We've heard a few different rumors involving top-notch starters coming to New York, but neither of them made any sense for the Mets. Here's my opinion on the two recent trade talks:
Jose Reyes (in a package) for Johan Santana:
What the hell? ESPN, RealGM, and MLBTradeRumors all reported some rumors of the Mets possibly trading Reyes for Santana. If this trade went through, the Mets would need to pay Santana 20 Million over the next 5-7 years, whereas Reyes is signed for another 6 years or so to a fairly inexpensive contract. How does Omar expect to replace Reyes in the field and as the leadoff hitter? Is Anderson Hernandez the solution? I'm Andersons' biggest advocator, but he can't hold Jose Reyes's jock strap. Don't get me wrong, Santana is great and all, but Reyes will be irreplaceable for the Mets.
Carlos Gomez, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra for Dan Haren and Kiko Calero:
Just as bad as the first trade, but this one sucks for an entirely different reason. Although he was very good last year, Haren isn't quite an ace. He has been very inconsistent and is not worth three of the Mets' top prospects. Not sure if I've mentioned it yet, but Guerra is my favorite Mets prospect by far. He is very Johan Santana-like, as his repetoir consists of a mid-90's fastball and devastating changeup. His curve should become a plus pitch as well. If anyone is an untouchable in this system, it should be Deolis Guerra.
With that being said, go get Kazmir from Tampa Bay!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Which Ace?
After a monumental collapse by the New York Mets, it was clear to Omar Minaya what needed to be done. Unless you consider John Maine a stopper, which you shouldn't, Minaya's team lacked a shut-down starter the entire year. The Phillies have Hamels, the Braves have Smoltz, but who do the Mets have? While only one Type-A starter lies in the Free Agent pool, there certainly are some viable options on the trading block. Here are a few and my opinions of them:
Johan Santana: While Santana is clearly the #1 starter available, his contract remains out in the open. It's not very smart to trade away the farm for one guaranteed year of Santana. Johan is reportedly seeking a 7 year deal worth about 140 million dollars, something the Coupons, sorry, the Wilpons, wouldn't be so open to handing out. Santana's skills are undeniable, but at 29 years old, it's doubtful that the Mets will hand him 20 million per year.
Scott Kazmir: My dark horse of the offseason, this is the guy that Omar Minaya needs to target. At only 23 years old, the Mets would be able to lock him up for another 5 years or so through arbitration. Kazmir is a lefty with phenomenal stuff who has also proven himself against the monstrous lineups in New York and Boston. It may be a long shot, but the Rays have made Kazmir available in order to acquire a big prospect bat, a young pitcher with many years left, and some bullpen help. Omar could provide this in the form of Fernando Martinez, Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, and Eddie Kunz.
Erik Bedard: There's not too much on Bedard, except for the fact that he racks up K's like it's involuntary. Although being placed on the 60-Day DL in September, Bedard has very good stuff and is relatively young. It will cost the Mets quite bit and I don't think he's the best option, but Omar will do what it takes to land Bedard.
Dan Haren: Much like Bedard, Haren is arguably an ace. Due to his inconsistencies are low K total, Haren hasn't quite fit the bill of a shut-down starter. He's much like John Maine and unless the Mets can get him through a few prospects, they should just tell Billy Beane to GTFO.
Johan Santana: While Santana is clearly the #1 starter available, his contract remains out in the open. It's not very smart to trade away the farm for one guaranteed year of Santana. Johan is reportedly seeking a 7 year deal worth about 140 million dollars, something the Coupons, sorry, the Wilpons, wouldn't be so open to handing out. Santana's skills are undeniable, but at 29 years old, it's doubtful that the Mets will hand him 20 million per year.
Scott Kazmir: My dark horse of the offseason, this is the guy that Omar Minaya needs to target. At only 23 years old, the Mets would be able to lock him up for another 5 years or so through arbitration. Kazmir is a lefty with phenomenal stuff who has also proven himself against the monstrous lineups in New York and Boston. It may be a long shot, but the Rays have made Kazmir available in order to acquire a big prospect bat, a young pitcher with many years left, and some bullpen help. Omar could provide this in the form of Fernando Martinez, Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, and Eddie Kunz.
Erik Bedard: There's not too much on Bedard, except for the fact that he racks up K's like it's involuntary. Although being placed on the 60-Day DL in September, Bedard has very good stuff and is relatively young. It will cost the Mets quite bit and I don't think he's the best option, but Omar will do what it takes to land Bedard.
Dan Haren: Much like Bedard, Haren is arguably an ace. Due to his inconsistencies are low K total, Haren hasn't quite fit the bill of a shut-down starter. He's much like John Maine and unless the Mets can get him through a few prospects, they should just tell Billy Beane to GTFO.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sorry for 2004...
With Scott Kazmir currently on the trade market, the name Victor Zambrano haunts Mets fans like the creeping crud. Jim Duquette, the New York Mets General Manager at the time, dealt away the phenom Kazmir for a disaster, commonly referred to as Mr. Zamrbrano. The stubby right-hander Zambrano was actually a detriment to his own team. Never before has a player actually ruined an organization in this way. His capability of being a whimp far exceeds that of his pitching abilites. Meanwhile, Kazmir has established himself as one of the top young pitchers in the game.
You’re probably wondering how Victor came to be the antagonist of the Mets franchise, correct? Well, let me take you back down memory lane to 2004. Desperate for pitching in a season where the Mets had essentially no chance, Jim Duquette decides to throw away the farm in order to get a number 4 starter. For the most part, Mets fans were pissed. That’s really the only way to describe it. Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Lastings Milledge were on the verge of joining the team, so the Mets trade away their only decent pitching prospect in the organization. Tom Glavine was proving to be nothing special, Kris Benson had just joined the team, and the bitter taste of Pedro Astacio was finally becoming an afterthought. The previous year, Duquette bit the bullet and decided to take Kazmir with the 3rd overall pick. I know what you’re probably thinking, an unestablished lefty for a guy that you know will throw 200 innings a year.
Think again. Zambrano pitched all of 38 games in 3 years for the Mets, getting injured multiple times. Yes, injuries do happen. But injuries can only be accepted when the player truly strives to rejoin the team. As it turns out, Zambrano sat on his rear end for two years, swimming in unwarranted cash and watching as the Mets tumbled further down the standings. Meanwhile, nineteen year old Scott Kazmir is throwing up snake-eyes in Tampa Bay. New York Mets fans revolted everywhere. Blaming anybody in sight, including team captain John Franco. Supposedly, Franco didn’t like Kazmir’s attitude. He felt like Scott disrespected the almighty John Franco. After the dust settled, Franco’s story proved false. The Mets parted with a champ, and received a chump in return.
When in doubt, blame Jim Duquette. Or Steve Phillips, of course.
You’re probably wondering how Victor came to be the antagonist of the Mets franchise, correct? Well, let me take you back down memory lane to 2004. Desperate for pitching in a season where the Mets had essentially no chance, Jim Duquette decides to throw away the farm in order to get a number 4 starter. For the most part, Mets fans were pissed. That’s really the only way to describe it. Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Lastings Milledge were on the verge of joining the team, so the Mets trade away their only decent pitching prospect in the organization. Tom Glavine was proving to be nothing special, Kris Benson had just joined the team, and the bitter taste of Pedro Astacio was finally becoming an afterthought. The previous year, Duquette bit the bullet and decided to take Kazmir with the 3rd overall pick. I know what you’re probably thinking, an unestablished lefty for a guy that you know will throw 200 innings a year.
Think again. Zambrano pitched all of 38 games in 3 years for the Mets, getting injured multiple times. Yes, injuries do happen. But injuries can only be accepted when the player truly strives to rejoin the team. As it turns out, Zambrano sat on his rear end for two years, swimming in unwarranted cash and watching as the Mets tumbled further down the standings. Meanwhile, nineteen year old Scott Kazmir is throwing up snake-eyes in Tampa Bay. New York Mets fans revolted everywhere. Blaming anybody in sight, including team captain John Franco. Supposedly, Franco didn’t like Kazmir’s attitude. He felt like Scott disrespected the almighty John Franco. After the dust settled, Franco’s story proved false. The Mets parted with a champ, and received a chump in return.
When in doubt, blame Jim Duquette. Or Steve Phillips, of course.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Joe Girardi
After the immense fallout between Joe Torre and the Yankees management, the Steinbrenner's went out and did about the worst thing they could do, hire Joe Girardi. This is no knock on Girardi at all, he is a very good manager. Here are a few reasons why:
1) The guy actually played with several members of the Yankees. As a player, how would you feel being talked down to by a guy that had been considered a teammate for many years? Respect won't be easy to get, as a manager like Don Mattingly would have already earned it. Joe Girardi will need to prove himself to this veteran-filled Yankees team. before they can get behind him.
2) His coaching style is the opposite of what the Yankees need. If Girardi couldn't co-exist with the Florida Marlins owner, how in the hell is he going to fit in with the Steinbrenners. This guy is a hard-nosed manager, much better suited for a young team. That's the reason he did so well with the 2006 Florida Marlins, his in-your-face style does quite well on impressionable rookies. Jeter, Mariano, Posada, Pettitte, Moose, and Giambi will not take well to Girardi spitting all over their faces.
If Arod brought about controversey in the clubhouse, imagine what will happen with Mr. Joe Girardi.
1) The guy actually played with several members of the Yankees. As a player, how would you feel being talked down to by a guy that had been considered a teammate for many years? Respect won't be easy to get, as a manager like Don Mattingly would have already earned it. Joe Girardi will need to prove himself to this veteran-filled Yankees team. before they can get behind him.
2) His coaching style is the opposite of what the Yankees need. If Girardi couldn't co-exist with the Florida Marlins owner, how in the hell is he going to fit in with the Steinbrenners. This guy is a hard-nosed manager, much better suited for a young team. That's the reason he did so well with the 2006 Florida Marlins, his in-your-face style does quite well on impressionable rookies. Jeter, Mariano, Posada, Pettitte, Moose, and Giambi will not take well to Girardi spitting all over their faces.
If Arod brought about controversey in the clubhouse, imagine what will happen with Mr. Joe Girardi.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Pelfrey, Humber, or Mulvey?
With a Starting Rotation in dire need of change, the Willie Randolph (sadly, he decides) and the Rick Peterson will need to make a decision on who the 5th starter will be. With no established name as a possibility, the Mets will need to take a chance on one of their young hurlers coming up from New Orleans. It’s understandable that they are reluctant to choose, due to Mike Pelfrey’s complete failure in 2007. By the end of the year, it seemed like the clueless Willie Randolph wouldn’t even consider starting a rookie. I’m sorry Willie, but throwing Brian Lawrence out there every fifth day is not going to get the job done. General Manager Omar Minaya basically had to force him in to letting Phil Humber start a game in September. The three choices for this open starting spot are Mike Pelfrey, Humber, and the dark horse Kevin Mulvey. Here’s my take on ‘em.
Pelfrey: I’ve seen enough of this guy to determine that he is nothing special. I’m not one to give up on pitchers so early, but his lack of secondary pitches makes him very ineffective. I’m sorry to break it to you Mike, but a fastball only gets you noticed. Location, motion repetition, and off-speed stuff are what make a pitcher successful. So what, the guy can throw 95 miles per hour, thoroughly unimpressive when being matched up against guys like Franklin Morales or Felix Hernandez. Tick tock, tick tock, can you hear that Mike? Time is running up.
Philip Humber: About as interesting as they come, Phil Humber certainly has the stuff to become a very good pitcher. But after Tommy John surgery and a lack of pitch location, Humber has quickly become an afterthought in the Mets system. He showed flashes of greatness in his start late in the season, but it appears as if Humber’s only strength is his curveball. There really isn’t much else to say, he has very good off-speed stuff but is a huge risk, especially in the health department.
Kevin Mulvey: Now, if the Mets were smart, they would surrender this job to Mulvey. He had a very solid year in AA Binghamton and dominated his first appearance in AAA New Orleans. Mulvey possesses the most balanced repertoire of the three. Four good pitches added to a very nice frame, the 2nd round draft pick out of Villanova has what it takes to become extremely successful in the MLB. After seeing Mulvey pitch three or four times, it appears as if he is a very polished prospect. For the sake of Met fans everywhere, let’s hope Willie Randolph sees it as well.
In retrospect, what does it really matter? All of this is just setting up for Deolis Guerra to lead this staff in about two or three years. But that, my fellow bloggers, is for another day.
Pelfrey: I’ve seen enough of this guy to determine that he is nothing special. I’m not one to give up on pitchers so early, but his lack of secondary pitches makes him very ineffective. I’m sorry to break it to you Mike, but a fastball only gets you noticed. Location, motion repetition, and off-speed stuff are what make a pitcher successful. So what, the guy can throw 95 miles per hour, thoroughly unimpressive when being matched up against guys like Franklin Morales or Felix Hernandez. Tick tock, tick tock, can you hear that Mike? Time is running up.
Philip Humber: About as interesting as they come, Phil Humber certainly has the stuff to become a very good pitcher. But after Tommy John surgery and a lack of pitch location, Humber has quickly become an afterthought in the Mets system. He showed flashes of greatness in his start late in the season, but it appears as if Humber’s only strength is his curveball. There really isn’t much else to say, he has very good off-speed stuff but is a huge risk, especially in the health department.
Kevin Mulvey: Now, if the Mets were smart, they would surrender this job to Mulvey. He had a very solid year in AA Binghamton and dominated his first appearance in AAA New Orleans. Mulvey possesses the most balanced repertoire of the three. Four good pitches added to a very nice frame, the 2nd round draft pick out of Villanova has what it takes to become extremely successful in the MLB. After seeing Mulvey pitch three or four times, it appears as if he is a very polished prospect. For the sake of Met fans everywhere, let’s hope Willie Randolph sees it as well.
In retrospect, what does it really matter? All of this is just setting up for Deolis Guerra to lead this staff in about two or three years. But that, my fellow bloggers, is for another day.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Mangenious, Yeah Right!
Chad Pennington
First things first, Eric Mangini has gone from Mangenious to Manjerome. I mean seriously, is the guy blind? Bearing a 1-6 record, is Chad Pennington really in the position to help this team at all? With young Kellen Clemens sitting on the bench, Mangini won’t put his ego aside and do what’s best for this team. Pennington’s lack of talent and decision making has led to four heart-breaking losses for this New York Jets team. When the quarterback of a mainstream team has attempted five passes for more than twenty yards the entire season, there is a problem. Do they not expect the rabid New York media to jump off the bandwagon? It actually makes more sense to go out and sign Quincy Carter again than to keep starting Chad Pennington. At least Quincy had a cool name… What Chad lacks in arm strength, he makes up in…well…nothing. The guy is a bum and is blocking Clemens from taking this team by the horns. The Jets coaches need to pull their heads out of you know where and realize that after two arm surgeries, Chad Pennington has nothing to offer in football anymore. Well, maybe he can be a post-career Fox commentator, but I bet he’d suck at that as well. At just a shade over 1200 yards on the season, Chad has averaged a mere 200 yards per game so far this season. Kellen Clemens had almost 200 yards in the 4th quarter of his first start, coming oh-so-close to picking up a win in Baltimore. With such a weak arm, Pennington cannot spread out the secondary, which ends up negatively affecting the running game. The stats don’t lie, the record doesn’t lie, and Chad Pennington’s face at the end of every game doesn’t lie. Mangini, get Chad the hell out of New York and let Kellen Clemens take this team all the way.
First things first, Eric Mangini has gone from Mangenious to Manjerome. I mean seriously, is the guy blind? Bearing a 1-6 record, is Chad Pennington really in the position to help this team at all? With young Kellen Clemens sitting on the bench, Mangini won’t put his ego aside and do what’s best for this team. Pennington’s lack of talent and decision making has led to four heart-breaking losses for this New York Jets team. When the quarterback of a mainstream team has attempted five passes for more than twenty yards the entire season, there is a problem. Do they not expect the rabid New York media to jump off the bandwagon? It actually makes more sense to go out and sign Quincy Carter again than to keep starting Chad Pennington. At least Quincy had a cool name… What Chad lacks in arm strength, he makes up in…well…nothing. The guy is a bum and is blocking Clemens from taking this team by the horns. The Jets coaches need to pull their heads out of you know where and realize that after two arm surgeries, Chad Pennington has nothing to offer in football anymore. Well, maybe he can be a post-career Fox commentator, but I bet he’d suck at that as well. At just a shade over 1200 yards on the season, Chad has averaged a mere 200 yards per game so far this season. Kellen Clemens had almost 200 yards in the 4th quarter of his first start, coming oh-so-close to picking up a win in Baltimore. With such a weak arm, Pennington cannot spread out the secondary, which ends up negatively affecting the running game. The stats don’t lie, the record doesn’t lie, and Chad Pennington’s face at the end of every game doesn’t lie. Mangini, get Chad the hell out of New York and let Kellen Clemens take this team all the way.
Who Goes?
After a monumental collapse in September, the New York Mets will most definitely be looking for help outside of the Free Agent pool. As the old saying goes, there are more fish in the sea. Well, not in this case. Seeing as no ace exists, General Manager Omar Minaya will need to deal away some of the farm in order to acquire a pitcher such as Johan Santana. But the real question is, which potential star needs to go? In a system headlined by outfielders Lastings Milledge and Carlos Gomez, one of the two will need to be dealt in a prospect package if the Mets want to acquire a number one starter. With young Fernando Martinez potentially in the mix for a starting job by 2009, the Mets can afford to move either Milledge or Gomez. Here is my take on the two:
Lastings Milledge has had quite the time since being called up in late-2006. His 5-tool potential is clear, but attitude and respect have been his kryptonite. The 2007 season was good to Lastings, as he was one of the few bright spots during September. I personally believe that if given adequate time in right field, he can develop in to a very good player. Twenty to twenty-five home runs for Lastings are not out of the question along with twenty or so stolen bases. At this point, Milledge is the safer of the two players. Integrating in to the Mets locker room as been the toughest part, as his rap label and maturity level got him in to a peck of trouble. Even with his lack of respect, Milledge’s raw talent should help him develop in to a fine outfielder.
It seems as if you either love or hate Carlos Gomez, no in-between exists. With all the raw talent and speed in the world, Gomez has the potential to be the next Carl Crawford. While possessing blazing speed and Gold Glove defense at any outfield position, this kid may be the savior of the Mets. Oh wait, that requires being able to hit right? Now while that may be an exaggeration, Gomez has an unorthodox swing to say the least. After batting over .280 in during his stint as the starting left fielder, young Carlos proved us all wrong about his hitting skills. They do indeed appear to be more advanced than a twelve year old. After the disastrous trade involving Scott Kazmir and Victor Zambrano, the Mets are understandably reluctant to trade away a player with such immense potential.
So after much deliberation, trading Lastings Milledge is definitely the more wise option of the two. Although he may be the safe pick, the Mets brass will have a fan revolt on their hands if Gomez turns out to be great. Carlos is the most talented outfielder that Queens has seen in years added with the fact that Minaya will do anything to wash the distaste of September from Mets fans everywhere, even if it comes at the price of Lastings Milledge.
Lastings Milledge has had quite the time since being called up in late-2006. His 5-tool potential is clear, but attitude and respect have been his kryptonite. The 2007 season was good to Lastings, as he was one of the few bright spots during September. I personally believe that if given adequate time in right field, he can develop in to a very good player. Twenty to twenty-five home runs for Lastings are not out of the question along with twenty or so stolen bases. At this point, Milledge is the safer of the two players. Integrating in to the Mets locker room as been the toughest part, as his rap label and maturity level got him in to a peck of trouble. Even with his lack of respect, Milledge’s raw talent should help him develop in to a fine outfielder.
It seems as if you either love or hate Carlos Gomez, no in-between exists. With all the raw talent and speed in the world, Gomez has the potential to be the next Carl Crawford. While possessing blazing speed and Gold Glove defense at any outfield position, this kid may be the savior of the Mets. Oh wait, that requires being able to hit right? Now while that may be an exaggeration, Gomez has an unorthodox swing to say the least. After batting over .280 in during his stint as the starting left fielder, young Carlos proved us all wrong about his hitting skills. They do indeed appear to be more advanced than a twelve year old. After the disastrous trade involving Scott Kazmir and Victor Zambrano, the Mets are understandably reluctant to trade away a player with such immense potential.
So after much deliberation, trading Lastings Milledge is definitely the more wise option of the two. Although he may be the safe pick, the Mets brass will have a fan revolt on their hands if Gomez turns out to be great. Carlos is the most talented outfielder that Queens has seen in years added with the fact that Minaya will do anything to wash the distaste of September from Mets fans everywhere, even if it comes at the price of Lastings Milledge.
Ugh...Willie
Willie Randolph, where do we start? While Mets fans continue to praise their manager for his so-called success in the last three years, it is quite easy to see through the lackluster job he has done with this team. With a lineup consisting of young stars like Jose Reyes, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Lastings Milledge, and Ruben Gotay, there is absolutely no reason for them not to make the playoffs. As a firm believer in the old style of baseball managing, many Mets fans (including myself) are wishing for the likes of Bobby Valentine or Joe Girardi to come save them from this menace. It has been seen throughout baseball history that the mental state of a team during a game comes directly from that of the manager. Willie has installed a passive mindset in his players that is uncommon in New York teams of the past. In all of one year, Randolph has turned the Mets from a fiery group of ballplayers in to a bunch of overpriced primma-donnas. Jose Reyes was a prime example of a player who felt the wrath of Willie’s passive ways. In 2006, Reyes was hungry to be the absolute best player in the bigs, only to take a step back in 2007. It appeared as if Jose’s ambition had halted, slowly falling in to that group of underachieving performers. In more ways than one, Willie Randolph led to the steady decline of the 2007 Mets and if they want to succeed in future years, he needs to be kicked off his throne before it’s too late. It’d be a shame to see another Joe Torre on the Mets hands.
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