tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67995560830125209272024-02-19T02:47:56.962-05:00Maybe Next Year MetsMaybe Next Year Mets is a website made by Mets fans for Mets fan. We report on everything amazing about the Amazins'Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-6210695002630972812011-07-18T00:52:00.000-04:002011-07-18T00:52:25.855-04:00My Full interview with Andy Martino<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEZEQY7uOGIIoPx19F-mZRNTbCUYBWAEeYFDPBSvSQuLh8_-cNOD26PwsaOMUxVQY-ylJn3DwBEjxCM4Xb3tJrAPFrbujBnccji0ttFNccr4yn0kAxN48jZMee1NdX14cuYY45QJvUrZ9/s1600/martino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEZEQY7uOGIIoPx19F-mZRNTbCUYBWAEeYFDPBSvSQuLh8_-cNOD26PwsaOMUxVQY-ylJn3DwBEjxCM4Xb3tJrAPFrbujBnccji0ttFNccr4yn0kAxN48jZMee1NdX14cuYY45QJvUrZ9/s320/martino.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>As you can view on MetsMerizedOnline.com, I was fortunate enough to have an E-Mail conversation with Andy Martino of the Daily News. Since Andy gave me such thorough and interesting answers, I found it difficult to narrow down the questions from roughly 25 to the usual 10-12 questions I will publish in an interview article so I decided to post the interview in its entirety here on MaybeNextYearMets: <br />
<br />
<strong>-Andy, after returning to the Mets after writing for the Phillies, which team have you enjoyed reporting on the most in your career?</strong><br />
Both provided unique and rewarding experiences, but I have to say--covering losing and dysfunction last year in New York, and the transition that it led to, provided richer material than covering a World Series run in 2009. Plus, after being a transplanted New Yorker living in Philly for a year, it was nice to get home to family and friends in New York.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-What was it like to return to the Daily News after beginning your career there as an intern?</strong><br />
It felt more like a continuation than a new beginning. Because I knew nearly all my colleagues well, it was an easy transition. The only difficult part was staying in a buddy's extra bedroom in Brooklyn while my wife and I looked for somewhere to live on short notice (the offer from the Daily News came rather suddenly, and left us scrambling).<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-In your Midseason report card, you gave both Chris Capuano and Daniel Murphy a B, the same grade given to Joba Chamberlain by Mark Feinsand, given that Murphy is batting over .300 and has 19 doubles and Capuano has been the victim of bad defense on numerous occasions, do you think that grade was a bit low for them?<br />
</strong><br />
I suppose it depends on your rubric and standards, which we did not articulate in our midseason report cards. So the end result comes out pretty much all over the place and based on gut feel.<br />
<br />
<br />
-<strong>As a BBWAA writer, who do you believe is a Hall of Famer that is on the 2012 ballot?</strong><br />
I am a BBWAA member, but I don't support the idea of journalists voting for the Hall of Fame. I think it's a conflict of interest, and I also think the questions of "who is a Hall of Famer" is impossible to answer, because there is no set standard. I am not eligible to vote yet (you have to be a BBWAA member for 10 years), but will not vote once I able to. To be honest, I don't think about the HOF much, and don't really know who is on the 2012 ballot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-Do you think Pete Rose should be allowed onto the ballot for the Hall? If he is permitted, would you vote for him?</strong><br />
See my above answer about the HOF, but I will say this: It is good to ban gamblers from the game for life. If gambling were in any way acceptable, the sport would become untenable. You have to take a hard line.<br />
<br />
<strong>-Would you ever vote a baseball player into the Hall who has been proven to take steroids? Someone like Clemens or Ortiz who were accused but deny the accusations?<br />
</strong>This is one of the issues that I have with the Hall of Fame. How are they going to deal with this? There is no good answer. It would probably be better if it were just a museum, rather than something that involves elections. Then we could focus not on issues like "do steroid cheats belong in the Hall of Fame," but on questions more relevant to society like, "should the MLB All-Stars who spoke out last year about Arizona's immigration law have boycotted the game?" <br />
<br />
Wherever one stands on that issue, we should be talking about stuff like that more often, when we talk about sports.<br />
<br />
<strong>-In you opinion, is Mike Piazza a first ballot Hall of Famer in 2013? When he ultimately does make the Hall, does he go in as a Met or a Dodger?<br />
</strong><br />
He probably does go in. Not sure when, but he seems more identified with the Mets, and he wore a Mets hat last week when he managed the Futures Game.<br />
<br />
<strong>-Out of Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and Mike Piazza, do you believe any of them should have their numbers retired by the Mets?</strong><br />
<br />
Those are three of the most important players in franchise history, so if anyone deserves it, they do.<br />
<br />
-<strong>What was your take on the K-Rod trade? Was it just a salary dump? Who is the winner in this deal?</strong><br />
It was a good deal for both teams. A total salary dump for the Mets, who had to get out from under that $17.5 million vesting option for next year. So they found a taker for much of the contract, and the Brewers--who were a championship caliber team except for their middle relief--get bullpen depth during a year that they're going for it. <br />
<br />
The Mets were worried that the market for K-Rod would drop later in July, as more closer became available, so this really was the right time for both teams to make the move.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-Does the moving of K-Rod increase the chances of re-signing Reyes? If so, by how much have their chances increased?</strong><br />
<br />
It certainly doesn't hurt, but that is still going to be a tall order for the Mets. Reyes will be seeking close to top dollar, and the Mets have budget constraints. But moving K-Rod does clear payroll space, and probably slightly increases their chances of resigning Reyes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-<strong>Was the K-Rod trade a waiving of the white flag on Alderson's part for the 2011 season?<br />
</strong>He claims it wasn't. If you ask me, Beltran represents the white flag. But I would hope that, in a division with Atlanta and Philly playing so well, the Mets front office understands that this is not s playoff year, and that they plan accordingly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-After the July 31st deadline, where do you believe Carlos Beltran will go or stay? Mets? Giants? Redsox?</strong><br />
I think the Mets will shop him aggressively, but hold out for a favorable deal. Let's say it's 65-35 he is dealt. Giants, Red Sox, Phillies, Tigers, Indians--there are a lot of places he would fit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-The Phillies have interest in acquiring a right fielder with a power bat and the Mets have just that on the market in that of Carlos Beltran. Do you think that Alderson, a GM who traded Jose Canseco to the Rangers during a pennant race back in his Oakland days, would deal Beltran to the rival, first-place Phillies?</strong> <br />
If Alderson judged that a deal with the Phils was right for the Mets from a baseball standpoint, I do not believe that the "rivalry" would in any way hold him back.<br />
<br />
-<strong>Have you heard anything about Mets rental players on the market other than Beltran that could be dealt before July 31st such as Capuano or Byrdak? Any rumblings about Pelfrey as a possible trade candidate?</strong><br />
Byrdak and Isringhausen could go. Capuano makes sense, although there haven't been a whole lot of rumblings there yet. As for Pelfrey, the Mets would be selling low now, after a spotty first half, but maybe this winter.<br />
<br />
<strong>-Who is more likely to remain a Met in 2012, David Wright or Jose Reyes? Which of the two are more valueable to the Mets as far as building a team around?</strong><br />
<br />
Wright is far more likely to remain a Met next year. Reyes has taken his game to such a high level this year, it's hard to call almost anyone more valuable <br />
<br />
<strong>-Who is more likely to return from injury in 2011, Ike Davis or Johan Santana?</strong><br />
Tough one. We'll know more about Davis soon. If he has surgery,he's done, so I'll go with Santana.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>-Out of the top Mets prospects, who do you think will have the biggest impact on the 2012 Mets? The Mets in years to come? <br />
</strong>Matt Harvey.<br />
<br />
<strong>-Based on the age of current players, financial situations and farm systems, who do you think has the brightest future 5-10 years down the road, Mets or Phillies?</strong><br />
Wow. The Mets' financial situation makes them a wild card, but assuming the franchise finds a way to stabilize, I'll choose them. There is a cyclical nature to contending in baseball, and the Phillies are on the backside of their run.<br />
<br />
<strong>-Is Domonic Brown the next Fernando Martinez? A prospect who so far has yet to pull it together at the major league level?</strong><br />
<br />
He has struggled to live up to the hype so far. There is a lot of talent there, though, so<br />
<br />
<strong>-Will the Phillies eventually regret the Roy Oswalt trade because of the young talent they gave up in that of J.A. Happ?</strong><br />
Happ is a solid pitcher, but at the time that was the trade they needed to make. It didn't work out last year for the Phillies, of course, but that's the risk you run with deadline deals. Ruben Amaro Jr. is not the kind of guy to express regrets.<br />
<br />
<strong>-What was it like, from a reporter's standpoint, to lay witness to Terry Collins' now infamous post-game tirade in late May? Were you hesitant to ask a question to the Mets skipper in that post-game?<br />
</strong>Collins is an emotional guy, but it's always controlled. The few times he has gotten angry publicly, he hasn't pointed it at reporters.<br />
<br />
<strong>-You have been accused of being too critical of the Mets in comparison to other writers and overly praising of the Phillies by some readers, what is your response to that?</strong><br />
Many readers in Philly accused me of being a Mets fan. Many readers in New York accuse me of being a Phillies fan. Both are, of course, ridiculous. I'm a reporter.<br />
<br />
<strong>-Finally, Do you think Brian Wilson's spandex tuxedo at the ESPY's out-did Lady Gaga's egg arrival at the Grammy awards?</strong><br />
Ha. I'd have to say so. You expect it from Lady Gaga, but from an athlete? Good for Wilson, for always being an interesting character.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-66641503286246001422011-07-13T10:41:00.000-04:002011-07-13T10:41:20.264-04:00<span bi="4" closure_uid_hzbcvs="105" ec="undefined" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="94" title="Click for alternate translations"><span bi="4" closure_uid_fzksc3="111" ec="undefined" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="101" title="Click for alternate translations">Francisco Rodriguez has been traded to the Brewers for 2 players to be named later. There is apparently a list of 5 prospects the Mets will chose from, but don't expect much as the Brewers farm system ranks 28th in all of baseball. This trade was more of salary dump than anything else. It also increases the likeliness that Beltran gets traded.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span bi="4" closure_uid_hzbcvs="105" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="94" title="Click for alternate translations"><span bi="4" closure_uid_fzksc3="111" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="101" title="Click for alternate translations">Here is what K-Rod said on his twitter account in regard to the trade, translated into English:</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span bi="4" closure_uid_hzbcvs="105" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="94" title="Click for alternate translations"><span bi="4" closure_uid_fzksc3="111" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="101" title="Click for alternate translations"><blockquote><span bi="4" closure_uid_hzbcvs="105" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="94" title="Click for alternate translations"><span bi="4" closure_uid_fzksc3="111" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="101" title="Click for alternate translations">"I want</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="102" title="Click for alternate translations">to thank all the</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="103" title="Click for alternate translations">Mets fans</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="104" title="Click for alternate translations">for their great support</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="105" title="Click for alternate translations">during these</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="106" title="Click for alternate translations">2 ½ years</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="107" title="Click for alternate translations">he wore</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_fzksc3="108" title="Click for alternate translations">his shirt</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span bi="4" closure_uid_hzbcvs="105" ec="undefined" lang="en"><span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="94" title="Click for alternate translations">And to all</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="95" title="Click for alternate translations">my fans</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="96" title="Click for alternate translations">I would say that</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="97" title="Click for alternate translations">I</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="98" title="Click for alternate translations">continue to support</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="99" title="Click for alternate translations">this new phase</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="100" title="Click for alternate translations">of my life and</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="101" title="Click for alternate translations">as he says</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="102" title="Click for alternate translations">the war cry</span> <span class="hps" closure_uid_hzbcvs="103" title="Click for alternate translations">of my team"</span></span></blockquote></span></span></span></span>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-81072051436704700132011-06-18T22:33:00.000-04:002011-06-18T22:33:03.618-04:00Pelfrey Pic:Mike Pelfrey has been unhittable lately, most recently in his complete game 5-hitter in tonight's 6-1 Mets win. His recent stretch of dominance has inspired me to make a picture you might get a kick out of:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqUCNPlpa-PyI4SYbGysH8dmpIEiE65b1QLtMW1Clyo51QXo_LCve8M4SzWjGPPwYwBmMT7VtLXBgTZ1vdqxxhDZWfD0Y_Y2hdoVVKB0g1YABU-k6mTEm_6SxIMe5HLDfCx5ahszdLbVw/s1600/Finger+Licking+good.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqUCNPlpa-PyI4SYbGysH8dmpIEiE65b1QLtMW1Clyo51QXo_LCve8M4SzWjGPPwYwBmMT7VtLXBgTZ1vdqxxhDZWfD0Y_Y2hdoVVKB0g1YABU-k6mTEm_6SxIMe5HLDfCx5ahszdLbVw/s1600/Finger+Licking+good.bmp" /></a></div>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-74736058262261458982011-06-18T09:49:00.000-04:002011-06-18T09:49:28.362-04:00Uh-Oh: Reyes Meets With Scott Boras<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCraGjHnkxYMq1Me0JevH0ILAvGX8ZaWU1EoEUn1XC4ZUOVUbnwfWn0QrVfWDbedkBL1Ja698B2PlYyuLqpso86gZCmD_ttac4erGgD-Pa13IeieU1wqNIIsv6Gh0TlsOaNVGh8FDyNNmk/s1600/Reyes+swing.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCraGjHnkxYMq1Me0JevH0ILAvGX8ZaWU1EoEUn1XC4ZUOVUbnwfWn0QrVfWDbedkBL1Ja698B2PlYyuLqpso86gZCmD_ttac4erGgD-Pa13IeieU1wqNIIsv6Gh0TlsOaNVGh8FDyNNmk/s320/Reyes+swing.bmp" width="268px" /></a></div>According to Ken Rosenthal, Mets free-agent-to-be Jose Reyes met with super-agent Scott Boras. This meeting does not break any contractual agreements to Reyes' current agent Peter Greenberg, nor does it violate any rules in the player's union, so long as Boras discloses all contact with the Mets shortstop.<br />
If Reyes ultimately does become a client of Scott Boras, that will greatly decrease the chances that the Mets retain the 28-year old speedster. Boras is infamous for getting top dollar for his clients, in most cases exponentially more than the player's true worth. Boras rarely allows for his players to give their former teams "home-town discounts", which is what the Mets are counting on to keep Reyes past 2011. Boras creates situations to get the most money out of any team interested, many times going into bidding wars, which the Mets in no way can afford to do.<br />
<br />
The action of becoming a Scott Boras client, is a move for someone NOT looking to stay with their current team. Reyes has stated several times that he wants to be here, yet a move like this would prove to be the exact opposite of his statements. Scott Boras tends to have his clients hit the open market to go to the highest bidder. His clients very rarely return to their former teams, unless their old teams have the cash to retain his clients, which the Mets do not.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, the Mets probably do not want to have to deal with Boras. After deals such as Oliver Perez's and Carlos Beltran's huge, overpriced contracts that were at the hands of Boras, the Wilpons will likely prefer not to deal with him.<br />
<br />
Maybe Reyes is starting to see cash symbols now that he is on pace for such a monstrous year. Maybe he is starting to see the incredible amount of money he can command. If this is the case, Reyes knows that in order to squeeze the most money out of whatever ballclub he ultimately signs with, going to Scott Boras is the best way to do so.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-78036394501886168092011-05-15T11:44:00.001-04:002011-05-18T15:03:42.948-04:00June 3rd, 2011 "Don't Trade Jose Reyes Day" at Citi FieldIn an effort to show the Mets Front Office that we do not want to see Reyes gone, Mets fans have agreed to make "Don't Trade Jose Reyes Day" on June 3rd 2011 in the series opener against the Braves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/35691460/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of DON'T TRADE REYES" border="0" height="200px" id="product-img" src="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/35691460/300.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
To attend it on facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119675261448088&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=119675261448088%23!/photo.php?fbid=2002465149581&set=o.119675261448088&type=1&theater">Click Here</a><br />
<br />
To Buy Tickets to the game <a href="http://ev13.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS:METS:M11:0603:&linkID=mets&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=SEASON&cgc=&tfl=New_York_Mets-Schedule-Mets_Schedule-na-x0">Click Here</a><br />
<br />
Be sure to buy tickets to that game and bring your favorite Reyes attire and signs against him being traded.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-43640530161339498972011-05-02T15:45:00.000-04:002011-05-02T15:45:29.541-04:00Osama Bin Laden Killed By American Forces<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 28px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>I know this has absolutely nothing to do with baseball but who cares! Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed by U.S. forces. US officials reportedly have the body. They are awaiting test results to be 100% sure that it is indeed the monster who planned the 9/11 attacks. It is hard to believe but America has finally gotten our guy. It took us nearly 10 years, but we have finally found the one low-life who almost got away.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><img alt="" height="300" src="http://metsmerizedonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Osama-dead-400x300.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="400" /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>Barrack Obama received a tip on Osama Bin Laden’s possible location in Pakistan. After verifying this report, the U.S. went into action, sending in a special team in Pakistan and killing Bin Laden in an incredible showdown. No US forces or civilians were harmed in the assault.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>This is not only the killing of leader of Al Qaeda, but a symbol of American triumph and will no doubt create an overwhelming sense of patriotism in the hearts of every American. As I write this article in complete and utter shock, all I can think is: Justice has finally been served.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>To associate this with baseball somewhat, during the Mets vs. Phillies finale, the broadcasters had trouble keeping up with the game as they kept trying to give updates to viewers. When the fans slowly began to hear the news through texts and mobile updates, they spontaneously broke out into chants of USA USA USA! I personally got chills, as I am sure anyone else watching did aswell.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>Think of all the closure the families devastated after 9/11 must feel right now. Although the loss of their loved ones can never be filled, this must be such a boost to their morale that we finally got the sick person responsible for this.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>Think of where you were when you heard this news, on this day, America won.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>This is truly an incredible symbol to the world and a message: Don’t mess with America.</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>God Bless America!</b></span></div>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-46067964899621354322011-02-21T13:40:00.001-05:002011-02-21T14:37:11.967-05:00Mets 2011 Rotation: A Force To Be Reckoned With. Part II<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrzUVkxoPcs4LNkoBr-Sk8N-OoJ7tyzJHRoXFpwbdl7X7tZ_jTRwtMmBoOGf3yYHN2phsIqQ3dO_O9KEHZm9FhbhiYnfdOk5W9oLxkKkTSsGsCs59FhD-DussIVc2iksg4rNrYQMlP3ou/s1600/Mets+2011+rotation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrzUVkxoPcs4LNkoBr-Sk8N-OoJ7tyzJHRoXFpwbdl7X7tZ_jTRwtMmBoOGf3yYHN2phsIqQ3dO_O9KEHZm9FhbhiYnfdOk5W9oLxkKkTSsGsCs59FhD-DussIVc2iksg4rNrYQMlP3ou/s320/Mets+2011+rotation.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
After taking a look at the three pitchers who will be the immediate impact at the front of the 2011 rotation, we will now look into the back end of the rotation and Johan Santana who will return in the later part of the season. These guys can keep a hot streak going or stop a losing stretch from continuing when the premier guys in the rotation can not get the job done. With some newly acquired arms, the back of the Mets 2011 rotation looks pretty formidable.<br />
<br />
The back end of the Mets rotation will feature Chris Young and either Chris Capuano or Dillon Gee in 2011. These three arms have come from utter insignificance to key pieces of the 2011 staff. While the front three arms had breakout seasons in 2010, they aren't bonafide top-tier pitchers. That said, depth is a crucial factor to the 2011 season, something these three must provide.<br />
<br />
Almost certain to fill the 4th spot of the rotation is RHP Chris Young. Young is the perfect example of Alderson's under-the-radar signings that have a very high reward situation. Although I would not classify Young as a low risk situation, when healthy, Young is a top of the rotation quality pitcher. He has battled injury the past few seasons, failing to complete 20 starts each of the past three season. but when he is healthy, he is locked in. Young has a career 48-34 record with a 3.80 ERA. He pitches best with little run support, a pattern he will become very accustomed to on the Mets. He has posted a 2.61 ERA when his own team scores two or fewer runs for him. Young, coming from the Padres is already used to little run support and large ballparks, if he stays healthy, could be the best off season signing of the Mets this winter.<br />
<br />
Chris Capuano and Dillon Gee appear to be the two major contenders for the 5th spot in the 2011 rotation. <br />
<br />
Capuano before 2010 had not pitched since 2007 due to injury. He came back healthy with the Brewers in 2010 and pitched to a respectable 4-4 record and a 3.95 ERA. <br />
<br />
Gee has never been considered a blue-chip prospect for the Mets, but with little options down the stretch in 2010, Omar Minaya decided to give him a chance. Gee flourished in his 5 major league starts going 2-2 with a 2.18 ERA. Gee had a quality start in every single one of his outings including his major league debut in which he no-hit the Nationals through his first 5 innings en route to a 7 inning gem in which he only allowed one run and 2 hits. <br />
<br />
Alderson and Collins may want to give Capuano the job to allow Gee to further develop, but if Gee can continue the success he had in September 2010, he would likely win the starting role.<br />
<br />
The best pitcher on the team is without a doubt 2-time Cy Young award winner Johan Santana. The 31-year old Venezuelan native has been the ace of the staff since he was acquired from the Twins before the start of the 2008 season. Now going into 2011, Santana will start the year in Port St. Lucie rehabbing, following the surgery to repair a tear in his shoulder that sidelined him since September. Santana has since begun to rehab, starting with playing catch and soft tossing. <br />
<br />
The question is, is when he returns, estimated somewhere from June to July, will he still be the Johan Santana of old? Shoulder injuries like this have proven detrimental to pitchers' careers in the past, and with Santana being the highest payed player on the team, his full recovery is crucial. These questions will just have to wait until mid-season when Santana takes the the mound in orange and blue once again.<br />
<br />
With low expectations at an all-time high, the Mets could be looking at a few bottom-of-the-barrel arms with hidden potential, possibly catching lightning in a bottle in 2011.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-58564360273880504602011-01-31T19:54:00.000-05:002011-01-31T19:54:14.973-05:00Why Jason Bay Will Bounce Back (He Better)<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3PAoZ69hFdaBckz989zNS3j_yl65PMT6GQNsAirABnwkqLotv2VGhesVsQhE-AFM46htN-t6aHlpcw32Qq-63eZ-nl9CGrH1l-N_4tsIi5VRMIWhqIXu3fbLT663-NbJgzkKtEzT5G_6/s1600/Jason+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3PAoZ69hFdaBckz989zNS3j_yl65PMT6GQNsAirABnwkqLotv2VGhesVsQhE-AFM46htN-t6aHlpcw32Qq-63eZ-nl9CGrH1l-N_4tsIi5VRMIWhqIXu3fbLT663-NbJgzkKtEzT5G_6/s320/Jason+Bay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By: Jonathan Bernardo<br />
<br />
On December 29<sup>th</sup>, 2009 Jason Bay signed a 4-year, $66 <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296520437_1"><span style="color: black;">million contract</span></span> with the Mets.<span> </span>Many hopeful Met fans thought he was a lock to play around 150 games, smack 20 homeruns, knock in 100 runs, become their “Big Bopper” in the middle of the lineup, and help the Mets make the playoffs. Well let’s just say it didn’t happen.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><span> </span>Jason Bay’s 2010 season was his worst of his career.<span> </span>He only played in 95 games, a career low, because of concussions and only batted .259/.347.402(Avg/OBP/Slg) with only 6 homeruns and 47 RBI’s.<span> </span>I believe his 2010 was a major fluke just like that 45-3 drubbing the Pats gave to my beloved Jets.<span> </span>It was the first season in which he did not reach 20 homeruns since his 2003 season in which he played just 30 games.<span> </span>His season averages per 162 games are .278/.374/.508 with 30 homeruns and 105 RBI’s.<span> </span>Look for his 2011 season to come closer to those numbers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Another big factor in why his numbers decreased tremendously was “Citi Field-itis.”<span> </span>I believe he suffered the same type of “thing” David Wright suffered during the 2009 season.<span> Citi Field</span> is one of the most spacious outfields in baseball.<span> </span>It can hurt players by forcing them to over-compensate for the long distances to hit a homerun.<span> </span>I believe Citi Field got into the heads of both Wright and Bay.<span> </span>David Wright only had 10 homeruns and 72 RBI’s in 2009 compared to 29 homeruns and 103 RBI’s in 2010.<span> </span>Look for Bay to conquer Citi Field in 2011 just like the way Wright did in 2010.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif'; line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>So here are my predictions for Jason Bay for this upcoming season and his 2010 numbers and his 162 game averages:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif'; line-height: 115%;"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">Seasons</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">Games</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">Runs</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">Hits</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">2B</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">3B</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">HR</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">RBI</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">AVG</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">162 game average</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">162</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">100</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">162</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">34</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">5</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">30</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">105</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">.278</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">2010</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">95</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">48</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">90</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">20</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">6</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">6</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">47</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">.259</span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">2011</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">152</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">90</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">143</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">27</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">7</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">24</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">96</span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 53.2pt;" valign="top" width="71"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'serif';">.268</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></div>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-30683362689974093662011-01-29T03:32:00.001-05:002011-01-29T13:23:30.252-05:00R.A. Dickey Signed to 2-year Deal<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0OS0k77kRPCZrlHN0fh4svrbLSPx3gdzRJugOLEmbI-IjGOUgrqK2st0yAhvIFT5qVkfotjqs7o17kQOlHtteyz7DQv8smKR19Lpl-jz4-ujR9tVw9hnYapxkj8mdTdjClS504HM5Slp/s1600/RA+Dickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0OS0k77kRPCZrlHN0fh4svrbLSPx3gdzRJugOLEmbI-IjGOUgrqK2st0yAhvIFT5qVkfotjqs7o17kQOlHtteyz7DQv8smKR19Lpl-jz4-ujR9tVw9hnYapxkj8mdTdjClS504HM5Slp/s320/RA+Dickey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
One year after signing a minor league contract, Robert Alan Dickey has now signed a multi-year major league contract, avoiding arbitration with the Mets. In just one season, Dickey has transformed from a minor signing to fill the roster, to a cornerstone of the major league franchise. Dickey has proved to himself and everyone on the Mets and all of baseball that he can indeed pitch, and really well for that matter.<br />
<br />
According to Andy Martino, the deal is for two-years and a club option for a third year, pending a physical. This is a major difference than just one year ago in which the signing of R.A. Dickey was mocked by nearly every Met fan and seen as a waste of money. Dickey would defy the odds and rise to become the best signing of the prior off season for the Mets and maybe the best signing of the entire 2009-2010 off season.<br />
<br />
Now with a 1-2 punch of R.A. Dickey and Mike Pelfrey at the top of this rotation, and Niese, Young and Gee/Capuano to follow, the Amazin's rotation is looking pretty fearsome. <br />
<br />
For a pitcher who never recorded a season with an ERA under 4.50 prior to 2010, it is pretty incredible he is now the arm the Mets will look to in 2011 for consistent dominance.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-24568298956385987042011-01-24T23:01:00.000-05:002011-01-24T23:01:02.141-05:00Mets 2011 Rotation: A Force To Be Reckoned With. Part I<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlHTVL_Q4ImGkZTpcmjq89uw3tOPLO0e2sJ64PU-PFi-ees3r09oLnM8rfI-aGxnC8i5LP96fHJWADDg_jgxz0BHn3MlOEN9XGUv1nN4UJBkWg4zOFPAjxE6Raal5fa9M-j1-J-IL7ZK-/s1600/Mets+2011+rotation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlHTVL_Q4ImGkZTpcmjq89uw3tOPLO0e2sJ64PU-PFi-ees3r09oLnM8rfI-aGxnC8i5LP96fHJWADDg_jgxz0BHn3MlOEN9XGUv1nN4UJBkWg4zOFPAjxE6Raal5fa9M-j1-J-IL7ZK-/s320/Mets+2011+rotation.JPG" width="320" /></a>By: Clayton Collier</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> With Cliff Lee heading back to Philadelphia, creating arguably the best rotation in baseball history, the Mets have their work cut out for them to have a chance at competing in the NL East. Although the Mets do not have even close to the rotation that the Phillies do, they still have a formidable staff capable of being a feared set of arms that the opposing teams would be reluctant to face.</div> With the emergence of R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese, The Mets have a solid 1-2-3 punch in the rotation. In 2010, the three combined for a 35-28 record and a 3.57 ERA. Originally considered back-of-the-rotation and in R.A Dickey's case, a weak contender for the bullpen, they proved Jerry Manuel, the franchise and the baseball world that they were much more than what everyone made them out to be. Now going into 2011, the Mets entire season literally relies in the palm of this trio's hands.<br />
<br />
Mike Pelfrey enjoyed the best season in his career in 2010. Former skipper, Jerry Manuel declared Pelfrey the 4th starter behind John Maine, Oliver Perez and Johan Santana prior to Opening day of the 2010 season. Instead of complaining and being discouraged, Pelfrey took it upon himself to prove Manuel wrong; and that he did. Pelfrey busted out of the starting gate with a dominant 4-0 start with a microscopic 0.69 ERA to match en route to a 15-9 season with a 3.66 ERA. Pelfrey has been declared the ace of the staff and has been named the opening day starter in the absence of Santana do to his shoulder injury. At 27, Pelfrey still has yet to enter his prime. If the Mets can assemble a consistent offense capable of decent run support, Pelfrey could be a future 20-game winner for the Mets in the near future. In 2011, you can expect an even better 2011 campaign from Pelfrey.<br />
<br />
Robert Allen Dickey was originally a first round pick and a highly touted prospect in the Rangers organization before a photo revealed his throwing arm was missing an ulnar collateral ligament. After which Dickey converted to the knuckleball, having little success until he signed a minor league contract with the Mets. Dickey failed to make the major league roster out of Spring Training, being demoted to a Triple-A starter where something just clicked. Dickey was called up following a one-hitter in which he gave up a hit to the first batter he faced then proceeded to retire the following 27 hitters he faced. Dickey would dominate the majors finishing the season with a 11-9 record and a 2.84 ERA. His 2.84 ERA would rank 10th among all of baseball, pretty good for a minor league signing that was mocked on <em>Loudmouths</em> prior to Spring Training of 2010.<br />
<br />
Jon Niese started spring training competing for a job in the rotation with Fernando Nieve. Needless to say, the 24-year old southpaw won the job and Nieve wound end the year in Triple-A Buffalo. Having never had any major league success prior to 2010, Niese had to prove that he belonged in the rotation, and that he did. In the first two moths of the season, Niese had a 3.10 ERA. Niese would struggle with inconsistency throughout the season, ending the year 9-10 with a 4.20 ERA. Although Niese is not on the same level as Pelfrey and Dickey, he is still a young pitcher with a great deal of potential, much of which has yet to have been fully reached. Hopefully Niese can reach his full potential in 2011.<br />
<br />
With most of the Mets roster in complete and utter uncertainty, the success of Pelfrey, Dickey and Niese is both crucial and to be expected come Opening Day of 2011.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-9968483323865858492011-01-19T21:12:00.000-05:002011-01-19T21:12:45.525-05:00Maybe Next Year Mets is now on TwitterYou can now follow your favorite Mets Blog on Twitter.<br />
<br />
To follow us on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/MaybeNextYrMets">Click Here</a>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-75818470535354603022011-01-17T23:23:00.000-05:002011-01-17T23:23:12.315-05:00Mets To Sign Chris Young. Smart Move!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9cJ_CRApEIzSZ0q4knx6y1bW_Wyl9YHUrRtTnZfqUEPiRhPTVR918YMGW5Lk8afwOMIbDWvBZc1h1-iQGAKNzPS316rOxsuc6tMrfi0ngCvyiCQ5vdKDfjEdGfyBXsghYM6-CixLVmNa/s1600/chris+young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9cJ_CRApEIzSZ0q4knx6y1bW_Wyl9YHUrRtTnZfqUEPiRhPTVR918YMGW5Lk8afwOMIbDWvBZc1h1-iQGAKNzPS316rOxsuc6tMrfi0ngCvyiCQ5vdKDfjEdGfyBXsghYM6-CixLVmNa/s1600/chris+young.jpg" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
After months of speculation and rumors regarding the Mets and free agent RHP Chris Young, the two parties have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Young has had bouts with injury bug, resulting in his failing to reach at least 20 starts any of the past three seasons. But if Young can remain healthy, the Mets could have very well caught lightning in a bottle.<br />
<br />
Although the 31-year old righty has had issues with staying healthy, he still has the ability to be a top-tier arm for the Mets.Young has a career 48-34 record and a 3.80 ERA to match. Young has had four seasons in which he had finished with an ERA south of 4.0. This kind of consistency is just what the Mets need in order to fill the void left behind by Santana and his injured shoulder.<br />
<br />
Young has spent most of his career with the Padres, a club of inconsistent offense and little run support in a spacious ballpark. Young's experience with the Padres has prepared him perfectly for his tenure with the Amazins. When Young's team scores 0-2 runs, he has a dominant 2.61 ERA. This is just what the Mets need given the uncertainty of the Mets offense. Young works even better under pressure in close, low scoring games. He can keep the Mets close when they aren't scoring runs. This ability is something that only one other starter on the Mets staff has: Johan Santana. Young can very well become the Mets stopper in place of Santana until he returns, likely around the all-star break. Young is also a fly-ball pitcher, a convenient attribute for the spacious dimensions of Citi Field.<br />
<br />
With little to be sure of and mostly questions to expect in 2011, the signing of Young, as long as he remains healthy, could be a reliable go-to arm for the Mets this season.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-35626260231917472662011-01-12T14:50:00.000-05:002011-01-12T14:50:08.375-05:00Making Sense of the Tankersley Signing<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKzclwSjU88pqmK8nKjXmv-zzK-LU9kax8Ad91loO2U1xfehgbTKJqRYW7Kdc3FO9PKsSkDvdl8GdcTAxImwmWE3FQbdBwDnxPDqwDqub4zULx0xsA2h_8x6pu8d7EIEl8Tzz3TjkqdjQ/s1600/tankersley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKzclwSjU88pqmK8nKjXmv-zzK-LU9kax8Ad91loO2U1xfehgbTKJqRYW7Kdc3FO9PKsSkDvdl8GdcTAxImwmWE3FQbdBwDnxPDqwDqub4zULx0xsA2h_8x6pu8d7EIEl8Tzz3TjkqdjQ/s1600/tankersley.jpg" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
The signing of LHP Taylor Tankersley on the surface appears to be a mediocre move, but an in-depth look reveals a method to the madness. <br />
<br />
Tankersley has been with the Marlins for his entire major league career so he knows the division. It is not a huge factor but is a slight benefit knowing the premiere bats in the NL East in advance. Not only does Tankersley know the division, but he been a reliable arm versus the NL East. Tankersley has a career 3.24 ERA vs. the Phillies and a 1.93 ERA at Turner Field.<br />
<br />
The 27-year old southpaw could serve as the lefty specialist in 2011. A lefty specialist is an arm out of the bullpen used for the purpose of getting the tough left-handed batters out. Lefties have posted .223 batting average and a .313 on-base percentage against Tankersley in his career. Most of the time, these tough lefties, like a Brian McCann or Ryan Howard, bat in the 3rd and 4th spots in the lineup. Tankersley has held the 3rd and 4th spot in lineups to a microscopic .185 batting average in his career. Although he has struggled mightily the past few seasons, Tankersley, if used in the proper role, could become an excellent addition to a reshaped and now somewhat formidable bullpen.<br />
<br />
For a signing that isn't exactly a blockbuster deal, there is a lot of hidden potential for Tankersley.<br />
Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-82442534407855714082011-01-09T15:00:00.000-05:002011-01-09T15:00:18.700-05:00Castillo and Oli Could Be Gone by Opening Day....For Real!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2VEH1KvfUvJinfbVmVUU9DI99KABRj8X2Z6S2ecOUTR8YdDjuU5mQ-CPGAYA8MJF9jt4aAGeBfBegshmkmkNboRgi65v4wrU4hgNYFjFKoOVFi83nTQEEGzHN0FszF8lYhmT3t2VV0Tx/s1600/castillo+perez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2VEH1KvfUvJinfbVmVUU9DI99KABRj8X2Z6S2ecOUTR8YdDjuU5mQ-CPGAYA8MJF9jt4aAGeBfBegshmkmkNboRgi65v4wrU4hgNYFjFKoOVFi83nTQEEGzHN0FszF8lYhmT3t2VV0Tx/s320/castillo+perez.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the Mets are internally discussing the option of releasing 2nd baseman Luis Castillo and LHP Oliver Perez. The Mets have aggressively attempted to trade Castillo all winter but the bottom line is nobody wants him. So what do you do with a washed up player that you can't trade? The logical solution is to release them. That is what apparently the Mets are finally considering.<br />
<br />
Alderson warned Oli and Castillo that if they do not show signs of improvement in spring training, they will not be with the team come Opening Day. With both Oli and Castillo being unable to be traded and little hope of improvement, the option of being released seems eminent.<br />
<br />
Oli has pitched with little to no improvement in the winter leagues going 3-3 with a 5.18 ERA. The 29-year old southpaw has been unable to keep the walks to a minimum either in the winter leagues allowing 23 walks in just 33 innings. There was talk that <a href="http://maybenextyearmets.blogspot.com/2010/12/oli-as-lefty-specialist-i-dont-think-so.html">Oli could be salvaged as a lefty specialist</a> but due to his inability to get batters out in even the winter leagues, it seems highly unlikely.<br />
<br />
Castillo looks like the more likely of the two to be released. He has less money on his contract, and can easily be replaced. Castillo has no power, can longer hit, field or be a good influence on this team. Castillo was told that unless he excels in Spring Training, he will not be on the club come Opening Day. Castillo has likely lost his starting role to 25-year old Daniel Murphy. Castillo will compete with the likes of Chin-lung Hu, Luis Hernanadez, Brad Emaus and Justin Turner for one or two reserve roles on the 25-man roster. <br />
<br />
With the Mets invested roughly $18 million in these two players this season, the cost is great in cutting Castillo and Oli, but it is better then having a 23-man roster in 2011.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-66330308036722331062011-01-07T23:24:00.000-05:002011-01-07T23:24:52.585-05:00Mets Q&A: Answering Your Questions Sent Into UsBy: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: Now that the Phillies have acquired Cliff Lee and the Braves got Uggla, what are the 2011 Mets chances at competing in the NL East? The Wild Card? </strong>(We received multiple questions like this)<br />
<br />
<br />
A: The Mets very little to no chance at competing in the NL East this season. Ruben Amaro Jr. has assembled one of the best teams baseball has seen in a long time. The stacked lineup, even though weakened by the departure of Werth, would make any pitcher quiver. The Phillies currently have a dynasty caliber team on their hands going into 2011. With four ace-quality pitchers on their staff in that of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels, the Phillies would have to have an season of injuries equivalent to the 2009 Mets for the Amazin's to have a shot at the division title.<br />
<br />
As for the wild card, if the Mets have a lot go right for them, it could be a possibility. First off, Bay and Beltran would have to have bounce back years. Second, Davis, Thole, and Niese need to avoid sophomore slumps. The bullpen needs to hold its own, as does the back end of the Mets rotation. Finally, Santana needs to return at a reasonable time, fully healthy and pitch like the elite pitcher he has been throughout his career. If the Mets can click on all cylinders, they could contend with the Braves among other National League hopefuls.<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: What is the situation with Jose Reyes? His option for 2011 was picked up but now Alderson is talking about the possibility of trading him during the season before the July 31st deadline. What Gives?</strong><br />
<br />
A: Jose Reyes and the Mets will without a doubt discuss an extension. Unless an extension is reached, Reyes will become a free agent at the end of the 2011 season. If the two sides can not come to terms on a deal, Reyes will most likely be traded by the July 31st deadline. The Mets do have a high asking price for Reyes though. It is said that the Mets want three or four players in return for the Dominican native. Reyes has stated he wants to retire a Met and I think the Mets would be happy do comply for the right price.<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: How do you think Beltran will bounce back in 2011? Will he play Right field or Center? What is his status as far as his future after 2011 with the Mets?</strong><br />
<br />
A: Beltran in 2011 is basically a toss up. He could hit 40 home runs or 4, he could bat .230 or .290, we just do not know what to expect from Beltran. One can realistically expect Beltran will have some success in 2011, but not the Beltran of 2006. Beltran will still have to wear that knee brace that he had in 2010 after returning from knee surgery. With this in mind, Pagan seems the best candidate to play center field. That brace impedes movement, which results in slower outfield defense and limited ability as a left handed batter. The brace doesn't allow him to accelerate like he used to, it also prevents Beltran from turning on his knee as a left handed batter, crippling his talent at the plate. But, based on how he went on a tear in September, it isn't out of the question to expect Beltran to finish around a .280 average with 20 homers and 75-85 RBIs.<br />
<br />
This season will probably mark the last year that Beltran wears a Met uniform. Beltran, who turns 34 in April, is in the final year of his massive 7-year $119 million contract. He will receive $18.5 million in 2011 after which he will become a free agent. Given the fact that GM Sandy Alderson is not a big spender and that Beltran's agent is none other than the infamous Scott Boras, the odds of Beltran returning does not look good.<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: Who do you think the Mets will go after in the offseason after the 2011 season since they'll have like $50 million in payroll being freed up?</strong><br />
<br />
A: Next year's offseason is nearly impossible to determine for sure. Based on the fact that many core players such as Reyes, Beltran and K-Rod could be traded or be lost to free agency, it will all depend on the direction Sandy Alderson wants to go.<br />
<br />
Although the Mets have a huge sum of money coming off the books after the final pitch of 2011 is thrown, that doesn't mean that they are going to be big spenders. Alderson stated that he will spend only about $15-$20 million of the roughly $60 million in payroll he has to spend. He wants to do this in order to have at least $10 million to spend every offseason instead of one lump sum every 3-4 offseasons.<br />
<br />
We can't say exactly who the Mets will target in the 2011-2012 offseason. But what we can take a look at is who would make sense for the Mets that could be a free agent next offseason.<br />
<br />
Ronny Paulino only signed a one-year deal with the Mets so the backup catching job will be in question next winter. Ivan Rodriguez would be a great idea for the Mets. Rodriguez would be an excellent mentor for Josh Thole and be able to help shape the Mets relatively young pitching staff. The 20-season veteran could serve as a clutch bat off the bench and unbelievable defense at the backstop.<br />
<br />
Second Base will finally be vacated by Luis Castillo after 2011. Unless Daniel Murphy thrives at 2nd base, the Mets will be in the market for a man to fill the position. The internal options would likely not be major league ready for 2012. Maybe a Kelly Johnson, Omar Infante or a Rickie Weeks could be a possibility for the Mets.<br />
<br />
Beltran will probably be lost to free agency next offseason so the Mets will also be in need of an outfielder. The only internal options could include Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and maybe Fernando Martinez if he gets himself together. Some possible outfield fits for the Mets could include Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel or Josh Willingham.<br />
<br />
As far as pitching, K-Rod and Oliver Perez are the only major pitchers coming off the books after 2011. Mark Buehrle would fit nicely for the Mets as a starter. K-Rod has an option for 2012, but it is not a done deal they would pick up his option.<br />
<br />
The Mets have a lot to answer next offseason, but these questions can't be answered for certain until the end of the 2011 season.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-43959594423084855852011-01-01T00:47:00.001-05:002011-01-06T21:45:08.142-05:00Happy New Year From Maybe Next Year Mets!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8aFdFZB1Do8Pvrwnao34vqajSI1bdZSLN0X1RS3o9yu6WtKNTaiJP3mxhne8ZJf7lbk1tG-vDAQkctUFtGGArMo8QPV6yQECY8eel17IMUWUhuuFp6Vz36mhaaykabsyYVWf8LwWyJRl/s1600/new-years-by-planetc1dotcom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8aFdFZB1Do8Pvrwnao34vqajSI1bdZSLN0X1RS3o9yu6WtKNTaiJP3mxhne8ZJf7lbk1tG-vDAQkctUFtGGArMo8QPV6yQECY8eel17IMUWUhuuFp6Vz36mhaaykabsyYVWf8LwWyJRl/s400/new-years-by-planetc1dotcom.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Maybe Next Year Mets would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! May 2011 be a great year for all and hopefully a good year for our favorite team: those Amazin' Mets!</div>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-81104730542948064752010-12-30T12:34:00.001-05:002011-01-06T21:47:30.313-05:00Oli as the Lefty Specialist? I Don't Think So!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hIDbBW5P6Ulbq32QtHuPy3MV8Fmf6hCa5ibmbkcpqiaqjMDkAR58CyQv32B-AZWEj_94szC0VUozxklL0r3k2CM-A1s00G8TRNNCHpDmDC_inbsT8ephjpoM6J0pJoLXPb43TvXQYoHw/s1600/oli+fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hIDbBW5P6Ulbq32QtHuPy3MV8Fmf6hCa5ibmbkcpqiaqjMDkAR58CyQv32B-AZWEj_94szC0VUozxklL0r3k2CM-A1s00G8TRNNCHpDmDC_inbsT8ephjpoM6J0pJoLXPb43TvXQYoHw/s320/oli+fail.jpg" width="320" /></a>By: Clayton Collier</div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Mets pitcher, and I use that term lightly, Oliver Perez has been cited as a possible option to be the successor to former-Met southpaw Pedro Feliciano as the lefty specialist. Although the stat that has been observed to determine this possibility was his successful batting average against (BAA) when facing left handed batters, this only tells one part of the story. In order to take Oli into consideration for that role, one must look at his Achilles heel, walks.</div><br />
Oli has been infamous for walking one batter after another and inconsistency. These are two attributes that do not make for a reliever to be relied upon in a tight situation. Oli's BAA when facing left-handed batters in 2010 was a respectable .214. But if you look at the On Base Percentage (OBP) for left-handed batters in 2010, it was a monstrous .411 OBP. This is because despite his ability to fool left-handed batters, he still walks batters left and right. If it wasn't for all the walks, left handed batters would have only had roughly a .311 OBP. That stat isn't dominant, but it would give Oli a much better chance to contend for the vacant role.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Also, Oli has some questionable numbers when it comes to the first batter he faces. In his career, the first batter he faces has a .298 batting average, a .383 OBP and a .519 slugging percentage against him. Even worse, in 2010, first batters batted .467, had a .529 OBP and an even 1.000 slugging percentage. This blows a major hole in the theory that Oli could be salvaged as a lefty specialist. A lefty Specialist is supposed to come in for 1 or 2 outs and face the tough lefties like Ryan Howard or Brian McCann. If these guys are teeing off on Oli at clutch, late moments in games, he cannot be successful in that position.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The 29-year old lefty is in the final year of his exorbitant 3-year $36 million contract. Since signing that three year deal with the Mets Oli has fallen apart, posting a 6.81 ERA and an unsightly 3-9 record. In fact, Oli hasn't even recorded a win since August of 2009. Oli in the winter leagues has not enjoyed much success, posting a 3-3 record and a 5.18 ERA. The walk totals have not ceased either, he has walked 23 batters in 33 innings.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> Unless Oli can regain a morsel of his talent that landed him his big 3-year $36 million deal, It appears the Mets will be carrying another 24-man Roster into 2011.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-80595892329929546872010-12-28T15:59:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:09:01.295-05:00Mets Aquire SS Hu, A Look at 2nd Base for the 2011 Mets<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lIN4ksVu2gL9JDx6DWqxjlREMtuaEjorIx_FXKruXcvYLfzU8Gy5ISXQHBGSnGC3AIxwiSf6Pqpic-gY3yAFnhv1MjWMRlnOVwVHc-ZmKelgi-WqO5yFeFM7n1W2ZgmFhSfao_c2VPid/s1600/ching+lung+hu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lIN4ksVu2gL9JDx6DWqxjlREMtuaEjorIx_FXKruXcvYLfzU8Gy5ISXQHBGSnGC3AIxwiSf6Pqpic-gY3yAFnhv1MjWMRlnOVwVHc-ZmKelgi-WqO5yFeFM7n1W2ZgmFhSfao_c2VPid/s320/ching+lung+hu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
Alderson has dealt minor league southpaw Michael Antonini to the LA Dodgers in return for second baseman Chin-lung Hu. This move adds yet another middle infielder into the mix for the starting and backup middle infield roles. Obviously, Jose Reyes will be the starting shortstop, barring a trade, but the major question is who will fill the black hole that has become 2nd base for the Mets.<br />
<br />
This move really did not make much sense other than adding some competition for the back-up middle infield job. The move really wasn't a big deal for either team. Michael Antonini had a career 6.29 ERA in Triple-A Buffalo so it is unlikely he will have much, if any, of a role with the big club in 2011.<br />
<br />
Chin-lung Hu, unlike Antonini, has had major league experience. The 26-year old in 96 games over four seasons has had a career .191 batting average. It is not an ideal stat but it is an improvement from a pitcher who has failed to have success in Triple-A. Hu will likely compete with Luis Hernandez for a spot on the bench. Both are out of options so the one who does not get the job will most likely go through waivers. Other possibilities for the bench role will include the likes of Justin Turner and Brad Emaus.<br />
<br />
As for the starting job, it is pretty clear cut that it will be Daniel Murphy or Luis Castillo. But it seems quite apparent that Murphy has the advantage. Murphy is 25 years of age, Castillo is 35. Murphy can hit for power, Castillo in 15 seasons has 28 home runs total. Castillo is booed by fans and a cancer in the clubhouse. Murphy has been open to trying multiple defensive positions and has been a team player for the Mets. <br />
<br />
The Mets have $6 million invested in Castillo this season, and is in the final year of his 4-year $25 million contract. In 2010, Castillo batted .236 over 86 games and his defense now leaves something to be desired. Murphy spent most of 2010 on the disabled list after two leg injuries, one in a minor league rehab game. In the winter leagues this year Murphy was outstanding. In 28 games Murphy hit .320 with four home runs and 22 RBIs. Unless Castillo has an exceptional spring training, he will not be the starting 2nd baseman. If Castillo does not regain his starting role, the Mets will likely eat the $6 million and release him than waste a roster spot. <br />
<br />
The acquisition of Chin-lung Hu has added another man into a slew of candidates for only two mere roster spots on the 2011 club.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-4175818980343532092010-12-27T19:07:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:14:32.220-05:00Maybe Next Year Mets Will Be Doing a Q&AIf anyone would like to submit a question on anything Mets related you can submit a question by:<br />
<br />
-Sending an email to <a href="mailto:MaybeNextYearMets@Yahoo.com">MaybeNextYearMets@Yahoo.com</a><br />
<br />
-Posting a question on our Facebook page, Search "Maybe Next Year Mets"<br />
<br />
-Comment on this post with your question<br />
<br />
If we like your question we will answer it in an upcoming article!Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-34817588290030076432010-12-27T13:10:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:11:19.425-05:00Tobi Stoner: The Forgotten Arm<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin21QVwVenbANjOypPEmRsQlMYoeZnXlSWi7jcSLkQfZq6HijSpIqvc2lQ0UOm-kbrHOVvaWtpYgKXMPPsmLk3cJeJQ-Yeq6zjiV3Q9sXC-YAi1BQCfEHUVnC8qJorgsjKUwPtb-dhvv72/s1600/tobi-stoner-214x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin21QVwVenbANjOypPEmRsQlMYoeZnXlSWi7jcSLkQfZq6HijSpIqvc2lQ0UOm-kbrHOVvaWtpYgKXMPPsmLk3cJeJQ-Yeq6zjiV3Q9sXC-YAi1BQCfEHUVnC8qJorgsjKUwPtb-dhvv72/s1600/tobi-stoner-214x300.jpg" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
RHP Tobi Stoner could be the key the Mets need to fill the gaping hole that is their bullpen. Stoner has had very little major league experience but in his few outings he has held his own. With uncertainty on multiple fronts of the Mets pitching staff, Stoner should be taken into consideration to help bridge the gap from the starter to K-Rod.<br />
<br />
Stoner was a 16th round draft pick by the Mets in 2006 and has spent most of his professional career as a starter. In Stoner's minor league career he is 33-42 with a 4.04 ERA. In 2009, Stoner was 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA with Double-A Binghampton and Triple-A Buffalo. In 2010, Stoner's first full year with Triple-A Buffalo, he struggled at best. He went 5-10 with a 5.97 ERA. Although the 25-year old Germany native has not exactly been dominant in the minors, the small sample we have seen from him in the majors should give him the chance to pitch for a spot with the big club.<br />
<br />
If Stoner has a particularly good spring training he should even be considered for the currently vacant 5th rotation spot. This is granted that the Mets do not acquire a Chris Young, Jeff Francis or a Tom Gorzelanny, which more than likely will happen. But, Stoner is an option to consider if the Mets have a need for starting pitching. Out of the 111 games Stoner has played in the minors, all but one of them he has played as a starter.<br />
<br />
If given the chance, Tobi Stoner could become a solid long reliever/6th starter the Mets are lacking since the departure of Hisanori Takahashi. Although his lack of experience, Stoner could very well produce some consistency that is heavily lacking on the New York Mets staff.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-13858765427058486762010-11-23T17:27:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:13:40.494-05:00A Look at the Top Free Agents This WinterBy: Clayton Collier<br />
In an offseason of several franchise players looking for a new home, there are many reports and rumors giving us insight as to where these players may end up. Several of these free agents can turn an average team into the team to beat. Out of the large free agent market this winter, ten of these players are particular game changers. Here is the latest on their situation, stature and possible suitors: <br />
<br />
<strong><u>Carl Crawford (OF)-</u></strong> Carl Crawford, 29, has emerged as one of the premier players in the game today. His presence in a lineup would add speed, average and power. Crawford has spent his entire 9-year career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Due to budget constraints, it appears that the four-time all-star will not resign with the Rays. Crawford, who earned $10 million last season, has drawn interest from several teams but the leading candidates appear to be the Boston Red Sox, The LA Angels and the Detroit Tigers. In 2010, Crawford had arguably his best year of his career batting .307/.356/.495 with 19 home runs, 90 RBIs, 47 stolen bases and 110 runs. Crawford also earned his first Golden Glove award and won his first Silver Slugger award. Crawford is likely to sign a contract in the range of 6-7 years and $95-$120 million.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Cliff Lee (LHP)-</u></strong> Cliff Lee, 32, is the best free agent pitcher on the market this winter. Lee was a 4th round draft pick by the Montreal Expos in the 2000 amateur draft. In 2002, he along with Brandon Phillips, Grady Seizmore and Lee Stevens were traded to the <span style="color: black;">Indians for Bartolo Colón and Tim Drew. Lee had spent most of his career with the Indians up until late July when he was sent to the Phillies. Since then, Lee has become something of a journeyman-ace. Since the beginning of 2009, Lee has played on the </span><span style="color: black;">Indians, Phillies, Mariners and most recently the Texas Rangers. The 2008 Cy Young award winner has drawn interest from 7-8 teams, most notably, the New York Yankees. The Yankees are seemingly going all-in to acquire the two-time all-star. They are reportedly compiling an offer in the range of 5 year, $115-120 million. The Texas Rangers though are prepared to engage in a bidding war with the Yankees. Rangers ownership has approved to take on more payroll in order to lock up Lee. Team president Nolan Ryan expects the Yankees to outbid the Rangers. In Lee's contract year, he went 12-9 with a 3.18 ERA, 185 K's compared to only allowing 18 walks. Lee finished 7th in the AL Cy Young balloting in 2010.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><u>Jayson Werth (OF)-</u></strong> Jayson Werth, 31, since joining the Phillies in 2007 has made himself into a key man in their potent offense. It is safe to say the Phillies would not have enjoyed as much success as they have had in recent years without the development of Werth into an all-star caliber player. Werth can play either right or center field with great success. In 2010, Werth batted .296 with 27 home runs and 85 RBIs. Now that his contract is up, it also seems his tenure with the Phillies is up as well. Werth has hired the infamous Scott Boras, an action not for someone looking to resign. Also, the Phillies have begun exploring other options for right field such as Carlos Quentin. Werth is seeking a contract somewhere between Jason Bay's (4 years $60 million) and Matt Holliday's (7 years $120 million) signings during the 2009 season. Werth is expected to get somewhere in the range of 5 years and $90 million. Possible landing spots for Werth including the Red Sox and the Angels.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Adam Dunn (1B/OF/DH)-</u></strong> Adam Dunn, 31, is one of the best, if not the best, power bat on the free agent market this winter. Dunn has enormous power and consistently hits 35-40 home runs and 100+ RBIs per season. He has a career 13.96 home run per at-bat ratio, bested only by Mark McGuire, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds and Jim Thome. Dunn's only down side is his defense leaves much to be desired. Although, his 1st base defense has improved greatly this past season to a .990 fielding percentage, his outfield defense would be a concern. Dunn's last year of being a full outfielder he had a fielding percentage of .947 and career .967 fielding percentage in the outfield. For this reason, Dunn will most likely be limited to being pursued as a 1st baseman or a designated hitter. The former 2nd round draft pick has interest coming from the Nationals, Tigers, White Sox and Cubs. The Nationals offered Dunn, who made $12 million with Washington in 2010, offered Dunn a 3-year deal that has not been accepted by Dunn's agent for months. Dunn is seeking a contract in the 3-4 years and $40-$50 million range. In Dunn's contract season, he batted .260 with 38 home runs and 103 RBIs in 158 games played.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Derek Jeter (SS)- </u></strong>Derek Jeter, 36, captain of the iconic New York Yankees will undoubtedly resign. Jeter has been in pinstripes his entire career since being drafted 1st round, 6th overall in the 1992 amateur draft. Throughout Jeter's 15-year career, he has been the face of baseball. He is a no doubt hall of famer and will surely finish his career with the Yankees. Jeter's impressive resume consists of the 1996 Rookie of the Year Award, 5 World Series rings, 11 All-Star selections, 5 Gold Gloves and 4 Silver Sluggers. Jeter has complied 2,926 career hits, all as a Yankee. He currently is the franchise leader in career hits as a Yankee. When Jeter resigns he will likely become the first player in history to have 3,000 hits as a Yankee. The Yankees are reportedly going to offer Jeter a 3-year $45 million contract. Jeter, who made $21 million in 2010, wants a 4-6 year deal. Jeter is coming off his worst year in his career batting .270 with 10 home runs and 67 RBIs, 18 stolen bases and 111 runs. If Jeter does not resign with the Yankees, that would be an absolute shock and devastating to Yankee fans.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Victor Martinez (C,1B)-</u></strong> Victor Martinez, 31, is the best catcher available this winter and with few top tier catchers in general, Martinez, a switch hitter, could become a commodity in the free agent market this winter. The four-time all-star is a career .300 hitter and drives in an average of 20 home runs per season. In 2010, he batted .302 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs. Martinez does have lackluster defense behind the plate though. He has only a career 24% throw out rate on base runners. In 2010 for the Red Sox, Martinez allowed 99 steals and 37 wild pitches. Martinez has drawn interest from many teams including the Red Sox, Tigers, Rangers and Rockies. The Red Sox offered Martinez a 2-year contract but he declined because he is looking for a 4-5 year deal. Martinez is expected to reach a 3-4 year deal at $12-$18 per year.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Mariano Rivera (RHP)-</u></strong> Mariano "Mo" Rivera, 40, is arguably the best closer in baseball history. Mo, like Jeter has spent his entire 15-year career with the Yankees. Although 40, Mo hasn't not skipped a beat, being just as dominant throughout his entire career. the 11-time all-star has saved 559 games for the Yankees, second most all time. Mo has won 5 world series with the Yankees including the 1999 World Series MVP. In 2010, Mo went 3-3 with a 1.80 ERA and 33 saves. Mo has said he wants a 2-year deal. He is expected to reach a 2-year deal worth $18-$20 million.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Paul Konerko (1B)-</u></strong> Paul Konerko, 34, is a top tier 1st baseman available this offseason. After a few average seasons, Konerko was back in 2010, batting .312 with a monstrous 39 home runs and 111 RBIs. Konerko began his career with the Dodgers by being selected 1st round, 13th overall in the 1994 amateur draft. After having little success Konerko was traded to the Reds and soon after to the White Sox for Mike Cameron in 1999. From there, Konerko's career took off earning four all-star appearances. In Konerko's 12-year career with the White Sox, he batted .282 with 358 home runs and 1127 RBIs. Konerko has drawn interest from many teams but the most serious contenders appear to be the Diamondbacks and the White Sox. Konerko earned $12 million in 2010 and is expected to sign a deal of roughly 2-3 years at $12-$14 million per year. Konerko stated retirement is an option if he doesn't like the way the market for him turns out.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Carl Pavano (RHP)-</u></strong> Carl Pavano, 34, can be a poor man's Cliff Lee for those who lose the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Pavano has had an interesting career. For most of his career, Pavano has been mediocre at best. Prior to 2010, Pavano has only had one good full season. In 2004 with the Florida Marlins, Pavano went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA, earning him his sole all-star appearance and finishing 6th in the CY Young balloting. In 2010, Pavano has had something of a second breakout year going 17-11 with a 3.75 ERA and 7 complete games, 2 shutouts. Six to eight teams are reportedly interested in Pavano, with the Marlins and Twins emerging the front runners. The Marlins would have a problem with finding the room in the budget to sign Pavano, especially after signing John Buck. The Twins are making a strong push for Pavano. Pavano, who made $7 million in 2010, will most likely reach an agreement close to 3 years at $9-$11 million per year.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Rafael Soriano (RHP)-</u></strong> Rafael Soriano, 30, after Mariano Rivera, is the best reliever available this offseason. Soriano throughout his career has been the "go-to guy" and had success wherever he has gone. In 2009, the Braves finally gave Soriano the shot to close. Needless to say, Soriano flourished, compiling 27 saves, a 2.97 ERA and a 1.057 WHIP. In 2010, Soriano built on his improvements saving an AL leading 45 games for the Rays including a 1.73 ERA and a 0.802 WHIP, earning his first all-star appearance and finishing 8th in the CY Young award balloting. This winter, nearly every team will be looking for a reliable arm in the bullpen. Team such as the Angels, Rays, White Sox, Red Sox and Yankees could be possible suitors for Soriano. The Angels appear to be the leading contender for Soriano. The Angels are looking to expand their payroll and very well could land Crawford and Soriano. Soriano earned $7.25 million in 2010 and will likely earn a big contract. Soriano's agent is none other than super agent Scott Boras. Soriano could reach a 3-year deal worth $10-$13 million per year.<br />
<br />
With an offseason full of free agents capable of changing the entire image of a given team, these ten in particular you might want to keep an eye on.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-25427071467876460472010-11-14T21:55:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:16:15.799-05:00Hurdle will Manage Pirates, Three Candidates Left for the Mets Manager<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eNVwnWqk3AkH4cDDseqBRrQ6i83HoMX_zqskQu7ychT15kRv6HUhC9hThyphenhyphenpPHlMsNJW2eQuxMXGDDQD6b8RXwW6wmCMnL7xIb1gzerxO4QytkHO3RFQHKoM_3GP6zfRLNXFV1MUyQi38/s1600/pirates-clint-hurdlejpg-8a72f0eef541a78e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eNVwnWqk3AkH4cDDseqBRrQ6i83HoMX_zqskQu7ychT15kRv6HUhC9hThyphenhyphenpPHlMsNJW2eQuxMXGDDQD6b8RXwW6wmCMnL7xIb1gzerxO4QytkHO3RFQHKoM_3GP6zfRLNXFV1MUyQi38/s320/pirates-clint-hurdlejpg-8a72f0eef541a78e.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">By: Clayton Collier</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly hired Rangers hitting coach Clint Hurdle to manage the club. Hurdle was a strong candidate for the Mets managerial opening but instead signed a 3-year deal with the Bucs. This makes Terry Collins the clear frontrunner for Mets manager job. Other Mets suitors include Bob Melvin and Chip Hale.</div><br />
Now with former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle out of the picture, the remaining men for the Mets are Terry Collins, Bob Melvin and Chip Hale. Although all three will reportedly get second interviews, Hale appears to be the least likely candidate because he has no Major League managing experience.<br />
<br />
Former Astros and Angels manager Terry Collins is widely considered the favorite for the job. He has worked in the past with new vice president of player development and amateur scouting Paul DePodesta and is a close friend of Sandy Koufax, a mutual friend of Fred Wilpon. Collins has managed a career six seasons in LA and in Houston combined and has posted a 444-434 record as manager. Collins has managed a second place team five times out of six seasons but has never reached the playoffs. Collins this past season worked as a minor league field coordinator and was quite popular among the players.<br />
<br />
Bob Melvin is still a strong suitor for the managerial position despite all of Collins credentials. Melvin mmanaged the Mariners from 2003-2004 and the Diamondbacks from 2005-2009. In 2007, Melvin managed the Diamondbacks to a NL West division title and earned the NL Manager of the Year award. Melvin was a scout for the Mets this past season so he knows the Mets minor league system well, something that could work heavily in his favor in the second round of interviews.<br />
<br />
Chip Hale is considered by some not even to be a candidate anymore while others say he is still in the race. Hale has no Major League managerial experience, which works largely against him. Alderson has stressed the fact he is looking for a manager that has managerial experience in the majors. Hale served as the 3rd base coach for the Mets in 2010 and is one reason for the largely improved Mets defense this season.<br />
<br />
As the extensive search for a new skipper for the Mets, Alderson must choose very carefully as this crucial decision could make or brake the Mets for 2011.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-56338152003298243692010-11-10T19:35:00.000-05:002010-11-10T19:35:29.109-05:00Family Guy Exposes the Sad Truth of Being a Mets Fan<p> </p><p>The hit TV comdey: Family Guy, poked fun at the Mets in this hilarious 17-second moment from last Sunday's new episode:</p><p><object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/WdulPvhDMew/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WdulPvhDMew?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WdulPvhDMew?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></p>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-12722557740931072142010-11-10T18:54:00.000-05:002010-11-10T18:54:13.898-05:00Privacy Policy:Maybe Next Year Mets knows that you care about how your personal information is used and shared, and we take your <span><span>privacy</span></span> very seriously. Please read the following to learn more about our <span><span>privacy</span></span> <span><span>policy</span></span>. By visiting our website, you are accepting the practices outlined in this <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span>. <br />
This <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> covers Maybe Next Year Mets's treatment of personal information that Maybe Next Year Mets gathers when you are on the Maybe Next Year Mets website and when you use Maybe Next Year Mets services. This <span><span>policy</span></span> does not apply to the practices of third parties that Maybe Next Year Mets does not own or control, or to individuals that Maybe Next Year Mets does not employ or manage. <br />
Information Collected by Maybe Next Year Mets<br />
We only collect personal information that is relevant to the purpose of our website. This information allows us to provide you with a customized and efficient experience. We do not process this information in a way that is incompatible with this objective. We collect the following types of information from our Maybe Next Year Mets users: <br />
<div>1. Information You Provide to Us: We receive and store any information you enter on our website or provide to us in any other way. You can choose not to provide us with certain information, but then you may not be able to take advantage of many of our special features. <br />
2. Automatic Information: </div>o We receive and store certain types of information whenever you interact with us. Maybe Next Year Mets and its authorized agents automatically receive and record certain "traffic data" on their server logs from your browser including your IP address, Maybe Next Year Mets cookie information, and the page you requested. Maybe Next Year Mets uses this traffic data to help diagnose problems with its servers, analyze trends and administer the website. <br />
o Maybe Next Year Mets may collect and, on any page, display the total counts that page has been viewed. <br />
o Many companies offer programs that help you to visit websites anonymously. While Maybe Next Year Mets will not be able to provide you with a personalized experience if we cannot recognize you, we want you to be aware that these programs are available. <br />
E-mail Communications<br />
Maybe Next Year Mets is very concerned about your <span><span>privacy</span></span> and we will never provide your email address to a third party without your explicit permission, as detailed in the "Sharing Your Information" section below. Maybe Next Year Mets may send out e-mails with Maybe Next Year Mets-related news, products, offers, surveys or promotions. <br />
Cookies<br />
Cookies are alphanumeric identifiers that we transfer to your computer's hard drive through your Web browser to enable our systems to recognize your browser and tell us how and when pages in our website are visited and by how many people. Maybe Next Year Mets cookies do not collect personal information, and we do not combine information collected through cookies with other personal information to tell us who you are or what your screen name or e-mail address is. <br />
The "help" portion of the toolbar on the majority of browsers will direct you on how to prevent your browser from accepting new cookies, how to command the browser to tell you when you receive a new cookie, or how to fully disable cookies. We recommend that you leave the cookies activated because cookies allow you to use some of Maybe Next Year Mets's coolest features. <br />
Maybe Next Year Mets's advertising partners may place a cookie on your browser that makes it possible to collect anonymous non-personally identifiable information that ad delivery systems use to present more relevant ads. If you would prefer to opt-out of this standard practice, please visit our advertising partner Platform-A's <span><span>privacy</span></span> <span><span>policy</span></span> and opt-out page. <br />
<div>Sharing Your Information <br />
Rest assured that we neither rent nor sell your personal information to anyone and that we will share your personal information only as described below. </div> Maybe Next Year Mets Personnel: Maybe Next Year Mets personnel and authorized consultants and/or contractors may have access to user information if necessary in the normal course of Maybe Next Year Mets business. <br />
Business Transfers: In some cases, we may choose to buy or sell assets. In these types of transactions, user information is typically one of the business assets that is transferred. Moreover, if Maybe Next Year Mets, or substantially all of its assets, were acquired, user information would be one of the assets that is transferred. <br />
Protection of Maybe Next Year Mets and Others: We may release personal information when we believe in good faith that release is necessary to comply with a law; to enforce or apply our Terms of Use and other policies; or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Maybe Next Year Mets, our employees, our users, or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for fraud protection and credit risk reduction. <br />
Syndication: Maybe Next Year Mets allows for the RSS syndication of all of its public content within the Maybe Next Year Mets website. <br />
<div>With Your Consent: Except as noted above, we will contact you when your personal information is shared with third parties or used for a purpose incompatible with the purpose(s) for which it was originally collected, and you will be able to opt out to prevent the sharing of this information. <br />
Children Under 18 Years of Age </div>You must be 13 years and older to register to use the Maybe Next Year Mets website. As a result, Maybe Next Year Mets does not specifically collect information about children. If we learn that Maybe Next Year Mets has collected information from a child under the age of 13, we will delete that information as quickly as possible. We recommend that minors between the ages of 13 and 18 ask and receive their parents' permission before using Maybe Next Year Mets or sending information about themselves or anyone else over the Internet. <br />
<div>Changes to this <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> </div> Maybe Next Year Mets may amend this <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> from time to time, at its sole discretion. Use of information we collect now is subject to the <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> in effect at the time such information is used. If we make changes to the <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span>, we will notify you by posting an announcement on the Maybe Next Year Mets website so you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances if any, it is disclosed. <br />
Conditions of Use <br />
If you decide to visit Maybe Next Year Mets website, your visit and any possible dispute over <span><span>privacy</span></span> is subject to this <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> and our Terms of Use, including limitations on damages, arbitration of disputes, and application of California state law. <br />
<div>Effective Date of this <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> </div>This <span><span>Privacy</span></span> <span><span>Policy</span></span> is effective as of November 10th, 2010 and last updated November 10th, 2010. <br />
<div style="clear: both;"></div><div> </div>Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6799556083012520927.post-44031175804795663482010-11-10T17:33:00.001-05:002011-01-06T22:17:46.417-05:00DePodesta Newest Addition to Mets Front Office<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc4QbWk7MrlKOIciP69g2Uh20MjiSuvtWjDLzOgE3_QS8-M9w2GGFPjCab59ONJmcIf8iLjuRliJ0iOTEPcPgkVBNOwhJKsuQOvBNxzGTErRxzR1MiUGIaViePTSMtuxEhNIvQ_Kc9Ewd/s1600/depodesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc4QbWk7MrlKOIciP69g2Uh20MjiSuvtWjDLzOgE3_QS8-M9w2GGFPjCab59ONJmcIf8iLjuRliJ0iOTEPcPgkVBNOwhJKsuQOvBNxzGTErRxzR1MiUGIaViePTSMtuxEhNIvQ_Kc9Ewd/s1600/depodesta.jpg" /></a></div>By: Clayton Collier<br />
<br />
In the theme of getting "the band back together", GM Sandy Alderson has hired former Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta to be the new vice president of player development and amateur scouting. Alderson appears to be getting the "Moneyball" crew together again in order to revamp the Mets lackluster front office. With little funds, "Moneyball"could be just what the Mets need to turn the direction of this team around.<br />
<br />
Alderson mentored Billy Beane, current GM of the Oakland A's. Beane was at the helm of Oakland for "Moneyball", where on tight budget constraints the A's used incredibly smart baseball knowledge to create a dynasty of 4 straight playoff berths including two 100+ win seasons. DePodesta and also newly hired assistant GM J.P. Ricciardi were on Beane's staff throughout this time. It can be assumed Alderson will attempt to make his own "Moneyball" here in New York. If this is the case, he has taken an excellent step in hiring DePodesta. <br />
<br />
DePodesta started his baseball career with the Cleavland Indians in 1996 as an advanced scout for the franchise. But DePodesta's claim to fame is being Billy Beane's assistant during "Moneyball". Due to the A's great success, DePodesta was named the GM of the LA Dodgers in February of 2004 becoming one of the youngest GMs in history. DePodesta was GM of the Dodgers for two seasons until he was fired following a disheartening 71-91 finish in 2005. He was then hired with the Padres as Special Assistant for Baseball Operations in 2006. Two years later, DePodesta was made Executive Vice President of the Padres. Alderson was CEO of the Padres from 2005-2009 and worked with DePodesta throughout most of his tenure in San Diego.<br />
<br />
DePodesta seems to have excellent credentials and a perfect fit for this new and greatly improved front office for the New York Mets.Clayton Collierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01830643412394777535noreply@blogger.com0