February 2010

Monthly Archive

Play to win now?: The exhibition schedule begins this week and with it the questions of the importance of winning these games. Pennants aren’t won in March, but sometimes the mentality needed to win can be developed. While going 20-10 during [+] Mets batting order ….: As of now, the question in the Mets’ batting order is at 4-5, where Jerry Manuel needs to decide how to slot David Wright and Jason Bay. Jose Reyes, unfortunately, is still ticketed to bat third, with [+] Loose threads ….: Sorry, but my internet was down until recently. Let me catch you up on some of what’s going in spring training. * Not pleased with their bullpen and not wanting to burn out Pedro Feliciano, the [+] Fitting in Green ….: Sometimes, I just don’t get Jerry Manuel. For instance, when talking about Sean Green, when the topic was his submarine delivery, he said he hopes it doesn’t reduce him to being a specialist. Huh? [+] Wrapping up the day ….: The following is an accumulation of news and notes from spring training today: * Rod Barajas reported to camp and will wear Carlos Delgado’s No. 21. * Japanese pitchers Ryota Igarashi and Hisanori Takahashi threw live batting [+] Wondering about Frenchy ….: His thumb is good, so that shouldn’t be an issue with Jeff Francoeur. That doesn’t mean the Mets’ right fielder isn’t without questions or concerns. Francoeur’s attitude – and his performance – was a breath of fresh [+] Reports good on Reyes ….: The early reports have been good on Jose Reyes and his oft-discussed hamstring. Reyes has been doing a variety of running drills designed to test his explosiveness and well as strengthen his legs. I wrote several days [+] Escobar taking it slowly ….: The Mets’ first immediate injury concern is reliever Kelvim Escobar, who is projected as a possible eighth-inning set-up reliever to Francisco Rodriguez. If Escobar gets the eighth inning it stands to reason Bobby Parnell would get the seventh, where theoretically, there is less pressure. Escobar is bothered with weakness – not pain – in his shoulder. There won’t be timetable for his return until he starts long tossing. [+] Koufax eyeing Perez ….: Sandy Koufax is back in camp, taking a special look at Oliver Perez today. There’s something about Koufax. He’s worked with other Mets, and other players, before, and it has translated well. Perhaps it is his demeanor [+] Wright cut right ….: David Wright spent a lot of time this offseason working out to get himself ready for the season, and that included eating right. Jeff Francoeur said Wright is chiseled. The new-and-improved Wright brought some criticism, with some [+]