The Wright Move!

The New York Mets have agreed to sign 3B David Wright to a seven-year, $122,000,000 contract on top of his $16,000,000 option for 2013. It is the largest contract in Mets history. Wright hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs while becoming the Mets leader in hits, RBIs, runs scored, and walks.

David Wright collects his franchise-record 1,426th hit.

 



The Mets FINALLY did something Wright! (worn-out pun intended). He should hold the record for singles, games, at-bats, and more by the end of his career.

Standing in The Hall of Fame!

The annual Baseball Hall of Fame elections will take place this January. The class of 2013 will then convene in Cooperstown in July for the induction, and if all goes right, I will join them!

The ballot features first timers, last timers, and roidheads.

This article details why I believe that the first player inducted in 2013 will be...Mike Piazza!

Piazza played for 16 seasons, compiling a statline of .308 427 homers and 1,335 RBIs.

During his career he compiled these highlights:

-His 35 homers as a rookie in 1993 were the most since Matt Nokes' 32 in 1987.
-In 1997 and 1999 his 40 homers are the fourth-most by a catcher, behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Todd Hundley, and Javy Lopez.

-In 1997, his 201 hits were the most by a catcher in MLB history over 130 or more games.

On July 18, 2000 he hit his third grand slam of the season, matched by Carlos Beltran, John Milner, and Robin Ventura.

He had 72 RBIs before the All-Star Break were the most in Mets history, breaking the 69 by Dave Kingman in 1976.

He had nine career 30-homer seasons, including eight consecutive from 1995-2002

In 1996, 1997, and 2000, he led the All-Star Voting

From 1993-2001 he hit over .300.

On June 29, 1996 he hit 3 homers against the Rockies.

Piazza's career numbers, combined with his twelve All-Star appearances, (1993-2002, 2004-2005) and ten consecutive Silver Slugger Awards (1993-2002), in addition to his 1993 Rookie of the Year Award and 1996 All Star Game MVP, prove his worth to the teams he played on during his career.

The hit that healed a nation, Piazza's three-run home run on September 21, 2001, the first game in New York since 9/11.

 

The infamous "broken bat incident" in the 2000 World Series.

 

Mike Piazza WILL get into the Hall of Fame in 2013, and when he does, you can be sure that I will be there watching his induction!

Mets 2012: A Review

Well, it's official, the New York Mets will finish the 2012 Major League Season with a record of 74-85.

(Not So) Fantastic at 50

The season that they started out on was not at all the season that they finished. Dramatic wins, heartbreaking losses. Great starters, horrible bullpens, and historic moments, cannot alleviate the pain of another lost season.

However, that doesn't mean that they cannot improve for next season.

Infield
The Mets primary move this season is to re-sign star third baseman David Wright to a long-term (six or seven year) contract. They cannot trigger his 2013 option without attempting a long-term deal. His option is worth $16 million for the 2013 season. He hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs while scoring 91 runs. He set the Mets hits and RBI record earlier in September.

In addition, Justin Turner, former second baseman turned backup, will return. Turner hit .266 with two homers and 19 RBIs in 2012. He has become one of my favorites for his ability to come through in the clutch.

Daniel Murphy, .293, six homers, 65 RBIs, has made up for his lack of power with his great production.

Ike Davis has been coming up as a trade target for the Mets following his strong finish this season. The Red Sox look to be in hot pursuit. While Ike is not a star player, I would be disappointed to see him go.

Ruben Tejada (.285, 25 RBIs and 53 runs scored) is a lock for the shortstop job in 2013.

The same cannot be said for Ronny Cedeno, the infielder signed to a reserve role in 2012. He hit just .259 last season and should not return.

Outfield
One of the few changes last season began with the trade that netted Andres Torres. Torres in turn was more or less a solid complimentary piece, hitting .230 with 34 RBIs and 46 runs scored. With the rise of young talent like Lucas Duda and Captain Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Torres is a sure-fire goner.

Which brings us to good old Jason Bay. The worst player on the team, Bay hit just .165 with 8 homers, 20 RBIs, and, get this, 58 strikeouts. GET OUT NOW!!!!! Bay has one year and $16 million left on his contract for 2013. The team NEEDS to trade Bay now. Don't give me this "bad season, can't trade" crap. If the Red Sox can unload Beckett and Crawford in one deal, than the Mets can certainly eat Bay's contract.

Meanwhile, the Mets $1 million dollar man, Scott Hairston, hit .263 with 19 homers, 55 RBIs and 51 runs scored. He absolutely MUST come back.

Mike Baxter, .263 with 17 RBIs and 26 runs scored in just 88 games, is a leading candidate to replace Bay or Torres.

Catchers
Josh Thole, .234 1 homer and 21 RBIs, was an offensive disappointment this season. Even with the games he missed with a concussion, he has failed again to put up solid offensive numbers. He is arbiration eligible and he will likely return, but his time is running out.

Kelly Shoppach, .237 with 8 homers 27 RBIs and 23 runs scored, is likely to be let go. But with the poor season Mike Nickeas has had, he is possibly a return if Nickeas is demoted.

Starting Pitchers

The Mets starters were brilliant this season, and all gave their greatest effort.

 

 

Johan Santana (6-9, 4.85 ERA), started the season, with a victory, pitched the Mets first no-hitter in June, and fell apart afterwards. He is due to make $25 million next season, and his option will not be triggered in 2014. The Mets must make sure he is healthy for 2013, his farewell tour in New York.

 

"In their 51st Season, Johan Santana has thrown the first no-hitter in New York Mets history!" (Gary Cohen)

 

Meanwhile, the Mets true ace, R.A. Dickey (21-6), is up for free agency in 2013. He must be extended in the offseason, even as he turns 38 in October.

Jon Niese (13-9, 3.40 ERA) is stepping into the role of Mets ace. He needs to prove he can handle the pressure next season.

 

Chris Young (4-9 4.15 ERA) is ending his Mets career with a no-decision. With the Mets headed towards a "2014 or bust" campaign, and Chris being 33-years-Young (see what I did there?), the Mets are unlikely to retain him.

 

With Jenry Mejia, Matt Harvey, and Collin McHugh up and ready, the end is nigh for former draft bust Mike Pelfrey. Pelf (0-0) in three games with 24 hits in 19 innings, ends his Mets career in a disasterous fashion, with Tommy John surgery in April.

 

Menawhile, Dillon Gee (6-7 with a 4.10 ERA) was shut down with a major arm injury. Gee is a good young pitcher and the Mets hope he can return to form in 2013.

 

Bullpen

The worst part of the Mets that did them in was their bullpen, worst in the MLB in many categories.

 

Closer Frank Francisco needs to be cut loose as he is likely to miss the entire 2013 season with elbow tendonitis. That means that the team needs to go after a quality closer next season. His 23 saves led the team but his 5.53 ERA is an utter disaster for a closer.

Francisco after blowing a save.

 

Jon Rauch (3-7, 3.59 ERA) cleaned up his act in the second half, but the 34-year-old former Olympian was a disaster for the better part of the first half. Since he only signed a one-year deal, he is G-O-N-E GONE!

 

Bobby Parnell (5-4, 2.53 ERA) put up solid numbers, but his lack of closing ability renders him to an eighth inning role. He will return, but NOT as a closer.

 

Ramon Ramirez (3-4, 4.24 ERA and 1 save) is gone. The Mets bullpen was a disaster, and he didn't help at all.

 

Sadly, the Mets ace reliever, Tim Byrdak (2-2 4.40 ERA) is likely to miss the entire season in 2013 because of his shoulder surgery. He will not return on more than a minor league deal, and his career could very well be over, as he turns 39 on Halloween.

 

And finally...

 

Coaches

Manager Terry Collins has a very stressful job as Mets manager. His 2013 option was triggered following last season, and he must return.

 

 

 

Dan Warthen, meanwhile, is safe. The Mets pitchers were stellar last season dicounting Pelfrey and Johan after his injury. Why screw up a good thing.

 

Tom Goodwin, Tim Teufel, and Dave Hudgens are all safe, as the Mets outfielders, base running, and offense have been up to par this season.

 

However, you will notice that there is one man who I have not mentioned here as safe.

 

Bullpen coach Ricky Bones should, must, and will be fired. The Mets bullpen, dead worst in Major League Baseball in 2012. The Mets earliest move this offseason should be to fire Bones and look for a better bullpen coach.

 

The Mets future looks extremely bright, esspecially after the 2014 season when the remaining bad contracts are up. The task ahead for Manager Terry Collins is a hard one, but when all is said and done, he will be credited with the rebuilding of a great, historic franchise.

 

 

I am sorely disappointed that the season is over, but I CANNOT WAIT for an even better 2013 season, when we can once again sing...

 

Meet the Mets

Meet the Mets

Step Right Up and Greet the Mets

Bring Your Kiddies

Bring Your Wife
Guaranteed to Have the Time of Your Life
Because the Mets Are Really Rockin' That Ball
Hittin' Those Home Runs Over the Wall
East Side, West Side
Everybody Come Down
To Meet the M-E-T-S Mets
Of New York Tiown! 

 



Meta vs Giants

Bay and Cedeño had singles in the first, and Wright added a single in the second, 5-0.

Hunter Pence has a sac fly in the fourth, 5-1.

Murphy and Cedeño singled in the sixth, 7-1.

Cedeño had a two-run double, 9-1.

Mets vs. D-Backs

Murphy doubled, Wright doubled, and Hairston doubled, 2-0 Mets in the first.

In the fifth, Hairston had a single to score Wright and moved to second on the throw, 3-0 Mets.

Murphy doubled in the sixth to score Andres Torres, 4-0. Paul Goldschmidt doubled in the sixth, 4-1.

In the eighth, Josh Thole doubled to score Torres and the Mets had a 5-1 lead.

The Mets played very well and Dickey delivered another stellar performance.

Mets @ D-Backs

Tejada and Murphy singled and Scott Hairston doubled to score two, 2-0 Mets.

Rob Johnson had a sac fly in the fourth, 3-0.

Justin Upton had a sac fly in the eighth against Jon Rauch, 3-1.

Matt Harvey had 11 strikeouts and allowed just 3 hits in his major league debut while also going 2-for-2 at the plate! The bullpen was very good except for the lone run, and Parnell picked up a save.

Let's Go Mets!

Mets vs. Nats

Ronny Cedeno had an RBI single in the second, 1-0.

Danny Espinosa singled, 1-1.

Adam LaRoche homered in the sixth, 3-1 Nats. Then, Jesus Flores had a two-run single, 5-1.

Jordany Valdespin hit his fifth pinch hit home run to lead off the eighth, setting a Mets club record and making the score 5-2 Nationals.

Former Yankee Tyler Clippard came on and pitched a solid ninth inning. The Mets decline continued as the team suffered yet another loss to the Nationals and R.A. Dickey lost his second game of the season (first was on April 18 in Atlanta in the rain).

Mets vs. Nats

Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer in the first, 2-0.

David Wright drilled a solo shot in the fourth, 2-1!

Ike Davis hit a Pesky-esque home run off of the right field foul pole in the seventh and the Mets tied the game at 2!

The Mets lost 8-2.

Mets vs. Dodgers

Looking to avoid a sweep, the Mets turned to ace-in-the-making Jonathan Niese to stop the bleeding and save the season.

Juan Rivera drilled a two-run shot in the fourth, 2-0.

Josh Thole had an RBI single in the fourth, 2-1!

Andre Ethier singled, 3-1.


Ike doubled and Murphy singled, 3-2!

Ike hit a groundout to tie the game at 3. Daniel Murphy was intentionally walked and Lucas Duda grounded out to end the inning and force the game into extra innings.





Treanor singled in the twelfth, 5-3.




The Mets lost a pathetic game 8-3.

Rebuilding!

The Mets have finally begun to take the advice of myself and the rest of the media and rebuild.

Today it was announced that 41-year-old RHP Miguel Batista has been designated for assignment (DFA'ed). This may be the end for the journeyman righthander, who has pitched very poorly in 2012.

Will this move signal the beginning of Matt Harvey in New York? Only time will tell.

Mets @ Braves

Ike led off the second with a double and took third on a Murphy groundout. Thole doubled, 1-0 Mets.

The Braves had the bases loaded in the second and Hinske doubled, 2-1. They scored on an RBI single by Bourn but a runner was tagged out. 3-1

Ike homered in the fourth, 3-2. Daniel Murphy singled, Kirk singled and Torres singled to score a run, 3-3.

Freddie Freeman doubled, 5-3 Braves.

Justin Turner had an RBI single in the fifth, 5-4 Braves! Ruben Tejada singled to score Andres Torres, 5-5!!! Valdespin singled, 6-5 Mets!!! Wright struck out. Ike struck out.

Josh Edgin pitched the sixth and Jon Rauch got into trouble in the seventh before retiring the Braves scoreless.

Andres Torres doubled in the eighth and Scott Hairston lined out. Ruben Tejada singled to score Torres, 7-5 Mets! Jordany Valdespin struck out and David Wright struck out to end the inning.

Tim Byrdak pitched to Brian McCann, who worked a walk. Byrdak departed for Pedro Beato, who allowed a single to Dan Uggla. Tyler Pasternicki struck out while attempting to bunt. Pinch hitter Juan Francisco faced Bobby Parnell and struck out looking. Michael Bourn had an RBI single, 7-6. Prado singled, 7-7. Jason Heyward singled, 8-7 Braves.

What Relief!

It's no secret that the Mets bullpen sucks. It never seems to get the job done and labors tremendously jus to get a single out. The relievers never capitalize on key outs and something needs to be done.

Ramon Ramirez-Out of contract following the season, Ramirez hasn't been a great pickup. Thou who cometh via trade shalt leaveth via trade.

Tim Byrdak-The greatest lefty specialist the Mets have had in years. Deserves a contract extension.

Bobby Parnell-Under a one-year contract, Parnell continues to excell in non-closing roles. Keep him around and stop making him close.

Miguel Batista-He cannot stick around to finish the season. The 41-year-old needs to be traded to enrich the future of the Mets with a quality prospect.

Jon Rauch-Seven losses for a reliever, really? Goodbye.

The Mets need new pitchers, badly. A trade or callup could work well. Hey, I hear K-Rod wants to be a full-time closer again...

Meet the Mettle

Bringing back a former mascot is worth considering.

Back in 1979, the stubborn New York Mets, then owned by Bebe DeRoulet (before being sold), chose a new mascot for the team. Around this time, the team phased out Mr. Met and instead chose a different look, a live mule.

Really, the team mascot was a live mule, named Mettle. Fans were able to see the mule in the bullpens at Shea Stadium. In 1979, when Fred Wilpon and Nelson Doubleday purchased the team and almost immediately discontinued Mettle the Mule.

I've always liked Mr. Met and mascots in general. From Mr. Met, the Phillie Phanatic, and even Wally the Green Monster. In a recent "Tweet of the Game" on SNY, reviving Mettle was presented as a choice. I say, why not. They brought back Banner Day this year and Mr. Met in the 1990's. It would only be fitting to revive him as part of the franchise.

Mettle at Shea Stadium in 1979, one of the only known images of the mascot.

Thoughts on the Trade Deadline

It is well known that July 31 is the baseball trade deadline each and every year. Contending teams trade away players, prospects, or cash, for players to help them win now, whereas non-contenders trade for prospects to help them win sooner rather than later. Here are my thoughts on how the Mets should handle this year's trades.


5) Andres Torres-The 34-year-old outfielder has a history of being plagued by injuries and this year is no exception. He went down on Opening Day with a calf injury and missed a considerable amount of the first months of the season. He doesn't bring a ton to the table but could be used in a package deal. With Duda, Hairston, and Captain Kirk as well as Jason Bay in the wings, the Mets should try and get what they can for him before he departs as a free agent.


4) Miguel Batista-Still going (semi)-strong at age 41, Batista is certainly in the latter phase of his career. In the midst of a disappoining year, the Mets may want to cash in before he retires.

3) Jon Rauch-Olympic Gold Medal in 2000, tallest man to hit a home run (off of Roger Clemens no less), first win at Nationals Park, blah blah blah. The man has a 3-7 record, an ERA over 4, and oh yeah, turns 34 in September. GET HIM OUT!

2) Jason Bay-Quite possibly the worst signing in the last few years. In all likeliness we will be stuck with Bay until July of next season, when his contract reaches it's last few months. If Bay leaves, Mets fans all over will rejoyce.

All these men are good choices, but none, not even Bay, can trump the #1 choice...

1) MIKE PELFREY- He's out for the season, he's been an okay pitcher at best in his Mets career, he's coming off Tommy John surgery, and he's the most overpayed player on the team for what you get out of him. Why the Mets wasted nearly $6 million on him is way beyond me.

Anyone here that shouldn't be, anyone I left out? Sound off below with your choices.

Mets @ Dodgers

In the third Torres and Tejada singled and Wright singled, 1-0 Mets! Ike had a sac fly to score a run but Wright was tagged out trying to take second, 2-0 Mets.

In the fifth, Tejada doubled, Duda had an RBI single, Wright and Duda scored on a double by Murphy, 5-0 Mets.

In the sixth, Josh Thole singled and moved to second of Dickey's sac bunt. Ruben Tejada was (in my opinion, as in the opinions of the SNY announcers), intentionally hit, and Aaron Harang was replaced by Shawn Tolleson. David Wright grounded to short to end the inning on a force play at second.

Ike doubled in the seventh and moved to third on Duda's single. Daniel Murphy socked a three-run shot to right, 8-0 Mets! Tejada singled and drove in another run, 9-0 Mets.

Jeremy Hefner came on in the ninth to relieve R.A. Dickey and pitched a scoreless inning to give the Mets an easy 9-0 victory over the Dodgers on this beautiful Saturday morning.

Mets @ Dodgers

In the first inning, Tejada doubled and Wright followed suit, 1-0 Mets.

David Wright socked a solo shot in the fourth, 2-0 Mets!!

Jonathan Herrera had an RBI triple in the fourth with no outs, 2-1. Juan Rivera singled to tie the game at 2.

Mike Nickeas singled in the fifth, Young laid down a sac bunt, and Andres Torres doubled to score Nickeas, 3-2 Mets!!

Young departed in the seventh and Tim Byrdak replaced him.

Wright walked for his 581st walk, setting a Mets record in the eighth inning.

Jon Rauch induced a critical double play in the eighth to preserve the Mets' lead!

Bobby Parnell pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and the Mets defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 on this wonderful Thursday night, (or ist Friday morning?)

Why The Mets Need to Ressurrect Old Timers' Day

The New York Yankees have held their well-publicized Old Timers' Day every year since 1947, and will hold it again on Sunday. The Mets once had the same tradition, and it needs to be revived.

The Mets have had some great players throughout the history of the franchise and what better way to celebrate than with an Old Timers' Day.

Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden, Tom Seaver, Mike Cameron, Rusty Staub, John and Matt Franco, Mike Piazza and Mookie Wilson could reunite on the field for a three or four inning exhibition game. Roger Craig to throw out the first pitch, and Ralph Kiner to join in the booth, with Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez on the field.

The ceremonies would be hosted jointly by Gary Cohen and Howie Rose.

So, what do you say?

I'm Back, Back In The New York Groove!

The Mets and Yankees hook up tonight for a Subway Series matchup! Robbie Cano homered in the second, 2-0 Yankees. Cano homered again, 4-0. Swisher followed with a solo homer, 5-0. Andruw Jones homered, 6-0. It's back to back to back, and belly to belly! Omar Quintanilla doubled in the sixth for the Mets first hit of the game. Elvin Ramirez came in to pitch the sixth for the Mets. The Yankees had two men in scoring position in the seventh with no outs, and A-Rod hit a sac fly, 7-0. Swisher doubled, 8-0. Jones doubled, 9-0. Cody Eppley relieved Kuroda. Duda had an RBi single in the ninth, and Vinny Rottino This game was a complete joke, I cannot believe what I had to endure seeing...on the contrary, Kuroda pitched well.

Mets @ Nats

Duda homered in the fifth, 2-0. Murphy had an RBI single in the seventh, 3-0. Zimmerman homered in the ninth, 3-1. Frank pitched a solid inning after the homer and the Mets snapped their 3-game losing streak.

Mets @ Nats

Bryce Harper hit a three run homer in the first but Quintanilla's RBI single cut the lead to 3-1. Lucas Duda's RBI groundout in the fourth made it 3-2. Morse singled in the fifth, 4-2. Davis scored on a groundout from Quintanilla, 4-3. The Nats scored again on a flyout in the seventh by LaRoche, 5-3.