Hi guys …
I’m really pleased how Mets Chat turned out today. You made it happen. Thanks so much for your input.
I received a lot of questions and comments regarding the following issues (I hope I covered everything in my responses):
Lineup: Still think Willie will go with Paul Lo Duca in the No. 2 hole. His value as a hitter is advancing runners. He’d be wasted hitting eighth.
Bullpen: As of now, I would lean toward Smith. Burgos needs work. I have absolutely no faith in Burgos. … If Jon Adkins makes it, having no options will be the reason. …. Yes, Duaner Sanchez, Guillermo Mota and Juan Padilla, are due back. But, we really don’t know what we’ll get.
Rotation: I would DL Duque and bring Pelfrey north. I can see them taking both Park and Pelfrey. Read more on this in tomorrow’s paper. What I don’t see at the start is Duque out of the bullpen. … Tom Glavine will be the Opening Day starter. It’s been that way all along.
Endy Chavez: He’s still the fourth outfielder. Yes, he plays great defense and hit .300 last season. But, the reason he’s a role player is because they have the belief his shortcomings will be exposed over the long haul.
Lastings Milledge: He’s having a good spring, but I still think he’ll be in the minors to get the at-bats.
Ben Johnson: If the Mets carry five starters and seven relievers, then the final roster spot could come down between David Newhan and Ben Johnson. Right now, I might be inclined to keep both and let go of Easley.
Jason Vargas: His stats were pretty good. It’s between Pelfrey and Park for the fifth spot, so why keep Vargas around when the innings are getting scarce? We’ll see him this summer. I also think his future is out of the pen.
Dave Williams: He’s still several months away. He can barely move his neck.
Shawn Green: Signing Julio Franco for two years has hamstrung the Mets. If they let go of Franco they could keep both Newhan and Johnson.
Ruben Gotay: No talk of him replacing Easley.
Lack of offense: No worries, Randolph says. There’s a lot of offensive talent, and it will surface.
Chan Ho Park: He’s a .500 pitcher. He’s no better than a fifth starter. He shouldn’t be that picky about working out of the bullpen, but I don’t see him there for the Mets.
Camp surprise: Joe Smith, who has a shot to take a spot in the bullpen.
Camp disappointment: If Smith makes it, it could come at the expense of Ambiorix Burgos.
Ruben Sierra: No word, yet. But, does it really matter?
To Annie: The networks go to commercial during the anthem because they make money. … All those different uniforms? So they make money at the concession stands.
9 Comments
John,
double post!!!
but good work!
Mets Chat is a great idea. How often do you plan to do it?
great stuff, and John thanks for all the answers/opinions you gave as well.
John, are your comments on Burgos your opinion or what you are hearing from Mets camp?
John –
You’ve reinforced my belief that MLB has ruined a fine game with their pursuit of the Almighty Dollar (“for the love of money is the root of every evil”).
I may be in a very small minority, but I am watching for the love of the game.
There is a difference.
You forgot to mention Lino.
I cannot stand the new uniforms. I miss the original colors. :-(
To JR (RE: Burgos)
That he needs work is what I hear. That there’s no confidence in him is my opinion.
John,
I’d like that (chat).
1. How much do they have invested in Franco? Wasn’t it only a million? He is probably worth that coming off the bench. But the roster spot has to be worth more than that at this time. I’d rather see Milledge or Johnson in NY than Franco on the bench.
Jim