No Pudge for the Mets

I guess that makes this post moot.

According to Bart Hubbuch, the Mets have no interest in Pudge Rodriguez.

A high-ranking team source said there has been no discussion about Rodriguez in recent weeks, and the Mets suspect he is simply using their name to try to drum up interest. "We've got our three catchers, and we like them," the source said, referring to Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro and Robinson Cancel.

Smart team.

The rotation, if the season started today

David Lennon relays this info, from Dan Warthen:

As of today, with everyone healthy, this is the Mets' rotation to start the season:

1. Johan Santana
2. Mike Pelfrey
3. Oliver Perez
4. John Maine
5. Tim Redding

I have a feeling, if healthy, that Freddy Garcia will be the fifth starter, and Redding will shift to long relief.

Just a hunch.

I like this order, though. Two very strong starters at the front of the rotation, and Redding/Garcia/the fifth starter won't be needed for the first two weeks or so of the season.

This works for me.

Get in line for opening day tix

Want to go to opening day? Then be ready to break out those laptops.

The New York Mets today announced the launch of an online registration for the opportunity to purchase tickets for the inaugural Opening Day at Citi Field, starting tomorrow, February 17 at 10 a.m. at Mets.com and LosMets.com. The registration for the online random drawing will run through Tuesday, February 24. The Mets open their 2009 home season Monday, April 13 against the San Diego Padres at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field.

I've heard it's an absolute zoo on opening day, and I can only imagine the insanity of opening a new ballpark as well.

I'll be steering clear of opening day, but hopefully I'll get to one of the games soon after.

David Wright, captain

Though he won't be officially be wearing the "C" upon his chest, David Wright will be comfortable taking the role of captain for the New York Mets.

David Lennon quoted Wright:

I think that I can be more of a leader by what I bring to the field, not necessarily yelling and screaming. I think that if you lead by example and play the game hard and play the game the right way, guys will follow you. Those are the guys that I follow. I've said all along that leadership is earned. There's not a title or letter you can put on your chest that makes you a leader.

Just awesome.

He's 26, he's the face of the franchise, he's arguably their best player and hopefully will retire as a New York Met.

What's not to like?

Pudge-y

The rumors have been swirling that the Mets are setting up to trade away Ramon Castro.

They're trying to shed payroll, it seems, and they're confident enough in Robinson Cancel that he can serve as a competent backup. Still, though, Ivan Rodriguez continues to lobby, and find ears, with the Mets.

According to Pudge, he will sign with one of three teams: Mets, Marlins or Astros.

Pudge said, via Mets.com:

"I'm in great shape," Rodriguez said. "Whoever gets me, it's going to be a lot like hitting the lotto. I'm back in the shape I was in 2004. I'm at 195 to 200 [pounds], and I'm ready to go."

Being in great shape doesn't mean you can hit, though.

First of all, I don't quite understand the trading of Castro. He's not terrible as a backup and as long as he's healthy that's all the Mets really need him to do. We all saw last year, when the Mets were struggling to keep any catcher on the field.

Secondly, if they do trade Castro, why would they sign Pudge? He's likely going to cost more than Castro's earning ($2.5 million) and would want to start over Brian Schneider.

There are no positives to bringing Pudge in. Please pass, Omar.

K-Rod says what he needs to say

Here we go again.

In 2009, the player to step up and say the Mets are the team to beat is the new guy, Francisco Rodriguez.

Via David Lennon:

"This is a different year, a different ballclub now. We've just got to go out and compete. Like I said before, I don't want to make no controversy. But with this ballclub, the way I see it, with those guys, me and J.J. Putz and the other acquisitions in the bullpen, I think now I feel like we're the team to beat."

Good for him.

A player on every team with a fighting chance is going to come out and say those words. Everyone thinks they're the team to beat, and why shouldn't they?

If a player came out and said, "Yeah, we'll probably finish in third this year. We're just mediocre." He'd be in the managers office quicker than you can say "team chemistry."

I like that K-Rod has stepped up, being the fresh face, and taking a stand for his team already. He's been around his fellow players for 72 hours and he's already up to defending them. I hope he's a true thorn in the side for the rest of the NL East for more than just words.

I can't wait to see him pump his arm in victory on Opening Day. And then again for the first game in Citi Field.

Come on, Mets. This year, show everyone that you actually are the team to beat.

Castillo to bat leadoff?

Jerry Manuel made a pretty significant comment today, but it was buried at the end of this story.

Via Mets.com:

Changes to the lineup could also be in store for the Mets, as manager Jerry Manuel is considering batting Luis Castillo in the leadoff spot and bumping Jose Reyes down to third in the lineup.

More, from Adam Rubin:

Luis Castillo may bat leadoff for the Mets. Potentially, Carlos Beltran could bat second and Jose Reyes third. It may make more sense to bat Carlos Delgado fourth and David Wright fifth in that scenario, since otherwise the Mets would be stacking a ton of lefties at the bottom of the order.

Interesting. Both Reyes and Castillo have similar OBP numbers, with Reyes putting up a .358 last year and Castillo notching a .355. Reyes' power may suit him better later in the lineup, where runner may be on ahead of him.

If Reyes moves to third, I'm assuming that bumps Carlos Beltran up to the second spot of the order, where he seems to enjoy hitting. That, or bump him lower in the order so the bottom of the lineup won't be as weak.

I think it's an interesting scenario to toy with in spring training.

Mets sign Livan Hernandez

Jerry Manuel accidentally let slip that Livan Hernandez would be joining the Mets in camp, likely on a minor league deal.

Since then, the report has been confirmed.

Great. I'm all for stockpiling pitchers, but there is a line at which a team doesn't need to cross before it looks desperate. The Hernandez brothers, either of them, are beyond that line.

Prove me wrong, Livan. This move just rubs me the wrong way.

I guess it's time to congratulate Omar Minaya for finally getting Livan in a Mets uniform.

Hmmm...I wonder what El Duque is up to...

Here's some info, relayed by Adam Rubin:

"Inventory" is the word Minaya used. Reports are that Hernandez's velocity was just 78-83 mph in Colorado late last season. Minaya revealed that he was very close to trading for Hernandez at the '06 deadline once Duaner Sanchez had the taxi cab accident, but instead pulled the trigger and acquired Oliver Perez from the Pirates. Minaya also mentioned he wanted Triple-A Buffalo to be strong this year.

Someone really doesn't trust Luis Castillo

Because the Mets just signed another possible backup.

Ramon Martinez, the star of the last seven games of 2008, has been signed to a minor league deal and will be in spring training with the team.

With Jose Valentin also back in the fold, it seems the Mets brass is very worried about Castillo's health. Or they just like to stockpile aging, middle infielders.

The State of the Mets -- 2/13/09

Here is the fifth edition of The State of the Mets.

This week, I talk about the World Baseball Classic, some bonehead signings this off season and pitchers and catchers reporting for duty.

Enjoy.