Beltran: I Don't Want to Embarrass Myself

We don't want you to embarrass yourself either. That's why you should move.

The plan, according to the Star-Ledger's Andy McCullough, is for Beltran to begin a running program for the next seven to ten days. The program is designed to help strengthen Beltran's right knee. After the seven to ten days are up, he will tell the team if he is up for playing center field.

Beltran has said that he would be willing to move to right field if necessary.

Beltran is in the final year of his contract, and the move to right field could prolong his career by limiting his movement in the outfield and keeping his knee healthy.

Is it just me, or does it sound like Beltran is only willing to move to right field because it's what's best for him. It should be because it's what's best for the team.

I understand, he doesn't want to give up baseball, and he wants to continue playing for years. All athletes have that dream.

A lot of fans are quick to trash talk Beltran, but I've tried to avoid that. Until now.

In an interview with Beltran, Adam Rubin quoted Beltran as saying:

"I understand there's been a lot of things about center field, right field. Like I told Sandy, I told Terry: 'I will give you a better answer of where I think I should play based on how I feel, but at the same time understand this is not about Carlos. This is about the team.' And whatever is best for the team, at the end of the day, it's not my decision. That's where I stand...If it is best for Carlos, for the team, to move to right, [I'm] all for that"

First of all, don't refer to yourself in the third person. Second, I don't believe you.

He addressed it with a "Me, me, me," attitude."I" will test my knee. "I" will tell you if I can play. "I" will play right field if it means I can continue playing for years...even if that means another team.

Wright Working to Make it to First Base

According to Adam Rubin, Mets third base/infield coach Chip Hale gave David Wright instructions for long tossing exercises to "build up his arm strength and return more zip."

Hale had this to say about Wright's arm:

"We just wanted him to throw long. He did that all winter and he's been continuing it right now. To be honest, I haven't seen him throw too much at the position [yet] -- just warming up and just throwing really long, which is important early in spring training. I've more been on the field with the 'middle' guys. We just wanted to get his arm stronger and more fit for the season. A lot of times what we do as baseball players is only throw as long as our position makes us. So what I really wanted him to do was just lengthen it out."

Honestly...how hard is it to throw from third base to first base? Especially for someone who has made it to the Major League level.

This isn't a new issue for Wright either. The past couple of seasons I've watched him throw some doozies. Thankfully for Wright, he has a pretty solid first baseman in Ike Davis, to bail him out. 

Everyone Hates Luis

My twitter feed has been flooded with people complaining about Luis Castillo not arriving to camp early.

My response: Who cares?

It would probably be helpful to him if he showed up a few days early, but really, what difference would it make.

With everyone, including the media, counting down the days until he is released, what possible motivation would he have to show up early?

According to Adam Rubin, manager Terry Collins said, "I also know he's in the Dominican. I know he went to the [Mets'] academy. I know he's done some other things. I know he's working out. I'm aware of that."

So, it sounds like Castillo has been doing something. What, exactly, is anyones guess.

Pagan Says Beltran Deserves Job

Angel Pagan arrived to camp this morning and spoke with reporters. In regard to the center field position, Pagan told them, "If Carlos is healthy, he'll be the center fielder."

Maybe this is Pagan's way of respecting his elders. He's not going to come out and say, "I want that job."

I would really like to see Pagan roaming center field this season, but if Beltran proves that he is still capable of handling it, then let him have it.

Let the better player win. Competition is a good thing.

I'm Heading to PSL

In two weeks I will be making my way down to Port St. Lucie, Florida, for Mets Spring Training. I plan on writing and keeping you guys updated on all the latest while I'm there.

My question is: What are you looking to see in Spring Training? What are some topics you would like to see discussed on this site in regard to the Mets?

Comment below, send me an e-mail, or respond on Twitter.

Mets, HoJo Split

According to Andy Martino of the Daily News, former hitting coach, Howard Johnson, has left the organization.

He was replaced with new hitting coach Dave Hudgens, and offered the job of hitting coach for minor league affiliates in Port St. Lucie and Brooklyn.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous when batting coaches get the blame for a players' failures at the plate. I do understand, however, that the Mets wanted to just clean house after last season, and Johnson was a part of that.

Santana on the Road to Recovery

Video courtesy of Metsblog

Sandy Alderson's main point was to tell reporters that this will be a month-by-month process, and not to bother Johan Santana or him with daily questions about Santana's progress.

Santana is in the third stage of recovery from his surgery. For the next three months, he will be tossing the ball around, working on intensity and velocity. Around April, we can expect Santana to begin the third phase, which is pitching. This phase is expected to take 6-8 weeks.

All I can say is, Johan, take your time. I would rather have him not come back until August if it meant he was coming back completely healthy.

Pitchers and Catchers Full Workout Today

Mets pitchers and catchers will hold their first full workout of the spring today. Expect updates later this afternoon.

Collins Addresses the Media

Terry Collins addressed the media for the first time today since the arrival of pitchers and catchers. If you missed it, don't worry, there was no breaking news.

Collins plans on giving a small speech to the pitchers and catchers before their first workout tomorrow. A big speech is planned once everyone has arrived.

It should be good. He's been practicing it since November.

To view a recap of Collins' comments, check out Adam Rubin's post here.

Reunited And It Feels So Good

The Mets and Jason Isringhausen agreed to a minor league deal Tuesday with an invitation to Spring Training. Isringhausen pitched for the Mets from 1995 to 1999, posting a 18-22 record.  

The one-time member of Generation K, will now be up against the Mets current bullpen pitchers. Maybe we can call this group Special K.

I don't see him making the Major League roster, but I'll be rooting for him. 

Madoff Says Mets Knew Nothing

Mets owners got some support today from Bernie Madoff. Just what everyone in Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz's position wants...kind words from a convicted felon.

In a jailhouse interview, Madoff told the New York Times, "They knew nothing. They knew nothing."

Well if Bernie says so, it must be true.

In case you haven't heard, the Mets owners are being accused by Irving Picard, of either knowing, or that they should have known about the Ponzi scheme. Picard is seeking $1 billion. 

I believe that the Wilpons were unaware of what was happening. If I were them, I would be dreading this interview with Madoff. The last thing I would want if I were them would be to have this guy's name associated with me any more than it already is. Even if he is saying I'm innocent.

Blast From the Past

Jason Isringhausen auditioned for the Mets this morning. The free agent RHP contacted J.P Ricciardi for the chance to try out. The 38-year-old also tried out for the Reds last week. 

His last stint in the majors was with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009 where he made nine appearances. 

Keep him away from the dugout trash cans.

Courtesy: @NewYorkMets

Spring Training is Finally Here

Spring Training has officially arrived! Pitchers and catchers are slowly rolling in to Mets camp, along with a few position players. Let's take a moment to ignore the off-field drama that will be filling up the news for the next few days (if not weeks), and just enjoy the fact that baseball is back.

Courtesy: @NewYorkMets

More Mets Valentine's

Here are a few more Mets Valentine's Day cards for your viewing pleasure.

 

Perez Locked Out Of Camp

If there was ever a sign for Oliver Perez, this would be it. Perez was the first player to show up to the Spring Training complex on Sunday morning, only to get to the locker room and find that it was locked.

I have to give him some credit. He did show up a few days before he was required.

"I’m here to be a starting pitcher,” Perez told Steve Popper of the Bergen Record. “But if they want to use me in the bullpen or for one inning, I don’t know. What’s more important for me is trying to be on the team and try to help the team, because I know the past few years we’ve had trouble winning the games."

Really? If the team was so important to you, you would have gone to the minors last season.

With his me first attitude, not only did his pitching deteriorate to pure crap, but he also lost all respect from the organization and is now one of the most hated Mets players.

Way to go, Ollie.

Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins didin't even care enough to visit Perez in the Mexican Winter League. It appears they didn't miss much.

In 39 1/3 innings, he walked 32 batters, while compiling a 3-3 record and a 5.22 ERA.

Happy Valentine's Day from the Mets

This Valentine's Day, I thought I would make a few Valentine's Day cards using Picnik. Enjoy

 

Terry Collins: The Next Great Communicator

According to Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger, new Mets manager Terry Collins is being praised for his communication skills.

The fact that he has any communication skills automatically makes him better than Jerry Manuel.

How many times last season did we hear one thing from Manuel, and then later hear a different story from a player? Too many times, that's how many.

Based on the quotes from Mets players in McCullough's story, it sounds like Collins isn't afraid to tell a player what they are not doing correctly, and when they need to step up their game.

Maybe Collins is just what this team needs.

Personally, I'd like to see Collins ruffle some feathers. That doesn't mean he needs to act like some kind of dictator, but I think someone needs to disrupt the status quo.

It's time for some players to get off their high horse and face reality, if you are not pulling your weight at work, expect your boss to take you to task...or make you change positions.

Yeah, I'm talking to you, Carlos Beltran.