A blog dedicated to the New York Mets with some other baseball thrown in.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Retribution!

'Tis a good day. When I first saw the link, I had to check the URL to make sure it was on the up and up. Then I had to go in through the USAToday.com homepage to double check because I am sure everyone remembers the fake Beltran link that went around before the Mets actually signed him. There are evil, evil, evil people out there that like to pray upon our vulnerability as Met fans.

The pundits said it would never happen. In fact, they are still speaking about the inferior package the Mets offered as they report this glorious news. I never wavered and fought the good fight in the name of sanity and objectivity and it turns out I was right...sort of. The Yankees and Red Sox basically pulled out, but I still thought this deal was just right all along.

The deal could still fall apart, but that seems extremely doubtful at this point. Johan gets to come to the DH-less National League to add onto his Hall of Fame legacy and joins the other best pitcher of our time. Let that one sink in. We have the two most dominant pitchers in the last decade. Good times. Weird things did happen yesterday with the Twins upping their offer to five years and $100 million according to Mike and the Mad Dog.

If Johan wanted to be there, he probably would have taken it. However, when faced with the option of staying in a highly competitive AL Central with a small market club or head to the Mets and instantly become the favorites in the NL East, he chose door #2 and forced their hand. Now I still think it is a three team race in the NL East, but Johan, Maine, Pedro, Ollie, Wagner, Reyes, Wright, Beltran, and Alou are a formidable group that makes the Mets the favorite.

Let us not forget to throw into the pot that Mike Pelfrey and Fernando Martinez are still around. I will surely miss Carlos, Deolis, Kevin, and Phil, but I think that was a palatable package to give up. Though many ill informed fans would think that is not nearly enough, the fact is the Twins were not selling four years of Johan Santana.

While that is a hard concept for people to grasp, it really should not be. Also, please ignore any previous offer. Not only were those offers for Johan's one year under market value and exclusive rights to get bent over a table by Johan, but more was being thrown into the pot to keep him from the enemy. Take the enemy factor out and you get a clearer picture of the true market.

"A lot of teams just weren't willing to give up their best prospects, then have to try to sign this guy," one American League executive said. "Imagine if the Twins had been trying to move Santana and he was already under contract for three years at $15 million. They could have asked for the moon and gotten it."

Omar just plucked himself off of the hot seat and solidified Willie's presence in our lives for the foreseeable future which in itself cannot even get me down. Even Emad was won over by the trade. "Well, that's a pretty 'right' package. I'm satisfied." And there we have it. The Mets just landed the guy with the most wins since 2003 (82), the lowest ERA since 2003 (2.92), and the most strikeouts since 2003 (1,152). Fun fact, Johan in his off year had a higher WARP1 than Becket and was only .02 lower than Sabathia. Sweet Jebus.

For the Twins, I firmly believe they will get one All-Star caliber player between Gomez and Guerra. If they get one of those guys to that level, another to be dependable reliever, and another solid starter, things will be all good. They will be able to call this one a good trade. Of course, we will not be able to make a final determination for a few years, but keep your chin up Twins fans. Things look favorable.

Not wordy enough? Let's keep going then. While speaking about the deal, I would be remiss to not bring up how Theo brilliantly played this one. The Yankees put out the initial offer of Hughes, Cabrera, Marquez, and whomever. The Red Sox and the Yankees are in a daily competition and Theo wanted to keep Johan out of Cashman's hands. So, what does he do? He puts together a package that was clearly better to up the stakes. When I say clearly better, I do not mean clearly better in my opinion. I mean it was matter of a fact better.

Of course, Bill Smith sat on the sidelines and both the Yankees and Red Sox backed off and he was left with the Mets offer which might have been the only offer from the way things sounded. Although, that might not be the worst thing for Smith because it made his decision a lot easier. The Mets package is undoubtedly risky, but man is it interesting. The sky is the limit for Guerra and Gomez and I will be forever indebted to them for enabling the Mets to land Johan Santana while keeping Fernando.

* * *

  • So, what did it cost to get Santana? Besides talent it certainly cost some money. Guerra cost $700,000 to sign, Humber cost $3,000,000 for his signing bonus, Mulvey cost $585,000 to sign, and Gomez cost $20,000 to sign.

    That would be grand total of $4,305,000.

  • Talk about being negative.

    From the Red Sox, the Twins could have had left-hander Jon Lester or outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, plus a near-ready infielder, Jed Lowrie, and right-hander Justin Masterson. From the Yankees, they could have had right-hander Phil Hughes — perhaps the single best player they were offered — plus center fielder Melky Cabrera, and more.

    Instead, they will land Gomez, who might not hit well enough to become the next Carlos Beltran; Mulvey and Humber, whom most scouts project as back-of-the-rotation starters; and Guerra, who, for all his promise, has yet to pitch above Class A. The deal will become official once Santana passes his physical and agrees to a contract extension.


    So, why does he mention all of the doomsday scenarios when speaking of the Met prospects while not mentioning the clear flaws with anyone else? Weird. You would think he had an agenda or something.

    Since no one else will do it, I will.

    John Lester: I like Lester a lot. He has guts and that was evident when he faced the Mets back in 2006. However, he does have a 4.68 big league ERA, a WHIP of 1.57, and a career ERA+ of 101. The most discouraging part? His minor league numbers are not all that much prettier. He has a 3.78 bb/9 and a 1.31 WHIP. His control issues seem to be more than just a phase and will probably hamper him for taking that next step. It is hard to be really successful as a starter with that much of a control problem.

    Jacoby Ellsbury: He might not be able to hit enough to knock CoCo Crisp out of the starting lineup. His minor league ISOD is .076 and is ISOP is .112. Want more gloom and doom? At 24 he is not likely to appreciably stronger without the juice.

    Comparatively, Gomez has a .061 ISOD and a .121 ISOP for his minor league career. Throw on top of that some serious raw power, the fact he is younger, and a winning smile and that is all very interesting....

    Jed Lowrie: This is a tough one for me. I actually like Lowrie a lot and think he is going to be a solid player. He put up a .095 ISOD and a .157 ISOP in his minor league career. Not bad for a middle infielder. Wait? He might not stick up the middle? Oh...then check that. He has a shot to be marginally producing corner infielder with a sub par glove.

    Justin Masterson: He might end up a reliever or back end rotation guy as well. Actually Mulvey is a better prospect and Humber is not far off if not even better. Maybe he can give us a call when he gets his ERA under 4.00 outside of one stint in the NYPL.

    Melky Cabrera: In the bigs he has a .065 ISOD and a .113 ISOP. In the minors he put up a .053 ISOD and a .128 ISOP. He is also the 2nd worst center fielder according The Fielding Bible. Oh, did I mention he really does not steal that many bases either and at 5'11" he is not exactly projectable in terms of adding some pop?

    Just an aside, can someone clue me into why no one in the media is pointing out he is an average (I'm being generous here) player with limited upside? Is it because he is young? Am I missing some secret tools that scream upside? It seems like the best thing about him is that we KNOW he is average in the bigs where as Gomez has not had a chance to average, great, good, or bad. I am missing the allure here when people allude to the idea the Twins 'missed out' on Melky. The best thing about him is that Hughes came with him.

    Phil Hughes: Actually, I like Hughes a lot. I refuse to sink to their level and speak bad about him. The dude is squeaky clean. Of course, he is still more likely to not win 100 games than he is likely to win 100 games. Young pitching is more or less a crap shoot which is why you want a lot of it around. Which does bring me to this point. Hughes was the only player of worth in the rumored Yankee deal so Smith's eggs would have been in one basket. Hughes does not turn out to be a stud, and the Twins lose. It is that simple.

    As for Gomez again, this is from people that scout the game of baseball:

    Fastest Baserunner Carlos Gomez
    Best Athlete Carlos Gomez
    Best Defensive Outfielder Carlos Gomez
    Best Outfield Arm Carlos Gomez

    While it is fair to say his numbers are favorable if not better when factor in fielding and stolen when compared to Ellsbury and Cabrera's minor league numbers, it is also fair to say he has sizeable upside. It should be noted that Ellsbury is rather good athlete as well and has the ability to hit for a high batting, but he simply does not have the power projection or arm that Gomez has which is where they really diverge as prospects.

    Sticks and stone...I know...I know. But it bothers me that people negatively skew things towards the Mets for no justifiable reason. They make it seem like everyone in the Red Sox and Yankee deals are preordained to be stars while the Mets are just scrubs with no future and are all downside. You would think someone would at least admit these guys are talented human beings at the very least. I guess it does not matter since Omar got his man.

  • The Blue Jays could be the next team to come over to the dark side.

  • This seems like a science fiction story to me.

    This was late Monday night, about 12 hours before the Mets would pounce upon their most dramatic trade in recent history. Twins' general manager Bill Smith, in a panic to move Johan Santana, called the Yankees and admitted surrender: Phil Hughes was no longer a prerequisite, he said. Instead, the Twins asked for Ian Kennedy, Melky Cabrera and a top prospect. Would the Yankees still be interested, Smith wondered?

    The Yankees considered the idea, but only briefly and not seriously.


    Kennedy stood in the Yankees way? Perplexing. A guy with average stuff who 'knows how to pitch' was all it was going to take? Smith is really not looking like a good GM here. He should be thankful for his own good that the Yankees balked at that deal because the Met package was eons better than Kennedy/Cabrera.

  • The Mets getting Santana brings parity? It doesn't make them the favorites?

    "This certainly evens the balance within the division," said Glavine, who signed a free agent contract with Atlanta in November. I don't think this makes [the Mets] the class of the division. I think it puts them in a position where their rotation is much better and that was their biggest need.

    "Within the division, I think you have three teams that can now not only win the division, but also the World Series. I think all three teams did a nice job of filling their biggest needs."


    Thanks for the insight Tom.
  • Labels: ,

    41 Comments:

    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    just when i thought i was out they pull me back in

    jake

    11:24 AM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    I have a perma-grin. It reminds me of the time when I got my driver's license and me and my friends went to Paterson for some fake IDs...

    Then we went to Stilletto's in Nanuet. Sweet jebus, this smile rivals that one.

    11:30 AM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I think you should change the title of the post to "Suck it Wallace Matthews"

    11:46 AM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    Suck it Wallace.

    Suck it looooong.

    I'm sure his article about how the Phillies and their stellar rotation or the Braves with their great pick up of Glavine are still the favorites.

    11:54 AM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Methinks Mr. Not Devastated overestimates his worth by, well, by a lot. When the media puffing dies down and people in Chop-land realize that they have lost their first round pick for a 43 year old man who was not just average because he was in New York but because he is now not much more than what he has been since he left, I expect that not many people are going to buy the parity argument Tom wants to bring. At least the Phillies fans understand how Santana's acquisition changes the dynamics. The Braves are not a better team than they were last season. They are a medium distant third, no better and probably worse.

    All those thank the Yankees tomes today while not entirely unjustified do reveal the media slant the Mets are cursed to deal with through my son's son's generation and beyond. But I will admit, this once, that I admire the Yankees' sticking to their guns and keeping Hughes and some semblance of fiduciary responsibility. God, how can I write that when they have committed over $200 MILLION to a bunch of ballplayers? Cashman clearly has realized that the financial spiral must be tamed, and I bet that the irrelevant Clemon's signing of last season has reinforced that view.

    And obviously, we all should voucher our respect for the fine job both the Bostonians and, god this kills me!, the Spankees have done to be in a situation where their internal organizational strength allows them to resist trading for the best pitcher in baseball! No team that could afford Johan NEEDED HIM more than Omar and the Mets, and we will all be praising Omar's endurance and clear reading of the situation for a long time to come.

    But I feel compelled to rain a bit on our parade today and note that we HAD to get him because we have inferior player development capabilities at the moment: the Mets unwillingness to spend on the draft has led them to push what prospects they have at what I see as a debilitating pace; they will argue that this comes from their confidence in their signings but let's face it, the have no other choice. They have to start paying for prospects like a big market team and then being able to afford the luxury of time to let them develop one level at a time.

    That said, I've got a bottle of champagne in my fridge for the much awaited announcement of the deal's conclusion.

    Oh, and Wallace Matthews, the nationally renowned sports journalist according to the asshole who wrote me from the office of Newsday's publisher, can suck my left one! (I'm saving the right one for someone special!)

    12:26 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    hahahaha oh Tom Glavine.

    I dont even know what to say.

    Start hacking that Atlanta Questec machine now you bum.

    JOHAN! yippppeeeeee!

    PS. If the skanks turned down that Ian Kennedy deal, they are truly outta their minds. Thanks guys!

    12:28 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    I take no issue with Cashman and his vision. In fact, I fully support it. However, with their pitching depth Joba through Brackman through Sanchez through Marquez, etc. they could have spared some.

    But I cannot fault them for that and applaud them in many ways. Seriously though, their $200m team is really not that special though. Still such a HUGE amount of money for a team that is going to finish second and be on the brink of the playoffs.

    The Mets player development has been shit no doubt. Their scouting has been rather boring as well. Omar needs to hit this next draft out of the park.

    I want late round Sean O'Sullian types, early round Porcello types that fell...I want $10 million spent in the first seven rounds. Do it Omar.

    The real question as it relates to Glavine, is what do I do with the ill thought out purchased jersey of his that I have?

    I'm still leaning towards fire, but putting in toilet at Shea during the game also seems interesting. I can take it to the toilet and people can pee on it.

    The only problem there is that some poor soul has to clean it up.

    12:45 PM

     
    Blogger I.M. Forme said...

    two words, mike: ritual burning

    We really need to pause for a moment to realize what a dumb decision it was for the Br*ves to take Glavine back. There's a new sheriff in town, and he ain't John Sh*erholtz. Hopefully, sign of things to come.

    If I had a chalkboard in my living room, it'd say this:

    Tomahawk: "I don't think this makes [the Mets] the class of the division."

    At least he won't be devastated when the Mets knock his meatballs all over the park.

    1:10 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Man, if you put it in the bathroom at Shea, you must videotape it and post it. That would elevate it towards art! Or stupidity. Perhaps both. Really you should take a trip down to Atlanta to watch him pitch and tell every Braves fan you meet how much you miss Mr. Not Devastated. You could videotape that too. Plus, I'm sure some idiot in Atlanta would want to buy that jersey too!

    Expect the Mets to sign a whole raft of sixth or seventh starters as is their custom to fill out the NOrleans rotation. Really after Vargas, Bostick and Pelfrey, there is no one, just no one. Collazo could start but is a loogy in waiting. Plus Niese & Parnell belong in Binghamton for most of the season.

    Agree that it's an underwhelming $200 team, but they have clearly made a step in the direction of making it a younger, less expensive team as the arthritic and lame retire or get traded at massive discounts. They have great pithing depth, so-so fielding options. Taking on $20 - $25 million a year over the next six years when the team will have to spend for fielding would leave them pretty much in the same situation they are currently in.

    And John Edwards is packing it in, folks. Any chance that Obama is latin?

    1:18 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    That was a really bad signing for the Braves. Giving your draft pick away for league average production? Never let feelings get in the way of baseball business.

    Suckas.

    That would certainly motivate you to kick some ass daily and as you deftly pointed out, he will not be devastated.

    Of course there would be picture, but I'm not sure I could stomach the aftermath with fecal matter involved. Sorry...even I cannot stoop that low.

    Really you should take a trip down to Atlanta to watch him pitch and tell every Braves fan you meet how much you miss Mr. Not Devastated. You could videotape that too. Plus, I'm sure some idiot in Atlanta would want to buy that jersey too!

    That is a great idea.

    RE: Yankees, yes, they have now headed down the enlightened path. Good for them! Now if the Mets could only get some minor league depth....

    The other positive is that the Mets might have just kept their first rounder for the '09 draft. Hopefully...

    Obama is apparently whatever you want him to be!

    1:24 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I think Bob Klapisch is full of shit, frankly. Or his Yankee mole loves to feed him bullshit whenever the Mets pull off something big. Remember Beltran? Klapisch was the only guy that reported that Beltran came crawling to the Yankees right before he signed with the Mets, and begged the Yankees to take him on at a discount so that he didn't have to sign with the second-rate Mets. ONLY THEN, when the Yankees turned their heads away, did Beltran take the money and become a Met. And now he is trying to pull the same shit with Johan. Look at the title of his article: "Yanks draw assist in giving Johan to rival." Please.

    Fuck Bob Klapisch. He will not rain on my parade. He will not piss in my cornflakes.

    Screw everybody that hates on the Mets. Screw everyone that thinks they are the Yankees' bitches. Screw everyone that thinks they are second-class. Screw everyone that tries to denigrate us.

    I stand in defiance against all of them with my middle finger raised. Johan Santana is a Met! Let's Go Mets in 2008 and beyond!

    1:30 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    On a side note: he might be a favorite of most people, but a tip of the hat to Peter Gammons. Why? Because he was the only 'expert' from Day 1 who said the Mets would get Santana.

    The.
    Only.
    One.

    - Nokes

    1:59 PM

     
    Blogger I.M. Forme said...

    ooh. I got a new idea for the Glavine smock. Yes im immature. But have you guys been in a baseball card store lately? One of the gimmicks they came up with since i was a kid is they take some baseball artifact or another, cut it into a million pieces, and sell it to suckafans.

    So I propose you cut the jersey into 100 pieces, then send each reader of your blog who sends a SASE one piece, to do with what they will, filming it of course. Then the contest is to see who can defile it most creatively. That would give us something to do next winter other than celebrate the 2008 world championship.

    I would sew the patch into the ass of underpants which I would then wear for 100 straight days. On days Toothless Tom pitched against the Mets, I would wear little else.
    Technical filming difficulties can be overcome--hey the Mets just landed Santana for next to nothing right? Anything's possible.

    or you could just sell it and make some money back on that tragedy we call signing Glavine.

    2:15 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    This is day #2 of complete non-productivity. It is amazing that Santana is now in his decline phase.

    Danny, I have no idea why everyone has to rain on our parade. The Yankees or BoSox make this deal they would brilliant! Us, we are just dumb and lowly and make a futile effort to contend with the juggernauts in the NL East.

    Loving it...

    Gammo is not bad. A bit much of a homer, but I like Law, Neyer, and Marchman. Those are my favorite reads.

    2:15 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    I would sew the patch into the ass of underpants which I would then wear for 100 straight days.

    Wouldn't that be punishing yourself?

    On days Toothless Tom pitched against the Mets, I would wear little else.

    Worse off, aren't we now getting punished?

    Anyway, I like the creativity. We need to think of something and come up with the best idea.

    I'm still leaning towards my bathroom @ shea idea.

    Is there are market for a Glavine/Mets jersey? I think destruction is much better for my $ anyway.

    2:17 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Due to our inferior farm system we were able to pull this trade off, now our farm system is even worse until June when we get 3 of the 1st 33 players in the mix this inferior system will have to support our contending team, I realize we are talking about the METS who in there own way at times is able to screw the pooch, I hope they remember that the TV revenue will be going through the roof, most of the ganes will be near sellouts and if Willie can't do it get some one who can we will be fine. All I have to add is we better sign this guy.

    2:56 PM

     
    Blogger I.M. Forme said...

    "Is there are market for a Glavine/Mets jersey? I think destruction is much better for my $ anyway."

    you know some atlanta fan would use it as an awning for their trailer. Keeps the sun off while they romance their kinfolk.

    3:20 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I don't think its a three team race, Mike. I think its a one team race with the only thing in the way from the Mets winning the division is the Mets. They are thier own worst enemy, the are the only ones that can fuck it up. This includes Willie Randolph.
    The Mets pakcage isn't bad but all it is, is about potential.
    And to me even if Carlos Gomez becomes everything he was supposed to be, the next Carl Crawford, it was still worth it.

    I don't care if the Yankees "LET US" have Johan. The same way I didn't give a shit the Yankees "LET US" have Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez. Becuase at the end of the day, the METS have Johan, the METS have Beltran, the METS have Pedro.
    That same season the Yankees were stuck with Bernie Williams in center.
    At the end of the day, the Mets have the best pitcher in the game, whether or not they let us have him, we do and they don't, we win!

    I am in the mood to buy a Johan jersey. $250 hmm.... very tempting but I already have a home Beltran pinstripe, and a black Reyes jersey. No more room, I hate the away jerseys but I just might have to do it...

    Funny thing about that Tom Glavine quote, he was never this vocal in defending the team when he was a Met. Now the Met are equal? Aiiight, whatever, we'll see how equal it is on that first weekend on the season.

    3:20 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Key is that the Mets start being aggressive with the hard signs, especially this year with a wealth of early picks.

    Have to say that I like Klapisch a lot. He tends to write quite a lot about the Mets and is not a Hater by any means.

    Heyman was a Met lover from his days, not that far off, writing for Newsday. He tends to be spot on. And I'm still convinced I went to High School with Ken Rosenthal.

    Speaking of Fox, some dipshit named Michael Rosenberg says that Santana ended up in the right town, wrong city. Dear Mike Rosenthal, fuck you! Santana actually ended up exactly where he wanted to be!!

    You could cut the jersey into strips and rolls them up to use as toilet paper, but the strips might make it hard for the jersey to be recognizable enough as Mr. ND's and maybe that's just too cliché in any case. I also like the idea of a contest, but still think the Atlanta road trip sounds best. I mean, how can you resist a road trip?

    I thought that if Barak was latin, we might trade for him. He'd be an excellent pickup!!!

    3:40 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Itsmets4me: I assume by kinfolk, you mean their neighbor's teenage daughter?... Nothing like a blue light to get you in the mood....

    3:42 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    Steve, the Mets have to do what they can to fix the system. It is possible to really take a huge step forward, but they need to sign talent over need and dollars be damned.

    you know some atlanta fan would use it as an awning for their trailer. Keeps the sun off while they romance their kinfolk.

    True. Or toilet paper.

    Benny, it is not inconceivable someone else wins. We have NO pitching depth. That is all I'm saying. Three teams do have a legit shot. Everyone stays healthy and Willie learned a thing or two? Runaway season. However, humans are dynamic and do not always stay healthy.

    Preach on brother Benny. No one can tear us down today.

    I cannot get a Johan jersey. Everyone will have one. I need a Perez jersey, but I need an extension first. Mama didn't raise no fool. I learned the hard way with the Glavine jersey and will be veeeeery picky next time. Though, my Darryl '87 batting practice jersey and my '86 road jersey are spectacular pick ups.

    RE: Glavine, did he REALLY want to be here?

    DG...Efferson last year. Big time mistake. He would look nice right now. Brad someonthing or other from a few years ago to. They also passed on Sean O'Sullivan later on and fucked up.

    3:54 PM

     
    Blogger Joe said...

    I too can't stop smiling. Thanks Mike for disecting this trade and evaluating the lack of trade between the twins and either the socks or the yanks. I'm going nuts reading the newspapers and the internet and hearing all or this anti-met crap. i was happy this morning to finally see a true baseball fan's baseball evaluation of the situation and not just spin and slant. i can't get away from it, but i'm not letting it get in the way of my smile. even this article from msn a little while ago couldn't break me http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7737068?MSNHPHMA Now seriously aside from a multitude of other reasons, even if the yanks did turn down a kennedy and cabrera offer has anyone stopped to think that they didn't want to add another 20mil+ pitcher for a rumored 7 years. they were in a possition where they didn't have to pull the trigger, especially if boston wasn't involved...good for them. maybe they are starting to get a little bit wise. it's weird how the more respect i gain for their franchise the less i gain for their fans and the ball sucking media.

    4:09 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    Well, if you keep talking about the Mets prospects and their low end scenarios and keep talking about the high end of Boston's and the Yankees', then how could it not look horrible for the Twins?

    Pretty funny how the perception of the Mets is such that everyone feels the need to not respect anything connected with them.

    even if the yanks did turn down a kennedy and cabrera offer has anyone stopped to think that they didn't want to add another 20mil+ pitcher for a rumored 7 years.

    Which is 100% right I think in a way. They could have laid out the cash as Mussina and his $17 million (or more) comes off the books next year plus other cash. They could have afforded him especially with their new stadium, but they did not want to.

    One reason I believe so is CC and Teixeira. That's right...they are going after those two like gangbusters and they are hoping they are both around. The get CC and keep their youth. Crazy to think about, but it is possible.

    4:17 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    For all those who say the Yankees let us have Santana or at least deserve an assist, consider this...If Omar had not properly read the market and instead listened to all the "experts" who claimed we had no chance, we would have already traded Gomez, Mulvey, etc. for Blanton or some other lesser pitcher. Instead, he demonstrated great patience and foresight, and as a result, Santana is a Met...

    4:43 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I think that CC is ultimately going to stay in Cleveland. It's a good baseball city if not much of a good anything else.

    Mets will be Texeira competition as well, but is he really the type of guy who will want to play in NY? He's going to have a lot of bidders. A lot of bidders.

    Efferson, Beato,... the list goes on and on. Almost seems like every year they take a couple of picks just to waste the pick.

    Goldstein of BP totally craps on the Met remaining prospects not named Fernando. Argues correctly that every organization has low minors arms that could develop but don't. Then kicks it by saying the Mets low level guys don't even really compare in any case.

    My big hope remains Jon Niese, who has had success but still hasn't put it all together like he might. Still he'll be 21 at Binghamton and is a good case for generally moving prospects one level at a time.

    So anyone want to parry how many times Jason Vargas starts for the Mets this year?

    And shame on them for not acquiring Aardsma! Our 40 man is down to something like 34.

    So, Mike, I love your blog, as you already know, but how come you never let us know that your appearing on like "The Penis Channel" to discuss the Mets? I mean, where's your immodest sense of self promotion?

    4:45 PM

     
    Blogger Joe said...

    any team can have any player in most situations if they are willing to give up the right player or the right amount of money, so why in this situation do we have to hear that it was because the yankees didn't want him... that goes without saying, i could have had santana on my softball team if i was willing to trade equal talent and money... many teams didn't want him and each had their reason. i hate that sense of entitlement that yankee fans have. they ignore all sense (baseball and logic)

    4:46 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    For all those who say the Yankees let us have Santana or at least deserve an assist, consider this...If Omar had not properly read the market and instead listened to all the "experts" who claimed we had no chance, we would have already traded Gomez, Mulvey, etc. for Blanton or some other lesser pitcher. Instead, he demonstrated great patience and foresight, and as a result, Santana is a Met...

    Right...you won't have read that crap here. Other places, yes. But not hear. A LOT of fans wanted to make that deal. What a joke.

    DG,

    RE: CC...You know I believe that too. They can afford it as well.

    I think the Angels get Tex. My two cents! But you know the Yankees are going to go HARD.

    Fucking Beato...he's a C+ prospect anyway according to Sickels, so let us not lose sleep there just yet.

    Goldstein is not far off man. It's ugly! Don't believe the hype! If you look down, it is the equivalent of seeing a woman o' natural.

    Even if Neise steps it up, what then? He is one dude. That helps, but it's ugly. Also, he needs some control. I am not too high on him.

    I should promote more, but with popularity comes dumb people. It is a hard one for me.

    they ignore all sense (baseball and logic)

    Right-o. They ignore facts, stats, and live the past. As they will always remind you, they have won 26 World Championships.

    4:53 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I have a Perez away Gray jersey. I love it. you just scared me with the extension talk.

    I'm thinking of getting a Santana one but putting "Johan the Great" on the back or something just to make it different.

    I also have a Maine which i love and milledge too (yay!). I dont know what the hell to do with that one.

    But pplz, please please please no one order a Johan jersey until he signs. Lets not tempt the fates!

    Mike, keep the dumb people away. you got a great thing going here. yourself and the group of posters are all wonderful. No whammies on here.

    4:58 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I was just making one of my sideways attacks at Cerrone in any case, but you would be someone I'd actually listen to, and do most obviously.

    Keep the Milledge jersey and wear it a lot. To Met games. Probably the best silent protest one can make.

    Ollie is going to be an interesting case. Obviously with no sign of Coop, I must be his biggest supporter around here. If he repeats last year exactly - and honestly I think he'll do better - he'll be in line for quite a raise. Will he be out of the Mets territory after taking on Santana? Will the Mets just have to take the likely two picks he brings as an A free agent? Man, I hope they try to negotiate sooner than later (would he take 3/$36 now?), but he is probably seen as a risky investment until he wails again this year, which brings us back to the aforementioned scenario.

    Mike, don't give up on Niese. He's been moving steadily and is going to put it together in 2008.

    And because each day needs a history lesson in bloodshed without the gore:

    http://www.atomfilms.com:80/film/food_fight.jsp

    5:15 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    Milledge will ALWAYS be in style.

    Wear it proud...

    Are all of those the $250 variety? If so, that is some coin. I guess I spent big on three of mine in the $200 range, but I certainly learned my lesson.

    RE: Whammies...that's why I stopped posting at Metsgeek.com! I loved the idea of the site, but I found it to be more confrontational with the commentators than not and I got ulcers...not really, but you get the idea.

    I also wished there was a blog aspect outside of the articles and the headlines. I like blogger-type posts rather than article ones, which is something that was briefly discussed.

    DG, I fully support Ollie!!! Favorite Met pitcher to watch even with Johan...Ok, maybe they are tied.

    Ollie gets 4 or 5 years at $15 million each. Bank on it. 5 years if he repeats '07. 4 years if he does not. Dude is like 26 right now so the downside is not that big.

    He is a Boras client so fat chance on him extending with one year left.

    5:23 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    100% on your Ollie rationale. The boy is going to get paid. i think 4/60 is what we'd need to thrown down to get him to sign right now and that might not even do it. Maybe he loves it here and knows his bread will get better butter as long as he stays with The Jacket. maybe just maybe.....NAWWWWWW. BORA$$$$$ RULES ALL!!!!


    yea, i think i spent at least $200 on each one of those I mentioned. not sure they were all $250, but they were authentics so close enough. I'm kinda a snob when it comes to uni's. (I wont wear a replica, ewwwwwww LOL) So I only screw myself more when I have one I wont wear anymore. But so far, so good. Those 3 were my first dabbles into mets uni land. I was more a t-shirt guy previously.

    I'm in love with the away gray jersey we have with the script "new york" on the front. I think its the classiest one we have. for some reason I dont like the home pinstripes or any of the homes we have that much. although i have one of course. I couldnt by all away grays, I said you need variety. Now i wish I did get all grays. oh well. so goes life.

    I would never have found you if it wasn't for metsgeek! I still like it over there and post all the time. It was between that and metsblog, and there was really never any choice. I like the majority of the posters there, some drive me crazy and we do get a bunch of turds from time to time, so goes life.

    There is a lot of in-fighting and all that but we seem to do ok and try to keep everyone sane. They also recently added the ability for users to make their own blog/journal entries. It is a very nice addition to the site.

    5:41 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Yay! Mets claim Ruddy Lugo.
    My family and especially my cousins are good friends with the Lugo family. I wanted Julio here last year but Ruddy will do. Hopefully he can make the big club.
    Forget the Santana jersey I'm getting a Ruddy Lugo one.

    Niese is slowly and boringly progressing. He could be one of those boring guys that comes up. It happens alot. Doesn't mean he's going to be amazing, he'll be serviceable which can save $8 million in this day and age.

    5:41 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    and yes. Milledge will always be in style!!!!

    I will wear it proud.

    Thanks Mike and DG, I needed to hear that.

    5:41 PM

     
    Blogger I.M. Forme said...

    dg, there's a penis channel?

    if you like cerrone attacks, you should peruse my comment section in recent weeks. Geez.
    And if you like awesome photoshops of santana in a mets hat, well i hope you'll check mine. Took me all morning. Mostly cuz the helmet i wear kept slipping over my eyes.

    !sign ollie by golly. i think omar might get an extension done. Use candy to lure Ollie into being his own representative. Boras is on the downturn. The sky's the limit.

    5:43 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dep... do not worry, I refuse to wear any replica's as well. I only get the authentics. To me the $250 is worth the satisfaction of wearing "what the pros wear".
    Man, I wish I had money to get a Milledge one... He was one of my favorite players ever, ever since he got drafted.
    And how could you hate the pinstripe ones? Those are bootyfull!

    5:45 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    You know what kind of a hit the Mets would take if they signed Ollie to a four to five year extension right now? Of course, he is a great sign! But, how many different ways could we hear inconsistent, blah fucking blah fucking blah? True, he's currently destined to go to an arb hearing with the team, so maybe they are out there negotiating in secret, but honestly, I would be surprised. Very surprised. Sign Olly by golly; that would make us jolly.

    Man, I wish I owned a Milledge jersey; maybe I'll look on eBay because you know there are suckas selling at the moment. But Benny, Benny, Benny, a bit of hyperbole? "My favorite player ever?" He's too young to be anyone's favorite player ever. But whatever (shit that rhyming thing stuck).

    The Penis Channel..., well, isn't that the right type of channel for the person in mind (not Mike, he gets the Sufi chick channel as long as Jake and I get visits!!!)?

    Guiliani DFA'ed yesterday, claimed by the old man from Arizona (man, who'd claim that kind of cut?) Edwards announces his retirement. Arnold may come on to team McCain as a third base coach. Barack traded to the Mets!!!!

    Don't go buying no Guiliani jerseys folks!,... who looks good in that death black suit?

    6:36 PM

     
    Blogger I.M. Forme said...

    what number is guiliani jersey, 911?

    too soon?

    6:38 PM

     
    Blogger michael o. said...

    what number is guiliani jersey, 911?

    too soon?


    Brilliant!

    10:56 PM

     
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I guess Milledge shouldn't have bought a Guiliani jersey.

    Is it my imagination or is the sun a little brighter since we got Santana? The birds seem to singmore, the bears snore louder and the journalists write bullshit that I no longer care about..fuck em all! WOOT!!! Santana is MINE!!!!

    12:14 AM

     
    Blogger Sidd Finch said...

    The Mets have always needed a guitarist. Johan should have a Santana song playing when he comes out of the bullpen in the top of the first.

    I have a Mo Vaughn Red Sox Jersey. 'Nuf Ced.

    9:01 AM

     
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