11-12 Offseason – Page 21

2011 Analysis: Ronny Paulino

November 27, 2011November 27, 2011 by Joe Janish

For a while, it was questionable whether Ronny Paulino would ever get going in a Mets uniform, and what kind of contribution he’d make. Visa issues kept him out of Port St. Lucie until Mid-March, and when he finally arrived, manager Terry Collins announced he’d be Josh Thole‘s backup. Not long after he arrived in spring training, Paulino was diagnosed with anemia, further setting him back — and then there was the remainder of his PEDs suspension to serve.

Despite these multiple issues that prevented Paulino from properly preparing for the 2011 season, things turned out OK.

2011 Evaluation: Mike Nickeas

November 26, 2011 by Joe Janish

It took Mike Nickeas a long time to reach MLB, but when he finally did, he proved capable if unspectacular. The Canadian-born catcher spent seven years in the minors before grabbing a cup of coffee with the Mets in September 2010. Thanks to visa problems, injuries, and the end of a drug suspension for Ronny … Read more

Now You’re Talking Turkey: Mets Transactions During Thanksgiving Week

November 23, 2011November 23, 2011 by Dan Capwell

In my household, the week before Thanksgiving has traditionally been one of preparation. Since we host the annual family gathering, there is food to be bought, a turkey to stuff, rugs to vacuum, bathrooms to be cleaned, toys to put away and extra chairs to be brought up from the cellar.

For the Mets, this week has also signaled the start of their preparation for the next season. With an eye on ticket sales, several Mets GMs have swung deals during this shortened work week. For most of us fans, the news of these transactions is a welcome change from a long stretch of no news at all. In more recent years, a genuine move means temporary relief from the incessant and preposterous speculation in all corners of the media about rumored trades and/or signings.

In retrospect, perhaps we should have had more patience! Here are a passel of Thanksgiving week deals made by the Mets, a few which may lead to some indigestion.

Mets Get Two For One in Pioneering, Cost-effective Move

November 23, 2011 by Joe Janish

For once, the Mets are light years ahead of everyone else with a brilliant, innovative idea — one that might change the way MLB rosters are constructed and The Game Itself.

Rangers Sign Joe Nathan

November 22, 2011November 22, 2011 by Joe Janish

In case you missed it, the Texas Rangers have signed former Twins closer Joe Nathan to a two-year, $14.5M contract that includes an option for 2014. Sorry Timo. Apparently, Nathan was uninterested in the Mets’ generous and complex offer that consisted of an unlimited Metro Card, 10 copies of the Playing for Peanuts Uncensored 3-DVD … Read more

2011 Analysis: Josh Stinson

November 24, 2012November 22, 2011 by Joe Janish

Like the last analysis, we have a very small sample size with which to make an evaluation on Josh Stinson. And like Chris Schwinden, Stinson was pitching at the end of a long season — for all we know, his unimpressive performance could have been due to fatigue. But, we’ll give it a go.

The Endy Chavez Encore and 10 Other Double-Duty Mets

November 18, 2011 by Dan Capwell

A recent NYDN article indicated that the Mets have “discussed” a reunion with OF Endy Chavez. FWIW, I am in favor of this deal and hope it gets done. One of my reasons for this is that if Endy dons the orange and blue again, he becomes an interesting part of Mets History—players who have … Read more

Blog Roundup: Uniform-mania!

November 18, 2011 by Paul Festa

While the Jose Reyes talk settles into an eerie lull – like the fifth inning of a close ballgame – the talk around Metsland is the introduction of new uniforms for 2012. They have a retro look, and feature a 50th anniversary sleeve patch. We Mets fans are very particular about our uniforms. Will there … Read more