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.

Mets Sign Henry Blanco

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

It’s not yet official, but it’s as good as done — the Mets have signed Henry Blanco to a $1.5M contract, pending a physical. Hat tip to MetsBlog. Even though the agreement is in place, and Blanco is on his … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Phillies Sign Placido Polanco

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

So glad the Mets aren’t the only ones in the NL East making unusual free agent signings. The Phillies have signed Gold Glove second baseman Placido Polanco to a three-year, $18M contract to play third base. I like Polanco — … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Gifts for Mets Fans: 2010 Alternate Jersey

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

The holiday shopping season is upon us, so I’ll be making recommendations here and there over the next few days — should be a nice break from the insanity of the hot stove rumors. Note: the images and product links … Continue reading →

Posted in Cool Mets Stuff | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Free Agent Evaluation: High Reward Starting Pitchers

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

Anyone who watched the Mets in 2009 knows that after Johan Santana, there was a large hole in the starting rotation. The Mets desperately needed a #2 starter, and some would argue they didn’t have anyone worthy of being deemed … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Billy Wagner Signs with Braves

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Joe Janish

According to multiple sources (originally Ken Rosenthal), former Mets closer Billy Wagner has signed a one-year, $7M contract with the Atlanta Braves. Yee ha. Can’t wait to see Wags 18 times a year. Hat tip to MetsToday reader “Walnutz15”, who … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Why the Mets Payroll Doesn’t Matter

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Joe Janish

The Mets have the highest payroll in the NL, and the second-highest payroll in MLB. Yet they finished in second-to-last place in the NL East. A few bloggers have an idea on how and why the Mets’ money doesn’t matter. … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason | 5 Comments

Kelly Shoppach Traded to Rays

Posted on December 1, 2009 by Joe Janish

In the past week, Ed at MetsFever, DJ Short, and Ted Berg all discussed Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach, who would become available if he were non-tendered. Before I could weigh in on the subject, however, the Indians traded Shoppach to … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

No Arb for Olivo, Polanco, Dye, Dotel

Posted on December 1, 2009 by Joe Janish

Today is the last day for teams to offer arbitration to players who have filed for free agency. If you are unaware, this is a big deal particularly in regard to free agents who are classified as “Type A” or … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments