Looking to '09

Well I guess it's time now to start preparing for the 2009 season which will be the inaugural at Citi Field. Here's my breakdown by position:
Catcher: Unlike some people, I happen to think that the platoon of Castro and Schneider works. Both were broken down when camp broke and had lingering injuries all of '08. Both call games well and aren't terrible in the lineup.
First Base: Weather we like it or not Delgado's option will be picked up. It pisses me right off, but it's going to happen. The front office is going to base it solely on his stellar 2nd half in '08. If he doesn't get lazy this off season (which is what I think happened last off season) he might come out on fire. You just never know with him. Don't expect him back in '10 though.
2nd Base: This is what intrigues me the most. I want so badly to see Murphy be the second baseman and bat second next year. He is one of those players that is so on verge of being a star. If he can find an everyday role he's going to be a star. My fear is that he's going to get shipped out for a pitcher.
Short & Third: Reyes and Wright are cemented in those spots for years to come. I do want to see the two of them take more active roles in being leaders. Put a damn "C" on Wright's jersey. I feel that he certainly deserves it.
Outfield: Beltran and Church are going to be in their spots. Those are definites. Another situation where both were banged up at the end of Spring Training. I am telling you that if Church doesn't have that second concussion, he hits 30 homers. Left is kinda touchy. Will it be Evans? Don't forget about Fernando Tatis or the prized Fernando Martinez. I don't think this is a spot that needs to be replaced from outside the organization.
Bench: It's time to part ways with Anderson and Chavez.
Bullpen: Ship everyone out except Smith and Feliciano. Parnell should have a roster spot. The rest need to be filled with good veterans via trade or free agency. I am clueless when it comes to the role of closer. Kunz is just not ready, nor do I think he has the stuff to be a closer in NYC. K-Rod or Brian Fuentez will be in orange and blue next season.
Rotation: Time to part ways with Pedro and Ollie. Ollie is just not worth the money that he's going to demand. So we've got Santana, Maine and Big Pelf. They really have to consider shelling out the bucks for CC.

There you have it. Lets see if I am as wrong when I write this same column in 2009.

Sad Day in Metville: Season Recap

I really don't know what to say. Just like Jerry said "We didn't get the job done". In no way was this the same type of collapse as last year. They went on cruise control last year. This season was killed by the injury bug and the lack of a back-up plan. With the entire AAA-New Orleans starting rotation starting at least one game you just had to know that we were doomed, again. Alou went down early and Wagner went down late. Many will say that management had no right firing Willie Randolph and that it's not his fault what happened. Folks, this is baseball. Every time a team isn't playing to it's potential it's the manager who goes. Personally, I felt that he had to go. He was always in "business mode" and didn't seem to relate to the players. I am shocked that this team finished where it did. They managed to grind it out until the end.

So 2009 brings a new home. I remember the one time I went to Shea, in 2003. (As a Mets fan in NW Ohio, it's tough to get to NYC.) Yes, I thought it was a total dump. But it was OUR total dump! All the years watching games on WOR-TV (for some reason our cable company carried it), ESPN, FOX and the '86 series on NBC did not even compare to being there in person. Maybe Citi Field can mean to my kids, what Shea meant to me.

It's Good to Be Back

After a long and busy winter, I am back to provide my opinions and analysis of the Mets.

Three Reasons I Don't Want A-Rod

John Harper of the New York Daily News wrote a column today explaining reasons why the Mets should make a run at Alex Rodriguez. Let me give my reasons why I do not think they should purue him.

1. We already have an All-Star at Third. David Wright is a proved star in the league and is THE face of the franchise. Harper suggests a move to second or first for Wright, but I disagree. For my only piece of evidence, I need only go back to 2004 when the Mets signed Kaz Matsui from Japan and tried to move Reyes to second.

2. He is Unproven in October. So what if he gets you there. He has produced nothing in October. Why fork out $30 million a year for a guy that sucked so bad that Joe Torre batted him eighth one year in the division series?

3. Pitching? I cite the Cleveland Indians from the late 90's for this one. My buddy Bodine, huge Tribe fan, will back me on this one. They were scoring a ton of runs per game, but their pitchers always gave up a ton more. Why not take the money for A-Rod and throw it at some damn pitchers. Look at Boston this year, they had a solid lineup from top to bottom. Had it not been for Beckett, they would have been nowhere.

No matter who the Mets acquire for offensive support they have a solid lineup that has the potential to score some runs. I hope that Freddie, Jeff and Omar keep their heads straight and don't try to stick it to the folks in the Bronx.

Looking to '2008

We can only go up from here. After the monumental collapse the club now has some motivation to redeem themselves. But what changes need to be made to this club? Obviously pitching HAS to be addressed, but what else needs to be done to ensure that there will not be a repeat from 2007?

Catchers: Personally I feel that Paul LoDuca can get the job done. He takes a beating game after game and still has the passion to try to play everyday. But, with the relationship between he and Willie Randolph, don't look to see Paulie back in orange and blue. Can Ramon Castro be successful playing everyday? He works well with the staff and can be productive at the plate. I guess we'll see.

Infield: With Wright and Reyes the core is set. Delgado really needs to get his act together and have a comeback season in '08. Second base is always an issue with this club. I sure wish Kaz Matsui could have played for us like he does in Colorado now. Don't look for Valentin to be back. I really like Easley and he (if healthy) can provide a spark off the bench. Luis Castillo needs to be re-signed. He was, by far, the spark at the top of the lineup once Reyes went into his slump.

Outfield: No matter what rumors you hear, Beltran will be the starting centerfielder and Alou will be back in left. Right is the question. With Milledge, Chavez and Green (if they bring him back), you have three experienced and capable players. I do like Chavez coming off of the bench. Green is going to have to take a substantial pay cut if he's coming back. Don't be surprised if Milledge is included in a lot of trade rumors.

Bullpen: Complete overhaul is necessary. Heilman, Smith and Feliciano will be the anchors. A healthy Duaner Sanchez should help. Don't expect to see Mota back.

Starters: I don't look for Glavine to be back. El Duque is the wild card. The dude's body is falling apart. There needs to be SOME form of consistency. Maine and Perez were off and on all year. I really can't wait to see a healthy Pedro Martinez on Opening Day. Don't get excited about any Johann Santana rumors.

Coaching: Please get rid of Ricky Henderson.

Now remember that I am not an expert. Just a Met Fanatic that wants a ring in 2008.