I added the 2009 spring traing schedule to the site. For those of us planning to be in Florida this spring, it’ll give us dates and times for each of the games. I’ll continue adding to the schedule by adding maps to the specific locations of each stadium so you can easily get driving directions from Google Maps.
You can also access the schedule on the navigation above. Just click “Spring Training Schedule”.
Add a comment below if you’re planning on a trip to Florida for spring training.
New York Met David Wright is set to be the starting third baseman for the US team in the World Baseball Classic next spring. The position was opened up for Wright when Alex Rodriguez decided to play for the Dominican Republic team. The Braves’ Chipper Jones is expected to play but he’ll get most of his time at designated hitter.
Wright will be playing next to New York Yankee Derek Jeter at shortstop. Wright is expected to be the only Met playing for the US team. Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran are playing for Puerto Rico, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez are playing for Venezuela, and Jose Reyes is expected to play for the Dominican team.
I wasn’t a big fan of the WBC tournament in 2006. It seemed really contrived to me and quite possibly just another marketing scheme for MLB and the Japanese league. I’m trying to keep an open mind about it though. I used to consider myself a baseball purist, disliking the designated hitter. But I have enjoyed inter-league play, and the wild card is a no-brainer.
This spring I’ll attempt to enjoy the WBC despite my misgivings about it’s nature.
Source: WikipediaEl Duque got the start today and went five innings giving up 4 hits and one earned run. Mike Pelfrey finished the game going 3.2 innings giving up 6 hits and 3 earned runs. I guess Omar Minaya was right… if El Duque is healthy then he should get the fifth spot in the rotation. See the full game recap and box score here.
The Mets announced that Ruben Gotay was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves. Steve Register was returned to the Colorado Rockies and Anderson Hernandez was assigned to Triple-A.
I’m sorry to see Gotay go and Fernando Tatis make the team. I think the Mets will regret that move as the season goes on. Apparently, the Braves felt that Gotay would make the major league team since he’s out of options.
Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman is reporting that the Mets management gathered in Port St. Lucie today to make decisions about the fifth starter and left field. The “unnamed” source close to the situation says that it’s likely that Mike Pelfrey will become the fifth starter despite his shaky spring. He’ll have a short leash with El Duque and Jorge Sosa ready to jump into the rotation if things go wrong.
According to the source, Angel Pagan has the inside track to get the bulk of playing time in left field until Moises Alou gets back approximately three weeks into the season. Pagan has been on fire offensively this spring but it may be an anomaly. Only time will tell.
Relief pitcher Steve Register was waived yesterday. According to Rule 5 regulations he can’t participate in team activities until waivers closes on Friday. The Mets took him from the Colorado Rockies and will have to offer him back if no teams claims him from waivers.
Register has had a good spring but isn’t a major factor in the Mets plans this season. If he signs a minor league contract and gives the Mets the flexibility to move him down to the minors, if needed, he’ll be a much more valuable player.
Surprisingly, the Braves decided to “show” Tim Hudson to the Mets today. Raul Casanova was 1 for 3 and hit one out off Hudson. See the full recap and box score at MLB.com.
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The Mets Report 