New York Mets Winter Report 2012-13

[sonny10305]

So here we go kids my annual Mets winter report where I will join in on all the good and bad stuff I get from my player and media friends I hope you will join in and share anything you have
So let’s start with Jason Bay who is now an unrestricted free agent and will receive all of the $21 million he is owed by the Mets. The idea that he would be moved was not a surprise in self but the timing was we all thought that he would make into spring training before the decision was made but it was inevitable, 3 years were simply enough it was one of the worst deals the Mets have made, he has never produced he was a .240 hitter strike out more than 25% of the time and in 3 years hit only about 25 home runs; some think after his failure in the first year and all the health problems which cost him almost 200 games the pressure of NY was just too much for him Who knows, hopefully someone will want him maybe he can go back home to Seattle and play better baseball The kid was very very well liked by his teammates as well as the fans he never complained worked hard and we know he did a heck of a job for us in left field. Sad to thinking at the time we could have gone with Matt Holiday but choose Jason and we all know how that worked out.
It is unclear how the payments will be spread out we will have to wait for the deferment breakdown to be announced but he will be getting the money he is owed and the Mets can defer the payments over the next few years instead of paying Bay all the money at once. That would work well for us because it frees up at least a couple million dollars to spend in the free agent-market this winter.
But regardless of how much money this frees up for 2013, it won’t be enough for say a Justin Upton, who is available and I keep hearing from other Mets fans they would like to see him a Met. He’s owed close to $10 million next season and something kike $14 million in both 2014 and 2015. This is not to say that getting rid of Jason Bay will allow the Mets to afford Upton, or that they’d be willing to trade what it takes to acquire him and the removal of Bay from the roster and the fact that the Mets have lessened the burden his deal would’ve had on their books in the near term, could play into this. But even if the Bay move doesn’t allow getting an Upton it would for sure put the Mets in a better position than before the Bay decision. I wish Jason much luck he is great guy and deserves another shot somewhere. With the luck of the Mets he will prolly go to a team and hit
This could also effect what happens with Wright and Dickey and how big a deal they can make them and how quickly those deals are done. It is possible now that the Bay news is out that an announcement on those two guys will follow. Wright’s $16 million dollar option for 2013 was already picked up as well as Dickey’s smaller option, Sandy Alderson went to Wrights home in Virginia to talk contract with him how bout that

As to what happens in the outfield unless they acquire a good right handed bat we could see the return of Kirk Nieuwenhuis, I have spoken with him a few times since the season ended and he is recovering well from that injury I would love to see Hairston who is now a free agent return as well, Mike Baxter and Jordany Valdespin are more likely to end up as pinch-hitters than starting outfielders. Can’t leave out Darrell Cecillini who is killin it in Arizona playing center and currently batting.315

Then of course there is my boy Lucas Duda who just the other day managed to break his wrist at home in Cali, he is such a clumsy big goofball that ya just gotta love. I had written many times about him and his determination to make it back bigger and better than ever. He had a very good time in Buffallo recently. By the way his wrist will be totally ok before spring training; it was not the first time Lucas hurt a wrist, this time it was his right one when he learned just how heavy couches are, in college he broke his left wrist on a collision at first base.in the farm, Matt Den Dekker and Brandon Nimmo are both getting very big part of our future but just not just yet.

R.A. Dickey, along with Gio Gonzalez and Clayton Kershaw, are the finalists for the National League Cy Young Award. The winner will be announced next Wednesday.

We have re-signed Mike Nickeas to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring-training he was recently outrighted off the 40-man roster, Fred Lewis, who also had been removed from the roster, has chosen free agency The Mets currently have catchers Josh Thole and Anthony Recker on the 40-man roster.

Do to the hurricane The Hope Shines for Shannon Fundraiser scheduled for Nov 1st was posponed and has been moved to Thursday, Nov. 29

So stay tuned I will jump in as often as I can with more Mets news and of course be sure to watch Kevin Burkhardt Mets Hot Stove starting next week on SNY the show usually shown at 7pm on Thursdays will start later at 10 for a while to accommodate the basketball games but will return to 7pm soon. Kevin has been preparing for the show and promises lots of great shows heading up to his visit to spring training camp in Florida
Some good news after eliminating the Gulf Coast League team to save some buck the Mets have restored the squad for 2013.The return gives the Mets nine minor league affiliates. I especially like the rerun of the GCL team, which is for newly signed players, and will be based at the Port St. Lucie, Fla., complex.

[sonny10305]

Well kids the GM meetings have started so expect lots of stories about players that might be traded or which players the Mets are going after. It has already started with trade talks about Dickey and Davis. I will try to sort thru the BS and bring you only stuff I know to be true. As for RA he is asking for 5 years which will be a problem since he is getting a little long in the tooth I don’t see him getting that much time but we will see over the next few weeks how that shakes out. It is looking more and more like the Mets will find a way to make Dwright happy and keep him as a Met for many years to come, again more later. As for Ike I do not believe the Mets will let him go no one I speak with thinks he will be traded, if we are to get a big name for outfielder I see a trade with possibly Niese and another player but not Davis, we will see anything is possible . There were even some who said now that Duda hurt himself the Mets won’t trade Ike cause Lucas was the backup plan for First base but they want to be sure Duda recovers fully before letting Ike go. I can tell you no one with any credibility has told me that, Lucas is expected to be fine and so I am not buying into that story. Of course as things shake out I will report it here. I mentioned Lucas Duda who continues to have discomfort on his wrist and now the docs have said no activity what so ever for a while to allow the healing. The fracture was severe but Lucas has been told he should be fine for spring training but he must do as he is told. Let’s all wish the Dude a speedy and complete recovery.

Because of the basketball games over the next few weeks Kevin Burkhardt’s Mets Hot stove will now air at 4:30 and then repeated after the game at about 10pm. First show Thursday Nov 15th on SNY

Here is Kevin showing of his new Nurde shirt

[Ninja108]

Saw what happened with Jason Bay. Not shocked at all as he was living up any where close to what his contract was. I imagine in a couple of years the Yanks will do the same with A-rod,if not sooner. Bay was a great guy but the Mets had to do what they did.
In related news,K-rod sued his agents and won for him being deal from the Mets to the Brewers. Looks like he'll need that money,as his baseball career can and should be over with due with what happened in September. All due respect,someone that is willing to what he did in public isn't going to be fixed by a couple of anger management classes.

[Sausy]

Thanks SO much for this thread, sonny.....the elections just held back the huge baseball(especially Mets of course) withdrawal since the WS is over I've been going through Well at least the Bay thing was addressed to everyone's satisfaction. It's a great thing the Mets and Jason Bay have arranged an amicable divorce. Just very sad that we never got to see the real Jason Bay in his ill fated three years as a Met...whatever the reasons it certainly was as tough for him not to be the player he knew he was capable of. Great guy, classy, outstanding teammate, played the game hard...just was either pressing, slumping, injured or whatnot. Hoping Jason does well wherever he winds up and shows he still has a a couple of good years left, at least serviceable.

Hoping that Duda comes back fully healthy after his unfortunate furniture moving screwup that resulted in a fractured wrist. He's stll big in their plans and if he resembes the talented young hitter that we got in the second half of 2011, where he finished at .290 with 50 RBI he'll be fine. He's got so much natural power and ability and got to believe in himself ...power will come naturally. Ike has what this organization needs right now....great personality, immense talent defensively and offensively especially POWER. In a season where Ike Struggled so mightily early he showed how much inner toughness and character he had and bounced back with a torrid second half. He hit .223 in the end(though he swore to Terry Collins and everyone who thankfully believed in him he'll never have such a futile early drought again) with 32 homers, 90 RBI and a renewed rep for scaring the hell out of opposing teams since he has tremendous power even the other way as well as conventional immense pull power. I remember most the day everyone was talking about the Mets really thinking of trading him bwcause of alleged night life loving and most insanely wrongheadedly...being uncoachable. He had two hits and played like it didn't phase him...not press and fall apart psychologically. I love Ike and I KNOW sonny does....and everyone who is a real Mets fan!He ain't going nowhere because he's young, still relatively inexpensive and has the power and low key, no maintenance personality to handle New York.

Love the KB pic....great personality,has fun....takes his responsibilities seriously but never takes himself seriously. Hope he's involved with the Mets organization for a long time!

Looking forward to checking the news today and coming back either today or tomorrow and talk about sonny and ninja's perspectives and everything I read up on that might be of interest.

[sonny10305]

I Just wanted to jump in from here in Brooklyn to ask any of you who can help with two efforts by the Mets organization to help those hurting by Hurricane Sandy.
First up here in Brooklyn there is the “Alliance for Coney Island” set up by ConeyRecovers.org, a relief and recovery effort to help Coney Island residents and businesses dealing with the terrible and devastating aftermath of the Hurricane. A lot of Coney Island is still without power or heat, and Coney Recovers will focus and getting donations and volunteers to help out all neighborhood relief and recovery efforts. Here at Coney Island we are working with Dennis Vourderis, who is Chairman of the Alliance and owner of the world famous Wonder Wheel Park. Coney Island was hit hard but there has been tremendous effort and heart out here working to help all of those who are in need. Dennis told me that the Wonder Wheel will survive; there is a lot of sea water the electrical system is in bad shape but he will get it running again in time for opening day.
Thanks to all the volunteers working together, Coney will be back better and stronger than ever. I tell you guys it warms the heart to see all the people come together in times of need. People are suffering here without electricity and basic needs yet they still managed to help to provide emergency response and recovery efforts.
I got word late last night that Johan Santana will be here on Tuesday, to help out in the recovery effort distributing lunches and doing what he can Johan you may recall at one time pitched for the Brooklyn Cyclones, which is a member of the “Alliance for Coney Island”

In addition The Mets will hold a Food Drive Wednesday, November 14 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Citi Field to benefit New Yorkers in need. You can drop off their food donation inside the Hodges VIP entrance next to the Mets Team Store.

So if you can help please stop by, the biggest needs are canned fruit and vegetables, packages of hot or cold cereal, and packages of macaroni and cheese. You can drop off food may park in Lot G on 126th Street between the Right Field Gate and Roosevelt Avenue.

Thanks, and God bless all who are suffering

[sonny10305]

Tomorrow we will learn who will win the Cy Young award, hear all about it with Kevin Burkhardt on a special edition of Mets Hot Stove Wed night at 630 on #SNY

[sonny10305]

I forgot to mention that RA Dickey will be speaking with Burkhardt from his home in Nashville during that Cy Young announcement tomorrow. By the way If you lopk on the SNY schedule on your TV guide the special Hot Stove show regarding the Cy Young might not be listed it might reflect some other show then Hot Stove but if you plan on recording it just program what ever the guide has scheduled for Weds at 6:30 on SNY I promise it will be Kevin's CY Young report.

[Sausy]

I have to work when it's on but I'll tape it at 6:30, I know they changed the time..thanks for the update and your info on the Mets drive to help rthe victims of Sandy. Wish I lived closer I'd be there a couple of times that day to help...I know sonny is doing his best there and if I can get down at all I will certainly try.

[Sausy]

Congrats to New Jersey boy centerfielder Mike Trout of the Angels in the AL and right fielder Bryce Harper of the Washington Nats in the NL on being named rookies of the year in their leagues. Two outstanding young athletes and players who have great passion for the game that shows in every play.

[sonny10305]

So we are just hours away from learning who will be awarded the CY Young. As I told you guys yesterday the Mets Hot Stove with Kevin Burkhardt will carry the announcement which is expected at about 6:45 the show will start on SNY at 6:30. Kevin will speak live to RA Dickey and we will hear from RA’s favorite catcher Josh Thole. Also expected to be on is Ron Darling, Keith Hernandez, Jerry Koosman, and Frank Viola.

Starting to look good for Dwright to remain a Met, yesterday The Mets have made him a contract offer and Wright’s agents have countered, we still have not heard any of the terms of the offer, I mentioned last week that David is looking for seven years and at least $130 million guaranteed, the Mets are thinking more like six years and around $110 million. Soooo looks like it’s gonna happen.

Yesterday in Brooklyn as promised Johan Santana stopped by to help out with the relief efforts at Coney Island he has said he would come up and true to his word he did and he brought Jeff Wilpon with him. He looked and sounded terrific and he is very optimistic about his return next year. This weekend he will head down to Venezuela to celebrate the holidays and then off to Fort Myers to begin his throwing program in January.

[Sausy]

Great to see Johann Santana and Jeff Wilpon lending a hand and helping the Brooklyn community for Sandy relief. Johann may have been shut down late last year but he always prides himself as part of the community and represents the Mets proudly. Hopefuly things are on track for a completely healthy return by spring training. Glad to see Jeff there,too. For all their flaws the Wilpons have a history of trying to work with the community.

Good news about DWright... not going to get excited until the Mets do re-sign him but glad to see things are looking up and the Mets bid will be a serious and respectful one...not lowballing for a home team discount.

Got my DVR on record for tonight's Hot Stove special with RA Dickey....hopefully it can also be a celebration on getting the NL Cy Young Award...RA sure deserves it. Hopefully we'll learn more of his contract status soon as well.

Put this in your "Be Careful What You Wish For" drawer..... Jose Reyes was dreaming of palm trees, warm temps and the excitement of Miami when he signed a six year, $110 mil contract last winter with the Miami Marlins,joining his buddy Hensley Ramirez. He left the Mets( to be fair NO concrete offer was made to him though six years and 90 mil would have probably been the preliminary parameters) and a chance for fun and sun but things went bad for the Marlins last year and they originally dumped three key players to the Dodgers around the trade deadline headlined by Ramirez. Now they are in gutting mode(which does NOT sit well with one of the few stars left, Giancarlo Stanton) And Jose Reyes and pitching star( but prone to nagging injury) Josh Johnson headline a trade just made last night with the Toronto Blue Jays sending top prospects to Miami. Toronto is overjoyed, don't think this is exactly what Jose had in mind. I read that he's okay with it but don't believe that....Dodgers he'd love but Toronto while a great city and once a strong organization in the AL East don't think it's quite Jose's kind of town or market. Any bets he winds up somewhere else if not by the trade deadline maybe next winter?

[syam24]

Congratulations to R A DICKEY, CY Young Award winner of the New York Mets!!!!! Well deserved for an outstanding pitcher and human being!!

[Sausy]

Congratulations to R A DICKEY, CY Young Award winner of the New York Mets!!!!! Well deserved for an outstanding pitcher and human being!!

I second that!!! Can't wait for sonny's perspective on this but so well deserved after all RA has been through. Great for him, the Mets organization AND the fans!!!

[sonny10305]

WOW it wasn’t even close

Everyone thought that it would be a squeaker of a win but Dickey received 27 of 32 first-place votes.
I have been a major fan of RA’s since first seeing him in Buffalo with the Bisons I went nutz for the guy and I am sure if you were to look back at some of my posts from back then you will find my raves about him I could not wait till he came to Flushing so proud of what he has accomplished his hard work and dedication to his craft and for being arguably one of the nicest guys in the game. RA is loved by his team mates every player I spoke with praised him and talked about his amazing work ethic and intelligence. After the announcement RA went to his phone and found 48 voice mails and missed calls and about 140 texts wishing him congrats,
that’s a lot of love.

I caught up with Dillon Gee who was at the food drive at Citi Field and he joked if RA wins he may have to consider using the Knuckler
it got me thinking I wonder if any current or future pitchers will now consider pitching knuckle ball.

Great job by Burkhardt and Collins yesterday covering the event the interview with RA was awesome; I loved what Thole said as well.
It is a great feeling for us Mets fans we are so used to getting let down or disappointed by one thing after another nice to see something go our way for a change

Now Sandy get the deal done we want RA back in 2013

[Sausy]

WOW it wasn’t even close

Everyone thought that it would be a squeaker of a win but Dickey received 27 of 32 first-place votes.
I have been a major fan of RA’s since first seeing him in Buffalo with the Bisons I went nutz for the guy and I am sure if you were to look back at some of my posts from back then you will find my raves about him I could not wait till he came to Flushing so proud of what he has accomplished his hard work and dedication to his craft and for being arguably one of the nicest guys in the game. RA is loved by his team mates every player I spoke with praised him and talked about his amazing work ethic and intelligence. After the announcement RA went to his phone and found 48 voice mails and missed calls and about 140 texts wishing him congrats,
that’s a lot of love.

I caught up with Dillon Gee who was at the food drive at Citi Field and he joked if RA wins he may have to consider using the Knuckler
it got me thinking I wonder if any current or future pitchers will now consider pitching knuckle ball.

Great job by Burkhardt and Collins yesterday covering the event the interview with RA was awesome; I loved what Thole said as well.
It is a great feeling for us Mets fans we are so used to getting let down or disappointed by one thing after another nice to see something go our way for a change

Now Sandy get the deal done we want RA back in 2013

I am so happy for RA....had taped the special because I didn't want to learn beforehand who won and watch it and learn who won when I got home and viwed the tape but a fellow Met fan I used to work with texted me about RA winning the award. I watched it and was so happy....just wish they had Josh Thole live in the studio as he's the guy who's been RA's catcher since Buffalo. But so happy for the guy...really he's everything sonny said as a player and most importsantly as a person. Yes, sonny I remember how much you promoted RA and really raved about how good he was and at that time deserved a shot in the Met's rotation....think there may have been some staff injuries and they needed a guy who could just give em innings and keep em in the game. RA was very solid from his first year...even in his second but wow did he just develop and grow confidence in everything this past year. Hopefully RA's "Amazing" story will have a few more exciting chapters yet and the Mets sign him soon.

[Ninja108]

IMO,RA wasn't just a choice for the Cy Young Award,he was the ONLY choice for it. Congrats to RA!

[Sausy]

IMO,RA wasn't just a choice for the Cy Young Award,he was the ONLY choice for it. Congrats to RA!

I certainly agree with that...just all the stats together plus what immense character RA has, just no other decision this go round!

[sonny10305]

While we wait for news on Dickey and Wright and of course the winter meetings the first sign of 2013 baseball was released yesterday in the form of the spring-training schedule which starts nice and early this year on Feb. 23 against the Nationals in Port St. Lucie. Still waiting on news about the possibility of playing in Las Vegas on March 29 and 30.Most of the games will be televised live on SNY and called at first by Kevin Burkhardt and then Gary Cohen and of course Ron and Keith.
Here it is to post on your frig.

February
23 Washington Nationals, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
24 University of Michigan, Port St. Lucie, 12:10 p.m.
24 Houston Astros, Kissimmee, TBA
25 Washington Nationals, Port St. Lucie, 6:10 p.m.
26 Miami Marlins, Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
27 St. Louis Cardinals, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
28 Washington Nationals, Viera, 6:05 p.m.

March
1 Detroit Tigers, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
2 Miami Marlins, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
3 Miami Marlins, Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
4 Atlanta Braves, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
5 OFF
6 Venezuela WBC, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
7 Miami Marlins, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
8 Detroit Tigers, Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.
9 Houston Astros, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
10 St. Louis Cardinals, Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
11 Detroit Tigers, Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.
12 OFF
13 Washington Nationals, Viera, 1:05 p.m.
14 Detroit Tigers, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
15 Atlanta Braves, Disney, 1:05 p.m.
16 Miami Marlins, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
17 Atlanta Braves, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
18 St. Louis Cardinals, Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
19 OFF
20 Houston Astros, Kissimmee, TBA
21 St. Louis Cardinals, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
22 Miami Marlins, Jupiter, 7:05 p.m.
23 Washington Nationals, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
24 Detroit Tigers, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
24 St. Louis Cardinals, Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
25 Atlanta Braves, Disney, 1:05 p.m.
26 St. Louis Cardinals, Port St. Lucie, 1:10 p.m.
27 Houston Astros, Port St. Lucie, 6:10 p.m.
28 Washington Nationals, Viera, 1:05 p.m.

The only other news is that now that Swisher is all but gone the Yankees are very interested in Scott Hairston. They’re also planning on re-signing Raul Ibanez who would complement Hariston very nicely
Um; Sandy with Bay gone don’t we want to get Scott back? I’m just askin

So the Arizona Fall League is done some of the boys you may know played well others not so much In Arizona and down in winter ball some of the stats are Darrell Ceciliani batted .258, Dustin Lawley .268, Danny Muno .226, Cesar Puello .247, Wilber Flores .307
Jordany Valdespin. Stared out well in winter ball he has cooled a bit. He’s only hitting .185 in his last ten games played, but he continues to get on base a lot, and has twice as many walks as strikeouts. Another good sign for him has been his patience at the plate, which was a problem for him. He clearly has the bat speed to knock in lots of runs defensively, we were told he would play strictly at second but he also played out in right field as well. Were he held his own I still see him in our lineup as a bench player.
The kid who really shined was Wilmer Flores who continues with good power and a solid walk rate, He is looking to have a big season at AA. He continues to impress, it looks like he’ll continue to play third base next season, while mixing in some first and second base as well.
Daniel Muno got some extra playing time but only batting .226. and has been struck out more than he’s walked. Not much else coming down about him.
Justin Turner made his way to the Dominican Republic after some R&R in Cali with Duda he wanted to get plenty of at-bats after his drop off in playing time in 2012. He has really struggled however hitting .184/.220/.211 in 38 at-bats, including 4 RBI, 1 extra base-hit, 6 strikeouts, and 1 walk. He clearly has some work to do. Justin kidded after the Reyes move to Toronto, when the fans chant Jose Jose Jose will it be for Reyes or Bautista
Darrell Ceciliani missed most of 2012 with injuries and he just got hurt again but was soon back in the lineup. He has a real problem with his pesky hamstrings, which continues to be a serious concern
Another injury proned player Cesar Puello has managed to stay on the field this fall, but his plate discipline has not been good. His back sliding here thou he batted .247 in the AFL is troubling.

Pitching wise The Mets are a little weak, but there are a couple in particular to make moves. Guys like Adam Kolarek, and Armando Rodriguez, down in the Dominican, could put themselves on the major leagues in 2013 both pitching well. I could see both of em end up like Josh Edgin and Elvin Ramirez as the next big league relief depth next year. Greg Peavey working really well out in the bullpen It has worked out for him moving to relief and could end up being a new beginning for Peavey, Meanwhile, newly-acquired reliever Greg Burke continues to impress, with a 1-0 record, 2.16 ERA, and 4 saves in 16.2 innings pitched. he’s only walked 1 hitter, while striking out 15. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win a spot in the Mets bullpen for 2013, especially if he continues to pitch the way he is currently.
Jenrry Mejia has been contributing so far this winter, but solely as a starter, going 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA, allowing 6 walks and striking out 13 in 17 innings pitched.

Ruben Tejada and Manny Acosta have also been spending some time playing for the Panama National Team in the World Baseball Classic Tejada managed 3 doubles and drove in 2 runs over the weekend after while Acosta struck out one in a scoreless inning of work. Acosta didn’t take the mound in last night’s win, but Tejada put together two more hits and an RBI to aid in Panama’s 9-7 victory over Colombia.

No Mets Hot Stove this week as KB and the boys at SNY enjoy the holiday they will return on Nov 29th

[Sausy]

Thanks sonny for the update on spring training games and the status of those Mets playing in the Fall League and winter ball....hoping Darren Ceciliani can stay healthy because his kind of play is just what the Mets need. He was so god in Brooklyn in 2010and mainly because of health reasons including those pesky hamstrings he really hasn't advanced as a player since then. Hopefully he'll stay healthy and rebound with a strong performance next season. It would be great if Flores continues to play the way the Mets had hoped ...especiallly as a big piece they can use to trade if necessary.

[sonny10305]

Thanks sonny for the update on spring training games and the status of those Mets playing in the Fall League and winter ball....hoping Darren Ceciliani can stay healthy because his kind of play is just what the Mets need. He was so god in Brooklyn in 2010and mainly because of health reasons including those pesky hamstrings he really hasn't advanced as a player since then. Hopefully he'll stay healthy and rebound with a strong performance next season. It would be great if Flores continues to play the way the Mets had hoped ...especiallly as a big piece they can use to trade if necessary.

I have known Darrell since 2010 when he was with the Cyclones he has been to my parents house a few times mom loves how close he is to his family, he is a terrific kid and a very dedicated ball player. In Brooklyn also in 2910 he was given the Sterling Award for the Brooklyn Cyclones.
Guys at the Cyclone organization were saying that he was just about the best defensive center fielder in the system; great with his bat as well with tons of extra-base hits hitting in the range of .350 with an OBP of over 400.If that weren’t enough the kid can run like the wind as well. Whether he is leading off or batting 7th count on Darrell to get er done.
As to Arizona he said he absolutely loved it and considered it an honor just to be asked to play there. He was pumped at the chance to get more consistent at bats and playing time. Sorta gave him some perspective about what hopefully the future will hold for him.
As he heads back home now his thoughts are more about staying healthy, and of course whatever the Mets have in mind for him.

[Sausy]

A very happy Thanksgiving to sonny,and your family and that of everyone who posts here!

[sonny10305]

Some great news from Zack Wheeler he joins six of his Minor League boys added to their 40-man roster which means we might see him sooner in Flushing than we thought it also protects him from next month's Rule 5 Draft. Along with Zack are Hansel Robles, Gonzalez Germen, Greg Burke, Darin Gorski and Wilfredo Tovar.I was concerned about the draft cause it would have meant we could have lost him the Winter Meetings
Cause of ML rules he is eligible to be selected in next month's Rule 5 Draft, if not protected. It was important for Zack be added to the 40-man roster.
Zack is going to be very important to us next year I want to see him join Harvey ASAP maybe even right after the all-star break. Watched him pitch in Buffalo a bunch of times great kid heck of a pitcher.

Another kid I watched “grow up” in Brooklyn with the Cyclones is Hansel Robles, and man oh man can this kid pitch you are gonna love him right off, in Brooklyn last year he went 6-1 with a 1.11 ERA in 12 starts . He led the New York-Penn League in ERA and finished the season without allowing an earned run in 45 innings, he struck out close to 70 batters over that time. He was a finalist for the MiLB.com Pitcher of the Year Award. And won the 2012 Sterling Award Winner for the Cyclones.

The other great news I got is that Ike Davis will be honored with the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Feb. 5. As you may know the Foundation offers help to both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ike as you also may remember hosts his own charity event every year for Kids’ Cancer Ike also participates in the Mets Amazin’ Calls program. I can think of no other payer more deserving of this award. By the way Ike’s dad played with Thurman for two years.
I am sure I will have more Ike news when Ike gets to town can’t wait to see him.CC Sabathia will also be honored

As he did last year Kevin Burkhart is in Dallas ready and fired up to call the Cowboys thanksgiving game for Compass Media

Off now to the parents’ house to help with the turkey day feast I join Saucy in wishing all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving

[sonny10305]

Not a lot going on in the ole hot stove this weekend but I am happy to tell you that Tim Byrdak has taken a minor league deal that would bring back next season, I like Tim he is a funny funny dude so well liked. He was with the Mets for the past two seasons, and I liked what he brought to us, I was concerned for Tim when he had shoulder surgery in September to repair a torn anterior capsule but although no guarantee he will pitch for us in Flushing at least he got the invite to spring training so that’s a start at least hopefully he will be back with us although maybe not right at the start of the season. Tim is coming into NY this week and will visit with team doctors to get a better look at he is doing post-surgery.
Meantime we do have a couple of kids to fill in the pen with Josh Edgin and Robert Carson and we also have signed Scott Rice to a minor league deal he is also going to spring training. I think the Mets would prefer the Mets sign a veteran left-handed reliever so’s not to depend so much on Edgin or Carson next season.

As to Dillon Gee who also went down with arm surgery ne is expected to be 100% by the time Spring Camp opens with no limitations. Dillon says his arm feels great and that he will begin his offseason throwing program this week. You may recall Dillon had his season end after they discovered a blood clot in his pitching arm. If you look at Dillon’s numbers they don’t reflect the terrific pitcher he is, he finished the season with a 6-7 record and an ERA of just over 4, but Gee was much better than that. His problems come from a high walk rate and he does get a little wild at times. But in 2012 he had made big strides in both those areas

Justin Turner, who had been struggling a little in winter ball in the Dominican has been playing better and the other day he started playing third where he has always been very comfortable. Justin’s position has gotten a bit stronger now that Ronny Cedeno is a free agent; the Mets need backup middle infield depth which Justin can give us. As a big fan of JTs I hope to see him have a great year next season.

[Sausy]

Always look forward to your updates, sonny...good to hear about Tim Byrdak but since had that same kind of siurgery Johann and Chris Young had to expect him before the All Star break is unrealistic. But it would them depth and a quality left hander in the pen should they be in contention in August and September and a fresh quality arm in the bullpen is something every contending club needs as the season wears on. Great to hear Dillon Gee is feeling good and looking on track for spring training after that scary bout with a blood clot in his pitching arm. He was showing such good signs of progress, hopefully he can come back without missing a beat and improving even more his command , which was his biggest flaw beforehand.

JT always gives maximum effort, hopefully he can still be an intregal part of the club. Increasingly his flexibility on the field can only help and we know JT is a team first guy.

Reading about David Wright it looks like negotiations, while there is still great optimism on both sides a deal can be struck it ain't there yet. Might be deferred money that they're still haggling over, but it would be sucha waste if now that Mets come to seven years things break down over whether DWright makes or doesn't make more in non deferred money than Johann Santana. Remember even that seven year deal for Johann is something ideally the Mets don't do if they had the horses ready on the farm ...seven years is an awful lot to commit especially when David will be almost 38 at the end of the proposed contract. The Mets really seem this time to be going to great lengths to keep David as a lifetime Met, and sure it would be nice if the Mets bent a little more in the direction David and his agent want to going past $137 mil over seven years. However what other club would offer anything close to that on a player who hit .306, 21 homers, 93 RBI which while very good don't translate at his position and at his age to that kind of money from anyone else. Mets need him and there aren't any David Wrights in their system in the near future but other clubs seeing how risky super long term contracts are for anyone I doubt will be banging David's doors for anywhere near that kind of money. Simply, does a team want to average 20 million over seven years for a player whose once lightning quick bat has slowed some and has the kind of thick body that while in great shape is also prone to injury over time? Don't think so....hoping common sense will prevail for both sides and the Mets and David Wright will be together for the rest of his oplaying career and beyond. Let's hope that by the end of the winter meetings, we get good news on the DWright front.

For RA Dickey..love him but now that the Mets don't seem to want to deal Jonathon Niese who else can get them a better return especially if he can get a window to negotiate an extension? i've read stuff that indicates teams think he is the real deal and while it's uncertain just how good he will remain he has the stuff and mentality and character to win for three or four more years,. Especially as he has mastered the art of not only throwing the knuckleball but one that is harder and unlike other knuckleballers in history...if we can get one major prospect ready to play with the Mets next season and a very good second prospect....the Mets have to continue thinking of the future and not just the near term. Love RA but even he realizes that the Mets are in need of position players outside of starting pitching.... he's the best guy available next to Jon Niese to help get some real help.

[sonny10305]

Yesterday I told you guys abut Byrdak and Gee I also wanted to tell you that The Mets plan to non-tender Mike Pelfrey and Manny Acosta . Big Pelf missed all but three starts of the 2012 season because of Tommy John surgery. Acosta had a lousy year with an ERA of 6.46 ERA but still could get a major-league contract in free agency this offseason.Andres Torres, also non tendered; I don’t want him back he has disappointed since that Pagan trade shudda kept Angel. So unless something unexpected happens, the Mets will decline to offer any of em and they'll become free agents. But The Mets remain open to re-signing Pelfrey but he would have to take less than the $5.875M he earned in 2012 plus there is that pesky BorASS Mikes agent who wants Pelf to be a starter and the Mets' rotation seems set. With R.A. Dickey, Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jonathon Niese and Dillon Gee,

The baseball winter meetings are just about here, they’ll be held December 3-6 in Nashville, Tennessee. In RA Dickey’s home town, RA said he would likely sit in on negotiations next week at meetings.
Don’t expect the Mets to make much noise they will not be wheeling and dealing trade-wise, The Mets would like to add two outfielders, both righty hitters, since Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mike Baxter and Jordany Valdespin are all lefty hitters, still a chance to see Scott Hairston who hopefully has not gotten too expensive. Scott has been looking around; He wants to see what there is for him out there.
What the Mets are looking for is one of the two outfield signees to be a starter, and the other at least an option to platoon with Nieuwenhuis or Baxter. I believe the outfield is definitely the priority and the bulk of their winter additions to come via free agency, not deals. I would be surprised if no notable trade happens at all.

As to DWright all we know for sure is that in addition to the $16 million that Wright is due in 2013, the word is the Mets have offered a seven-year contract worth somewhere in the 120-130 million. But David has been irritated by that report saying that the information that came out was inaccurate. We also know that David has said from the start that he wants to finish his career as a Met but he also said he expects the Mets to turn things around and become a winning team again. You also have to think that maybe David could get as much as 8 years, and $160M as free agent next winter.
In other DWright news he wants to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March, he is hoping to be invited. Wright played for Team USA in the WBC in 2009.

My ole pal Met Nick Evans, who I hope you guys still remember, has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the deal includes an invitation to major league camp as a first baseman and third baseman. You will remember Nick, left the Mets to sign with Pittsburgh last year, but the kid played in just 21 minor league games before he broke his hand in a slide and was done for the year but he is expected to be fully healed in time for spring training. He is excited about this new opportunity and I want nothing but good stuff for him ne has had more than his share of bad luck it’s time for him to have some success so best of luck to Nick. He will report to big league camp at Camelback Ranch which just so happens to be in Glendale, Arizona. Where Nick went to high school.

I was excited to get The Brooklyn Cyclones 2013 schedule and game times. We will open on Tuesday, June 18th with a 7:00 PM against the Staten Island Yankees.

I dono about you guys but I can hardly wait for baseball again, I know it’s a ways away but still…..

[Sausy]

Glad to hear about Nick, sonny. Just hopes he gets a real opportunity to maximize his playing time somewhere. Maybe he finaly gets that chance with his hometown Dodgers. Yep, definitely can't wait for baseball either...spring training can't come soon enough!

Mets really need to swing a trade for some major league ready prospects and that's why I think RA Dickey is the way to get them. If what I read is real he could well help us land a couple of very good young position players which the organization needs badly, at least one major league ready. he'd have to of course have a window to have him and his agent make a deal but if an extension can be worked out with a team he really likes, Mets should do it in a heartbeat.

I don't think DWRight is going to even sniff eight years, 160 mil offers from anyone, just not that elite a player now in his career. A damn good one still, with Gold Glove type ability at third...but those kind of deals teams tend to regret, especially for second level star players where David is now.The Mets will do seven years in all likelihood, but that's because David means so much to the Mets organization....he isn't a carry on his back dominant hitter, though and that kind of money other teams would want a dominant offensive force...maybe he can do it two or three years in his contract but Iwhile the average of at least .290-.310 is very possible I don't see 35 homers, 120 RBI type seasons..more like 25, 105. I do think he wants the Mets to show a concrete willingness to get better around him and he would only sign if the Mets give him that commitment. Money wise, if he and his agent think a megadeal like what they envision is possible from other clubs, it's advisable to note that the San Francisco Giants won without a lavishly expensive spending policy. You got a few teams flush with money but that alone doesn't buy you championships. David should take the Mets offer if he's looking for the best monetary one... and truthfully with all the shit from thae Mets organization, David would deserve it for staying. But Fred Wilpon was correct about one thing...David if you go by what he is now rather than his four great years 2005-2008 is a very good player, not a superstar cornertone of a franchise anymore.

[sonny10305]

I will be headin down to Jacksonville for a few days, Saucy has promised to keep the thread alive,
who knows he may even break some DWright news

Don’t forget Kevin Burkhardt’s Mets Hot Stove returns today at 4:30 on SNY and repeats all week

See you guys Monday

[Sausy]

I will be headin down to Jacksonville for a few days, Saucy has promised to keep the thread alive,
who knows he may even break some DWright news

Don’t forget Kevin Burkhardt’s Mets Hot Stove returns today at 4:30 on SNY and repeats all week

See you guys Monday

Have fun in Florida, sonny! Yep, I sure will... Hopefully it will be GOOD DWright /Dickey news!

[Ninja108]

The deal the Mets made to David Wright? He took it,so for the next seven years,who will be playing third base will be a moot point. Congrats to one of the nice guys in baseball.

[Sausy]

The deal the Mets made to David Wright? He took it,so for the next seven years,who will be playing third base will be a moot point. Congrats to one of the nice guys in baseball.

Yay,thanks Ninja...beat us to it!!!! Well apparently the snags about deferred payment were very quickly fixable after all and one huge less worry for the Mets organizatieon going into Nashville next week with the Winter Meetings. Congratulations David and the Mets organization for getting this done... David has always represented the Mets with class and professionalism and this deal makes it very likely he will play his entire career for the Mets. Let's hope the Mets step up sooner rather than later and surround him with the kind of talent that can lead to getting to the World Series.

[syam24]

Glad to see the DWright issue is now behind us. I guess RA Dickey will be the next thing, which will probably get done soon, now that David is in the fold. I see where Pelfrey was non tendered as Sonny said he would be. I've read where the Mets still have interest in him, but at a lower price, of course, and possibly as a bullpen part. Getting excited for the winter meetings, though as Sonny has suggested, the Mets will probably be low key players. Without hockey, my eyes will be on the baseball meetings.

[Sausy]

If the Mets get creative, they may be able to get some very nice complimentary players and build depth. Don't forget, San Francisco won the World Series for the second time in two years here in 2012. You don't have to blow eight years and $200 MIL on Zack Greike or Josh Hamilton(both exagerrations I think, but ya never know these days,lol!)as the Dodgers or Angels and other high falutin' spending clubs to win it all.

[Sausy]

Night before winter meetings officially start in Nashville... will Mets just try to do it on the cheap for this year after reeling in David Wright,whose upcoming 30th birthday at least got him a very generous early present from the Mets...the new eight year deal, to be announced sometime this week officially. Bet David got a lot of ribbing at Murph's wedding (not sure but thought I saw he was going to be one of the teammates of Murph attending)!

Wondering if RA Dickey will be able to sign his present in his hometown of Nashville this week?Or will the Mets really go after the position ready prospects like Kansas City, for instance, has that they need while waiting for their young pitching prospects to develop? Should be a VERY interesting week for the Mets even if they don't do any dramatic stuff .

[Sausy]

A little birdie told me that Kevin Burkhart will be broadcasting live from the Winter Meetings in Nashville tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7pm and Thursday night to conclude all the meeting stuff at 10pm. RA Dickey is also expected to appear live in studio on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central tomorrow evening.

[syam24]

Rumors I've read say the Mets have received offers for RA Dickey, and the Mets may trade him, but none of the offers have been substantial enough for the Mets to take action. Again, it's just rumors, so let's see what, if anything developes this week.

[sonny10305]

So not much happening yet here in Nashville as far as the Mets are concerned but it’s only been one day and that was expected.
With the DWright issue settled focus now has to turn to RA Dickey and get that deal done. As of this morning there are 8 teams showing interest in RA but some added the Mets are asking too much for a 38 year old Knuckleballer In fact when Sandy talked to the Red Sox for their two best prospects in exchange for Dickey the Sox thanks but no thanks. We all believe that deep down in his heart Alderson doesn't want to trade Dickey, and is fully aware that us Mets fans don't want Dickey to be traded, sorta makes you think that Sandy’s asking for the moon here is a win-win proposition. If he finds no takers, he'll still have a great pitcher at a pretty decent price and he won’t have to worry about us fans going all postal on his ass. Thing is if the Mets don't trade Dickey this week or later in the offseason, they can still sign him to a long-term deal or hold on to him and see if a better trade opportunity comes along mid-season. What the Mets cannot do is give Dickey up for the cheap if they are going to trade him it damm well better be for someone who will be difference-maker. Look, The Mets should not trade Dickey for someone who will primarily help just for 2013, I mean if that were the case we can just keep Dickey Instead, the Mets need someone who will seriously contribute in 2014. Reminder, as Saucy wrote yesterday and yes I am the little birdie who told him RA will be on the Daily Show tonight with Jon Stewart who is a big Mets fan. RA left this morning for NY for a late afternoon taping.

Getting back to Wright he had as expected his physical yesterday but the final declaration he has passed the physical is not expected to be made until Today (Tuesday) so that press conference originally scheduled for today prolly won’t happen till tomorrow, with The club was just awaiting the blood results, don’t expect any problem there just the way they want to handle it. I am sure Burkhardt will have more on that tonight on Mets Hot Stove but expect the big announcement with Anderson and Wilpon tomorrow instead of today In fact David headed back home to Virginia last night form NY to wait out the results and tomorrow he will be flown here to Nashville on Wilpon's private jet.

As I have sayin I am not expecting all that much out of these meetings other than a righty outfielder possibly a catcher and of course bull pen improvement. As to the outfield I am a strong supporter of the ideas of resigning Scott Hairiston and just this morning Scott said he felt a return to the Mets was probable, and today there are reports that the Mets are also optimistic about a reunion. I warmed up to him quite a bit last year after his 20 homerun season, one of the things that did nor as yet pan out for Scott was his desire to get a two-year deal with a good chance of a regular starting role, but so far they ain’t breakin down the door to give that to him so for now at least ya have to think Hairston's best chance at a starting role may actually be with a return to the Mets. It makes sense for us cause we need his depth, and for sure we could use some additional strength from the right side of the plate. So come on guys bring him back for at least a one-year deal it would in my opinion be an excellent move for all parties involved. Of course my little head would love to see us acquire Wil Myers from the Royals I love that kid if you are not family with him do a Google search and learn more about this guy, will be one special player lemme tell ya and I would love for the Royals to part with him but I also know there are no fools and would want more than we would be willing to give up. But hey, ya never know we can dream can’t we? Just too wet your appetite about him Meyers hit a combined .314 with 37 homers and 109 RBIs in 522 at-bats last season between AA and AAA, he can hit and that knee injury is well behind him, he has shown to be able to drive the ball to all fields with a sweet natural swing, and man does he know how to manipulate the bat, oh by the way in case you’re wondering, yup, he can hit all kinds of pitching.

As to the caching situation Last night someone floated the idea of bring Kelly Shoppach back I said “yeah, right” but turns out someone in Mets la la land actually thinks that might be a good idea. Are you kiddin me????? NO NO NO been there done that no freakin way. And while we are on that subject it is unlikely we will see Rod Barajas or Henry Blanco back in a Mets uniform either. In fact I don't look for a catcher who has passed through the Mets to return to the organization as the righy-hitting complement to Josh Thole. Josh has been workin on his game since the season ended and is currently back at work improving himself I have total confidence that Josh will return next year better than ever and may surprise some but not me. Catching is not exactly in abundant supply now about only remaining righty-hitting free agents include Miguel Olivo, Chris Snyder and Matt Treanor. Of course The Mets also could acquire a backup catcher thru trade, but if ya think about it would not be easy because the club may be asked to overpay for another team's backup, cause ya know maybe some teams GMs kinda feel a little desperation on the Mets part for catching.

In the let’s get rid if this guy department Jordany Valdespin had a two week absence from playing for his winter-ball club in the Dominican Republic because of a team-imposed suspension for insubordination, he was allowed back this weekend as a pinch hitter after not playing since Nov. 14. I can’t go into details of what happened but The “discipline issue” was very much like the last one, he is simply a total immature jackass same ole crap he has been dishing up since we first saw him in Brooklyn, I recall watching him strut around the Cyclones clubhouse all full of himself making few friends and acting like a jerk I went out of my way to avoid contact with him spoke only when I had to and kept it short, I have no use for a fool like him. It is time to cut him loose let him give some other teams agida he is unprofessional self-centered and difficult to work with. LET HIM GO! Shame is the kid can play pretty good baseball and could have a great career so it’s too bad about all the demons that surround him with all that baggage. Dono who would take him cause his behavioral track record is getting around fast. But wait there is hope I now for a fact that Omar Minaya likes him a lot (yeah he would) so maybe San Diego will put up with him.

[sonny10305]

Hey guys let me first apologize for my Jordany Valdespin rant yesterday, thing is I just had to get that out of my system. Hey! I’m Italian what can I say.

I must say I was disappointed in the way Alderson answered a question from Burkhardt regarding the catching situation. Sandy should have shown more enthusiasm for Josh Thole but he did not even mention Josh by name which was disturbing to me. But then Alderson is always cagy with his answers to questions, sorta likes to generalize rather than give his real thoughts on the subject.
Makes me figure Sandy must be a Republican.

Dwight is here! Now that he has passed his physical the official announcement on his deal will be broadcast live today at noon on SNY. David arrived in Nashville along with Jeff Wilpon and other Mets mucky muck, they all went to dinner with David and the Levinson boys. It was like the second coming here in Music City ….seriously. Dave will be speaking with Burhkardt tonight on Hot Stove at 7 on SNY

Had to love Jon Stewart’s remark to RA Dickey last night on the “Daily Show” telling Dickey Congratulations on The CY Young Award a tremendous story. I guess my question is: How will the New York Mets screw this up?

Gonna get my run in and grab some breakfast I will jump in later if anything good breaks at the meetings

[Sausy]

So glad that DWright signed, proud to have him a Met for life as sonny's avatar refers to. Loved the story of David and Jeff Wilpon hashing out the future at a burger joint....and I'm sure with what Alderson would later telll him he just wanted to be convinced the Mets had a positive contending vision for the future. David was going to give the team he's loved since he was a kid growing up in the Norfolk, Virginia and was drafted, developed and has been a star for EVERY opportunity to convince him they not only wanted him but also they were serious about a vision for the future that would get them back in serious contention.

Agree with sonny on Thole, but Josh absolutely HAS to regain the solid contact ability that got him to the majors. He has made great stides defensively, and the Mets know that... but his regression offfensively on a club with so many offensive question marks has to be addressed and remedied. Will he ever be more than a solid platoon catcher? Don't know but a lot of it is up to his own development and the work he does this winter and in spring training to get his sweet stroke back. .230-.240 with virtually no power ain't gonna cut it.

Well they still have RA Dickey and may well keep him, as trade talk has been extensive but the Mets haven't heard anything that meets their parameters of getting back a "difference maker". It seems everyone would give back a fair prosdpect or two but that certainly isn't enough for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner by a longshot. Any talk of giving up RA Dickey or even a Jon Niese without getting back people ready to make strong contributions next year as rightfully Sandy Alderson is emphasizing can go nowhere while teams are not giving up top MLB ready prospects ....don't forget in RA Dickey's case RA and the Mets seem to be very open to the idea of extending RA to get the trade done so you get RA for three years , not just one season. Teams forget prospects are still just that, PROSPECTIVE stars.... getting a very good starting pitcher who gives you innings, plus has a personal story that just so compelling on his route to stardom, well it just doesn't happen for nothing. Sonny seems to be right on track here that the Mets aren't going to really make any other moves here as the meetings end but wll be content to keep everything in the pipeline and see what develops with other players and other clubs. There's no rush to make a trade, and if the Mets and RA can come to a mutually acceptable pact the Mets certainly will be happy to retain RA.

[syam24]

That had to be the lamest excuse for baseball winter meetings I've ever seen. Almost nothing happened. I'm sure there will be signings and some trades in the days to come, but please, not even much bluster or rumors of anything major. It looks like Michael Young will going to the Phillies, to be announced later today.

[Sausy]

Zack Greinke finally picked a team, and it's the LA Dodgers... joining last year's Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. But or six years, about 145 mil...well, Zack is very good but does he truly deserve ace money? He's had one great year, several good -very good years but isn't consistently unhittable or dominant and also has had fragile emotional stability questions...very easily rattled, can he handle the glare of LA? Probably a LOT better than New York, Boston, or Chicago for sure... wish him and the Dodgers the best except against the Mets

Michael Young will help the Phillies but at 37 he is no long term answer... great character guy and should be a consistent contriburtor offensively despite having his worst year offensively in a long time it was still quite respectable...Young averages around .300 with 17 homers, 95 RBI over the last decade and shouldn't be far off that mark. Maybe with the Greinke domino fallling it will start a chain reaction with the other remaining free agents like probably Josh Hamilton re-upping with the Texas Rangers(now that the Ranger's biggest off season target Greinke has gone over to the LA Dodgers) and clarifying the mark for RA Dickey to stay or be traded from the Mets.

No word from sonny since Wednesday? C'mon, sonny....gotta hear your perspectives from Nashville!

[gtru1981]

Holy crap.. Michael Young is 37? He wouldn't do much for them and since the national league doesn't do DH, we probably wouldn't see much of him.

[sonny10305]

Hey guys sorry I haven’t posted ion a while but I have been super busy, I was away for the last 10 days and have a lot to catch up on at work
It was a whirlwind of trip first to Murphy’s than to Nashville where as expected nothing much happened with any moves. But I spoke to a few Mets people who said in spite of how it looked actually a lot got done with respect to “kickin a few tires” and throwin it at the wall to see what might stick. The Mets left with several balls still in the air so it is not as if nothing was accomplished.

My biggest disappointment was in not getting close to signing Wil Myers I really wanted that to happen a lot he is going to be a major ball payer he just has what it takes no question about that. Probably the top prospect in all of baseball. I saw him last week and my last words where “hope next time I see you it will be in St. Lucie with the Mets” sadly that aint gonna happen, The Royals traded Myers away to the Rays in exchange for James Shields, Wade Davis and some other player unnamed. We could have gotten Meyers perhaps had we been willing to give up both Niese and Wheeler.

About the only other possibility during the meetings would have been closer on what happens to RA Dickey but although there was a lot of talk about the only thing that came out of that was the Mets got a bit closer to making Dickey a deal after The Rangers lost out on Zack Greinke, who went to Dodgers making them hunger all the more for RA.
I can tell you that the sticky wicket between RA and a certain Mets official has been ironed out no more bad blood there or so I am told the Mets and Dickey have made some progress since all that was ironed out in fact RA seems to have reduced his price from the original two-year, roughly $25 deal he was looking for up to now, Dickey was asking for more than Wilpon was willing to give and The Mets up to now were not offering as much as RA is willing to accept. But somewhere in between there’s a deal to be done. The Mets want him back, Mets fans want him back. Burkhardt is watching this situation like a hawk and as soon as something happens I will be back to fill you guys in.

Another possibility was for us to acquire a platoon partner for Josh Thole. Alderson has been on the watch for a right-handed-hitting catcher. I had mentioned to you guys my disappointment in not hearing Alderson so much as mention Thole during the meetings but I was happy to find out that yes indeed Sandy does consider Josh very important part of the team and has his full confidence and is only interested in finding a complementary guy to Thole and not a replacement. Now that kiddies was music to my ears.

Next up getting back to Meyers is out need for a righty outfielder although I would rousingly support resigning Scott Hairston, the Mets are in the market for a mid-level outfielder with a mid-level price tag. Hairston would be a right-handed power bat in the middle of the lineup and in the corner of the outfield. I also think the concern about his often times inability to hit righties should not keep us from keeping him.

Then of course there is that big elephant in the room, relief pitching which is I don’t have to tell you another vulnerable area for the Mets, we all know about the lack of arms capable of coming in for the sixth and seventh innings which has been a killer for us Alderson hasn't gotten anything done in that department and we are all painfully aware of what happened last year when he “fixed" the pen. But bullpen guys come and go from year to year, so he should be able to find a middle-inning arm.

So don’t despair Mets fans, sure, it looks like things are stagnant at this point, but I have been told over and over by some pretty reliable people that Alderson has some course of action in the works for the remainder of the winter like acquiring a catcher, outfielder and bullpen help cause the truth remains filling those massive holes will be very important next season.

I am headin over to Queens today for the Mets kids holiday party it will be a special one today for about 100 kids from Far Rockaway schools hit hard by storm Sandy. John Franco will play Santa this year (again) Murph had the honor last year. Ike Davis is here for the Party and there is no way I am going to miss seeing that big juch dressed as an Elf. Yes there will be pictures.

[sonny10305]

In the did no see that coming department RA Dickey surprised a lot of yesterday by tellin how he really feels about his contract negotiation. At the party for the kids effected by the big storm RA said he was just about out of patience or as he put it “wearin thin” RA said he felt like he was asking for even less than what's fair in what he is asking for with a two-year, $26-million extension that would kick in 2014. In case you are not up to speed as of now what the Mets are offering is a two-year deal worth $20 million, which has been the offer from day one and still neither side have yet to exchange what you could call formal offers. Very little progress has been made although Dickey did say the other day he could be flexible that idea seems to have sailed he made no mention of that yesterday. In fact on that RA said there is a surprise sometimes when things don't get done quickly and you already think that you're extending the olive branch. Thing is the so called olive branch is more in the form of demands. No question that RA decided to let it all out yesterday he is fed up with being in limbo waitin for the Mets to either trade him or pay him. A very calm but obviously frustrated RA said Things are emotional for him and he feels like when people say it's business, it's not personal, it just means it's not personal for them. It can be personal for him.

Then came the jaw dropping statement that surprised and kinda shocked me, RA said that If negotiations break down, and he is forced to play the final season of his current deal for $5 million, he would become a free agent and prolly say bye bye to the Mets, adding that It would be unfortunate, because that probably is going to mean that he is not going to be back, and that would be sad.

Of course there where those in attendance who felt this was not the time to bring this up, not at a party for those kids but he was asked and said what he felt it is not as if he jumped up grabbed a mic and said can I have your attention I need to say something, so I am cool with the way it all went down, an as far as his not coming back I think if it came to that and the Mets made him an offer next year he would come back leaving all this unpleasantness behind him.

As you might expect the Mets are not amused by Dickey using the Holiday Party as a forum to air grievances about his on-going contract negotiations. Please, the Mets invited him, and as I said he did not just start going off about his contract, he was asked questions by reporters, who by the way are always allowed to ask baseball questions at these events. So what exactly did the Mets think was going to happen did they seriously think the topic of the contract wouldn’t come up? Sure they knew but what they did not know is that the usually reserve quite Dickey would go off and tell how he really felt. Did they he will say if asked everything’s great? The answer is NO.

The party was a success all those kids got a bit of time to forget the horror of what they went thru with the storm meet Santa and receive presents and that this was all about. It’s just a part of what the Mets always do especially when it come to the kids, since the hurricane besides RA and Ike Davis a bunch of players who have traveled here since Hurricane Sandy. Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee and Jon Niese recently traveled neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island to help with relief efforts and Citi Field has served as a staging area for disaster relief.

The Mets will also team with SNY and New York Cares for their sixth annual Warm Up holiday coat drive on Wednesday at Citi Field. If you donate one or more coats will receive a voucher redeemable for a pair of tickets to a select Mets game in April 2013, as well as a coupon for 15% off merchandise at the Mets team store. Coats can be dropped off at Citi Field's Hodges VIP entrance between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

My only disappointment yesterday was seeing what Ike was wearing, I though he said he was going to be an Elf so naturally I expected to see him in some goofy Elf suit
but all he did was wear a new Mets jersey and a Santa hat,

Cute but where's the Elf suit ?





Here's Santa John Franco)



Have you been a good litle boy Ike?



Even Mr Met needs a santa cap

[sonny10305]

An RA Dickey trade seems just hours away. All extension talks have stopped and the Mets are talking seriously with Toronto to get the deed done this weekend. As to what we will get I will wait till later perhaps tomorrow to write about that but it looks like a catcher and outfielder but more after I hear from KB.

All I want to say right now is that Alderson had better be sure to make this deal worthwhile, no more stupid moves that will cost us a CY Young winner for some could be, may be, and wanna be players. Whoever they turn out to be they had better be ready NOW to make a contribution to our team.

Alderson your reputation is on the line don’t fuck it up.

[Sausy]

Yep, Alderson can't fuck this up because basically it's gotten to the point of sign RA now(and two years extended even between 26-30 million isn't THAT bad at all especially for a pitcher of RA's capability) or trade him now because it would be a media circus next year as long as RA was on the team....will he leave or will he stay and him saying he's not going to negotiate during the season and would become a free agent after next season. Toronto has some very good prospects, hopefully if there are two returning they will be two of their highest prospects and can make an impact playing for the Mets next season.

Great pics from the party and gotta love Ike he doesn't wear the elf's uniform...guess he thinks the hat is enough to razz him about!Who was Santa this year?

[Ninja108]

RA is a cy young award winner no doubt and a great team player etc. However,any time a pitcher of his age becomes a free agent,it's a roll of the dice.
More to the point,yes he was a Cy Young Award this year. He could repeat and be great..or he could fall apart.
Cold hard truth,it's part of baseball. I don think Dickey will do as well in the AL but we will welcome with open arms.

[Sausy]

Well the Mets need to get more talent around David Wright and if it's really Travis d' Arnaud he's got Buster Posey type potential as a hitter and behind the plate, and I really didn't want to use Jon Niese or any of the other young studs the Mets are developing for the rotation but the Mets needed impact position players and Travis is the best rated all around catcher in any othe minor league systems right now and catchers with serious two way ability are very difficult to find. We have to see if the deal gets done and who else is involved, but to get a top flight young catcher for a very good but aging pitcher who has a relatively limited window to continue at his peak... you gotta do it.

[sonny10305]

As I mentioned RA Dickey going to Toronto looks to be about to happen, part of the deal could be for John Beck to come to the Mets. So where does that leave Josh Thole? Mets said they wanted to find a catcher to platoon with Thole but if that catcher turns out to be Beck part of the deal would include swapping Beck for Thole. Catching a knuckelball ain't easy and Josh has proven he can do it very well so Toronto might feel the need to acquire both Dickey and Thole. We would also get catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud.
All I can say is there had better be a lot more to this trade than two catchers one of em some prospect good as he is, but we still needa righty outfielder

[sonny10305]

it’s done RA has agreed to an extension with the Toronto Blue Jays at two years, $25 million. He has landed in Florida for a physical at the Blue Jays' spring-training facility.

So what do we get? well it’s a pretty good package with Travis d’Arnaud, who just happens to be the top catching prospect in the game, along with two other prospects
including Noah Syndergaard, and of course John Buck.

Josh Thole will reflect on all this as he heads off on a pre-planned vacation with wife Cathy and son Camden,

Lots to talk about here can’t do it now will return tomorrow but I have been convinced by a certain field reporter with the initials KB that this is a good thing. My only concern is the prospects and how well they will do in the major league level; and when will they contribute what we need, but that’s for another day.
KB likes it so I do too.

Mike Pelfrey is headed to the Minnesota Twins, he has agreed to a one-year contract.
The deal is pending a physical.

Gotta digest all this be back tomorrow after I speak with a few of the boys.

[Sausy]

Glad the deal got made and that KB convinced you it was a good thing. I'll have more to say later after you give more of your own perspective sonny..feel bad for Josh but hopefully he can get his career back on track in Toronto. Just regressed too much offensively this year...and let's face it Travis d'Arnaud is capable of being a VERY good two way catcher, most importantly with very good power potential. Some say Las Vegas inflates stats with the desert air allowing for more homers but Travis had an MVP caliber season at their AA New Hampshire club in 2011...batted .311 with 21 homers and 78 RBI.

Very sorry to see RA Dickey go....so proud of his accomplishments as a Met especially his Cy Young winning season this past year..just wish things ended less awkwardly for the Mets and RA. The Mets though needed an infusion of young talent from somewhere.....and I didn't want to lose Jon Niese to get it so RA made perfect sense to deal. He got his extension at MUCH closer to his prefered price, $25 million through 2015 which is still a VERY affordable contract by Toronto for a pitcher of his character and caliber. Toronto is poised to be very competitive in the less than overwhelming AL East...they figured I guess in giving up not one but two very high prospects their window is now and they better take advantage of it. Adding Melky Cabrera, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and Mark Buerle in addition to RA gives Toronto as good a chance as any in the AL East.

I know sonny wants a right handed hitting outfielder too and we ALL want that, I'm sure Sandy Alderson will now concentrate on adding to the bullpen and getting a right handed outfield bat. It is a major plus that Travis is right handed with power AND a catcher....hardest position player to find with top caliber two way skills...John Buck isn't a great hitter for average but gives power off the bench. I really like the trade,many GMS are wondering why Toronto would give up so much for an older pitcher who's a knuckleball thrower but like I mentioned Toronto really wants to take advantage now of the balance in the AL East while they can.

So hello Travis, Noah and John and goodbye RA and Josh...the best to you class guys on your new chapter in Toronto!And a great future to you guys coming into New York!