Why Kelly Shoppach to Tampa matters to the Mets

As we’ve seen, the Mets are trying to scoop up a whole bunch of catchers.  They have Omir Santos and Josh Thole, and they signed Chris Coste yesterday and added him to the 40-man.  They’re also in talks with Henry Blanco.

But Kelly Shoppach, coming off a decent 2009, where he hit .214 / .335 / .399 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI, was just traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.

Why were the Mets not interested?  He’s cheaper than Bengie Molina, who the Mets have their sights set on.  Sure, Shoppach’s not amazing behind the plate, but either is anyone else out there, especially Molina.

What really might interest Omar Minaya, but not me, is what the Rays do with Dioner Navarro.

If the Rays non-tender him, the Mets could look to add him to add to the depth at the catching position.  He’s not someone I would clamor for, or even suggest in passing, but as the Mets look to add players at this position, I’m sure Minaya will be interested.

Rosenthal: Mets talking to Blanco

The Mets and free-agent catcher Henry Blanco have been talking, according to Ken Rosenthal (via Amazin’ Avenue).

Rosenthal points out that Blanco would likely serve as a backup as the Mets are targeting Bengie Molina as their catcher for 2010 and beyond.

I don’t like this. 

1) Blanco, who is mediocre at best, had been with seven organizations in 12 years.  He’s a decent player off the bench, but isn’t that what Omir Santos is? 

And 2) Molina is going to cost so much money and his OBP is awful.

Then again, the catching market out there is terrible and these might be the Mets best options. 

If Blanco is just an insurance plan for if/when Santos “falls back to earth” (as if his sub-.300 OBP was so special anyway), I can understand.  But the Molina thing…Oy!

Unless you’d be content with Santos/Josh Thole platoon?

Santos named Topps top rookie catcher

Omir Santos, who played in 96 games with the Mets last season, was named the top rookie catcher in the game by Topps.

Santos hit .260 AVG / .296 OBP / .391 SLG with 7 home runs and 40 RBI in 306 plate appearances.

Well, this was unexpected. I would not have pegged Santos for this award. Matt Wieters (96 games, .288/.340/.412, 9 HR, 43 RBI), on the other hand...

Showdown: Santos’ OBP vs. Molina’s OBP [Graph]

The Mets need a catcher.  Bengie Molina is available.  The Mets will likely be interested.

Say the Mets sign Molina and pair him with Omir Santos as the Mets catchers in 2010, can you imagine the battle to keep their combined OBP above .600?

Here is a chart with Santos’ and Molina’s OBP for every year from 2001 on, Santos’ first year in pro ball.  All numbers for Santos are minor league stats except for 2009.

Please, no.  Don’t let it happen.  I don’t want to see a two-man battle for futility.

Mets rookie hazing [Photos]

The Mets dressed up the team’s rookies in various costumes after yesterday’s 4-0 win in Florida.  Thanks to the power of the Internet, we can see those photos.

Here is my favorite, Bobby Parnell as some sort of German…um…woman?Here are links to some photos, all taken by Flickr user saubrey02.

Omir Santos as Robin.

Nick Evans as Minnie Mouse and Josh Thole as a Playboy bunny.

More Thole.

Ken Takahashi as Eve(?).

Lance Broadway as a nurse and Tobi Stoner as a French Maid.

Hilarious.

Will Santos start in 2010?

A poll recently concluded on this site asking fans if they think Omir Santos should be the starting catcher in 2010.

For a refresher, here are the results…In today’s NY Post, Mike Puma writes that as of now, the Mets have penciled in Santos as the team’s No. 1 catcher for next season.

Manager Jerry Manuel said the "jury will still have to be out" when he was asked if he will be comfortable heading into next season with one of his current catchers as the starter.

"It's a very important position, so we have to kind of wait and see what would fit best, not only from a defensive point of view, but an offensive point of view as well," Manuel said.

The market for catchers is quite small, Puma points out.  Notable names: Bengie Molina, Yorvit Torrealba (remember that mess?) and Ramon Hernandez.

I’m already getting agida thinking about this position next year.  Santos and Robinson Cancel?  Oy.

Poll Results: Fans say Santos shouldn’t be the starter in 2010

In my latest poll, I asked fans if they want to see Omir Santos as the starting catcher next year. Here are the results…I’m not sure who I would want manning every game behind the plate next year, so if you have any suggestions, I’d like to hear them.

And please, don’t say Josh Thole.

Next Poll: Who will you root for in the playoffs?

Stokes surrenders 8th inning home run in loss

Pat Misch was excellent.  Mets struggled to score runs.  Bullpen surrendered home runs.  Mets lost.

Just another day for the Mets.

Misch, making his first start for the Mets, lasted seven innings, allowing only one run.  He let up six hits, walked two and struck out two.  It was his longest outing of his career, tossing 98 pitches.

Brian Stokes entered, allowed a game tying hit, then surrendered a three-run home run to Alfonso Soriano.  Those were the first runs Stokes has given up since August 1, over 12 1-3 innings.

The anemic Mets offense managed only two runs on seven hits.  Omir Santos and Fernando Tatis drove in the runs on a single and double respectively.

But hey, no one got hurt.

Redding surprises, Mets lose anyway

Tim Redding, making his first start since July 2, tossed five innings of one-hit baseball.  He walked three and struck out four.  And then the Mets let it slip away.

Removed due to a high pitch count, Redding gave way to Pat Misch, who was recalled from the minor leagues earlier yesterday.  A lead-off walk to Shane Victorino was followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Chase Utley.  The 1-0 Mets lead turned into a 2-1 Mets deficit.

After Misch recorded an out, Sean Green took over.  Green allowed back-to-back two-out doubles for another Phillies run, giving them a 3-1 lead.

Though the Mets knocked out eight hits and walked twice, they were only able to plate one run.  The run came in the bottom of the second when a groundball from Omir Santos was just out of the reach of third baseman Pedro Feliz.  As it glanced off his glove and into the outfield, Jeff Francoeur was able to trot home with the Mets first, and only, run.

The Mets ended up using seven pitchers in last night’s game, with Pedro Feliciano giving up the other run in the Phillies eventual 4-1 victory.

At one point it looked like a little of the 1969 magic may have worn off on the 2009 Mets.  But in the end, the ‘69 celebration was marred by the ‘09 talent.

Billy’s back

Billy Wagner’s appearance in Thursday night’s game was the unlikely highlight, as Johan Santana was on the mound for the Mets.  The Mets lost 3-2, dropping the final two games of the series to the Braves

Santana allowed three earned runs on nine hits over seven innings.  He struck out two and walk none, needing only 77 pitches (66 landing for strikes).

But when Wagner entered the game for the 8th inning, the crowd got to it’s feet and cheered.  He paid them back by turning in a 1-2-3 inning, striking out two batters in a span of 14 pitches.

The offense sputtered again, plating one in the 4th on a Cory Sullivan single and later in the 8th inning on a pinch-hit single from Omir Santos.  Other than that, the bats were relatively quiet.

Francisco Rodriguez turned in a shutout inning, but walked two batters in his time on the bump.

But hey, Billy’s back.  (For now.)

Dessens out, Cancel in

The Mets have designated Elmer Dessens for assignment and promoted Robinson Cancel, according to Bart Hubbuch.

Hubbuch claims this move was made to add “depth due to knee issues for Brian Schneider.”  It is also because the Mets were going to be forced to have a three-man bench today, with Luis Castillo possibly missing the entire first game due to the birth of his daughter.

This also frees up Omir Santos on days Schneider is catching for some pinch-hitting duties.

Cancel was hitting .218 AVG / .266 OBP / .259 SLG for triple-A Buffalo.

Game Recap: Mets 6 – Cardinals 4

The B-team notches a win.

The New York Mets (35-33) beat the St. Louis Cardinals (39-32) by a score of 6-4.

Tim Redding was great.  Sure, he gave up four earned runs, but that’s what you expect out of him.  Holding the Cardinals to only four runs is quite an accomplishment.  Seven innings for Redding, who was victimized by two home runs, finally earned his first win with the Mets.

Very nice, Redding.  Maybe you shouldn’t have started the 8th inning, lowering your “should have been” runs to three, but it’s OK.  I’ll take it.

Brian Stokes entered with a one run lead, a runner on first and Albert Pujols at the plate.  Stokes came through brilliantly, inducing a double play ball to get out of the inning and avoid any damage.

Love it.  Absolutely love it.  Were you watching, Jerry?

Francisco Rodriguez set the Cards down 1-2-3.

Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

Two players had stand out nights for the Mets on a night where the team knocked out 14 hits. Luis Castillo went 3-4 with a double, RBI and two runs scored and Omir Santos had a perfect night, going 4-4 with a run and an RBI.

What’s up with the catchers lately?  Whatever it is, I could get used to it.

Daniel Murphy picked up two hits, including a solo home run into the visiting bullpen in the 5th inning.  Alex Cora picked up two RBI on singles in the 6th  and 8th innings.

And Murphy has more home runs than David Wright.  Wow.

Cora has earned every single penny of his $2.5 million contract.  For a guy that was supposed to be a backup forced into everyday duty, he’s been nothing short of spectacular.

Game Recap: Mets 6 – Yankees 2

Could have been two.

The New York Mets (32-28) beat the New York Yankees (35-27) by a score of 6-2.

Fernando Nieve, making his first start for the New York Mets, turned out a spectacular performance.  Six and two-third innings, Nieve allowed only four hits and two earned runs.  He walked two and struck out two.

Nieve allowed a solo home run to Alex Rodriguez in the second inning.  Another run was charged to Nieve when Sean Green relieved him in the seventh inning. 

Just a shocking start from Nieve.  Did not see that one coming, that’s for sure.

Green turned in 1 1-3 innings, allowing only one hit while striking out one.

Francisco Rodriguez struck out one in the 9th inning, sealing the game in a non-save situation.

The Mets got on the board early, the second inning, with a two-run shot off the bat of Omir Santos. 

Four hits drove in three runs for the Mets in the fifth inning.  Gary Sheffield and Santos each picked up RBI hits and Fernando Tatis hit an RBI groundout.

Sheffield added to the lead in the 7th with a solo home run to left field.

Sheffield went 2-5 with two RBI and a run scored on the same day it was announced he would be getting an MRI on his ailing right knee.  Interesting.

Game Recap: Mets 3 – Marlins 2

The Mets actually won a rubber game.

The New York Mets (28-21) beat the Florida Marlins (23-28) by a score of 3-2.

John Maine, who has to leave the game before the seventh inning, allowed only three hits and two walks.  He had thrown 82 pitches and struck out five before leaving after coming down with symptoms of a stomach virus that has been passing through the team.

Pedro Feliciano was rushed into the relief role, but did not allow a hit through his inning of work, also striking out one.  J.J. Putz entered for the 8th inning, but struggled.  He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk.  One run scored with Bobby Parnell on the mound.  Parnell allowed a run-scoring single to Hanley Ramirez, but then struck out Jorge Cantu and induced a fly ball to end the inning.

Francisco Rodriguez came in for the ninth and struck out the side coupled with one walk.

Before Angel Pagan strained his right groin, forcing him to leave the game, he drove in the Mets first run in the third inning with a double to left field.

The Mets struck again in the seventh getting a pair of RBI doubles from Fernando Martinez and Omir Santos respectively.

Manuel’s Musing for May 29

“We all felt he could be a receiver and call a game. The surprising part is he's hit
and hit well in the clutch.”

-Jerry Manuel on Omir Santos.

Game Recap: Mets 2 – Marlins 1

This one was all about Omir.

The New York Mets (27-20) beat the Florida Marlins (22-27) by a score of 2-1 in 11 innings.

Mike Pelfrey was brilliant again.  7 2-3 innings for Pelfrey, with only five hits and one walk.  He struck out six and lowered his ERA to 3.88 by allowing only one earned run.  The one run came in the fourth after Chris Coghlan hit a leadoff triple.  Dan Uggla drove him in with a sacrifice fly.

Bobby Parnell finished out the 8th inning with runners on first and second by getting Uggla to groundout to second base.  Francisco Rodriguez logged a 1-2-3 scoreless inning.  J.J. Putz turned in 1 2-3 innings, walking one and striking out one.  Pedro Feliciano came on and finished out the 11th.

Omir Santos, threatened by demotion with the imminent return of Brian Schneider, did it all for the Mets.

With the team down one run in the fifth inning, Santos knocked a solo home run down the left field line to tie up the game.

In the bottom of the 11th, Gary Sheffield led off with a single to left field.  With Fernando Tatis batting, Sheffield kept getting checked at first base.  Marlins pitcher Brian Sanches kept throwing over to first to keep Sheffield close.  After a few throw-overs, Sheffield took off for second.  The throw from Ronnie Paulino went wide and nicked some leather before heading into centerfield.  Sheffield trotted to third.

Tatis was hit by a pitch on the very next pitch, bringing Santos to the plate.  Again, on the next pitch, a single to left field off the bat of Santos chased home Sheffield and brought home the win for the Mets.

That was something special.  No way can the Mets send down Santos after tonight’s performance.  I think Mets fans will be bidding adieu to Ramon Castro.

Mets shopping Castro

Adam Rubin is exclusively reporting that the Mets are working the phones trying to trade Ramon Castro before Saturday’s 1:10 p.m. game.

With Brian Schneider already at Citi Field and waiting to come off the DL, the Mets have a move to make to avoid carrying three catchers. Omir Santos may be too valuable to send to the minor leagues.

What I don’t understand about this situation is the Mets knew Schneider was coming back.  They knew there would be a tough decision coming down the pipeline – it was only a matter of time.

But they waited until they had mere hours to make a move to start fielding calls on a catcher?  Because that makes sense.

Hopefully Omar Minaya & Co. have been actively shopping one of the catchers quietly to other teams. 

They know they don’t want to eat Castro’s contract.  They want to keep Santos on the team and avoid sending him to Triple-A.  They want to bring Schneider back as soon as possible.

They just don’t how to pull it all off.

** *** **

Nymrod27, over in the chat box, suggested an interesting trade package: Castro and Ryan Church.

Church seems on the outs with the organization as rookie Fernando Martinez is likely up for the long haul.  With Castro being shopped and Church with no place to play, this seems like something that could happen.

Nice idea, Nymrod27.  It just might happen…if Church wasn’t on the DL.

Twitter user Patrick Boegel reminded me that no one on the DL can be traded. 

Good idea, but can’t happen.

Bad news for catchers named Omir: Brian Schneider close to returning

The Mets have a tough choice to make and they won’t be able to put it off much longer.

Brian Schneider, you know – the Opening Day catcher, is close to returning to the Mets after back and calf injuries.  (I’ve added a photo of Schneider to help jog your memory.)

Schneider was expected back as soon as early May, but the injuries piled up and he continued rehabbing in Florida.

Update – 4:11 p.m.: Schneider is at Citi Field, but has not been activated.  Adam Rubin reports he will be activated before tomorrow’s game.

Update – 5:09 p.m.: Via Rubin again:

The Mets are working the phones, trying to trade Ramon Castro before Saturday's 1:10 p.m. game, according to sources.

Via Noble Thoughts:

The club has made no announcement or given any public indication of its intentions regarding its catching, fueling speculation that any one of the three catchers -- Schneider, his original backup Ramon Castro or Omir Santos, the revelation of Mets season -- could be the odd man out. But there was an indication two weeks ago and again Friday morning that Santos, who has gained favor with manager Jerry Manuel,  would be returned to the minor leagues.

Here are some likely options:

• Send Omir Santos back to the minors.  Though it would be an unpopular move in the fans eyes, Santos has options and would be returned to Triple-A Buffalo.
• Designate Ramon Castro for assignment.  The team would have to eat Castro’s contract, but they would be shedding the injury-prone catcher.
• Trade Brian Schneider.  Not many teams are in the market for a light-hitting catcher who just spent a month on the DL, so I doubt this goes down.

The Mets will likely send Santos back to the minors, even though he’s shown that he can hold his own at the major league level and has some penchant for a timely hit.

The fans will miss you if you go, Omir.

The most exciting 9th inning in a long, long time

Via Yahoo! Sports:

Top 9th: NY Mets

- J. Papelbon relieved J. Beckett
- G. Sheffield walked
- D. Wright struck out swinging
- J. Reed struck out swinging
- O. Santos homered to deep center, G. Sheffield scored
- R. Martinez lined out to third

2 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors
NY Mets 3, Boston 2

  Bottom 9th: Boston

- J.J. Putz relieved P. Feliciano
- K. Youkilis walked
- J. Bay grounded into fielder's choice, K. Youkilis out at second
- J.D. Drew lined out to right
- M. Lowell grounded out to shortstop

0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors
NY Mets 3, Boston 2

The Omir Santos home run was just absurd.  I’m not sure who was yelling louder: me or Omir?

Then the defensive masterpiece in the bottom of the 9th.  The David Wright snag and Luis Castillo stretch for the first out.  Then the Ramon Martinez diving grab and subsequent throw for the final out.

The most exciting 9th inning this year, for sure.

Photo of the Day: Omir is pumped

 Brian who?
AP Photo