Oliver Perez puts 2009 behind him and is Healthy and Optimistic

MLB.com's Aiden Gonzalez said Oliver Perez put his disastarous 2009 season behind him and is optimistic and healthy.



Perez told Gonzalez:

"When I throw [a] bullpen [session], the next day, I just wake up as if I had pitched in a prior game," Perez said in Spanish after his Saturday workout at Tradition Field was shortened because of a threat of rain. "It's just normal soreness. That's what has me pleased -- that I haven't felt any severe pain.

"First and foremost, I'm just happy to be healthy, and I've prepared myself hard for this time of year to be on par with everybody else."

News: Reyes meets with FBI

According to msnbc.com Jose Reyes met with FBI investigators Friday because of his involvement with Canadian doctor Anthony Galea. Msnbc.com also writes: Reyes claims he only got involved with Galea for the blood-spinning procedure that the doctor provides. "They asked me if he injected with that (HGH), and I said no," said the shortstop. "What we did there, basically, he took my blood out, spin it in some machine and put it back in my leg."

Reyes is one of many athletes who were examined Galea the athletes include Carlos Delgado, Tiger Woods, and Chris Simms.

Buzz: Beimel's price high, Mets still Interested

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Mets still like Joe Beimel but the Mets do not like his asking price of $2 million.

I'd like the Mets to sign Beimel it could take pressure off of Pedro Feliciano for being the only lefty in the bullpen and replacing Kelvim Escobar while he's probably going to be on the DL.

MLB Trade Rumors list Candidates for best moves of the Off-season and worst moves

Mike Axisas of MLBTradeRumors lists candidates for the best moves and worst moves of the offseason. The Mets are candidates in both.

For best moves of the offseason Axisas lists the Mets' signing of Jason Bay for a 4-year $66MM contract.

In regards of the worst offseason signings Axisas lists the Mets' signing of Alex Cora for a 1-year $2MM contract.

I don't see that as a really bad signing.

Manuel's Opening Day Lineup

Here is Jerry Manuel's preview of the 2010 lineup for the Mets.

1 Angel Pagan CF
2 Luis Castillo 2B
3 Jose Reyes SS
4 David Wright 3B/Jason Bay LF
5 Jason Bay LF/ David Wright 3B
6 Daniel Murphy 1B
7 Jeff Francoeur RF
8 Rod Barajas C

In addition Manuel hope Jon Niese will win the fifth starter spot.

Kelvim Escobar likely to start Season on DL

According to Brain Costa of the Star-Ledger said that Jerry Manuel said he can't count on Kelvim Escobar to set-up for closer Fransisco Rodriguez.

Manuel said:
"If he's healthy, it would have been a tremendous, tremendous fit for us... We felt that we kind of had that covered. But now with the injury situation, we have to have someone else step up and handle that role."

Intrasquad Pitchers

March 1: Intrasquad, Egbert, Everts, Blackley, Niese, Stoner, Dickey, Mejia
March 2 vs ATL: Figueroa, Takahashi, Parnell, Dessens
March 3 at ATL: Misch, Feliciano
March 4 vs St. Louis: Dickey, Stoner

Info found from MetsBlog

News: Cards sign Felipe Lopez

According to rotoworld.com Infielder Felipe Lopez signed with the Cardinals he will earn a $1 million base salary. Jon Heyman via twitter said the Cardinals signed Lopez for $1.75 million.

Wow it must have been a really tough offseason for Lopez having to wait this long to sign with someone and fireing his agent Scott Boras it must have been frusturating.

Mets Make Offer to Joe Beimel

MetsBlog reports that Adam Rubin of the Daily News said the Mets made an offer to LHP Joe Beimel.

Full Daily News Article:
Lefthanded reliever Joe Beimel confirmed he has received an offer from the Mets. "We've been talking to them for a good part of the offseason. I am still just being patient, waiting for the right deal," Beimel told the Denver Post. The Daily News reported this week that the Mets would bring in Beimel or fellow lefthander Ron Mahay if the reliever was willing to accept a Rod Barajas-type contract (less than $1 million).

This would signing would take pressure of Pedro Feliciano.

WARNING! Deadline for Player who needs to Step-up Most in 2010 in 1 day

As you know the poll for the player who needs to step up most in 2010 is in 1 day. With Daniel Murphy leading the votes by one vote you can change that.

Jenrry Mejia has great Velocity and Cutter

According to Newsday Jerry Manuel is comparing Jenrry Mejia's cutter with the cutter that Mariano Rivera has.

I know Mejia is the Mets #1 prospect with a great cutter but compared Rivera's cutter it must be really good.

Mejia also has great velocity. Manuel is inpressed by Mejia's velocity and his late movement of his pitches. Manuel called his pitching 'Electric'. According to Newsday.

The big problem for Mejia is his command. In regards of Mejia's command Manuel said his command isn't what you'd like. According to Newsday.

In addition Jon Niese and R.A. Dickey threw batting practice.

Arturo Lopez clears Waivers, to Return to camp

Mets LHP Arturo Lopez cleared waivers yesterday after being designated for assignment on Wednesday to make room for Rod Barajas on the 40-man Roster.

Lopez will return to Mets camp as a non-roster invitee.

Johan Santana will have Rod Barajas as his Catcher

Despite the fact that Henry Blanco caught Johan Santana 24 times in 2004 with Minnesota Santana will have Rod Barajas as his catcher according to the NY Daily News.

Barajas is predicted to get the most starts out of all the Mets catchers with the 38-year-old Blanco as the back-up.

I feel bad for Omir Santos who went from the starting catcher to a back-up one in triple-a Buffalo.

"No," Santana insisted about working exclusively, or even primarily, with Blanco. "I know Henry is bringing a lot of experience to our team. And I know Henry is a guy who can help the whole pitching staff. As far as Henry being the guy who is going to catch every time I'm pitching? Not that I know of. ... We haven't talked about that." Daily News writes again.

I'm glad Santana wants Barajas to catch for him rather than Blanco.

Santana had a bullpen session with Barajas throwing 29 warm-up pitches and 45 from full throttle.

"He was sharp," Barajas said about Thursday's session. "I didn't expect that this early - his location with his fastball, with his changeup. And from what I heard his slider was probably the best he's thrown in a while. He was great. He looked like he was having fun out there. That was a great thing to see. He was going out there making good pitches. And every time he made a good pitch, a big smile would come across his face." Daily News writes again.

Good to know Santana is doing good.

Read: Jeff Francoeur say he'll hit 27 home-runs

Kevin Kernan of the New York Post said that Mets' Right Fielder Jeff Francoeur's swing never looked more consistent and explosive. So Francoeur said that he would be able to hit 27 homers.

Well if Francoeur believes he can hit 27 homers than I guess he can and if the New York Post says his swing never looked more consistent and explosive it only makes me more confident.

"He's the definition of an optimist," David Wright said. "He's always in a good mood," Wright added. "He always sees the positive side of things. And for everybody else in here, sometimes it's tough to share that optimism in everything in general, but you look at him and it kind of puts you in a better mood." The New York Post also wrote.

Francoeur predicted Wright would hit 35 homers with a smile.

Whoa that is a big prediction I can expect Wright to hit about 32 but I guess he could hit 35.

The New York Post also said that Francoeur said he wants to have better pitch recognition so he can be more discipline and get walked more.

Manuel on David Wright and Oliver Perez

Well I got good news.

Jerry Manuel said he was very impressed with David Wright and said his hitting mechanics are allowing his power to come back easy for him right now. At least that is what MetsBlog said.

Manuel also said he didn't get to see Oliver Perez's bullpen session but heard he was 'outstanding'. What MetsBlog said again.

Good to see Wright getting his power back and Perez having a outstanding bullpen session both signs of bounce-back years.

News: K-Rod has pink-eye

According to tcpalm.com Mets closer Fransisco Rodriguez has pink-eye and is not with the Mets right now.

Jerry Manuel said that K-Rod has to stay away from the team because of his pink-eye.

"From what I understand, its contagious, and in his situation it's not as critical for us because of what you expected from him once the season starts," Manuel said. "It's not something we are concerned about in the sense that he is missing time."

Buzz: It'll be hard for Rays to keep Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford

Jim Bowden from MLB on XM Radio says that Rays Senior VP of Baseball Operations Jerry Hunsicker says that it would take extrodinary circumstances for great prospect Desmond Jennings to play in the majors. More importantly Hucksicker said it will be hard for the Rays to keep Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena.

News: Mets make room for Barajas

The Mets have designated 27-year-old LHP Arturo Lopez for assignment so the Mets could make room for Rod Barajas who showed up for spring training today and will be wearing no. 21 which was Carlos Delgado's old number.

Read: Jerry Manuel on Jason Bay, Luis Castillo, Fernando Martinez, ect.

MetsBlog reports that SNY said Jerry Manuel expects more from Luis Castillo especially his defense as Manuel says Castillo is a big part of this team.

MetsBlog also reports:
Manuel believes that Jason Bay fits the model of a player the Mets need for Citi Field, but if other players had peformed better and/or were healthy, they might have considered bringing a player with more speed.

By MORE speed i think they meant a guy like Carl Crawford, Crawford also has better defense than Bay but Bay has a lot more power than Crawford. Another guy who had MORE speed was Matt Holliday who like Crawford had more speed and argubly better defense than Bay however Bay once again has more power.

MetsBlog: Lastly Manuel called Fernando Martinez a a special player and would like to see him become a center fielder.

Mets Spring Training News for Tuesday

MetsBlog reports that:
Jason Bay arrived and held court with reporters, and according to SNY producer Matt Dunn, he’s comfortable with the transition from Boston to New York, and Kevin Burkhardt from SNY says the first thing he did on the field today was sign autographs for fans.
According to Steve Popper of the Bergen Record, Luis Castillo has arrived, and feels he has something to prove, again.
Both Jon Niese and Jenry Mejia threw live batting practice for the first time this Spring. Jose Reyes did some running inside Tradition Field today, according to David Lennon of Newsday.
Finally, Kelvim Escobar is taking things slow, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Well that is all good news. I still don't get why people hate Castillo so much. I get a lot of people hate him because he dropped the ball at Yankee Stadium but otherwise in 2009 he had a pretty good year with a good batting average and on-base percentage.

News: Delgado to have hip Surgery

According to ESPN.com Carlos Delgado's agent told the New York Post and Foxsports.com that Delgado will be having hip surgery again.

News: Mets sign Rod Barajas

Marty Noble of MLB.com reports that the Mets signed free agent catcher Rod Barajas to a one-year deal, $1 million dollar contract.

Barajas, 34, hit .226 last season with 19 HR and 71 RBI's.

Reyes Wants to Stay with Mets

Jose Reyes told the New York Post that he doesn't wnat to go anywhere, he wants to finish his career with the Mets, his goal is to put up good numbers and help his team.

I'm glad that Reyes wants to spend his career here I like Reyes a lot and I'm glad he wants to stay with the Mets I hope he does good in the no. 3 but then again I do see him as a leadoff hitter but lets see him bat in the 3 spot if it doesn't work like it didn't work last spring training I'm guessing he's the leadoff hitter.

Kelvim Escobar is fine

There is not a discomfort in Kelvim Escobar's right shoulder. In fact Marty Noble of MLB.com said Escobar denied that the condition of his right shoulder is bad. Escobar is able to pick up a baseball.

Jose Reyes to bat Third and is OK with it

Jerry Manuel said to reporters that Jose Reyes will bat no. 3. That is if all parts fit together that is part 1 of the plan for Reyes batting no. 3. The 2nd part of the plan was for Reyes to be comfortable with batting no. 3 which Reyes is comfortable with.

Later, according to SNY, Reyes told reporters:

“Whatever spot he puts me in the lineup, I’m going to be able to do it. Whatever is best for the team, I’m going to do it. So let’s see what happens. He said when Beltran comes back, I’m going to be the leadoff guy again. I don’t know if he’s sure right now. We just talked about it yesterday. He doesn’t know if it’s going to happen or not. He’s going to think about it… He’s the boss. Whatever he says I’ll do it. I just want to be on the field playing baseball.”

I got what Reyes told reporters from MetsBlog.

I'd rather have Reyes bat leadoff instead of no. 3 I think that leadoff is Reyes's spot that is how he steals bases and gets more at-bats. However Reyes will see fastballs more if he bats no. 3.

News: Kelvim Escobar has Discomfort in Shoulder

According to rotoworld.com Kelvim Escobar feels a discomfort in his shoulder.

This isn't the guy has good stuff when healthy.

Omar Miniya recently pointed out escobar as a set-up man possibility.

Buzz: Mets want to add Barajas

MLB.com writes: The Mets are making a "hard push" for free-agent catcher Rod Barajas and are negotiating with him on a one-year deal, FoxSports.com, citing Major League sources, reported late Tuesday.

According to SI.com, the Mets' offer to Barajas -- the only 2009 everyday catcher remaining in the free-agent pool -- was a Minor League contract for low money.

Glad the Mets have interest in Barajas I would like to see the Mets sign him I think he could hit 10-15 home-runs.

Wright Thinks Mets can win NL East and go deep into playoffs

Brian Costa of The Star-Ledger writes about what David Wright.

Costa Writes:
David Wright doesn't share the low expectations some fans have for the Mets this year. The third baseman said Wednesday he expects the Mets to win the National League East and make a run in the playoffs, despite a relatively quiet offseason and the expected absence of Carlos Beltran for the early part of the season.

Speaking to reporters in the dugout at Tradition Field, Wright also touched on the dispute between Beltran and the Mets over his surgery and his own evolving leadership role. You can listen to the full 13-minute interview by playing the audio clip above. Here is a partial transcript with highlights of Wright's remarks.

On whether he plans to do anything differently this year after hitting just 10 homers in 2009:"Baseball is kind of a funny game. I can't necessarily go in and say I'm going to work on hitting more home runs or trying to hit for more power. It's part of my game, but it's not the part of my game. I try to go in there, drive runs in, score runs, and if I hit home runs, I do. If I don't, if I'm still that run producer that I think I am, then I'll take that."

On his expectations for the Mets this year:"For us, I don't think the expectations are any different. Maybe the outside looking in, there are some different expectations on us. But the expectations that we have for ourselves are the same expectations we've had coming off a relatively successful year. We're expecting to go out there and win the National League East, go deep in the playoffs and win a World Series."

What gives him confidence that can happen?"The fact that we did it with basically the same core group of guys in 2006. The fact that we got some guys that are looking good, that are healthy. Just because we don't make a lot of moves during the offseason doesn't mean the ones you did make weren't good. You have a guy in Jason Bay who's an RBI machine, who's a run producer. You put him in the middle of that healthy lineup, and you're going to create some matchup problems for different pitchers. Of course, there's a lot of optimism for every team going into spring training, but with us, with how Jose looks and just a lot of people with something to prove, I like our chances. I guess it's a combination of optimism and confidence I have in this team."Will the team play with more of a chip on its shoulder coming off last year?"I hope it's not the outside underdog role that gets guys fired up. I hope it's the embarrassment of last year. I hope it's the not being able to close the last two years before that. That's enough motivation without having to play that underdog role."

On losing Carlos Beltran for the early part of the season:"We're going to have to find a way. Obviously it's not ideal news. It's never good news when one of your key guys gets a major surgery a month before spring training starts. That's not how I think anybody drew it up. But it is what it is, and we have to find a way for somebody to step up, whether it's Gary Matthews or Angel Pagan."

On the public dispute between the Mets and Beltran:"I would hope that they're both on the same page. If they weren't before, I hope they're on the same page now. I don't know too much about who's right, who's wrong, who's telling the truth, who's not. I don't really concern myself with that. I concern myself with the results, and that's that we're going to be missing our center fielder for the first part of the season, and we obviously want to get him back as soon as possible. It's discouraging, there's no question, after what we went through last year. Hopefully he gets himself healthy and ready to go. But as far as the back and forth, you want your players and the organization to be on the same page, and hopefully they are."

Will he take on more of a leadership role in Beltran's absence?"Each year, you develop more and more as a player and as a leader. With each spring training and each year, I feel more and more confident and capable of being a leader on this team and just like I have the last few years, if I see something that I think needs to be said, I'll say it. I'm more of a guy that's going to pull somebody aside down in the tunnel and say it rather than yell and scream."

Glad to see Wright has confidence in the Mets this is him time to lead with Beltran for the first part of the season and Carlos Delgado gone. I think he'll bounce back from 2010 so lets say 30 homers, 100+ RBI's, .309 batting averager for Wright.

Note: Similar post on MetsBlog.

News: Nationals sign Chien-Ming Wang

MLB.com reports Chien-Ming Wang signed with the Nationals.

The Mets 2010 Set-up Man

Another question who will be the Mets 2010 set-up man.

Mike Puma of the New York Post says that Mets GM Omar Miniya is taking the fifth on who will pitch the eighth.

Puma says that Kelvim Escobar, Ryota Igarashi, and Bobby Parnell are the main candidates with Sean Green in the mix. At rotoworld.com it said Miniya hinted on Monday Escobar was likely to be the set-up man.

Escobar, 33, didn't pitch in 2008 and only appeared in 1 game in 2009. However in 2007 Escobar went 18-7 with a 3.40 ERA and in 2006 Escobar went 11-14 with a 3.61 ERA.

I'm liking Escobar so far lets see who gets the st-up man role.

Note: similar post on MetsBlog.

What I Hope Happens in 2010 for Mets

With many questions already about how the Mets will peform in 2010 I will tell you what I hope happens in 2010 for the Mets.

Lets say all goes well and the Mets win the Wild Card with 87-90 wins.

Lineup
Reyes- BA .294, 15 HR, 68 RBI's
Castillo- BA .290, 2 HR, 40 RBI's
Wright- BA .308, 30 HR, 110 RBI's
Bay- BA .265, 33 HR, 118 RBi's
Beltran- BA .279, 27 HR, 100 RBI's
Murphy- BA .259, 17 HR, 70 RBI's
Francoeur- BA .282, 16 HR, 73 RBI's
Santos- BA .252, 7 HR, 59 RBI's

Rotation
Santana- 17-6, 2.35 ERA
Pelfrey- 14-9, 3.78 ERA
Maine- 14-11, 4.02 ERA
Perez- 13-10, 4.56 ERA
Niese- 13-9, 3.98 ERA

Note: I didn't put the bench or bullpen in. I really hope these predictions come true. Don't forget about the pitcher's no decisions and bullpen wins and games that the Mets come from behind in.

News: Rangers sign Endy Chavez

The Rangers have signed free-agent outfielder Endy Chavez to a minor-league deal with a invite to spring training also with $1.25 million club option for 2011. Recently John Morosoi said the Mets had interest in Chavez. Last July Chavez underwent right knee surgery.

I like Chavez but I didn't predict the Mets would sign him but if the Mets signed him to a minor-league deal that wouldn't have been that bad.

K-Rod Over/Under 35 Saves

Today I was watching MLB Network and they had Sean Casey and Dan Plesac say if they thought Fransisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) would go over or under 35 saves. Plesac said under Casey said over.

I am definetely saying over leave a comment if you think over or under.

Heyman: Biggest Offseason Suprises

Jon Heyman of SI lists his biggest offseason suprises. In 14th place is a short article about Jason Bay.

Jon Heyman writes:

The Mets, who were hurt more by devasting injuries than any other team last year, knew that Bay's previous team, the Red Sox, viewed him as such an injury risk that they reduced their four-year offer to him last summer. But the Mets expressed no reservations about Bay, who despite these alleged knee and shoulder issues consistently plays 150 games per year, or more.

I didn't know that Bay had an alleged knee and shoulder. Well lets hope that Bay doesn't get hurt. Like all Mets fans I am really hoping the Mets avoid injuries I think its key for the Mets to avoid injuries.

Another big thing for the Mets to get as much as they can out of Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez, and whoever the #5 starter will be.

Q & A with John Maine

On MetsBlog, Matthew Cerrone interviewed Mets Pitcher John Maine about leadership and chemistry.

Here is a portion of the discussion about leadership and team chemistry.

Matthew Cerrone: Do you feel like a veteran?

John Maine: No, I’m way too immature to be a veteran. Me and Pelfrey are just kind of like the kids. We are serious when we play, but we have four days in between to try and lighten the mood of every one, that’s kind of what we do. I’m way too immature to be considered a veteran. I don’t want to be a veteran.

Matthew Cerrone: So, you’re saying being a veteran isn’t necessarily about service time?

John Maine: It’s about attitude.

Matthew Cerrone: Do you consider Jose Reyes a veteran?

John Maine: Yes, I think he’s a veteran. I guess maybe service time does play into it, maybe a little bit. But, when I think of veteran I think of a leader, like Carlos Delgado.

Matthew Cerrone: How do you think things will be different if Delgado is not back?

John Maine: Someone else is going to have to fill the void. I just think that Delgado, what he’s done, who he is, and his demeanor, he was perfect for that. People look to that. If you don’t have him, then there are other guys that can fill in.

Matthew Cerrone: I’m always being told a leader has to be an everyday player, not a pitcher.

John Maine: I don’t think it could be a pitcher either. We are not out there everyday…

Matthew Cerrone: Was Pedro Martinez a leader?

John Maine: He was a leader. He has an odd way of doing it, but he was a leader. I just think it’s best if it’s a guy that’s out there for 160 games…

Matthew Cerrone: There is a lot of talk from people out here (in the stands, media, etc.) about team chemistry. It’s always framed as people getting along. But, when I talk to professional athletes, who are playing right now, they always say it is more about a common goal, and trust, less about friendship. Is that about right? Is it more about having that common goal and believing in it?

John Maine: It is… everyone has to be on the same page. What are we supposed to do? Are we all supposed to go out to a bar after every game together? That’s not going to happen.

Everyone has their own life. There are different cultures and different ages. Not everyone is going to mix it up after a game at dinner. But we all have to want the same things when were on the field.

Matthew Cerrone: Does that matter, though, team dinners, things like that?

John Maine: It matters if you can get everybody out there talking about baseball and things like that. But, as long as everyone is on the same page… I need to show up and they need know I am there to try to win… If Pedro Feliciano was here, he’s going to bail me out in the seventh inning if need be, I need to trust him, that’s what it’s about. If Pelfrey’s pitching, and I am not doing anything, you know, I’m there to give him a pat on the back and say good job and things like that. Everyone has to be there is trying to win that day. That’s what it is all about…

Matthew Cerrone: What else do you think fans don’t understand about what you guys do?

John Maine: I think, especially here in New York, you see a lot of negative things in the papers and you see a lot of negative things from the fans. I personally don’t mind it, I know they want to win… But, they’ve got to realize that we want to win too. We are not going out there to try and lose. We are not going out there to try to give up a home run. We are not trying to boot balls. We’re not trying to lose 100 games. We are out there to try and win too. Even if somebody has a bad week or a bad month, it’s not a reflection on their personality. They are good guys and we are out there busting our butts. Sometimes it’s just doesn’t happen… We are out there trying to win for us and the fans.

Matthew Cerrone: I notice some fans who feel certain players don’t try hard enough…

John Maine: Try harder? Why don’t I try to maybe throw harder? That makes no sense. We do care.

Matthew Cerrone: It doesn’t work that way?

John Maine: It doesn’t. It’s about staying loose. It’s staying within yourself. You do have to want it. But, more important, you have to not want to lose. My big thing is, I think you’ve got to hate losing more than you like winning. I think that’s a big thing too, and they you’ve go to go out there and do it.

Buzz: Victor Martinez wants to stay with Red Sox

Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald has a article saying that catcher Victor Martinez wants to stay with the Red Sox and avoid free agency in 2011.

“I don’t want to be jumping around, I don’t want to go somewhere else,” Martinez continued. “First, I didn’t want to go out of the Indians organization. Then I’m out, and now I’m here. I came to the place where a lot of players dream to come and a lot of players wish to play here in Boston. So I’m here, I do really want to stay here and hopefully end my career in Boston.”

For the Mets this isn't so good I was thinking in 2011 the Mets could maybe sign Martinez but since he thinks Boston is his home I guess the Mets can't sign him. Oh well there are still other catcher options Bengie Molina and Joe Mauer who the Mets can possibly sign.

Note: There is a similar post like this at mlbtraderumors.com

Read: Health, rotation, defense: The three biggest issues facing NY Mets in spring training

Brian Costa at The Star-Ledger says that the Mets need to avoid injuries.

Costa says that if Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, and Johan Santana can make full recoveries from their injuries and if David Wright and Mike Pelfrey can bounce back the Mets can at least can be in the wild-card conversation.

I agree with Costa 100% with this.

Costa also writes:
The title of the Mets' promotional campaign for 2010 is: "We believe in comebacks." And that's essentially all they can do with their rotation. They didn't upgrade it at all, so they are left to hope and believe that Pelfrey will have a dramatic turnaround, Oliver Perez will start living up to his contract and John Maine will be fully healthy for the first time since 2007.

Their fifth starter is no sure thing, either. A group that includes Jon Niese, Fernando Nieve and Hisanori Takahashi will compete for the job in spring training. But if their No. 5 starter ranks among their top concerns in a few months, they'll be in good shape.

Costa lastly writes:
By just about any measure, the Mets were among the worst defensive teams in baseball last year. They didn't just make errors. They made full-blown, blooper-reel gaffes. Much of that had to do with injuries, but not all of it. That's why manager Jerry Manuel said defense, along with pitching, will be his primary focus in spring training. Last year Manuel stressed offense and an opposite-field approach. By the time he decided to address the Mets' defense in May, it was too late. This year, defensive fundamentals will be stressed from the first day of camp.

Buzz: Nationals favorites to sign Wang, Mets won't spend past Bay

According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the Cardinals are out of the Chien-Ming Wang sweestakes. The Nationals are favorites to sign Wang.

The Mets did have interest in Wang earlier but the Mets are not spending past Jason Bay. Well David Lennon suggests that the Wilpons won't spend past Bay so they could test Omar Miniya and Jerry Manuel to see if they have the ability to do more with less before before deciding to invest further in the team writes MetsBlog.

Buzz: Delgado won't take Current Offers

Ken Rosenthal of foxsports.com writes:

Delgado, 37, does not intend to accept any of his current offers, according to his agent, David Sloane. Instead, he will wait for the right situation, even if it means joining a team in midseason.

He does not plan to retire.

“He’s going to continue his strengthening program, continue working out,” Sloane told FOXSports.com on Friday. “Every year, teams have issues -- somebody gets hurt, somebody doesn’t perform. And then they need a bat.

“When that happens, Carlos will be available. We’re confident someone will sign him. It’s just a matter of who and when.”

Delgado appeared in only 26 games with the Mets last season before undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur and repair a labrum tear in his right hip.

Sloane said that Delgado has received major-league offers, and that the Mets are among the clubs interested.

“The Mets know his physical situation probably better than anybody,” Sloane said. “If they had questions, I can’t imagine they would have taken the time to talk to us.” Delgado has two major goals remaining -- to play in his first World Series and hit the 27 home runs he needs for 500. His best approach might be to wait for an American League team that could use him as a first baseman/DH.

Buzz: Marlins not interested in Delgado

According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com the Marlins are not interested in signing 1B free-agent Carlos Delgado.

Vote: Who Needs to step up Most for the Mets in 2010?

On newsday.com there is a poll asking who needs to step up you will also be able to vote on the same poll with the same question and nominees.

Read: 2011 Free Agents

If you think that the Mets had a bad offseason which I don't think they did take a look at some of the good free agents for 2011.
Catchers
Victor Martinez
Joe Mauer
Bengie Molina
First Baseman
Adam Dunn
Jorge Cantu
Aubrey Huff
Adam LaRoche
Carlos Pena
Second Baseman
Orlando Hudson
Shortstops
Derek Jeter
Miguel Tejada
Orlando Hudson
Third Baseman
Mike Lowell
Jorge Cantu
Miguel Tejada
Left Fielders
Carl Crawford
Manny Ramirez
Center Fielders
Andruw Jones
Right Fielders
Xavier Nady
Jayson Werth
Starting Pitchers
Josh Beckett
Erik Bedard
Cliff Lee
Rich Hill
Ted Lilly
Brad Penny
Andy Pettite
Ben Sheets
Brandon Webb
Closers
Matt Capps
Mariano Rivera
To see the full list of 2011 free agents go to mlbtraderumors.com
I did not put in Designated hitters because of the Met being in the NL.

Felipe Lopez Fires Scott Boras

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com says free-agent infielder Felipe Lopez fired his agent , Scott Boras.

Lopez was disgruntled he wasn't with a team yet.

Random Topic: My Top 10 All-time Mets

1. Tom Seaver
2. Mike Piazza
3. Dwight Gooden
4. Keith Hernandez
5. Darryl Strawberry
6. Jerry Koosman
7. David Wright
8. Jose Reyes
9. Gary Carter
10. John Franco
I thought this would be fun to do.

Adam Rubin's List of Players out of Options

Adam Rubin of the Daily News says that Mets players are out of options are Pat Misch, Anderson Hernandez, Nelson Figueroa, and Fernando Nieve.

News: Mets 2nd Most Valuable Baseball Brand

MetsBlog writes:
The Mets have the ninth most-valuable sports brand in the world, and the second most-valuable brand in baseball, at an estimated value of $159 million, according to Forbes Magazine.
“The important thing to note here is that the numbers are Forbes calculations of the brand value alone, not the complete value of any team, athlete, event or business,” they explain. “It’s all about branding.”
The Yankees are the most valuable brand in baseball, worth $266 million, while the Red Sox check in at third, just $2 million behind the Mets.

This is very good to know.

Link: Kevin Goldstein’s Top 11 Mets Prospects List

Click on Baseball Prospectus to see Kevin Goldstein's top 11 Mets prospects.

Thought: Trade for Phillips and Arroyo

Remember when there were rumors about the Mets and Reds and how the Mets could make a trade for Bronson Arroyo and Brandon Phillips why don't the Mets try to trade for them. It would make Arroyo the #2 starter in the rotation and Phillips and Luis Castillo could compete for the second base job or maybe Phillips and Castillo could platoon. The point is that Arroyo is a good pitcher and Phillips is a good hitter if the Mets could find a way to balance Castillo and Phillips this trade would work well. The question would be who would the Mets trade? Leave a comment if you have any ideas of someone to trade.

Tom Glavine on WFAN at 12:45 PM

Yesterday Tom Glavine announced his retirement. Glavine will also be joining the Braves as a special assistant to team president John Schuerholz. Glavine will be a guest today at 12:45 PM. The host Evan Roberts will probably talk to Glavine about his comments after the final game of 2007.

I feel a little bad for Glavine and the fact that most Mets fans are remembering him for that final game of 2007 forgetting all the good things Glavine did for the Mets. Then again you can go eithier way with Glavine you could like him for the good things he did or dislike him for the final game of 2007 I am undecided to like him or not.

Beltran excpected to show for start of Mets Spring Training

Mark Hale of the New York Post writes:
It will not be surprising if this changes, but the Mets believe Carlos Beltran will head to spring training when position players report, even though the star center fielder will not be physically ready and is under no obligation to report that early.
Beltran underwent controversial knee surgery last month and is going to miss the start of the season. He's rehabbing from the operation in Puerto Rico. Mets position players report to Port St. Lucie on Feb. 23.
"He doesn't have to report [then], but I think he was planning on coming in right around when the other position players did," assistant GM John Ricco said yesterday. "He was not just going to stay at home and rehab with the physical therapist there."
Added Omar Minaya, "He doesn't have to. But right now I think that's his plan."

It's great to know that Beltran is excpected to show for spring training this tells us that Beltran is not mad at the Mets.

Trades of The Decade: Runner Ups

On MLB Trade Rumors there is a feature that shows you what they think are the trades of the decade. In the runner-up section they listed the trade that sent Johan Santana to the Mets.

Glavine, Martinez to Sign in-Season

According to Yahoo! Sports it looks like free-agent pitchers Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz will wait till the middle of the season to sign deals.

The Mets looked like they were going to sign Smoltz until his price went too $3 million so instead they signed japenese LHP Hisanori Takashi.

Pedro Martinez was effective when with the Phillies in 2010, in 9 games Martinez posted a 3.63 ERA with 5 wins and 1 loss.

John Smoltz wasn't very effective with the Red Sox posting a 8.32 ERA with 2 wins and 5 losses. The Red Sox designated Smoltz for assignment. Smoltz would later agree to a deal with Cardinals. Smoltz posted a 4.26 ERA with 1 win and 3 losses with the Cardinals.

News: Mets sign Shawn Riggans

According to mlb.com the Mets have signed 29-year-old catcher Shawn Riggans. Riggans caught 64 games over the pass three seasons but appeared with in just seven games last year.

Riggans will compete for the back up catcher job against Josh Thole, Henry Balnco, and Chris Coste. Omir Santos would be the starting cathcer.

Gary Sheffield in Shape

Free-agent Gary Sheffield says that he is in tip-top shape.

The 41-year-old Sheffield spent 2010 with the Mets in which he hit .276 with 10 homers and 43 RBI's in 100 games.

I like Sheff he was good with the Mets last year however he might not be that great in the field and he can also get injured being the fact that he's 41 now. I think Sheffield would be a good fit for an American League team where he could DH.

News Padres sign Yorvit Torrealba

Yesterday the Padres signed free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Torrealba wanted to talk to the Mets but the Mets didn't have enough money available to make anything happen.

I would have wnated the Mets to sign Bengie Molina but they didn't sign him. I wanted the Mets to have at least sign Rob Barajas it makes me a little mad that they're not going to sign Barajas or will they?

Goal: Mets Throw Strikes

According to MetsBlog Adam Rubin of the Daily News said Jerry Manuel's main emphasis will be on throwing strikes.

I'm glad Manuel goal is for the Mets to throw strikes I hope that this goal is reached.

The Mets walked 616 batters last season second worst in baseball.

Johan Santana on Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, and John Maine

On Nydailynews.com Johan Santana said things about other starting pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Oliver Perez, and John Maine.

OLIVER PEREZ
I saw a different Ollie (at minicamp two weeks ago) He still needs to be Ollie Perez, the guy who has fun, but seeing him very positive, very challenging now, I'm expecting a lot from him. His knee is healthy, too. People don't know there were points last year were he wasn't even able to walk on it.

MIKE PELFREY
He's got the stuff to be great. Man if I had his stuff oh my God. That sinker he throws at 95 it's unbelievable. It's a matter of consistency and being mature, and I really believe he's a more mature pitcher after he felt like he had to step in for me (late) last season.

JOHN MAINE
Being pain-free makes all the difference. That thing in his shoulder, he couldn't pitch with it. He's got the stuff and he's got the mentality, and now he's healthy again.

Link: 5 ways to fix the Mets

Click on Hardball Talk to see what D.J. Short has to say about the Mets.

Glavine, Smoltz and the Mets

Well rumor is that the Mets are no longer expected to sign free-agent RHP John Smoltz, who is seeking $3 million according to the New York Times.

Tom Glavine has retired today. However Glavine took the job to serve as a special assitant to team president John Schuerholz according to scoreboard.

Farewell Glavine enjoy the hall of fame.

Who will start the most games at First Base?

Yesterday, Jon Heyman of SI.com said the Mets signed free-agent 1B Mike Jacobs to a $900,000 minor-league deal, though he can earn another $1.15 million through incentives.

This means the Mets will have many players competing for the first base job including Jacobs, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis, Ike Davis, and Chris Carter.

Vote on my poll which you can vote on at my blog and MetsBlog.

News: Mets sign Takashi

According to SI.com The Mets have signed japanese LHP Hisanori Takashi. Also according to the New York Times they signed Takashi to a minor-league deal.

Well I guess that instead of Takashi being in the Mets Rotation I guess he'll have to play in triple-a.

News: Mets sign SS Rylan Sandoval

It was announced today by the Arizona Winter League that 22-year-old Shortstop Rylan Sandoval signed a minor-league contract with the Mets. When Sandoval was playing in the Arizona Winter League he was batting .368 and leading his team in runs scores.

I like Sandoval so far already I wonder how he'll do with the Mets when he reaches the big leagues.

Thought: sign Hank Blalock to Platoon with Murphy

Ok so here is my thought how about the Mets sign free agent First Baseman Hank Blalock to a 1 year deal for about 1 million. I say this because Blalock has power and he could help the Mets a little. So Blalock could be a good platoon with Daniel Murphy and maybe Blalock could be a good pinch hitter also. This was just a thought Blalock is young and I think he could help the Mets.

The 29 year-old Blalock in batted .234, with 25 homers and 66 RBI's.

Just remember this was just a thought.

Buzz: Takashi will sign with the Mets or Dodgers

According to MLB Trade Rumors Hisanori Takashi is down to the Mets or Dodgers.

In a post to MASN Sports, Roch Kubatko said of Takahashi:
His best pitch is a screwball.
He won’t eat up a lot of innings, which is why he’s better suited for the bullpen.
Lefties hit .300 against him last season.

Buzz: Heyman on Mets, Barajas, and Washburn

Metsblog writes: According to Jon Heyman the Mets are unlikely to sign free-agent catcher Rob Barajas, Barajas might sign with the Mariners instead.

Heyman says that the Mets feel comfortable with Omir Santos and Henry Blanco.

Hey man also said that the Mets prefered Jon Garland over Jarrod Washburn 'yet they never got in the mix for Garland' and so he doesn't think the Mets will make an offer to Washburn eithier.

I like Washburn and I would like to see the Mets make him a 1-year offer if Washburn took it then the Mets could maybe put them as their #2 or #3 starter.

Braves offer Johnny Damon a one-year deal

According to Mark J. MIller of Yahoo! Sports the Braves have offered Johnny Damon a one-year deal.

The 36-year-old Damon hit .286 with 24 HR, 82 RBI and 12 stolen bases for the Yankees last season.

Mets Lower Wall in Center Field

Metsblog wrote: According to Adam Rubin in the Daily News "The height of Citi Field's center-field wall will be sliced in half, making the ballpark more homer friendly.

Well this does make the ballpark more homer-friendly and it could give guys like David Wright a few more homers.

Mets Sign Angel Pagan

Yesterday the Mets brung back Angel Pagan the Mets did avoid arbitration. The Mets and Pagan agreed to 1.5 million contract for 2010. Pagan is going to be competing for the Centerfield job until Carlos Beltran returns.

I think that Pagan can get the Centerfield job while Beltran is injured.

Diamond Futures lists Top 20 Prospects

Here are Diamond Futures top 20 Mets Prospects.

1) Jenry Mejia, RHP
2) Fernando Martinez, RF
3) Wilmer Flores, SS/3B
4) Ike Davis, 1B
5) Brad Holt, RHP
6) Ruben Tejada, SS
7) Jon Niese, LHP
8) Josh Thole, C
9) Jefry Marte, 3B
10) Kirk Nieuwenhuis, CF
11) Jeurys Familia, RHP
12) Juan Urbina, LHP
13) Resse Havens, 2B
14) Stephen Matz, LHP
15) Ryota Igarashi, RP
16) Cesar Puello, OF
17) Kyle Allen RHP
18) Richard Lucas, 3B
19) Robbie Shields, SS
20) Scott Moviel, RP

Buzz: Chien-Ming Wang

MetsBlog.com writes:
According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, free-agent RHP Chien-Ming Wang will decide between to signing with the Nationals and one other team within 10 days.

Last night, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com said Wang had been offered a contract from two teams.

However, he said, “The Dodgers are lagging, and the Mets are further behind.”

Getting Wang I think could give the Mets some help in the bullpen or maybe the rotation.

Mets Pick up Outfielder Jason Pridie

Plain and simple The Mets picked up Jason Pridie, 26, on waivers from the Twins yesterday.

Todd Wellemeyer signs with Giants

According to Chris Haft of MLB.com writes: The Giants acquired the experienced long reliever they sought by signing free agent right-hander Todd Wellemeyer to a Minor League contract Wednesday that includes a non-roster invitation to big league Spring Training.

In 28 appearances and 21 starts, Wellemeyer went 7-10 with a 5.89 ERA and allowed 57 walks and 19 home runs in 122 1/3 innings, all while earning just over $4 million in 2009 with St. Louis.

However, in 2008, he was 13-7 with a 3.71 ERA in 191 innings in 32 starts for the Cardinals.

Buzz: Mets interested in Endy Chavez

John Morosi of FoxSports.com writes: Free agent outfielder Endy Chavez has made rapid progress after major surgery on his right knee and could be ready to play in May -- perhaps even April, according to the most optimistic projections. At this point, Chavez and his agents must decide on one of two courses of action: Chavez could sign with a club soon and rehabilitate with the team’s medical staff throughout spring training, or continue his workouts individually and stage a showcase in late March. Either way, one major-league source said that he’s drawing interest from a number of teams that could use outfield help, including the Mets, Mariners, Blue Jays, Astros and Royals.Of those teams, Chavez has already played for the Royals, Mets and Mariners. The Mets have some uncertainty in the outfield, as they await the return of Carlos Beltran from his knee surgery.

I like the fact the Mets have interest in Chavez he could be good off the bench and I think could be better than Gary Matthews Jr. to replace Carlos Beltran while beltran is injured.

Mets Sign Mike Jacobs

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com the Mets have signed free-agent 1B Mike Jacobs to $900,000 minor league deal, though he can earn another $1.15 million through incentives.

Heyman says, “He’s got a shot to win that job over Daniel Murphy/Fernando Tatis.”

I like this signing maybe Jerry Manuel can let Murphy, Tatis, and Jacobs share the first base role.

My Blog

Hi I'm Freddy this is my blog I write about the New York Mets this is your blog for Mets News I'll try to make as many posts as I can do.