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February 19, 2008 Spring Training 08 Joe Janish

Going to Spring Training

For your information, MetsToday will be in Port St. Lucie as of next Wednesday, checking out the Mets from February 27th through March 2nd.

I’ll be watching games, taking pictures, hanging around the Mets’ complex, and generally making a nuisance of myself while soaking in the sunshine.

If you have any requests, questions, or other information you’d like me to dig out while there, drop me a line. If you’ll be down there at the same time, be sure to let me know.

Jay Horwitz, if you’re reading this, I’d LOVE to get a press pass!

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. Walnutz15 February 20, 2008 at 11:52 am
    Might we be adding Freddy Garcia’s name to that mix — particularly around Mid-Summer for the inevitable vacations of El Duque (and god forbid) Pedro?

    From CNNSI:

    Free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia visited with the Mets on Wednesday, according to sources.

    The Mets haven’t said anything about possible progress in contract talks, but they have long been interested in Garcia, who was spotted at their camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

    The Mets were pleased by Pedro Martinez’s speedy recovery after shoulder surgery and are hopeful they can duplicate that success if they sign Garcia. The 31-year-old Garcia had shoulder surgery last August, cutting short his season in Philadelphia, where he went only 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 starts. Garcia, a two-time All-Star, is hoping to be available to pitch by June or July.

    The Mets dramatically bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring ace Johan Santana earlier this month, but they’re still interested in improving their depth.

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c…tml?eref=si_mlb

    I love it — as he’d provide a handful of different options.

    Duque goes down….Garcia can be slotted into the rotation.

    Pelfrey doesn’t work out in any of his roles….Garcia can help out.

    Perez up and walks next year….Garcia lessens the blow a bit, provided he can effectively work out the kinks in coming back from surgery.

    As an aside: Garcia provides an excellent back-up plan should Oliver Perez become too expensive for 2009 and beyond. I’d want to throw a team option year (or two) on that even if it (they) had to come with a higher base salary.

    In essence, he’s a Kyle Lohse-type signing that gives them some time to feel things out, and if healthy — he’s a pretty good mid-season pickup in the event of the inevitable Duque injury.