An insane baseball brawl [Video]

Via JSchil’s Blog…

Santana is the Baryshnikov of the hands [Quote]

Watch a master at work and stand in awe. Before each start Johan Santana, the Mets' ace, struts past his teammates, smacking and fist-bumping and shimmying, as if performing a dugout Macarena, personalizing shakes for each teammate while throwing fake pitches. The innovation is ongoing (his shakes often change from week to week) and the complexity staggering—Santana is a veritable Baryshnikov of the hands, a choreographer of camaraderie.

-Chris Ballard, The Metaphysical Significance, Staggering Ubiquity
and Sheer Joy of High Fives

Read this article.  (For the lazy, the Santana part pulls from here.)

Jeff Wilpon’s video blog [Day 2]

It’s funny because it’s true.

Here’s the second installment of Jeff Wilpon’s video blog from 12 Angry Mascots…

Jose Reyes’ overactive thyroid

From the Mets…

The additional blood tests confirmed that Jose Reyes's thyroid hormone blood levels are elevated and he is hyperthyroid. Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek last night spoke with Jose and his representatives. As prescribed by the doctors and specialists, Jose’s treatment plan is to rest, refrain from athletic activity and make changes in his diet. The doctors will monitor Jose's thyroid levels through regular blood tests. Once Jose’s thyroid levels return to normal, he will be cleared to resume baseball activities.

The waiting game begins.

Reyes’ thyroid could return to normal in a few weeks (mine were out of whack after my stint in the hospital at the beginning of February and were back to normal three weeks later), or it could be a lot longer.

Andy McCullough at NJ.com says it could be two weeks, or eight.

Update: Here’s why Reyes won’t be treated with medication, which I guess is a good thing.

For Reyes and for Mets fans, this sucks.

Just when he thought he would be returning to lead the team and when fans are itching to watch him play again, he’s sidelined once more.

Strangely, Reyes will not be receiving treatment (usually, a radioactive chemical, taken orally, to knock out some of the function from the thyroid), but will rather wait and see.  The bad part about this is, if in a few weeks, nothing is changed, he’ll have to go the medicinal route, likely keeping him out even longer.

12 Angry Mascots: Jeff Wilpon’s vlog

The mad minds behind 12 Angry Mascots are launching a Jeff Wilpon video blog called The WilVlog.

Below is the first installment.

They plan to post every Tuesday and Thursday for the next few weeks.

This should be fun.

(Driving to Atlantic City for the next few days.  Might have Internet, might not.  If not, talk to you on Friday!)

My Q&A with Macho Row

I did a quick Mets and NL East Q&A with the Phillies blog Macho Row.

Here’s a quick sampling…

How hot is the water that general manager Omar Minaya is sitting in? Is the pressure on Minaya to get the team back to the playoffs at a point where this is a make-or-break season?
Sizzling. I'm not sure this is a make-or-break season, but it might be a make-or-break year. If the team stinks it up and then he doesn't go out and get some big names by 2011, he's out.
---
What about manager Jerry Manuel? Will Manuel be the manager at the end of the 2010 season?
If Minaya's is sizzling, Manuel's is literally on fire. Manuel could be out in 20 games if they fall flat out of the gate. He's a dead man walking and he knows it too. A lot rides on the beginning of the season. I may as well write up his "obituary" now and just wait to post it.

For the full Q&A, where I discuss Citi Field, Jerry Manuel’s love affair with Jenrry Mejia and more, head over to Macho Row.

Manuel’s Musing

“With the question marks we have at two, three and four, each day those guys go out and throw strikes and compete is a big plus for us.”

-Jerry Manuel on the starting rotation

At least he admits they are question marks.  But no question mark at five?  Isn’t that the biggest question mark of them all?

My fantasy baseball team: Ryota’s Toyotas

Because I will be out most of the day, I’ll post my fantasy baseball team for you to enjoy/laugh at…

Ryota’s Toyotas - “Putting the pedal to the metal!”

Batters

• Victor Martinez – 1B/C
• Prince Fielder – 1B
• Brandon Phillips – 2B
• Chone Figgins – 3B
• Marco Scutaro – SS
• Carlos Beltran – OF
• Nick Markakis – OF
• David DeJesus – OF
• Corey Hart – OF
• Martin Prado – 1B/2B/3B
• Cody Ross – OF
• Chase Headley – 3B/OF

Pitchers

• Cole Hamels – SP
• Joe Saunders – SP
• J.A. Happ – SP/RP
• Scott Feldman – SP
• Ricky Romero – SP
• Johnny Cueto – SP
• Heath Bell – RP
• Matt Guerrier – RP
• Jeremy Affeldt – RP

As you can see, I have no chance of earning any saves this season.  I have tried to corner the market on holds, though.

Any questions, comments or suggestions for my team?  Leave ‘em in the comments.

Manuel’s Musing

“If we were to speak today, and not having much history with him, I would say that he would definitely be one of the 11 or 12 pitchers that we take.”

-Jerry Manuel, not on Jenrry Mejia, but on Hisanori Takahasi

Fernando Martinez!

Woah, woah, woah.

It’s been four games, everyone.  Let’s calm down a bit.

Yes, Fernando Martinez is hitting .667 / .667 / 1.333, but he’s only had 12 ABs.  Yes, he went 4-4 yesterday.  Yes, he hit two home runs.

There is no doubt in my mind that Martinez will break camp and head to Buffalo to get regular playing time.  Sure, he might have a nice spring training, but the Mets had a pretty set outfield. 

The centerfield job will be between Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews Jr., barring injury.  Left field, obviously, is Jason Bay’s.  Right field goes to Jeff Francoeur.

But, depending on the season, both the Mets and F-Mart’s, he could be up with the team later in the year.  In fact, if the team doesn’t do very well, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Francoeur gets shipped elsewhere and F-Mart takes over in RF.

As long as he stays healthy and puts up numbers, that is.  Not a small feat for the oft-injured prospect.

I’m glad we can get excited about F-Mart (and Jenrry Mejia, Ike Davis and Josh Thole).  It feels good, doesn’t it?

Fun with a week of spring training stats

It’s (early in) spring training, where stats don’t matter and no one cares about wins, so let’s have some fun with stats from a handful of games.

• Jason Pridie and Ruben Tejada are tied at the top with 10 AB a piece.
• Luis Hernandez leads the team with 11 PA.
• Russ Adams leads the team with a 1.000 OBP.  3 singles in 3 AB in two games.
• Adams also leads the team in slugging percentage, with a 2.000.
• Four players have one home run so far: Russ Adams, Ike Davis, Gary Matthews Jr. and David Wright.
• Davis and Pridie lead the team with 4 RBI.
• Davis has notched 8 total bases, leading the team.  Matthews Jr. trails by one base.
• Pridie also leads the team in strikeouts, with 4.  Matthews Jr. has 3 and Jason Bay and Luis Hernandez each have K’d twice.
• Fernando Tatis is one of eight players to have grounded into a double play so far.
• Nelson Figueroa has tossed six innings so far, the most on the team.
• Figueroa, Sean Green, Eddie Kunz and Bobby Parnell have each walked three batters.  Kunz managed to do that while only notching one out.  Green, one more.
• Figueroa also leads the team in strikeouts, with eight.  Bobby Livingston and Jon Niese each have K’d five.
• Parnell has allowed the most total bases, with 11.
• Ryota Igarashi has posted the lowest batting average against, with a .100.

And that’s enough meaningless stats for today.  Enjoy the warm Saturday.

The Mets play tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. and the game is on WPIX.

Manuel’s Musing

“If we continue to see that, we have to have some strong conversations.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jenrry Mejia

Oh my… Just look… [Image]

The Brooklyn Cyclones will be giving this jersey away at their “Jersey? Sure!” Night on July 21…

Why, why, why must my home state have such a bad rep?

All I can do is shake my head.

TV lineup today

Here is the lineup we’ll be able to watch today as the Mets split-squad plays the Marlins in Port St. Lucie.  The other half traveled to Jupiter to play the Cardinals.

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. Daniel Murphy – 1B
6. Rod Barajas – C
7. Jesus Feliciano – RF
8. Luis Hernandez – SS
9. Kai Gronauer – DH

Slated to pitch: Jon Niese, Jenrry Mejia, Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell, Ryota Igarashi, Elmer Dessens (guess his knee is OK) and Eric Niesen.

Reyes has a thyroid problem?

Jose Reyes has once again been scratched from the Mets lineup and is en route to New York for tests.

According to Adam Rubin, Reyes may have an out of balance thyroid.

It’s worrisome that Reyes has yet another problem, but if it is a thyroid issue, that is usually easily rectified.  A pill treatment can usually solve most hyper- or hypothyroid issues.

I actually just had my thyroid tested, too.  It involves some (more) bloodwork for Reyes to test the levels in his blood and an ultrasound to see if the thyroid gland is swollen or undersized.

Not encouraging news that Reyes is out once again, but if it is a thyroid issue, the Mets and their fans shouldn’t be too worried.

Mets sign Kiko Calero to minor-league deal

Enrique Nomar “Kiko: Calero, who last pitched with Florida last season, appeared in 67 games with a 1.95 ERA and a 1.100 WHIP in 60 innings.  He surrendered 36 hits and one home run, while walking 30 and striking out 69.

In 302 2-3 career innings, Calero has a 3.24 ERA and 1.196 WHIP.  He notched 3.7 BB/9 and 9.6 SO/9.

Clint Everts obviously hasn’t had his photo taken in a while [Image]

Just check the uniform he’s wearing in his MLB headshot…

Go Expos!

This is what I get [Image]

…for trying to watch an online feed of the Mets game.

A nice shot of R.A. Dickey’s butt.

The feed has been stuck on this image for about an hour now.  Fun stuff.

Lineup today

Jose Reyes was scheduled to start today, but was scratched by Jerry Manuel.  Reyes had more bloodwork done, but told reporters, “I’m fine.”

Where have we heard that before?

1. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. David Wright – 3B
4. Jason Bay – LF
5. Daniel Murphy – 1B
6. Jeff Francoeur – RF
7. Fernando Tatis – DH
8. Henry Blanco – C
9. Ruben Tejada – SS

Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will get the start today.  Jenrry Mejia will also see time on the mound.

Manuel’s Musing

“It was a little sloppy.”

-Jerry Manuel on four errors in one inning

My praise for the Amazin’ Avenue Annual

I was lucky enough to receive a preview copy of the Amazin’ Avenue Annual, the first book foray from the good men at AmazinAvenue.com.

And legitimately, it’s a book.  All 342 pages of one.

(I’m going to be frank here: I hate reading long things on the Internet.  Did I read it all?  Hell no.  Did I skim, read parts here and there and continue scrolling?  Yes.  That doesn’t mean it’s not good.)

I’ll be going to school, finding a rarely used printer, and printing out this book (because I’m in college and money goes toward food).

I highly, highly recommend either downloading or purchasing the book when it becomes available in a day or two. (Yeah, the only thing there right now is a banner.  Don’t be alarmed.)

It contains essays on topics ranging from the business of the Mets in 2009 to the Gary, Keith and Ron drinking game.  It also has player previews and statistical breakdowns on many.  Just a thorough, thorough look at the Mets organization from minds of very well informed fans.

Pick it up.

And to the guys at Amazin’ Avenue and all that contributed to the book, awesome, awesome job.

Link: Q&A with Jason Bay

Head over to Big League Stew for a Q&A with Jason Bay.

An excerpt…

BLS: Who have you been hanging out with down here?

Bay: David (Wright), a little bit. Francoeur, of course. He gets along with everybody. Alex Cora I know from Boston and is a great guy. Shawn Bowman is also Canadian and we have an instant bond. I played on the Canadian WBC team with him and given all the hockey that's transpired lately, we've been close.

Click on over to BLS for the full interview.

Lineup @ Braves

With most major players getting a reprieve from the two-hour bus ride to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports to take on the Braves, here’s who the Mets will trot out, at least to start…

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Alex Cora – 2B
3. Daniel Murphy – 1B
4. Fernando Tatis – 3B
5. Fernando Martinez – LF
6. Rod Barajas – C
7. Frank Catalanotto – DH
8. Russ Adams – SS
9. Kirk Nieuwnehuis – RF

Getting the start today is LHP Pat Misch.

No word on who else is supposed to pitch today.

I hope this steroid/HGH talk begins and ends this week

Dr. Anthony Galea is a name I hope I don’t hear much more.

Because a steroid scandal is the absolute last thing the Mets need.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes have both been questioned by the FBI in connection with their relationship and visits to Dr. Galea’s office for treatment.  Galea is being investigated by Canadian authorities for attempting to smuggle human growth hormones into the US.

Both players have met with investigators and discussed their treatment with Galea.  Both claim that HGH or steroids were not involved or discussed.

Hopefully, as this week winds down, we hear less and less of this story.  Unfortunately, steroids are too juicy of a story to overlook, so as long as it’s slightly relevant, it will be written about and discussed at length.

But please, for the sake of Mets fans minds everywhere, let’s hope we don’t hear much more of it.  I think we have enough to worry about.

Manuel’s Musing

“He was so caught up in that Canada thing that he needed a day to breathe.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jason Bay

First spring training lineup from rainy Florida

The Mets will travel to the ESPN Wide World of Sports to take on the Atlanta Braves in what will likely be a rainy and wet afternoon of baseball.  Reports are that the weather is clearing up.

The game, scheduled for 1:10 p.m., will be broadcast on SNY.

Here’s the lineup the Mets will trot out…

1. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. David Wright – 3B
5. Jason Bay – LF
6. Mike Jacobs – DH
7. Jeff Francoeur – RF
8. Ike Davis – 1B
9. Chris Coste – C

Due to the impending weather, a lineup change was put through.  Your new lineup…

1. Jesus Feliciano – LF
2. Ruben Tejada – SS
3. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
4. Mike Jacobs – DH
5. Mike Hessman – 3B
6. Ike Davis – 1B
7. Chris Coste – C
8. Jason Pridie – RF
9. Luis Hernandez – 2B

Nelson Figueroa will get the start.  Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell and Ryota Igarashi are slated to pitch as well.

Don’t read too much into this lineup.  Yes, Reyes is batting third again, but who knows what Jerry Manuel will do tomorrow, in a week, in a month.

Baseball, with the weather cooperating, may be back on TV today.

This headline made me giggle

Matthews: I'm natural choice for Mets leadoff spot

Not that Gary Matthews Jr. can’t help the Mets (if any, not by much), but if he thinks he’ll be hitting leadoff (yes, he is today, but so what?) regularly, the Mets have much, much more to worry about.

Jose Reyes hits two-run triple in first AB [Quote]

Via NJ.com…

“To be honest with you, it felt a little weird when I stepped in the batter's box,” Reyes said. “It was a long time that I don't face a big-league pitcher. When I hit the ball, I said, ‘Oh, God, I have to run now.’”

Reyes said he never thought about stopping at second, though. He said he wasn't running quite at full speed, but with the ball rattling around the right-field corner, he didn't have to.

Sorry if you drool on yourself after reading this.

Manuel’s Musing

“Johan is that good where he’s at a stage in his career where I don’t think that much matters.”

-Jerry Manuel on Johan Santana having a personal catcher

The first lineups of the season

And because it’s an intrasquad game, we get two for the price of one.

Visiting team

1. Angel Pagan – CF
2. Alex Cora – 2B
3. Jason Pridie – LF
4. Jeff Francoeur – RF
5. Mike Jacobs – 1B
6. Fernando Tatis – 3B
7. Josh Thole – C
8. Ruben Tejada – SS
9. Chris Carter – DH
   ---
10. Tobi Stoner – RHP

Home team

1. Gary Matthews Jr. – CF
2. Luis Castillo – 2B
3. Jose Reyes – SS
4. David Wright – 3B
5. Daniel Murphy – 1B
6. Fernando Martinez – LF
7. Henry Blanco – C
8. Kirk Nieuwenhuis – RF
9. Frank Catalanotto – DH
   ---
10. Jon Niese – LHP

Matt Cerrone over at MetsBlog will be streaming some of the game, which begins at 11 a.m.

Spring Training chat

Join in for a spring training chat all about the New York Mets
and their outlook for 2010.


-Chat closed-
-Feel free to continue chatting in the sidebar-

2010 Mets uniforms, via Wikipedia [Image]

I don’t know why, but these interest me.  Here are the Mets uniforms for the upcoming season from the Mets Wikipedia page…

Now if they’d only bring back the Mercury Mets uniforms.  Heck, I think they’d be a hot item.  I’d buy one.

Escobar might start season on DL, says Manuel

The back-and-forth on Kelvim Escobar’s shoulder soldiers on.

First, he was fine.  Then, he couldn’t grip a baseball.  After that, he could throw just fine with Johan Santana.  Now, he’s taking it slow and might start the season on the DL.  At least, according to Jerry Manuel.

Also, since he’s in camp but still not able to throw, he’s well behind in the race for the set-up man.  The likely leading candidate is Ryota Igarashi.

Manuel’s Musing

“I told him not to worry about trying to go all over the place and impress people. With that type of stuff, the way that ball cuts at the end, that one pitch has been pretty good for the guy across town.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jenrry Mejia (and Mariano Rivera)

Beimel considering Mets offer, Lopez clears waivers

Joe Beimel, one of the left-handed relievers left on the market, is considering an offer from the New York Mets, according to the Denver Post.

“We've been talking to them for a good part of the offseason. I am still just being patient, waiting for the right deal,” Beimel told the Denver Post.

…which surprised me.  It’s not as if Beimel is waiting for a multi-million dollar deal or anything.  Just a lefty reliever going somewhere on a one-year deal, or so.  Surprised it’s taken so long for him to find a fit.

Also, in case you were really worried, Arturo Lopez cleared waivers and returned to camp as a non-roster invitee.

Whew!

From Spring Training [Videos]

I’m not lucky enough to be in “chilly” Port St. Lucie.  Instead, I’m stuck in snowy Connecticut.  YouTube user AlyB248 was there, and posted some quick videos from spring training.  See below…

Getting to know… McFadden’s Citi Field

Because we all might need a drink next season.

WHERE: McFadden's at Citi Field will be open year-round and will be located on 126th street, in the northeast corner of the ballpark directly under the 2K Sports FanFest.

HOURS: 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.

CUISINE: American
MEALS SERVED: Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch
AVERAGE PRICE: Lunch $7 / Dinner $10
PAYMENT ACCEPTED: Cash, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

HANDICAP ACCESS: Yes
ATTIRE: Casual but Neat
SMOKING: No
ATM: No
AMBIANCE: Cozy Irish Pub Atmosphere with vibrant nightlife
MUSIC TYPES: All

Though I highly doubt the Citi Field version will ever resemble anything looking like this.

According to their Web site, “McFadden's is eagerly awaiting opening day 2010 to impress patrons with an extensive and delicious menu of  game-day favorites, ice cold beer, a fun and friendly staff, and an unpretentious party atmosphere. The 13,000 square-foot destination boasts over 80 HD plasma TVs, batting cages, outdoor patios, in-house TV and radio production, a 200 foot island bar and huge dining room.”

And a sampling of their food: “In addition to boasting a full bar, McFadden's Citi Field will offer extensive Irish American cuisine mixed with traditional game day favorites. Signature dishes include Almost Famous Boneless Buffalo Wings, Fish and Chips, and of course McFadden's Five Minute Cheese Steak Nachos, this savory crowd pleaser comes out in five minutes or it's free!”

Will you go to McFadden’s?

Manuel’s Musing

“What Jason Bay gives us is a guy who is an average runner that has power. Even though we have a big left field, I think he can handle that.”

-Jerry Manuel on Jason Bay

Arturo Lopez DFA’d to make room for Barajas

As I wrote on Sunday, Rod Barajas needed to be on the 40-man roster when he got into camp.  The Mets, though, already had 40 players on that roster.

Today, with tweets from Steve Popper and Brian Costa, we learn that reliever Arturo Lopez has been designated for assignment to give a spot to Barajas.

Lopez, who was never called up to the Mets, was picked off waivers in the middle of last season.

Ex-Mets: You just can’t keep Livan away

Livan Hernandez has signed a minor-league contract with the Washington Nationals and could compete for a spot in the rotation.

Hernandez could earn up to $1.25 million if he makes the team and notches all his performance bonus benchmarks.

Hmm…I wonder what El Duque is up to.

Barajas contract breakdown

Here’s how Rod Barajas’ contract plays out, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts…

• 1 year/$0.5M (2010)
• signed by NY Mets as a free agent 2/21/10
• $0.4M roster bonus for making Opening Day roster
• $1M in performance bonuses

Manuel’s Musing

“I think if you told Jose today, 'Jose I am going to bat you eighth until you get right,' he wouldn't bat an eye. He is so excited to be back on the baseball field, I don't think it would be an issue with him at all.”

-Jerry Manuel on where he might bat Jose Reyes

Taking a stab at the 25-man roster

Though most of the positions are set for Opening Day (even though spring training is just kicking off), a few remain up in the air to be battled for in Port St. Lucie.

As I have it penciled in now, the Mets will carry four outfielders, with Gary Matthews Jr. able to play all OF positions.  Fernando Tatis can also work at the corners if needed.

I also have the Mets carrying three catchers.  I’m assuming Henry Blanco is going to be Johan Santana’s personal catcher.  I’m also assuming at 34, Rod Barajas may need some time off.  That leaves Santos on the roster as well.  (Assuming the team is smart and wants Josh Thole to get the full starting time in Triple-A.)

I have Fernando Nieve making the team as the long-relief man in the bullpen and Jon Niese as the team’s fifth starter.

The bench would be made up of GMJ, Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Henry Blanco and Omir Santos.

The outfield

• Jason Bay
• Angel Pagan
• Gary Matthews Jr.
• Jeff Francoeur

The infield

• Daniel Murphy
• Luis Castillo
• Jose Reyes
• David Wright
• Alex Cora
• Fernando Tatis

The catchers

• Rod Barajas
• Henry Blanco
• Omir Santos

The starters

• Johan Santana
• Mike Pelfrey
• Oliver Perez
• John Maine
• Jon Niese

The bullpen

• Francisco Rodriguez
• Kelvim Escobar
• Pedro Feliciano
• Bobby Parnell
• Sean Green
• Ryota Igarashi
• Fernando Nieve

Where do you stand?  Who do you think will make the 25-man roster?

Mets sign Alex Cintron

The Mets have signed infielder Alex Cintron to a minor-league deal, as first reported by Baseball America.

Enjoy Buffalo.

Link: Coutinho toots own horn, explains Beltran

Head on over to Hot Foot to read an oddly self-serving quote from Rich Coutinho on Carlos Beltran and his path back to the playing field.

Um, thanks Rich.  You can hop down off that high horse now.

POLL: Where do the Mets finish the season?

Last week, I ran a poll asking how many wins the Mets would notch in 2010.  The results came back with the majority of fans picking them to win between 81-90 wins.

With such a wide span of wins, I figured it only made sense to post this poll.  Where do you see the Mets ending the 2010 season?  Vote below and hit the comments to discuss.

Heyman: Reyes to bat third until Beltran returns

Last spring training, we were all intrigued when Jerry Manuel discussed putting Jose Reyes in the third spot of his lineup.  We all scoffed when we heard the same thing this season.

But, according to Jon Heyman, this plan will be in action for more than just spring training.

Heyman tweets that Reyes will be batting third in the Mets lineup, at least until Carlos Beltran returns.

This, I think, is stupid.  We all know the saying “As Jose Reyes goes, so goes the Mets.”  That saying didn’t come from nowhere.  Reyes is the Mets sparkplug and dropping him to third seems silly.

There are other tweaks I’d like to see Manuel make with the lineup, but dropping Reyes out of the top spot is not one of them.

Here is what the opening day lineup will likely look like, if Manuel sticks to this plan…

1. Angel Pagan
2. Luis Castillo
3. Jose Reyes
4. Jason Bay
5. David Wright
6. Daniel Murphy
7. Jeff Francoeur
8. Rod Barajas
9. Johan Santana

It’s actually not too bad, but I still think Reyes is better suited for the leadoff spot.

What do you think?  Leave your comments below.

I don’t know what to make of this tweet

Is Jerry Manuel serious?  He’s probably seen Mejia throw only a handful of times and – boom – he’s in the running for the setup job?

I’m all for Jenrry Mejia doing well and progressing and helping the Mets, but I’m not so sure about this.  Please, don’t rush this guy.  There’s no need.

Sounds too crazy and too like Manuel – which means it could be 100 percent true.

Barajas needs a spot on the 40-man

Yesterday, the Mets signed Rod Barajas to a major-league deal.  That means Barajas must be added to the 40-man roster.

The Mets already have 40 players on the roster, so someone will have to be designated for assignment.

Also yesterday, the Mets were looking to void their waiver claim on Jay Marshall due to a preexisting shoulder issue.  If they are able to quickly get their claim pulled back on Marshall, the Mets might not have to DFA anyone else.

As Eric Simon of Amazin Avenue suggested on Twitter, Arturo Lopez is another candidate to be DFA’d, as he really has no chance to make the team and isn’t very good anyway.  (In 35 minor league games last season: 30 1-3 IP, 3.86 ERA, 1.615 WHIP, 13 BB, 19 K.)

Either or, I’m assuming Marshall or Lopez will be DFA’d (likely today) to make room for the Mets newest catcher.

Mets sign Barajas to one-year deal

The New York Mets and catcher Rod Barajas have agreed to a one-year major-league deal, worth $1 million.

Barajas will be added to the 40-man roster, meaning someone is being DFA'd to make room.

Barajas likely joins the team as the favorite to start, with Henry Blanco serving as his backup.

I'm on the road, so more tomorrow. Enjoy figuring out why the Mets have five catchers on the 40-man roster.

‘Torture’ [Quote]

“Torture.”

-Fred Wilpon on what the off-season was like

Escobar worse than thought: Can’t grip baseball? Or can he?

Update – 10:30 a.m.: Multiple reports filing in from Twitter that all have Escobar throwing a baseball just fine.

So, for now, he seems to be healthy.

---

Update – 12:23 p.m.: Here’s a tweet from Adam Rubin: “@TheRopolitans Johan Santana played catch with him all week and said Escobar having trouble gripping a baseball would be untrue.”

Update – 11:59 a.m.: I sent out a tweet to all the beat writers down in Port St. Lucie to see if they can check in on Escobar.  Still waiting for a response.

Update – 11:54 a.m.: Calcaterra called the Mets.  Unsurprisingly, they have “no comment.”

Original post: Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk just tweeted this: “Just heard that Kelvim Escobar may be in worse shape than reported yesterday. Can't pick up a ball; could be seriously injured.”

Yesterday, we had heard that Escobar’s shoulder was “sore.”  Now he can’t even pick up a baseball?

Something is fishy here.

Did the Mets work him out?  Let him pitch for someone, anyone from the organization? Is there any way they could have gotten away with the “no physical” route, a la J.J. Putz?

All I can do is shake my head.

Mets trying to nix waiver claim on Jay Marsahall

Well, yeah, when your arm looks like this when you’re pitching…

Mets promotional dates

Because many people plan their ticket purchases around things other than the two teams playing, here are the Mets promotional dates at Citi Field this season…

• Citi Field Home Run Apple (Citi) vs. Marlins Monday, April 5 1:10 p.m.
• Haitian Night vs. Marlins Wednesday, April 7 7:10 p.m.
• Magnetic Schedule (Pepsi) vs. Nationals Friday, April 9 7:10 p.m.
• Scarf (Caesars) vs. Nationals Saturday, April 10 1:10 p.m.
• Epilepsy Day vs. Nationals Saturday, April 10 1:10 p.m.
• Ski Cap (GEICO) vs. Braves Friday, April 23 7:10 p.m.
• Mr. Met Dash vs. Braves Saturday, April 24 1:10 p.m.
• DARE Day vs. Braves Saturday, April 24 1:10 p.m.
• Earth Day vs. Dodgers Wednesday April 28 1:10 p.m.
• Collector's Cup (Premio) vs. Giants Friday, May 7 7:10 p.m.
• Arthritis Awareness vs. Giants Friday, May 7 7:10 p.m.
• Autism Awareness vs. Giants Saturday, May 8 1:10 p.m.
• Disability Awareness vs. Nationals, Tuesday May 11 7:10 p.m.
• Weather Education vs. Nationals Wednesday, May 12 1:10 p.m.
• Mets Cap Trade (Chevy)** vs. Yankees Friday, May 21 7:10 p.m.
• Mets Cap Trade (Chevy)** vs. Yankees Saturday, May 22 7:10 p.m.
• Mets Cap Trade (Chevy)** vs. Yankees Sunday, May 23 8:05 p.m.
• Gift Card (Dunkin' Donuts) vs. Phillies Wednesday, May 26 7:10 p.m.
• Asian Night vs. Phillies Wednesday, May 26 7:10 p.m.
• Sports Bag (Verizon) vs. Marlins Saturday, June 5 4:10 p.m.
• Greek Night vs. Marlins Saturday, June 5 4:10 p.m.
• Beach Towel (Subway) vs. Marlins Sunday, June 6 1:10 p.m.
• Diabetes Awareness vs. Marlins Sunday, June 6 1:10 p.m.
• Senior Stroll vs. Padres Thursday, June 10 1:10 p.m.
• Fitness Education vs. Padres Thursday, June 10 1:10 p.m.
• Mets Cap (Nathan's) vs. Twins Saturday, June 26 1:10 p.m.
• Mr. Met Dash vs. Twins Sunday, June 27 1:10 p.m.
• Pyrotechnics Night vs. Reds Monday, July 5 7:10 p.m.
• Chinese-American Night vs. Braves Friday, July 9 7:10 p.m.
• Jose Reyes Drawstring Bag (Delta) vs. Braves Saturday, July 10 4:10 p.m.
• Jason Bay Bobblehead (Gold's) vs. Braves Sunday, July 11 1:10 p.m.
• Alzheimer's Awareness vs. Cardinals Tuesday, July 27 7:10 p.m.
• Pancreatic Cancer vs. Cardinals Wednesday, July 28 7:10 p.m.
• Mets T-Shirt (EmblemHealth) vs. D-backs Friday, July 30 7:10 p.m.
• Hall of Fame Induction (Citi) vs. D-backs Sunday, Aug. 1 1:10 p.m.
• Mr. Met Dash vs. D-backs Sunday, Aug. 1 1:10 p.m.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness vs. D-backs Sunday, Aug. 1 1:10 p.m.
• Fiesta Latina/Santana Koozie (Budweiser) vs. Phillies Friday, Aug. 13 7:10 p.m.
• Green Cap (GEICO) vs. Phillies Saturday, Aug. 14 7:10 p.m.
• Irish Night vs. Phillies Saturday, Aug.14 7:10 p.m.
• Lunchbox (Verizon) vs. Phillies Sunday, Aug.15 1:10 p.m.
• Mr. Met Dash vs. Phillies, Sunday Aug. 15 1:10 p.m.
• Organ Donor Awareness vs. Phillies, Sunday Aug. 15 1:10 p.m.
• Polish-American Night vs. Marlins Tuesday, Aug. 24 7:10 p.m.
• Italian Night vs. Marlins Wednesday, Aug. 25 7:10 p.m.
• Mr. Met Dash vs. Astros Sunday, Aug. 29 1:10 p.m.
• Sight & Sound Awareness vs. Phillies, Sunday Sept. 12 1:10 p.m.
• Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Pirates Thursday, Sept. 16 7:10 p.m.
• Taiwan Night vs. Braves Friday, Sept. 17 7:10 p.m.
• Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness vs. Braves Saturday, Sept. 18 4:10 p.m.
• Mr. Met Dash vs. Braves Sunday, Sept. 19 1:10 p.m.
• Oktoberfest vs. Nationals Friday, Oct. 1 7:10 p.m.
• All promotional items are for the first 25,000 fans except where otherwise noted
• **first 5,000 fans

Rosenthal: Mets up offer to Barajas

The Mets have upgraded their offer to Rod Barajas to a major-league deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com.

The Mets and the Texas Rangers are bidding for the free-agent catcher, with the Rangers offer still standing at a minor-league deal.

The Mets, if they sign Barajas to a major-league deal, would have to designate a player for assignment off the 40-man roster.

Link: How to use Twitter if you’re a Mets fan

Head over to MetsGrrl.com to take a long, extensive and wonderful look at a guide to Twitter for Mets fans or MLB fans in general.

These are guidelines I wish we all could adhere to.  Yes, I might commit some of the sins that Caryn outlines, but hey, not everyone’s perfect.

Follow MetsGrrl on Twitter.

Oh, and me too.

Escobar can pick up baseball, choosing not to

Yesterday Hardball Talk reported that Kelvim Escobar couldn’t pick up a baseball.  He wasn’t far off.

Escobar can pick up a baseball, but is choosing not to until he is cleared by doctors.

Escobar has arrived in camp and has told reporters that he isn’t allowed to pick up a baseball, which makes Johan Santana’s statement a little strange.

He does believe he’ll be ready for opening day.

Link: Who is wearing what number in spring training

Because a lot of people care and might want to know who they are looking at during trips to spring training games, Adam Rubin has posted a list of players numbers.

Enjoy.

Also enjoy figuring out who has little to no chance on making the team based on the number assigned to him.

Oliver Perez on the mound [Video]

The Daily News has a one-minute video of Oliver Perez pitching in Port St. Lucie.  See below for the vid…

A few things here:

• There’s nothing I can discern from the video about Perez.  He’s alive.  He’s pitching.  He’s wearing black.  That’s about it.
• There is snow all over CT.  What I wouldn’t give to be in PSL right now.
• That’s Hisanori Takahashi on the right.  Nice hitch in the delivery.  Also, his interpreter in the back.

Link: A BravesBlast tribute to Mets fans

Just click this link and…um…listen to what they have to say.

It’s a mock-commercial styled after the “Real Men of Genius” ads that are oh-so-catchy.

This one is, well, a little rough.

And let the commenting and name calling begin…

Link: Costa on 25-man roster outlook

Head over to NJ.com to check out Brian Costa’s roster outlook for who will land on the Mets 25-man roster.

It looks like a sound team, with chance to be good (not great).  If everyone plays to their maximum potential, they could be very good, but it’s too much to ask for.

Heyman: Barajas likely to accept Mets offer

If Rod Barajas does sign, no chance that Josh Thole cracks the opening day roster this year.

Sore shoulder for Escobar

And let the injuries begin!

Brian Costa of NJ.com is reporting that the Mets plan to “move slowly” with Kelvim Escobar due to his sore shoulder.

Escobar had surgery on his right shoulder and has pitched in only one major league since.

And so signals the beginning of joke cracking and rehashing last season’s injuries from everyone and their mother.

The Jose Reyes overkill post

We are all very, very excited that Jose Reyes is back.  How do I know this?  Well, let’s just take a look at all the posts over the last 24 hours that mention the Mets shortstop in the headline…

Newsday

• Jose Reyes and David Wright back together
• More Wright and Reyes
• Reyes, Santos, Thole and now Barajas?
• Another Reyes-Wright photo
• Jose Reyes back to normal?
• Another photo of Jose Reyes
• Photo of Jose Reyes

Daily News

• Jose Reyes is back in swing of things as he trains with New York Mets in Port. St. Lucie
• Video: Reyes on rebound for Mets
• Reyes in pictures

NY Times

• Reyes Is Revved Up and Ready to Run

NJ.com

• Jose Reyes says he could return from injury as a better player than before
• Healthy Jose Reyes arrives at NY Mets spring training

MetsBlog

• Read: Jose Reyes, Impact and Batting Third
• Video: Jose Reyes from PSL
• Notes: from PSL, about Reyes, Jacobs and Murphy
• News: Jose Reyes, and Chipotle, in St. Lucie

Mets Merized Online

• Reyes Batting Third And Other Astonishing Tales

Hardball Talk

• Jose Reyes' hamstring is feeling 'normal' again

Now, these are just the times Reyes was mentioned in the headline.  There were about 20-25 other articles where he was mentioned, just not in the headline.

Also, there are just from the blogs in my Google Reader.  I can only imagine how many others are out there, just from the last 24 hours.

Rosenthal: Mets making “a hard push” for Barajas

Update – 10:13 a.m.: Jon Heyman says the Mets have offered a minor-league deal.

Original post: Ken Rosenthal, citing anonymous sources, says the Mets are negotiating a one-year deal with free-agent catcher Rod Barajas.

Barajas, according to Rosenthal, would get the bulk of playing time over Henry Blanco, Omir Santos, Josh Thole and Chris Coste.

Last season with the Blue Jays, Barajas hit .226 / .258 / .403 and posted a .661 OPS.  He hit 19 home runs and drove in 71.

Behind the plate, he threw out 34 percent of the runners who attempted to steal against him.

Verducci on Pelfrey and the Verducci Effect [Quote]

“At this time last year Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey tried to convince me why he should not be on my 2009 list despite his 48-inning jump. He was a big guy, he said, who learned to be more efficient with his pitches. What happened?
His ERA shot up from 3.72 to 5.03.”

-Tom Verducci

The Murphy/Jacobs conundrum

I really don’t know what to make of this situation.

On one hand, I think Daniel Murphy should have the clear advantage as he hits for a better average, gets on base at a better clip and flashes much better leather (though not ideal).

On the other hand, a much, much weaker hand, Mike Jacobs hits for power.  That’s about it.

And it seems that these two are directly competing with each other and no one else.  Chris Carter won’t be a factor and Fernando Tatis is the likely pair with Murphy or Jacobs to bat from the other side of the plate.

Murphy and Jacobs will duel it out in spring training for (at least) half the time at first.  No joke.

Also, as Adam Rubin noted this morning, Jacobs will either make the team or be released/traded/cut.  The only other spot for him would be as a backup/DH-type off the bench, and frankly, he’s not a very good pinch hitter.

This Jacobs signing really makes little to no sense to me.  Murphy should be the heavy favorite barring an abysmal spring training.  Rob Neyer doesn’t quite understand it, either.

But here we are, days away from pitchers and catchers reporting and I’m playing out situations of Jacobs being the first baseman in 2010.

Is there a chance Jacobs makes the team and is paired with Tatis at first base?  Sure.  Do I expect it to happen?  No way.

Snow logo [Photo]

In stark contrast to players arriving in Port St. Lucie for Spring Training, good friend of The ‘Ropolitans, Ben, sends in this photo…

Don’t worry.  Baseball, and warm weather, will be here soon enough.

Ex-Mets: Endy catches on in Texas

Endy Chavez, of “The Catch” fame, has inked a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.  The deal is worth up to $1.25 million, says Jon Heyman.

Many fans wanted Chavez back, but honestly, there was no room.  The Mets have enough fourth (or fifth) outfielders right now.  He will forever be etched into Mets lore, though.

Aside: Two men named “Jon” in one article.  Weird, isn’t it?

Link: Photos from Port St. Lucie

Adam Rubin passes along photos from unofficial spring training in Port St. Lucie.

Yes, baseball is back!

But no, Sandy Koufax is not an option for fifth-starter.

Results: How many games will the Mets win in 2010?

After 785 votes, the results are in.  The majority, over 56 percent of votes, have the Mets winning between 81-90 games this season.

If they do end up landing in that bracket of wins, at least at the higher end, they would have a shot at making the playoffs.  (The Twins made the playoffs last year with 87 wins, so it’s possible.)

Later in the week I’ll have another poll on where you think the team will finish.  I’m really interested to see the results of that one.

Who is already in camp?

According to Adam Rubin’s tweets…

• Mike Jacobs
• Josh Thole
• Daniel Murphy
• Jon Niese
• John Maine
• Carlos Muniz
• Bobby Parnell
• Sean Green
• Mike Pelfrey
• Ryota Igarashi
• Pat Misch
• Hisanori Takahashi
• David Wright
• Eddie Kunz
• Sandy Koufax

…are all in Port St. Lucie today.

Poll: How many games will the Mets win in 2010?

Short, simple and to the point: How many games do you think the Mets will win in 2010?

Vote below and leave your thoughts in the comments section…

Citi Field from an RC Helicam [Photo]

Check out this photo from SkyCamUSA of Citi Field, shot from one of those remote controlled helicopters…

To follow SkyCamUSA on Twitter, click here.

Strawberry on The Celebrity Apprentice: Will you watch?

Darryl Strawberry will be on “The Celebrity Apprentice” this coming season.  I’ve never been a fan of the show, but I might tune in just to see Strawberry “at work.”

But I’m wondering, will you watch this show purely for Strawberry?

Link: Who will be in camp

Head over to Adam Rubin’s blog to see all the players and coaches that will be descending upon Port St. Lucie for Spring Training.

It’s a long, long list.

Mets philosophy: Sign a lot, see what sticks

Perusing the always-updated MLBTradeRumors.com, the latest headline reads, “Mets Won't Add Barajas; Delgado Possible.”

Which leads me to my point: The Mets, even after signing Mike Jacobs to a minor-league deal, might still bring back Carlos Delgado?  Why?  Well, because they don’t trust any of the guys they currently have.

The Mets are employing the “Sign a lot and see what sticks” method.  Not necessarily going out and signing the big names (Orlando Hudson), but rather pulling from the scrap heap and overseas to, most literally, patch together a baseball team.

Kevin Kernan quotes Omar Minaya as saying, “There's going to be a lot of competition in camp. That's something we've been trying to do.”

Well congrats.  It’s working.  Too bad the competition level won’t be very high.

I’m glad the team is stockpiling.  After all the injuries last season, it’s a wise move.  As of now, it seems the Mets have six candidates for the 5th starter, a few pitchers vying for the bullpen, four first baseman and a whole cast of catchers.

I’m fine with bringing in more arms than needed.  Pitchers always seem to get hurt and Buffalo needs all the help they can get.  But first base and catcher need to be positions that are focused and fine tuned in spring training, not constantly rotated.

As we all know, pitchers and catchers develop a rapport.  Some catchers make some pitchers better, others vice versa.  With so many catchers in camp and likely seeing time in games, will the Mets pitchers suffer?  Will the get the chance to develop the same rapport?  We’ll have to wait and see.

And as for first base, everyone gets on Daniel Murphy for his lack of experience and talent.  Is bringing in (at least) three other men to compete with him going to help or hurt?  Will it push him to be better or disrupt his rhythm.

I think Murphy should get a bulk of time during spring training, but only if that’s who the team wants to go with at first, and it seems that’s the truth.  If the team want to see him improve, he needs reps at first.  That is what spring training is for.

Spring training in Port St. Lucie will be interesting to say the least.  Seeing the team that Minaya assembled this off-season will be exciting, no matter how they play.  But it will also be interesting to see who will make the team come opening day.  The jobs are their for the taking, it seems.  Who will step up to claim them?

K-Rod surrenders 11 runs…in softball game

Francisco Rodriguez participated in a slow-pitch softball game in Venezuela on Thursday.

Leading the other team was Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

K-Rod “allowed” 11 runs over three innings.  Chavez surrendered seven runs over two innings on the mound.

Chavez’s team won 14-12.

Oh look, another catcher!

I’m just going to hand it off to the press release…

[Shawn] Riggans, 29, has caught 64 games in the Majors over the last three years with the Tampa Bay Rays. He hit seven home runs along with eight doubles and 28 RBIs during his career with the Rays.

Last season, the 6-2, 200-pounder was limited to just 26 games in the Minors and seven contests with the Rays due to right shoulder tendinitis.

He appeared in 44 games and made 38 starts for Tampa Bay in 2008.

And that’s about all you need to know.  Enjoy Binghamton.

Ex-Mets: Tom Glavine retires

Glavine retires, takes job with Braves

To which many Mets fans exclaim: “Seven years too late!”

But hey, he pitched 1,005 1-3 innings with the Mets, winning 61 games, notching a 3.97 ERA and 1.373 WHIP.  He also helped foster the reemergence of the “new” Mets.

Beltran will report to spring training…they think [Quote]

“It will not be surprising if this changes, but the Mets believe Carlos Beltran will head to spring training when position players report, even though the star center fielder will not be physically ready and is under no obligation to report that early.”

-Mark Hale writes in the NY Post

Mets sign 22-year-old SS Rylan Sandoval

The Mets have signed SS Rylan Sandoval, 22, out of the Arizona Winter League.

The team had drafted Sandoval in the 30th round in 2007, but he elected to attend college instead.

From the press release…

Sandoval had been one of the leading hitters and a top defensive shortstop in the AWL which is 8 games into it's fourth winter season.  He is the 11th AWL player to be signed by a major league organization in the last three years, two of those - Scott Richmond and Sergio Romo of the 2007 AWL are already in the big leagues.
---
Sandoval, 22, was a two-year junior college All-American and was the California Junior College Player of the Year at Chabot College in his freshman year.  Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 38th round in 2006 and by the New York Mets in the 30th round in 2007 he elected to accept a scholarship to Long Beach State where he played the last two seasons before graduating this past June.   Overlooked due to sharing playing time at Long Beach State he went undrafted his senior year and decided on the Arizona Winter League to showcase his skills and pursue a professional contract.  In the AWL  he was hitting .368 and leading his team in runs scored.

Mets, Takahashi agree on minor-league deal

Update – 12:41 p.m.: David Lennon is reporting that the Mets and Hisanori Takahashi have agreed to a minor-league deal.  He expects the deal to be announced later this week.

Update – 12:34 p.m.: David Waldstein, the Mets new beat writer for the New York Times, reports that it is likely a minor-league deal.

Original post: Hisanori Takahashi, that is.

I’m all for depth, so I can’t hate this.  But the wording of Heyman’s tweet just makes it seem awkward.

Citi Field in the snow [Photo]

Head over to Gary Wong’s blog to check out the much larger image of this photo.

Awesome.

Don’t worry, baseball is coming soon!

I thought the Mets were out of money

That seems like a lot of dough for a team that is “out of money.”

Who else is this cool?

He’s Keith Hernandez.

Photo via MetsBlog.

Pagan, Mets avoid arbitration

The Mets and Angel Pagan have agreed to a one-year, $1.45 million deal, according to Adam Rubin.

Pagan was the last arbitration-eligible player to sign.

Mets closing in on Mike Jacobs

I’ve always loved his swing.

Mookie, Melvin officially join Mets

Sorry to be late with this, but easing back into school was not too easy today.

Here’s the presser from the Mets, or at least, the “important” part of it…

The New York Mets today announced that Mookie Wilson has returned to the organization as the team's minor league outfield and base running coordinator. Wilson, a former Mets player, coach and minor league manager, was last with the club in 2005 as the manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones (A) of the New York-Penn League.

"It's good to be back," said Wilson, 53, who makes his home in Eastover, SC. "This is where I started and I'm anxious to do whatever I can for the young kids in our system."

The club also announced that Bob Melvin, a former major league catcher and manger, will join the organization as a professional scout, Guy Conti has been named a Senior Advisor in the Minor League Department, and Frank Fultz has been named the Rehabilitation Pitching Coordinator.

So, let’s say you played on the 1986 New York Mets.  Are you just waiting by your phone for the Mets to call to hire you?

Also, the number of internal Jerry Manuel replacements grows.

Mets claim Jason Pridie

The Mets have claimed OF Jason Pridie off waivers.  To make room, they designated RHP Jack Egbert for assignment.

Might as well buy those World Series tickets now.

Pelfrey: I had a terrible year [Quote]

“I was pretty upset with not only how the team played, but with how I played last year, knowing that’s not me. I had a lost year. I had a terrible year.”

-Mike Pelfrey on his 2009

The CF walls are being lowered

According to Adam Rubin, the Mets will lowed the centerfield walls in Citi Field.

Currently, the wall stands 16 feet tall in front of the Home Run Apple.

Rubin writes that, “the height of Citi Field's center-field wall will be sliced in half, making the ballpark more homer-friendly.”

Does that only apply to the area in front of the apple?  Because cutting the whole centerfield wall in half would make it about six feet tall in most areas.

What I assume is going to happen (don’t quote me on this), is that they will push the area in front of the apple back, so that there will still be a wall in front of the apple, but that the “home run area” will all be at the same level (the lower line).

Here’s a tweet from David Lennon: Mets are, in fact, lowering the cutout in front of the Apple at Citi Field, but may be more aesthetic move than home-run related.

I believe it will end up looking something like this…

Signs of spring

Because hope and subsequent disappointment
can’t come soon enough.

F-Mart, Figgy win Caribbean Series; F-Mart named MVP

Fernando Martinez, Nelson Figueroa and the Dominican Republic team won the Caribbean Series last night with a 7-4 victory over Venezuela.

Martinez was named the MVP of the series, going 8-23 (.348) with a double and two home runs.

Figueroa also tossed a gem in the series, a complete-game three hitter.  He allowed only one earned run on a solo home run.  He walked none and struck out 8.

Figueroa should, and will, get another chance in the Mets rotation sometime this year.  If/When the injuries start to hit the team, Figueroa is likely second on the depth chart to be called up (if he doesn’t make the team out of spring training.)

And I was asked on Twitter if I think F-Mart will contribute this year.  I think he will play a decent chunk of time with the big club, but as to contributing, I’m not so sure.  He’ll be good, but give him time.  Don’t forget, he’s only 21 years old.

A note to my readers

All,

If you’re wondering what happened to the posting on The ‘Ropolitans the last few days, and you haven’t been following my Twitter feed, here is the explanation.

On Monday, I woke up not feeling very well.  Unfortunately, that happens a lot for me.  But after things weren’t getting any better, my wonderful girlfriend called a doctor and dragged me to the car.

Thank goodness, because on the way my entire body froze up and I could not move.  Just imagine falling asleep on your arm, multiply it by 100 and spread it all over your body.  That’s how dehydrated I was.  It happed three more times that day, too.  Scary stuff.

From the doctor, where they called 911, I was sent to Yale New Haven hospital.  I was admitted later that night and ended up spending a few days there.

Diagnosis: A really gross stomach virus which triggered an unknown, underlying condition.  So as I’m somewhat on the mend, I’m set for a whole round of testing to figure out what is really wrong with me.

In the meantime, I’ve had zero energy to do much of anything besides sleep, hence the lack of blog posts.

Anyway, I’ll be getting back into the swing of things next week as we start to dip into single digit days between us and pitchers and catchers reporting.

Thank you for understanding and thank you to all the well wishes already sent my way.  It means so much to me.

-Andrew Vazzano

Davis, Mejia, others heading to ST

Yeah, I’m still pretty sick.  But this might hold you over until I’m better.

From the Mets…

The New York Mets today announced that they signed infielder/outfielder Jolbert Cabrera, infielder Luis Hernandez and lefthanded pitchers Bobby Livingston and Travis Blackley to minor league contracts and invited all four to major league Spring Training camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla. later this month.  Additionally, the team extended major league Spring Training invites to righthanded pitchers Jenrry Mejia and Carlos Muniz, lefthanded pitcher Eric Niesen, catcher Francisco Peña, infielders Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada and outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis. 

Cabrera, 37, spent last season in Baltimore's system, appearing in 78 games for Norfolk (AAA) of the International League.  A .257 career hitter, Cabrera spent time with Cleveland, Los Angeles (NL), Seattle and Cincinnati over parts of eight major league seasons.  He played with Fukuoka of the Japanese League for two seasons (2005, 2006).

Hernandez, 25, split last season between Kansas City and Omaha (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League, hitting .205 (15-73) in 37 games with the Royals.  Hernandez's other major league action came with Baltimore in 2007 and 2008.

Livingston, 27, pitched in three different organizations' minor league system last season-Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh-and combined to go 10-2 with a 4.02 ERA (80 earned runs/179.0 innings) in 31 games, 29 starts.  Livingston is 3-3 lifetime with a 6.31 ERA after pitching with Seattle and Cincinnati.

Blackley, 27, pitched last season with Reno (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League, finishing the year 4-7 with a 4.85 ERA for the Aces.  For his career, the lefthander is 1-3 with a 9.35 ERA in eight games combined for Seattle and San Francisco.

Mejia, 20, combined to go 4-5 in 19 starts for St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League and Binghamton (AA) of the Eastern League last season.  He has struck out 205 in 210.0 career minor league innings.

Muniz, 28, pitched with the Mets in 2007 and 2008, going 1-1 in 20 games out of the bullpen.  The righthander spent 2009 with Buffalo (AAA) of the International League.

Niesen, 24, made 27 starts between St. Lucie and Binghamton last season, going a combined 7-11 with a 4.09 ERA.

Peña, 20, caught 100 games for St. Lucie in his third season in the Mets' farm system.  He is the son of former Kansas City Royals manager and current Yankees bench coach Tony Peña.

Davis, 22, won the 2009 Sterling Player of the Year Award, given annually to the top player in the Mets' minor league system.  The first baseman hit .298 (128-429) with 20 home runs and 71 RBI in 114 games between St. Lucie and Binghamton last season.

Tejada, 20, hit .289 for Binghamton while Nieuwenhuis, 22, won St. Lucie's Sterling Award, emblematic of the team MVP.  Nieuwehnhuis ranked 10th in all of the minor leagues with 99 runs scored last season.  He added 16 home runs and 71 RBI with St. Lucie.

Mets never performed physical on Putz [Quote]

“When the trade went down last year, I never really had a physical with the Mets. I had the bone spur (in the right elbow). It was discovered the previous year in Seattle, and it never got checked out by any other doctors until I got to spring training, and the spring training physical is kind of a formality. It was bugging me all through April, and in May I got an injection. It just got to the point where I couldn’t pitch. I couldn’t throw strikes, my velocity was way down.”

-J.J. Putz on his time with the Mets

Click here to read more from the story, because it’s almost too good bad to be true.

This is beyond stupid.

Everyone and their mother was harping on the right elbow of Putz the moment he came to the Mets.  It was an issue, but not one to get hung up on.  Apparently, the Mets didn’t deem it an issue at all.

Extremely disturbing news.

Johan Santana handshake [Video]

Because it’s Sunday and absolutely nothing is going on, why not repost this video of awesome?

Enjoy and feel free to discuss anything Mets-related in the comments.

Mets sign Catalanotto to minor-league deal

As I was tweeting last night, the Mets have signed Frank Catalanotto to a minor-league deal.

Catalanotto will be invited to spring training with the team.

Last season, Catalanotto hit .278 / .346 / .382 with one home run in 144 ABs with the Milwaukee Brewers.

A lot of people seem to respect Catalanotto as more than just a player.  He seems to fit the same mold of Alex Cora, in playing ability and in his future at a possible managerial position.

The Mets could do worse than having Catalanotto coming up from Buffalo if/when the injuries begin.  (That is not a challenge, Omar.)

Twitter Poll: What are your thoughts on Omar’s off-season?

It’s Saturday, I’m still laying in bed and I’m tired.

That, of course, has me thinking about the Mets.  So far, Omar Minaya has added one big bat and a few fringe players / pitchers.  So how do you think he’s done this off-season?

I asked my Twitter followers and here are some responses…

SheckyXero: Omar sucks, he could’ve done more, instead we lack a good catcher, a good first baseman and loads of pitching.

beerman59452000: BAD Jason bay was good, we got no pitching he signed washed up catchers and the mets got holes in there line up.

MetsGuide: ok. It can be salvaged if he acquires a #2 and a catcher.

bosco86: 2 many "ifs". Has not done enough support the core. No #2 starter no catcher bad move at 1st and pen full of "ifs".

willDavidian: Hudson/Lopez and Smoltz or an unlikely trade are his only opportunities to salvage it. Otherwise, it's been awful.

metsfan6986: I feel mixed. He didn't do as good as he couldve but I think Jeff has his hands tied. He's been more aggressive in the past.

MVPGotham: After his comments in October along with Jeff Wilpon, the team has not done enough.

darknova306: This offseason will be a failure until our rotation is fixed. I see only a very slim chance of that happening.

What are your thoughts on Minaya’s off-season so far?  Has he done enough?  Or is there a lot more work to do?

Mets sign Josh Fogg

The Mets have signed Josh Fogg to a minor-league deal, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

Fogg, Renck writes, is “one of the coolest guys I have ever covered — think of Vince Vaughn in “Dodgeball.”  Renck believes Fogg has a shot to make the Mets out of spring training, and might even compete for the fifth starter spot.

Unfortunately, that might be the best thing to be said about Fogg.

Last season with Colorado, Fogg pitched in 24 games, starting only one.  In 45 2-3 innings, Fogg struck out 27 and walked 20.  He posted a 3.74 ERA and 1.139 WHIP (surprised me).

He’s a career 5.03 ERA and 1.458 WHIP pitcher.

‘I have full autonomy’ [Quote]

“I understand there is going to be a lot of articles written about how the situation with the Mets is, but when I tell you that I have full autonomy, I have full autonomy.”

-Omar Minaya on who controls the Mets

Tatis returns

Mike Puma, who last night reported the Mets were “close” with Fernando Tatis, is now reporting that the Mets and Tatis have agreed to a contract.

Puma reports that the deal is worth less than the $1.7 million he made last season.  Matt Cerrone believes the deal to be worth $800,000 with a chance to make up to $1.5 million in performance bonuses.

My “SHOW YOUR TATIS” shirts, which were shelved last year, will be available next week.

What would you ask Omar?

So with Omar Minaya in studio tonight for Mets Hot Stove, I was wondering what you would ask him if you had the chance?

A few of mine:

• Are you still in control? (Echoing Mr. Burkhardt)
• Why Gary Matthews Jr.?
• What’s next this off-season?
• How is it working under the Wilpons?

What would you ask Omar Minaya if you had the chance?

POST: Mets close with Tatis

The Mets and utility-man Fernando Tatis are closing in on a contract, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Tatis, who made $1.7 million last year with the Mets, would serve as a likely backup/platoon partner with Daniel Murphy at first base.  He could also spell either corner outfield position, as well as David Wright at third.

I’m for this.  I think Tatis can contribute to the team, especially they way it is designed right now.

Parnell back to the pen

Bobby Parnell is back in the bullpen for 2010, according to some notes filed by Adam Rubin from Port St. Lucie.

Rubin also noted that “Parnell in no way pulled an Aaron Heilman, but he does envision himself one day as a starting pitcher.”

I was at Parnell’s best start: Aug. 14 at home against San Francisco.  He went six innings, allowing only three hits and striking out seven.

I watched from the bridge in center field, some of the best seats in Citi Field.