Manuel’s Musing

“I told him not to worry about trying to go all over the place and impress people. With that type of stuff, the way that ball cuts at the end, that one pitch has been pretty good for the guy across town.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jenrry Mejia (and Mariano Rivera)

Beimel considering Mets offer, Lopez clears waivers

Joe Beimel, one of the left-handed relievers left on the market, is considering an offer from the New York Mets, according to the Denver Post.

“We've been talking to them for a good part of the offseason. I am still just being patient, waiting for the right deal,” Beimel told the Denver Post.

…which surprised me.  It’s not as if Beimel is waiting for a multi-million dollar deal or anything.  Just a lefty reliever going somewhere on a one-year deal, or so.  Surprised it’s taken so long for him to find a fit.

Also, in case you were really worried, Arturo Lopez cleared waivers and returned to camp as a non-roster invitee.

Whew!

From Spring Training [Videos]

I’m not lucky enough to be in “chilly” Port St. Lucie.  Instead, I’m stuck in snowy Connecticut.  YouTube user AlyB248 was there, and posted some quick videos from spring training.  See below…

Getting to know… McFadden’s Citi Field

Because we all might need a drink next season.

WHERE: McFadden's at Citi Field will be open year-round and will be located on 126th street, in the northeast corner of the ballpark directly under the 2K Sports FanFest.

HOURS: 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.

CUISINE: American
MEALS SERVED: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch
AVERAGE PRICE: Lunch $7 / Dinner $10
PAYMENT ACCEPTED: Cash, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

HANDICAP ACCESS: Yes
ATTIRE: Casual but Neat
SMOKING: No
ATM: No
AMBIANCE: Cozy Irish Pub Atmosphere with vibrant nightlife
MUSIC TYPES: All

Though I highly doubt the Citi Field version will ever resemble anything looking like this.

According to their Web site, “McFadden's is eagerly awaiting opening day 2010 to impress patrons with an extensive and delicious menu of  game-day favorites, ice cold beer, a fun and friendly staff, and an unpretentious party atmosphere. The 13,000 square-foot destination boasts over 80 HD plasma TVs, batting cages, outdoor patios, in-house TV and radio production, a 200 foot island bar and huge dining room.”

And a sampling of their food: “In addition to boasting a full bar, McFadden's Citi Field will offer extensive Irish American cuisine mixed with traditional game day favorites. Signature dishes include Almost Famous Boneless Buffalo Wings, Fish and Chips, and of course McFadden's Five Minute Cheese Steak Nachos, this savory crowd pleaser comes out in five minutes or it's free!”

Will you go to McFadden’s?

Manuel’s Musing

“What Jason Bay gives us is a guy who is an average runner that has power. Even though we have a big left field, I think he can handle that.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jason Bay

Arturo Lopez DFA’d to make room for Barajas

As I wrote on Sunday, Rod Barajas needed to be on the 40-man roster when he got into camp.  The Mets, though, already had 40 players on that roster.

Today, with tweets from Steve Popper and Brian Costa, we learn that reliever Arturo Lopez has been designated for assignment to give a spot to Barajas.

Lopez, who was never called up to the Mets, was picked off waivers in the middle of last season.

Ex-Mets: You just can’t keep Livan away

Livan Hernandez has signed a minor-league contract with the Washington Nationals and could compete for a spot in the rotation.

Hernandez could earn up to $1.25 million if he makes the team and notches all his performance bonus benchmarks.

Hmm…I wonder what El Duque is up to.

Barajas contract breakdown

Here’s how Rod Barajas’ contract plays out, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts…

• 1 year/$0.5M (2010)
• signed by NY Mets as a free agent 2/21/10
• $0.4M roster bonus for making Opening Day roster
• $1M in performance bonuses

Manuel’s Musing

“I think if you told Jose today, 'Jose I am going to bat you eighth until you get right,' he wouldn't bat an eye. He is so excited to be back on the baseball field, I don't think it would be an issue with him at all.”

-Jerry Manuel on where he might bat Jose Reyes

Taking a stab at the 25-man roster

Though most of the positions are set for Opening Day (even though spring training is just kicking off), a few remain up in the air to be battled for in Port St. Lucie.

As I have it penciled in now, the Mets will carry four outfielders, with Gary Matthews Jr. able to play all OF positions.  Fernando Tatis can also work at the corners if needed.

I also have the Mets carrying three catchers.  I’m assuming Henry Blanco is going to be Johan Santana’s personal catcher.  I’m also assuming at 34, Rod Barajas may need some time off.  That leaves Santos on the roster as well.  (Assuming the team is smart and wants Josh Thole to get the full starting time in Triple-A.)

I have Fernando Nieve making the team as the long-relief man in the bullpen and Jon Niese as the team’s fifth starter.

The bench would be made up of GMJ, Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Henry Blanco and Omir Santos.

The outfield

• Jason Bay
• Angel Pagan
• Gary Matthews Jr.
• Jeff Francoeur

The infield

• Daniel Murphy
• Luis Castillo
• Jose Reyes
• David Wright
• Alex Cora
• Fernando Tatis

The catchers

• Rod Barajas
• Henry Blanco
• Omir Santos

The starters

• Johan Santana
• Mike Pelfrey
• Oliver Perez
• John Maine
• Jon Niese

The bullpen

• Francisco Rodriguez
• Kelvim Escobar
• Pedro Feliciano
• Bobby Parnell
• Sean Green
• Ryota Igarashi
• Fernando Nieve

Where do you stand?  Who do you think will make the 25-man roster?