2012 Analysis: Jon Niese

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Joe Janish

Would you consider 2012 to be a “breakout season” for Jonathon Niese? Continue reading →

Posted in 12-13 Offseason, 2012 Mets Evaluations | Tagged | 5 Comments

How the Mets Might Play Moneyball this Winter

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Matt Himelfarb


A large part of the Oakland Athletics unexpected success in 2012 can be attributed to Billy Beane‘s ability to find undervalued assets, particularly in the outfield. The rebirth of ‘Moneyball’, if you will. According to FanGraphs WAR, Josh Reddick, Brandon Moss, and Jonny Gomes were worth a combined 9.3 wins last season for Oakland.

Given the Mets payroll constraints, Sandy Alderson is probably going to have to implement his own brand of Moneyball this offseason. Here are a few potentially overlooked outfielders that could be available this winter. Continue reading →

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Would You Trade R.A. Dickey to the Red Sox?

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Joe Janish

In today’s edition of “Would you …?” we discuss the fantasy of trading R.A. Dickey to the Boston Red Sox.

As you know, the Mets could use a catcher — preferably one that can catch, throw, and hit a bit. Ideally, such a backstop would also be on the young side.

Enter Ryan Lavarnway.

If you haven’t heard of Lavarnway, here are the basic details: 6’4, 225 lbs., 25 years old, righthanded hitter who hit 32 homeruns with a .390 OBP and 1.002 OPS in the minors in 2011. That wasn’t necessarily a surprise — he led all D-1 hitters in batting and slugging as a college sophomore and set the Ivy League record for career homeruns. Lavarnway is a graduate of Yale, so he might be relatively intelligent. All scouting reports on him boast about his hard work ethic and discipline. Sounds good, right? Would you be willing to trade R.A. Dickey for someone who appears to be the next Johnny Bench — if the Red Sox would be willing to part with him? Not so fast. Continue reading →

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What It Will Take To Acquire Justin Upton – And Why the Mets Should Do It

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Matt Himelfarb

If there’s one player in baseball capable of solving the myriad problems facing the Mets in 2012, it’s Justin Upton. He plays the outfield. He’s right-handed. He’s not Jason Bay. He’s signed to a fairly team friendly deal through 2015. He’s a childhood friend of David Wright. He’s not Jason Bay. And, when he’s on top of his game, he’s an MVP-caliber player.

Of course, most of these attributes also intrigue most other teams. So if the Mets have any intention of acquiring Upton this off-season, they better be willing to give up a boatload of talent.

So after playing armchair GM during several lecture classes, here’s what I think would constitute a reasonably fair deal for both sides: Continue reading →

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Carter’s Harley on Auction for Charity

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Paul Festa

Sweet ride…

Gary Carter’s Harley is to be put up for auction to benefit the Autism Project of Palm Beach County.  Here are the details:
The Harley Davidson motorcycle owned by the Mets late, great Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter will go on the auction block to benefit charity on the Steiner Sports ”Perfect 25th Anniversary Auction,” it was announced today.

Carter’s charity work lives on…

The on-line auction at www.steinersports.com, which also includes Don Larsen’s Perfect Game uniform and Bob Knight’s NCAA championship rings, continues through December 5.

Carter’s widow Sandy had donated the sleek, black bike to the Autism Project of Palm Beach County (APPBC), which will receive all the proceeds.
The charity’s mission is to raise money to support two specialized charter schools in Palm Beach County.  C.J., the Carters’ grandson, attends Renaissance Learning Center, one of the charter schools. (RLC) serves children who are on the Autism Spectrum ages 3 to 14 years old.  Twelve years ago RLC had only five students enrolled, today enrollment has grown to 102 with a waiting list.
The 2004 V-Rod “100th Anniversary” model HD has 3,250 miles on its odometer, and is in pristine condition. Personally-owned accessories worn by Gary and Sandy will also be a part of this unique auction package, including leather jackets with “Kid” and “Sandy” embroidered inside, as well as helmets, boots, and gloves. The reserve has yet to be determined.
The bike was a gift to Carter from the New York Mets organization upon his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
For photographs of the 100 Anniversary VRod by Harley Davidson. http://www.hogs4sale.com/Inventory_V_Rod.htm
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What Would You Trade for Justin Upton?

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Joe Janish

Considering that this offseason is likely to be almost exciting as last year for Mets fans, I’d like to spice things up by posing questions to you periodically in a series titled “Would You …?”. The questions may be realistic, unrealistic, or completely ridiculous. This series would be kind of like fantasy baseball — complete fiction — and intended to open your mind and spark discussion.

Let’s begin with this conversation starter for you: “Would You trade Ruben Tejada and Jonathon Niese for Justin Upton?”

Again, never mind that this will never happen. It’s meant to get your brain going and your emotions rolling. What say you? Do you make such a deal? Why or why not? Do you adjust the trade by adding/subtracting players on either/both sides?

Ball is in your court — go!

Perhaps this can be a series we run all winter, in which I pose a question and you answer it.

Posted in 12-13 Offseason, Would You ...? | 16 Comments

Happy Bays Are Here Again

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Paul Festa

Jason Bay is moving on.

The Mets and Jason Bay have agreed to part ways.

“Jason has a tremendous work ethic. There was never any question about it,” Sandy Alderson said in a statement.  “Unfortunately, the results weren’t there and we are in a results-oriented business.  We thank Jason for his efforts and wish him well.”

Of course, the Mets will have to pay Bay’s full 2013 salary, but this is the right move.  Time to make room for the future on the field, even if room is not cleared on the ledger.

Posted in 12-13 Offseason | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Re-engineering the Mets

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Joe Janish

While researching one thing or another, I happened upon a fantastic piece of history penned by Alan Schwarz in New York Magazine titled “Re-engineering the Mets.” It was published, I think, at some point prior to the 2004 season. Schwarz outlines several moves the Mets could make that would position them for a 2006 postseason appearance. Interestingly, much of the plan was focused on shedding payroll, getting out from under long-term, expensive contract, and focusing on homegrown talent — young arms in particular. Sound familiar?

It’s as if history never repeats itself, or something. Maybe the future we hope for never happens? I’m not sure. Just go here to read the story, then come back here an comment. The tone and thought process is so eerily familiar, it makes you wonder if the Mets will ever find their way to the light at the end of this long and winding tunnel.

Posted in 12-13 Offseason | 11 Comments