At this point, I have to say that I don't necessarily have any expectations for this upcoming season. That doesn't mean I think they will be horrible, nor does it mean I think they are winning the World Series (although it would be awesome if they did).
Without expectations, there can be no disappointment.
There have been no major signings so far this off-season, and I don't foresee any in the near future. That's fine by me.
We've had the big names, and where has it gotten the team? Not too far.
I like the idea of having a team of "no-names." As I've stated in previous posts, when you have players, fighting to be in the line up, and who do not have million dollar, multi-year deals locked up, they tend to play a little harder.
In a time where people are going crazy over statistics, I couldn't care less about them.
All you have to do is look back at previous years' teams and see that being the best ball club on paper doesn't mean you are the best team on the field. You don't win ball games on paper, you win them out on the field. That's what people need to remember, and that's always the first thing people forget.
When's the last time you read anything about a player, or team, and their stats were not forced down your throat? It's constant.
I know wins and losses don't mean much for pitchers. Just ask Johan Santana. How many games since he has arrived on the team did he lose, or get a no decision on, that had nothing to do with his pitching? He was 11-9 this past season, and could have easily been a 15 game winner had he had more support from his offense.
Statistics at the plate don't mean much to me either. You could be the team's big name, the guy everyone would want at the plate in big time situations, and you could strike out looking. Thanks again for that memory Carlos Beltran.
So, I will take this season day-by-day and try my best to ignore the statistics.
As Spring Training rolls around, you can't help but feel hopeful, otherwise what's the point of being a fan. You never know what the year is going to bring.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
E-Mail From Sandy Alderson
This e-mail was sent to fans by Mets GM Sandy Alderson stating the team's organizational philosophy:
Dear Mets Fans:
Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.
With Spring Training just six weeks away, I wanted to update you on our preparation for the 2011 season.
Yesterday, we wrapped up two days of meetings in Port St. Lucie where we went over organizational philosophy and how to implement it throughout the major and minor leagues. It was also the first opportunity for Terry Collins and his staff to sit down and discuss the mechanics of Spring Training and determine how they will emphasize fundamentals, mental and physical preparation and hard work. As Terry has said, the driving force will be playing the game the right way, which will lead to more wins.
Over the past two months, we have followed our plan of filling out our roster with reasonably priced players who have significant upside potential. As I have said before, our payroll - which will be among the highest in baseball - gives us limited flexibility, but we do have money to spend. We have acquired players who we think can thrive at Citi Field and complement our existing group of players.
As you likely know, earlier this week we signed pitchers Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz. Chris is a former All-Star and 18-game winner who last year came back from his second Tommy John surgery. We are confident he has the ability to re-establish himself as a dependable starter who can excel in our ballpark. Taylor has fully recovered from elbow surgery and has the potential to be a solid arm out of the bullpen.
Every year players come out of nowhere to become success stories. Look no further than R.A. Dickey. He signed a minor-league deal last January, became a fixture in the starting rotation in May, and finished the season with 11 victories and a 2.84 ERA. I believe some of our offseason acquisitions can be this year's version of R.A.
We are excited about 2011. We have a solid core group of players who we expect will make significant contributions to making the Mets a success. As we have said all along, we will put ourselves in the best position possible to succeed both in the short and long term.
There will be an exciting brand of baseball played at Citi Field this year that matches the passion and intensity that you have for the team.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Big Prospect, Little Result
Yes, I know he is just 22 years old, but let's face it, this kid is falling apart. For the past few years it has been one injury after another. Now, he has arthritis in his knee. I don't know about you, but I don't believe arthritis gets better with age.
Everyone says that if he had a chance to get enough at-bats we could see what this guy is all about. Let me clarify. No, we won't. You want to know why? Because just when he starts to get hot, he'll get hurt again.
I hate to say it, but it's what he does, or at least that's how it feels every year.
Even if Martinez were to stay healthy long enough to get in the playing time, he's lost a lot of the qualities that landed him on the top prospect list year after year.
He no longer possesses the speed he once had, and his only feature considered attractive at this point is his bat. According to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, he's not strong enough offensively to play every day in a corner position.
I say Martinez be cut loose and sent to a team where he could possibly have some sort of career. Go to the AL Fernando. Consider a career as a DH.
Pay Day for Some Mets
Three arbitration-eligible players are up for a considerable pay raise.
R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey, and Angel Pagan are eligible for arbitration on Wednesday. Eligible players are those who have between three and six years of MLB experience.
According to Anothony DiComo of MLB.com, Dickey and Pagan should be able to land themselves a contract without going to a hearing. Pelfrey, whose agent is Scott Boras, is expected to go to a hearing.
Dickey, 35, could negotiate a multi-year deal worth a couple million dollars if he avoids arbitration. If not, he will receive a one-year deal and be a free agent at the end of the 2011 season.
Pelfrey can also expect a significant pay raise in his first year of arbitration after making just $500,000 last year. His four-year, $5.25 million contract expired after the 2009 season. He can expect an increase of roughly $3 million to $4 million.
Pagan, who is still under the Mets' control for the next two seasons, can double his salary in the arbitration process. He made $1.45 million last year in his break out season for the Mets.
R.A. Dickey, Mike Pelfrey, and Angel Pagan are eligible for arbitration on Wednesday. Eligible players are those who have between three and six years of MLB experience.
According to Anothony DiComo of MLB.com, Dickey and Pagan should be able to land themselves a contract without going to a hearing. Pelfrey, whose agent is Scott Boras, is expected to go to a hearing.
Dickey, 35, could negotiate a multi-year deal worth a couple million dollars if he avoids arbitration. If not, he will receive a one-year deal and be a free agent at the end of the 2011 season.
Pelfrey can also expect a significant pay raise in his first year of arbitration after making just $500,000 last year. His four-year, $5.25 million contract expired after the 2009 season. He can expect an increase of roughly $3 million to $4 million.
Pagan, who is still under the Mets' control for the next two seasons, can double his salary in the arbitration process. He made $1.45 million last year in his break out season for the Mets.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Mets Sign Capuano and Buchholz
According to SNY's Kevin Burkhardt, the Mets have signed free-agent LHP Chris Capuano and RHP Taylor Buchholz to one-year contracts.
In order to make room for the two pitchers on the 40-man roster, the team designated RHP Ryota Igarashi for assignment.
Capuano, 32, went 4-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 24 appearances last year with the Brewers, including nine starts. He missed the entire 2009 season recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.
Buchholz began the 2010 season on a rehab assignment, not making an appearance until July 24. He was put on waivers and claimed by the Blue Jays in September.
Mets to Host Annual Blood Drive
Head to Citi Field for a good cause as the Mets host their annual Winter Blood Drive for the New York Blood Center on Thursday, January 6. The blood drive will be held in the Caesars Club from 10am to 5pm (Donors should enter through the Hodges VIP Entrance).
All donors will receive two tickets to a 2011 Mets home game during the month of April. If you plan on donating, be sure to bring identification.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Mets Get First No-Hitter
Well it was a combined no-hitter. Close enough.
Mets prospect Dylan Owen threw seven no-hit innings for the Los Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
The combined no-hit effort resulted in a 5-0 victory over Los Gigantes de Carolina.
In his seven innings, Owen struck out three while walking two batters.
Owen, 24, spent the 2010 season split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Buffalo as both a starter and reliever. He appeared in 36 games, 17 of which were starts, and was a combined 7-8 with a 5.04 ERA.
For more on Owen and the game, click here.
Mets prospect Dylan Owen threw seven no-hit innings for the Los Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
The combined no-hit effort resulted in a 5-0 victory over Los Gigantes de Carolina.
In his seven innings, Owen struck out three while walking two batters.
Owen, 24, spent the 2010 season split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Buffalo as both a starter and reliever. He appeared in 36 games, 17 of which were starts, and was a combined 7-8 with a 5.04 ERA.
For more on Owen and the game, click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)