11-12 Offseason
Mets Sign Chris Young, Release Minor Leaguers
According to ESPN-NY, the Mets have signed pitcher Chris Young to a minor league contract. Why? No one knows. Perhaps the recent Picard settlement has resulted in a sudden flush of cash that ownership couldn’t wait to spend, and Kelvim Escobar was out of the country. As you know, Young underwent a similar surgery that [...]
Do MLB Coaches Fix Pitching Mechanics?
Sorting through the MetsToday mail bag, I pull out this question from a visitor who refers to himself/herself as “Brain Sliver” : I have been reading your blog for a few years and have been impressed with your analysis of pitching mechanics. My question is this: how well known is this in professional circles and [...]
Mets vs. Cardinals Notes
Mike Pelfrey‘s velocity was up — his fastball was hanging around 92-93 MPH, touched 94 — but his command was poor. How can a pitcher have poor command and yet not walk anyone? Because command means putting the ball where you want it, and even though Pelfrey threw plenty of strikes, I don’t believe he [...]
Mets vs. Astros Notes
The Mets enjoyed a convincing victory over the Astros in Grapefruit League action on Wednesday afternoon. Following are my observations.
Mets vs. Nationals Notes
A few random notes pertaining to Tuesday’s spring training contest between the Mets and Nationals …
Mets Owners Settle with Irving Picard
Hooray! It’s over! And the Mets won’t have to pay a billion dollars! Only $162M, or, about a million per game. Which means there’s a good chance the Wilpons can pull themselves out of their financial abyss and keep the Mets! Here is the entire legal agreement, if you are interested. Post your reaction in [...]
What’s Wrong with Mike Pelfrey?
Yesterday, Mike Pelfrey faced 20 batters; 12 reached base. He allowed 8 hits, 4 walks, and 8 runs, including a three-run homer to Carlos Lee. On the bright side, he struck out 4 in his 2 2/3 innings of “work.” According to Big Pelf and his manager Terry Collins, the goal was to “throw harder” [...]
Notes: Mets vs. Braves
Jonathon Niese had good results, though I didn’t love the process. He continues to use a side-to-side motion that results in pitches that have little sinking action — his fastball and cutter remain on one plane. On his curve, he pulls himself a little more upright — closer to where he should be — but [...]
Santana’s Velocity Up, Wright Still Down
Random notes on the happenings in Port St. Lucie …
Quick Notes On First Cuts
The Mets have made their first round of cuts this spring. Let’s go over them with brief commentary.
The Mets Might be OK IF…
For all the strikes the Mets have against them this year, their biggest single issue continues to be team health. Yes, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, and Francisco Rodriguez all wear different uniforms now. Yes, they are buried in a mountain of debt following the Bernie Madoff debacle, and overall mismanagement by Saul Katz and the [...]
Mets Walking Wounded – Normal?
Here we are, 14 days into March, and the following Mets have suffered some type of injury: David Wright, Tim Byrdak, Lucas Duda, Ronny Cedeno, Reese Havens, Ruben Tejada, D.J. Carrasco, Zach Lutz, Andres Torres, Scott Hairston, Pedro Beato, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Robert Carson, and Daniel Herrera. (Thanks to MetsBlog for the list.) And I didn’t [...]
Brad Lidge Shocks the World
According to reliever Brad Lidge, who is now with the Nationals, on his new team: Probably the most talented team I’ve ever been on, and I’ve been on some great teams.
Why Are Mets Hot On Chris Young?
For the last few weeks, a recurring rumor keeps coming up that relates to the Mets’ interest in signing pitcher Chris Young. Is anyone else besides me wondering why?
Marlins Keep Secret Weapon Under Wraps
The Mets and Marlins faced off for the third time this spring and once again the Fish kept their secret weapon hidden from view.
