New York Mets Winter Report 2012-13

[Sausy]

I watched it and though I didn't think it was that bad Gary Apple didn't really have a great rapport with Ike. Would like to know what was cut out of the interview...it did appear to lack a flow, was missing some chemistry that I'm sure if KB had done the interview would have been a lot more compelling.

Totally agree with you sonny on the Mets players approach to spring training...they care about each other as a group and they can make noise in the NL East and it's very heartening to have some really great guys who can't wait to start doing the thing they love most, play baseball!

[sonny10305]

I watched it and though I didn't think it was that bad Gary Apple didn't really have a great rapport with Ike. Would like to know what was cut out of the interview...it did appear to lack a flow, was missing some chemistry that I'm sure if KB had done the interview would have been a lot more compelling.

Totally agree with you sonny on the Mets players approach to spring training...they care about each other as a group and they can make noise in the NL East and it's very heartening to have some really great guys who can't wait to start doing the thing they love most, play baseball!

It was not so much about what was cut but how the interview was edited. Ike elaborated more on many of Gary’s questions which would have made for a more interesting discussion instead of cutting and jumping from subject to subject. Would have been so much better had Ike been available to do the interview live with KB.
Glad you saw the show cause other than the way Ike’s part was butchered it was very good with KB doing an outstanding job speaking to Buck, even got him to admit being able to see Santana tip his pitches. That awesome sheepish look on Buck's face when KB asked about that was priceless.

The boys get the weekend off field will be closed in prep for the official start of training on Monday. With so many guys already down there it will give a lot of em a chance to get reacquainted after the long off season. Lots of Golf cards and bowling. Then when KB gets there later this week plenty of impromptu basketball games as well.

How great seeing Ike prepping for the new season.

[syam24]

YAY!! Pitchers/catchers report day!!!!

[chance1]

I called Jody Mac on WFAN the other day and told him that IMHO

the mets are a mess

brandon lyon ?

that outfield ?

terry collins w/o a contract beyond this season?

trying to get bourn or pretend to get him for cheap (i don't think he was worth 4-48 he got from indians)

everything is about saving money

they are so far from being decent it's tough rooting for them

[Sausy]

I don't think they're as far as you do, chance. The penny pinching is infuriating, though. Bourn getting four years, 48 mil? Actusally the Mets were even posed to match Cleveland's offer, but not unless they were guaranteed to retain their first round draft pick (#11). Hell, even if they were guaranteed the pick the price tag for a nice but very flawed( not a great hitter, walks only modestly but strikes out a TON!)player who's be a modest help but not a true game changer that would be too much to pay up. Supposedly Alderson will have flexibility during the season if he deems it can improve the team for the long term, so we'll see if he sits still if the Mets remain competitive in the first half.We have a good infield and some strong starting pitching so while things look bleak the boys can still surprise and hold up the fort.

[Sausy]

Sonny, great pics of Ike down in Florida! The interview did come across kinda wooden, wish they had kept the stuff Ike said instead of the cutting and editing that kinda flattened the impact. Being interviewed live especially by KB tends to bring out the best in the guys, and this interview just had no sizzle. The Buck stuff by KB was fun.... got into the personality a lot more, made a big difference with KB doing it. Buck seems like a great guy and when Travis D'Arnaud is ready in a month or two into the season will make a strong, respected back up and mentor for the young catching stud.

[sonny10305]

Michael Bourn is gone just signed to a four-year, $48 million deal with Cleveland with a vesting option that could kick in and make it a five-year, $60 million deal. Every Met I know wanted that guy but I never expected it to rely happen. I have a lot more faith and optimism in our outfield than just about anyone and I am sticking to that. Of course Sandy may still pull some sort of rabbit outta his hat who knows but the Bourne thing does not bother me at all

More later today on yesterday’s first official start of spring training

[Sausy]

Aww, two days later and still nothing from you, sonny!

One positive development is that Fred Wilpon is saying now that the financial situation since the Madoff mess is much better, and he supports an increase in the payroll. But not just to spend money, but to do it in a smart fashion that doesn't tie the team down with bad contracts. We'll see if the Mets play welll if during the stretch drive he will give Sandy Alderson the freedom to go after pieces needed to get the Mets into the playoffs, but it's about time. Glad though Bourn wasn't signed....the Mets would have to have given him an easily reachable vesting fifth year like the Cleveland Indians did. Even if they got the 11th pick protected in the draft , 60 mil for 5 yrs is going too far for a solid, good but not dominant player like Michael Bourn.

[sonny10305]

Sorry Saucy but with so much going on I just got busy thanks for missin me

Ok now that the Borne thing is over we can move on. Someday maybe we will learn more about what happened or did not happen but I just can’t understand or believe that Alderson did not have the whole draft pick with the MLB figured out, makes no sense that Sandy waited so long, he had to know what was gonna happen with that. Come on, he knew if that pick was gonna be protected or not he had to have known he would be able to get a free agent without givin up that pick. Soooooo Sandy fess up what is really up here. I’m just askin.

As Saucy wrote according to Wilpon our money troubles are over and Sandy has no restrictions. Well did Alderson know that when he let RA go? I’m just wonderin. Bottom line for me is that it will now give Nieuwenhuis a real shot at center which I want very much. Duda already pretty much has left field locked, and if he starts hitting lefties and continues to show the power I know he can deliver, oh my just watch him grow this season into the power hitter we all know he can be. You may remember I told you guys that Duda worked on that hitch he had when he went to Buffalo last year and now he says he has licked it and not showing up at all this spring it just ain’t there anymore when he swings the bat now. He is having a better swing with the breaking balls, he learned he needs to lay off those pitches you should lay off, otherwise known as pitch recognition. Lucas had struggles last year with that came his habit of chasing hits. Ike once did that as well he has learned as Lucas is now how to discipline himself and stop” hunting” hits, We saw Nieuwenhuis do that as well last year he like Lucas could not calm himself down committing himself early and not recognizing those pitches. Now we will see those guys show us what they have in spring training so a choice can be made for the full outfield. May the best man win

I hope you guys saw Terry Collins press conference or as I like to call it his “State if the Union” Terry was full of great ideas and has his pulse firmly on the situation most of all I loved his fire when talking about the team speaking of how proud he was to have had so many major leaguers come to camp so early which is a testimate to how dedicated these guys are and how much they want to succeed. He also spoke about how well they all got along and how much they really like and support each other something I have been tellin you guys for a while now. 53 of the 58 players invited to camp already have arrived, Murphy said It shows they are ready to work and It will be a good chance for all of em to get a couple of extra days work on their own, be relaxed but kind of re-acclimate ourselves to each other. Justin Turner is ready for where ever Terry needs him , he came to camp with 5 different gloves, he is currently working in the outfield where Collins wants to see what he can do out there. JT has not played outfield since rookie ball in 2006 It would be good for Justin to make a contribution in the outfield as well as what we already know he can do playing in the infield, his bat is important and we need him in our lineup. Turner being deemed capable of contributing in the outfield would allow the Mets to consider carrying Omar Quintanilla in addition to Brandon Hicks as backup middle infielders. Seriously, how many teams can say they had 20+ players in camp two weeks before they had to report? Not many I can tell you. Look, even if we don’t win 100 games what we will do is play hard intelligent baseball with a ton of heart, it is going to be a very fun year watching those kids scrap and play their hearts out every day, for Terry, themselves and the fans. More and more people are beginning to see what I have been sayin about the possibility of our outfield surprising a lot of people and doing very well. Burkhardt and I disagreed about Bourn and the draft pick but he said just the other day “I wanna see what those kids have got, let em play”

The first official workout was yesterday although pitchers and catchers reported Tuesday that was for Physicals. The only negative to come out of that so far is Grandma Francisco who has inflammation issues, not a problem I don’t want him closing anyways; let’s give Bobby Parnell a shot at that. Besides if all goes well our starters will go deep into games leaving our long relievers to take to game into the ninth and hand the ball to Bobby for the last 3 outs utilizing that knuckle curve Jason Isringhausen taught him. I look forward to hearin Parnell’s entry music “Eight Second Ride”, of course we also have Brandon Lyon. Frankie has blown too many saves. I was so turned off when I saw pics and video of him in camp looking all bloated and overweight not looking like an athlete at all. How dare he come to camp looking so out of shape. For me he just does not fit in with the rest of the team he is part of last year’s problems no room for him in 2013 in my opinion.

Collins is also working on having Wheeler and Harvey work out together he wants them to feed off one another even arranged to have their lockers side by side. I’m yelling ya someday soon that 1-2 punch of Zack and Harvey will be devastating to the other teams

More Mets news on Hot Stove tonight with KB on SNY at 7

Here are a few shots of my boys at training

Matt Harvey




Captain Kirk




The Ike Man




Zack Wheeler



Murph





Matt den Dekker





Harvey and Wheeler working together




Then there is this dude, no it’s not some mountain man or homeless guy who wondered into camp, it goofy ole Justin Turner in badly need of a shave. Dude, get yee to a barber before you are picked up for vagrancy

[Sausy]

Great pics, sonny...and always fun and informative to read your perspectives. One thing I have to say about Duda, look how easy his wing was in 2010 when he was up for the second half... The Dude batted .290 with 50 RBI in his rookie season. He can hit, and his power will come naturally if he goes through staying focused on the mechanics like he's been doing getting ready for spring training. He's got a great swing, and like sonny says he is capable of showing us just how impressive he can be if his confidence is up. He does have that tendency of getting down on himself and not trusting his ability...it's good he doesn't have a huge ego but he needs to stay confident in his abilities so he can get the most out of them. He's never going to be known as more than an adequate fielder in left but he works hard, is most comfortable there and if he can believe in himself his bat will carry him just fine. Hopefully like you say sonny Captain Kirk will take notice of Duda's work and get beytter plate discipline....Kirk can play the hell out of center field, and runs very well for a big guy and always hustles and stays aggressive. He just lost any groove he had at the plate and c'mon, Kirk knows he can't justify being on the club if he's striking out 40% of the time. Whoever makes our outfield while there always going to be strikeouts it can't be a thing that is excessive because you can't generate any offense from whiffing.Look at David Wright....he went from 160 in 2011 to a much more manageable 113 last year(comparable to his All Star first four full seasons) and even Ike has to watch the strikeouts, though he does have the p[atience and is feared enough at the plate to generate a nice number of walks.

I'm like you, sonny...I really appreciate and am excited with the attitude of these guys. So many coming down to Florida early, no doubting anyone's dedication here with our boys intent on giving the non believers out there a big "FUCK YOU"! If these guys do during the season what they're doing now in terms of dedication and professionalism and commitment...tell ya, whatever the record for this year our boys are going to be a bitch to play, and that kind of effort is all we can ask out of them. They believe in each other and are there for each other, and being like that right out of the gate is so wonderful to see!

Sonny REALLY doesn't like Frank Francisco, does he,lol! I'm not sure about Bobby Parnell, with the curve taught to him by Jason Isringhausen if he knows how to use it to compliment his blazing( though unfortunately not always moving)fastball, it can be a killer pitch but we've been through so much with Parnell shrinking when everything's on him, it will take results to make Met fans comfortable Bobby can indeed be the guy to close things out for the Mets.

So many things have to break right for the Mets to really contend this year, but if Matt Harvey continues on the promise of his first ten major league starts, and we get solid efforts from Johann Santana, Shaun Marcum and Dillon Gee, and Jonathan Niese continues his strong development while awaiting the arrival by mid season of stud Zack Wheeler we can give fits to a lot of clubs. There are more in the pipeline, headlined by Noah Syndegaard,Jeurys Familia,Mike Fulmer, Henley Robles and others...and don't forget young catching stud Travis d' Arnaud who will be up around May or June and has that potential to be a .280-.300 25-30 homer, 100 RBI kind of righty lineup presence and a solid defender and handler of pitchers behind the plate. Maybe 2013 can be the new Mets 1984... the beginning of that time when they wewre among the most respected, serious contenders in their league. Mets fans who remember like me when the new and the veteran blended to form one of baseball's most entertaining clubs for the rest of the decade can only hope for a similar renewal!

[sonny10305]

Saucy I loved what you wrote about Duda I am so glad you get it when it comes to that kid so hard working so dedicated to improving which is why I believe he is going to have a monster year.

Dad and I headin to Florida on Wednesday I will have much more to tell you guys on how our boys are doing.

[Sausy]

Glad you and your dad have been able to make this an annual thing now, sonny. Definitely look forward to all the perspectives you give and hear from the guys how much they are into this spring training...they're on a mission and it's gonna be fun!


Thanks sonny for appreciating the Duda stuff....I don't know the kid but followed him especially in AA and AAA and he really came on strong his first year. Everything I've read about him is he's a great guy but really gets down on himself way too easily. Lucas is a gifted hitter, and he seems to be in the right frame of mind to get himself into swinging like we know he can. He's so strong and quick with the bat his power will come naturally...30-40 homers between him and Ike if they are healthy wll really give the lineup a swagger . Mets may not have all the expensive pieces but what they have is starting pitching, a good infield and promising power in Davis and Duda along with Wright and young catcher Travis D'Arnaud....gotta phrase for all Mets fans...oppa tacos...Travis' term for opposite field home runs which since his high school days he has prided himself as a fan of Mike Piazza growing up and his tremendous opposite field power. Travis has the same bat speed and power potential...of course it's way premature to annoint Travis the next Mike Piazza but he has the talent to at least hit between .280-.300 with 25-30 home runs.

[sonny10305]

Before the media gets wind of it and makes a big deal out of it I wanted to jump in and tell you guys that Daniel Murphy this afternoon noticed some soreness in his side. He has been trying some new things with his stance and keeping his foot and hip in there and may have aggravated his hip which is a bit tight. The problem is in his intercostal muscle which is basically the oblige, he played some of last year with the same problem and was able to play thru it ok. Murph is flying up to NY tomorrow morning to see then doc and prolly get a cortisone injection. Best case he will take the rest of the week off and may even play on Saturday. As soon as we hear how that goes I will try and jump in and let you guys know what’s up.

[Sausy]

Thanks sonny...saw the story also on ESPN baseball news and basically it's just precautionary. David Wright and Scott Hairston had siimilar injuries in springtraining and as you said Murphmay have aggravated it having a bout of muscle tightness last year which he played through. Mets want to be cautious and rest for a few days plus a cortisone shot may be the best course for relatively quick healing. Hopefully he can play by Saturday and can keep this little thing from getting aggravated.....glad the Mets are acting proactively realizing health going into the season is more important than going all out in spring training. Look forward to any info you can get for an update.

[sonny10305]

Yeah saucy I noticed it did not take long for Murphy’s news to be all over the sports news. Of course it is precautionary but this would be the 3rd time in a row for Murph to have some sort of injury at the start of spring, of course the last two were injuries and should not be compared to this time. Also this was not out of the blue he has been feeling soreness in his side since the offseason. As you mentioned both David Wright and Scott Hairston had similar injuries and they both got the cortisone injections and made it back just fine. Murphy feels like he will be able to get this out of the way and does not see it being a problem after the next week or so. Thing is he played through some soreness in his midsection late last season and for sure if this were the regular season he would play thru with it he is the kind of a guy you just can’t stop. So basically the Mets are being proactive by sending him to New York get the shot take a couple of days off. As I wrote yesterday Daniel thinks the tightness was related to some mechanical tweaks he was trying to make in his swing, he was working a lot on his front foot which was a little bit open he wanted to stop rolling over on it a bit trying to point his right foot more towards the plate which should help him hit into that front side a little more and give him more power keeping that front foot tucked in he has been working on that a whole lot. That in itself should not cause him any problem but a collection of that sort of thing might. It sucks that it cuts into his spring training time, first we had 3 days of rain and he could not get the work he wanted in and now this. Fortunately he did spend a lot of time working over the winter with his brother so he was able to get a lot of work in. So we can all hope it will be a small matter but we will know more after he sees the doc this afternoon

Meantime I wanted to remind everyone to watch a three day special Mets Hot Stove with Kevin Burhardt Wed and Thurs at 10p, Friday live from Duffy's at 630p, it is bound to be a lot of fun. Then on Saturday afternoon the first game which can be seen live on SNY, Zack Wheeler will be one of the pitchers Saturday

[sonny10305]

Finally got a sec to jump in just for a sec.
Most important is Daniel Murphy who did in fact get that Cortisone shot yesterday and is now going to just rest up and let the medicine do its trick. For now and for at least a few days the docs want him to limit his activity while he heals. He will be icing his side and maybe a little stationary bicycle work and that’s about it. But he’s I fine and it shouldn't take too long before he can start swinging the bat. When Murph got into camp this morning the first to approach him was DWright who had a very similar problem last year, David told Daniel not to overdo it let the medication take its course. David also warned Murph that it will feel a whole lot better in a couple of days but he should not take that as a message that he can start to do stuff and he must resist that.
The plan is he is going to come in each day and let the trainers’ gauge how he feels so they can adjust his workload accordingly.

I got in late last night we decided to fly in then rather than this morning and I am like that kid in a candy store and I don’t know what to do or who to see first which is which is why this post today is short I will have much more to tell you guys starting tomorrow. I wanted to fill you in on Murph. By the way if you have any questions about any of the players or anything else please ask l love to hear from you guys.

[sonny10305]

I’m back forgot to remind you in the above post about the special final Mets Hot Stove for this season,
KB would never forgive me
All live on SNY Wednesday and Thursday at 10pm and the big finale from Duffy’s at 630 (I will be there)
Then the games begin on Saturday at 12:10 pm against the Nationals, Shaun Marcum will start, followed by Zack Wheeler, Cory Mazzoni, Darin Gorski, Jeurys Familia, and Bobby Parnell.
No game televised on Sunday when the Mets play against the University of Michigan
Then next Monday at 6:10 pm against the Nationals Collin McHugh will start, followed by Gonzalez German, Elvin Ramirez, Greg Burke, Latroy Hawkins, Robert Carson, and Scott Rice

KB knows all about Murphy he will prolly talk about it tonight.

[Sausy]

Glad everything turned out well for Murph's exam and that he should be able to resume regular work soon. Glad David spoke to him and it's always good to have a team leader like David give his own personal experience as perspective...as sonny has mentioned Daniel is one of those guys who loves going all out but better just to let nature do its work and let the muscle heal. The trainers will make sure he is ready, and the most important thing is Murph will be healthy now with the cortisone shot and the rest from full on activity.

I can see how excited you are to be down there with the boys, and hope you and dad have a great time here in spring training...try to keep Murph from getting into trouble while he waits to get back!

Thanks for the heads up on the big final Hot Stove shows of the season...maybe if they do a crowd shot Friday night you can poke your head in, maybe we get a glimpse of sonny!

[sonny10305]

Just two days till baseball! Holy smoke the excitement around here can be cut with a knife
First of all yesterday a lot of guys saw Zack Wheeler throw for the first time and many watched and were blown away by his stuff. I have watched him before and was interested in catching the reaction of some of the other guys. First of all it was clear to me that Zack was not frazzled by all the attention leading up to his bullpen he took it all in stride as some of the players Ike Davis, David Wright, Matt Harvey and Jonathon Niese watched from the first-base line. Zack wowed em while throwing his first batting-practice session I am not sure who it was but someone gave out a loud “Whoa” watching Zack throw his slider. Justin Turner was at the plate and said that the ball comes out of Zack's hands so easy and he’s got some late life on his fastball, It kind of jumps on you. Justin actually compared Zack’s fastball to Strasburg and was totally impressed. As Justin explained when the ball is late like that it makes it tough to see it, and then it really gets on top of you in a hurry. It’s an explosion out of his hand coming in there, so the ball looks some small.

You guys can see Zack in Saturday’s game. Other big spot in that game will Kirk Nieuwenhuis who will bat leadoff which he said was a real a compliment and he is hopeful to take this spot and run with it. It feels that it sets the tone for the game, and it’s a big responsibility he feels he has to be aggressive and smart. Kirk will get a chance to show what he has learned since last year in that leadoff spot he understands that a big part of leading off is seeing pitches, which helps the club out he figures if he can do that well it goes a long way for the whole lineup and for the whole game.

Kirk also joined DWright and the many Mets to get a start on a family, he got engaged to his girlfriend a couple of weeks ago, that was just about a week after Zach Lutz and his girlfriend got engaged. Also Reese Havens popped the question to his girlfriend, just before New Year’s and Josh Satin proposed at Thanksgiving. All those guys including Wright are planning winter weddings after the season. This on top of two weddings Murphy and Niese and it looks like the family is really growing in Met land Best of luck to all of them.

So if you wondered what the day is like here it is only 745 in the morning and the guys are already here the team has media training at 8 am. But that’s a normal start for the day everyone gets here by 730 in the morning they will often eat breakfast together , then suit up for the field by about 930 to do active stretch and conditioning, which they will do for about 30-40 minutes. By that time the coaching staff meets in the conference room to talk and plan out the day. Players can do early work in the gym or indoor batting cage if they what to. Next The team breaks in to four groups (pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders) to do a bunch of organized, pre-planned drills and programs to work on team fundamentals like pick off plays, cut off throws, double plays, stuff like that plus individual fundamentals like groundballs and live BP. Batting practice will start around noon, there you can watch pitchers do fielding practice, such as fielding bunts and covering first. They will do that for about an hour and then move in to the clubhouse for a post-workout workout and lunch. The day should end around 3 which is when you will see players stat to head home. So that gives you some idea of what goes on here most days.

David



Hey Lucas who is that sneaking up behind you?



Better keep hydrated Dude




Turner with his new pet “He followed me home, can I keep him can I keep him”




Jay you too??




Nice sandals Matt




Wright Turner Ike and Mike

[syam24]

Nice pics and good updates, guys. Read about Zach Wheeler's pitching and players/coaches reactions in the NY Daily News. Seems like the boy impressed. Like reading about the Mets, but sometimes the "fluff" pieces the media produces get to be a bit much. This one wasn't one of those, so really enjoyed it. Enjoy FLA, and Let's go Mets!

[sonny10305]

I hear you Syam, Often I will share info I get with a couple of the media guys I know but all too often they try and make it into more of a story than they should I get a little frustrated with that

Big Mets Hot Stove tonight, a ton of the players are going to be at Duffy’s with KB should be fun

With all the attention paid to Wheeler yesterday I should have mentioned that Johan Santana also threw a bullpen and he also looked really good, interesting to watch his interaction with Warthen and the catcher. I t looked tom me like he was focused on his changeup release point, follow through, arm slot, and location. Fascinating and very encouraging watching the master at work



Murphy is doing fine feeling better after his Cortozone shot and soft MRI or a magnetic resonance imaging examination in his case rather than go thru that scary tube just the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that contains a strong magnet . The pictures taken are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer to check on again later. Won’t be long before he back n the field playing with paper airplanes again



There are no words to describe Ike and Justin just being goofy



Sightseeing with JT



After a good day in the field the boys try and relax with some bowling



Kurk waits for his shoes and poses with Mike




Nice form Ike



Group of the guys

[sonny10305]

I meant to add this to above post
Intrasquad game about to start
Team 1 Kirk Nieuwenhuis, cf Jordany Valdespin, 2b Collin Cowgill, dh Brandon Hicks, 1b Brian Bixler, 3b Andrew Brown, lf Omar Quintanilla, ss Cesar Puello, rf Anthony Recker, c Collin McHugh, rhp
Team 2 Juan Lagares, lf Matt den Dekker, cf Mike Baxter, rf Zach Lutz, 3b Wilmer Flores, 2b Josh Satin, 1b Travis d'Arnaud, dh Juan Centeno, c Wilfredo Tovar, ss Gonzalez Germen, rhp
Let u know tomorrow how they played.

In the oh oh department Santana just cut short his throwing, something’s up does not appear serious they are sayin something about keeping up his strength. HUh WTF is that?
More tomorrow or as Collins would say surgery on Sunday Nah, I’m sure he’s fine

[Sausy]

Great pics, sonny...lol with all the beards these guys would never, ever fit on that other New York club...the ones with a restrictive facial hair policy!

I don't see DWright ever going rebel...stubble,yes but never the beards like we see most prominently on Ike, Turner, and Captain Kirk,lol

[sonny10305]

Ok first up let’s talk about Santana and what the heck went on yesterday. When I first saw his bullpen a day or two or so I thought he looked pretty good, I was not concerned about velocity or much just figured he was trying to improve a few things and not really looking to blow anyone away with his form. In fact many of the guys who saw it with me felt the same way. Then all of a sudden yesterday they cut his throwing short which alarmed some of us I mean why would he do that? Then we find out that apparently Collins and Warthen were unhappy with Johan’s session. So what’s up, Johan and the Mets are saying it takes time to build up his arm, and so they are slowing him down. Well than what has he been doing since his surgery, are we to believe the other day was the first time he threw a ball since last summer? Also if he still needs time we are just a few weeks away from opening day how are we to believe he will be ready then. Now they are saying he will pitch in about 3 weeks so I guess we will see but color me concerned and maybe Wheeler had better start looking for an apartment on NY sooner than later. I’m just sayin.

I sure hope you guys watched the season finale of Hot Stove we had a lot of fun. KB interviewed Murphy, Davis, Wright and Harvey you got to see them relaxed and up front and personable the way KB and only KB can get them to feel during interviews. And how about Murphy getting the biggest round of applause, the fans love the Murph. You know I have been tellin you guys to watch out for Duda this year and that he is gonna explode on the scene, well KB asked Murph who he things will surprise this year and without missing a beat Daniel said “The Dude” he expects big things from Lucas as well.
Murphy continues to feel better and better clearly that shot did him a lot of good just as DWright said it would. This morning he is gonna crank up the workout a tad maybe try doing a little light work with the guys he will meet with the trainers in about an hour to decide what he can start doing.

Big day today the first game will be played it’s against the Nats starting at noon on SNY
Here is the Mets lineup card.



Kirk Nieuwenhuis, cf Ruben Tejada, ss David Wright, 3b Ike Davis, 1b Marlon Byrd, rf Lucas Duda, lf John Buck, c Justin Turner, 2b Jordany Valdespin, dh
Shaun Marcum, Zack Wheeler, Cory Mazzoni, Jeurys Familia, Darin Gorski will all pitch


The guys wait to get interviewed last night

[Sausy]

Great sets of pics, sonny...loved the special Hot Stove last night too! Worked so I had it taped and saw it like 3am

Terrific, fun interviews especially the KB ones with Collins, DWright, Ike, Murph and Harvey. A real cute look at a day in spring training with KB highlighted by some wonderfully goofy Ike-KB banter( Ike was REALLY into that newspaper in the clubhouse, wasn't he,lol?!!!)They all looked like they were having fun(Murph even showing offf some dance moves as they played Caribbean style music whle going into commercial,so cute!) Really enjoyable hour from Duffy's.... KB is great, especially with his easy one on one ability personally with the guys. DEFINITELY Ike especially was much more animated, having fun compared to that one a couple weeks back with Gary Apple...he's as much a leader in his own way as DWright is and feels it's his responsibility(which he gladly accepts, and even has fun with) to help out DWright with being a leader in the clubhouse. Thanks sonny for promotng the show, it was definitely enjoyable for me as a Mets fan and with that voice and personality how can anyone not be a KB fan?!!!!!!

[Sausy]

Great first win, first game out of spring training with the Mets over the Nats 5-3. Rookie phenom Zack Wheeler pitching two innings was EVERYTHING advertised and more...Shaun Marcum got roughed up some in his Mets game debut but he admits his key is location of his fastball, which he didn't have today. Sonny will have a lot of great perspectives and I'd rather wait to hear from him before I add too much. Our boy is down there in Florida front and center so it's really got to be fun!!!

[sonny10305]

Yeah Saucy no one does what he does better than KB it has all to do with his personality and mischievous ways. The guys all love him and are always up to speaking with him cause they know he be fun to talk to and he will never cross any lines.
I am glad you guys got to see what I have known for a while now with a look at the players and their personality’s, the are quite a unique bunch of guys all friends who spend a lot of time together off the field be it having some food, bowling, or if KB is around, basketball, they enjoy being together they are brothers who have each other’s backs and always support and encourage one another. KBs interviews give you a taste of what the boys are like off the field and I am always happy when you get to see that.

Yesterday was exciting for me cause finally we got baseball games underway. When I saw Gary Cohen walking around the clubhouse I thought yeah this is it we are really gonna play some ball.
The game of course was all about Zack Wheeler and he was so calm before and after seriously that kid usually does not get all worked up out he is just calm confident and professional. He does not let all the talk about him get to him remains humble and true to himself.
But yesterday he was just a bit different than I have ever seen him he seemed to be just a tad amped up at first maybe over-throwing a bit. In fact DWright and a bunch of the guys came up to him at one point and David said “take a breath” and Buck said relax you seem a little amped, that was all Zack needed he was more relaxed and pitched more at ease more natural you might say. His velocity and fastball command look great really strong, it was clear that was not the case with his secondary stuff but you can easily see the potential. Although I admired his curveball which is straight over the top with good drop, his slider had good downward movement. I also don’t think he throws any change-ups; I seem to recall him saying he really does not have that ready as yet. Of course we did see what I always loved seeing him do and that was that swing-and-miss stuff I think I wrote about that after watching him in Buffalo. No prob with his mechanics which seemed smooth and ya have to love, and I know I wrote about this before, how good he is at repeating them. His velocity ranged from 94-96 mph. He threw 30 pitches 19 for strikes I told you he would be fun to watch
Cory Mazzoni surprised me with some really impressive velocity, he threw up to 96 MPH. Interesting hitch in his motion during the leg lift, and he kinda sits down on the back leg for a moment, still trying to figure that one out. I def need to ask him bout that. I also thought his mechanics were a little all over the place and found it interesting if not odd that his follow-through takes him toward first makes me just a tad concerned that command and consistency could be a problem for him.
But speaking of leg lift Darin Gorski really over-rotated during his leg lift, I can only think that makes it hard to keep a consistent release point, that’s gotta affect command and control.
Bobby Parnell put the game to bed nice not have to watch Frankie waddle out and blow the game was it not?

As to the hitting the hero for the game to me was Collin Cowgill I love his batting stance and the way he moves into the plate love love his hitting style. When he scored from second on grounder to first the dugout went nutz, which was awesome and was the play of the game for me. DWright said later “We need more Cowgill” I haven’t meet him yet looking forward to that and I am already in his corner for one of those outfield jobs.

We got a look at “The Dude” and his new swing which is absolutely longer and clearly his take back has changed for the better, trouble I thought, and he agrees, is he still needs to shorten his swing. I still saw his left elbow fly up high as his hands drop, trouble with that is it leads to a kinda loopy, arm swing which leaves him vulnerable on fastballs above the belt. You can expect to see Lucas make all the adjustments he needs in spring so that he will improve on working the count, being patient waiting for pitchers to mess up and then pound the ball over the fence. It’s coming take it to the bank cash that check.

Daniel Murphy did some pregame stretching and ran a bit that intercostal muscle region feels so much better Murph said it really feels better than it has in a while. They don’t want him swinging a bat yet should not be long before he can.

The game today is not televised.
Next televised game is Monday night

[sonny10305]

So I guess if I don't post anything new here no one else does either.
My thanks to Saucy and Syam for their thoughts and posts
But with so many lerkers and so few contributors I just don't see much interest in this thread
so I am outta here

[Sausy]

Oh no, sonny...please don't go from this thread. Just work and haven't slept great some nights I get kinda tired and sometimes so many things buzz through my head, I just don't know which to stick with and not make my posts too expansive and unwieldy! Nice to see the pipeline for starting pitching growing all the time with this Montero kid who has a great arm and is another potential highly regarded starter. Mets play to a 4-4 tie with the Nats as Matt den Dekker has a nice game getting a key hit, stealing a base and scoring a run. Matt probably is destined for Las Vegas for the early part of this year at least as he proves he can make better contact. His defense though is first rate, made a highlight reel catch at the wall to rob a home run a couple nights back.

Looks like Zach Wheeler should be able to return within a week and Daniel Murphy I read is about a week or so from being ready to get into full workout action. David Wright leaves this wekend for Team USA, which is an honor that he really appreciates and is proud to be a part of.

Sonny, don't you go anywhere now...come back!

[sonny10305]

As I wrote Saucy I am very much appreciative of the posts from both you and Syam but there are a lot of people who come in here every day read our stuff and contribute nothing and that’s not the way it should be.
I assumed that more readers would have a voice express thoughts and opinions that we could share and explore. Too many lurkers not enough contributors so I have lost interest in posting here
By all means keep the thread going if you like but I’m done.

[Sausy]

As I wrote Saucy I am very much appreciative of the posts from both you and Syam but there are a lot of people who come in here every day read our stuff and contribute nothing and that’s not the way it should be.
I assumed that more readers would have a voice express thoughts and opinions that we could share and explore. Too many lurkers not enough contributors so I have lost interest in posting here
By all means keep the thread going if you like but I’m done.

Sorry to hear that sonny and I hope you do reconsider in the near future. You give so much here and I guess it does seem frustrating not enough Met fans feel passionate enough to post some stuff here. Especially when the future seems so bright especially with the influx of so many talented young pitchers, some just coming up..others shortly ready and still others in the pipeline not too far off. Feel kinda sad nowbut will still keep making contributions as often as I can but truthfully don't know if without increased interest the whole sports forum will be gone soon.

[Sausy]

Looks like though he had a hard tumble and hit his knee hard Kirk Nieuwenhuis didn't tear a ligament but only had a bad bone bruise...probably out for a week. Daniel Murphy is getting back into activities and should be ready to play soon. Mets struggling a bit in early spring training but are using a lot of younger players early ... glad to see Lucas Duda back, had a great game the other day with two hits including a big opposite field homer but going to miss David Wright's presence while he''s among Team USA representatives at the World Baseball Classic until he returns late this month.

[syam24]

Glad that Kirk's knee is relatively a minor affair, at least, so far. We thought that with Ike's ankle a couple of years ago, too. Anyway, it's been hard to get too excited with this extended spring training season this year. Like some of the young players displaying their wares, I'm sure they are getting a good education in what it takes to be major league ready. Some pitchers are taking their knocks, but also getting some good experience. Mr Cowgill has been performing very well, hope he can continue as the spring wares on, and not flame out at the start of the season. Miss you, Sonny.....

[Ninja108]

Had to chime in on Santana. Sad to say but that no hitter came at a cost. And that cost might just have been his career.
As for baseball itself..my Yanks look to be in for a rough year. I think this is the year age and long term contracts catch up to us.

[Sausy]

Sorry to see Davis didn't get added to the WBC team to replace Mark Teixeira(8-10 weeks out with a wrist sprain..damn, Ninja not going to be easy for the Yanks this year)... Ike is MUCH better than that KC first baseman they picked but hell it's their loss, and the WBC as fun as it, having both Ike and DWright out for three more weeks with this punchless club isn't ideal for the Mets. Santana is a worry Ninja but I'm of the opinion better bring him along slowly than rush things and cause problems developing in the season. Did the no hitter hurt him overall? 134 pitcheswas a lot for him getting over his health issues and Terry Collins has said at times he does regret letting him finish it out, but it's really premature to write Santana off this early.

Love Collin Cowgill, syam...the kid's a throwback player who will beat you any way he can. Mets fans will love him. Definitely impressed his teammates and coaches so far. Hoping Kirk will be okay in a week or so as they say he only bruised the knee, no ligaments were damaged but we'll see. The kid deserves a chance to prove himself after falling apart offensively with all those strikeouts after a really solidfirst couple of months.

I think sonny will pop up from time to time...just really passionate about our Mets and the organization as a whole and wishes more fans would post more often rather than lurk and not bring their perspectives.

[sonny10305]

Yup Saucy I will “pop up” here and there all I ask is that you guys share your opinion and thoughts about the Mets, Great to see some of you guys back in and posting I also know there are a lot of guys who come in read and don’t post (you know who you are) come on you guys write something, anything just share your thoughts we won’t bite, I promise.

Ike Davis at first thought no way he would be picked he considered for replacing Teixeira he figured himself the long shot but still he was excited about the possibility and was humbled to be considered. DWright sent Ike a text saying WBC manager Joe Torre was asking about him. But in the end all Ike got was about being on a taxi squad or being a potential injury replacement. As it turns out in my opinion Ike would have been the better choice here than the way they went. But Ike has a lot of great years ahead of him and there will be plenty of WBC opportunities for him I am sure. If there is a bright spot it is that now instead of missing three weeks of spring training Ike can concentrate on a tremendous 2013 season.

Nieuwenhuis is doing much better yesterday he was no longer limping or favoring the other knee he should be fine. However he has a long tough rode to make the team with the competition for that outfield job getting tougher to beat. Cowgill is just plan awesome how to you not love that kid. Den Decker is showing some really nifty defensive skills as well showin us he knows how to move around that outfield. Duda is slowly coming back now that they have backed off all those changes to his swing which was clearly too much too soon.

The Santana drama has eased up a bit he has been keeping to himself and not making himself available to the press after that little hissy fit over Alderson’s comment. Thing is we all know what a proud completive player Johan is and if anyone can make it thru this he can. I still do not believe he will be the starter on opening day I just don’t see him ready by then but we should get a better idea when he finally pitches in a game which right now is scheduled for March 14. If he keeps that date it would give Santana three starts to prepare for the regular season. But the Mets are not concentrating on Johan making opening day, what they want is for him to make 30 starts. We expect to see Johan resuming mound work any day as well as another bullpen session, prolly get some batting practice in as well the use of a DH is about over. If after that the decision for Johan to not pitch opening day, the Mets could backdate him on the disabled list into spring training which would minimizing Santana’s regular-season loss.

Zack Wheeler also coming along nicely from his injury he threw on flat ground Wednesday for the 2nd day but I am pretty sure he is going to end up in Vegas AAA to start the season little doubt about that even if Santana completely falls on his ass I don’t see the Mets changing their mind about Zack. I am not sure I like the idea of sending him to Vegas it’s a tough place to pitch with that high altitude and dry conditions that send balls flying out of the park. If you know pitching you also know the dry air can make it more difficult to snap off breaking pitches. I sure am gonna miss Buffalo.

Daniel Murphy is doing great, I mean really really great, and is thisclose to playing in a game. He has started swinging in a batting cage and only needs to take full batting practice before we see him in a game.

So you may have heard that K-Rod wants to come back. Well no thanks we have had enough of that guy the Mets are a team of mostly new and exciting players we no longer have room for been there done that players forget it no way thanks you very much.

SNY will telecast todays Mets- Marlins game at 1pm the lineup will be Valdespin at second Quintanilla-Short, Davis-first, Byrd-Right, Duda-Left, Buck-DH, Recker-Catching, den Dekker-Center, and Hicks-third. Harvey-on the mound. Kevin Burkhardt has the play by play KB will be filling in for Gary Cohen over the next few weeks Keith Hernandez will join Kevin in the booth today.

[syam24]

Looks like Matt Harvey had a fine day today, scoreless pitching and a handful of K's. This catcher, Anthony Recker has had a pretty good spring and is hitting pretty well. His defense may be a little shaky, but he can hit. Mr den Dekker hit a homer, which I did not see, but did see his spectacular catch a few games ago, robbing some dude of a HR. Also saw where DWright had a couple of hits in a WBC tuneup game yesterday.

[Sausy]

So glad to see sonny back on and also syam and ninja... hopefully as the season gets under way others will give their perspectives too and that's what we want...Mets fans to come together and talk about the Amazin's!

Great win today against Miami with a dominant, no hit four and a third innings and most importantly showing command. Got ahead of the hitters, had great control and that's one thing the fiercely competitive righty wants foremost to accomplish...get deeper into games and throw fewer pitches so he can get farther into games. One of his few flaws is an inconsistency of command....he has the stuff to get by even when off but he doesn't want to be a five or six inning pitcher. Matt wants to be a bulldog and if there are some complete games to get by dominating and just using his command and trusting his defense he will be a much better pitcher and more effective for the Mets.

Matt den Dekker had a couple of hits including a homer and really has intrigued Terry Collins with his speed and defense as well as his natural power. While few expect den Dekker, a left handed hitter, to make the club out of spring training so he could refine his swing at AAA and cut down on strikeouts Collins sees him if he can make some mechanical adjustments as a real help who could provide a .250-
.260 bat at least with twenty plus homers and steals a year. He loves his glove and all out style of play, which matches his righty counterpart Collin Cowgill who plays good defense, has some speed and power with a ballsy, all out style that fans wll love and could form a very solid platoon pair in the near future in center.When sonny likes someone like Cowgill, you know he's got the chance to be pretty good... the way he plays will only endear him to the fans of New York baseball.

Ike had two hits today and looks much more comfortable than the Desert fever plagued, just coming off the ankle injury Ike of last spring training. Very happy he got considered for the Mark Teixeira spot and deserved it more than the guy Hosner from KC as Sonny also stated. He's better off now just getting ready for a great Mets season and like sonny said now has the respect in the baseball world that he will be strongly considered for future WBC tournaments.


Just wanna see Kirk Nieuwenhuis get his confidence back, kid also plays the game the right way and has good defensive instincts with some power and speed. He just has to get his approach at the plate together and not be fooled into so many bad swings, he was getting into such a strikeout rut. Zach Wheeler looks almost ready to resume his regular activity, while AAA being now in Las Vegas not optimal because of the less than pitcher friendly conditions with the desert air I'm sure the Mets just want to make sure he isn't rushed, gets to work on command and secondary pitches. It also probably very important to them to wait a couple of months so they can keep him under their control an extra year. I don't love it but I get it. If the Matt Harveys and Zack Wheelers are are as goodas advertised though the Mets be better willing to sign em to five year or so extensions after their first three years because great pitching won't come cheap. Great thing is we have such a chain just under them(Jeurys Familia, Mike Fulmer, Noah Syndegaard, Rafael Montero, Cory Mazzoni, Hansel Robles that future depth or trading pieces for offensive upgrades elsewhere give the Mets real options for our future).We also have a damn good young one in Jonathan Niese under contract for four more years and potentially solid one in Dillon Gee up already with the major league club.

Glad to hear Murph is just about ready..kid must have been going nuts not able to do his regular routine! As for K-Rod...like sonny pretty much says:"Been there, done that, NO thanks"!

Love when KB does games, he is always fun and what else can you say about Keith Hernandez, but he's a legend who means so much to Mets fans.

[sonny10305]

Well you guys really nailed yesterday’s game it was one of those you just love to see our boys play. Just to add a quick addition Matt Harvey was spectacular he has been working on that change up and clearly he is close to perfecting that pitch. I loved watching him establish himself in and then get em with that sinking change; I mean seriously that’s good stuff. Matt has also made progress in the number of pitches he throws to get his man something else he is trying hard to do. Of course he is never a wild pitcher anyways but now what we see are strike after strike.

Duda has got to stop chasing pitches the way Ike used to do; too many times we see hi9m turn what should have been a ball end up a strike.

Yeah Saucy KB is becoming quite the polished play by play guys if you ever heard him do basketball games you would know just how good he can be. We will see Kevin for the next few weeks till Gary returns end of the month. This Saturday he will have Keith again in the booth with him and then Ronnie will take over for the next few games till Keith returns on 3/22.

Today’s game will not be televise cause it is not at home, The guys got onto busses this morning for the trip to Lakeland which is about 2 hours away. A Few of the guys on the bus were Tejada, Valdespin, Cowgill, Baxter, d'Arnaud, and Gee they will play Detroit today.

Justin Turner finally got a few innings out in left field, Collins wants JT to try his skills out there which will make him more useful his season already he can cover all 4 infield positions and we all know how valuable he is with his bat and is ability to bring the runners home.

Murphy hitting live pitching in the batting cage today on his way to getting back into the game…my heart sings.

So here is PR guy Jay Horwitz with Telling Collins “I’m tellin you Wheeler needs to make the roster.



Hey Decker could you tell Spin he ain’t 15 anymore; what’s up with the way he wears that hat?



How do you feel after that game yesterday Matt my boy?

[Sausy]

Great pics, sonny! Damn hate it when the games aren't televised!

[sonny10305]

Saucy, sadly SNY can only broadcast games from home we are down to 10 more televised games now before April 1st when of course we will have games just about every day for the next 6 months leading up to the playoffs. Gonna be a great summer of baseball.

There will be a game televised today at 1pm against the Astros the lineup will be Marlon Byrd, rf Justin Turner, 2b Ike Davis, 1b Lucas Duda, lf John Buck, c Matt den Dekker, cf Anthony Recker, dh Ruben Tejada, ss Wilmer Flores, 3b Jeremy Hefner will be on the mound. Hef will be the alternative if Johan Santana is not ready for the beginning of the season. Parnell will also pitch. Kevin and Keith will be in the booth.

The first cuts have been made; Cory Mazzoni, Rafael Montero and Juan Centeno have been sent to minor league camp. We are now down to 55 players in major league camp.

You may have heard that Travis d’Arnaud was hit on the forearm and left yesterday’s game but it hit him in a good spot and so no ill effects he should be back and ready to play by tomorrow

Shhhh lets not disturb Murph he is checking messages.



Before Wright left camp last week good ole Jay Horwitz told David him he will fill in for him while he is at WBC tongue and all

[Sausy]

More great pics sonny .....Murph must be so excited to get back on the field and just get some work in before he's ready to go and everyone around the Mets loves ole Jay, he's a Mets treasure! Love the pic with DWright!

Three more weeks...can't wait for the regular season to start up and hopefully our boys will do us proud...I knopw at least they'll give an effort Mets fans will appreciate.

Mets win 9-6 with some great pitching by Jeremy Hefner, three scoreless innings. If he has to fill in for Johann Santana he's looking good preparing for that possibility. Duda had a great day today, three hits and drove in a run. That's the best offensive news today, Duda going so well and hopefully continuing to build on it and just relax at the plate. No pressures to be "the Dude" but just be himself...like I've said before he can stop worrying about others expectations and feel relaxed Duda's gonna hit.

Highlight real catch from Matt den Dekker who on a Met's fan I catch up on,"Hot Foot" a scout from another club paid a huge compliment to, saying" He's like Ozzie Smith out there". Not a huge fan of Marlon Byrd but he's had a solid pro career and currently looking good to be part of the Met's right field platoon situation. Only real downer today is even with the lowly Houston Astros, now moved to the AL, the bullpen including Robert Carson and Bobby Parnell was kinda shoddy.

[Sausy]

LOL...even Jay notices DWright sticks his tongue out a lot!

[Sausy]

Looked in the paper and no televised Mets game til Friday, three road games this week! It listed today's game against the Cards
being on SNY though, and I go to watch and lo and behold, all day women's basketball. No Mets at all.... preseason sucks for televised baseball.

Zack Wheeler sent down but you know it won't be for long. Hopefully he and Travis d'Arnaud are up together with the Mets before the All Star break. (Travis of course still with the Mets but almost guaranteed he'll be joining Zack at AAA Las Vegas before the season starts)

[syam24]

Congrat to DWright on his grand slam which powered USA to victory on Saturday in the WBC!!!
Glad to see Lucas Duda coming around with his offense, too. Will April 1 ever get here...

[sonny10305]

Actually saucy the next televised game is Thursday with the Tigers and then Saturday against the Marlins there is no TV game on Friday. There are just 9 more TV games till opening day
KB went home to Jersey Saturday night he will be back Wednesday he has most of the calls till opening day. He and Ron have the Thursday and Saturday game.

Yup the Mets sent Zack Wheeler down to minor league camp. I did get a chance to watch him throw live batting practice yesterday he is so exciting to watch, but we all kinda knew his days were numbered just hoping against hope. Along with Zack nine others were sent down, Cesar Puello, Hansel Robles, Collin McHugh, Darin Gorski, Reese Havens, Juan Lagares, Wilfredo Tovar, & Elvin Ramirez all gone yesterday so we are down to a precious 45 players in camp.
As to Wheeler coming back, other than an injury to one of the pitchers which of course we don’t wish to happen, next thing the Mets will consider is if he stays in the minors for the first 20 days of this season, he will avoid getting credited with a full year of major league service, that will delay his free agency from after the 2018 or in time for 2019 Another thing is that the Mets can avoid making Wheeler what is called a Super 2 during the 2015-16 off season and what that would do is result in an extra year of arbitration eligibility cause it ensures he is not in the first quarter percent of rookies called up this year. Yeah I know all very business like but that’s the way it shakes out. That Super 2 cutoff is just about in the middle of June which would mean a promotion for Zack won’t happen until after that date. Same goes for Travis d'Arnaud. But Zack feels pretty good it was after all his goal to make it out of spring training. Next goal is to get to Flushing as soon as possible, he is smart and realistic about it all and just thinks When he is ready he will join up with the team, my feeling is the sooner than later.

Now we come to Santana who I have said I believe will not be starting on opening day, it is looking more and more to me that he won’t, I was just thinking yesterday I have not seen him throw a ball in almost a week now, all we hear is that he still needs rest, but my question is rest from what? He has not done anything and if they are talking about rest from the surgery than how are we to believe he will be ready in just a few more weeks? I think not. Then there is this, will Santana be ready to be activated April 7, which is the date the Mets need to go to a fifth starter or will it be Jeremy Hefner for at least a few games? Like I said I have not seen Johan doing anything on the field including workouts yesterday with the team, we were told he is spending his days indoors trying to increase his shoulder flexibility and strength. Apparently he needs extra treatment for his arm, and is day-to-day. The Mets insist Santana has no discomfort; he is still lacking strength and they are going to go slow with him. Johan was supposed to pitch in the game this Thursday but that seems very unlikely and if fact it is even possible Santana could start the season on the disabled list to give him an extra week to prepare. I dono about you guys but the way this is going you fans need to prepare yourselves for the real possibility of Santana likely opening the season on the DL.
Another question come to mind and that is will we ever see Johan pitch for us at all this year, Hey, it could happen. Trade him? Think about this; the trade deadline for Santana will be Aug. 31, not July 31. That is because Santana would clear waivers in August, making him eligible to be traded. But I can’t see any team who would want to claim Santana off waivers cause that would allow the Mets to dump Santana’s remaining contract on that team.Sooo what team is gonna want to do that?

Ok now for some good news, I watched Murphy hit in the cage Saturday and he looked and felt great it looks like that extra load on his back went really well. What Murph wants is a specific number of at-bats maybe about 45 or so he even plans on going over to work with the players on the minor-league side who I know would welcome him with open arms to get his work in.
I expect Daniel to be in a game as soon as Wednesday this week……finally!

Kirk Nieuwenhuis also feeling great thinks he will be back in a game the same day

Oh yes Syam If you have as many of the players and myself been watching the USA games you know they have been outstanding games really fun to watch of course our boy David Wright is on fire which included a grand slam on Saturday to snap a tie and give Team USA to a 6-2 victory over Italy David has is 5-for-11 with three walks and five RBIs in three games. What the win yesterday means is that the team will now advance to the tournament's second round, which begins next week in Miami. David has been texting some of the Mets players and having so much fun and he is so proud to be a part of it all. So David is off to Florida just not St Lucie yet but its ok we don’t want David back in camp yet we want him to take the USA team to victory then we can party when he finally does come home, Seriously how prod are we of our boy.

The always dapper David boards the plane last night for Florida.

[Sausy]

Yep, great shot of David, he looks like a runway model so smooth and suave with those glasses and dressed up casual look

He's doing great for the US team in the WBC and proud he's representing the Mets so well...some people wonder what's the big deal, it's like a glorified exhibition but these guys care. David exemplifies that, and hope our team gets the championship.

The Santana news is frustrating but while I do expecyt him the start on the DL I do think he'll pitch for the Mets this year, just hope he can stay healthy in this last year of his contract. Kinda like a soap opera now but the thing is to get him pitching healthy. Understand if his ego is bruised but hopefully his professionalism will allow him to get back in stride relatively soon.

Glad to hear Murph and Kirk are nearly ready, injuries get so frustrating(especially Kirk's because he knows he has a lot to prove). It looks like as much as they love Matt den Dekker(TC says he's the best outfielder in the organization and others compare him favorably on the defensive side with Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury with a better arm) he has to work on his mechanics and swinging at offspeed stuff. TC I read said if someone is going to platoon they have to be able to contreibute off the bench...the glove isn't enough. He's got power and speed, if he can just be adequate with the average and not becoming a K machine he can help a lot later this season and for the future.
It is hard headed business the likelihood we may have to wait for late June at least for Zack Wheeler and Travis d' Arnaud but it makes sense money wise...but if they are as dominant as advertised, they will have to extend them after three or four years because as free agents these Mets will have to pay through the nose.

Sonny, thanks for the update on the Mets games on SNY, I was looking quickly and messed it up a bit. Can't wait til opening day....like syam says it can't come soon enough! Great effort by Jon Niese pitching almost five innings of shutout, one hit ball today against the Tigers...Mets won 11-0 and hit all star ace Justin Verlander pretty hard. Mets now have a streak of 18 scoreless innings getting some great efforts from starters and relievers lately.

[syam24]

Mets pitchers did a fine job on Monday, with Niese leading the way. Glad to see some better pitching results, they don't all have to be perfect, as I know some of the guys are working on things, including new or different pitches. Looks like Valdespin is really making a push to be on the opening day roster either as a starter in the outfield or a bench piece. His bat is pretty good. Hopefully, he'll mature a bit and not be so "show offy". His pop will be greatly appreciated in the lineup. Can't wait for Murph to get into the lineup, it appears it will be soon!

[sonny10305]

Happy to have been of service Saucy my boy did not want you missin any games

The whole Santana thing is getting kinda silly. With the Mets having the day off yesterday some press guys were looking for him to ask him about his status. Johan reply was “it’s my day off” so I guess he used that as an excuse not to talk. Most of the guys took it lightly as Santana was just kidding around but still he did not speak with them. Part of Johan’s reluctance to speak with reporters is that although he was first irritated with Alderson, he is now more frustrated with how media interpreted and reported the situation. The Mets ate insisting that this is being reported as a far bigger deal than it is, actually you hear the same from Santana people But we all agree that there is a disconnect between Santana and the Front Office It’s all pretty childish and silly and is mostly about egos at this point.My feeling is I just wanna see Johan on the mound so I can see for myself how he is doing, you have to think back to Pedro Martinez toward the end of his Met days which was a very similar situation with lots of health rumors with the media spending a lot of time writing about his health status just like they are now with Santana. We should wish Happy Birthday to Johan is turns 34 today.

Not much going on yesterday the guys all had the day off so I spent most of the day out on the backfield with the minor leaguer guys which is where I spend a lot of my time. I love me some minor leaguers all of em hungry excited and ready to show what they got it’s all very fun. Yesterday there were two intrasquad games I watched the one with my boy Gavin Cecchini and was happy and very interested in seeing both Jeff Wilpon and Sandy Alderson watching the game as well checking out Gavin love seeing that. There were a few players with me checking out the new fish including Jenrry Mejia, Juerys Familia, and Zack Wheeler who is still here.

Gavin waits to bat



Jay Horwitz and a couple of the guys went down to Miami to watch DWright in the WBC. David who is now being called Captain America leads the Americans with 10 RBI in the tournament, last night he smacked a ball just out of reach Angel Pagan to bring in three runs Gio Gonzalez pitched five scoreless giving USA the win against Puerto Rico 7-1 so now we are o to the semifinals.



Daniel Murphy kept very busy yesterday as well taking batting practice again, one thing to look for his swing which as I wrote about last month has changed a bit. Even thou the changes may have some what caused the injury he just had he has not given it up just made more changes to avoid any problems. He likes the new approach which just needs to be tweaked. The idea is for Daniel to try and gain a little bit more leverage against the ball by putting his lead foot in the ground more and face it toward home plate, it is something he started doing back in the winter while he was working with his brother Jonathan. Murph is aware of the added pressure on his side and needs to be more careful of not letting the brunt of the load on his hips he needs to loosen his hips up and at the same time not allow his foot to be completely in the ground which should keep him from putting as much pressure on his side which will allow him to find more power. Even after he got hurt his feeling was, yeah the new stance hurt him but he really liked what he saw before he got hurt. He for sure sees himself hitting the ball with more authority, especially to the middle of the field and it allows him to stay on the ball longer which could/should turn singles into doubles and doubles into homers. Still although he felt great after the workout yesterday Murph will not know the impact of his new swing until he starts playing in games which could be As soon as Thursday, today he plans on going through a similar workout as yesterday. There ain’t no stopping him now he’s got to get his legs underneath him. Yesterday he also fielded some balls at second base.




Oh Syam I am so frustrated with Jordany Valdespin the kid has a lot of potential and is on fire at the plate right now and if he continues producing, he almost certainly will earn a spot on the opening day roster, the Mets will need that bat. “Spin” is 9-for-25 .360 with two homers and five RBIs this spring. He has not shown us much in the outfield yet but if Valdespin makes the team, it would mean he winds out over Kirk Nieuwenhuis or Mike Baxter, who have both been struggling at the plate. In Kirk’s case he was injured and has not played but he was struggling before that Kirk will have to make up a lot of ground to beat Jordany who is gaining ground on a utility man job. Nieuwenhuis is 1-for-18 .056 Baxter has gone 2-for-20 .100. Which is why I say Valdespin could end up in center field on a limited basis If Nieuwenhuis doesn’t make the team, Valdespin could very well be the Mets’ backup in center to Collin Cowgill. I say I am frustrated with Valespin because in spite of his production he continues to have major attitude problems and believes he is God’s gift to the game and is so full of himself it’s nauseating Not that he is a bad kid he can be funny and engaging but his I am the greatest attitude gets kinda old. I dono maybe he is just joking maybe he doesn’t to really believe what he says about himself hard to be sure what is for sure is that it is getting old. His latest nonsense came in Mondays game when he was hit with a 95 MPH fast ball right to his groin, he fell to the ground in incredible pain, turns out he was not wearing a cup. Yup that’s what I said, NO CUP!! Later Collins chastised him for being so dumb as to go out there so unprotected but it is what he does stupid crap like that. I asked another player if he would ever go out there without wearing a cup and he said “no way it just makes no sense”.
I wonder if now that he got hit in the balls can we go back to calling him numnuts?

Perhaps this is how Jordany needs to dress for games



Seriously thou I am trying really hard to like this kid I like him in our lineup for his bat but seriously he needs to humble himself a bit especially around the veterans. Stop playing the fool.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis said although he will play outdoors today it won’t be in a game. Instead today’s untelevised game’s line will be Cowgill, Turner, Davis, Byrd, Duda, d'Arnaud, Quintanilla, Bixler and Harvey.

[sonny10305]

When I wrote about Gavin Cecchini yesterday I shudda mentioned that he donated $10,000 to the Mayor Fund for Sandy Relief to help New York City residents rebuild after the super storm. Gavin remembers his hometown being hit hard by Hurricane Rita in 2005. Just a terrific kid who played on the Cyclones late last year moving over from Kingsport

Murph will finally get to play this weekend in minor league games he is ready and I can’t wait to see him out there. He has been working out with the minors the last few days pain free

Good to see Kevin Burhardt who arrived yesterday back from a visit back home; Kevin has the call in today’s game along with Ron Darling. Meantime Keith Hernandez is packing and preparing to close his winter home in Jupiter before headin back to his summer home on Long Island Keith rejoins the broadcast booth on 3/21 with Kevin and Ron covering the games till then. Today’s lineup, Valdespin,Turner,Davis,Byrd,Baxter,Lutz, Recker,den Dekker,Tejada,Gee on the mound.

Lovable ole Jay Horwitz continues his support for DWright in the WBC this time doing his own version of Captain America the new nickname for David. Oh Jay….you so crazy