16
2009
It’s Not To Late To Sign Orlando Hudson
An article by Doug Branch
Omar Minaya has proved adept at lying in the weeds and swooping in at the right moment to add star power to the Mets. He used that prudent strategy to sign free agents Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, and this off-season, Frankie Rodriquez.
Ironically, when he deviated, and basically bid against himself, he landed Luis Castillo. That signing has been a disaster. But, Minaya can rectify it with one more signing.
Bring in
It’s obvious that management is nervous handing the job to the oft-injured Castillo (after a game last season I saw him walking around the clubhouse with ice wraps on both shoulders and both knees. He looked like he had escaped from a King Tutt exhibition).
Why else would they invite Jose Valentine to camp, after he missed last year with his own cornucopia of injuries, and re-sign 36-year old journey man Ramon Martinez (who started over Castillo in the waning days of last season)? Moreover, if you think Alex Cora was inked only to bolster the bench, I have some prime real estate in the swamps of
Second base for the Mets has been a black hole that swallows up players, much like third base was before David Wright arrived. From Jeff Kent to Carlos Baerga, and to the disappointing Roberto Alomar, the time is ripe for Minaya to stop the revolting revolving door and make
Reportedly, he proposed a one-year deal for Bobby Abreu (around $5 million), now just float it
If he says yes, and wants to play for a contender in a big-market replete with a spanking new ballpark, it could be a win-win for all.
Soon enough Hudson and his fellow free agents (Manny, et al) will be playing in the league of the forgotten.
The Mets could use his speed, glove, and spunk. He also has a rep as a stellar clubhouse leader, an attribute this team sorely lacks. The media would have another spokesman to query daily and that might ease the burden on Wright.
How about a top four of Reyes, Hudson, Beltran, and Wright? Mix in Delgado, Tatis/Murphy, and Church, and that is a formable seven. The Mets scored a league second best (tied with Phillies) 799 runs last year, only the Cubs’ 855 was better in the National League.
(By the way, forget about Jerry Manuel’s bluster regarding moving Castillo to lead off and pushing Reyes to the two-hole. He has the least confidence in the former Marlin as anyone in the organization-why else would he play
Minaya has always believed in the old baseball tenet that you can never have enough pitching, and he fortified this by signing Livan Hernandez, to vie for the number five starting spot with Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia.
He also has every second baseman not named Wally Backman and Edgardo Alfonzo in camp vying for Castillo’s job.
Does he really believe the switch-hitter can return to his average 138 games played from 1999-2007? He managed only 87 games last season and it’s quite evident that his 1,492 career games have stripped him of his speed and agility. Both were staples of his game.
Add Orlando Hudson and that might be your crowning achievement, Omar.
About the Author: Doug Branch
Doug has been sports writing since 1983. He first wrote about the Mets at spring training that year, and his first interviewee was surly catcher Ron Hodges. He currently writes for Mets Inside Pitch, among other magazines published by Scout Publishing-which is owned by Fox Sports. He began following the team during the Wes Westrum era, and redeemed many Borden milk coupons for free Saturday baseball. The night of Tom Seaver's imperfect game against the Cubs, he was in line to buy a ticket when the windows slammed shut and abject disappointment ensued.
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If they did this move, i wouldnt be mad. Do i think its happening? NO, this move will not happen. Its sad how he did want to play for us and he has said it over and over but I think they will give Castillo half a season to prove his worth and if he doesnt produce they will throw him under the bus and try to trade for a solid second baseman (i would honestly go after brian roberts if hes around)
Well, put Doug!
Totally agree, signing Hudson would bring a lot to this team.
By the way who is Jose Valentine? Any relation to Bobby Valentine?
Why Wright cleanup?
“and it’s quite evident that his 1,492 career games have stripped him of his speed and agility.”
Given the fact that all of Castillo’s peripherals were in line with his career norms (which is a good thing) except his BABIP (.330 career, below .280 last year), and his OBP (.375 over the last 10yrs, .350 last year) could it be possible that the dual knee surgery he underwent in the offseason have some impact on his on-field performance? I mean it was bothering him since day 1, as he couldn’t get in proper shape. I’m not saying he is the 2nd coming, but lets give the guy a shot here. Beltran was a guy who was beset by leg injuries his first year here, but look how he rebounded when healthy. Castillo is here, and will be the starting second baseman on Opening Day. Why not give him the benefit of the doubt…Its not like he is a flash in the pan..
I agree with Ravi, If he is over his injuries, and it looks so, then he will have a chance to be back to what he once was. Perhaps not all the way but enough to make it worth while.
Yet on top of him being injury free, he has been involved in the gym, diet to assist himself to getting back to be close to that level. And he is doing that in front of the Mets organization in Fl.
And who knows what it will be if there is two good (with a well paid Hudson)also at 2nd base) on the team, after all no one at this time will deal for Castillo because of last years perfomance plus his salary.
So why would Omar make a deal before he see what Castillo can do.
Omar has made some mistakes but overall he’s done a good job. He didn’t bid against himself to get Castillo. The Astros wanted Castillo and offered him a three year contract. So Omar upped the offer to four years and we got what we got.
Matsui eventually signed with the Astros for the spot Castillo was offered, but Kaz got three years for $16.5 Million.
Castillo’s OBP last year was .355, while Reyes’ was .358. Not too much difference but Castillo has no power. The guys in the 2 hole and later will have to deliver him.
Hudson would be a perfect addition for this team. He has twice the heart and would excel in the Mets lineup. His ability and personality would be a huge addition for our team!
Doug, you asked why would they invite Jose Valentin to camp?
Omar says he want Valentin to be a player-coach at Buffalo.
CAPSLOCK=DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
WHILE I BELIEVE HUDSON IS ALMOST AS LONG A SHOT AS MANNY. I ALSO BELIEVE BOTH OMAR & JEFF PLAN TO MAINTAIN ENOUGH PAYROLL FLEXIBILITY TO ACCOMODATE PICKING UP WHOMEVER THEY NEED IN JULY, WHETHER THAT’S A HALLIDAY OR AN ‘EL CABAIJO (SP?)(NEVER WAS ANY GOOD AT LANGUAGES-LOL). I ALSO THINK CORA’S TRUE VALUE WILL BE AS THE ONLY PALATABLE REST OPTION FOR REYES IN ROAD SERIES. JUST IMAGINE IF THEY RESTED HIM FOR JUST 1G EACH ROAD SERIES. THAT’D BE 29 LESS GAMES OF WEAR & TEAR HOPFULLY PRECLUDING THE USUAL SEPT EXHAUSTION. THEN IF JERRY WANTS TO EXPERIMENT WITH CASTILLO AS LEADOFF, HE’S WELCOME TO. NY FANS CAN DEFINITLY IMPACT CASTILLO’S DEMEANOR AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE THAN THEY DID WITH CEDENO’S & HEILMAN’S. THAT’S NOT GOOD FOR THE TEAM. TOO BAD NOT MANY REALIZE IT & PUT THE TEAM FIRST JUST AS THEY CLAIM THE PLAYERS SHOULD.
mets62fan-
I’m assuming you are referring to El Caballo, Carlos Lee? That would be a nice pick up, but he does have a monster contract.
I agree with your sentiments re:Reyes…He really has never had any suitable backup, and as such has had to play everyday. One might say that as a 26 yr old, he should be able to do 162 games without a problem, but clearly his high intensity playing style drains him, come September.
Right on, METS62FAN.
I don’t appreciate all the booing myself. It’s probably counterproductive. It seems like some fans really need to get their frustration off their chests, but it only helps the ‘other’ team!!!
Santana wasn’t a free agent….
great post. couldn’t agree more. been writing about this for a while now at http://www.metslifer.com