Tag: Daniel Murphy

Mets 2010 Spring Training Lacks Competition

New York Mets at New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York

http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js

There have been two big surprises about the Mets coming off their 70-win disaster of a season last year. First, the Mets and Omar Minaya didn’t do more to improve the team via trades and free agency. Second, there aren’t many position competitions on the field in spring training. We’re basically going to see the exact same team we saw last year, plus Jason Bay.

The first point we’ve argued about all winter. Some of us think the Mets should have done more in the offseason to shake up the team. Other fans have been on board with Minaya’s plan that there weren’t better players on the market than the Mets that are returning from injuries. Whether you’re on board with the plan or not, it’s finished and we’ll see how it plays out. If things don’t look like they’re working out by mid-season, it’s likely that Minaya and Manuel are finished with the Mets too.

The second point is an interesting one. You would think that a team coming off a horrible season would have plenty of competition for playing time. But the Mets appear to be pretty set at most positions and that’s probably a bad sign. It’s very likely that we’re going to see the exact same team that drove into a brick wall last year.

Continue reading “Mets 2010 Spring Training Lacks Competition”

Mets 2010 Stars Already Aligned

Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets at Citi Field in New York

http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js

I’ve been disappointed that the Mets didn’t do more to shore up the pitching rotation this offseason. I’m also surprised that they didn’t attempt an upgrade, even incremental, at first base. The more that I thought about it, after John Lackey, Matt Holliday, and Jason Bay signed their free agent deals there wasn’t anybody left on the market that I’d consider a “difference maker”. Sure, there were, and still are, some players that would be solid peripheral players for the Mets. But the 2010 season doesn’t hinge on any free agent that’s been available since Holliday signed with the Cardinals.

The 2010 season does depend on Johan Santana, Francisco Rodriguez, David Wright, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, and Bay. They’re the ones that are going to carry this team. I know it’s a long season and everyone needs to make a contribution at some point. But there’s a big difference between making an impact and making a contribution.

Continue reading “Mets 2010 Stars Already Aligned”

Bay Signing May Give Daniel Murphy First Base

NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Daniel Murphy #28 of the ...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Although we’re still waiting for the official confirmation that Jason Bay passed his physical for the Mets, I started thinking about the repercussions this could have on the rest of the positions that the Mets need to improve. If the Mets couldn’t sign Bay or Matt Holliday, the pressure would have been on Omar Minaya to sign free agents or look for splashy trades to improve other positions in the field.

The biggest beneficiary of the Bay signing could very well be Daniel Murphy. The light-hitting first baseman was a prime candidate to be a victim of an upgrade at his position. But the offensive pop that Bay adds to the lineup could make Murphy a starter in 2010 or maybe a platoon player if the Mets can find a right-handed hitter to compliment him at first base.

Continue reading “Bay Signing May Give Daniel Murphy First Base”

Voice of the Fan: Mets 2009 Offseason Inactivity

Epitome of a Met Fan

Image by Michael Mase via Flickr

I haven’t been worried about the Mets lack of making a splashy free agent signing or trade until now. But if they can’t get something done within the next week or so, we do need to be concerned. I’ve talked to a lot of Mets fans that are starting to freak out that John Lackey is off the board and the Mets seem to be bargain hunting for free agent pitching and outfielders, not to mention the lack of depth in the organization.

In this continuation of my voice of the fan series you can read what frequent commenter Mark Jones, aka MetStatHead, has to say about the Mets offseason so far. If you’re interested in having your voice heard here at The Mets Report get in touch with me on my Contact page. Read on for Mark’s thoughts.

Continue reading “Voice of the Fan: Mets 2009 Offseason Inactivity”

NY Times: Mets Should Trade For Halladay And Wells

Vernon Wells

Image by Keith Allison via Flickr

A couple of writers that I’ve never heard of at the NY Times are touting the idea of the Mets trading for Roy Halladay and Vernon Wells. I hope that Elena Gustines and Jay Schreiber are only temporarily filling in for Ben Shipgel on the Bats blog there. We need the voice of reason back.

The writers touch on the idea of multiple needs on the Mets (and forgot to mention the Mets need a first baseman that can hit). They also only touch on the fact that trading for Halladay and Wells adds $36 million to the Mets payroll next year, which is the total amount that the Mets are likely to add based on the salaries that are coming off the books.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind the idea of bringing in Halladay and Wells. The problem that Gustines and Schreiber don’t address is how complicated it’s going to be to reconfigure the roster to address the existing shortcomings at catcher and first base within the $140 million payroll.

Continue reading “NY Times: Mets Should Trade For Halladay And Wells”

Video: Mets 2010 Left Field- A Trade Awaits

Here’s an interview I did with Kerel Cooper of On The Black. We talked about the Mets left field situation for next year. Watch the video and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

http://blip.tv/play/gvchgaW2dAI

 

Thanks to Kerel Cooper for the invitation and check out his Mets video blog at On The Black.

Poll: Mets 2010 First Base- What To Do?

Now that I posted my thoughts on the Mets first base situation for next year, it’s time to hear from you. What the heck should they do? You’ve had a couple of days to think about what I wrote and comment. Now it’s your turn.

For those reading a feed reader, there’s a poll embedded in this post.