Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Did Sandy Misread Trade Market 12-14-2016

Did Sandy misread the trade market and value of Jay Bruce?  It seems he may have as the bottom keeps dropping on outfielders . 

Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnocion still unsigned, players like Andrew McCutchen,Lorenzo Cain, and Charlie Blackmon, rumored to be on the trading block, where does that leave Alderson. The Bruce trade was a waste to begin with and now if they can't move him  for anything but low level prospects will really make it a disaster.



Will Noah end the "Santa Curse"? Noah Syndergaard, portrayed Santa during yesterday's Holiday Party. 

This from MetsBlog:

Have you heard of the Curse of the Santa Suit? It began in 2004, when Mike Cameron played Santa Claus at the team's Kids Holiday Party after joining the Mets.

The next season, an outfield collision with Carlos Beltran gave him a concussion and broke his nose and cheekbones.

This was only the beginning... 

In 2005, Santa was played by Kris Benson, after which he was traded to the O's.

The Curse sort of skipped David Wright's Santa in Dec. 2006, though the team did collapse the end of the next season and it's hardly been smooth sailing for Wright since then.

In 2007, Santa was John Maine, after which his shoulder started barking and, well, that was that.

Mike Pelfrey was Santa in 2008, after which he had a 5.03 ERA.

In 2009, Jeff Francoeur was Santa, he struggled that season and was soon traded to the Rangers.

David Wright reprised the role in 2010, then broke his back.

In Dec. 2011, it was Daniel Murphy, and, though he had a good season, most of his numbers were all down in 2012.

In 2012, John Franco emerged to play Santa, so the Curse jumped to his elf, R.A. Dickey, who talked bad about the team and was traded two weeks later.

Murphy returned in 2013, and seemingly stopped the Curse by having a terrific season and making the All-Star team.

Murphy is the excepetion, though, because Jenrry Mejia was Santa in 2014, after which he was injured and suspended twice for PEDs.

Last year, rookie LHP Steven Matz wore the Santa hat, started 2016 strong, but fell apart during the summer before having season-ending surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow.

Oh Boy, doesn't bode well for Thor after all he did have an issue with bones spurslast year, this one deserves watching!









Thursday, December 8, 2016

METS LOSE TWO IN RULE 5 DRAFT 12-8-2016

The Mets today lost two minor league players, Paul Paez and Adrian Almeida,  both left handed pitchers, in this year's MLB  Rule 5 Draft according to MLB.com.  Both had some stints with the Brooklyn Cyclones and were left unprotected.  

Paez, a lefty reliever, spent 2016 with St. Lucie and Binghamton going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA, all in relief.  Almeida split 2016 with Kingsport and Brooklyn and was 0-4 and hada 5.92 ERA with the two squads. Paez will go to the Seattle Mariners with Almeida reporting to the Los Angeles Angels.  

The Mets did not make any picks, as they had no room on their 40 man roster.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD HURT THIS BAD 10-6-2016


I didn't think it would hurt this bad.  I kept telling myself, all day, that  it was great no matter what happens, it  doesn't matter we didn't think the Mets would get this far and here we are in the wild card game . But then like any other game as it progressed you wanted to win and it was a game for the ages.  With Bumgarner throwing up zeros, Syndergaard pitching his heart out , to Terry Collins making every correct move (though I did scratch my head over pinch hitting  Eric Campbell for James Loney). Then there was the ninth.

I didn't think it would hurt this bad.  It happened so suddenly like a punch to the stomach.  Sure, the Giants had loaded the bases in the ninth, but you had the feeling Reed would get out of it. When Familia came in to start the ninth , I had an uneasy feeling.  I got a lot of angry emails earlier in the year when I suggested that Familia reminded me of Armando Benitez, you know, gaudy numbers but disappears in crunch time.  That's the feeling I had and when  Crawford led off with a double, well...........

I didn't think it would hurt this bad. After a  and a one-out walk to Joe Panik , I felt worse, here it goes slipping away , I just don't trust Familia, and then Conor Gillaspie,  hits Familia's 1-1 sinker deep over the right-center field fence to give the Giants a 3-0 lead.


I didn't think it would hurt this bad, after the season of injuries and offensive highs and lows, I felt lucky to be in the race and in the wild card game.  I know overall it was a great season, one that we will probably look back back on fondly, but I didn't think it would hurt this bad,  but it does.

Friday, September 30, 2016

HELLO AGAIN ! 9-30-2016

It's been sometime since I put up a blog post.  I said in the beginning ,that it was an experiment, that I'm not a writer and did not know how often I would be posting.  Well, there have been gaps between posts, but I have decided to continue and work on improving the blog for next year.  I hope you , that have enjoyed the blog, will stick by me and spread the word.

The season is rapidly coming to a close and the Mets need two more wins to gain the first playoff spot. I'm sure the Phillies will have something to say about that, but really the Mets are on a mission and should be able to take 2 of 3 and sew this thing up.

Hard to believe that about 5/6 weeks ago this team looked dead in the water.  No offense, injuries, just did not seem to be their year.  And then, Terry blew up in a press conference, Cespedes returned, Reyes and Cabrera returned, Lugo and Gsellman surprised, and Rivera was a revelation.  Now, with three games left, Grandy is hot, Bruce is showing signs of finding a stroke, Duda looks to be warming up and Cespedes is heating his bat for a run.  Going to be an exciting weekend and postseason.

Check out the podcast at metsmusings.com 


See you soon!

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

WINTER IS COMING FOR JAY BRUCE 9-21-2016

What to do with Jay Bruce?  That seems to be the million dollar question. Right now, he is a detriment to this team.  They need to put out on the field,the best nine that they can to win games and he is not amongst them.  He  has been awful since he was traded here, and is showing no signs of "coming around".  They have to continue to win games to stay in the wild card hunt and Jay Bruce in the lineup does not help.

The final straw may have come on Tuesday night as Terry Collins, pinch hit Eric Campbell for Bruce in the 8th inning.  The Mets were staging a rally and the Braves went with a lefty, and the Terry pulled Bruce for "Soup", who delivered with a single driving in a run. 

"I always think I'm the best choice ... but he's the manager and I respect his decision," Bruce said after the game. "I don't deserve any explanation from the manager.

You're right, you don't deserve an explanation from the manager,  it should be clear, you are not hitting , you are not playing!

The Mets have an option on his contract for next season.  Please DO NOT exercise the option,give him his buyout and cut him loose, he is not worth the money you would have to pay him and, money better suited elsewhere.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

HALFWAY HOME 7-14-2016

Here we are at the "traditional" halfway point of the season and the Mets are still in the race.  Honestly, I thought they would be in better shape in the pennant race but it is what it is. They can still make a run at the division, being only 6 games back, but don't forget the wildcard is still within their grasp.  The keys to a better second half are:

A stable bullpen
More consistent offense 
Better fundies
Stay healthy

I believe if they can accomplish these (no brainer) goals then they have have a shot at being right there when the dust settles.

They managed to take 2 out of three from the Phillies, but now the job gets tougher.  Cubs, Marlins, St. Louis, no breaks in this schedule.

Matt Harvey has chosen to have season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
The surgery will be performed this week, we believe, by preeminent TOS surgeon Dr. Robert Thompson in St. Louis, Boras told ESPN.com.

Harvey said via Twitter:
"I'm extremely disappointed to learn that I'll be out for the season, but I'm relieved to have answers and get back to doing what I love"

The surgery will remove a rib that is constricting nerves and blood vessels - that travel through his shoulder - where the rib connects to the upper spine. Removing the rib creates space and alleviates the constriction, which will restore feeling in Harvey's pitching arm and fingers.

Good luck to him hope all goes well as we will need him down the road.


Noah Syndergaard said that after the break, he is going to be like Bartolo Colon.  No, he's not going to start eating donuts and bulk up but, he will adjust his off-day work routines to keep his arm fresh and back off his bullpen work like Big Sexy does.
“I am going to take a step back, look at my routine every five days and take a play out of Bartolo’s playbook,” Syndergaard said. “He doesn’t throw bullpens, he takes it really light on his arm and every fifth day he is fresh as can be.
“I am at the point of the season where I don’t need to be throwing 30-35 pitch bullpens anymore,” Syndergaard added. “I am going to taper it back to 15-20, if that.”
Syndergaard, who left his last start Friday against the Nats with  arm/shoulder fatigue, said Monday he will just play catch before Tuesday’s All-Star Game to see how the arm is feeling . He says he will be ready to go for the Cubs series, on Monday.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

THE RETURN OF JOSE 7-5-2016



From Metsblog.com:
Jose Reyes will join the Mets and be activated on Tuesday, the team announced Monday.
Travis d'Arnaud agreed to give up his number so Reyes can wear No. 7, according to ESPN.
Terry Collins has said Reyes, 33, will likely bat leadoff when he joins the team, while getting most of his time in the field at third base.

"He's going to bring us a ton of energy," David Wright told reporters this past weekend, when asked about Reyes potentially rejoining the Mets. "I think that's something we can really use is his dynamic on the field -- his speed, his charisma, his ability."

All true, you can always use more energy.  He will also offer a veteran voice in the clubhouse in the second half of the season. I'm curious to see the type of reaction he gets tonight at Citi Field at his first at bat.  I know a lot of people do not like the move, bringing him back, but it really is a no-brainer for the Mets.  Reyes cost them nothing except money, and we get to see if he has anything left.  If the experiment fails you let him go. Simple. As far as the reaction goes, I wouldn't be surprised at anything that occurs, though I would expect a standing ovation, with a spattering of boos.  We shall see.

Monday, July 4, 2016

BASEBALL IS A CRAZY GAME 7-3-2016



Baseball is a crazy game.  Last week we took the Mets for dead, swept by the Nationals and coming home to face the best team in the league the Cubs. And what do the Mets do, they go out and sweep the Cubs, taking apart the Cubs pitching staff in two of the four games. In an amazing display of offense Wilmer Flores went  6 for 6 .  I guess home cooking revitalized the team, and maybe the infectious smile of Brandon Nimmo, a recent call up, lit a fire, whatever it was let's hope it continue thru the rest of the home stand.


If Brandon Nimmo continue to perform , I can see a toothpaste commercial in his future, don’t you?


Have a feeling the Miami Marlins will be chasing all this season.  They have a good young crew that can hit and catch the ball.  The pitching is thin but just might have enough to keep in the race.


MEET BILLY BRYK JR.
Billy Bryk Jr. 31, is the new pitching coach for the 2016 Brooklyn Cyclones.  Billy served as a pitching coach for the Frontier Greys in the independent Frontier League in 2015.  Billy comes from a baseball family.  His father, Bill, is currently a Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Bill Sr., pitched in the minors for the Mets in 1972 for Batavia, and worked in the Pirates scouting and developing department for 16 years from 1982-1998. 

Bill Jr., worked in independent baseball from 2007-12 in different capacities and then served as a special assignment scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks in  2013 & 2014.  At the end of last season Billy signed a contract with the Lake Erie Crushers in the independent Frontier League.  About a week after signing with them, Bryk received a call from Ron Romanick, the Mets Minor League pitching Coordinator, informing him that there was two open coaching positions, one of those was in Brooklyn on Tom Gamboa’s staff.  “It got me speechless at first, because I’ve known Gambi since I was in High School when he was with the Padres with my father”.

Extended Spring Training is a long haul but, it allowed Bryk to see  what kind of pitchers the Mets had. “ Being in spring training, extended is a grueling uh, it’s a grind  every day going to the field and seeing guys you may not even have,” Bryk said.  “ The last couple of weeks I‘ve been getting more of a feel for the guys I may be able to get.”

Bryk is very happy with his staff and urges the fans to “watch everyone.” “There’s not just one guy, I would say as a whole, everyone will be refreshing to watch,” Bryk said.  Bryk did go on to explain that fans that like velocity, like he does,  should keep an eye on Merandy Gonzalez, “ he can bring it up there at 97 or 98.”   The pitchers will be on a pitch count of about 80 pitches, especially the starters.  “You”ll see more out of them the second or third time out there, “ Bryk said.


 That’s it for now until next time

KEEP THE FAITH
STAY OPTIMISTIC
AND

LET’S GO METS

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

KEEP THE FAITH, STAY OPTIMISTIC, & LETS GO METS!! 6-21-2016





Yesterday, I was reading an email I received from one of my listeners to the "MetsMusings" podcast.  In it the writer asked how I could stay optimistic with this Mets team, they stink, they can't hit , they are no good.  Pretty much the same stuff we heard last year.  I was going to write this person back and answer but instead I decided to put it here in the blog for everyone to see. And so here it is.

I am a Mets fan , because it in my blood,  and is almost like a part of my DNA. I have rooted for this team since they begun in 1962, when I was 9 years old.  I have seen the highs, and I've seen the lows, (and believe there are more lows then highs) but I still bleed Orange and Blue.   It gets inside you and you cant let it go.  I tried.  When I was in college , I rooted for another team, but wouldnt you know it the 1973 Mets win the pennant, and I'm back in their grip again. And I love it.  Is it frustrating? You bet it is, do I get angry and mad?  I certainly do, in fact, I was very ticked off Sunday after being swept   by the Braves and then my daughter  gave me the piece pictured above and it made me realize, you get frustrated, you get mad, but you always come home because that is what a fan does. And really in the big picture while I love Baseball, it is just a game, a sport, and really means little more then a distraction from the rigors of life.  Family is what matters, Baseball is a game, a great game, and something I love to see, and talk about it but that's it.  And when I see baseball I want to see the Mets, because they are my team no matter what.  

So enjoy the good times, survive the bad and Keep The Faith, Stay Optimistic, & Lets Go Mets!! 

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

THOR, THE DARK KNIGHT,ETCETERA, ETCETERA. 5-31-2016




In one of the most ridiculous things I have ever witnessed as a baseball fan, Noah Syndergaard was ejected from a game by home plate umpire Adam Hamari, for throwing behind Chase Utley.  There was no warning issued either after the pitch, or before the game, just the ejection by a fill in umpire who was clearly trying to make a statement.

After the game crew chief Tom Hallion issued a statement saying that Hamari believed that the pitch was intentional and in that situation has the right to either warn or eject the player. We never see ejections in these cases, until Saturday night in Queens.


He also indicated in the statement that last year's game had nothing to do with the Syndergaard ejection. That is disingenuous. If it didn't why was he so quick to eject, he should have warned both benches and let it be. But no the Hamari  got involved and may have cost the Mets a win.  He changed the game by taking a top pitcher out of the game, by taking the inside corner away from the Mets pitchers, and forcing them into the bullpen early.

MLB sits on its hand , changes rules, but gives no clear actions and confuses the matters even more. There is no consistency and that is the fault of the MLB.   Ken Rosenthal has a great piece on the need for consistency among officiating in baseball.


No doubt about it Matt Harvey turned in his best performance of the year, Monday tossing seven scoreless innings, ending a three-start losing streak as the Mets blanked the Chicago White Sox, 1-0, at Citi Field.

Harvey gave up a season-low two hits and struck out six batters while pitching into the seventh for the first time this season. He threw 87 pitchers and faced the minimum 18 batters in the first six innings. But, this is only the first step back .  He will need to deliver more games like this in his upcoming starts.  Let's hope he can.


David Wright  told reporters after Monday's win that he has a herniated disc in his neck. He will know more Tuesday  after he visits the team's medical staff again.

Prior to Monday's game, manager Terry Collins said there is "concern" that Wright may have to go on the disabled list with a neck problem. Wright did not play for the third game  in a row on Monday, the series opener against the White Sox at Citi Field.
Wright's neck issue is not related to his spinal stenosis condition that sidelined him for several months last season.
This could be the end for David.  The injuries keep mounting and they are serious ones.  The question is does he want to continue the pain and agony he goes through to get ready for a professional ballgame?  When is enough, enough? He will have to sit down with his family and ponder these questions and I fear it will be sooner rather then later.  I would love to have a healthy David Wright back in the lineup, I just don't think that is possible anymore.

 
With the arrival of James Loney to play first base and the impending David Wright visit to the DL  the Mets still will need to dump someone off of the 40 man roster for Loney.  My guess is Ty Kelly, though I would not be surprised if it's Campbell.    Campbell has not really hit but has played well in the field.  Kelly has not had a lot of chances but got his first big league hit, and has also played well defensively.  I guess it will come down to who has the bigger upside.
 
That's all for now remember
 
Keep The Faith
Stay Optimistic
and Let's Go Mets!!                                                       

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

RANDOM THOUGHTS 5-24-2016



The injury to Luca Duda is a big blow and leaves a big hole in the Mets lineup, but, let's not panic yet.  Somehow, over the last two seasons the Mets have been able to weather the storm until the players return.  Last year it was Wright and d'Arnaud, now this year d'Arnaud and Duda.  Remember the Mets have won four in a row (as I write this)  with Eric Campbell at first and Sandy Alderson is not the type to rush into a deal and risk getting fleeced.  I'm sure he will keep checking the wires and keep his ear to the ground and make an approiate deal when the time is right.



Matt Harvey goes tonight and he must show some improvement or the rumors and speculation will start up and again.  Come on Matt dig deep, and come up with a clutch performance.  We are pulling for you.



I like Travis d'Arnaud, honest, I do it's just that the guy cannot stay healthy.  And it's not a little nagging thing here and there.  No, Travis has some big injuries.  The latest being to his rotator cuff . d'Arnaud has been on the disabled list since April 26 with a strained right rotator cuff.  He received a platelet-rich-plasma injection in early May. He has since been throwing a baseball and rehabbing, but not hitting, with a personal trainer at his home in California.

d’Arnaud  is expected to move his rehab to St. Lucie later this week, according to assistant general manager John Ricco
"He threw a couple of days ago and felt pretty good," Ricco said. "He's going to throw one more time and then head back to Port St. Lucie in the middle of the week. He's still got a little time in front of him before getting back out on the field playing baseball. But he did feel better the last time he threw, a couple of days ago."
We need to get him back and healthy but, can he stay that way.


That’s it for now remember to
Keep the Faith
Stay Optimistic
And
Lets Go Mets

Friday, May 20, 2016

GOTHAM IS QUIET 5-20-2016



The 2016 season has not been kind to Matt Harvey.  Yes, yes, it's still early but, so far the Dark Knight has been beaten to a pulp and left for dead by the good citizens of Gotham.  What is wrong with Matt Harvey?  The speculation runs rampant, the clot in his bladder. Last years workload, to much nightlife, he's lost his confidence, a mechanical problem, he's injured, it's all across the board.  I don't know what's wrong with Harvey, but, I do know something is not right,  and the Mets need to figure it out before it's to late. A trip to the DL would give him a chance to decompress and figure this thing out.  Maybe even a trip back to the Minors, though a radical move,  would help.  Something has to shake loose here if he is to become the Harvey of old.



Now you see it, now you don't, that about sums up the Mets offense this year.  So far this season we have been on a roller coaster with this offense.  The talent is there but for some reason they love to pop up and strikeout.  Let's start being more aggressive at bat boys, and stop taking the good pitches and swinging at the bad ones.


It hurts me to say it but, David Wright looks old. He's  missing pitches, fouling off offerings that he used to drive into the gaps. The throws from third seem to lack any zip and appear to just make it to first.  It may be time for David to do some serious soul searching, at  the least he should be dropped in the lineup and rested more, and maybe he should consider retirement.  I know it's difficult to walk away from that large a contract, but, I'm sure the Mets would be willing to work something out with him.


Relax and calm down the end is not near.  There is still plenty of time left in the season.  Sure, there are some concerns but we are still alive and in the hunt so I’m am confident that they will figure it all back.

Keep The Faith
Stay Optimistic 
And

Lets Go Mets!!!

THE RAIN,THE PARK AND OTHER THINGS 5-9-2016





The weather in the beginning of this baseball season has been atrocious and the Mets have been dodging raindrops ,it seems every home game.  Not only is it tough on the players , but, it is brutal on the fans who sit in the cold, damp, miserable weather. My hats off to you.  At least, we get a break.  The Mets go out West where it is warmer and hopefully, drier, and we get to sit on our couches and enjoy the games from the comfort of our homes.  Ahhhhhh


I spent many hours of my youth,and adulthood at Shea Stadium.  It bacame almost a home away from home.  I was sad went it was torn down and I still remember it and think of it fondly.  I have to say, that it took a while to warm to Citi Field,  but after the last two years, and the playoffs, and the World Series, it feels like home and I know it has it's faults but it is really a very lovely place full of amenities.  I have always enjoyed myself when I go to a game there.


Let's start a rumor.  I feel the Mets should be talking to the Brewers about Jonathan Lucroy.  Veteran catcher, former All Star, the Brewers were interested in making a trade for Flores/Wheeler last season, perhaps they are still interested in swinging some sort of deal this time for Lucroy. Why not investigate.






The best part of the weekend was Bartolo Colon's home run on Saturday night.  Pure bedlam, and joy as Colon rounded the bases and the reaction in the dugout was priceless.  It was one of those moments that reminds us all why we love this game so much,  it also reminds us how great the game is WITHOUT the DH , and why the National League must never, never, cave in and allow the vile rule to infect the league.

IT'S JUST A GAME 4-16-2016





IT'S JUST A GAME


We learned today that the Mets placed pitcher Jacob deGrom on Major League Baseball's bereavement/medical emergency list Saturday due to complications regarding his newborn baby. DeGrom is currently in his hometown of DeLand, Fla., with his wife, Stacey, and son Jaxon.


"It's a real-life situation," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Certainly we take the game of baseball very seriously, but this changes a lot of things. [deGrom is] such a good guy. Stacey, she's outstanding. You just sit here the last few days -- and those guys in there can all tell you, they do the best to stay in touch with him. We're all praying and pulling for him. Unfortunately, it's part of life, and we've got to take care of business."

Sometimes we fans, forget that these players we watch and root for are human beings.  With all the big money in the game , we forget that they have the same problems, worries and have to deal with the details of life as we do. It is situations like this one with Jacob deGrom and his new born that brings that message home.  We should all try and remember that the players are just human.  My prayers and thoughts are with the deGrom family tonight.


MR.HARVEY

I cannot help but wonder if all the hype about Matt Harvey was untrue.  Today he looked like Mike Pelfrey, four good innings and then the wheels came off the wagon.  I hope he finds it, I would hate to think that he has become a four inning pitcher.  Maybe he should look harder for his slider, rather then thinking about a big contract.


SPING READING

I recommend four terrific books to fill your time when the Mets are not playing. They are:
Amazin’ Again - by Greg Prince - Great recap of the 2015 season
Kings of Queens - by Erik Sherman -  Life Beyond Baseball With The ’86 Mets
Down On The Korner: Ralph Kiner and Kiner’s Korner - by Howie Karin and Mark Rosenman*
Welcome to The Show - by Frank Nappi - Third in the Mickey Tussler series.  Read the book , read the series, they are all terrific.

All are available at Amazon and other fine booksellers.
*Preorder at Amazon or order now at sportstalknylive.com and save!

THIS AND THAT 4-10-2016








Mets start season with a problem they had last season,  lack of offense.  So far this young 2016 season the Mets top of the order has struggled.  The middle with Conforto, Walker have been doing most of the damage .  Granted, the weather has not been conducive to hitting,and it is still very early, still, with the Mets history of offensive woes it is something to keep in mind.


From Mets Blog.com - Lefthanded reliever Josh Edgin began his rehab stint with Class A St. Lucie Sunday, throwing 27 pitches in 2/3 of an inning.
Edgin, who started, allowed a walk, single and sac fly.  Edgin, who had Tommy John surgery in March 2015, is aiming to return to the Mets around May 1. He was placed on the disabled list at the start of the season.



How about those Columbia Fireflies !  The first victory in Fireflies franchise history goes down as a combined no hitter.  Thomas McIlraith, Alex Palsha and Johnny Magliozzi  were the three pitchers that  no-hit the Charleston RiverDogs . With the help of catcher Jose Garcia, the trio struck out 13 batters and led Columbia to a 9-0 win. 


Jacob deGrom will miss his next start due to a sore lat muscle.  This injury forced him out of his first start in the home opener Friday.  Logan Verrett gets the start.


Went to a book launch for my friend Frank Nappi on Friday evening.  Frank's new book Welcome To The Show,  is the third novel in his Mickey Tussler series which is about an autistic young man who becomes a pitching phenom and the trials and tribulations of life around him and the people he encounters. All three novels are available at Amazon , Barnes and Noble and other fine book stores.  I highly recommend the entire series.

RANDOM THOUGHTS 3-19-2016




Great article by Greg Prince http://www.faithandfearinflushing.com/  on the life and times (and departure) of Ruben Tejada.

 I was a Tejada fan so I think his talent peaked at an early age and what you saw is what you got with him.  Not great, but solid in the field , could work out a walk, very little pop,  though he seemed to be a good guy. At least, he made it to a playoff even though he will become a footnote in playoff history, for receiving a broken leg.  Nonetheless, there is always a little sadness when someone goes that you rooted for over a period of time. But that's the business of the game.


David Wright makes Spring debut tonight.  And it's about time. Whether he is ready for Opening Day is debatable at this point , however, he says he will be, and, it's always good to see the Captain on the field.

I have no problem with Matt Harvey getting the nod for Opening Day.  He is the"ace" of the staff, has been having a good spring and deseves the honor.  Now go and show us what you are made of.


On the injury front:  Yoenis Cespedes is okay, Cabrera looks like he will be okay for the opener, Wheeler threw off a mound, and Edgin is throwing batting practice and feeling better.


By the By:  This is the month for books on the Mets

When Shea was Home by Brett Topel
Amazin Again: How The 2015NY Mets Brought The Magic Back To Queensby Greg Prince
Kings Of Queens: Life Beyond Baseball With The '86 Mets by Erik Sherman ( March 22)

And in April
Down On The Korner: Ralph Kiner and Kiner's Korner by Mark Rosenman and Howie Karpin

Great reads all, go check them out.

THE KEVIN PLAWECKI CONUNDRUM - AMAZIN' AGAIN 3-15-2016





What to do with Kevin Plawecki?  That is a question circulating around camp.  The young catcher did not perform as well offensively, as we all thought.  However, he did an admirable job  working with the pitchers, running games, and defensive prowess.  Over the winter Plawecki reworked his swing ,and has had a decent spring with the bat.  So what do you do.  With a healthy Travis d’Arnaud, would it be better to have Plawecki go down to AAA and play every day or play sporadically in the Majors?



 I’m kind of stuck in the middle on this one.  I would love to see him make the club, but I see the sense in having him play everyday. Time will tell.  To see more on this check out this article fromKristie Ackert of the NY Daily News   http://nydn.us/1LZv7qH


Greg  Prince  is an author and a blogger.He is the coeditor / co founder of the Faith and Fear in Flushing blog, a very popular Mets blog and I was lucky enough to have him come on the show just the other week.  Greg has a new book out called "Amazin’ Again: How the 2015 New York Mets Brought the Magic Back to Queens”, a book about the 2015 season as seen thru Greg's eyes and as well as all Mets  fans eyes. It's s a terrific book and everybody should pick it up. Your Mets library is incomplete without this book.  It's available at Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble, and all fine book stores.  Go check it out and pick up your copy today.

PITCHER AND CATCHER 3-10-2016

PITCHER AND CATCHER 3-10-2016








The other evening I was listening to another Mets podcast, and the cohost was quite angry at Jacob de Grom for not signing his 2016 contract. As you know,  de Grom was not happy with the contract that he received from the Mets and his agent had to do some fancy footwork to try to smooth over the situation. 

At first I was a little taken aback by the cohost’s opinion , thinking that it was not a big deal, but after further reflection I think he made a valid point. Jacob de Grom and his agent handled the whole situation poorly. It should have  never gotten out in the press, it should've never gotten to the point where they had to walk it back to make it look that it wasn’t that big a deal. The Mets were well within  their authority  to offer what they did to de Grom. He's got to except the rules. These are rules that were set up by his union, the Major League Baseball Players Association, as well as Major-League Baseball. It was negotiated, agreed upon, and the players have to learn to live with it. Of course, he's underpaid. He’s not making anything near what he should be making but that's not the point. The point is there is a CBA, which was agreed by everybody.  The Mets had every right to do what they did. 

The business of baseball can be an ugly business with the arbitration hearings and all.  It can be very nasty and what happened with Jacob de Grom wasn't right, but, the Mets are not the bad guy in this thing. They did exactly what a team that is trying to save a few bucks to keep the team together would do and have no fault at all. Jacob de Grom will make his money eventually, so for now just work hard and wait for that day to come and sign the contract.




Mike Piazza spent the other day visiting the  Hall of Fame for the first time in a long while. He checked out the different exhibits, and also checked out where his future plaque is going to be come this July. He had some thoughts on being at the Hall of Fame:
"It's a little overwhelming," Piazza said Tuesday after touring the shrine in preparation for his induction in July. "You kind of feel like the race is over. It all starts to hit home. It's your career and many people have touched it. It's pretty crazy to think about."
"It's incredibly powerful. This whole year for me has been so euphoric. It's such an honor," said Piazza. "When you come here and you see the history here, the players that you played against and with, it all sort of trickles back. It's a powerful experience. The game has given me everything that I have."
Piazza put on white gloves and swung bats once wielded by the Splendid Splinter, Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams, and Philadelphia Phillies icon Mike Schmidt.
"To come back and then to see Mike Schmidt's bat, I mean, I grew up watching the Phillies in the 70s," said Piazza, who lived in Norristown, just north of Philadelphia. "That was the team that I loved to watch and followed. Coming full circle with the Mets and seeing Tom Seaver (in the Hall of Fame), it starts to hit home. It's very exciting for me."
Elected on the fourth try, Piazza joins Tom Seaver as the only players elected to the Hall as New York Mets. Piazza will be inducted July 24 with Ken Griffey Jr.