Tag Archives: 2011

Who Should the Mets go After this Offseason.

Posted on by
1

Here’s the thing. The Mets don’t have much money to spend this offseason. I have heard numbers thrown around as little as 18 million to spend this offseason. Anyways, here is a list of players that I would like to see the Mets go after. By the way, Jose Reyes is not included in this, it is kinda obvious I want him back.

1. Ryan Doumit-C

This switch-hitting catcher/right fielder would be a perfect fit for us if we don’t like Thole at the position. This is a guy with power, who can hit and play the position. We could also get him a fairly cheap price.

2. Peter Bourjos-CF

This is a great speed guy who can replace Pagan in center field. I love this player. He plays defense, and can hit a little. However, I would not trade a bunch of players for him. No Harvey, Wheeler, or Familia for the Angels. If the Mets did not acquire him, it would be the stupidest thing possible.

3. Jonathan Broxton- CP

This is a closer with so much potential. This is a guy who could take a one year, incentive laden deal to pitch for us and could potentially restart his career with us. I expect him on a one year deal, only to hold the place for Mejia to come in and close in 2013.

4. Bill Hall- 2B

With Tejada possibly moving to short stop and Turner potentially not being a good enough hitter to stick at 2nd, Bill Hall could be a nice place holder for us.

5. Edwin Jackson- SP

Jackson is a good pitcher, and we need a power arm that has more than one pitch. I don’t expect an ace, I expect innings and high strikeouts.

6- David Aardsma and Chad Qualls

We need a new bullpen and these are two great pitchers who could really help us out in the long run.

Here is what the lineup next year could look like without Reyes and with these moves.

1. Bourjos-CF

2. Bill Hall-2B

3. David Wright-3B

4. Ike Davis-1B

5. Ryan Doumit-C

6. Lucas Duda- RF

7. Jason Bay- LF

8. Ruben Tejada SS

9. Pitcher.

Not too bad right?

MNN’s 2011 Boldish Offseason Predictions

Posted on by
1

As I work on the season review, I thought I would do a sort of comical post about what will happen this off season. These are all things that could happen, some more unlikely than others. I do think that these will happen though.

1. Albert Pujols signs in Chicago

With Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer heading to Chicago, I believe they will want to make splashes in their first years in office. There’s no bigger player out there to grab. Pujols to Chicago would kill the Cardinals…or would it?

2. Prince Fielder signs with the Cardinals

Shortly following Pujols going to the Cubs, the Cardinals will agree to terms with Prince Fielder. He is a player that is more in their price range and can replace the gap at first that Pujols had left. The money the Cardinals would save of Fielder could make him more valueable than Albert.

3. Jose Reyes signs with the Marlins

If your best friend offered to change positions so you could play with him in a new stadium in a club with lots of upside, wouldn’t you say yes? Hanley already said he would move to 3rd for Reyes and this is a team that wants to spend money. Reyes in the new Miami stadium could be a player to watch for them. Sorry Mets fans! I hope he stays!

4. The Nationals acquire Matt Kemp

Ok, this one is a little ridiculous, but it makes sense. Here me out. Washington needs a Center Fielder, and have been searching for one. Also, a team that could be a world series threat as soon as next year could want to acquire a final piece. They have the prospects to trade for Kemp also. Finally, he is on the last year of his deal…who knows?

5. The Mets sign Heath Bell

So far this offseason, Sandy Alderson has really made it apparent that he wants to find a closer outside of the organization and he wants stability in the 9th inning. This makes me think that we could have a reunion in NY with Bell and sign him to the 3 year deal that he wants.

6. There will be a bidding war for C.C. Sabathia

Just because CC opted out of (or is expected to) of his contract with the Yankees does not mean that other teams can not bid on him. I believe the Nationals, Yankees, Rangers, and maybe the Mets could be in on him. Imagine if CC was swept up by the in state rivals, that would be fun.

7. C.J. Wilson will be a National

Besides a center fielder, the Nationals want a front of the line starter. They don’t have a good lefty guy so Wilson fits perfectly in Washington.

8. Carlos Beltran signs with the Indians

The Indians could really use Beltran to sure up that lineup. He could be a DH or a RF for them and fit in well with that ball club.

9. Grady Sizemore signs with the Rays

A team that does not have alot of money and looking to trade Upton could easily pick him up on an incentive laden deal. If they do pick him up, I think he will have a bounce back year, but that is just my opinion.

10. Jimmy Rollins signs with the Red Sox

I am not getting a good vibe from the Rollins-Phillies conversations. I don’t think they will agree and the Red Sox need a short stop for next season. This could easily happen.

11. Alex Gonzalez will replace Rollins in Philly.

Alex Gonzalez is a good player who could help the Phillies with his glove. I don’t think he will hit, but the one thing you do know is that he will field the ball.

12. Carlos Pena will sign in Milwaulkee

He is basically a better fielding, crappier hitting Prince Fielder. Makes sense for them.

13. Cuddyer AND Kubel sign in Minnesota.

They need all the bats the can get. They can not afford to lose these guys.

14 JD Drew will retire.

This is a player that has struggled in the past couple of years. I don’t think anyone will pick him up and he will be forced into retirement.

15. Yu Darvish to sign in Texas

This is probably the most hyped Japanese prospect since I have been intently following baseball. From what I see from limited tape, he looks like he will be an amazing talent. With the loss of Wilson, they could very well grab him.

These are just predictions, just for fun. It is not what I want to happen, but just my gut right now. Any other players that you guys can think of I can add to this list.

 

MNN’s World Series Prediction

Posted on by
1

Well, I did well through the Division series picking 3 of 4 teams, but, the CS did not go as well as both teams I picked did not make it through. This toughens things, the Cardinals or the Rangers. Let’s do comparisons first…

Bullpen:

Advantage Rangers. First of all, the Caridnals’ closer Motte, can not yet be trusted in big situations while Neftali can. Also, I would rather Adams, Uehara, and Ogando in the late innings over Dotel, Salas, and Rzepczenski(???).

Leadoff Men: Furcal vs. Kinsler.

Kinsler. Easy. The man is a beast.

Middle of the Lineup:

This one has to go to the Birds. I feel that Hamilton will struggle and the combined power of Pujols, Berkman, and Holliday is a scary post season tandem.

Overall Offense:

Texas. They are too deep for the Cards. Outside of Pujols, Berkman, Holliday, and Freese..the Cards have nothing on Texas.

Starting Pitching:

This one is tough. I almost want to call a draw, but I cant. Carpenter is better than Wilson, so that goes to the birds there. However the rest is Holland, Lewis, and Harrison Vs. Garcia, Jackson, and Lohse. To me, since I think pitchers will excel in this series, I have to give the advantage to the Rangers because of A, the lineup they have to pitch through and B, they have power arms. It is really a toss up though.

WORLD SERIES PREDICTION.

The Fall Classic will be 7 games long.

There will be a parade for Nolan Ryan through Texas.

Rangers in 7…write it down.

Mets Post Game: Marlins 9, Mets 3

Posted on by
2

Box Score

3 Standout Performances:

  1. Jason Bay went 2 for 4 with a long 2 run homer. He looked like the Bay from 2009…just sayin’
  2. Chris Capuano gave up 8 hits and 6 runs in 4 rough innings of work.
  3. Angel Pagan had 2 hits and an RBI.

Capuano simply put had a rough, rough day on the mound. He just got hit hard all game. That could either be fatigue, or just a rough start. Who knows.

Jason Bay is on fire once again. I wont be hyped up about him until…well never. Any breakouts that he has from now on will be a complete surprise to me.

When Reyes does not hit, he fields and he is damn good at it. He made another sensational play tonight. He is a must sign.

Grade for the Game: D

Mets Post Game: D-Backs 4, Mets 3

Posted on by
Reply

 

Box Score

3 Standout Performances:

  • Jason Bay went 3 for 4 with an RBI single off Ian Kennedy
  • Angel Pagan went 2 for 5 with a run scored.
  • Dillon Gee went 5 innings, gave up 4 runs, and struck out 3.

The Mets bullpen was the best thing of the night. throwing 3 shutout innings with their crappiest relievers against the hard hitting Diamond Backs. Iggy, Byrdak, and Acosta pitched very well tonight.

Jason Bay has been on fire as of late. He has been hitting the ball hard and not striking out as much.

Dillon Gee had awful control tonight. All of his pitches were up in the zone and not moving well at all. I have a feeling he is going through a little bit of a dead arm period.

Grade for the Game: C-

 

 

 

 

 

Mets Post Game: Marlins 7, Mets 3 F/10

Posted on by
1

Box Score

3 Standout Performances:

  1. Jason Bay went 1 for 4 with his first homer in over 6 weeks.
  2. Lucas Duda hit a game tying 2 run homer with 2 outs in the 9th inning off Leo Nunez.
  3. Manny Acosta pitched 2 hitless innings and struck out 4.

Pelfrey pitched great tonight going 6 innings and letting up 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits. He has really had his sinker working lately. I do not like the 3 walks tonight.

The Mets technically could have won tonight if Jose Reyes was not thrown out of the plate. Not saying that would have happened, but we did have a runner thrown out at the plate.

Lucas Duda has really turned it on lately. Leo Nunez should cower at the name Lucas Duda, he has hit 2 bombs off him.

What a big boy of Jason Bay to hit a homer off Javi Vazquez. I think he has hit more opposite field homers at Citi Field that he has pulled the ball.

Grade for the Game: B+

 

Mets Post Game: Mets 8, Reds 6

Posted on by
Reply

Box Score

3 Standout Performances:

  1. Jason Pridie went 2 for 5 with the go-ahead 2 run double that ultimately won the game for the Mets.
  2. Tim Byrdak struck out Jay Bruce for the last out of the game for his first save since 2007 and his 4th career save.
  3. Jon Niese let up 5ER in 5 innings and struck out 5. He won his 10th game of the year tonight.

Jon Niese basically had one bad inning tonight. He gave up a 4-run 5th that basically ruined his night. He still got to 10 wins this year which is huge seeing how he started this year.

Jason Pridie had a great game today. He basically won the game for the Mets with his bat filling in for Angel Pagan.

Daniel Murphy is a sensational hitter. If they can find a spot to put his glove in the outfield, he has all-star potential in my opinion.

This team has made the defending NL central champs look bad, especially on defense.

Grade for the Game: A-

Mets Post Game: Marlins 5, Mets 4

Posted on by
Reply

Box Score

3 Standout Performances:

  1. David Wright went 3 for 4 with a 2 run homer.
  2. Bobby Parnell gave up 3 hits and 2 runs in an inning.
  3. Jason Bay hit an RBI single.

Gee really settled down after a rough start. His control was rough, but he fought through it to get through the game pitching alright.

David Wright came back on fire. He had 6 hits in this 3 game series against the Marlins including a go-ahead homer tonight.

Jose Reyes…..Every day.

Bobby Parnell was afraid to throw his slider today. He threw all fastballs and got hit very hard today.

Grade for the Game: B

Mets Post Game: Mets 11, Phillies 2

Posted on by
1

Box Score

3 Standout Performances

  1. Scott Hairston went 3 for 5 with 5 RBI including a 2nd deck 3 run homer.
  2. Daniel Murphy went 3 for 5 with a solo homer.
  3. Jon Niese went 7 innings, gave up 2 runs (1 earned), 6 hits, 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts.

My good friend who is a diehard Phillies fan, told me that Jon Niese can not be an ace pitcher in the big leagues. He showed today, that he can dominate a lineup with consistancy. I really like Niese.

Hairston today may have made Sandy Alderson’s job about what to do with Carlos Beltran a little easier today as he exploded with 5 RBI today. The last Met in my memory to hit a 2nd deck homer was Luis Castillo…that was a funny day.

Jason Bay today was really good. He got 2 hits and a stolen base. Just one hit at a time Bay…

I don’t understand how Daniel Murphy gets so much hate. The only thing wrong with his is that he can not field for his life. He is such a good hitter and should be starting daily when Wright and Reyes return.

Grade for the Game: A                  COME ON COLE!!!

Mets Post Game: Giants 3, Mets 1

Posted on by
1

Box Score

3 Standout Performances:

  1. Capuano started and was great. He went 6 innings, let up 2 runs on 4 hits with 4 walks and 5 strikeouts.
  2. Daniel Murphy went 1 for 4 with an RBI double.
  3. Josh Thole went 1 for 2 with a double.

Capuano was great tonight. After a rough first inning of getting the ball stung, he really settled down and kept the giants at bay. I honestly thought after the first inning tonight, he was in for a 3 or 4 inning start. Very tough loss for Capuano tonight.

All of the Mets hits tonight were 2 out doubles. Kind of strange how things work out that way.

The rules with aces are that if you don’t get to them in the first, you probably won’t get to him at all. This happened tonight as the Mets got 1 run off Lincecum in the first, however it was not enough as he shut them down for the rest of his start.

Grade for the Game: B

Sidenote:

Congrats to Derek Jeter on his 3000th career hit and an outstanding game. Being a baseball fan, I really enjoy that type of history. Also, Jeter is one of the few Yankees I have respect for, he’s a classy guy who plays the game the right way even during the steroid era. Send all the hate you want, I am happy for Jeter.