Jon Heyman on Jerry Manuel Extension

May 28, 2010- Milwaukee, WI. Miller Park..New York Mets Manager Jerry Manuel . .Milwaukee Brewers won over the New York Mets 2-0, taking the first game of the 3 game series against the Mets...Mike McGinnis / CSM.

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js“Time to give Jerry Manuel an extension. He has fostered a positive vibe around the Mets.” -From Sports Illustrated writer Jon Heyman’s twitter earlier today.

Keep in mind readers, this is the opinion of a sports journalist who believes Andy Pettitte is Hall of Fame worthy. I really had to see this on Jon Heyman’s Twitter with my own eyes when I heard Evan Roberts talking about this on WFAN on Tuesday. So far with the Mets, Jerry Manuel’s tenure has been highlighted by an agonizing collapse in 2008, and a completely lost season in 2009. For 2009, we could of course look at the injuries as an excuse, but the way the product that was on the field performed at times was certainly inexcusable.

To be frank, firing Jerry Manuel would have been a move the team ultimately would have been disaffected by. It wouldn’t have addressed the main problems the team was facing. I can’t say I dislike Jerry Manuel. Sure, he seems to talk in circles during some post-game interviews and some of his in-game strategy is questionable at times. However, I do genuinely believe that he is a players manager, and this season so far, the team is performing at a competitive level. Manuel’s head has been raised from the chopping block, and the fascination with Bob Melvin among Mets faithful is no longer visible in the rear-view mirror. Continue reading “Jon Heyman on Jerry Manuel Extension”

Mets Home Stand Preview: June 22-27, 2010

April 27 2010: Fans cheer for their team during game 2 of a double header MLB game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field in Flushing, New York. The Mets beat the Dodgers 10-5.

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsAfter the longest (and ironically most successful) road trip of the season, the Mets are returning to the friendly confines of Citi Field.

Unfortunately, the best two teams in the AL Central will be awaiting them.

Tuesday, June 22nd: Tigers (Verlander) vs. Mets (Niese) 7:10 PM
Wednesday, June 23rd: Tigers (Bonderman) vs. Mets (Dickey) 7:10 PM ESPN
Thursday, June 24th: Tigers (Galarraga) vs. Mets (Takahashi) 7:10 PM MLB Network
Friday, June 25th: Twins (Slowey) vs. Mets (Pelfrey) 7:10 PM
Saturday, June 26th: Twins (Pavano) vs. Mets (Santana) 1:10 PM
Sunday, June 27th: Twins (Baker) vs. Mets (Niese) 1:10 PM

The 2nd place Tigers are led offensively by Miguel Cabrera, who leads the majors in home runs (19) and runs batted in (60). Detroit is 8-2 in their past ten games, so the Mets would be wise to not overlook this Tigers’ team which has been hot lately. Continue reading “Mets Home Stand Preview: June 22-27, 2010”

Video: Mets 2010 Potential Trade Deadline Moves

New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran (15) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Nationals on September 18, 2008 at Nationals Park in Washington. (UPI Photo/Mark Goldman) Photo via Newscom Photo via Newscom

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsFox Sports is doing a virtual GM piece with Jim Bowden in the video below. If you can get past his odd looking hair, he actually does a pretty good job of assessing the Mets situation coming up to next month’s non-waiver trade deadline.

Bowden says that the Mets will be looking at starting pitching, Carlos Beltran’s health, and a potential upgrade at second base. Of course, all of those are easier said than done. But the national media aren’t always on when it comes to analyzing team needs. In this video, Bowden is pretty much dead on.

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Video: Virtual GM: Mets

My 2010 MLB All-Star Ballot – John Wenk

NL-1B-Albert Pujols-Cardinals
He is still the most feared hitter in baseball in my mind.

NL-2B-Martin Prado-Braves
Prado is well on his way to a 200 hit season. Impressive.

NL-SS-Jose Reyes-Mets
I refuse to vote for a self-absorbed player like Hanley. Reyes is back to form.

NL-3B-David Wright-Mets
Despite the high K totals, still a great run producer. I really don’t want to see Polanco get the start.

NL-C-Miguel Olivo-Rockies
9 HR’s and a .300+ average, Olivo is warming up to the thin mountain air just fine.

NL-LF-Ryan Braun-Brewers
The Hebrew Hammer continues to mash for the Brew Crew.

NL-CF-Andrew McCutchen-Pirates
The dynamic rising star is a bright spot in a losing organization.

NL-RF-Jayson Werth-Phillies
I’m going against all of my morals with this pick. If Ethier didn’t miss some time perhaps he’d get the nod from me.

NL-SP-Ubaldo Jimenez-Rockies
At this rate, likely MVP and Cy Young award winner. He is on another level.

NL-RP-Brian Wilson-Giants
Wilson pitches with the ideal closer attitude and has the numbers to back it up. Continue reading “My 2010 MLB All-Star Ballot – John Wenk”

Preview: Tigers at Mets June 22, 2010

Detroit Tigers (38-30) at New York Mets (39-29)  7:10 pm

Justin Verlander (8-4 3.54) vs Jon Niese (4-2 3.64)

TV: SNY   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Tigers come to town 1.5 games behind the Twins in the AL Central. They’ve won 8 of their last 9 games. Verlander has some nasty stuff and hasn’t really pitched poorly since May 25. He’s won his last three starts. Niese has pitched just as well or better since coming off the DL on June 5. He’s made three starts in that time and allowed 4 runs and won all three games.

Don’t forget to visit The Mets Report Facebook page during the game to chat with other Mets fans! Connect with The Mets Report on Twitter too.

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My 2010 MLB All-Star Ballot – Dave Doyle

Since All-Star voting is in full swing and the actual game is coming up on July 13 in Anaheim, I thought it was a good time to share my ballot with you. I tried to set aside any team-specific biases that I have, but when I finished writing out my ballot I noticed that I didn’t have any Phillies players on the ballot. So I’m not so sure that I did a great job of being unbiased.

Anyway, my votes are below. Comment on this post if you agree or disagree with my votes.
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John Maine Suffers Setback In Rehab Start

New York Mets starting pitcher John Maine delivers a pitch to the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of play in their MLB National League baseball game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 4, 2010. REUTERS/John Sommers II (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe road to recovery for John Maine just hit another speed bump. John Maine pitched Friday night for Buffalo and only went 4.1 IP while throwing 88 pitches without being able to increase velocity. Jerry Manuel told reporters before Sunday’s game that Maine didn’t feel well after the start and needs to be re-evaluated by team doctors.

It’s too bad for Maine for this to happen in his walk year. He looked like a rising start in 2007 only to have three injury plagued seasons to follow. Manuel also told reporters that he wasn’t considering removing Hisanori Takahashi from the rotation at this point. And Omar Minaya told reporters that he didn’t see Maine as a fit in the Mets bullpen.

The message is pretty clear from those statements. There isn’t a spot on the big league roster for Maine. If he gets healthy and they can’t put him on the roster, most likely he’ll be designated for assignment. I really do think Maine’s days with the Mets are numbered.

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