Author: Dave Doyle

Frequently disappointed Mets fan

Fox Columnists On Randolph And Minaya

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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

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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

Video: Gary Carter Explains Comments

ESPN’s Mike and Mike video interview with Kid Carter trying to explain his comments that appeared to be lobbying for Willie Randolph’s job. It might not be his job for long, but it sure is bad form to publicly posture to be the next manager of the New York Mets.

Thanks to Awful Announcing for the great find.

Pedro To Start June 3

The Mets are planning to start injured star pitcher Pedro Martinez on June 3 in San Francisco. He’ll make one start for the St. Lucie Mets before joining the team on their road trip next week.

The Mets will have to make a decision about keeping Mike Pelfrey or Claudio Vargas in the rotation, and on the team, at that point. Vargas threw a stinker in Atlanta last week but his other two starts have been solid. He looks to be more consistent than Pelfrey.

Vargas could opt to become a free agent if the Mets designate him for assignment. It’s not a huge loss, but something to consider when making a decision.

My opinion is that Pelfrey needs some time in the minors to perfect his game. He’s got good stuff but isn’t consistent enough. He’s hurting the team.