For the second time in two years, the Mets have sent Anderson Hernandez packing. AHern was placed on waivers this week and claimed by the Cleveland Indians. This move perplexes me from both sides. The Mets have a sudden issue in the middle infield, due to Jose Reyes’ indefinite thyroid condition. With Hernandez gone, the … Read more
If you haven’t yet heard, Jon Heyman broke the news that Rangers manager Ron Washington used cocaine during the 2009 season.
However, Washington was not reprimanded — neither by MLB nor by the Rangers — and continued to serve in his role as the club’s skipper without consequence.
To Washington’s credit, he
The Washington Nationals have released eternal enigma Elijah Dukes. The remarkably talented outfielder was penciled in as the Opening Day rightfielder. According to GM Mike Rizzo, the move was NOT made due to a behaviorial issue. From the Washington Post: General Manager Mike Rizzo called Dukes’s release “a performance-based decision” and that “no singular incident” … Read more
Spring training “competitions” are usually nonsense, no matter what message is spewed by the team’s management (this is in regard to all clubs, not just the Mets). Management has predetermined thoughts about the lineup and most of the spots on the 25-man roster, and so spring training is used to support their “prevaluations” made long before pitchers and catchers report.
For example, is first base really an open competition? Both Ike Davis and Chris Carter are hitting the snot out of the ball, but we all know that — barring injury — Dan Murphy is the Opening Day first baseman. Why? Because Murphy proved satisfactory to the upper levels of Mets management based on his 2009 performance — if he wasn’t, we would be watching Adam LaRoche in a Mets uniform right now. (Note I stated “satisfactory” according to Mets management, rather than my or the popular opinion.)
Similarly, Angel Pagan would have to seriously falter — and Gary Matthews, Jr. put on a Roy Hobbs demonstration — to lose his grip on centerfield. Yes, Pagan’s mental issues were frustrating, but after what he did in the batter’s box from July through September, you can’t not put him in centerfield come April.
But another individual who seemed to “earn” a spot on the roster based 2009 was Nelson Figueroa.
If you haven’t yet seen, Kerel Cooper produced a 7-part series of preseason evaluations, videotaped on location at McFadden’s in NYC and featuring Dave Doyle of Mets Report and yours truly. You can see the entire series by clicking here or see each episode separately by clicking on the below links. Should you choose to … Read more
Kelvim Escobar told Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional that he will decide on April 1st whether or not to pitch in 2010 (hat tip to TheRopolitans, via MLBTR). Does anyone else see “April 1st” as a fitting day to make such a decision? Yes, from the beginning the Escobar signing was seen as a “risk-reward” situation. … Read more
With Jose Reyes out for an indefinite period, it’s time to discuss the possible replacements.
If you haven’t heard by now, Jose Reyes may be out of action for anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. Or longer — there’s really no way to determine just yet. The issue with his thyroid is not one to be taken lightly, and you have to credit the Mets’ medical staff for spotting the … Read more
