Month: June 2008

Jose Reyes Fielding Problems- Randolph Offers Help

NEW YORK - MAY 14: Manager Willie Randolph of the New York Mets removes Claudio Vargas #39 from the game in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals as his teammates David Wright #5, Carlos Delgado #21, and Jose Reyes #7 look on on May 14, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Jose Reyes season has been one of offensive success in recent weeks and defensive mystery. His fielding percentage (.961) is the lowest of his career since 2004 (.957 at SS). That’s when he was in the middle of the horrible transition to second base to make room for Japanese superstar Kaz Matsui.

We now know that Matsui wasn’t a superstar for the New York Mets and Reyes wasn’t a second baseman. But Reyes has been struggling defensively this season often on plays that appear to be routine. There’s been speculation that Reyes is dissatisfied with his four year/$23.25 million contract. That may be a logical assertion. Fellow infielder David Wright has a six year/$55 million contract. In my opinion, Reyes is a far more dynamic player at a position that requires more defensive skill. I’d be unhappy about the contract as well. Continue reading “Jose Reyes Fielding Problems- Randolph Offers Help”

Sidney Ponson DFA’d By Rangers

Sidney Ponson

Image via Wikipedia

The pitching challenged Texas Rangers designated Sidney Ponson for assignment this afternoon. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said that the move was due to several off the field problems that have arisen over the past few weeks. According to MLB.com:

“Based on recent events, I don’t think Sidney wants to be here or deserves to be here,” Daniels said.

This season Ponson is 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA. So whatever he did must have been pretty bad. Ponson was signed by the Rangers on March 9, 2008 to a one year minor league contract. The contract was purchased by the Rangers on April 26th. Continue reading “Sidney Ponson DFA’d By Rangers”

Game Prep: Padres Roster Move

San Diego Padres

Image via Wikipedia

The San Diego Padres placed 2B Tad Iguchi on the disabled list today with a separated shoulder. Last night, in the seventh inning, he tried to jump over Kevin Kouzmanoff’s ground ball unsuccessfully. He came down hard on his shoulder and was replaced at second base by Edgar Gonzalez, Adrian’s older brother.

Iguchi is being replaced on the roster by infielder Craig Stansberry from Triple-A Portland. He’s hitting .232 there this season.

Zemanta Pixie

Link: Best Mets Draft Coverage

New York Mets

Image via Wikipedia

As I wrote yesterday, I’m not that into following college or high school players as potential prospects for the Mets. But I do enjoy reading about the Mets picks and their qualifications. After watching a bit of the ESPN2 draft coverage yesterday and reading many draft recaps, I have to say that the best coverage of the Mets draft is available at MetsGeek.

Alex Nelson does a tremendous job of dissecting the players and their potential. He concentrates on first round picks Ike Davis of ASU and Reese Havens of South Carolina plus sandwich round pick Brad Holt. But he also goes into the perfect level of depth on the later round picks as well. Great job, Alex.

Related articles

Zemanta Pixie

June 6- Mets News- Wright, Church, Castillo, And Wagner

FLUSHING, NY - AUGUST 08: Mike Piazza of the San Diego Padres shakes hands with David Wright of the New York Mets on August 8, 2006 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike Piazza;David Wright

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The Mets go up against the San Diego Padres for the second of a four game series tonight. It’s another late night game that’s tough to stay awake for. I’m still dejected from the way last night’s game ended… a hit batter to bring the winning run home in the bottom of the ninth. Unbelievable!

  • Willie Randolph is thinking about giving David Wright a day off. He’s played every inning of every game so far. I’m not so concerned about that. He’s a young guy and shouldn’t have a problem playing nearly every game. Wright played in 160 games last season. Read Bart Hubbach’s column at the NY Post.
  • Ryan Church played in last night’s game after asking for a day off in San Francisco on Wednesday. He said that he felt winded after light pinch hitting duty for a week and a half after his concussion in Atlanta.
  • Mets second baseman Luis Castillo is happy to be going up against Padres starter Randy Wolf tonight. He has a history of hitting him hard to the tune of .425/ .465/ .650. Read Marty Noble’s column at MLB.com.
  • Closer Billy Wagner looks up to Trevor Hoffman. Marty Noble wrote a good piece for MLB.com on this story.
Zemanta Pixie

Audio: June 5- Billy Wagner On ESPN Radio

CHICAGO - AUGUST 3: Closing pitcher Billy Wagner #13 of the New York Mets is congratulated by manager Willie Randolph #12 after a win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field August 3, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. The Mets defeated the Cubs 6-2.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Mets closer Billy Wagner joins Don LeGreca on ESPN Radio for his weekly spot. He talks about the Mets success over the last week, the come from behind wins, the players lack of support for Willie Randolph, and Aaron Heilman’s struggles.

ESPN Audio

Zemanta Pixie