Author Archives: Joe Janish

About Joe Janish

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.

2011 Analysis: Taylor Buchholz

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Joe Janish

Last winter, many would have been ecstatic to hear that the Mets acquired a pitcher named Buchholz — had his first name been “Clay”. Instead, the team signed Clay’s distant cousin Taylor. It was a low-risk, low-reward signing that to … Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 Mets Evaluations | Tagged | 8 Comments

2011 Analysis: Pedro Beato

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Joe Janish

Last November, I thought it made sense for the Mets to consider taking Pedro Beato in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, and was pleased when they did. From the get-go, Beato impressed the Mets brass and eventually the fans with … Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 Mets Evaluations | Tagged | 1 Comment

2011 Analysis: Manny Acosta

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Joe Janish

The roller coaster continues for Manny Acosta, whose MLB career has consistently been inconsistent. Armed with a fastball that rides above 95 MPH with occasional tailing action and average breaking stuff, Acosta has a tool set that should translate to … Continue reading →

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2011 Analysis: Miguel Batista

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Joe Janish

Once the Mets reached September and the meaningless games part of their schedule, the pitching staff — and the rotation in particular — was worn out and losing members due to one malady or another. It might have been a … Continue reading →

Posted in 11-12 Offseason, 2011 Mets Evaluations | Tagged | 1 Comment

More What Ifs in Mets Hot Tub History

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Joe Janish

This week there’s been far too much buzz about the fact that postseason superstar Nelson Cruz was once property of the Mets — only to be sent away for a “spare part” when he was a raw and slow-to-develop 19-year-old. … Continue reading →

Posted in Mets History | 6 Comments

Mets Grab Geren – But Who is in Charge?

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Joe Janish

Big news in Flushing — the Mets have hired former Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren to be their 2012 bench coach. The hiring comes as a surprise, since Bud Selig / MLB generally ask that teams hold off on huge … Continue reading →

Posted in 11-12 Offseason, Latest Mets News, Opinion and Analysis | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Wally Backman To Nationals?

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Joe Janish

According to Mike Puma of The New York Post, Wally Backman may be moving on to the Washington Nationals to join Davey Johnson’s coaching staff in 2012. Per Puma’s “source”, Johnson would groom Backman to be his heir apparent, and … Continue reading →

Posted in 11-12 Offseason, Rumors | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

How The A’s Won Before Billy Beane

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Joe Janish

If didn’t see Saturday Night Live this past weekend, no worries, as you didn’t miss anything, it was dreadful — one of the worst SNL episodes ever. But, there was one funny segment, which was a parody of the TV … Continue reading →

Posted in Off Topic | Tagged , , | 2 Comments