13
2009
Everybody Loves Winter Season
An article by Jessep
Everybody loves the winter baseball season. It’s the time when we all become experts. We all get to spend X amount of imaginary dollars, and if some of our moves happen, we get to call into AM radio and say “I said all along the Mets should get _____.” (By the way if they sign Nick Johnson, I’m re-posting my blog about that!)
It’s never too early to start writing your Christmas Wish List right? This year the Winter Meetings are in Indianapolis, so unlike years when it was in Vegas or Orlando, there’s actually not much to do except talk Baseball this year. I’m expecting an active session this year.
I’m not one to get into speculation as much. It seems like every day you hear about a “rumor” or a trade possibility just days after the World Series. I’m the kind of guy that writes up my wish list, and then when I get nothing I want, I try and look at the bright side of getting a pair of socks.
I’ve gotten into a debate on one of my other articles regarding Luis Castillo versus Brandon Phillips. Here’s my basic statement regarding that kind of move. I don’t like teams getting players just to get them. We saw how Citi Field played last year. That’s not going to change. So we as fans need to stop wanting things that our team and our stadium are not built for.
Here is what we should be building around.
We have an explosive SS who can hit leadoff, and if given the chance by his #2 hitter, many singles and walks can turn into doubles and eventual runs.
We have a guy who has won a Gold Glove at 3B, he’s still young, and while he didn’t hit for power last year, he has the potential to do so. Until he does, he’s a very capable #3 hitter.
We have one of the best CF’s in the entire sport who also can hit for power in the middle of the lineup.
We have a top 5 starting pitcher in Johan Santana who when healthy can go toe to toe with any starter in the sport.
We have a top 5 closer who struggles at times, but almost every team would prefer to have him on their roster over their current closer.
Now let’s go build a team.
Let’s ignore the bullpen for now. The bullpen is such an unpredictable aspect of the sport, and if you have your closer, you have figured out the hard part.
You know that Francoeur is in RF, so plug him in. You also know whether you like it or not that Oliver Perez will be in the starting rotation in 2010. Then, you know either Mike Pelfrey or John Maine will have a spot as well (possibly both.)
It’s sad, but those are their certainties in terms of our starting 8, and their staff.
So without even looking at possibilities you have Reyes hitting #1, which means you don’t need a leadoff hitter. You have Beltran/Wright in an interchangeable 3/4 slot, and you have Francoeur capable to be a #5 hitter, but probably ideally a #6. You have Perez occupying your 4/5 slot, and Pelfrey or Maine being your #3.
This means the Mets need to fill LF, 2B, 1B, C and ideally get a 2, 5, 7, 8 hitter out of them. Then for the staff you know you need a #2 arm, plus a #5 who is capable of being a #4 if Oliver is well…Oliver.
#2: I’m going to concede getting rid of Castillo. I do not think it’s fair to be so against him after the 2009 season he had. However, I’m no fool and I recognize the need to dump that contract and sell high before it’s too late. You as the avid Mets fan need to remember we play in the National League. We’re not the Yankees; we shouldn’t be trying to get 20+ Homeruns out of our #2 hitter. What we should be asking for is a hitter who has quality bat control and being able to either get on base more frequently than an average hitter, or if they aren’t going to get on base, have the baseball knowledge to hit the ball behind the base runner to avoid a double play. What we don’t want is a guy hitting behind Reyes who will either strike out a lot, or fly out a lot. We certainly do not want a guy who is only as successful as his power numbers are high.
Therefore, to me the logical move is to sign Chone Figgins to play second base.
The biggest knock I’ve heard on Figgins lately is his post-season numbers. Look, the day I want to worry about potential players’ post-season numbers is the day after Game 1 of the LDS. You have to get there first. You need to play 162 games before you can even think about the final 19 (max.)
What Figgins does well is what the Mets need behind Reyes. He has a great knowledge for the strike zone, taking 101 walks in 2009. While he does strike out more than I’d like, he brings a great ability to put the ball in play, get on base, and if Reyes doesn’t get on ahead of him, you have a 2nd leadoff hitter trying to get things started.
So now we have 1. Reyes (SS) 2. Figgins (2B) 3. Wright (3B) 4. Beltran (CF) 5.______ 6. Francouer (RF) 7. _______ 8. __________
#5 This is where it gets tricky and the Mets need to be both good and lucky in their pursuits. I am cynical when it comes to both Matt Holliday and Jason Bay. I think Bay is a very poor defensive LF, and he just never has excited me as a player. Holliday is the type of player you love to root for, but there’s just something about those 93 games in Oakland this year that worry me. However, the lack of options and the need for a legitimate 5 hitter behind Beltran force me to say, the Mets have to get Holliday.
Matt Holliday has big game experience, and he has already proven he can drop a fly ball, so we know he’ll fit right in. I don’t really care about his power so much as I care about his ability to put the bat on the ball. Jason Bay had a contact percentage of around 70% last year, when Matt Holliday was in the low 80’s. That may sound small to you, but that’s a big deal when you are hitting behind Carlos Beltran. With 2 out, the opposing pitcher needs to be worried about what he’s going to do if he lets Beltran get on base, not “let me walk Beltran and take my chances on striking the next guy out.” So let’s go shopping and sign the 29 year old left fielder to a deal he has earned.
So now we have 1. Reyes (SS) 2. Figgins (2B) 3. Wright (3B) 4. Beltran (CF) 5. Holliday (LF) 6. Francouer (RF) 7. _______ 8. __________
We need a catcher and a 1B. If you’ve read my stuff you know I love Nick Johnson. I know he’s injured and yada yada, but he would be a good guy to have while letting Murphy mature. However, in this scheme, he doesn’t work. You’re not going to sign Johnson to bat 7th or 8th, and you certainly can’t move Wright/Beltran/Holliday down a slot each.
So while I want Johnson, I’m going to say 1B is where the Mets stay put. I’m a Murphy supporter, I think he had entirely way too much pressure on him to perform in what was in reality his 1st full season as a big leaguer. He’s not a guy you build a lineup around, yet with all of the injuries last year we needed him to be something he’s not. With Ike Davis in the minors, and possibly making his way up within a year or so, I think you can’t get crazy at 1B if you want to hang on to Davis. You also have to remember, there are some limitations to the moves you make. Compare Murphy’s rookie season (not by ROY standards) to other Rookies. The fact he plays in New York, and was essentially a major media story for a better half of a season is why we are all so eager to replace him. If the future is Ike Davis at 1B, then the present is Daniel Murphy.
I’m plugging Murphy into the 7 spot whether I like it or not.
So now we have 1. Reyes (SS) 2. Figgins (2B) 3. Wright (3B) 4. Beltran (CF) 5. Holliday (LF) 6. Francouer (RF) 7. Murphy (1B) 8. __________
Okay we need an 8th hitter, and we need a catcher. The catcher position is becoming a spot where you seem to either have a great one in the MLB, or you don’t have one. Everybody loves the last name Molina. Frankly, Bengie and Jose are not Yadier. Look at their caught stealing numbers and then look at their offensive production. We also know Torrealba is not coming here, I’m pretty sure he’s still suing the Mets. I’m all for a defensive catcher, but I also want a guy who can at least do something at the plate. I don’t need MVP numbers, but I need a big league hitter. That is why I am hoping the Mets go and get Ramon Hernandez to be their starting catcher in 2010.
Hernandez is coming off knee surgery in July, so his price tag won’t be as high as you’d expect for a starting player. The Reds look like they will decline his 8.5 million dollar option because they know he’s not worth that money. Compare Hernandez to Bengie Molina for a second.
Molina has the last name, but in 2009 he threw out just 23% of attempted base stealers. In 2008, Brian Schneider threw out 33% for the Mets by the way. Anyway, in comparison Hernandez threw out 20% in 2008’s full season. So between them you’re not making up much ground defensively with Molina. In fact both, whether you like it or not are downgrades defensively from Schneider.
Offensively, Bengie and Hernandez are pretty close and if we’re looking for an 8 hitter, we want somebody cheap obviously, but we also want somebody who can get on base and clear out that pitcher’s spot. Hernandez is the better option in that sense. Neither of them are impressive, but Hernandez works a pitcher more during at-bats, he can draw a walk and overall gets on base. I don’t need a homerun hitter batting 8th, I need a guy who can keep a seat warm for Josh Thole until/unless we find out if Thole is for real. I like Hernandez for that spot.
So there is my lineup
1. SS Reyes
2. 2B Figgins
3. 3B Wright
4. CF Beltran
5. LF Holliday
6. RF Francoeur
7. 1B Murphy
8. C. Hernandez/Santos
Now we have to find a home for Luis Castillo. I like the idea of trading him to Los Angeles for Juan Pierre but man that’s a big contract for a backup outfielder. Unless they can get a better 1B or C option out of the deal or a bullpen arm or two, I can’t see the Mets dealing Castillo for anything more than a mid-level shot in the dark prospect or some utility fielder that we’ll only notice if the Mets have a replay of the 2009 injury plagued season.
Now it’s time for Omar Minaya to be bold. It’s a risky move but the Mets have to make a play for Roy Halladay. Halladay is a free agent after this year and obviously will be looking for the big pay day that he deserves. The Mets need to look at getting Halladay in a sense that they are getting two #1 starters, and pay Halladay what he deserves after the trade, just as they did with Santana. If they don’t then they have to sign John Lackey, which is fine, but Lackey isn’t Halladay and likely will demand just as much $ on an open market.
I’m actually not a huge Halladay guy, I mean obviously he’s great but he has pitched in a small market his whole career, so there’s always that “New York media,” issue. For Roy Halladay, the Mets need to unload. They need to send Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey or John Maine and Nick Evans and hope it’s enough. Toronto has a talented roster but they know they won’t keep Halladay, so they need to maintain some sort of possibility of a successful year by dealing Halladay. The problem is here is will new GM Alex Anthopoulous be willing to make his 1st move be the one that sends Halladay out of town. Plus, how long will it take? He’s likely going to be gun shy, so if in the meantime Lackey signs elsewhere, the Mets are in quite the pickle.
So that gives us the rotation of Santana, Halladay, Maine, _____, Perez. I kept Maine over Pelfrey because while I like Pelfrey a lot, he’s more valuable than Maine in that deal for Toronto.
The last pickup I’d make would be Jason Marquis. The thing I like most about him is his ability to stay in games past the 6th, and the fact he’s a groundball pitcher. He doesn’t strike a lot of guys out, but at the 4/5 slot you don’t need that kind of guy, especially if you have Santana and Halladay 1/2. Marquis is the kind of low budget/low profile type pitcher that would fit in nicely with this team and this stadium.
So I finish out my rotation with Santana, Halladay, Maine, Marquis, Perez.
Finally, the guys we all talk about, and the reasons I don’t like them:
Orlando Hudson – To me, the only reason Mets fans want him is because we didn’t have him last year. All he is to me is a turn back the clock on Luis Castillo. He’s nothing special except his glove, and he has never impressed me at the plate.
Brandon Phillips – I guess it’s an unpopular opinion, but I don’t want this guy on the Mets. You can’t tell me that after 3 years of misery, the best thing we can do is bring in a guy who was called out by his own manager as having a poor attitude and work ethic. I’m sorry but we don’t need more problems, we need solutions. Phillips doesn’t fit with the core of this team, and I have no interest in finding out if Dusty Baker was right.
Aubrey Huff – It’s not that I’d flip out if the Mets acquired him. I just don’t see how he’s really any better than Murphy to be honest. Everybody loves talking about Huff because it’s like it makes us sound smart that we even know who he is. He’s coming off a pretty bad year, so is Murphy. So why pay 1 guy millions to rebound from it?
Randy Wolf – Another one of those “sign him because we didn’t last year,” moves. I just don’t like making moves to try and make up for not doing the same thing last year. If Marquis was unavailable I’d say maybe let’s go for Wolf. I just feel as though Wolf is going to want that 2/3 slot, which he is not good enough for. Plus, he never really has impressed me. When he was with Philadelphia, I was never like “oh crap, Wolf is pitching.”
Erik Bedard – Didn’t everybody see what happens when you treat Bedard like he’s anything more than a #5 starter? He probably still thinks he’s worthy of being a front line guy, and I want no part of that.
Joel Piniero – I like him, but I also think he’s a step below Marquis. I think Piniero benefits from the Duncan system more than any pitcher on that staff. I’m afraid of what happens when he comes to NY and is expected to pitch with the big boys. I think he’ll stay in St. Louis actually because he knows it’s where he belongs.
Well there you have it. You know, everybody likes to have their wish list down on paper. We all have no clue what Omar has to spend, and what the trade market is. My goal was to spend big money on 1 free agent, above average on Chone and just hope to get lucky with the rest of the moves.
The lineup and staff I present is not the New York Yankees, but it fits the New York Mets core and the stadium they play in. It fits National League standards and if that was the team on Opening Day I think you’d see the Mets odds in Vegas are in the top 5 yet again.
About the Author: Michael J. Branda
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haha your joke is noted but there are people out there saying the Mets should sign Chone for 3B and move Wright to 1B.
You don’t know a young player, leader of your team to 1B who also has won a Gold Glove at 3B. You just don’t do it.
How about we put wright in left,and sign Figgins to play 3rd? Maybe playing in Left David can get used to the wall,so he can find away to hit a ball over it?
Just wondering, have you figured out what their payroll would be under your scenario?
10M Figgins
18M Holliday
20M Halladay
Total 48M in these guys plus arbitration awards, raises for Wright and Beltran.
This will approach $160M at least.
Wow, you really did your homework. This is a great thought out plan.
Your final outcome is one I think most Mets fans would be thrilled with, at least I know I would be.
Would you let Murphy play everyday including against lefthanders? That would be my only gripe. Nice job though.
I honestly think you gotta just let Murphy play. There was too much random sitting and too much shakeup in his spot in the lineup. That paired with the move from LF to 1B… the guy had no stability. I think you gotta let him play (in this scenario) and figure out if you need a 1B later. I personally do not think Adrian Gonzalez is going anywhere until during the actual season anyway
All good points, he already had enormous pressure trying to replace the Mets best power threat in Delgado, this after flopping in LF and taking it to heart. You sold me.
Jessep – I totally agree on Murphy. He could breakout this year. If not, maybe Davis next year.
The only problem with your plan is what if we don’t raise payroll by $20-30 million next year.
then we win 85 games and hope other teams aren’t good rather than beat them based on talent alone.
I like the innovation and the ideas presented in this article. The problem is, since the Mets are second to only the Yankees in salary, there is a mislead consensus that the Mets must spend bundles of cash as though to compete with their rivals up North. This is where I disagree, because the Yankees get credit for spending money wisely when in reality they just outbid the rest of the league because they can afford to do so. Instead of overspending on one outfielder, the Mets could spend that money on a second basemen who could hit behind (or as you suggested at some point, in front) of Reyes in the lineup, preferably O-Dog or Figgins. Then they would have enough money to sign a starter. They don’t need John Lackey or Roy Halladay. Joel Piniero would be the best option here. If they can sign him for 10 million or less, he would be a great fit. He keeps the ball in the park and would thrive in Flushing. You might remember him blanking the Mets with a 3 hit complete game shutout last season. Pelfrey has the ability to be a #2 starter. Santana, Pelfrey, Piniero, Maine and there’s a whole array of options on the 5th spot (Niese, Parnell, Misch, Stokes, Redding, Broadway).
Matt – If your reason for wanting Piniero is supposed by a 3 hit effort versus the Mets. Look at the lineup he faced during that game. Then compare it to the Phillies, Braves, Cardinals, Cubs and Dodgers.
Then after you’re done with that. Take a look at the August game in which the Mets got 11 hits in 5IP and 7 runs versus Piniero in Citi Field.
Look I like him but I think he’s a product of that system over there. If he was signed to be the Mets #5 I wouldn’t revolt, but I also wouldn’t expect as much out of him as I would a guy like Marquis.
Pelfrey proved last year he’s not a #2 starter. The second you start saying that, you’re starting to re-dig the 2009 hole.
Jessep
You have to be realistic about the payroll. How would you shape the team if you only had $30M to spend.
What about Roy Oswalt @ 2 years – $30M. What do you think it would take to get him. He could fit into the #2 slot nicely without the long term commitment.
Mets are not doing all that, both Halliday,Holliday and Figgins and all that, come on this is the mets, not the Yankees. And ur not trading Castillo without another problem coming back so here it is… My plan if I had 30 million is as follows:
1. As 1 guy said, trade for Roy Halliday using, Mike Pelfrey, Fernando Martinez, Jerry Mejjia and either Wilmer Flores or Ruben Tejada as the lasy guy. Halliday makes 15.75 this upcoming season. Sign him to an extension for as long as Santana has left on his contract, i think it is like 4 or 5 yrs or something, Santana and halliday, 2 best pitchers, same rotation, can’t pass that up.
2. Trade Luis Castillo to the Dodgers for Juan Pierre. Look there has been a few places mentioned such as Cubs for Milton Bradley, no thanks along with Det for either Willis, Bonderman or Nate Robinson, no thanks on any of the 3, especially the last pitcher, pierre is the best name and player mentioned as far as who were getting back, he had a good year, when he plays a full year he is an outstanding player and u put him 2nd with reyes at the top, he’ll play well, Pierre is ur LF. Forget bay and Holliday and spending 17-18 mil for them, too many needs on this team, also i think the Dodgers kick in a little money to even up the salaries, there not that different, but i think they will kick in money to make up the difference.
3. Bengie Molina gets signed to be the C, there is not a lot here, Omar is a big fan of his, Molina wants a 2 year deal, he gets it with us, u’d like to sign him to a 1 year deal, but he won’t take a 1 year deal from us, he would just go back to the Giants, who offered a 1 year deal to come back which he rejected because he thought he could get a 2 year deal from somebody, that team will be us, and lastly take ur dreams of getting Joe Mauer come next year and ending them right here, next year he ends up in the Bronx or Boston. Molina inks a 2 year 11 mil deal with Mets.
4. Mets sign Orlando Hudson signs 2 year deal with Mets. Look, i like Chucky Figs also, but 5 yrs and 10 mil a year is a lot to a guy that is already 31 and for a team with a lot of needs to fill and maybe only 30 million to do it. So the smart bet here is Mets sign the Gold Glove Hudson to a 2 year 8 mil deal.
5. Mets sign Joe Biemel to a 1 year or 2 year deal for 1-2 million, real easy, the guy throws hard, they need another left hand reliever and this guy does not give up hr’s, good fit in our ballpark.
6. Take this next signing however u want either as a guy playing a Tatis role or as an open competition at 1b the day they sign him or as an insurance policy if Murphy struggles again to hit, they have to find a power hitter somewhere, the thought has been sign a right handed compliment with power at 1b to Murphy, this guy was on the playoff roster last year when he came back from injury and Tony Larussa trusted for a number of games to play this guy at 1b, and Tony Larussa doing it is good enough for me, he is smarter then Jerry Manuel will ever be, if he can do it, so can we, his name is Troy Glaus…1 year 1 million. My personal opinion, from the day u sign him, u create a open competition at 1b between the 2, whomever plays better, wins the job both have a lot to prove, glaus wants to prove he can still play and win a everyday job, murphy has to prove that he can hit enough to compliement his decent defense, especially vs LH pitching.
7. So who is the replacement for Pelfrey or the other starter in the rotation….tough call, i have 2.5 million left in my budget……tough call…Neise is not ready he’ll start in the minors……I was thinking Ben Sheets but the Rangers probably overpay for him, it is close to where he lives….then I came up with 2 names that might be decent fits, the first could be Brad Penny, he stills throws hard and did ok in a pitchers park in SF after bombing in Boston……my other thought was John Smoltz for the same reasons as Penny, struggled in Boston, went back to the NL like Penny did and did ok with the Cardinals, did ok in the playoffs as well. So there u go, this off-season will not be easy but I think this team could be fun with Halliday and Santana in the mix to go with vs the Phillies along with some of the grinders and gamers we get in Pierre, Hudson and Molina and maybe even some surprising power we get as well from Glaus as well as maybe some good health and good fortune as well from our incumbents. Take a look at the team below, look forward to ur comments, he kind please, it’s just a thought as well as a realistic prediction like everyone else is doing. Enjoy Guys.
Lineup- 1. SS-Reyes, 2. LF-Pierre, 3. 3b-Wright, 4. CF-Beltran, 5. 1b-Glaus, 6. RF-Franceour, 7. 2b-Hudson 8. C- Molina – 6,7,8 spots, decide however u want.
Rotation:
Santana, Halliday, Perez, Maine, Penny/Smoltz
Bullpen:
K-rod, Biemel, Parnell, Stokes, Felicano, Figeroura
Bench:
Santos, Murphy, Hernandez, Pagan, Sullivan/Reed/Valdez for 2 of 3 for last 2 spots.
What part of “my wish list” was not understood?
I didn’t say “this is what the Mets have to do.” I said it was my wish list and the direction I’d like to see them go. None of us know how much $ the Mets have to spend, who is avail on the trade market and who we can realistically negotiate with. So you (reader) can’t tell me it’s unrealistic and I can’t tell you it’s realistic.
Let me ask you something here Anthony
Why is Molina better than Schneider – Schneider throws out more runners, and if you’re putting Molina in the 8 spot you don’t need his “offense” you’d be signing him because of his defense and Schneider statistically is better.
Why is Glaus better than Delgado – Glaus played fewer games that Delgado last year, and is more of a health question mark than Delgado.
Why is Hudson better than Castillo – Hudson is better defensively but Castillo had a better offensive 2009
Why is Pierre’s contract better than Castillo’s? – Pierre makes 10m in 2010 versus Castillo’s 8.5. They both make 6 mil 2011.
Anthony and Jessep
You both make some good points but I disagree with each of you as follows.
Jessep – I think it is totally unrealistic to think the Mets will increase payroll by up to $30M. You can’t have a wish list based on that assumption. So I like what Anthony has done with his wish list.
Molina is 100 times better than Schneider. .265, 20 HR and 80 RBI vs. .218, 3 HR and 24 RBI. The fielding is not that different.
I do not want Pierre as my everyday LF. 24 extra base hits (0 HR) in 425 plate appearances. No thanks.
Hudson is so much better than Castillo offensively and defensively. I’d take Hudson’s 25 doubles, 6 triples, 9 HR. Castillo had 12 doubles, 3 triples, and 1 HR. That’s pathetic.
I want Hudson or DeRosa at 2nd. DeRosa can even platoon at 1st base with Murphy. I’d take Molina or Barajas, or Miguel Olivo (look up his stats – equal to Molina). Then we just need a reasonably priced left fielder like Juan Rivera.
I’d do the Halladay trade in a second.
Guys i just think Omar has to save his job, i think he maybe allowed 1 prospect for star kind of trade and I just think in the end for a lot of the same reasons that it happened with Santana, I think the trade and the big player they get is Halliday. I think he is the one player who mets fans will instanly get excited about and go buy tickets for, with Santana and halliday at the top they will feel good about going against the phillies with those guys at the top. If they got at best 30 mil to spend and the payroll is at best the same as last year, u may only have room for 1 big player, ur not getting both the big pitcher and the big Hitter, i think it is either one or the other, it’s either the big pitcher and sprinkling in grinder types in the lineup or they get a big power hitter and getting 2nd and 3rd tier pitchers, ur not beating the Phillies with 2nd and 3rd tier pitching. So u look at what i think the plan will be: I think they will get Halliday, that will get the fans confidence right off the bat and u will be able to sell tickets and be able to go build ur team while the mets fans talk trash about having Santana and Halliday at the top of their rotation and with good reason. I think they trade for Pierre and give the Dodgers Castillo, castillo just as no range at 2b, Pierre can at least catch the ball and still run, pierre only lost his job and became the 4th OF when they got Manny on a silver plate, last year Manny got suspended, Pierre was one of the big reasons the Dodgers won the division and made the playoffs, he played great, look at his numbers when he got 600 at bats, you’ll like what he did people, ok so he has a cork arm, but he is also another guy that can play CF along with Pagan in case beltran gets hurt again, so u don’t need to carry 2 OF’s on ur bench. I mean, look at his stats below, this guy plays well, he didn’t hit 230 and come into camp outta shape like castillo did and the guy can still field, take a look below at his numbers:
2009 Season Stats
G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
145 380 117 16 8 0 31 57 27 27 30 12 .308 .365 .392 .757
Career Stats Batting
Year Team G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
2000 COL 51 200 62 2 0 0 20 26 13 15 7 6 .310 .352 .320 .672
2001 COL 156 617 202 26 11 2 55 108 41 29 46 17 .327 .369 .415 .784
2002 COL 152 592 170 20 5 1 35 90 31 52 47 12 .287 .332 .343 .675
2003 FLA 162 668 204 28 7 1 41 100 55 35 65 20 .305 .361 .373 .734
2004 FLA 162 678 221 22 12 3 49 100 45 35 45 24 .326 .374 .407 .781
2005 FLA 162 656 181 19 13 2 47 96 41 45 57 17 .276 .326 .354 .680
2006 CHC 162 699 204 32 13 3 40 87 32 38 58 20 .292 .330 .388 .717
2007 LA 162 668 196 24 8 0 41 96 33 37 64 15 .293 .331 .353 .685
2008 LA 119 375 106 10 2 1 28 44 22 24 40 12 .283 .327 .328 .655
U put this guy in Citi field with that deep OF and those funny quirks they got out there, he’ll run all day at citifield.
Like I said, I think they bring in Hudson to play 2b, he won a gold glove, they bring in Molina to catch, Omar’s a big fan, Molina gets his 2 yrs he is looking for from the Mets. They bring in Biemel as the other lefty in the pen, they bring in Glaus to be what they said they wanted, a right handed compliement to Murphy at 1b with power, he had a freak injury last year, it happens, but if Tony Larussa has enough confidence to play him at 1b, why not Jerry manuel and the mets? Look at his numbers before last year, there not bad either:
Career Stats Batting
Year Team G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
1998 ANA 48 165 36 9 0 1 23 19 15 51 1 0 .218 .283 .291 .574
1999 ANA 154 551 132 29 0 29 79 85 71 143 5 1 .240 .326 .450 .776
2000 ANA 159 563 160 37 1 47 102 120 112 163 14 11 .284 .403 .604 1.007
2001 ANA 161 588 147 38 2 41 108 100 107 158 10 3 .250 .365 .531 .896
2002 ANA 156 569 142 24 1 30 111 99 88 144 10 3 .250 .352 .453 .805
2003 ANA 91 319 79 17 2 16 50 53 46 73 7 2 .248 .343 .464 .807
2004 ANA 58 207 52 11 1 18 42 47 31 52 2 3 .251 .355 .575 .930
2005 ARZ 149 538 139 29 1 37 97 78 84 145 4 2 .258 .363 .522 .885
2006 TOR 153 540 136 27 0 38 104 105 86 134 3 2 .252 .355 .513 .868
2007 TOR 115 385 101 19 1 20 62 60 61 102 0 1 .262 .366 .473 .839
2008 STL 151 544 147 33 1 27 99 69 87 104 0 1 .270 .372 .483 .856
I mean if it was me, it’s an open competitiion between the 2. But whatever, i think he is a cheaper option then Delgado and glaus is right handed bat which is what they want.
They trade for halliday in exchange for Pelfrey, Martinez, Mejjia and either Flores or tejada. They sign Penny or Smoltz, there is ur team. So looking at the team below is it sexy, no, but is it a realistic expectation of what they will do and a team that is competitive,yes, i forgot about Sean Green had to throw him in there and I think they non-tender redding, reed and sullivan, so i had to tweak it a little:
Lineup- 1. SS-Reyes, 2. LF-Pierre, 3. 3b-Wright, 4. CF-Beltran, 5. 1b-Glaus, 6. RF-Franceour, 7. 2b-Hudson 8. C- Molina – 6,7,8 spots, decide however u want.
Rotation:
Santana, Halliday, Perez, Maine, Penny/Smoltz
Bullpen:
K-rod, Biemel, Parnell, Stokes, Felicano, Sean Green, Figeroura
Bench:
Santos, Murphy, Hernandez, Pagan, Alfonzo(who knows maybe he makes it as a 25th man or something.
Also, platooning 2 left hand hitters at 1b makes no sense, platooning a LH hitter in Murphy with a right hand hitter in glaus makes more sense, i’ll take a chance on a 32 year old glaus and his shoulder before i ever take a chance on 37 year old Delgado and his really bad hip anyday.
I like your scenario accept for murphy while he was entertaining last year. very rarely does a team win championships without a power hitter at first base. I dont think that wright ,beltran or holliday would mind dropping a slot in the lineup for a big power guy. especially when they actually see the names on that line up card.