December 11th
Tuesday, December 11th 2001
2:42 PM
Hey, this is my first entry on MetsJournal and I don't really know how this site will work. For a while I'm just going to try to keep a daily log of any Mets transactions, news relating to the team, or just my thoughts on the team. Hopefully I'll be able to build up my site soon to a forum for all Mets fans, where ideas can be shared. Now onto the Mets. The team just made a pretty large trade, but there may be more on the way. A few days ago, we shipped Robin Ventura's contract 8 miles west in exchange for David Justice. The outfield that last year had the fewest runs scored, fewest RBI, fewest hits, fewest home runs, lowest slugging percentage, and lowest OPS (on-base plus slugging) is beginning to take shape and look okay. Bobby V.'s game of "musical outfielders" appears over. We now have everday players in Justice and Matt Lawton (acquired midnight of 7/30/01), who will take up leftfield and right (who will play which is uncertain). The team has 4 outfielders competing for role of starting centerfield or at least to be a part of a platoon. Since Benny Agbayani was sold to a Japanese League team (for $1 million), the remaining players are Jay Payton, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Timo Perez, and Alex Escobar. Neither Shinjo or Timo will have starting jobs, but both, especially Shinjo, could platoon. If Escobar is finally deemed ready to play in the majors, he will most likely be starting. All things weighed, I'd prefer to see Escobar out there every day and Shinjo as the 4th outfielder, filling in at all three outfield positions. The guy I'd have to cut is Payton, because Timo can be effective in the pinch, both hitting and on the bases. Payton's just too iratic and (I think) shell-shocked from all the years he lost to injury to be anything but a starter.
5:24 PM
WE GOT ALOMAR!!! WE GOT ALOMAR !!! WE GOT ALOMAR!!!
Robbie Alomar is a New York Met! I found out a few minutes ago that earlier today the Mets traded for Roberto Alomar. While giving a lot, we got a lot in return. The trade involved eight players, the largest involving the Mets since 1990. We sent Matt Lawton, Jerrod Riggan (my favorite player in the deal), and, unfortunately, Alex Escobar to the Cleveland Indians for Alomar, 1st baseman/outfielder Danny Peoples, and the Indians Minor League pitcher-of-the-year, Mike Bacsik. While Alomar is disliked or even hated by many in baseball and fans of the game alike for spitting if the face of John Hirshbeck a number of years ago, no one can deny his on-field accomplishments. If he retired today, he would probably be in the Hall of Fame before too many years are up. Last year, he hit a career high .336. He hit 20 homers while driving in 100. Probably the most appealing stat in the sports section for the Mets are those 30 SB's. For a team with exactly 66 stolen bases in both 2000 and 2001 (the same number that Roger Cedeņo alone stole for them in 1999), 30 more wouldn't instantly add runs to the board, but over the course of an entire season, would make a noticeable difference. Earlier today I wrote that we would see Matt Lawton every day in left or right and that I hoped to see Escobar patrolling center. Now, they're both wearing weird, grinning guys on their heads. Here's my estimated lineup for opening day, with the team as it is currently:
Shinjo will probably bat behind Zeile, but this is my lineup, not Bobby V's. The main problem with this lineup is Payton in the leadoff spot. If we could acquire a real leadoff hitter... imagine the possibilities. Roger Cedeno, Edgardo Alfonzo, Robbie Alomar, Mike Piazza. Johnny Damon, Edgardo Alfonzo, Robbie Alomar, Mike Piazza. Chuck Knoblauch, Edgardo Alfonzo, Robbie Alomar, Mike Piazza. Imagine Mike Piazza constantly coming up with runners on base. Oh man, that wouldn't be fair to the opposition.
Of the realistic free agents out there (meaning sorry, no Barry Bonds, no Jason Giambi) if I could have one, I'd take Juan Gonzalez. Who knows, maybe Alomar and JuanGon were friends in Cleveland... JuanGon has insurance for his shaky back... Steve Phillips, are you reading this? Insurance. That means, if he's hurt and misses games, you don't pay him. Interesting isn't it. Tino Martinez. Another great fit. With Tino in at first, I can't imagine one ball pasing through the infield all year. It would definately rival the 1999 Mets team as the best infield ever. Tino is in the top 5 fielding 1B in the majors and maybe even the top 3. Alomar is the best fielding 2B in the majors. Ordonez is in the top 3 at his position. And lastly, although he's moving positions, Alfonzo will probably be almost as reliable, and no weak spot at the hot corner. If not one of the two previously mentioned free agents, I'd try for Knoblauch. He's only received offers from the Cubs and Royals, and it would probably only take about $3 million for 2 or 3 years to keep him in the Big Apple.
Wednesday, December 12th 2001
7:26 PM
No new moves by the Mets today, just pondering of the future. Winter Meetings (in Boston this year) are in full flare. Yesterday, not only was the Alomar deal completed, but Dmitri Young was traded to the Tigers for Juan Encarnacion and Ben Davis was traded to the Mariners with Was Serano and Alex Arias for Tom Lampkin, Brett Tomko, and shortstop prospect Ramon Vasquez. Although the Winter Meetings are mainly a trade forum, a few big signings have occured involving (what a surprise) the Yankees. The Yanks are expected to announce the signing of Jason Giambi tomorrow to a 7 year deal worth between $118 millon and $125 million, and Rondell White has already inked a 5 year, $10 million deal. The only question remaining on that deal is passing the physical.
Good sign for Mets fans: the Mets' brass was in different meetings all day long and unavailable for press comments, meaning something more could be brewing. Steve Phillips made it very clear during the press conference yesterday that he wasn't done. I doubt that too many people will be criticizing Phillips once Spring Training rolls around. Phillips' two greatest trading priorities are probably moving Todd Zeile and David Justice. Since Justice was acquired last Friday from the Yankees, Phillips has been surprisingly vocal about the possibility of trading Justice. From Justice's comments the day he was traded, it doesn't seem he's too enthusiastic about playing for the Mets. In order for me to give you an idea, here's a quote of his in the Saturday papers: "There are far worse teams to be traded to." Um, Dave, maybe you should take some lessons from Bobby V. on how to keep your mouth shut. Whoever taught him deserves more than whatever Bobby paid him. New Yorkers don't let those things slip, in case you haven't noticed.
10:36 PM
Steve Phillips says he hopes to announce a trade later tonight. Could this be another good trade of this offseason or is it one more failed attempt of Steve Phillips, giving his criticizers more to point to?
Thursday, December 13th
1:34 PM
We got Cedeņo! Roger Cedeņo: New York Metropolitan. 4 years, $18 million. Earlier today we signed Roger Cedeņo. We are the NL pennant winner. Maybe not definitely, but who else is competitive in the NL?
If the Diamondbacks defy the laws of age again they could be back in the World Series, and the Cardinals definitely have the talent, but look at records last year and moves this winter. The D-backs went to the Fall Classic and they beat the Cardinals in the first round. The Mets finished 6 games behind the Braves and if it weren't for Armando Benitez, could have finished 3 or 4 games back. The Cardinals have made no moves this winter except for the loss of Mark McGwire. They could sign Tino Martinez (in fact, they're the front runners in signing him), which would improve the team somewhat because of how many games McGwire played (he missed a lot of the season to knee problems and while he was on the roster, spent a lot of games just pinch-hitting). The main improvement to getting Tino is his defense. If anyone is better at first than Tino, I don't know him. The D-backs aren't re-signing Reggie Sanders, which means David Dellucci will be their rightfielder. Dellucci will probably be an improvemnet over Sanders. The 'Backs might also pick up
David Wells, which would improve their starting pitching even more, if that's possible (Sports Illustrated named Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling as Sportsmen of the Year, The Sporting News named Schilling as Sportsman of the Year, Johnson won the Cy Young, they shared the World Series MVP award). They may re-sign Bobby Witt, and now that Mo-Man, Mike Morgan (42 years old, 12 teams played for), has his ring he'll probably retire. With those moves, they improve their team, but father age will catch up. Grandfathers Matt Williams, Randy Johnson, Mark Grace, Jay Bell, and Steve Finley will all be between the ages of 36 and 40 by Spring training. Even Craig Counsell, who doesn't look a day over 14, will be 32.
The Mets however, have improved their team enormously. They have gotten rid of Matt Lawton (overrated as a leadoff hitter), Jerrod Riggan (good showing in 2001, but is 33, hasn't yet lived up to potential), Alex Escobar (struck out 147 times in 397 ABs at AAA, imagine his numbers in the big leagues), and Robin Ventura (hurt 2 consecutive years, not nearly enough pop for the hot corner). In return, they have gotten Robbie Alomar (watch him play 1 game and you'll see why people think this highly of him), David Justice (very underrated, if healthy, should provide 30 HRs) Roger Cedeņo (2nd in AL in SBs last year, much needed leadoff hitter), and 2 prospects, including the Indians top pitching prospect. More good news: Alomar wants to re-negotiate his contract to play with the Mets until he retires, Cedeņo's signed for 3 more years after 2002, and old farts Todd Zeile and David Justice are gone after next year. As I said, imagine that lineup: Cedeņo, Alfonzo, Alomar, Piazza. Ouch.
Friday, December 14th 2001
3:17 PM
Steve Phillips is not done. Yesterday, in addition to picking up Roger Cedeņo, we got David Weathers, one of the best unknown players in the game. Last year he split the season with the Brewers and Cubs and posted a 2.41 ERA over the entire season while going 4-5. At the trade deadline, he and ex-teammate Mike DeJean were 1 and 2 in ERA among relief pitchers. The Cubs acquired him for the stretch run, while the Brewers were happy to dump some payroll. The Mets got a very good deal for a reliever of his quality, signing him to a 3 year, $9.4 million deal. He will provide some much-needed bullpen help, with the loss of Jerrod Riggan, who took over the role of Turk Wendell as the primary righty set-up man.
I'm not sure about this, because I haven't checked whether it's official, but I think that earlier today the Mets dealt David Justice to Oakland for Mark Guthrie. Justice for Guthrie straight-up is nowhere near even, but it offered advantages for both teams. The A's get rid of an average reliever in exchange for a power lefty bat, somewhat making up for the loss of Jason Giambi (yesterday he signed a 7 year, $120 million deal with the Yankees). The Mets, while they didn't get a comparable player back, drop $4 million in payroll next year (Justice is making $7 million, Guthrie $1.8, and the Mets sent $1.2 million to the A's). Steve Phillips is smarter than to trade his only real protection for Mike Piazza for some washed up reliever who could end up spending more time in Norfolk than in New York. This deal really makes you wonder about what's coming up next. Piazza needs some protection, and Todd Zeile offers about as much as Cesar Izturis. Robbie Alomar advertised for Juan Gonzalez who, if the Mets are willing to spend the money, would catapult this team far into the playoffs.
Saturday, December 15th 2001
11:01 PM
No new moves. Bad news. This morning, upon opening the sports section of the New York Times I saw an article proclaiming that Juan Gonzalez was out of range.
A true Met fan would have felt better if it had read "Mets trade whole team for Joey Hamilton."
Okay, maybe not, but believe me, it was a crusher. What was Phillips thinking in trading Justice? Okay, it drops some payroll, but why do that if you're not going to spend the money. The only other free agents out there who could provide adequate protection for Piazza are Barry Bonds (who will cost more than JuanGon), Tino Martinez (who I think is the best choice out there, I explain below), and Moises Alou (wants too much, wouldn't hit in a pitcher's park, only hit 27 home runs in Tenrun Field).
Tino is the best fit for the Mets out there. He is a great fielder, and doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves. He still has pop at age 34, hitting 34 homers last year, which is 24 more than Todd Zeile can claim. Over his career, has averaged about 27 homers a year, with a high of 44, and in his last eight seasons has only failed to hit 20 once. He doesn't rack up walks but is patient at the plate and is a lefty bat, a much needed element in the Mets' lineup. Although JuanGon is infinately better than Tino, JuanGon is apparently asking for around $17 million per, while Tino would probably go for a deal somewhere around 3 years, $35 million.
Sunday, December 16th 2001
7:22 PM
I am furious. Phillips was pushing all the right buttons, signing all the right guys, knowing whom to trade for and who to pass on, but today he blew it.
Today, the Mets traded away their two of their three most clutch hitters last year. Tsuyoshi Shinjo and Desi Relaford are no longer New York Mets. Who did we get in return? Shawn Estes!!! YAY!!! 4.25 career ERA!!! 64-50 career record!!! YAY!!!
In 1997, Estes was elected to his first All-star team. He finished the year at 19-5, with a 3.18 ERA over 201 innings. Since then, he has averaged 11 wins, 10 loses, a 4.73 ERA, 144 K's, 103 runs, and 184 hits in 180 innings. While he is solid (and left-handed), he doesn't eat up any innings (he's only surpassed 200 innings twice, his career high is 203), and he doesn't surprise any hitters with his low 90's fastball.
There are now two questions that the Mets need to face. Who's batting fifth? And, Which five of our six starters are going to be in the rotation? Only Steve Phillips has any clue as to the first question, but the second seems pretty easily answerable. At about this point last year, it seemed every team in the majors was offering someone for Glendon Rusch. While there isn't as much interest in him now, there are definitely possibilities involving moving him. Unless one of the other starters chop off their pitching arms in the midst of religious fervor, I doubt Rusch will be wearing orange and blue next year. I went down all 30 major league rosters and came up with a number of guys who could be in Port St. Lucie in March:
Other less-likely possibilities could include:
Monday, December 17th 2001
5:34 PM
Shawn Estes is talking with Chris "Mad Dog" Russo on the FAN right now. He's saying all the right things, and seems to have a thick skin. He's been accused of thinking too much, being flaky, and has shown streaks of wildness when he loses it completely, but has been very good at times. I may have been a bit too harsh on him, but I'm still not happy with the trade. He's talking about how he's glad to be in New York, with fans who will give it to you if you're doing poorly, but are very knowledgeable, and into the game.
9:06 PM
Something is wrong. Right now, the Mets don't have a number five hitter. Since trading David Justice, Phillips hasn't made any noise relating to getting some protection for Mike Piazza. All he's done is to trade away 2 key parts of the Mets' offense last year: Desi Relaford and Tsuyoshi Shinjo. Of the Mets' three MVPs last year, two are now gone (Joe McEwing was the third).
Just a number of notes from around baseball:
Tuesday, December 18th 2001
5:59 PM
The affects of no winter meetings are really showing for the Mets, but not for other teams. For only the fourth time in eight days, Phillips and Co. made no moves. However there were several moves from the rest of baseball:
Wednesday, December 19th 2001
8:49 PM
After saying that the end of the winter meetings were slowing down actions around baseball, the past two
days have been as busy as any since the July 31st trade deadline. Earlier today, the Mets re-signed Benny Agbayani to a one year deal worth $600,000, and signed both first baseman/outfielder Mark Johnson and southpaw Bobby Jones
to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. There is an article on MLB.com today entitled Shinjo comes to grips with trade to Giants. Geez, we like you and all (and I wore your shirt yesterday even though you're not on the team anymore), but over here you take the news of a trade with grace and dignity, not tears. Also, it was decided today by a friend of mine that my new favorite Met is Al Leiter. He eliminated the last finalist, Edgardo Alfonzo, who becomes my second favorite Met.
Other news from around baseball:
Thursday, December 20th 2001
9:38 PM
All day today the word was Vaughn. Vaughn, Vaughn, Vaughn, Vaughn, Vaughn. As in big fat Mo Vaughn. Yes Met fans, Mo Vaughn could be all yours for just the price of Todd Zeile and Glendon Rusch. Yes, he may weigh 300 pounds, yes, he may be 34 years old, and yes, hey may make 100 errors a year (he a 300, 30, 100 guy), but those 40 homers at first look mighty appealling right about now. Okay, so maybe he just has to roll onto his side to catch a grounder, but he's so much more than you can ask Zeile for. While I have taken criticism for saying this, I would take Mo Vaughn in a heartbeat. Steve Phillips, if you know what's good for the team, GET MO 40 HOMERS VAUGHN. Also, there have been rumores trades between the Mets and Rangers, mostly involving a possible Kevin Appier for Gabe Kapler deal. Kapler would be a great pick-up for the Mets. Not only are they dropping a few million (between 4 and 7), they get a very good defensive outfielder who's good for 17-25 homers a year. Let's make some trades!
Friday, December 21st 2001
10:31 PM
Trade talks are slowing down. Apparently Steve Phillips and the Angels' brass have decided to wrap up discussions soon, meaning Mo Vaughn will probably know what team he'll be on by Christmas. A few days ago, Phillips, assistant GM Omar Minaya, and a few other people associated with the Mets went to Boston to watch Vaughn work out. If they were unhappy with what they saw, they wouldn't still be negotiating. Therefore, he must be somewhat healthy, but not enough for the Mets to play all of his salary. He's due to receive $50 million over the next 3 years ($10 million next year, with an $8 mil signing bonus payed next year, and $15 mil for each '03 and '04). The Mets would almost definitely give up Todd Zeile and a pitcher, with the hot names being Glendon Rusch and Kevin Appier. While the Mets would rather have Appier on the team because he's a better pitcher, they don't want to increase payroll too much. Appier and Zeile combined are more costly than Vaughn, which is why the Mets may want to do that deal, and exactly why the Angels wouldn't do that deal. The Angels are looking to reduce payroll, and while Zeile and Rusch only lets them drop about $1 million next year, it frees up over $10 million in '03 and '04.
According to all reports, Juan Gonzalez still hasn't recieved any formal offers, although his agent has talked with the Orioles. Alomar has endorsed him. He doesn't have any offers. While he wants around $15 a year, who are the Mets competing with? They might as well offer him about $12 a year, and if he gets an offer from another club, up your offer!
Saturday, December 22nd-No entry
Sunday, December 23rd-No entry
Monday, December 24th-No entry
Tuesday, December 25th-No entry
Wednesday, December 26th-No entry
Thursday, December 27th
9:28 PM
MO A MET! MO A MET! MO A MET!
We now have Mo Vaughn. 40 Homers. 100 RBI. .275-.315 average. Lefthanded hitter in the middle of the lineup. Protection for Mike Piazza.
Although nothing is certain yet, this Met team can easily make up the 6 games they fell behind the Braves last year.
The one downside to the deal is what the Mets gave up: Kevin Appier. Arguably the Mets' best pitcher last year, he will be missed in a rotation that is now without a real number two starter.
Just some comparisons:
Last year's lineup at the end of the year:
Projected lineups for next year:
There's a problem here. That problem is named Todd Zeile. The guy without a position. He's making $6.5 million next year, and is not a pinch hitter. He's been a starter his whole career, and each time someone has taken his position (ex.: He was the 3rd baseman in Baltimore when Cal Ripken Jr. switched from short to 3rd) he's been traded away. There's been talk of him moving to leftfield or dealing him, or even dealing Edgardo Alfonzo and moving Zeile back to the position he played most of his career at: 3rd base. The hot rumors involving Alfonzo have him going the A's, possibly with Glendon Rusch for one of Oakland's "Big Three" (Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, and Mark Mulder) or possibly Corey Lidle. I see a deal involving Zeile in the stars.
The Vaughn deal was supposed to be done last week, but what held it up was how much money was going to be deferred and how it was going to be payed back. The terms of his restructured contract haven't been released, but the Mets will be dropping payroll in 2002 with this deal. Appier was scheduled to make $9 million, while Vaughn was scheduled to make $10 million. Whatever is deferred will be at least $2 or $3 million, therefore reducing payroll. The reason the Mets were so interested in deferring payroll is none other than Juan Gonzalez. Yep, him again. JUAN GON!!! WE WANT JUAN GONZALEZ!!! In the JuanGon "chase," we got some good things going for us: 1) Only Baltimore has shown any interest in him at all, and while they are rumored to have offered much more than the Mets, he doesn't seem to want to go to Baltimore, 2) Robbie Alomar and JuanGon were apparently good friends in Cleveland last year, and both would like to be reunited in New York, 3) Several Mets, including Al Leiter, Mike Piazza, and Robbie Alomar have offered to defer some of their salaries in order to sign JuanGon, and 4) JuanGon and Vaughn share the same agent, Jeff Moorad, who Steve Phillips has had good recent dealings with.
All things said, I won't go so far as to say JuanGon is definitely coming to New York, but don't be too surprised if that's what ends up happening.
Friday, December 28th 2001
8:09 PM
We have an amazing team. All day today all that was talked about on the FAN was how surprising Steve Phillips and the Mets are. Imagine Roger Cedeņo getting on base to lead off an inning. The opposing pitcher now has to pitch to Edgardo Alfonzo. Next, he has to pitch to Roberto Alomar. Now all he has to do is pitch to Mike Piazza, and after him Mo Vaughn. WE'RE GONNA SCORE SOME RUNS!
Last year, we scored 642 runs, an average of 3.962 a game, far lowest in the majors. We had a batting average of .247, second lowest in the majors, hit 147 home runs, 5th lowest in baseball, drove in 608 runs, last, had a slugging percentage of .387, 2nd to last, stole 66 bases, 4th lowest, and had 2111 total bases, second to last. Now, we have one of the most feared lineups in the NL.
However, no team is perfect, and in improving our offense, our pitching has suffered somewhat. While our bullpen is just as strong as it was last year, our starting pitching is somewhat worrisome. Al Leiter heads it up, and he should have another very good year, with a better record than in the past. Steve Trachsel and Shawn Estes will go 2 and 3, although who will comes first is uncertain. I have tremendous confidence in Trachsel, although I may be the only one. The difference between the April-June Steve Trachsel and the July-September Steve Trachsel was all in his head. After coming back from the minors, Trachsel had confidence and the right attitude on the mound. There's no evidence that he's lost that confidence, so I expect to see the same Steve Trachsel that we saw at the end of last year. Estes on the other hand is a head case. As soon as he gets in trouble he starts worrying, and therefore is ineffective at working out of jams. Glendon Rusch and Bruce Chen are both big question marks. While they could both turn out good seasons like Rusch did in 2000 (4.01 ERA), more likely they could turn out like Rusch last year (4.63 ERA). Overall I feel we have an ace, two number 3 starters and 2 number fives, which will get you through the regular season with a good offense, but is not something that you can win it all with.
Luckily, all the talk is about trades. The $6 million man, Todd Zeile, is now a utility player without a position. Although Steve Phillips says he's going to fill in at 1st, 3rd, in the outfield, and even behind the plate, come on, when was the last time a bench player made $6M? Look for him to be traded in the near future. Also, we now have 4 lefties in the rotation in Leiter, Estes, Rusch, and Chen. Leiter isn't going anywhere and Estes was probably acquired to keep, at least until next season. Rusch took a real step back last year. Many expected him to win 15-18 games and possibly have an ERA under 4. Instead, he couldn't make the big pitch and his WHIP was 1.44, which is terrible, even for a number 4 starter. While the Mets look down on Rusch, many other teams still see promise in him. A straight-up deal for someone like Jose Cruz Jr. or Jeromy Burnitz could be a possibility. Many ignornant fans feel that Chen is already a failure. They say he was given up on by two teams already, at the young age of 25. For clarification, the Braves did not "give up" on Chen. They traded him to the Phillies for Andy Ashby at the 2000 trade deadline. They needed a proven veteran to get them deeper into the playoffs and Chen was the one they had to give up. The Phillies had a very full rotation last year, and although he could have been part of it, he didn't fail the Phillies.
Saturday, December 29th-No entry
Sunday, December 30th-No entry
Monday, December 31st-No entry
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