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.

Darryl Strawberry Says Mets Should Have Hired Backman

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Joe Janish

As reported on The New York Times: Darryl Strawberry said the Mets should have hired Wally Backman as manager instead of Terry Collins. Mr. Strawberry played with Mr. Backman on the Mets’ 1986 championship team. “Wally will be the next … Continue reading →

Posted in 10-11 Offseason | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

19 DUPACR: Anthony Young

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Joe Janish

Before we go any further, I need to make something clear: the player I pick to commemorate each day in this countdown is not necessarily someone who is the “best” Met to ever wear that number. In many cases (if … Continue reading →

Posted in Spring Training Countdown | Tagged , | 3 Comments

20 DUPACR: Howard Johnson

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Joe Janish

Like yesterday’s choice for #21, I might have gone for someone from further in the past here, such as Tommie Agee — had I seen him play. For those who did have the good fortune of watching Agee “in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Spring Training Countdown | Tagged , | 2 Comments

21 DUPACR: Gary Rajsich

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Joe Janish

This one is bound to raise some eyebrows, I’m sure. Why in the world would I commemorate the 21st Day Until Pitchers And Catchers Report with someone who appeared in merely 91 ballgames as a Met, and most of it … Continue reading →

Posted in Spring Training Countdown | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

22 DUPACR: Ray Knight

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Joe Janish

There are 22 Days Until Pitchers And Catchers Report. Thus we honor former #22 Ray Knight. Choosing Knight was fairly easy, since he is one of my favorite all-time Mets, for his grit, hustle, fire, and hard-nosed play. He got … Continue reading →

Posted in Spring Training Countdown | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Ike Davis: Mets LOOGY?

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Joe Janish

With Pedro Feliciano moving on to pitch for the Yankees, the Mets have brought in a so-so selection of lefties to audition for his LOOGY spot: Michael O’Connor, Taylor Tankersley, and Tim Byrdak. You might even throw Chris Capuano, Oliver … Continue reading →

Posted in 10-11 Offseason | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

23 DUPACR: Doug Flynn

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Joe Janish

There are 23 Days Until Pitchers And Catchers Report to spring training. To commemorate the day, we honor Doug Flynn, who wore #23 for the Mets from 1977-1981. Why Doug Flynn? Because, in so many ways, Flynn symbolized what the … Continue reading →

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Mets Sign Hairston, Byrdak, and Boyer

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Joe Janish

Sandy Alderson and his Fantasy Front Office began the offseason like a lamb, but is going out like a lion. After months of ho-hum-drum transactions / inaction, the Mets are really turning up the heat on the hot stove, picking … Continue reading →

Posted in 10-11 Offseason | Tagged , , | 20 Comments