The John Delcos New York Mets Report Featuring Mets' commentary, analysis and news.

Of all the positions the Mets needed help at – save pitching – they probably could have used a first rate catcher more than anything else.

They didn’t get Bengie Molina, but were wise not to cave on the three years. But when the smoke cleared, surely they could have matched the offer Molina signed for. Rod Barajas is still out there, but is he really an upgrade over Henry Blanco and Omir Santos? Probably not.

Perhaps more than any other position, catching was the thinnest in the free agent market this winter.

It looks like it will be a Blanco-Santos platoon, which is hardly inspiring. Then again, there was always bringing back Brian Schneider, he wrote sarcastically.

Posted under Commentary/2010, Mets Commentary

Mets Free Agents

Delgado, who missed most of the season with a hip injury, expects to play next season, but won’t be re-signed by the Mets. Schneider could return to Washington.

DELGADO: Gone.

Both are Class B free agents, meaning should they be offered arbitration and decline, then sign with somebody else, the Mets would be rewarded a draft pick from the Sandwich Round, which is between the first and second rounds. It’s a moot point, because they won’t be offered arbitration in fear they accept.

First base next year will be Daniel Murphy and a right-handed bat they sign on the cheap. It could be Fernando Tatis, who is also a free agent.

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Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Catching up with the Mets:

* Minor league outfielder Fernando Martinez, who had season-ending surgery on his right knee in July, is expected to begin playing for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League in November.

F-MART: Not ready, yet.

Martinez showed glimpses of his talent, but it was apparent his on-field judgment in terms of base-running and defensive fundamentals need improving. To say he’ll be a star if just given the at-bats is premature.

* The Mets would like a veteran presence behind the plate to replace Brian Schneider and complement Omir Santos. Bengie Molina and Rod Barajas are on GM Omar Minaya’s short list. But, wouldn’t it be just like the Mets to made another run at Yorvit Torrealba?

* VP of scouting, Sandy Johnson, who considered retirement, will be back for another year.

* The Mets are still interested in adding former major league general managers Kevin Towers (San Diego) and J.P. Ricciardi (Toronto) to their staff.

* Reportedly, Chip Hale, former Arizona third base coach at Arizona, will be offered that position by the Mets to replace Razor Shines. It’s not a done deal Shines will be named bench coach as there are reports the team is considering former Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin for that role.

Posted under Uncategorized

K-ROD: Fills Mets' biggest void.

METS 25-MAN ROSTER

The Mets have several holes to fill before spring training, beginning with a starter. I still see them re-signing Oliver Perez.

There will be competition for two bullpen spots. This could change depending on if they open the season with four or five starters. There’s also a need for a reserve infielder. Marlon Anderson is the closest to somebody who can play both infield and outfield, but in the infield it’s first and second. They are talking about Alex Cora as a back-up shortstop.

Another outfield bat would be nice, but it’s not imperative.

Assuming Jon Niese is the fifth starter, I’m seeing four spots to be filled: fourth starter, two relievers, back-up infielder.

STARTERS
1. Johan Santana
2. Mike Pelfrey
3. John Maine
4. TBD:  Oliver Perez, Jason Marquis, other
5. Jon Niese

BULLPEN
6. Francisco Rodriguez
7. J.J. Putz
8. Pedro Feliciano
9. Duaner Sanchez
10. Sean Green
11. TBD
12. TBD

In system options: Connor Robertson, Darren O’Day, Rocky Cherry, Carlos Muniz, Brian Stokes, Bobby Parnell, Ed Kunz,

CATCHERS
13. Brian Schneider
14. Ramon Castro

INFIELD
15. Carlos Delgado
16. Luis Castillo
17. Jose Reyes
18. David Wright
19. TBD: Alex Cora

OUTFIELD
20. Carlos Beltran
21. Ryan Church
22. Daniel Murphy
23. Fernando Tatis
24. Jeremy Reed
25. Marlon Anderson

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Four more years.

I’m sure plenty of you have thoughts on this, many of them heated as the Mets lost on the final day of the season for the second straight year.

This season brought several defining moments in Minaya’s career, beginning with the trade for two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins. Minaya also traded prospect Lastings Milledge to Washington for outfielder Ryan Church and catcher Brian Schneider.

The Mets, and Minaya, were criticized for their handling of Church’s concussion, and for circumstances surrounding the firing of manager Willie Randolph.

Minaya’s first order of business will be signing manager Jerry Manuel to an extension and patching a bullpen that blew 29 save opportunities.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

I like it. Ramon Martinez is back at second base. He’s the best alternative with Damion Easley not 100 percent. Catcher Brian Schneider, who didn’t play last night because of a sore back returns to the lineup.

Here’s the METS lineup vs. Florida:

SS Jose Reyes
LF Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Carlos Delgado
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
2B Ramon Martinez
C Brian Schneider
RH Mike Pelfrey

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

-He’s pitched a good game and he’s pitched a poor one. The Mets are hoping Jon Niese has another good one in him and the first one wasn’t a fluke. It looks as if he’ll go Saturday. It’s not official, but he seems to have the inside track over Brandon Knight or Nelson Figueroa. Who would you go with?

-If tonight gets rained out, the Mets will have a day-night doubleheader Saturday. Assuming, of course, the weather holds up. There’s no guarantee of that, either.

-Brian Schneider didn’t play last night because of soreness in his back. He can only benefit if tonight gets rained out. No word of his status if they do play.

-Damion Easley said last night he should be available to play in the field tonight. Sorry. Right now, I’m sticking with Ramon Martinez.

-The Daily News’ Peter Botte reports Dwight Gooden will be at the closing ceremonies Sunday.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Well, what do you know, Ramon Martinez is playing second base. After last night, play the guy who has a chance of making something happening. Luis Castillo is just frustrating to watch.

Here it is, the lineup the Mets hope will save their season.

METS

SS Jose Reyes
LF Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Carlos Delgado
CF Carlos Beltran
RF Ryan Church
2B Ramon Martinez
C Brian Schneider
RHP Pedro Martinez

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09