Category: Latest News

Trade Talk: Heilman and Sosa

Adam Rubin of the Daily News reported last night that the Mets couldn’t trade Jorge Sosa while he was on waivers and Aaron Heilman is being shopped around.

On Sosa:

The Mets placed reliever Jorge Sosa on unconditional release waivers after failing to trade him. Sosa was designated for assignment on May 13.

On Heilman:

The buzz among scouts is that the Mets are shopping Aaron Heilman. Of course, they’re looking for a set-up man – something hard to find.

I agree with releasing Sosa. There really wasn’t another choice. He was terrible. But trying to trade Heilman when his value is at an all time low? That doesn’t make sense. They should keep pitching him in blow out games to get his confidence back. I’m confident that he can get back to his old form. He just needs to get a few stable appearances under his belt.
New York Mets v Washington Nationals
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Weighing In On Randolph’s Distraction

You already know my opinion on Willie Randolph’s comments to the media about his portrayal by SNY and racial bias. Here are some links that you should check out.

William C. Rhoden of the New York Times wrote a good column explaining that winning is the problem for Willie.

WFAN’s Joe & Evan interviewed Ian O’Connor of the Bergen Record about his conversation with Willie. Click the link below to listen.

WFAN Audio

Randolph In Damage Control Mode

Source: Flickr by alpineinc

New York Mets manager Willie Randolph spent the morning doing damage control. He back-tracked from his comments that his problems should be blamed on Mets television network Sports Net New York (SNY) and racism by Mets fans.

Randolph’s story changed completely this morning blaming an under performing Mets team for his problems. He says that it’s all about wins and loses not racism now. Oh, and he’s not blaming SNY anymore either.

Randolph says that his comments about racism were made in a “tongue in cheek” manner. He says that he was speaking in generalities that racism exists in this country.

My take on this is that Randolph is being dishonest and stupid. He wouldn’t have said the things that he did if he didn’t believe them. That’s dishonest. Suddenly he became media saavy today so he’s trying to save face. Continue reading “Randolph In Damage Control Mode”

Pedro Martinez Pondering Retirement

Multiple media sources today are reporting that Pedro Martinez is considering retirement. No, not because he’s spent so much time on the disabled list over the last three seasons. It’s because his 78 year old father is suffering from a form of brain cancer.

Pedro has played for 17 years in the big leagues and he’s made more than $134 million dollars through the 2007 season. He’s won three Cy Young Awards. What else is left for him to do?

He’ll be a free agent after this season and I’m hoping that the Mets don’t re-sign him. It was great when he got here in 2005 to add some life to a lifeless franchise. But he just hasn’t produced over the past three years. Did you know that his record is 12-9 since 2006?

If the Mets do re-sign him it should be for one year maximum. Of course, that would be bucking the Omar Minaya trend of signing aging players to long term contracts. I do realize that.

The Mets would be better off pursuing C.C. Sabbathia or one of the other free agents available after this season.

Randolph Claims Racial Prejudice By Mets Fans

I have to admit that I’m surprised and disappointed reading Willie Randolph’s comments to Ian O’Connor of the Bergen Record today. The premise of the column is Randolph trying to figure out why Mets fans don’t like him. He claims that SNY puts him on camera in a way that is provocative to fans, and racism in general.

On SNY Randolph says:

They’re the artists, I’m the canvas,” Randolph said. “They paint the picture the way they want to. They want to show me when somebody gives up a home run or somebody makes an error, so they want to see me [using profanity].

“Well, my players are watching the monitors in the bullpen going, ‘Look at Skip, he’s cursing us out.’ That’s not how I lead. But when the game is over, I’m [on them]. ‘And why don’t you turn over a couple of [food] spreads?’ I’ve done that. You might not know it.

“Why [isn’t] SNY shooting me when I’m ready to go down the dugout clapping my hands and patting guys on the butt, schooling them during the game? I’m on the top step every game. … Why don’t you show that side of me so people can say, ‘Wow, jeez, Willie’s fiery’? … You watch any manager in baseball, you see him look like a bump on the log sitting there. They don’t move, they don’t talk. I’m as animated and as demonstrative and as involved and as intense as any manager in baseball. Continue reading “Randolph Claims Racial Prejudice By Mets Fans”

Video: Ken Rosenthal On Delgado Trade

Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosethal suggests that the Mets and Mariners may trade Carlos Delgado for Richie Sexson. Both players are in the last year of their contracts, neither has a no trade clause, and both are struggling. It sounds like a good idea to get the Mets more right handed power and to shake up the team.

Rosenthal's Full Count
Rosenthal’s Full Count

Video: Ken Rosenthal on Willie Randolph

Fox Sports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal talks about pressure on Willie Randolph. He says that management wants Randolph to show more leadership and correct clubhouse problems before they become combustible situations. Rosenthal also addresses the Ken Griffey, Jr. and Matt Holliday possible trade scenarios.

Rosenthal's Inside Pitch
Rosenthal’s Inside Pitch