Is Terry Collins Detached from Reality, or Playing Head Games?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Joe Janish

I realize that Terry Collins hasn’t been in a big-league dugout as an MLB skipper in over a decade, and many things have changed in the game over that time. For example, the scorecards look different now, and people track a few more statistics since the 20th century. The players don’t wear stirrups anymore, and they’re not allowed to drink “special coffee” before the games.

However, even in the old days, I don’t ever remember a dropped ball causing a player’s skills to erode, or to cause injuries.

In his first conversation with second baseman Luis Castillo, Collins brought up Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 Spring Training | Tagged , | 10 Comments

New Meaning for Teufel Shuffle

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Joe Janish

With all the boys in camp, it would be nice if we could talk about baseball. But all they’re doing right now is taking physicals, stretching, practicing pickoff plays, and doing long-tossing … not much excitement yet. So the biggest news out of Port St. Lucie leans toward non-baseball activities.

For example, the Bernie Madoff scandal has brought a new meaning to the “Teufel Shuffle”; Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 Spring Training | 3 Comments

Offseason Changes: Braves

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Joe Janish

Since not everyone was paying attention to all the goings-on of the NL East this winter, this week we are going to do a quick recap of what each team did during the offseason, beginning with the Braves.

In: Dan Uggla, Scott Linebrink, George Sherrill, Rodrigo Lopez, Fredi Gonzalez

Out: Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito, Matt Diaz, Omar Infante, Troy Glaus, Derrek Lee, Rick Ankiel, Melky Cabrera, Bobby Cox

The biggest change in the Braves is Continue reading →

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What If Luis Castillo Wins 2B Job?

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Joe Janish

After a long delay, Luis Castillo finally arrived on time in Port St. Lucie.

I know many people are miffed that Castillo didn’t get to camp a week ago, but he had a legitimate reason — his brother is going in for serious surgery next week. Even if he didn’t have a personal matter to tend to, I’m not sure that an early arrival would have made a difference one way or the other in regard to his chances of making the team nor in the way he is viewed by the new Mets management (the on-field and front office staffs included).

Yes, it would have been nice if Castillo showed up around the same time as the pitchers and catchers. But really, at this point, how would it have mattered? He’s been in pro ball for 15 years, and by now should have a good idea of what he needs to do to get ready for a 162-game season. You could say that by arriving early, Castillo would have “sent a message” that he’s “serious” about having a comeback season. But in all honesty, is that really what you want? Be careful what you wish for, the saying goes.

Let’s pretend Castillo had Continue reading →

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Does Rickie Weeks Deal Impact Jose Reyes?

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Joe Janish

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Milwaukee Brewers signed second baseman Rickie Weeks to a 4-year, $38M contract extension (that could go 5 years/$50M if he stays healthy). Essentially, the Brewers have locked up Weeks through what many consider the “prime years” of a player’s career — ages 28-31.

I look at this deal and wonder if the Mets would do something similar with Jose Reyes? Continue reading →

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SweetSpotting

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Joe Janish

Sorry for not posting something today; my writing time was spent filling in at the ESPN SweetSpot, which has a vacancy since Rob Neyer departed for SB Nation.

There’s an article on protecting pitchers with pitch counts, one on baseball nicknames, and hopefully another one coming on baseball movies.

Will be back in the saddle soon.

Posted in 2011 Spring Training | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Cardinals Don’t Need Pujols

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Joe Janish

My ESPN SweetSpot buddy in St. Louis — Matthew Philip of Fungoes — cracks out the calculator to prove that the Cardinals don’t need Albert Pujols to win. Matthew may win the battle on this one, but will he win the WAR?

Another SweetSpotter, Bill Baer of Crashburn Alley, is running team-by-team previews with other NL East bloggers. So far there have been previews on the Braves, Nationals, and Mets. That guy he interviewed for the Mets sounded pessimistic.

Bernie Madoff speaks from behind bars through the mouthpiece of The New York Times. Madoff claims that the faceless, nameless administrators and bureaucrats of banks “had to know” that his investments were a fraud — but insisted that his best friends since childhood (Fred Wilpon, Saul Katz, et al) “knew nothing”. We’re supposed to believe this?

In a refreshingly welcome escape from the morbid reality surrounding the Mets right now, Matthew Callan is going through his old This Week in Baseball videotapes at Amazin’ Avenue. The latest episode of TWIB he remembers is the 1988 spring training preview. How about that!

Are there still players available who can help the Mets? Kerel Cooper shares his thoughts on the remaining free agents over at OnTheBlack.

Posted in Around the Blogs | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Once Again, Would Mets Sign Pujols?

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Joe Janish

A little over a month ago I wondered aloud if the Mets would consider signing Albert Pujols — if indeed he became a free agent at the end of the 2011 season.

Back then, the idea that Pujols would become a free agent seemed ridiculous — surely, the Cardinals would find a way to lock him up before Opening Day.

Now, it’s becoming more and more realistic to believe that Sir Albert will indeed play out the final year on his contract and hit the market next winter.

Unfortunately, it’s also become apparent that the Wilpons could be broke by then — and may not even own the team when winter arrives.

Assuming nothing changes in ownership between now and then, it’s a foregone conclusion that the Mets will be in no position to get in on the bidding should Pujols be a free agent. However, what if a new owner buys into the team before then — be it as a minority stakeholder injecting the franchise with a significant cash contribution, or a big-time investor who purchases the team outright? Would new ownership seek to make a big splash by signing Pujols, perhaps as a way to send a message to their fans and MLB that “the Mets are back and mean business” ?

Post your thoughts in the comments.

Posted in 2011 Spring Training | 12 Comments