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July 18, 2007 News Notes Rumors Joe Janish

Random Notes for July 18

More random thoughts on the current state of the Mets

– I don’t mind Willie Randolph playing Jose Valentin to “get him going”. Yes, I’m the guy begging to see Gotay starting, but Valentin is a good all-around player who can help the team in many ways off the bench, starting 2-3 times per week at 2B and in the outfield. Ideally, Willie would mix and match Valentin, Gotay, Shawn Green, Lastings Milledge, and Carlos Delgado, keeping all of them fresh and focused. However, that’s a bit too much juggling for Randolph — he’s still trying to figure out that double-switch thing.

– We may look back on Tuesday night’s victory as the turning point in the season. The attitude, focus, and body language were indicative of a team hungry to win. They’ll need to keep that going through October if it’s to be a championship season.

– Pointed out by regular MetsToday visitor Micalpalyn: Tom Glavine’s quest for 300 is more or less under the radar lately, which is a good thing. Four out of his last five starts were absolute gems, the only poor one being in Colorado. His focus on 300 has left, and he’s back to concentrating on one pitch at a time.

– Gotta love Willie Randolph playing down the extra BP before the game last night. God forbid he give HoJo some credit so soon after his “brother” Rick Down left.

– Carlos Delgado is batting .312 over his last 93 at-bats. I think it’s safe to say he’s out of his slump.

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. Micalpalyn July 18, 2007 at 1:16 pm
    1. Valentin: I’m reserving comment. He needed a breakout game. also if he does get it going, then there IS an effective L-R platoon at 2B (20 yrs after (teufel/Backman).

    2. I’m seeing what bob Melvin saw, and I would cut bait with Shawn Green- or bench him. JYes Jose Guillen turned down Jim Duquettes advances but he makes sense to strengthen the OF. I would like to see Griffey go to the M’s, Guillen to the Mets while we send Cincy a prospect. Just an idea (for today).

  2. joe July 18, 2007 at 1:52 pm
    Valentin is motivated to get that option picked up — and I like him as an all-around ballplayer so happy to see him performing. He can help the Mets, no doubt.

    Green is killing me. I love the guy, love his approach and attitude, but you’re right, he has little left — especially on defense, where he is atrocious. The only way he’s surviving is by his wits and ability to adjust to his own deteriorating skills. If he can hit like he did in April, then you can justify his existence in the lineup. But he hasn’t hit much at all since then, and it’s hard to keep a guy in a corner OF spot who is a liability in the field, and not hitting at least .290 with occasional power. If he was knocking a homerun once every 20 ABs, fine, but it’s more like every 40 — not enough.

  3. sincekindergarten July 18, 2007 at 4:44 pm
    Two more things . . .

    1) Julio Franco was signed by the Braves, and he’ll be in uniform tomorrow when they play the Cardinals.

    2) Speaking of the Braves (or Squaws, if you prefer), they lost their marathon against the Reds, 5-4. So, that means they got swept by the Reds. I hope John Maine has his “A” game tonight, and Greg Maddux doesn’t.