a person familiar with the Mets strategy" the team would rather go the free agent route.
How confusing.
As I said the other day, I'd prefer a free agent over a trade. It would make more sense for the Mets current situation. Harper notes that the Omar Minaya is reluctant to hand out a long-term, pricey contract to a high profile closer.
I suggest a three-year deal for Fuentes. It's nothing over the top, and he'd be paid well. Maybe if they don't overpay, he could transition to set-up man if Eddie Kunz or Bobby Parnell pans out within the next few years. Or he could just be a very expensive 8th inning guy.
Ken Davidoff links the Mets closed to a Jenks trade. He cites a few interesting stats, including his strikeout numbers, walks and velocity. He's an interesting pitcher, and I wouldn't mind having him on the Mets, I'm just wary of what they'd have to give up for him.
The Mets have options, which may help them not overpay or sign to too long of a contract. Should be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few months.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)