Free Agent Evaluation: Catchers

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Joe Janish

Despite already having a competent backup in Omir Santos, the Mets have signed two backup catchers — Chris Coste and Henry Blanco — and are in the market for a starting backstop. We know Omar Minaya has his eye on Bengie Molina, but he’s not the only one out there. Let’s go through the top targets. Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Reese Havens: Swing Evaluation

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Joe Janish

reese-havens-closeThe 22nd pick of the 2008 draft — shortstop Reese Havens — has quickly emerged as one of the Mets’ top prospects.

He is a strong all-around player, both in terms of talent and sound fundamentals, and has the “makeup” that scouts adore. Recently, the Mets decided to move him from his natural shortstop position to second base — presumably to accelerate his path to the big leagues.

A solidly built middle infielder, his promotion to MLB will be tied directly to his bat. He has had trouble keeping his average above .250 and making contact, but he’s shown some pop. I’m very high on him because he’s a grinder and plays the game the right way, but he definitely needs to continue developing as a hitter to make the ultimate jump.

That said, I took a close look at his swing, using video from his stint in the Cape Cod League and more recent footage shot by Toby Hyde in the Arizona Fall League (thanks Toby!). With help from someone who teaches hitting for a living, we came to the conclusion that he has room for improvement — which is a good thing.

You can see the videos and read the evaluation of Reese Havens’s swing at OnBaseball.com. For the most part it’s a good swing, but he has one major flaw that, if corrected, can unleash his true potential as a power hitter (i.e., become the next Jeff Kent).

If you are a player or coach, you may learn something useful from the videos and article that you can apply to your next practice session.

Posted in Baseball Basics | Tagged | 3 Comments

Braves Sign Takashi Saito

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

saito-redsoxIn a matter of 48 hours, the Braves have rebuilt their bullpen.

A day after signing Billy Wagner to be their closer, Atlanta wasted no time in locking up a setup man — Takashi Saito.

Saito was signed to a one-year, $3.2M contract. And just like that, the 8th and 9th innings are solved for the Braves.

I know what you’re thinking: a 39-year-old closer and a 40-year-old setup man sounds like a formula for trouble — particularly when both oldsters have suffered elbow issues in the past two years. But Wagner has a new elbow, and Saito cruised through 56 appearances last year — pitching in the AL East, no less.

All told, the Braves spent a total of $10.2M and a one-year commitment to shore up the back of their bullpen with two standout veterans. Compare and contrast that to the Mets’ strategy last winter of tying up K-Rod for 4 years and spending a total of $60M for him and J.J. Putz to finish up games in 2009. Now, which bullpen makeover made better sense?

So, to conclude the activity for the day: the Phillies added a Gold Glover to their infield, the Braves completed the overhaul of their bullpen, and the Mets signed two backup catchers.

The offseason is still young.

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Marco Scutaro Off the Table?

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

According to Venezuelan news source Lider, the Red Sox have signed Marco Scutaro. Terms are unknown at this time, and the deal is yet to be official.

So scratch him off the list of available second basemen / utility infielders, and stop voting for him when you Rate the Mets Free Agent Targets.

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Mets Sign Henry Blanco

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

henry-blanco-catch
It’s not yet official, but it’s as good as done — the Mets have signed Henry Blanco to a $1.5M contract, pending a physical.

Hat tip to MetsBlog.

Even though the agreement is in place, and Blanco is on his way to New York for a physical as I type this, there is still a part of me that is absolutely terrified that the deal falls through — so I likely won’t sleep until I see the official press release on Mets.com. Maybe it’s because the Yorvit Torrealba debacle still gives me nightmares. That was, after all, the last time the Mets were this close to landing a catcher with outstanding framing skills since Charlie O’Brien.

Because really, how many outstanding defensive backup catchers are out there? And particularly, ones who can hit in the .210 – .230 range? The Yankees of course had Jose Molina, but they set the standard at every position. With Blanco, the Mets are equal to the World Champions in regard to at least one roster spot.

What’s really puzzling is how the Mets were able to nab the 38-year-old backstop for only $1.5M — a mere pittance for someone with a career .658 OPS. Once again Omar Minaya sprinkles some magic dust into the eyes of an unwitting free agent, and connives him into signing a bargain-basement contract.

In addition to the Blanco news, the Mets also made official the signing of first baseman and “Phillie for life” Chris Coste, who also can catch a little. With Coste’s powerful righthanded bat platooning with Daniel Murphy at first base, Henry Blanco backing up the catching position, Alex Cora set as the utility infielder, and Elmer Dessens on the brink of re-signing, the Mets have managed to fill every vital hole BEFORE the winter meetings begin. Well done!

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Phillies Sign Placido Polanco

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

So glad the Mets aren’t the only ones in the NL East making unusual free agent signings.

The Phillies have signed Gold Glove second baseman Placido Polanco to a three-year, $18M contract to play third base.

I like Polanco — a lot. If the Mets didn’t have Luis Castillo, I would have loved to have seen them sign Polanco. But on a two-year deal, and to play 2B.

It’s a little surprising that the Phillies chose Polanco over Adrian Beltre — who is younger, a Gold Glove caliber third baseman, and has more power potential — but I suppose they have their reasons. Polanco generally has a better OBP than Beltre but that part of his game dipped in 2009. Beltre’s power dropped dramatically last year as well, but that was due to injuries. I wonder if the Phillies doubt Beltre’s birth certificate, and feel he’s going to break down?

*** UPDATE ***

An asking price of $10M per year now explains the Phillies’ passing on Adrian Beltre. Three years for Polanco, though, still seems like too much.

Posted in 09-10 Offseason, Latest Mets News | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Gifts for Mets Fans: 2010 Alternate Jersey

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

The holiday shopping season is upon us, so I’ll be making recommendations here and there over the next few days — should be a nice break from the insanity of the hot stove rumors.

Note: the images and product links go to Amazon.com, and include a MetsToday code. So if you buy something there after clicking from here, you will be helping me pay the server bills (I get about 4% from any sales). This may encourage or discourage you from buying, depending on how you feel about the site :-).

mets-2010-jerseyWe’ll kick things off with the new 2010 Mets “Alternate” home jersey — the cream-colored, pinstriped top that the Mets will be wearing occasionally in Citi Field next season. Though it’s new, the style is inspired by something old — namely, the uniforms worn by the Mets in the 1960s.

You or your giftee can be the first person on the block to wear one. I’m confident in saying this because few of these gems have been sold yet, despite being introduced before Thanksgiving. That doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them — they look pretty cool, in my opinion. Rather, most people who are buying sports jerseys this time of year are opting for the kind that come with shoulder pads underneath.

A fine gift for the Mets fan in your life. Alternatively (pardon the pun), you can beat the spring rush and buy one for yourself as well.

The “replica” jersey goes for $78.60, and the “authentic” “cool base” version is $191.60

Both are made by Majestic.

Posted in Cool Mets Stuff | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Free Agent Evaluation: High Reward Starting Pitchers

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Joe Janish

bensheetsAnyone who watched the Mets in 2009 knows that after Johan Santana, there was a large hole in the starting rotation. The Mets desperately needed a #2 starter, and some would argue they didn’t have anyone worthy of being deemed a #3.

But there’s only one legit #2 starter on the free agent market — John Lackey — and he likely will either re-sign with the Angels or receive a contract that reeks of more risk than reward.

On the other hand, there is an intriguing group of potentially low-risk, high-reward arms available — pitchers who may require only a one-year commitment and less than $10M, yet have #2 or even ace potential. Will the Mets roll the dice? Let’s take a look at them. Continue reading →

Posted in 09-10 Offseason | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments