Saturday, April 21, 2012
Odds and Ends
Mended Fences
Historically, the Mets have never been a team whose offense leaned heavily on the home run ball. Within the last couple years however the big fly has become so rare that an ignorant observer of Mets games might be left to wondering if hitting a ball out of the field of play had been made illegal. In an effort to help Citifield shed it’s reputation of being a place where four baggers go to die, the team decided to move the fences in and simultaneously make the original high walls less daunting. Although the old schooler in me still views this as a wimpy move, the early returns are positive. Of the 6 HR’s the Mets have smacked at home this season, 4 of them would not been with the old configuration. Since the loss of Jose Reyes has denied us the excitement of the triple, here’s hoping the resurgence of the homer can fill the drama gap. Since the 2011 Mets were also last in home runs on the road it’s important to note that the boys have shown some power in hostile territories as well with 8 bombs. When Jason “Mr. Invisible” Bay has 3, you won’t hear me complain.
Santana Rising
Like Carlos when he put out with that song with Rob Thomas on it, the comeback of Johan Santanta is in full swing. All right, yes he got shelled last time he toed the rubber, but to echo my words in the season preview, when you haven’t pitched in a year and a half there will be ugly moment. The good news is, those moments are a lot easier to weather when the two previous starts were so pretty. In his first two starts in 2012 Johan Santana posted a combined 10 IP surrendering 1 ER with 13 K’s to go along. While the ace has 0 wins to show for his effort and he is a long way from returning to Cy Young discussion, Johan’s arm hasn’t forgotten how to make him money and as long it holds up, the W’s will come.
Give and Take (Pitches)
When a movie about the “Moneyball” revolution nearly wins best picture, you know on base percentage is important. Thus far the Mets have occupied those little white squares like hipsters on Wall Street. The team has posted a OBP mark of .331. Most importantly, Mets hitters have been taking a ton of pitches. Though I can’t prove it with statistics (read, I don’t have the energy to find them), it seems like every AB for the Mutts seems to be at least half a dozen pitches. It goes without saying that higher pitch counts lead to better pitches to hit, walks, and higher pitch counts on opposing starters. Even if an opposing pitcher appears dominant, taking pitches could get them of there by the 6th. The problem thus far is that our home town hitters have been mediocre in turning those base runners into runs, but the law of averages dictates we’ll bring em around eventually.
A secondary problem has been that our starters have also thrown a ton of pitches. The given that the Mets are one of those clubs so staunchly committed to a 100 pitch limit it means the bullpen has been throwing 3 or 4 innings every day. Regardless of talent, no pen can throw that much. An exhausted bullpen is no recipe for an Oscar winning season.
Familiarity Breeds Contention
Of the 13 games played this season, 12 have been against our NL East division mates. While the record hasn’t been anything legendary, our performance shows that we can compete with these teams as they stand. Like the season at large there are a ton of division games left, but the competitive start helps both literally and psychologically. Had we dug a deep whole two weeks in the urge to give up for fans and team may have won out by well…May. The division may not be great. The Mets may not be great, but we don’t suck…for now
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New York Mets Season Preview (On Field Edition):
The Rotation:
Perhaps the only thing that will provoke feelings of a return to normalcy for the fans this afternoon will be when Johan Santana grabs the hill just after 1pm. A review of stats will serve as a reminder that Johan has spent most of his career playing the role of quintessential ace. Problem is his arm hasn’t allowed the ace to pitch in a game that counted in just over 18 months and has started bar room chatter of Santana being the latest superstar to join the Orange and Blue’s Scrap Heap Hall of Fame. The extremists of Met land will assert that anything short of a Cy Young season will be a bust, but realistically, posting anything close to the 30 or so starts Johan had averaged pre arm breakdown will be reason to be encouraged.
If it’s easy to root for Santana’s return to glory, it’s becoming equally hard to root for Mike Pelfrey to achieve any kind of glory. A guy once considered by some to be the latest in the storied Met tradition of home grown arms, Pelf was pretty dismal last season (7-13, 4.40 ERA). Going into last year, I was among those putting my stock in the refrain “hey he won 15 games last year,” While I certainly wouldn’t mind 15 wins for Mike, I see it as much more likely he is out of town by August.
What’s better than a new contract?: A new nose. Lucky for him, the Mutts Jon Niese now has both. Niese was recently given the gift of a new nose by ex teammate Carlos Beltran. Upon first hearing of Nosegate and the fact that the pitcher's motivations were cosmetic, I chalked it up as more evidence of what a tabloid joke my beloved franchise had becomenow however Niese has reported he is literally breathing easier than he has in years so maybe we’ll all benefit. According to my sources, breathing is good.
The contract extension also struck me initially as an April Fools joke delivered late. The team hasn’t spent money on anybody but all of the sudden they give a 5 year 25ish million dollar (with two team options that could push the deal to 52 million) deal to this guy? Upon further review, I realized he posted decent numbers for a mid rotation guy (11-11, 4.40) and at 26 years old still has time to grow. Given the contract stability and low pressure rotation spot, there is a good chance “the Schnozzola” has a break out year. Apparently the brass thinks he is a nose above the rest.
When I do these preview pieces, I like to do an impression of a sports writer and say at least a few learned baseball things, when it comes to R.A. Dickey, to hell with all that. I fucking love this guy. How do you not love a guy who re-invented his career throwing a cartoon pitch, climbed Mount Kilamanjaro for charity, and recently admitted he was a survivor of child abuse? Not only did he climb said mountain, he did so over the objections of team brass, and we all know how I feel about team brass right now. Good for you Robert Allen. Oh yeah, the Dickster led the squad in ERA last season at 3.28.
The squad of once a week hurlers is rounded out by a Mr. Dillon Gee (no idea why I felt he should be addressed formally). Gee emerged as a bit of a star in the first half of last year’s campaign when he posted an 8-1 record through June and thus was nearly presented with the key to the city. Naturally, he fell down to earth in the second half with a 5-5 mark. Bottom line is the overall 13-6 with an ERA of 4.04 ain’t bad for a rotation caboose with barely a season under his belt. If nothing else, if Dillon can eat some innings and get double digit wins it will give me a chance to stretch my muscles on Gee puns. Gee Gordon Liddy? Anyone? Anyone?
The Bullpen:
I’m tired of writing about pitchers. Not to mention bullpens always look completely different by June. Here are a few words about each member of the pen that may or may not be about baseball.
Jon Rauch: He’s freakishly tall
Ramon Ramirez: Another one of those guys that “played a big role” in the Giants World Series win a couple years ago. This makes me uncomfortably wonder why he is not still with the Giants.
Manny Acosta: He’s been with the team for 2 seasons now and I have no feelings about him whatsoever. No idea what this means.
Bobby Parnell: Mike Pelfrey lite.
Miguel Bautisa: Yes, that Miguel Bautista. He 142 years old and only on the team because Pedro Beato is injured
Tim Byrdak: The lefty, every team has to have one.
Frank Francisco: My sources tell me he doesn’t sucker punch senior citizens, an underrated quality in a closer
Catcher:
From Gary Carter to Todd Hundley to Mike Piazza, Mets fans have been spoiled with either All-Star or Hall of Fame Catchers. These are both things Josh Thole is not. That said, he is capable as abackstop both in terms of the glove and stick (.268, 3 HR, 40 RBI). My biggest gripe with Josh is that his lack of power keeps me from screaming THOLE COW in my best (worst) Phil Rizzuto voice very often.
First Base:
It seems like every year the Mets break camp with at least one player with one medical ailment us average schmucks have never heard of. Enter Ike Davis and Valley Fever. Valley Fever is a fungal infection that affects the lungs and while most people with the condition are asymptomatic, sometimes it can cause the sufferer’s lungs to collapse. The good news is (if his lungs don’t collapse) Ike Davis will likely continue to hit the ball like its named Tina and drive in runs to the triple digit level. If I can appeal to Ike’s lungs personally, on behalf of all Mets fans, I implore you please don’t collapse. The big guy’s homers may be all we have to hold on to this year.
Second Base:
A good spring for Daniel Murphy is one where his knee doesn’t explode so it follows that Mr. Murphy had a good spring. In the follow up to his comeback 2011 (.320, 6 HR, 49 RBI’s in 391 AB’s) Murphy is cemented as the starting 2nd baseman this season. The chance to play one position and get 500-600 AB’s this year will give him a chance to be the potential star he looked to be before being snake bitten by a handful of injuries. If Murph succeeds in 2012, given his hard luck history (which is extremely relatable in these still brutal economic times) his popularity could balloon to Jeremy Lin levels.
Third Base:
2012 begins with David Wright again taking his post on the hot corner. Sadly for everybody, this could very well be his last in Queens. In some sick way, it SHOULD be his last. Not only if, but because we love him, we have to let him go. He’s still great and God knows he’s loyal but he can’t save the franchise by himself, no matter where the fences are. Give him a change of scenery and get a couple of building blocks in return. We promise David, it’s not you it’s them, (the Wilpons).
Shortstop:
As Jose Reyes goes, so go the Mets…ah fuck me nevermind. Our shortstop is Ruben Tejada who brings to mind Rey Ordonez rather than Jose Reyes. Ruben Tejada becomes your starting shortstop when your team runs out of money.
Outfield:
If Johan Santana is in danger of joining the Scrap Heap Hall of Fame, Jason Bay has pretty much guaranteed they will name it after him. It didn’t take much to realize his season with the Red Sox was a career year but since joining the Mets to call his play mediocre would be an exercise in charity. You know you’ve been bad when your signing made a recent list of the worst deals in NY baseball history and you still have two years left on the contract. Bay’s 2nd round with the Mets can’t end soon enough.
Our new centerfielder and lead-off hitter is Andres Torres. I wish I had more encouraging (or any) things to say about Torres but if you understand how a guy who was injured all spring and coming off a season batting .221 and striking out 95 times in only 348 AB’s is an improvement over Angel Pagan, fill me in because I don’t have a clue.
If there is excitement to be found in the Mets outfield, Lucas Duda is our only hope. Defensively, he’s better than he appears having committed only 3 errors last season but offensively is where he may shine. If his numbers from last season were extended for a full season he will hit between 15-20 homers and drive in 75-100 runs. At least somebody in the OF can keep us awake.
The Bench:
I’m tired of writing about ball players. Here are a few words about the bench players that may or may not have anything to do with baseball (or true)
Justin Turner: He’s only on team because he’s a ginger, a few years Bud Selig secretly decreed every team must have one on the 25 man roster. Really, it’s true, read the rule book
Ronny Cedeno: Fact fun, he is not Roger Cedeno
Scott Hairston: Still not sure which of the Hairston brothers this is
Mike Baxter: A little pop but is probably just keeping the seat warm for Nieuwenhuis
Mike Nickeas: Apparently a better back up catcher than the still unemployed Ivan Rodriguez
That’s all I’ve got folks, a happy and healthy Opening Day to all my fellow Metsochists
Perhaps the only thing that will provoke feelings of a return to normalcy for the fans this afternoon will be when Johan Santana grabs the hill just after 1pm. A review of stats will serve as a reminder that Johan has spent most of his career playing the role of quintessential ace. Problem is his arm hasn’t allowed the ace to pitch in a game that counted in just over 18 months and has started bar room chatter of Santana being the latest superstar to join the Orange and Blue’s Scrap Heap Hall of Fame. The extremists of Met land will assert that anything short of a Cy Young season will be a bust, but realistically, posting anything close to the 30 or so starts Johan had averaged pre arm breakdown will be reason to be encouraged.
If it’s easy to root for Santana’s return to glory, it’s becoming equally hard to root for Mike Pelfrey to achieve any kind of glory. A guy once considered by some to be the latest in the storied Met tradition of home grown arms, Pelf was pretty dismal last season (7-13, 4.40 ERA). Going into last year, I was among those putting my stock in the refrain “hey he won 15 games last year,” While I certainly wouldn’t mind 15 wins for Mike, I see it as much more likely he is out of town by August.
What’s better than a new contract?: A new nose. Lucky for him, the Mutts Jon Niese now has both. Niese was recently given the gift of a new nose by ex teammate Carlos Beltran. Upon first hearing of Nosegate and the fact that the pitcher's motivations were cosmetic, I chalked it up as more evidence of what a tabloid joke my beloved franchise had becomenow however Niese has reported he is literally breathing easier than he has in years so maybe we’ll all benefit. According to my sources, breathing is good.
The contract extension also struck me initially as an April Fools joke delivered late. The team hasn’t spent money on anybody but all of the sudden they give a 5 year 25ish million dollar (with two team options that could push the deal to 52 million) deal to this guy? Upon further review, I realized he posted decent numbers for a mid rotation guy (11-11, 4.40) and at 26 years old still has time to grow. Given the contract stability and low pressure rotation spot, there is a good chance “the Schnozzola” has a break out year. Apparently the brass thinks he is a nose above the rest.
When I do these preview pieces, I like to do an impression of a sports writer and say at least a few learned baseball things, when it comes to R.A. Dickey, to hell with all that. I fucking love this guy. How do you not love a guy who re-invented his career throwing a cartoon pitch, climbed Mount Kilamanjaro for charity, and recently admitted he was a survivor of child abuse? Not only did he climb said mountain, he did so over the objections of team brass, and we all know how I feel about team brass right now. Good for you Robert Allen. Oh yeah, the Dickster led the squad in ERA last season at 3.28.
The squad of once a week hurlers is rounded out by a Mr. Dillon Gee (no idea why I felt he should be addressed formally). Gee emerged as a bit of a star in the first half of last year’s campaign when he posted an 8-1 record through June and thus was nearly presented with the key to the city. Naturally, he fell down to earth in the second half with a 5-5 mark. Bottom line is the overall 13-6 with an ERA of 4.04 ain’t bad for a rotation caboose with barely a season under his belt. If nothing else, if Dillon can eat some innings and get double digit wins it will give me a chance to stretch my muscles on Gee puns. Gee Gordon Liddy? Anyone? Anyone?
The Bullpen:
I’m tired of writing about pitchers. Not to mention bullpens always look completely different by June. Here are a few words about each member of the pen that may or may not be about baseball.
Jon Rauch: He’s freakishly tall
Ramon Ramirez: Another one of those guys that “played a big role” in the Giants World Series win a couple years ago. This makes me uncomfortably wonder why he is not still with the Giants.
Manny Acosta: He’s been with the team for 2 seasons now and I have no feelings about him whatsoever. No idea what this means.
Bobby Parnell: Mike Pelfrey lite.
Miguel Bautisa: Yes, that Miguel Bautista. He 142 years old and only on the team because Pedro Beato is injured
Tim Byrdak: The lefty, every team has to have one.
Frank Francisco: My sources tell me he doesn’t sucker punch senior citizens, an underrated quality in a closer
Catcher:
From Gary Carter to Todd Hundley to Mike Piazza, Mets fans have been spoiled with either All-Star or Hall of Fame Catchers. These are both things Josh Thole is not. That said, he is capable as abackstop both in terms of the glove and stick (.268, 3 HR, 40 RBI). My biggest gripe with Josh is that his lack of power keeps me from screaming THOLE COW in my best (worst) Phil Rizzuto voice very often.
First Base:
It seems like every year the Mets break camp with at least one player with one medical ailment us average schmucks have never heard of. Enter Ike Davis and Valley Fever. Valley Fever is a fungal infection that affects the lungs and while most people with the condition are asymptomatic, sometimes it can cause the sufferer’s lungs to collapse. The good news is (if his lungs don’t collapse) Ike Davis will likely continue to hit the ball like its named Tina and drive in runs to the triple digit level. If I can appeal to Ike’s lungs personally, on behalf of all Mets fans, I implore you please don’t collapse. The big guy’s homers may be all we have to hold on to this year.
Second Base:
A good spring for Daniel Murphy is one where his knee doesn’t explode so it follows that Mr. Murphy had a good spring. In the follow up to his comeback 2011 (.320, 6 HR, 49 RBI’s in 391 AB’s) Murphy is cemented as the starting 2nd baseman this season. The chance to play one position and get 500-600 AB’s this year will give him a chance to be the potential star he looked to be before being snake bitten by a handful of injuries. If Murph succeeds in 2012, given his hard luck history (which is extremely relatable in these still brutal economic times) his popularity could balloon to Jeremy Lin levels.
Third Base:
2012 begins with David Wright again taking his post on the hot corner. Sadly for everybody, this could very well be his last in Queens. In some sick way, it SHOULD be his last. Not only if, but because we love him, we have to let him go. He’s still great and God knows he’s loyal but he can’t save the franchise by himself, no matter where the fences are. Give him a change of scenery and get a couple of building blocks in return. We promise David, it’s not you it’s them, (the Wilpons).
Shortstop:
As Jose Reyes goes, so go the Mets…ah fuck me nevermind. Our shortstop is Ruben Tejada who brings to mind Rey Ordonez rather than Jose Reyes. Ruben Tejada becomes your starting shortstop when your team runs out of money.
Outfield:
If Johan Santana is in danger of joining the Scrap Heap Hall of Fame, Jason Bay has pretty much guaranteed they will name it after him. It didn’t take much to realize his season with the Red Sox was a career year but since joining the Mets to call his play mediocre would be an exercise in charity. You know you’ve been bad when your signing made a recent list of the worst deals in NY baseball history and you still have two years left on the contract. Bay’s 2nd round with the Mets can’t end soon enough.
Our new centerfielder and lead-off hitter is Andres Torres. I wish I had more encouraging (or any) things to say about Torres but if you understand how a guy who was injured all spring and coming off a season batting .221 and striking out 95 times in only 348 AB’s is an improvement over Angel Pagan, fill me in because I don’t have a clue.
If there is excitement to be found in the Mets outfield, Lucas Duda is our only hope. Defensively, he’s better than he appears having committed only 3 errors last season but offensively is where he may shine. If his numbers from last season were extended for a full season he will hit between 15-20 homers and drive in 75-100 runs. At least somebody in the OF can keep us awake.
The Bench:
I’m tired of writing about ball players. Here are a few words about the bench players that may or may not have anything to do with baseball (or true)
Justin Turner: He’s only on team because he’s a ginger, a few years Bud Selig secretly decreed every team must have one on the 25 man roster. Really, it’s true, read the rule book
Ronny Cedeno: Fact fun, he is not Roger Cedeno
Scott Hairston: Still not sure which of the Hairston brothers this is
Mike Baxter: A little pop but is probably just keeping the seat warm for Nieuwenhuis
Mike Nickeas: Apparently a better back up catcher than the still unemployed Ivan Rodriguez
That’s all I’ve got folks, a happy and healthy Opening Day to all my fellow Metsochists
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The New York Mets 2012 Preview (Off-field Edition)
Freddie Plays The Fiddle?
Today is April 4, 2012. In less than a days time in Flushing Queens, an umpire will command “PLAY BALL” and the curtain will rise on the first of 1458 innings of the New York Mets 2012 campaign. For the 2nd year in a row I’d love to talk to you strictly about baseball but once again, thanks to a couple of fellas named Ponzi and Madoff, I can’t.
As you might have heard, there was this lawsuit brought again Team Wilpon by a bunch of already very rich people claiming they were now less rich because they gave money to Bernard Madoff and (allegedly) the Wilpons knew what their ole pal Bernie was up to. Or something like that, I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that I had stopped trying to understand this mess months ago. What I know is that the whole saga makes me want to blow my 99%er head off.
The big news of the winter was that Fred and Jeff would be bought to trial in the matter and could have stood to lose up to a billion dollars and presumably control of the team.
Now, take a deep breath
Close your eyes
Open them slowly
IT’S OVER!!!
That’s right, the Madoff induced mayhem has been settled. In only the last couple weeks both parties have agreed to a settlement that leaves the aggrieved parties entitled to 162 million dollars in damages. While it will be nice to return to Diamond matters, hold off giving your girlfriend that Times Square victory kiss for the moment because it doesn’t mean we’re in anything close to good shape.
As Adam “I want your job” Rubin writes:
The dual developments ensure the Wilpons will be able to navigate any immediate financial hurdles without their ownership of the team being jeopardized. If you interpret that to mean the Wilpons are suddenly flush with money and the days of Mets austerity are over, however, you would be mistaken.
Unless the Mets unpredictably turn into a juggernaut this season, fans flock to Citi Field and the Wilpons' coffers are replenished, many of the same constraints that forced a $52 million payroll slashing during the offseason should remain in effect for the next few seasons.
That is because much of the cash infusion from 12 minority investors buying 4 percent blocks of the team will be devoted to paying down debt and withstanding 2012 operating losses.
This is still gonna suck. Fred and Jeff Wilpon, through their financial tom foolery and general crankiness, have succeed in turning a franchise that showed glimpses of greatness in the mid 2000’s into something that has the free agent attractiveness of a leper colony. What’s worse is Poppa and son Wilpon won’t be going anywhere any time soon. They took in an additional minority owner, then they didn’t in a move that would have made the ghost of George Steinbrenner smile. Our Rome that is that beautiful diamond in Flushing is burning and Freddie is looking for his fiddle. Where is Magic Johnson when you need him?
Today is April 4, 2012. In less than a days time in Flushing Queens, an umpire will command “PLAY BALL” and the curtain will rise on the first of 1458 innings of the New York Mets 2012 campaign. For the 2nd year in a row I’d love to talk to you strictly about baseball but once again, thanks to a couple of fellas named Ponzi and Madoff, I can’t.
As you might have heard, there was this lawsuit brought again Team Wilpon by a bunch of already very rich people claiming they were now less rich because they gave money to Bernard Madoff and (allegedly) the Wilpons knew what their ole pal Bernie was up to. Or something like that, I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that I had stopped trying to understand this mess months ago. What I know is that the whole saga makes me want to blow my 99%er head off.
The big news of the winter was that Fred and Jeff would be bought to trial in the matter and could have stood to lose up to a billion dollars and presumably control of the team.
Now, take a deep breath
Close your eyes
Open them slowly
IT’S OVER!!!
That’s right, the Madoff induced mayhem has been settled. In only the last couple weeks both parties have agreed to a settlement that leaves the aggrieved parties entitled to 162 million dollars in damages. While it will be nice to return to Diamond matters, hold off giving your girlfriend that Times Square victory kiss for the moment because it doesn’t mean we’re in anything close to good shape.
As Adam “I want your job” Rubin writes:
The dual developments ensure the Wilpons will be able to navigate any immediate financial hurdles without their ownership of the team being jeopardized. If you interpret that to mean the Wilpons are suddenly flush with money and the days of Mets austerity are over, however, you would be mistaken.
Unless the Mets unpredictably turn into a juggernaut this season, fans flock to Citi Field and the Wilpons' coffers are replenished, many of the same constraints that forced a $52 million payroll slashing during the offseason should remain in effect for the next few seasons.
That is because much of the cash infusion from 12 minority investors buying 4 percent blocks of the team will be devoted to paying down debt and withstanding 2012 operating losses.
This is still gonna suck. Fred and Jeff Wilpon, through their financial tom foolery and general crankiness, have succeed in turning a franchise that showed glimpses of greatness in the mid 2000’s into something that has the free agent attractiveness of a leper colony. What’s worse is Poppa and son Wilpon won’t be going anywhere any time soon. They took in an additional minority owner, then they didn’t in a move that would have made the ghost of George Steinbrenner smile. Our Rome that is that beautiful diamond in Flushing is burning and Freddie is looking for his fiddle. Where is Magic Johnson when you need him?
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