2009 Citi Field Opening Day Roster?

[meetdamets]

This is My wish List........Let me Know what you Guys think......

 

ss J.reyes

2b O. Hudson (or D.Murphay)

cf C.Beltran

3b D.wright

lf M.Ramirez

1b C.Delgado

rf R.Church

c B.Schnider

 

Bench

Murphy

Tatis

Castro

Easley

Endy

 

Pitching staff

Johan

Aj Burnett

Mike Pelfery

John Maine

Oliver Perez

 

Bullpen

Latroy Hawkins

Brian Fuentes

Joe SMith

Damaso Marte

Brian Stokes

Duanar Sanchez

Luis Ayala etc.....

[gateb]

Does anyone have the list of free agents?

 

Once I find that out I'll predict everythign except the pen.

[meetdamets]

Does anyone have the list of free agents?

 

Once I find that out I'll predict everythign except the pen.

Catchers

Brad Ausmus (40)

Paul Bako (37)

Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout

Michael Barrett (32)

Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout

Johnny Estrada (33)

Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout

Jason LaRue (35)

Paul Lo Duca (37)

Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout

Mike Redmond (38) - $0.95MM club option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout

Ivan Rodriguez (37)

David Ross (32)

Javier Valentin (33)

Jason Varitek (37)

Gregg Zaun (38)

 

First basemen

Rich Aurilia (37)

Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout

Sean Casey (34)

Tony Clark (37)

Carlos Delgado (37) - $12MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout

Nomar Garciaparra (35)

Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout

Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.75MM buyout

Eric Hinske (31)

Doug Mientkiewicz (35)

Kevin Millar (37)

Richie Sexson (34)

Mark Teixeira (29)

Daryle Ward (34)

 

Second basemen

Willie Bloomquist (31)

Jamey Carroll (35) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout

Craig Counsell (38)

Ray Durham (37)

Damion Easley (39)

David Eckstein (34)

Mark Ellis (32)

Mark Grudzielanek (39)

Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)

Orlando Hudson (31)

Tadahito Iguchi (34)

Jeff Kent (41)

Felipe Lopez (29)

Mark Loretta (37)

Nick Punto (31)

 

Shortstops

Willie Bloomquist (31)

Orlando Cabrera (34)

Alex Cintron (30)

Alex Cora (33)

Craig Counsell (38)

David Eckstein (34)

Adam Everett (32)

Rafael Furcal (31)

Nomar Garciaparra (35)

Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)

Cesar Izturis (29)

Felipe Lopez (29)

Edgar Renteria (33)

Juan Uribe (30)

Ramon Vazquez (32)

Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout

 

Third basemen

Rich Aurilia (37)

Casey Blake (35)

Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout

Willie Bloomquist (31)

Aaron Boone (36)

Russell Branyan (33)

Craig Counsell (38)

Joe Crede (31)

Nomar Garciaparra (35)

Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for '09

Mark Loretta (37)

Fernando Tatis (34)

Ramon Vazquez (32)

 

Left fielders

Moises Alou (42)

Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout

Milton Bradley (31)

Emil Brown (34)

Pat Burrell (32)

Carl Crawford (27) - $8.25MM club option for '09 with a $2.5MM buyout

Adam Dunn (29)

Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout

Luis Gonzalez (41)

Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)

Raul Ibanez (37)

Gabe Kapler (33)

Kevin Mench (31)

Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09

Craig Monroe (32)

Greg Norton (36)

Jay Payton (36)

Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09

Manny Ramirez (37)

Juan Rivera (30)

Fernando Tatis (34)

 

Center fielders

Rocco Baldelli (27)

Willie Bloomquist (31)

Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout

Jim Edmonds (39)

Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)

Gabe Kapler (33)

Mark Kotsay (33)

Corey Patterson (29)

Scott Podsednik (33)

 

Right fielders

Bobby Abreu (35)

Casey Blake (35)

Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout

Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout

Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout

Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout

Gabe Kapler (33)

Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09

Fernando Tatis (34)

Brad Wilkerson (32)

 

DHs

Milton Bradley (31)

Pat Burrell (32)

Adam Dunn (29)

Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout

Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with $5MM buyout

Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout

Raul Ibanez (37)

Manny Ramirez (37)

Juan Rivera (30)

Mike Sweeney (35)

Frank Thomas (41)

Jose Vidro (34)

 

Starting pitchers

Kris Benson (33)

A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season

Paul Byrd (38)

Roger Clemens (46)

Matt Clement (33)

Bartolo Colon (36)

Ryan Dempster (32)

Shawn Estes (36)

Josh Fogg (32)

Freddy Garcia (33)

Jon Garland (29)

Tom Glavine (43)

Mike Hampton (36)

Mark Hendrickson (35)

Livan Hernandez (34)

Orlando Hernandez (43)

Jason Jennings (30)

Randy Johnson (45)

John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout

Jon Lieber (39)

Braden Looper (34)

Rodrigo Lopez (33) - club option for '09

Derek Lowe (36)

Greg Maddux (43)

Pedro Martinez (37)

Sergio Mitre (28)

Jamie Moyer (46)

Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout

Mike Mussina (40)

Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout

Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout

Odalis Perez (32)

Oliver Perez (27)

Andy Pettitte (37)

Sidney Ponson (32)

Mark Prior (27)

Kenny Rogers (44)

Glendon Rusch (34)

C.C. Sabathia (28)

Curt Schilling (42)

Ben Sheets (30)

John Smoltz (42)

Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option

Kip Wells (32)

Randy Wolf (32)

 

Closers

Brian Fuentes (33)

Eric Gagne (33)

Eddie Guardado (38)

Trevor Hoffman (41)

Jason Isringhausen (36)

Brandon Lyon (29)

Francisco Rodriguez (27)

Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout

Kerry Wood (32)

 

Middle relievers

Jeremy Affeldt (30)

Luis Ayala (31)

Joe Beimel (32)

Joe Borowski (38)

Doug Brocail (42) - club option for '09

Shawn Chacon (31)

Juan Cruz (30)

Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09

Scott Eyre (37)

Kyle Farnsworth (33)

Casey Fossum (31)

Keith Foulke (35)

Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout

LaTroy Hawkins (36)

Mark Hendrickson (35)

Matt Herges (39) - club option for '09

Bob Howry (35)

Jon Lieber (39)

Jason Johnson (35)

Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout

Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout

Guillermo Mota (35)

Will Ohman (31)

Darren Oliver (38)

Chan Ho Park (36)

Horacio Ramirez (29)

Al Reyes (38)

Dennys Reyes (32)

Arthur Rhodes (39)

Juan Rincon (30)

Glendon Rusch (34)

Rudy Seanez (40)

Brian Shouse (40)

Russ Springer (40)

Mike Timlin (43)

Ron Villone (39)

David Weathers (39)

Kip Wells (32)

Matt Wise (33)

Jamey Wright (34)

 

 

[gateb]

Mets are going to have to be very creative with that list...

[Allstarjim]

Just say no to the Manny circus.

 

Give me a guy like Gabe Kapler. Good hitter with pop, is a vet, and is gritty. Would fit well with the Mets and he's a righthanded hitter. Resign Tatis and if we make a splash for a big name outfielder, it should be Crawford. I think Murphy will be playing 2B but another option is to go after Hudson and leave Murph as a LF. Problem with Mets is they are Lefthanded hitters heavy. If Murphy is the everyday 2b, and Church is the everyday RF, then you have Delgado, Schneider, and I don't know in LF... if that's Crawford, that's yet another lefthanded bat. I guess Manny works, but something tells me he will stay in LA anyways, and as stated, I don't want that circus at Shea. Kapler seems like a perfect fit to me.

[xxi-xxv]

Geez Kerry Wood to close is very intrigung to me and would be cheaper than Krod

 

I want Ryan Church gone. He is a 4th outfielder, injury prone and rumor is he hated the team and being here. Adios amigo is all I have to say there.

 

I like Hudson, but he is over 30 and I would love to establish another infielder under 30 to go with Wright and Reyes. Murphy makes sense, but to me he looks more like a 1b then a 2b, Question is, do you buy into the Delgado of the 2nd half or do you take stock in his 2007 and first half of 08, not to mention many feel that he is a bd influence on the team(not sure about that really, but it is out there).

 

IMO Manny would be great. Yes he is a friggin circus, yes he is Manny and he will be Manny as we all know, but that son of a bitch can flat out hit. He would add protection to the entire order. Why I do not want it is strictly based on age and potential salary. Too much for a 37 year old who has no cushion to DH.

 

Abreu intrigues me as well. Definitely an upgrade over Church, but the contract scares me.

 

Rumor is the Mets were unhappy with Schneider and his defensive ability which was well below what they expected.

 

I think I want the right mix of a decent veteran to go along with the young talent. I am not opposed or for bringing back Delgado as I think no matter what its a 1 year deal. So you have to ask can we get our 1B of the future now as opposed to in 2009 off season. Thats going to be a tough one.

 

I like Fuentes as well, but this entire bullpen needs a complete rework. They need someone who can pitch to both a lefty and a righy

 

BTW ALLSTARJIM, you would not be getting the Manny circus at Shea, it will be torn down sometime this winter, so do not worry about that

[mws44]

I want Ryan Church gone. He is a 4th outfielder, injury prone and rumor is he hated the team and being here. Adios amigo is all I have to say there.

I'm going to need a lot more proof that Church didn't like the city or his team than fat boy Francesa saying "that he knows for a fact" without stating a source. Jon Heyman even said he didn't hear anything like that. From Mets Blog:

Yesterday, on WFAN, Mike Francesa said he has been told that Ryan Church ‘hated it here,’ while adding, ‘I know for a fact that he didn’t like the team, he didn’t like the city and he was not a happy guy here.’

 

However, just five weeks ago, Adam Rubin wrote the following on his blog for Daily News:

 

“Church revealed that his wife Tina was driven to tears by the standing ovation the Shea faithful gave before his first at-bat (after returning from the disabled list). The hard-nosed Church said the fans’ embrace cemented his desire to spend the rest of his career in Flushing. He’s even open to signing a long-term contract now to wipe away his arbitration years.”

 

…thanks to Franco S for the link…

 

Francesa returns to the airwaves today at 1 pm. To listen live, click here. If you’d like to call in to his show and let him know of Church’s comments, call 718-937-6666.

 

Lastly, speaking of Rubin, he will be running a live chat with readers on his blog today starting at noon.

 

…Update…1:22 pm…

 

During today’s chat, Rubin was asked about Francesa’s comments, which he responded by writing, “Ryan Church really enjoyed playing in New York. How do I know? We talked several times during the year about it. Not with a notepad and tape recorder out. Just casual one-on-one conversations, when he talked about how much more he liked New York than Washington.”

 

…great work, adam…thanks…

 

Church was playing great ball before the head injuries. I think he earned a shot at a full season in right field. Hopefully he can stay healthy.

 

As far as closers go, I also think Kerry Wood is an interesting option if he can be lured away from Chicago.

[RandolphScott]

Here is my plan of attack:

 

Position Players

Catcher: I have no clue with this one. I'd look into signing Michael Barrett because rumor has it the Mets

were not happy with Schneider's defense and thought it was sub par. Castro is more suited as a back up catcher.

Or else go with a platoon with Schneider and Castro.

 

1st Base: Decline Delgado's option. What are we going to expect? The early part of 2008 when he couldn't hit

water if he fell out of a boat or the end of 2008? I have no clue. I submit that the Mets teach Daniel Murphy

to play first base. He is too tall for 2nd base (6'3) and watching him in left field is an adventure.

 

2nd Base: Trade Luis Castillo. You'd have to eat most of his contract which from what I am reading

and hearing and the Mets are willing to do so. Sign Orlando Hudson. He's a gritty player and had a great

season cut short by a freak injury to his arm.

 

3rd Base: David Wright. Talking about trading this guy is asinine. The thing about Wright is that he tries

TOO hard in his at bats late in games. And yes he did have some clutch hits this year, don't let anyone try

and tell you differently.

 

Shortstop: Jose Reyes. I love Jose and believe he is a spark plug to the Mets teams. I'd also look into trading

him for some starting pitching if it's available. If the Mets were able to get a Felix Hernandez or Tim Lincecum

type pitcher Omar better pull that fucking trigger. I'm way more inclined to keep him though. The guy is still 25 years

old.

 

Centerfield: Carlos Beltran. For all the shit this guy takes, he plays a gold glove centerfield and played

it while he had 2 rookies manning left field for most of the year. He is a streaky hitter, but when he struggles

at the plate he never brings it out into the field with him. Any one who dislikes a .284-27-112 is a moron.

 

Left Field: No Nick Evans and no Daniel Murphy, here is hoping the Mets sign Raul Ibanez. This guy hit 23 homers

and drove in 110 runs for a cluster fuck of a team. He is 37, but he has never spent significant time on the DL (knock

on wood) and plays some solid defense. I think I'd try to sign him to a 2 year deal because of the hopeful emergency

of Fernando Martinez.

 

Right Field: Ryan Church: Prior to contrary now popular opinion Ryan Church DOES like it here.

This is from Adam Rubin's blog:

“Church revealed that his wife Tina was driven to tears by the standing ovation the Shea faithful gave before his first at-bat (after returning from the disabled list). The hard-nosed Church said the fans’ embrace cemented his desire to spend the rest of his career in Flushing. He’s even open to signing a long-term contract now to wipe away his arbitration years.”

 

 

 

Bench Players: Endy Chavez. Plays all three outfield positions and plays them all very, very well. Great defensive

replacement.

 

BP Cont: Ramon Castro: One of the best back up catchers in the game today and has alot of pop in his bat. At this

point he is better than Brian Schneider.

 

BP Cont: Damien Easily? He may be old, but he can fill in for a quick 2 weeks at second or even third base. Good

clubhouse guy from what I hear and a good solid ball player, pretty good pinch hitter too.

 

BP Cont: Fernando Tatis. A renaissance of sorts, showed he can play a decent outfield when called upon

and has pop in his bat and he can also play the infield.

 

 

 

Pitchers:

 

# 1 Starter: Johan Santana: Lowest ERA in the NL, most innings pitched in the NL and 206 Strikeouts. Was robbed

of atleast 7 wins because of a bad bullpen and people still bitched and moaned about his performance. Pitched

with a torn meniscus in his last start.

 

# 2 Starter: **FA Signing** AJ Burnett. Former Mets farm hand returns after he will (in all likelyhood) opt

out of his deal. Fireballing right hander with nasty stuff, should do wonders in the Mets starting rotation. I think a

4 or 5 year deal will get him, his signing would be the sayanara of Ollie Perez.

 

# 3 Starter: Mike Pelfrey. Big Pelf made tremendous strides when Rick Peterson was fired. He became a

very good major league pitcher this year and showed why he was the 9th pick overall in the 2005 draft.

Great plus fastball with sink, good sinker that runs in on the righties and out on the lefties and a up and coming

slider. Should be a good pitcher for the Mets.

 

# 4 Starter: John Maine. Hopefully he can rebound from surgery and go back to his 2006 form.

 

# 5 Starter: Jonathan Niese. I'm pretty sure the Mets are hoping Niese takes control of the 5th spot in the

rotation next year. Decent fast ball, won't over power you with it, but a nasty..nasty curveball. If he falls, then

you just pick up a guy off the scrap heap and hope he works out. Really nothing to lose in this spot.

 

 

Bullpen:

 

Trade Heilman, he doesn't want to be here and just grant him his wish. He wants to be a starter

and I think the Mets will try diligently to grant him his wish. Had a rough start to the year and he just

never recovered. I don't think anyone will spout tears if the Mets traded him.

 

Try and trade Schowenweis too. He is useless.

 

Bobby Parnell: Why not, eh? He showed some good stuff when he was allowed to pitch.

 

Joe Smith: After a rough 2nd half in 2007, Smith rebounded very well. He was probably the Mets best

bullpen guy during the season.

 

Pedro Feliciano: He is what he is. A left handed specialist, nothing more and nothing less. I look forward

to him making Ryan Howard look foolish most of the time.

 

Joe Beimel: Joe Beimal Stats

Only thing that alarms me is the hits he has given up, almost a hit per inning but obviously none

of those guys score to his numbers and aside from spending a couple years in the waste land known

as Pittsburgh this guy has been pretty good.

 

If the Yankees don't pick up Damaso Marte option I'd sign him, but I think they will pick up his option.

Arthur Rhoades is a good option as I believe it's good to have two lefties in the pen.

 

Duaner Sanchez. I still think he can pitch well, his fastball may be down 1 or 2 MPH, but it seemed

he tried to get way, way too cute in most of his appearances this year. Throw the fastball dude.

 

I'd also like to see Kunz get a shot too.

 

CLOSER

 

We were blessed with a man who never had a big save in his life in Billy Wagner and now that he

is gone we have to get another guy. Two of those most intriguing guys out there are Brian Fuentes and Kerry

Wood. I'm going to assume most of you guys know the pros, well here are some of the cons.

 

Fuentes: Guy couldn't close in Colorado. Seriously..Colorado. He was replaces by Manny Corpas during

their post season run and some guys want him to close in the pressure cooker of New York City. That's a

recipe for disaster.

 

Wood: Injuries. We all know he has the talent, just the injuries scare the shit out of me. If it came down to the

two of them, I'd sign Wood..still has the overpowering stuff.

 

All in all, I'd try and sign Francisco Rodriguez. Electric stuff (yeah, some may say his best pitch now is a changeup

and teams should be scared off at that. Trevor Hoffman's best pitch is his changeup and he has the most saves

ever. He has a 92-94 MPH fastball, great change and is working on a slider.

 

I spent like a half hour typing this shit out, comment on it motherfuckers!

[jranieli]

I like it golfin. I do not think we need two free agent signings for starting pitching. We still do have John Maine. It is too bad, we could have used him down the stretch. John Lackey interests me too.

 

I am curious to see how Murphy does in Fall and Winter ball at second base. If that experiment fails, the Mets have to find a way to put him as a starter somewhere. Evans is a first basemen and it might be more logical to put him there. I still don't think he is 100% ready yet. He adjusted well but more seasoning might help and maybe add some more muscle.

 

Again with Murphy because this guys just intrigues me so much. If that experiement does not go well at second, then I don't think the Mets have any other choice by putting him in the outfield. Maybe he starts off in AAA and get more work in the outfield or just take a chance.

 

I think the Mets will have to trade Schneider for possibly another catcher. I was kind of disappointed in him and I actually trusted Cancel more. I don't think there are a lot of good catchers out there.

 

The pen needs to be restructured but good luck with what is going to be out there. Parnel wasn't exactly lights out but he did pretty well for himself. I can see him in the pen next year. Heilman and Schoeneweis have to go. That's all i have for now.

[Allstarjim]

xxi, I guess it will be hard for me to get used to saying Citi and not Shea. A couple of years ago, my fiancee bought me one of those framed aerial pictures of Shea that has actual infield dirt in it. I treasure it more now than ever.

 

The thing about free agents from other big market clubs is that they may not be available... I mean, K-Rod would be awesome but I'm not even going to get my hopes up for a second because the Angels can easily afford to keep him. Especially now with their postseason revenue, and imagine if they win the WS again. Same for Lackey. In any case, if either of them get let go by the Angels I would love for the Mets to make a run at them. AJ Burnett I have not followed this year, although I'm aware in years prior he has had injury concerns. I really don't think we need another starter. I like Ollie despite his short outings late in the season. This year he was more good than bad and his stuff is really great. The change back to the middle of the mound made a world of difference. I'm fine with Santana, Pelfrey, Maine, Ollie, and Niese in the rotation, and I really think Niese is going to make a great starter.

 

I would not be opposed to Stokes in the closer role either. This guy throws gas and he is pretty damn good. It will help that pitchers only see him for only one inning and it is not far fetched that he could be that next great Mets closer. I'm serious. I also agree that the guys on this team that most need to go is Heilman and Castillo. Schoenweis I'm actually on the fence. He was put in there in situations this year he wouldn't ordinarily have to face had we had a more defined 8th inning man and closer. We are not far away. We don't have to re-invent the wheel, maybe just a couple of bullpen pieces will do it, like a Brian Fuentes for the 8th or something. We may not even have to go get a corner outfielder.

[so-cal dub]

Listen hear Fathead, Marte aint going nowhere.

[meetdamets]

Listen hear Fathead, Marte aint going nowhere.

Lmao thats easy for you to say........But as soon as Omar starts spewing Spanish out his mouth and we Have a Latin allstar team hahahahah he will be more comfortable to JOIN the METS pluse WE are on the Brink of Great things you guys just plain suck ass.......LETS GO LOS METS

[meetdamets]

Geez Kerry Wood to close is very intrigung to me and would be cheaper than Krod

 

 

 

Rumor is the Mets were unhappy with Schneider and his defensive ability which was well below what they expected.

I like Miguel OLIVO too though.......LMAO even though reyes tried to fight him two years ago....Olivo batted pretty good for the royals and is lookin to gooo Else where....He batted .278 12 homers and 41 rbi's.....in only 84 games......GO GET EM OMAR

[Allstarjim]

See, I liked Schneider and hope he stays. There is not much better out there than Schneider. I'm more than comfortable with Schneider and Castro. Schneider handled the pitchers terrificly, and he also showed a gun throwing out runners. He had some memorable moments blocking the plate this year as well. Not sure why the Mets didn't like his defense. I thought he did a fine job, albeit, with some room for improvement.

 

I also don't want a latin allstar team either. A diverse group is best. In fact, get me a couple of black guys on this team. Marlon Anderson was the only one this year.

[xxi-xxv]

xxi, I guess it will be hard for me to get used to saying Citi and not Shea. A couple of years ago, my fiancee bought me one of those framed aerial pictures of Shea that has actual infield dirt in it. I treasure it more now than ever.

 

The thing about free agents from other big market clubs is that they may not be available... I mean, K-Rod would be awesome but I'm not even going to get my hopes up for a second because the Angels can easily afford to keep him. Especially now with their postseason revenue, and imagine if they win the WS again. Same for Lackey. In any case, if either of them get let go by the Angels I would love for the Mets to make a run at them. AJ Burnett I have not followed this year, although I'm aware in years prior he has had injury concerns. I really don't think we need another starter. I like Ollie despite his short outings late in the season. This year he was more good than bad and his stuff is really great. The change back to the middle of the mound made a world of difference. I'm fine with Santana, Pelfrey, Maine, Ollie, and Niese in the rotation, and I really think Niese is going to make a great starter.

 

I would not be opposed to Stokes in the closer role either. This guy throws gas and he is pretty damn good. It will help that pitchers only see him for only one inning and it is not far fetched that he could be that next great Mets closer. I'm serious. I also agree that the guys on this team that most need to go is Heilman and Castillo. Schoenweis I'm actually on the fence. He was put in there in situations this year he wouldn't ordinarily have to face had we had a more defined 8th inning man and closer. We are not far away. We don't have to re-invent the wheel, maybe just a couple of bullpen pieces will do it, like a Brian Fuentes for the 8th or something. We may not even have to go get a corner outfielder.

 

sorry dude, you lost me at Stokes as closer. You of all people who trust in stats so much should realize that despite throwing 95 mph it comes straight as an arrow. He is not a closer.

 

My plan would be to sign a guy like Fuentes, make him the closer and then decide on Parnell or Kunz, place them in the pen in 2009, 7th 8th inning whatever with the full intention that in the future at some point that guy will be the closer. Its high time the Mets develop a closer for the first time since Randy Myers. I think placing one of the young guys in a situation like that to begin with is the starting point, rather than handing the reins over to them immediately.

 

We need to develop a hard throwing closer. Simple as that, say someone like Matt Lidstrom and his role with the Marlins in 2008

[Allstarjim]

sorry dude, you lost me at Stokes as closer. You of all people who trust in stats so much should realize that despite throwing 95 mph it comes straight as an arrow. He is not a closer.

 

My plan would be to sign a guy like Fuentes, make him the closer and then decide on Parnell or Kunz, place them in the pen in 2009, 7th 8th inning whatever with the full intention that in the future at some point that guy will be the closer. Its high time the Mets develop a closer for the first time since Randy Myers. I think placing one of the young guys in a situation like that to begin with is the starting point, rather than handing the reins over to them immediately.

 

We need to develop a hard throwing closer. Simple as that, say someone like Matt Lidstrom and his role with the Marlins in 2008

 

I totally agree with you and definitely would not snicker at developing Parnell or Kunz. As for Stokes, I think he would be more effective if he only had to throw one inning. But it should be a competitive thing and hopefully the Mets will find the right guy within the system who can be the closer for a long time.

 

And if Maine breaks down next year, then I am advocating him for closer 100% a la Kerry Wood.

[gateb]

Here is my plan of attack:

 

Position Players

Catcher: I have no clue with this one. I'd look into signing Michael Barrett because rumor has it the Mets

were not happy with Schneider's defense and thought it was sub par. Castro is more suited as a back up catcher.

Or else go with a platoon with Schneider and Castro.

 

1st Base: Decline Delgado's option. What are we going to expect? The early part of 2008 when he couldn't hit

water if he fell out of a boat or the end of 2008? I have no clue. I submit that the Mets teach Daniel Murphy

to play first base. He is too tall for 2nd base (6'3) and watching him in left field is an adventure.

 

2nd Base: Trade Luis Castillo. You'd have to eat most of his contract which from what I am reading

and hearing and the Mets are willing to do so. Sign Orlando Hudson. He's a gritty player and had a great

season cut short by a freak injury to his arm.

 

3rd Base: David Wright. Talking about trading this guy is asinine. The thing about Wright is that he tries

TOO hard in his at bats late in games. And yes he did have some clutch hits this year, don't let anyone try

and tell you differently.

 

Shortstop: Jose Reyes. I love Jose and believe he is a spark plug to the Mets teams. I'd also look into trading

him for some starting pitching if it's available. If the Mets were able to get a Felix Hernandez or Tim Lincecum

type pitcher Omar better pull that fucking trigger. I'm way more inclined to keep him though. The guy is still 25 years

old.

 

Centerfield: Carlos Beltran. For all the shit this guy takes, he plays a gold glove centerfield and played

it while he had 2 rookies manning left field for most of the year. He is a streaky hitter, but when he struggles

at the plate he never brings it out into the field with him. Any one who dislikes a .284-27-112 is a moron.

 

Left Field: No Nick Evans and no Daniel Murphy, here is hoping the Mets sign Raul Ibanez. This guy hit 23 homers

and drove in 110 runs for a cluster fuck of a team. He is 37, but he has never spent significant time on the DL (knock

on wood) and plays some solid defense. I think I'd try to sign him to a 2 year deal because of the hopeful emergency

of Fernando Martinez.

 

Right Field: Ryan Church: Prior to contrary now popular opinion Ryan Church DOES like it here.

This is from Adam Rubin's blog:

 

 

Bench Players: Endy Chavez. Plays all three outfield positions and plays them all very, very well. Great defensive

replacement.

 

BP Cont: Ramon Castro: One of the best back up catchers in the game today and has alot of pop in his bat. At this

point he is better than Brian Schneider.

 

BP Cont: Damien Easily? He may be old, but he can fill in for a quick 2 weeks at second or even third base. Good

clubhouse guy from what I hear and a good solid ball player, pretty good pinch hitter too.

 

BP Cont: Fernando Tatis. A renaissance of sorts, showed he can play a decent outfield when called upon

and has pop in his bat and he can also play the infield.

 

 

 

Pitchers:

 

# 1 Starter: Johan Santana: Lowest ERA in the NL, most innings pitched in the NL and 206 Strikeouts. Was robbed

of atleast 7 wins because of a bad bullpen and people still bitched and moaned about his performance. Pitched

with a torn meniscus in his last start.

 

# 2 Starter: **FA Signing** AJ Burnett. Former Mets farm hand returns after he will (in all likelyhood) opt

out of his deal. Fireballing right hander with nasty stuff, should do wonders in the Mets starting rotation. I think a

4 or 5 year deal will get him, his signing would be the sayanara of Ollie Perez.

 

# 3 Starter: Mike Pelfrey. Big Pelf made tremendous strides when Rick Peterson was fired. He became a

very good major league pitcher this year and showed why he was the 9th pick overall in the 2005 draft.

Great plus fastball with sink, good sinker that runs in on the righties and out on the lefties and a up and coming

slider. Should be a good pitcher for the Mets.

 

# 4 Starter: John Maine. Hopefully he can rebound from surgery and go back to his 2006 form.

 

# 5 Starter: Jonathan Niese. I'm pretty sure the Mets are hoping Niese takes control of the 5th spot in the

rotation next year. Decent fast ball, won't over power you with it, but a nasty..nasty curveball. If he falls, then

you just pick up a guy off the scrap heap and hope he works out. Really nothing to lose in this spot.

 

 

Bullpen:

 

Trade Heilman, he doesn't want to be here and just grant him his wish. He wants to be a starter

and I think the Mets will try diligently to grant him his wish. Had a rough start to the year and he just

never recovered. I don't think anyone will spout tears if the Mets traded him.

 

Try and trade Schowenweis too. He is useless.

 

Bobby Parnell: Why not, eh? He showed some good stuff when he was allowed to pitch.

 

Joe Smith: After a rough 2nd half in 2007, Smith rebounded very well. He was probably the Mets best

bullpen guy during the season.

 

Pedro Feliciano: He is what he is. A left handed specialist, nothing more and nothing less. I look forward

to him making Ryan Howard look foolish most of the time.

 

Joe Beimel: Joe Beimal Stats

Only thing that alarms me is the hits he has given up, almost a hit per inning but obviously none

of those guys score to his numbers and aside from spending a couple years in the waste land known

as Pittsburgh this guy has been pretty good.

 

If the Yankees don't pick up Damaso Marte option I'd sign him, but I think they will pick up his option.

Arthur Rhoades is a good option as I believe it's good to have two lefties in the pen.

 

Duaner Sanchez. I still think he can pitch well, his fastball may be down 1 or 2 MPH, but it seemed

he tried to get way, way too cute in most of his appearances this year. Throw the fastball dude.

 

I'd also like to see Kunz get a shot too.

 

CLOSER

 

We were blessed with a man who never had a big save in his life in Billy Wagner and now that he

is gone we have to get another guy. Two of those most intriguing guys out there are Brian Fuentes and Kerry

Wood. I'm going to assume most of you guys know the pros, well here are some of the cons.

 

Fuentes: Guy couldn't close in Colorado. Seriously..Colorado. He was replaces by Manny Corpas during

their post season run and some guys want him to close in the pressure cooker of New York City. That's a

recipe for disaster.

 

Wood: Injuries. We all know he has the talent, just the injuries scare the shit out of me. If it came down to the

two of them, I'd sign Wood..still has the overpowering stuff.

 

All in all, I'd try and sign Francisco Rodriguez. Electric stuff (yeah, some may say his best pitch now is a changeup

and teams should be scared off at that. Trevor Hoffman's best pitch is his changeup and he has the most saves

ever. He has a 92-94 MPH fastball, great change and is working on a slider.

 

I spent like a half hour typing this shit out, comment on it motherfuckers!

GG I agree with everything in your post except one thing so I'll comment on that. You'd really trade Reyes for a top of the line starter? With no viable replacement in mind, what prompts you to think that?

 

Just curious.

[gateb]

I like Miguel OLIVO too though.......LMAO even though reyes tried to fight him two years ago....Olivo batted pretty good for the royals and is lookin to gooo Else where....He batted .278 12 homers and 41 rbi's.....in only 84 games......GO GET EM OMAR

Olivo is one of the big-time douches in this league. I'm glad his career is rotting in KC, he's an asshole.

 

He started shit again this year with the Royals too.

[RandolphScott]

GG I agree with everything in your post except one thing so I'll comment on that. You'd really trade Reyes for a top of the line starter? With no viable replacement in mind, what prompts you to think that?

 

Just curious.

 

 

Yes, I think I would.

If the Mets could land a guy like King Felix or the Freak I would so pull that trigger.

Santana and Felix/Lincecum...that's fucking scary dude.

 

 

[gateb]

Yes, I think I would.

If the Mets could land a guy like King Felix or the Freak I would so pull that trigger.

Santana and Felix/Lincecum...that's fucking scary dude.

Our O would be toast without reyes though...

 

Our D would take a blow, and the heart of our team when he's going.

[Allstarjim]

Our O would be toast without reyes though...

 

Our D would take a blow, and the heart of our team when he's going.

 

 

Crazy talk! As amazing a 1-2 punch that would be with Santana and Lincecum or Felix, Reyes is too damn good. No way the Mets trade him. Shortstops like him are not to be traded. Only a couple of teams wouldn't give their top 3 prospects for Reyes. That being the Marlins, the Phillies, and the Braves. Reyes is the one guy in this lineup whose role is as critical as it is stable. If they trade Reyes, Minaya should be hanged out in front of Citi!

[meetdamets]

Crazy talk! As amazing a 1-2 punch that would be with Santana and Lincecum or Felix, Reyes is too damn good. No way the Mets trade him. Shortstops like him are not to be traded. Only a couple of teams wouldn't give their top 3 prospects for Reyes. That being the Marlins, the Phillies, and the Braves. Reyes is the one guy in this lineup whose role is as critical as it is stable. If they trade Reyes, Minaya should be hanged out in front of Citi!

Agreed.........I mean for God Sakes the Guy LEad the Leauge in Hits(David wright was 2nd).........and its Obvious If he doesnt hit we do not win.........IF THEY TRADE REYES i will Never FORGive this Franchise............

[so-cal dub]

Agreed.........I mean for God Sakes the Guy LEad the Leauge in Hits(David wright was 2nd).........and its Obvious If he doesnt hit we do not win.........IF THEY TRADE REYES i will Never FORGive this Franchise............

I cant wait to see you donning a Yanks jersey.

[gateb]

Anyone think K-rod's struggles last night make his price tag go down?

 

I was hoping he'd be great in the playoffs...

[RandolphScott]

Hey look. Remember when I said we should sign Ibanez?!