No game today, but I have to write anyway. I’ll have a story about the Mets’ batting order in The Journal News tomorrow.
I’m on record of saying David Wright should hit fifth and Paul Lo Duca second. Why change it if its not broke?
After writing I’ll find something to do. Will take it easy on the posting today. I’ll check back later, but hopefully you guys will carry the ball today. Post what is on your mind and talk with each other.
Take care …
10 Comments
Hi John,
Hope you’re enjoying the off day.
I thought it was a good sign last night that the offense was ignited by Alou and Green. I’m certainly not ready to say that Green isn’t finished, nor am I totally confident that Alou will stay healthy at age 41. But the team is certainly stocked with professional hitters, and I don’t think most pitchers want to have to face either of them in a pressure spot. If the two of them (along with LoDuca and Velentin) can be solid this year, the offense should be pretty tough.
On the lineup… I’m fine with leaving LoDuca in the 2-hole, but my sense is that he’ll play fewer games this year (120 should be the upper limit, I think) and so the question becomes, who hits #2 when Castro catches?
Wright should certainly be productive there – he’s got a good profile for it; slightly above average on the basepaths, hits for average, sees lots of pitches. There’s also the possibility of using Valentin there versus righties (he hit .291 as a LHB in ‘06) and even using Alou (and his .400 OBP over the past three seasons) vs. lefties. Neither is prototypical in that spot, but either, I think, would be effective there in this lineup in the event that you don’t want to disrupt DWright.
I am also thinking that on Lo Duca’s off days David Wright would be fine in the number 2 slot.
Took a look at your story and I find it hard to believe that you have El Duque listed as a starting pitcher for 2008. I don’t know the status of his contract, but I would believe that the slot would either be taken by someone in the farm system or by someone acquired by trade.
To be fair, El Duque did sign a two-year deal during this off-season; so, he’ll pitching for the Mets or traded elsewhere in 2008.
Agreed, and idealy, by the end of the season, and at least by next year, El Duque is our #4 or #5 starter anyway.
I agree. I do not have confidence El Duque can be effective going into next year.
I would think Omar would improve the staff by next year. Hopefully Glavine sticks and Pedro is back which would push El Duque out and have Humber pushing for a slot.
That is if we don’t get a good pitcher in a trade or free agent.
Dave
John,
What are the contingency plans if Wright gets hurt. There seem to be options with every other position for a short time if someone gets a sprain or something.
Not that I am trying to jinx us, just wondering.
Dave
Enter Fernando Tatis…
hey john im going to the 1st 2 home games (April 9th and 11th)..i know maine’s pitching the ninth whos on your schedule to go the 11th?? i know its not pelfrey so its glavine duque or perez…..
Benny,
Really? Just looked this guy up. Hasn’t done much recently, but if it happens we will be desperate.
Dave