Mets Fans Forever

Takahasi Will Not Be On The Mets In 2011

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

 

Earlier today Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reported that the Mets and Hisanori Takahashi were not close to reaching a deal. Heyman reported that Takahasi and his agent were looking for a 3 year deal with a salary of 5 million per year. That would be about $15 million dollars. 

Later on in the day Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reported that Takahasi will not be returning to the Mets in 2011.  For those that don't know under the deal that Omar Minaya gave Takahasi last year if the Takahasi and the Mets didn't reach a deal by last week (the deadline was extended) then the Mets couldn't negotiate with him until May of 2011.

I've been critical of the Mets and of Alderson but this was the right move. Takahasi was great for the Mets in 2011. Takahasi helps your pitching staff, be it as a long man, a setup guy, close or even spot start.  Having said that 15 million dollars for Takahasi is too much and is a step into the right direction.  Omar Minaya would've gave in and given Takahasi his 3 year deal worth 15 million dollars.  

Takahasi will be missed as now besides picking a new manager and filling some major holes the bullpen needs some work now.  The Mets and the fas might regret in 2011 in not signing Takahasi but in 2012 and 2013 they won't.  Good move Sandy Alderson. Hopefully moves like this are a sign of things to come.

Adam Rubin Says Mets Not Comfortable Hiring Wally Backman

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

Adam Rubin former Mets beat writer for the New York Daily News and currently a writer for ESPN New York holds a weekly chat where he answers questions about the Mets. Yesterday afternoon Rubin was asked about the Mets hiring Wally Backman as their new manager. Rubin said:

"If I can say it cryptically, I just think the Mets know things that are not circulated and don’t feel comfortable. Sometimes organizations know things that are not widely circulated"

When pressed further Rubin said:

"I don't want to send everyone into a tizzy, but you hear things that you cannot report, but which point you to a certain conclusion. That's about as best as I say it now. And I strongly believe Wally Backman will not be the next manager."

Since the chat Adam Rubin has not cleared up what he meant on his blog or on his twitter. Rubin did go appear on the radio show Call To The Bullpen where he said:

"Just because things aren’t seminated to the public doesn’t mean everything is perfect."

Still pretty vague. There have been various reactions on the Mets blogosphere throughout the day so far. 

Coming from Adam Rubin I believe that there is something to the story. Adam Rubin is one of the hardest working beat writers around.  If the Mets have an off day he's covering the minor league teams. This winter he has been keeping track of the Mets participating in the Arizona Fall League as well as winterball.  

Don't forget Rubin broke the story about Tony Bernazard that led to Bernazard's dismissal. Rubin also pointed out last year that there was a rift between Carlos Beltran and the Mets before anyone else did.  

The timing I agree is a little suspect as yesterday the Mets did release several people who might have an axe to grind with the team.  Rubin has not yet revealed his sources and I don't expect him to. 

The only problem I have is that Rubin has yet elaborated on his comments. If you're going to put those comments out there then I believe you need to back them up. Knowing the kind of reporter Rubin has been in the past he might be looking more into the allegations, fact checking, etc...

 

Jerry Manuel Has Lost This Team

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

The Mets have just ended a horrible road trip.  They went 2-9 in their first 11 games after the All-Star break including being swept by the pathetic Diamondbacks.  The Mets offense was non-existent.  On this road trip the Mets have had a 3 scoreless inning streaks consisting of 24, 17 and now 16.  This team after the opposing team has scored just looks defeated.  To me it looks like the Mets have given up on this season and their manager Jerry Manuel.

Back in April when Jerry Manuel was on the hot-seat several players on the team made it known that they absolutely like playing for Jerry Manuel.  The Mets went on a tear and many thought that the Mets were contenders.  I had a difference of opinion but I did agree with them on one thing: this team had fight.  They would not lie down and just die.  

As the first half of the season was winding down this team looked and felt different.  They no longer looked like they were playing with fire.  Suddenly the team that would just lie down and die once down by a run had returned.  I have to wonder if this had something to do with Jerry Manuel playing Jose Reyes even though Jose was hurt.  He was not looking out for the best interest of Jose.  I know Reyes wanted to play but Manuel is the manager, he manages this team, not the players.

Look at yesterday's game when Jerry went to take out R.A. Dickey.  Whether Dickey was hurt or not doesn't matter to me.  Jerry wanted to take him out, he took him out, he did his job.  What interested me was Dickey's reaction.  Dickey fought tooth and nail and you could plainly see he was angry.  Players always want to play but the way he fought Jerry shows that Manuel has lost control of this team.  We've seen this before with John Maine fighting Jerry about coming out of the game.

It's obvious to me that this team is no longer under Jerry's control.  You can see it how they bat and how they play times.  It's time to get rid of Manuel otherwise this team is going to end the season in 4th place.

Mets Should Bring Up Pat Misch

AUTHOR: GREG POMES 

Going into the 2010 season there was a lot of questions regarding their starting rotation. The rotation surprised everyone in the 1st half but it's obvious they still need help.  There has been a lot of talk the last few weeks about the Mets rotation and adding an arm. 

Santana seems to be back, Jon Niese is pitching well and R.A. Dickey has been a very nice surprise. Mike Pelfrey in his last 5 starts has regressed back to his 2009 self after having a great couple of months.  With John Maine being all but gone and Oliver Perez most likely going to the pen the Mets need to add another arm while they look for a trade that "makes sense to them." Takahasi has not been effective as a starter, his biggest strength for this team is coming out of the bullpen.  The Mets don't have Jenrry Mejia thanks to Jerry Manuel to call up from the minors but what about Pat Misch?

Misch pitched last year towards the end for the Mets.  He started 7 games and even pitched 1 complete game.  Misch has been playing for the Bisons this season.  Currently he's 9-3, with an ERA of 3.27.  Misch last week pitched in the Minor League Baseball All-Star game.  Misch is not the answer long term but until Omar decides to do his job and make a trade would be a good addition to the rotation.  Misch would be the 5th guy in the rotation and would allow Takahasi to go back into the bullpen.  

It makes no sense why the Mets wouldn't call up Misch to me.  The Mets have to be one of the few teams in sports that don't reward players for their performances.  Misch has earned another shot in the big leagues and would actually help the Mets.

David Wright Has Stepped Up For The Mets!

 

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

Over the past few years David Wright has become the face of the New York Mets.  David is the first guy the media goes to after a big win or bad loss.  You hear New York Mets and David Wright comes to your mind first. The New York Mets is David Wright's team.    

Over the years many have called him the captain, leader, etc...  There have been roadblocks to David taking over the team such as the presence of veteran players like Carlos Delgado and Billy Wagner.  Those guys are gone.  Wright has been on this team for almost 6 years now.  In that time the Mets have tried to make others the face of the franchise such as Pedro Martinez, Carlos Beltran who was not up for that distinction and Jose Reyes.  Mets fans gravitated towards Wright and the rest is history.

Last year with all the injuries Jerry Manuel said that this team was David Wright's.  Wright showed signs of leadership last year such as a game with Pelfrey was having trouble, he had a heated discussion with Big Pelf in the dugout.  This year Wright has taken a bigger role on the field.  He's no Keith Hernandez yelling at Gary Carter and Jesse Orosco.  Don't know if anyone has noticed but Wright goes to the mound regularly when a pitcher is struggling or he notices something that the pitcher doesn't.  

Last weekend Wright showed his leadership and why is unquestionably the leader of the Mets.  Jose Reyes after a long throw to first base was winching in pain from his oblique injury.  Jerry Manuel and the trainers did not notice this but Wright did right away.  Wright didn't go over to Jose and ask if he was ok.  Unlike Jerry Manuel Wright wasn't going to let Reyes decide on his health.  Wright called the trainers and Jerry Manuel out of the dugout and Reyes was promptly taken out of the game.  

That is real leadership.  It's no secret that Wright and Jose are friends outside of the game. Both have mentioned they spend time in the off season together.  Everyone also knows that Jose always wants to play, I'm sure Wright knows that almost better than everyone.  Wright put his friend Jose's health first as well as the team's best interest.  That is what a leader does.

Wright might not be the most fiery player in the game but he has stepped up and become a leader.  Wright doesn't need Gary Cohen and the rest of the New York media to call him the captain on a regular basis like some other guy in the Bronx.  Wright doesn't need to wear a "C" on his jersey to show that he's a leader.  Wright's actions speak for themselves and they say that he's the leader of the New York Mets!

Angel Pagan Cannot Be Traded!

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

Earlier today it was reported that the Mets are one of the frontrunners for Cliff Lee.  Cliff Lee is one of the premiere pitchers in baseball.  He showed in the World Series last year that when it counts he's going to dominate.  The Mets rotation would be even better with the addition of Lee.  The said cost of trading for Lee is reported to be Jenrry Mejia and Angel Pagan.  

The truth is Jenrry Mejia is an unknown.  Yes he throws fast but there are other young pitchers out there who throw hard.  Mejia has never had dominating success in the minors. I would not have a problem trading away Mejia for Lee.  The problem for me is Angel Pagan. For all the trouble's he had last year in the field, on the bases and at the plate last year he's having a great season.  Pagan has done a great job filling in for the often injured and in my opinion overrated Carlos Beltran.  

Now I know Pagan is on somewhat borrowed time since the return of Beltran should come sooner rather than later (I'll believe it when I see it).  Some would say it makes sense to trade Pagan now that Beltran is on his way back.  I would have to disagree with that. Beltran has missed almost a year of baseball, remember when Reyes came back?  He struggled for several weeks at the plate and in the field.  Also Beltran is not coming back 100%.  He is going to have to wear a knee brace and Omar Minaya has said himself that he's limping after running.  Beltran is always injured, there's a chance that the knee could get hurt again and where does that leave the Mets if Pagan is sent packing?  Would you really be comfortable with F-Mart playing center if Beltran goes down again?

Pagan has been the MVP of this team!  You look at his clutch hits late in the game with runners on and he's too valuable to trade.  It makes no sense to get rid of Pagan for a rental!  Cliff Lee is not signing an extension and is not worth getting rid of a player like Pagan for a few months.  

Takahasi Has Earned His Spot In The Mets Rotation

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

There is no doubt in my mind that Hisanori Takahasi deserves to be in the rotation for the rest of the season.  Takahasi in 2 starts against the Yankees has shut them down.  2 weeks ago Takahasi also shut down the Phillies 3 weeks ago.  Think about that; the two teams in the 2009 World Series Takahasi has shut down.  

Takahasi had 2 bad starts but he has been impressive in the rest of his starts.  Takahasi is a professional pitcher, he knows how to adapt and get batters out.  Nothing seems to distract him on the mound once the game gets started.  He can go 6-7 innings per start, giving the bullpen a rest.

John Maine should be back in about 1-2 weeks.  As far as I'm concerned this is an easy decision for Manuel: Takahasi stays in the rotation, John Maine with his bad shoulder and below 90 fastball goes into the bullpen.  You cannot take out a guy like Takahasi for a guy like Maine.  

Angel Pagan Should Be The Mets Everyday Center Fielder

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

Angel Pagan is having the best year of his career hands down.  Pagan in 63 games played this season is currently hitting .288 with OBP of .343. He has hit as many homeruns as the 66 million dollar man Jason Bay.  Pagan has also drove in 29 RBI's, 2 more than Jason Bay! His defense in Center Field has been great.  Gone are the mental lapses in the field and on the bases now that he has gotten to play every day.

There is one problem: Carlos Beltran is the Mets center-fielder.  Beltran is sitting in Florida going through extended Spring Training.  Some have said that Beltran could return in the middle of July, but I honestly think that if you go to midtown Manhattan you'll have a better chance at seeing a unicorn directing traffic before we'll see Beltran playing for the Mets this season.  The problem is what happens IF Carlos Beltran returns.  Pagan has earned the right to play everyday, he's been the most clutch player at the plate with runners in scoring position.  

The Mets should play Carlos Beltran in right field when he comes back. Beltran's knee has been bothering him for years, he's still recovering from surgery and hasn't played center in almost a year.  You cannot sit Pagan who's defense and ability at the plate has been vital to the team's current success.  It would be easier for Beltran's knee playing right field. Unfortunately playing Beltran in right means that he'll have to split playing time with Jeff Francoeur.  The Mets should be careful with Beltran when he returns.  Let him build up his stamina by platooning him.  Let's not forget what happened with Reyes when he first came back. Jose needed time to get back in game shape both defensively and on offense.  

Of course this all depends on whether or not Beltran can come back.  Right now I say take your time Carlos, the Mets are doing fine without you.  

Forget Oswalt and Lee, Mets Should Trade For Dan Haren

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

I have made my views known here before on how I feel on Oswalt.  He comes with a big contract and a history of injuries.  Houston does not want to trade him, Oswalt wants the trade, therefore any team that does trade for him is going to have to pick up his contract and give away prospects: bottom line he's not worth it.

Cliff Lee is one of the best pitchers in the majors.  You can't go by his win/loss record this season as he does play for the Mariners.  Lee next year will be a free agent.  He has made it known that he intends to hit the free agent market.  If the Mariners do trade him they are going to want at least 2 top prospects.  Keep in mind that if the Mariners keep Lee for the season then they get the draft picks from the team that signs him.  Mariners are going to expect a lot, more than I think Lee is worth for a 1 year rental.  Unless the Mets plan to open up their wallets Lee will be a Yankee next season, makes no sense to sell the farm for a few months.

Also the way the rotation is pitching the Mets do not need these guys.  Earlier today the Diamondbacks traded Connor Jackson to the Oakland Athletics for a minor league pitcher. Oakland will be paying most if not all of Jackson's remaining salary.  

Right now Haren is having a tough season; his ERA is 4.61 but he has won 7 games this season for Arizona.  Haren is in the middle of a 4 year deal worth 44.75 million dollars. Annually he's making a little more than 11 million dollars.  The team also has an option for 2013.  

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated commented on his twitter feed earlier:

"#Dbacks will "blow things up" says opposing exec. trade conor jackson to #Athletics for minor league rhp sam demel"

If the Mets would have to send a low level prospect and pick up Haren's salary they should make this deal!  Imagine the rotation:

Johan Santana

Mike Pelfrey

Dan Haren

R.A. Dickey

Jon Niese

I don't know about anyone else but that is a pretty solid rotation.  I know I didn't put Maine and Perez in the rotation because I think it will be a long time before we see them in the rotation again.  Haren is a former All-Star and is a workhorse.  I think a new city with a new team that can contend might turn his season around.  Pitching in a pitchers park can only help him.

The addition of Haren to the rotation puts the Mets in pretty good shape to contend for the division, not just the Wild Card.  

Daniel Murphy Out 4-6 Months!

AUTHOR: GREG POMES

Last night Daniel Murphy was playing 2nd for the Buffalo Bisons when he was injured trying to turn a double play.  SNY showed video of the injury and it was the result of a cheap slide. The Mets announced today that Murphy will not require surgery but he's out for the remainder of the season with a high-grade MCL tear in his right knee.  

I feel bad for Murphy, he's a hard worker and just had no luck this year.  He's the type of player you want, not like Oliver Perez.  

While this is bad for Murph this is also bad for the Mets.  It's expected that Luis Castillo will be placed on the DL tomorrow which would have meant that Murphy would have been back with the big league club playing some 2nd base for the Mets.  

I'm guessing now that Ruben Tejada will get the call instead.  It will be nice to get another look at Tejada.  He started the season and I was impressed with his defense but he needed work at the plate.  He's currently hitting .293 at the Triple A level.