Author: metbaseball

Giants In Need of Change

Posted on by metbaseball

Despite losing it last two games in pathetic fashion, the football Giants still are voicing support for their coach. However, counting this season and the previous two, the Giants have one of the worst records in football over the last three games: they’re 3-8. And even if they win the final game of this season, they’ll still have won only 33 percent of those critical games. Should the coach also be spared of blame for that result?

No matter how the team does in its last game this season, change is needed, and the coach is not the only one whose performance needs review. The GM has drafted a number of players in the upper rounds who haven’t made a difference when they get on the field, Clint Simtim and Travis Beckum two examples.

The bottom line: Bill Cowher is available.

Mets Add Middle Infielder

Posted on by metbaseball

The Mets latest addition, middle infielder Chin-lung Hu, can hit — in the minor leagues. In eight Minor League seasons with six different teams in the Dodger organization, Hue averaged .299. Last season, in Triple-A, he hit .317 with only 16 strikeouts in 223 plate appearances. Unfortunately, with the Dodgers he only hit .191 during four trials with the team. As the Mets only gave up a minor league pitcher who was unlikely to make the Mets roster to get Hu, the trade is a low-risk transaction, another move by Alderson that further adds to the glut of middle infielders that the Mets have been accumulating.

Mets 2011 Starting Pitchers

Posted on by metbaseball

This is what espn.com predicts will be the New Yorks Mets starting pitchers on next season’s opening day:

Mike Pelfrey
Jon Niese
R.A. Dickey
Dillon Gee
Boof Bonser or Pat Misch

When considering the list, two words come to mind: losing season.

Mets Well-Stocked at Second Base

Posted on by metbaseball

The Mets have made the competition for second base more interesting. As of today, six candidates will be challenging to man the position: Luis Castillo, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada, Justin Turner, Brad Emaus, and Russ Adams.

Luis Castillo is a player with an inflated salary, a leftover from an era when Omar Minaya did for the Mets what Isiah Thomas did for the Knicks, overspending on players who underperformed. Fortunately, the Mets don’t have an Eddie Curry on their roster. Hopefully, Alderson will find another team willing to part with prospects to obtain Castillo’s services.

Daniel Murphy is a player whom the Mets misplayed when they tried to convert him into an outfielder. The team’s latest hope is that he can succeed at second base.

Ruben Tejada is a player who was pushed too soon into a starting position. He’d benefit by starting this season in Triple-A. Let’s see if the Mets have the wisdom to make that move.

Justin Turner should have been a September call-up. Why he wasn’t is mystifying. Last season in Buffalo he hit .333 with a .906 OPS. He deserves a shot at second base.

Brad Emaus is a 2010 Rule 5 selection. Why didn’t the Blue Jays protect him? Last season in Triple-A he hit .298 with an .890 OPS. Another player who should be given a fair chance to make the Mets starting lineup.

Russ Adams also played for Buffalo last season, hitting .264. As he’s 31, I’d rather see the Mets start the season with someone younger.