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.

2009 Analysis: Fernando Martinez

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Joe Janish

Ever since signing out of the Dominican Republic as a 17-year-old in 2005, fans anxiously awaited the debut of young man touted as the next Mets superstar. Thud. That was the sound of “F-Mart” falling flat in his first shot … Continue reading →

Posted in 2009 Mets Evaluations | Tagged | 5 Comments

Q&A and More with Wally Backman

Posted on November 22, 2009 by Joe Janish

Steve Serby has an entertaining Q&A with Wally Backman in today’s New York Post, which I encourage you to read. In case you missed it, Bart Hubbach posits Backman as a possible successor to Jerry Manuel. David Lennon presented “leftover … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Around the Blogs, Bring Wally Back Man | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Plan B: Jose Guillen

Posted on November 22, 2009 by Joe Janish

According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, the Mets’ “Plan B” for a power-hitting left fielder is Jose Guillen. No, that is not a joke. The Mets have been linked to Guillen before, as Omar Minaya seems to have … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Rumors | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

10 Free Agency Fears for Mets Fans

Posted on November 20, 2009 by Joe Janish

Free agents go on the open market today, and with a lack of trading chips, the Mets are expected to dive in deep to fill their multiple holes. At minimum, they need at least one starting pitcher — maybe two; … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Paul LoDuca Wants To Come Back

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Joe Janish

This afternoon in an appearance on XM 175 MLB Home Plate (SIRIUS 210), former Mets catcher Paul LoDuca expressed a desire to return to the big leagues in 2010. LoDuca missed all of 2009 due to injuries, but claims he … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Hot Stove | Tagged | 5 Comments

Jason Marquis Far from a Perfect Fit

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Joe Janish

A while back, Jason Marquis began to lobby for a Mets contract offer through his friend and advocate Jeff Francoeur. Now he’s made a full-blown pitch, suggesting to Bart Hubbach that he and the Mets are a “perfect fit”. As … Continue reading →

Posted in Buzz | 9 Comments

Braves Release Brian Barton

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Joe Janish

According to Baseball America, the Braves have released former phenom outfielder Brian Barton. Barton was considered a great athlete but went undrafted after a strong career at U Miami, as clubs believed he’d make use of his aerospace engineering degree … Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Braves Release Brian Barton

If Steve Phillips Succeeded

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Joe Janish

BlueandOrange.net discusses what might have been had Steve Phillips succeeded in trading Jose Reyes and David Wright so many years ago. John Delcos speaks from eyewitness testimony while supporting Marty Noble’s bombshell that some Mets didn’t mind losing Delcos also … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the Blogs | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on If Steve Phillips Succeeded