Mets Fever: Hit Church Third

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

I waited to complete this post until I saw what players from the major league roster were traded. Since none have been lost, I will present what I think would be the best line up, when the everyday players are in the game.

I know most people expect Ryan Church to hit in the seven spot but I think that would be a waste of his hitting style. Church is a prototypical gap hitter with very little home run power, these type of hitters have been primarily slotted into the three spot in a traditional line-up. Before tuning out please hear me out. After the 2006 season I was one of the first to want Lo Duca moved down in the line-up, at the time it was heresy but as the season unfolded it became apparent that it was where he belonged.

Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo are the best table setting tandem the Mets have had since the late 80's. A funkless Reyes with a high on base percentage, coupled with great speed is perfect in front of an injury free contact hitter like Castillo. Infielders tighten up and even if they don't make an error it's near impossible to double these two up. Castillo is extremely patient, allowing Reyes to steal second and move to third on a ground ball. With these two the pressure is on the defense, which can easily result in an error making it a first and third situation. I've heard some say that maybe Church should hit second and put Castillo in the seven spot but I think that would be a mistake.

Last year, in his first season as a regular player Ryan Church hit 43 doubles and only 15 HRs. With runners on base, a gap hitter like Church would have more chances to drive in runners and sustain rallies in the third spot. The only player with a similar hitting style that played for the Mets was Shawn Green and despite hitting almost .300 for the year, he drove in very few runners, because he was slapping the ball around with no one on base and then getting stranded himself. If Church hits in the seventh spot I believe he will be in the same situation. With Alou and Delgado in front of him, even if they're on base they don't have the speed to score from first on a double, then Schnieder and the pitcher will be up, leaving at least Church if not others stranded. But if he hits third, a double with Reyes and Castillo on base would score them both and he'll be on second with four power hitters behind him.

I would hit Wright fourth behind Church to go lefty, righty. Wright has the power for the clean-up spot and can hit for average, he also has the demeanor to handle the spot. He has become a great situational hitter, knowing when to swing for the fence or just drive the ball into the outfield.

Beltran would be next, hitting fifth would take a little pressure off Beltran, who I think tends to tense up at times. He would still be in a position to drive in runners but not the focal point of the offense. He would be positoned in between Wright and Delgado where he would be protected, but as a switch hitter create a problem for managers regarding pitching changes at a critical point in the line-up. He is hitting for slightly more power then average compared to Wright, making them a good four/five combo.

I would have Delgado hit sixth, a pitcher on the rocks who already allowed a few runs off a Church double, Wright single and Beltran deep fly out could now be knocked out of the game by one mighty swing of Delgado's bat. I do believe Delgado will rebound this year, but I still think at this point in his career he is an all or nothing home run hitter, who would fit perfect in the sixth spot. Delgado would get the protection he needs from Alou, while strecthing the line-up out even more, placing more pressure on the pitcher. Beltran between Wright and Delgado would put two tough hitters from the same side back to back depending on the match-up.

Alou is a hitting machine who is probably the only player on the team that doesn't need protection. He has the greatest potential to be productive hitting in front of two automatic outs in the catcher and pitcher. As I said before, he would provide protection for Delgado and could drive-in anyone still on base, while having the best chance of driving himself in as a solo run. Alou hitting in front of Church would end up with him stranded at third because he doesn't have the speed to score from first on a Church double and then Church would be stranded on second. Church hitting seventh seems like a waste of a great gap hitter while hitting Alou that deep in the line-up puts a tremendous amount of pressure on a pitching staff.

So here's how my 2008 line-up would look

switch-Reyes- .280/ 36 doubles / 12 triples / 12 HR / 78 SB
switch - Castillo - .300 / 19 SB / 19 doubles
left - Church - .272 / 43 doubles / 15 HR / 70 RBI
right -Wright - .325 / 42 doubles / 30 HRs / 30 HR / 34 SB / 107 RBI
switch - Beltran - .276 / 33 doubles / 33 HR / 3 triples / 23 SB / 112 RBI
left - Delgado- .258 / 30 doubles / 24 HRs / 87 RBI
right - Alou- .341 / 19 doubles / 14 HR / 49 RBI
left- Schnieder - .235 / 21 doubles / 6 HR / 54 RBI
pitcher

Bonds An Indication Of Beane's Plan

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

ChicagoSports.com believes that the Barry Bonds indictment has ramifications for the Oakland A's. The article reports that if Beane could have landed Bonds as his DH he would have believe the team had a chance to make another run at the West title. But without Bonds, Beane can now make trades that will re-stock the small market A's, as he has been so successful at in the past. Every big name pitcher is believed to be getting the same unmatchable package from either the Yankees, Red Sox or Dodgers. The neurotic Mets fan in me worries we'll get squeeze out of all the big name pitchers, while my practical side says Omar will find one, relax it's early....

If general manager Billy Beane had committed to Bonds, it would have signaled an attempt to win the American League West in 2008. With Bonds out of the picture, it will be easier for Beane to decide that an old-fashioned rebuilding is in order, putting All-Star Game starter Dan Haren in play for a possible blockbuster trade .Haren (15-9, 3.07 in 34 starts) has been one of the American League's most reliable starters in the three seasons since he was acquired from St. Louis for Mark Mulder. He is under Oakland's control for three more years at the ridiculously affordable total of $16.25 million.

Are The Mets Rushing Gomez?

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Networ Member):

John Sickel at Minor League Ball takes a look at the Mets handling of Carlos Gomez and the long term implications. He refers to the Mets talking about using Gomez in the everyday line-up this season, I'm not sure if he means us fans or the actual organization. This would indicate that if Milledge left in a trade Gomez would be the right fielder, I had always assumed that if Milledge was traded either Johnson or a free agent would play right. I would agree that putting Gomez in the everyday lineup in "08" would be rushing him, Sickel is looking for comments on the subject for anyone who is a member of his site.....

I don't like the way the Mets have handled their prospects lately. Carlos Gomez was badly, BADLY rushed, and they have pushed Fernando Martinez and Deolis Guerra much too quickly in my opinion. Carlos Gomez had no business in the majors last year. He's a remarkable athlete with plus speed, a great glove, and offensive potential. But his bat is unrefined. His plate discipline is poor, his power is undeveloped, and he needs regular playing time get his swing in gear and work these issues out. Regular playing time in Double-A and Triple-A, not in the majors. Sticking him in the regular lineup in '08, like the Mets are talking about, is a huge risk for his long-term development, and an unnecessary one. The Mets are hardly strapped for resources, and putting this guy in the lineup seems pointless to me. Surely then can find a decent stopgap veteran, or even someone trapped in Triple A with another team. Normally I'm all in favor of playing the kids, but I want to play kids who are ready. Gomez isn't ready. Maybe I'm wrong, and if he has a great year I'll gladly admit it. But right now he's a .240 hitter, with no power and a weak on-base percentage. The only things he does well right now are field and steal bases, and you can find guys who do that. Why risk Gomez's career? And why bust his service time? It makes no sense to me at all. Grade B because of his long-term potential.

Williams Ready To Deal

Drom Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

Apparently White Sox GM Kenny Williams will be very aggressive this off-season and he maybe getting started as soon as the GM meetings on Monday. It would be great to pry Jon Garland away from Chicago.

"I have a definite plan," Williams said Friday in a telephone interview while en route to an Arizona Fall League game.

"The one challenge is our free-agent list and how much we can afford and how those players fit. But once those dominoes start to fall, things will start to fall quickly." source ChicagoSports.com

Iguchi Won't Resign With Phillies

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (network member):

The free agent market for second baseman is very thin. Easley and Valentin, if healthy are more role players at best and can't be considered everyday players. Kaz isn't returning and Giles, if the Pads don't pickup his option can't hit(.229) anymore. Loretta would be interesting due to his bat (.287) and his versatility, played all four infield positions this year, but his age might be a deterrent.

I still think Luis Castillo is the best option, but I can understand his balky knees being a consideration. David Eckstein is also being considered, since it doesn't appear negotiations are going well with St Louis and he has said he would move back to second.

The person I've heard the least about maybe one of the best candidates for the position. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, 33 y/o second baseman Tadahito Iguchi has told the Phils that he will not be returning, so that he can pursue a full time second baseman's job with another team. In three full seasons he has played in at least 135 gms, with a BA of .276, OBP .347 and a FA .985. Another thing to take into consideration is if the team does acquire player/s from Japan, Iguchi could help them with the transition.

Sources say the Phillies reached out to Tadahito Iguchi about re-signing toplay third base. Iguchi told the team he preferred to sign elsewhere as a secondbaseman

Crawford Available?

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (network member):

Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald discusses possible trade candidates for Jon Garland two that he mentioned were Mike Bourn and Bill Hall. Kenny Williams is said to be looking for a speedy, major league ready center fielder and for Garland, I'd think Milledge would be available. Like I said in prior posts if Milledge goes, the team could use a Guillen/Green platoon in right field, with Alou/Chavez in left. There's at least six teams looking at Garland and the price might just become too steep. The other pitcher the Sox are looking to move is Jose Contreras, if Omar decides they need an innings eating veteran for the fifth starters role, I'd rather see them sign Livan. Contreras and Hernandez are basically the same pitcher and all Hernandez will cost is money.

But the name that jumped out at me is Carl Crawford, if he is available the Mets should go after him hard. I posted about Crawford at the trade deadline in a post title "whispers from tampa- Crawford" and at the same time Always Amazin's Ryan McConnell had a post titled the Silly Season in which he was hearing a rumor, which he didn't put much weight in about a possible Crawford trade at his workplace.

The 26 y/o lefty is a six year, major league veteran all with the Devil Rays. He has a lifetime BA .296 but every year his average has increased; "04" -.296, "05"- .301, "06"- .305 and last year .315. He's averaging approx. 50 SB , 15 HRs and 65 RBIs per year.

Should a trade for Hall not be available, the Sox still have plenty of other options in their search for outfielders.

Forget about free agents such as Aaron Rowand and Torii Hunter. They are too expensive, and neither have the young legs the White Sox are looking for.

The Sox might make another attempt at getting Carl Crawford in a trade with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The Philadelphia Phillies are another team to keep an eye on. The Phillies again need starting pitching, and they could offer the White Sox outfielder Michael Bourn, who has speed to burn.

Hunter To The NL East?

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (network member):

I don't understand when big name players, who can go anywhere decide to go to awful teams. I would think their competitiveness would out weigh their greed or alternative motives. Last year despite saying he didn't want to be viewed as greedy Barry Zito went to an awful Giants team and Gil Meche signed with the Royals despite teams throwing money at starters. Now theirs a report that Tori Hunter maybe interested in signing with the Nationals or Braves. Neither team is going to be the top bidder and Washington isn't close to being competitive. Hunter sites a close relationship with Dimitri Young and wanting to play in a community with a large African-American population as his motivation.How about we sign Hunter, let him and Beltran play rock, paper, scissors over center field daily and tell Alou to hold the foul line.In all seriousness if the Braves get him Omar better come big this off season because their going to have a great line-up.

"I always talk to my wife about being interested in playing in front of the African-American fans and trying to get the African Americans back to playing the game," he said. "If I go to Atlanta or D.C. and make a difference that way, I would love it. Trust me -- D.C. is very interesting to me as well as Atlanta." source MLB.com

Could Hudson Be Had?

Ed Ryan over at Mets Fever (Network Member) writes about the possibility of the Mets obtaining Orlando Hudson from the Diamondbacks in the Off Season due to their incredible depth of Infield talent.

Hudson is famous for his excellent fielding. Making those diving catches at smokers and ground balls have won him two Gold Gloves (one with the Blue Jays and one with the Diamondbacks). Receiving the Gold Glove in the American and National leagues earned him a spot with only five other Major Leaguers to do so.

As Ed states in his article, Hudson is a career .278 hitter. However, don’t let this fool you, because ever since 2003, his average has been on a steady increase as his hitting ability catches up with his fielding (’03 - .268, ’04 - .270, ’05 - .271, ’06 - .287; ’07 - .294).

Hudson is everything that Manager Willie Randolph stands for in his Second Basemen and would be a great addition if they decide not to bring Luis Castillo back for next season.

The only potential problem would be where would he bat? For the Diamondbacks, Orlando Hudson has been their leadoff hitter and as we all know, the Mets already have such a player. The only potential place to put him, would be in Castillo’s spot.

NL third baseman of the year

David Wright has been selected the Sporting News NL third baseman of the year. Overshadowed by the teams collapse is the offense year that Wright compiled in 2007. He is the the third player in Mets history to hit 30 homeruns and steal 30 bases. Wright also maintained an above .300 BA for the year, drove in over 100 RBIs, scored 100 runs and hit over 40 doubles. Those numbers are extremely rare demonstrating a balance of power, speed and consistency.

Prorated Green Costs 5.5M So Why Not Keep Him

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

Jeff Sackman at Hardball Times makes a case for the Brewers to pickup the option on Geoff Jenkins. Jenkins is in a very similar situation to Shawn Green, both players are very similar and the same argument can apply to Green. Jenkins is two years younger and a much better defender but Green hits almost fifty points better.

Green has a 10m club option for this year with a 2m buy out, making the contract worth 8m to pickup. When the Mets acquired Green they received 6m in cash considerations from the Diamondbacks, with that split between the two 1/2 years ( 1m 1/2yr "06"- 2.5m "07"-2.5m "08") Green would only cost 5.5m. Contract info Cots contracts.

So the Mets for 5.5m could have a 35 y/o lefthanded hitting above average first baseman and a limited range outfielder. I agree that Green has limited range in the outfield but he is a smart player knowing how to properly position for certain hitters and not taking risks that result in extra bases. Additionally Green is insurance at first and can play there when a groundball pitcher is on the mound. Green hit .291 (.326 against righties/.406 in Sept.), 10 HRs, 46 RBIs and 11 SBs. I like Green's professionalism he never complained about losing his job to Milledge or switching between the outfield/firstbase and is a very low injury risk.

It will be hard to find anyone with comparative numbers that wont cost more. Adam Dunn will definitely cost 8-10m per year, he's 7yrs younger hit 30 more homers and 60 more RBIs but also strikeouts significantly more often (last year 165 to 62), batting average is almost 40 points lower ( .264- .291) and his fielding percentage is lower ( .974-.988). Dunn has a 13m club option, so if they decline he'll be looking for at least the difference from the 1/2 m buyout (12.5m).

Assuming that the Mets don't trade anyone their loaded with right handed outfielders ( Alou, Milledge, Beltran (sw), Gomez, Johnson) so anyone acquired would more then likely be lefthanded. Aside from Dunn that leaves Brad Wilkerson, Milton Bradley (switch), Corey Patterson, Trott Nixon, Fukudome and Kenny Lofton as the available free agent lefties. None of which seem like better options and at Green's pro-rated cost they would probably cost more along with getting longer contracts.

The question becomes will Shawn Green win two -three games for the Mets this year or subsequently cost them that many games for his poor outfielding when playing against righties.

I agreed 10m was just too expensive for a bench player or at best a platoon situation, but in reality we're paying at least 2m for the buyout and received 2.5 from Arizona for this year, so who will we get at a better price for 5.5m.

Since Jenkins reached plate appearance incentives, the buyout on his option—initially $500,000—is up to $1 million. Thus, it costs only $8 million to exercise the option. Based on last year's free agent market, some rough comps are MoisesAlou ($8.5 million) and Luis Gonzalez ($7.35 million), both of whom were considerably older (and greater injury risks) than Jenkins will be in 2008.Using the simple rule of thumb that each marginal win costs about $3 million on the free agent market, we should start with the question of whether Jenkins is likely to be worth three wins to the Crew.

Garland On The Market

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

Scott Merkin of MLB.com discusses the White Sox's rotation for 2008 in his mailbag column for the White Sox. Apparently the Sox's have several young pitchers that maybe ready to break into the rotation. To accommodate the youngsters the club will have to move a veteran pitcher. Jose Contreras and Jon Garland are the two pitchers mentioned in the column. I'm not interested in Contreras after the year he had and his age but Garland sounds intriguing to me. the 28 y/o righty is considered the staff ace, he has seven years experience all with the Sox in which he has compiled a record of 92 and 81 with an ERA OF 4.41.

With the White Sox wanting to make some pitching decisions before moving on to Tucson for Spring Training, I would list the final spot battle between Danks and Gavin Floyd since they are known commodities. I still think Gonzalez might put up a spring challenge, though. If I had to pick right now, on Oct. 8, I would give the nod to Danks.

Garland and Contreras won't both be moved in the next few months. But obviously, even one departure opens up another spot for a young hurler.

Go After Cordero

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

The Mets need to think big in regards to rebuilding this bull pen, after a collapse like they had tweaking isn't in order, major moves have to be made. The team flourished in the first half of "06" when they carried several players with closing experience and I think the first player they should look at is Francisco Cordero. A combination of Wagner, Cordero, Heilman and Sanchez (if healthy) would bring this bull pen back to prominence. Cordero is a free agent and is poised to have a huge pay day, the small market Brewers should be easy to out bid. Cordero is 33 y/o, with eight years of major league experience ( Brewers, Rangers & Tigers) he has closed games since 2002 and has three full years as a closer. This year Cordero had 44 saves in 51 attempts with an ERA of 2.98. Cordero would be perfect in the eighth inning and when Wagner was not available, if he received a contract similar to Wags he could take over as the closer at the end of Wagner's contract. He will be expensive but the organization saw what happened when they went cheap on the pen this year, hopefully they'll learn from their mistakes......

Is Beltran Available?

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

I'm paraphrasing and he was totally speculating but Eddie C. (WFAN 660AM) during his report on the Mike and the Mad Dog show floated the idea of trading Carlos Beltran.

Eddie C. believes that after this season's debacle Omar will be very aggressive in pursuing trades. Beltran's still young but considered an established veteran and his contract is reasonable given the current market, which makes him a very big bargaining chip. The Mets have Chavez, Gomez and Milledge who could play center field. The idea he floated was something like Santana for Beltran type of deal.........

I'd love to have Santana and it sounds like he's going to be moved sometime this off season (if the reports are correct). The Mets were able to broker a deal this year for Castillo, so the teams have an established relationship. Beltran came up through KC and is familiar with the AL central, which would make him appealing to the Twins. The Mets have a glut of center fielders with Chavez, Milledge and Gomez. I'd prefer to give up one of the younger players because it's unknown what type of major league hitter they will become, while you know with Beltran your getting at least .275 with 30 HRs. If Beltran's gone and his replacement is only hitting .250 with 15 HRs, this offense is in trouble.......

Should Beltran be available or is he untouchable ?

Monumental Collapse Complete

From Ed Ryan At Mets Fever (Network Member):

Well at least when the Mets do something it's done with a flare that leaves it's mark on the record books of Major League Baseball.

The 1969 Mets were the "Miracle Mets" coming out of nowhere to win the World Series, the expansion team in 1962 had been a perennial last place team. In 1973 Tug McGraw coined the phase "You Gotta Believe" as the Mets came back to make their second World Series appearance. The rest of the "70"s and early "80" were miserable.

In the 80s the team was lead to it's second World Series title by Hall of Fame hopefuls Daryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. But that team was looked upon as a potential dynasty and only made it to the series once, along with a heart breaking loss in 1988 to the Dodgers in the NLCS, before being dismantled. The rebuilding period during the "90"s was marked with some of the worst losing seasons since the early years.

In the late 90's an overachieving team saw it's share of heart ache; "98" losing a one game playoff, "99" losing to the Braves and "00" making it to the World Series only to lose to the Yankees.

So after another prolonged losing team ( 01-04), along came an exciting new general manager who was going to shake things up and build a winner. In 05 progress could be seen as the team improved by 12 games and while they weren't playoff caliber, it was clear that they were well on their way.

In "06" it all came together, a team of destiny winning 97 games and clearly the best in the National league. But something happened to avert their destiny in game seven of the NLCS, a weak hitting catcher somehow hit a home run in the ninth inning off a very good set-up man and suddenly all the excitement of a magical season was gone. Mets fans were once again left with another brutal loss and only two WS pennants to look at....

In "07" the same nucleus of players returned but just like after "86" it just wasn't the same. All season was a struggle, the luster and magic was gone. But somehow, all season this team fought off the competition and remained in first place. As if they had to one up, past Mets teams this group not only out did past organizational failures they outdid the entire league and now hold the record for the biggest collapse in the history of the league. The Mets fell two wins short of making the playoffs, they lost the lead on third to last day of the season. And if that wasn't enough they found away to tie the Phillies only to lose on the last day of the season with their ace on the mound while playing the last place team. The Mets had a 7.5 lead with 17 games to play against very weak competition and then a 3 game lead with only seven to go, but just couldn't find away to win....

There were whispers after "06" that the team underachieved and choked against the Cardinals, but those grumbling were dismissed because of how far they had come in so little time. But now the team has clearly stepped back and the way they played down the stretch was utterly disappointing. They clearly underachieved and choked down the stretch. The pitching collapsed, the defense played tight resulting in horrible errors and the bats fell quiet.

There are lots of fingers to point; Did the Wilpon's once again tighten their purse strings...Did Omar misjudge his talent, including over value his prospects and underestimate the market...Was Willie's managerial style and decisions at fault for costing games and failing to motivate/get the most out of his players......Is the collapse of the pen and rotation the fault of Peterson.......Or does all this fall back on the players; whether you feel they just weren't as good as last year, they got complacent or just as everything fell in place last year it fell out of place this year.......

Leave The Yankees

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (network Member):

Their showing love, but it's not real. Yankee fans are not cool, when it comes to Alex Rodriguez. Last season, he was getting beat up. This season, they love him. Which is it?, hate him or not. What kind of fans are those?

A-Rod is having a great season. His best in New York. Winning the MVP, it's going to happen. Leading the league in home runs, and more. No player in the A.L., is having a better season.

It isn't a surprise, because many expected it. But many expect A-Rod to leave the Yankees.

"A source with knowledge of the situation says Boras knows which group is most likely to be awarded the team," New York Magazine reported on its Web site this weekend. "The source says Boras has already been in touch with that group about the possibility of a contract that could reach $30 million a year over the next 10 years while deferring a certain portion of money toward an eventual stake in the franchise." Is it the Chicago Cubs?, nobody knows. It would make sense, because a lot can happen. Cub fans are great, and not "traders" like Yankee fans.

"Great players with great demand create great rumors," Boras said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "While I would enjoy having lunch with Mark Cuban and Canning, at this point of the year that conversation would not include Alex Rodriguez. I have not talked to anyone." Yea but considering it, is great. Nobody knows what's going to happen, but A-Rod would be welcome in Chicago. Mark Cuban shouldn't be involved. He might not get the Cubs anyway. "It sounds like a silly story. We really don't believe it," Yankees president Randy Levine said. "However, if it were true, that would be grounds to disqualify someone from becoming an owner before even filing the application. It would demonstrate a violation of major league rules prior to even owning a club. I talked to the commissioner, and he agrees." Correct, and Mark Cuban differently will lose. His image will break, and no ownership in the MLB.

The contract could be an issue. Carlos Zambrano, and others have big contracts as well. That wouldn't look good. But there's other teams, it isn't just the Cubs. Many teams would be after A-Rod.

(Quotes From Yahoo Sports)

Beltran Pulls A Willis Reed

Carlos Beltran is answering the call when it counts the most, when the club is playing every game clinging to their playoff life.

In 2005 Beltran signed a huge contract, to play on a bad team and be the center piece of the organization as it rebuilt. At some point during that year Beltran injured his quad, he felt an obligation due to the contract to play through it, without saying a word to anyone. The result was an awful year and the disdain of many fans. This was compounded by a horrific face first collision with Mike Cameron, after which he now pulls up if another outfielder gets too close (can't blame him).

But since 2005 Beltran learned his lesson and takes his time coming back from tweak type injuries, many feel his return is too slow and he's a soft player. Well, it's not May or June with a ten game lead and Beltran's knee looks bad, but it's going to be hard to keep him out of the line-up.

CARLOS BELTRAN RE-INJURED HIS KNEE: ``I told the guys that the only way I wouldn’t be there tomorrow is if they cut it.’’

OMAR MINAYA ON CARLOS BELTRAN’S TOUGHNESS: ``I’ve been in this game a long time, and what we’ve seen the last two games from Beltran … that’s toughness. He saved the game yesterday and he inspired us and saved the game today.’’ source John Delcos Lo Hud Journal

The Real "Show" Arrives?

With the bullpen in complete disarray and games being lost after early leads were established. The club was looking for somebody, anybody to step up and help out Wagner, Heilman and Sosa. It came from the most unlikely of characters, No; Mota didn't find his 06 form, Feliciano is still looking like a LOOGY and the intriguing names like Smith and Collazo still don't look ready. So then who is the mystery guess, none other then Scott Schoeneweis, Yes; the same pitcher we killed Omar for signing and begged to cut may have made the biggest save of the season on Friday night. The Mets had a three run lead in the eighth but with Wagner unavailable Schoeneweis was asked to do what a tired Sosa couldn't do the night before close out the game. With the Phillies already winning, the lead down to 1.5 in the division and six losses in their last seven games, another devastating loss could have been the season. "Show" worked the bottom of the eighth and ninth, striking out three for his first save as a Met. He followed that up today by getting the last out in a one run game in extra innings for his second save. Schoeneweis has quietly had an effective second half, since August first in 27 games he's given up eight earned runs and only two were multiple run games ( Phillies-3runs/Nats-2runs). He was working through a knee injury to start the year, maybe he found his groove and nobody realized it or maybe he's a veteran that knows how to step-up. When he was traded to Cincy last year and they were playing for the wild card he ha quite a run, maybe he's a big game pitcher.....

OP / ED: Gomez vs. Milledge

Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Affiliate), compares Carlos Gomez's start in the Majors against Lastings Milledge's:

Last night while watching Carlos Gomez blossom into a major league player, I was wondering if Lastings Milledge got off to the same type of start. I recall that Milledge fell apart in Milwaukee and Boston, but couldn't remember how he was doing before that. For quite sometime the prospect reports have indicated that Gomez and Martinez have higher ceilings then Milledge. To be honest I thought maybe Milledge's off-field incidents were impacting his rankings because he is such a talented player. But after seeing Gomez's first two games I understand why people are so high on him, I just couldn't remember what type of start Lastings got off too. John Delcos of Lo Hud Journal must have been thinking the same thing as he made the following comments on his blog.

Gomez is the real deal. I covered Milledge’s first few games with the Mets last season and he didn’t have nearly the presence and confidence that Gomez has. He carries himself like a big leaguer even though he’s played only three games (he’s 4 for 9). Tonight he had two hits and two RBI. He should have had three hits but Aramis Ramirez made a ridiculous diving catch at third to rob him.

How About Walker

Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Nation Affiliate), writes about Todd Walker and asks if the Mets should pick him up:

The A's DFA 33 y/o Todd Walker on May 12, Walker was batting .271 and there simply wasn't room on the roster for the veteran infielder. Walker has said he will refuse assignment and may retire if no one picks him up after his 10 days on waivers. Walker has primarily been a second baseman his entire career and played 46 games for the Cubs at the position in 2006 with a FP .977. This year he has played all of the infield except short stop and the outfield along with DH. In ten years he has a BA of .289, OBP .348 and SLG .435. Walker maybe the perfect low risk second baseman we've been locking for.

Todd Walker's time in Oakland is over and so, too, may be his major league career. The infielder was designated for assignment by the Athletics to make room for pitcher Dallas Braden, who started Saturday's game against Cleveland after being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento.Walker was batting just .271 with no home runs and four RBIs in 18 games this season and had seen his playing time cut dramatically over the last two weeks. The 33-year-old made a rare start Thursday in Oakland's 17-3 win over Kansas City and went 2-for-3 as the designated hitter. He has been used primarily as a pinch hitter since the A's activated first baseman Dan Johnson from the disabled list on April 25.

Walker, who has played for seven teams during nearly 10 years in the majors, acknowledged his career might be over. “It just kind of depends on what happens,” said Walker, who signed with the A's on March 30 after being released by the San Diego Padres. “I'm fine with that. I've played 10 years in the big leagues. Not many people can say (that).” Oakland manager Bob Geren said the decision was difficult. The A's need pitching help with starters Rich Harden and Esteban Loiaza on the disabled list.

Walker started nine games at first base for Oakland but went to the bench after Johnson came off the DL. Johnson was hitting .412 with four homers and 12 RBIs entering Saturday's game against Cleveland. “It was a situation where the way it was shaping up, he wasn't going to get enough playing time,” Geren said. “He's a great guy to have on the team but the opportunities were so slim.”

Walker said he will refuse a minor league assignment, leaving the A's 10 days to trade him or release him. He will spend the next few days with his family in Louisiana while contemplating his future. His daughter, Riley, turned six Friday and Walker acknowledged it's getting harder for him to miss out on family events. source San Diego.com

The Other Zambrano

Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Affiliate), writes about Carlos Zambrano:

Mets fans in 2004 heard the news that the team traded top prospect Scott Kashmir for Victor Zambrano and hoped that we miss heard the first name. Many of us hoped that the trade was for Carlos Zambrano and not Victor. Carlos Zambrano has been the Chicago Cubs staff ace since emerging in 2003, he has accumulated a record of 67-45 with an ERA of 3.40, pitched in over 200 innings every year, 471 BB and 900 SO.Zambrano is free agent eligible at the end of the season and contract negotiations have completely broken down with the Cubs. The Cubs were very close to re-signing Zambrano but he backed away from the contract. The Cubs spent an exorbitant amount of money during the off- season and are only a 500 team (so far this season). For the first time in his career Zambrano is struggling (3-3 5.83 ERA) and the Cubs offer is probably off the table from their end, as they see his value going down. If the Cubs are unable to get back in the playoff hunt then we may be looking at the trade deadline acquisition tonight.

Matt Cerrone at Metsblog interviews a blogger from the opposing team prior to every series, here's what Bleed Cubbies Blue had to say about Zambrano's struggles.

Why has Carlos Zambrano been so ineffective thus far?

It appears to be a mechanical problem -- not only the coaches, but many of us have noticed that Z's arm angle appears to be different, "opening" him to the point where he's tipping his pitches, particularly in the first inning. If you eliminate the first inning in all of his starts this year, his ERA would be 3.89, nearly two runs below his season total.We were joking the other day, when he had yet another first-inning meltdown, that the coaches should just tell him when he goes to the mound that it's the second inning. Couldn't hurt, right?More ominously, Z has had some minor back trouble the last year or so. If this is related to the mechanical problems, then Z's troubles may be more serious. We hope this isn't the case.