Month: May 2008

Delgado Benched Tonight, Maybe More

New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado before a Mets/Devil Rays spring training game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Willie Randolph said prior to tonight’s game that he’s giving Carlos Delgado some time to clear his head. He may sit out tomorrow night as well. Delgado has been killing the Mets for most of this season and last year. He just appears to be “done”. He can’t get around on inside fastballs anymore and frequently can’t get to high pitches.

I have to think that his decision came out of the meeting between Randolph, Omar Minaya, and the Wilpons yesterday. Hopefully, they’re working on a plan for a permanent solution to Delgado’s two year long lack of productivity. Scott Hatteberg, designated for assignment by the Reds today, might be a good start.

Church May Go On Disabled List

The New York Post is reporting that Ryan Church is still suffering from the effects of a concussion sustained in Atlanta last week. Church saw a neurologist and the Mets sent him home today to rest prior to the game. He was told by the doctor to rest and stay away from light.

That would be a huge blow to the Mets. Church has carried the Mets offensively for the first two months of the season.

Read the full story here.

Audio: Schneider and Heyman

Brian Schneider does his weekly spot with WFAN’s Joe & Evan. Jon Heyman, Sports Illustrated baseball writer, joins WFAN’s Mike and the Mad Dog.

Schneider talks about the Mets struggles and the announcement yesterday that Willie Randolph is still the manager. Heyman talks about Randolph and a testy exchange that he had with Carlos Delgado yesterday.

Brian Schneider Audio

Jon Heyman Audio

Fox Columnists On Randolph And Minaya

Logo used until 1999

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The Fox Sports columnists are firing out columns about the Mets, both Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya. Ken Rosenthal and Mark Kriegel talk about the Mets problems from the players to the manager and the GM.

Ken Rosenthal talks about the Tigers, Mariners, and Mets chemistry problems and lack of players with passion. All three have $100+ million payrolls filled with too many overpaid underachieving players.

Mark Kriegel talks about Willie Randolph’s comments about racial discrimination. He says that the Mets problems aren’t racial.

Hatteberg May Be Designated Today

Cincinnati Reds

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Cincinnati Reds monster prospect Jay Bruce is being called up today. To make room on the roster the Reds have a couple of options. One is to designate struggling outfielder Cory Patterson. The other option is to designate Scott Hatteberg.

If Hatteberg is designated today the Mets need to make a move for him, even if it requires trading a low level prospect. Hatteberg shouldn’t command too much in the trade market. He’s 38 years old and hasn’t had a good season as a pinch hitter this year.

Hatteberg is a below average fielder at first base which is no change from what we have now with Carlos Delgado. Last season the lefty hitting Hatteberg got 361 at-bats for the Reds and hit .310/.394/.474 with 10 homers and 47 RBI’s. It would be nice to see a .300+ hitter at first base every day.

If the Mets aren’t going to make a change at manager immediately, it’s time to make a change at first bast. Hatteberg and Nick Evans might make a nice lefty-righty platoon at first base.

Read the full story from John Fay at the Cincinnati Enquirer. Thanks to MLBTR for the story.

Link: Deadspin On Randolph Situation

Deadspin always has an interesting take on baseball. Typically, they’re pretty funny. I had to link to this post today about the Willie Randolph situation that they posted. It’s been depressing writing about this team for most of May (excluding the Yankees series). But the piece that they posted from their comments section is hilarious. It’s nice to be able to smile about the Mets, even if it is at their expense. This is from their comment section:

The Mets promote ‘Bad Baserunning Night’ at every home game. This great promotion is brought to you by many of the players, including Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and even David Wright. See professional baseball players that are well-compensated forget all of the fundamentals taught back in Little League, such as: make sure the line drive goes through; never make the first or third out of an inning at third base; and don’t attempt to steal a base when you are down by four or more runs. Fans young and old will treasure this promotion and have 81 opportunities to take advantage of it. To add to the festivities, even manager Willie Randolph gets into the fray. His post-game press conferences will be filled with such inspiring remarks such as: “I’ve seen it all before,” “I’m not concerned yet,” and “Last year was last year.” Yes, fans. The underachieving group of players that you know and love will thrill you inning after inning with uninspired play that is a direct representation of their fearless leader. A clubhouse divided will give you an entire summer of excitement, and give you ample time to enjoy the NFL once the fall rolls around. — NYSportScene