Random Saturday Notes

Chris Kline did a chat wrap on Baseball America. Here are some highlights:

Q: pete from nyc asks:
The Mets have several high ceiling prospects as well as emerging talent this year. They are on the fringes of contention. They were in the same position last year. I just threw up a little in my mouth. Should I be worried?

A: Chris Kline: I think anything can happen in the East, and yes, the Mets have some high-ceiling guys that could be impact players. I don't think this is deja vu, though, Pete. So go brush your teeth.

You have to love Met fans.

Q: Adam from Clinton, NJ asks:
Are you going to have to replace Justin Verlander on the futures game roster after his probable start on monday and if so with who?

A: Chris Kline: That depends on the Tigers. I'm not sure what the better story is--Verlander showcasing Detroit's future at Comerica on July 10 or Verlander making it to the big leagues after just three months as a pro. Either way, he's the cover boy on our next issue, which is pretty cool timing.

You read that right. Justin Verlander is making a start on Monday against the Cleveland Indians. Absolutely amazing. He has pitched one hundred minor league innings and only fourteen above A-ball. No one doubts his stuff, but it will be interesting to see how he approaches a Major League team. The idea is that he makes a start and gets sent down, but we'll see about that.

Jared Weaver is having a bumpy start to his pro career.

Things didn’t go so well for 2004 first-round pick Jered Weaver in the contest, as the 2004 College Player of the Year gave up seven runs on eight hits over four innings, raising his ERA to 9.64 in three starts with opposing batters hitting a lofty .381 against the right hander.

Billy Wagner is not too optimistic about the Phillies chances of making the playoffs.

"I think it's the truth," Wagner said. "The way we're playing now, if anybody's fool enough to think we're a playoff team the way we're playing right now, they're crazy. We haven't played well. It doesn't have anything to do with us not working hard or playing hard. We're not getting it done. No, we're not a playoff team right now."

Can we all collectively laugh at the Yankees? The part that makes me mad is that people are not calling RJ a bust. If this had been the Mets, the media would have been all over them. Instead, they give RJ chance after chance. His .261 BAA and his 7.93 K/9 are cause for a big concern for team that just spent a whole lot of money on a 41 year old pitcher that is not getting any younger. For their sake, I hope he is injured so there is some sort of explanation. He is on track for his lowest K/9 in sixteen years.

MLB is probing Gary Sheffield's self made no trade clause. The Commish is not happy with it and said that it hurts the integrity of the game by saying you will not give 100% and make life miserable for the other team. In regards to Sheff, he felt he was being singled out by the Yankees and some of the higher paid, underproductive players should be moved. However, he fails to realize that since he has been the most consistent player on the team over the past two years and is cheaper, so he is the most attractive cog in a trade to help a team that direly needs to make a move or two.

Roberto Hernandez has proved the entire world wrong this year and has been such a huge key to the team this season. It is tough to envision this team without him.

"I just feel bad for 'Glav,'" Hernandez said. "He battled the whole night and he didn't come out with a win. I know this is about the team win, but (Glavine) should have gotten the win."

If the Mets make the playoffs, and Cliff Floyd continues like he is at bat and in the field, is he a legit candidate for MVP? Derek Lee and Andruw Jones seem to be front runners now for what they mean to their team, but Cliffy has to have some consideration at this point.

Cliffy has an uphill battle in terms of getting a much deserved All-Star nod.

People still say do not count the Yankees out. I say why? Have they proven themselves to be anything but a bad team that showed signs of life during one hot stretch only? In April they were 10-14 and in June they were 12-14. The only winning month they had was May went they went 17-10 and that was due to their 16-2 streak. Imagine if they had not caught fire at that point? To prove how screwed up the media is around here, Mad Dog was talking to Bobby Valentine and asked if the Mets lack of success made him happy. Valentine obviously said no, but Russo then made the statement that for all the money the Mets spent in the off season, they are still only .500. The funny part is, he spoke with just about the entire Yankee organization and spend the majority of the time wiping man juice off his lip. What about the Yankees only being .500 after spending almost at least double of every Major League team?

Minor update:

• Norfolk beat Toledo 6-3. Anderson Hernandez raised his average to .382 after a 2 for 4 night in which he hit two doubles. Chase Lambin drove in two runs for the Tides.
  
• Akron beat Binghamton 4-3. Brett Harper has two hits at AA, and both are homeruns. Matt Lindstrom showed some signs of life by going two innings and striking out three while not allowing a run.
  
• Lakewood beat Hagerstown 8-7. Ambiorix Concepcion went 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs.
  
• The Cyclones lost to Aberdeen 6-3.
  
• The GCL Mets beat the GCL Dodgers 6-3.
  
• Kingsport and St. Lucie were rained out.