Author: Will Sommer
I recently had the chance to e-mail Regis Courtemanche of Mets Blog a couple of questions. Enjoy.
Will Sommer: With Carlos Beltran
on the DL, do you think the Mets should make a trade for a bat, or see
if the young players can do something and try to contend in 2010, or
'11?
Regis Courtemanche: Well, with him, Delgado, Reyes, Putz, Maine,
and some guy named Perez on the DL, I hate to say that they may have to
rethink their "win now" strategy. However, if they still ascribe to
that mentality, then yes, they will have to trade for someone such as
Adam Dunn or maybe even Matt Holliday. In my opinion though, I would
just sit on what they have and see how it pans out. The rest of the NL
East has kept the Mets in the hunt, and if they continue to do so it
would be unfortunate to have lost the likes of Niese, F-Mart or
Parnell. Plus, if the Mets are still in it when they all return, they
have a chance to really make a run.
WS: What player on
the DL has been the biggest blow to the Mets?
RC: I actually did a Metsblog
roundtable on
this topic, and think that the lack of Carlos Delgado's presence in the
lineup has been the most detrimental. If it weren't for Gary Sheffield,
opponents wouldn't really need to pitch around anyone in this lineup,
and missing that power threat has hurt them more than anything else I
think. A close second would be Jose Reyes, but again, the Mets need a
bat right now.
WS: Do you believe at all what Omar Minaya says about injuries?
RC: Ha,
well I understand his need to be diplomatic, but as soon as I hear that
someone is aching, sore, fatigued, or getting an MRI, I would be a fool
to not think the worst at this point. I really have never seen anything
like it, and the fact that they are just 1.5 games behind the Phillies
right now is shocking to me.
WS: What is your take on the struggling 'pen?
RC: It
has been an interesting situation, but I really wouldn't say they are
struggling. After I labeled him Aaron Heilman 2.0, Sean Green has
really stepped up for the most part. The decline of Bobby Parnell has
been mystifying, but I think he just needs to adjust to his first big
league slump. Feliciano has been overworked, and the other guys need to
help him out. Everything between the starter leaving, and K-Rod
entering has become increasingly confusing, but after last season, I
will reserve the word "struggling" for more extreme circumstances.
WS: Do you have anything optimistic to say to Met fans out there?
RC: I
think as a Mets fan, you always have to find the positives, no matter
how murky the waters. They are playing in what I have been calling the
NL Least. After being one of the best divisions last year, a decimated
Mets team is just out of first place, unreal. If they can get healthy
again, and it needs to be pretty soon, then they might be able to
squeak into the postseason.
Fascinating. Great interview!
Posted by: cate | June 23, 2009 at 01:14 PM