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Month: February 2008
CBS Sportsline Spring Training Tour Rolls into PSL
Scott Miller of CBS Sportsline began his spring training tour with the Dodgers and stopped in PSL next. His review has the typical stories about “The Collapse” from last Fall and the Pedro/Santana angle. He does have some interesting points about replacing LoDuca with Schneider, Luis Castillo, and Duaner Sanchez.
I still think the Luis Castillo contract is the worst contract that the Mets have right now. I don’t understand how they could give him 4 years/$25 million. It doesn’t make sense. What other teams were the Mets competing against to sign him? We’ll see how this works out over the next four years, but Castillo looks like a player in decline to me.
Off Season Activity Grading
Jon Heyman of SI gives the Mets the highest grade for off season activity this year. I agree that the Mets did very well with the Santana trade/contract extension. But I think the Tigers had the best off season. Their lineup is a modern day murderers row! It looks like Ivan Rodriguez is going to be hitting ninth. Now that’s a lineup. They added Edgar Renteria and Miguel Cabrera, and don’t forget they got Dontrell Willis too.
Johan Santana is a fantastic acquisition for the Mets, but the Tigers were better this off season.
Heading to Florida for Spring Training?
If you’re headed south for some spring training games Ken Davidoff of Newsday gives a brief review of the sites. PSL gets a B in his grading system. Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale get the highest marks.
El Duque isn’t going to the Bullpen
El Duque told reporters this week that he isn’t willing to pitch in relief. He says that he signed with the Mets to be a starting pitcher. The NY Post has a recap of his comments.
My opinion is that El Duque isn’t in a position to demand anything. He pitched very well when he was healthy last year. But he isn’t healthy enough to make demands on the Mets about his role with the team.
Competition is a good thing for the Mets. El Duque and Mike Pelfrey should be fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation. There are no free rides for El Duque or anyone else.
Carlos Beltran Calls Out Jimmy Rollins
Soft spoken Carlos Beltran called out Jimmy Rollins and the Phillies. He said that with Johan Santana the Mets are the team to beat in the NL East this year. You can read about it everywhere but David Lennon at Newsday has a good account. Beltran said he doesn’t care if he gets booed in Philly either since he already gets the same treatment in Houston.
CitiField Progress Report
There’s a good article in the NY Post today about the progress at CitiField. Jeff Wilpon is buying seats in a porch that will slightly overhang the field in right like the old Tiger Stadium. That sounds great! I can’t wait to see a game in the new stadium. It’s been a long time coming.
The Mets Report 