Roberto Alomar denied from HOF [Video]

Here is Ken Davidoff’s story (paid).

And here is a story from Stalking Steve Phillips, who was also at Alomar’s home.

Met of the Year voting: Castillo vs Pagan

Yesterday’s winner: Johan Santana with 74 percent of the vote.
He will take on the winner of today’s matchup.

Guessing the 2010 Mets Opening Day lineup

This post, in no way, is what I want the Mets to do.  This is, rather, a guess as to what they will do and what the lineup will look like on opening day.

1. Jose Reyes
2. Luis Castillo
3. Carlos Beltran
4. Jason Bay
5. David Wright
6. Daniel Murphy
7. Jeff Francoeur
8. Bengie Molina
9. Johan Santana

What do you think the Opening Day lineup will look on April 5 at Citi Field?

Link: Sherman’s notes on the Bay signing

NY Post: Notes, thoughts on Mets signing of Bay

I suggest you read through these.  Some of them make me shake my head.  Not that I didn’t think they were true, but that they’re already creating a fallback if this (or many other things) fails.

Why say these out loud, to a reporter?  I don’t get it.

(Hat tip to Will Davidian for the link)

2009 Met of the Year: Black Bracket voting

Voting ends tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Yesterday’s winner: With 57 percent of the vote, six-seed Carlos Beltran advances to the Final Four.
Beltran and David Wright (1) will face off in the Seaver Division Final Four.

Quotes from the Jason Bay press conference

Jason Bay

• "Thank you to Jeff and Omar and everyone else that made this possible."
• "I'm grateful and honored to be here."
• "I offer a fresh perspective as a little bit of an outsider."
• "The Mets wanted me more."
• "The money's nice, don't get me wrong. ... You still have to make a decision ... New York: It was the perfect fit for everything."
• "Where you come up with Beirut, I don't know."
• "Can somebody ask Omar a question?" (jokingly)
• "I actually never hurt my shoulder. That thing took on a life of it's own. I had surgery in 2003 and it's been great ever since."
• "I can play in the playoffs, I can play in this market."
• "I'm expected to drive in runs. There's a lot of ways to do that."
• "I don't consider myself a home run hitter, I pride myself on trying to drive in runs."

Omar Minaya

• "We ask the fans to be patient."
• "Jason Bay, when it's all said and done, does a lot of fundamental things right."
• "I do anticipate Luis Castillo being our second baseman."
• "2009 is over, 2010, for me, for all of us, we're looking forward to having a great year."

Jeff Wilpon

• "Omar had a plan and wanted to get a power hitting outfielder. We looked at the spray charts and everything."
• "We have to do what's best for the organization long term. ... We had a deal done Christmas Eve."
• "Speed is not going to win this winter."

Jason Bay contract details

Here is the breakdown of Jason Bay’s contract with the Mets. Four years – with a fifth-year vesting option – worth $66 million ($80 million with vesting option).

Signing bonus: $8.5 million.

2010 salary: $6.5 million.

2011 salary: $16 million.

2012 salary: $16 million.

2013 salary: $16 million.

2014 vesting option details: 600 plate appearances in 2013 or 500 plate appearances in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

2014 salary: $17 million (or $3 million buyout).

Full no-trade clause.

2009 Met of the Year: White Bracket voting

2. Luis Castillo vs 6. Carlos Beltran

Voting ends at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Yesterday’s winner: David Wright.
He advances to the Final Four to face the winner of this matchup.

Jason Bay Mets jerseys now available, No. 44

That was fast. 

Jason Bay, No. 44, jerseys are now for sale on Mets.com.

Fans react to Jason Bay signing

Here are some fans reactions on the Jason Bay deal going official…

AndrewLiv: Love it, they needed a power bat, and got the player they wanted for their price.

Jbones72: if they can swing a deal for a good pitcher i'll love it!

alansmodic: From a Pirates fan. I think Mets overpaid. After a year and a half, maybe sooner, they'll be wishing he was gone.

GermanMetsFan: hmm like the upgrade of the offense and that something got done finally, not sure if i like the 5yrs

DWrightGuy5: JayBay's signing shows Omar is actually good at playing chicken. Bengie ran scared to his mommy since he's losing his battle.

cutiepie0319k: i like the signing of jason bay. i know it's not going to fix their problems but they are finally making moves.

mtmcq: They needed a bat, and they went out and got a bat. They also didn't break the bank by signing Holliday. I like it.

michealnichols: Good deal for the first two years. My concern lies in years 3, 4 & 5 where I think holliday will be better.

kerelcoop: good signing but ultimately he won't be the difference maker in the success of this team. They still need pitching.

DonCheech: I am happy with it. Got a legitimate middle of the order bat

DanPirozzi: i'm not a huge fan of it, but it's better to do this than nothing at all which is what it seemed like

What are your thoughts on the signing?  Hit the comments to discuss.