Could Mets Have Prevented Jenrry Mejia’s Torn MCL?

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• Sean Kenny May 2, 2011 at 3:46 pm

  Insert serious of four letter words, here.
  • Sean Kenny May 2, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    series* the Mets have horrible luck.
• Ruben DeJesus May 2, 2011 at 3:57 pm

  This injury is most likely career ending. We can forget Mejia as a serious prospect. Consider him gone.
• Ruben DeJesus May 2, 2011 at 3:58 pm

  a complete tear is BAD news
• Bayonne Mets Fan May 2, 2011 at 3:59 pm

  Looks like Warthen was right after all. Who trumped Warthen’s decision?
  • Peter R. May 2, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Pretty sure it was the holy trinity.
    • Bayonne Mets Fan May 2, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      Nooo, of course not. They’re geniuses, They’re unflappable and flawless. They make NO mistakes. Never have, never will.

      Imagine if it was Omar who over ruled Warthen?
      • any May 2, 2011 at 4:10 pm

        this makes no sense. You think putting him in the pen would have made any difference?

        the RP/SP discussion was based on his arsenal at the time, and assuming a smaller frame guy could not pitch lots of innings and deep into games. Not that there was something inherent about him that when he hit 20 innings his elbow would blow up.
        • francis May 2, 2011 at 4:44 pm

          i remember the conversation on this site when warthen said what he did about mejia’s throwing style an injury risk if he was a starter.

          it would be great if a site admin could pull that one up to see what we all said about it.
        • Des May 2, 2011 at 4:45 pm

          Last two seasons, two major injuries. It’s disheartening but we push forward. It sucks.
        • francis May 2, 2011 at 6:47 pm

          The decision to make him a starter was made last year. It was not changed this year, but both management regimes share responsibility for this one.
• 86mets May 2, 2011 at 4:01 pm

  Utterly un-believeable. No, wait, I can believe it. But other teams suffer serious injuries to their top pitching prospects as well (i.e., Arizona & Jarrod Parker; Washington & Stephen Strasburg). So this happens to other teams as well. On the bright side the Mets have Matt Harvey, Jeruys Familia, and Brad Holt, most prominently, pitching well to start the season and giving the Mets hope for the future. Hopefully Mejia will get the surgery done quickly (not sure if it’s TJ though) and be ready for opening day 2012. He is still just 21 so this isn’t a ruinous set back for him. Best of luck to Mejia, hope for a speedy recovery.
  • 86mets May 2, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    Okay, I somehow missed the part about the “complete” tear. That, obviously, could be very bad news for Mejia and his career. Let’s see what the 2nd opinion says, maybe there is a chance this isn’t a career ending injury. If it is, that’s horrible news. But, we still have Harvey and Familia who have tremendous upside so all is not completely lost.
• Lifelongmetsfan May 2, 2011 at 4:07 pm

  Bad luck? How about mismanagement? A slightly built power pitcher who has NEVER thrown more than 160inngs in a year… Transitioning from starting pitcher to relief pitcher, back to starting pitcher…
  The Mets certainly didn’t help or manage Mejia’s development well. Hopefully Mejia has the surgery and rehabilitates to come back in 2013 as a 7th-8th inng type bullpen pitcher for a few years before retiring. That would seem to be the most optimistic outlook. Sad. Very sad. Nice job Mets. Unbelievable.
• Satish Ram May 2, 2011 at 4:13 pm

  On his throwing arm too…

  This is terrible.
• Clayton Collier May 2, 2011 at 3:49 pm

  Does this mean Tommy John Surgery?
  • Satish Ram May 2, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    “Mejia will seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews later this week, as a matter of due diligence. But all signs point to TJ surgery.”
    • Clayton Collier May 2, 2011 at 4:45 pm

      Oh ok. Thanks Satish. First Matz, now this?! Mets should have traded Mejia and F-mart for Halladay when they were valuable.
      • Satish Ram May 2, 2011 at 6:04 pm

        It’s a shame… I’m worrying about how effective he’ll be, if at all, after this surgery.
  • Des May 2, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    There is an optimistic article on the surgery results for the kind of injury that Jenrry suffered. It’s written by the Mets Medical Director, Dr. David Altchek. He uses a modified technique of the surgery originally developed for Tommy John. In the study, 30 out of 31 patients who underwent surgery were able to return to their previous level of competition over an 11-month period.

    The article is:
    “Elbow Throwing Injuries: The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Tommy John Surgery”

    http://www.hss.edu/conditions_elbow-throwing-injuries-mcl-tommy-john.asp
• Tomterif May 2, 2011 at 4:53 pm

  Part of this is on Manuel but mostly Minaya and the Wilpons for putting Manuel in a position where he felt desperate for his job and pushed Mejia last season.
  • metsfan May 2, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    As a matter of tomterif, every pitcher like Strasburg who got TJ, was also the fault of Minaya and Wilpon and Manuel. They also caused Lidge and Utley to go down in Philly, were the reason for all the Red Sox injuries last year, and even caused Herb Score to have bad mechanics so Gil McDougald could plaster him on the nose. How about growing up littele man.
    • francis May 2, 2011 at 8:07 pm

      there is a slight difference in that the pitching coach went on the record saying he didn’t think that mejia could last as a starter.

      this is not the case with strasburg, lidge, or utley. nor was it the case with wainwright or hudson.

      that kind of insight is why you have a pitching coach and don’t go to blog sites to decide the way you handle your prospects. maybe people should start giving warthen come credit – for not only this comment, but for getting any wins from one of the weakest staffs in met history.
      • Original Met Fan May 2, 2011 at 9:00 pm

        Well said francis.
• Kranepool7 May 2, 2011 at 7:35 pm

  This team cant do anything right and Alderson hasn’t improved one thing around here, not one. This is still a 4th place team, it still has no second baseman, the rotation is still missing two good starters, and the hits keep on comming.
  • Chris May 3, 2011 at 2:13 am

    still has no second baseman? last I checked Murph was making all the plays and the only one on the team that can get a hit with runners in scoring position.
    • Des May 3, 2011 at 7:13 am

      You’re right Chris. Here is what a couple of Mets who know the game of baseball have said:

      Regarding his great play on Saturday, Jose Reyes said:
      “Unbelievable, there’s not too many second basemen who can make that play. I think he’s been much better than anybody expected. I’m surprised how comfortable he’s looked over there in his first year at that position.” Reyes went on: “That’s a hard position — I know from experience ….It’s not easy. The good thing about him is that he works hard. That’s important. He’s always out there during batting practice taking ground balls and working on double plays. A lot of guys wouldn’t do that.”

      Terry Collins added: “He’s getting more comfortable with positioning. He’s getting more comfortable with where he needs to be on things. I think the ground balls are never a factor because he was a good first baseman. I think his mechanics fielding are good. The part that I think he’s been getting better and better at is around the bag. The tags, the double plays, and the more he plays, the more comfortable he’s going to be.”
• francis May 2, 2011 at 8:17 pm

  Here’s the thread on the Warthen comments:

  http://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/02/jenrry-mejia-is-his-future-in-the-bullpen.html
  • Mr North Jersey May 2, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    Thx for finding this.

    I give you credit it looks like you have been consistent in your feeling that Warthen was onto something.

    francis says:
    February 12, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    “Sorry dudes, but I would side with warthen here. If he says he is better off as a reliever, then trying to make him a starter just because you don’t have enough of them is a bad idea.
    Don’t say he didn’t warn you when jennry has his second season ending injury.”

    Some of the comments are interesting. Seems like some just wanted Mejia to get a chance to start in the majors instead. Not expressing any concern that the Mets were making a mistake by not using Mejia as a reliever instead.
• Nester May 2, 2011 at 10:46 pm

  This is a sad turn of events but there is no reason to pin the blame on Omar Minaya or Sandy Alderson. These things happen to many young pitchers on any team. Lets just hope his surgery goes well and that he gets back to the same level he was before he got hurt.
  • metsaddict77 May 3, 2011 at 9:12 am

    just another, in a long line of failures.
• METS62FAN May 3, 2011 at 10:39 am

  Assuming Rumors,Conclusions,Presumptions & Assumptions are accurate and we are gazing into the beginning of a conversion period from a Minaya’s team contruct to an Alderson modeliZation, the most likely contention resumption is 2013 by which time Mejia’s return will be esttablished as he resumes his training as a meanuingful piece to our future skeleton

  I certainly continue to have my concerns over Jenrry’s future as a Rotation workload capable stud, viewing his frame as much more condicive to CL responsibilities as many of u should recall!

  I’d like to take this oportunity to share my response to Jel Sherman’s article in today’s?(5/3) paper Die-hard Mets’ dreamers may need to face hard facts – NYPOST.com

  My detailed response was with your indulgence:

  Joel, oh, let’s assume you’re right & they choose to deal the offensive heart out of the NYM for future considerations or pragmatic $$$ savings. Based upon what’s left & how many years it may take for the residuals + the acquisitions to return to actual meaningful contention, 2,3 yrs to transform from Minaya’;a team to Alderson’s team? So, that assumes, again, should every deal pan out as they hope, they’re looking @ 2013 or 2014 at best. in the meantime they’ve wasted $77.5M on a faltering, still young, ACE, Johan Santana dob 03/13/79. Here’s my math after 3 Seasons, 3 surgeries and a total of 40Ws

  Joel, unfortunately, it appeared as if 2008 was a perfectly timed moment in NYM transformation, to surplant their rapidly aging, rapidly deteriorating 2005 gamble on Ace, Perdo Matrtinez.(unfortunately they chose what seems to be a younger mode(29)l traveling the same diminished returns patway)
  They certainly appeared set offensively with a well balanced(youth/veteran) offensive lineup:

  PLAYER || 2008 AGE

  REYES 25
  CASTILLO 33
  BELTRAN 31
  DELGADO 36
  WRIGHT 26
  ALOU 42
  CHURCH 32
  SCHNEIDER 32

  CL. WAGNER 37
  #4 OF reserve Chavez 30

  On paper, at least, that contingent appeared perfectly sculptured to perform as a well oiled division favorite to add a top shelf competitor like Santana, making him the highest paid pitcher in MLB. As with many of the best laid plans of mice & men, this too has come to nought and the best use of current dealable assets for future use of the remaining foundation would have to first include sacrificing the crown jewel of the previous regime while finally surrendering to the understanding that as a concept, the acquisition of a topflight SP of Santana’s caliber was an excellent idea whose time has passed.
  Joel I submit acomparison for future consideration; Johan Santana Vs. Wright & Reyes based upon the liklihood that the latter 2 combined for some time will likely earn the same $77.5M committed to Santana through 2013.
  As it stands at this moment, Santana’s beast shot @ winning his most games in a season was 2008, when that aforementioned impressive lineup was @ his back and his repetoire was alien to most of his opponents & he was @ his PEAK PERFORMANCE EXPECTATRION AGE OF 29. with only minor adjustment surgeries already healed in his resume. despite ALL of those advantages, for whatebver reason, he only attained a relative mediocre record of 16-7 despite excellent peripherals of 2.53ERA & 1.15WHIP, while many supporters offer the “journeyman’s excuse of unsubstantial run support. I would counter that by definition, considering the bona fides of their most likely mound opponent( peer-ACE), the best overcome that obstacle with the ability to out zero their opposite number, compiling more scoreless innings of effective pitching.
  As it’s most likely 2013/14 before the NYM amass as strong a lineup as they’d rostered in 2008 is it logically supported that Santana @ 34 after 3 significant surgical procedures+ coresponding rehab stress could accxomplish more @ age 34 with less offensive firepower than he did @ age 29 backed by a potentially dominant NL lineup?
  Joel, I submit to you that the absolute best scenerio for these “steeped in realism” Mets would be to pray that Santana can return in time to pitch a representative small sample of MLB games to re-establish his viability as an acquisition as a #3 SP by a, desperate for pitching, deep pocketed contender like our crosstown cousin, NYY.
  As to Reyes, immediate concern, and Wright a ’12 concern, I would believe the example set by resurrected Cincinatti Re. Brandon Phillips will serve them best, treating both as a very strong left side of the all important foundation in which to build the future success upon. a smidgeon of which may already be present in considering the 2013 picture these options/skeleton pieces may be in house needing the flesh & organ acquisitions attained during the interim reality check period:
  PLAYER || 2013 AGE
  REYES 30
  MURPHY 28
  WRIGHT 31
  DAVIS 26
  THOLE 27
  NIESE 27
  GEE 27
  MEJIA 24 (PRESUMED HEALED & RETURNED TO CONTRIBUTE FOR/BEFORE ’13 CAMPAIGN)
  BEATO 27
  PARNELL 29
  Joel most of the experts, I understand, consider a baseball player’s prime productivity period to be those years when they are between 28 & 31 yrs of age. while this list is far from a complete roster it certainly constitues a strong bedrock skeleton with which to reinforce with the missing complimentary pieces.
  While trading Santana will more than likely cost in fan support as it will be interpreted as surrendering; by contrast, I believe that perception can be more quickly altered by establishing both Reyes & Wright along witrh Davis, Thole & Murphy as the new CORE of homegrown “babies to men” contingent. memory of a failed mercernary conscript(Santana) who’s every loss due to insufficient run support from a weakened talent lineup will add to fan unrest & desappointment. Whereas both Reyes & Wright present the hope & optimism of future contributions from “homies” beloved by many to begin with.
  BTW, Joel, if Santana was able to pitch effectively in 2 or 3 MLB games prior to 7/31 and encounter zero setbacks and I were Sandy Alderson attempting to gauge potential NYY interest, I would not be seeking Montero or any other obvious prospect. My focus with the NYY would have to establish that all conversations inviolving Johan must begin with the name Dellin Betances(AA SP). my “jackpot” pkg from them would include both Betances & Corbin Josephs(AA 2B).

  While Cashman would likely refuse my Betances inquiries, I’d trust in the Steinbrenner gene, that drives their overshadow the Mets at all costs motivation as they jump at an opportunity to erase the detractions of allowing Minaya to snatch the prize for a lesser pkg of goods in ’08.

  Of course I realize there is a sizeable emotional & ecconomic obstacle to dealing Santana in as much as he’s the first “big deal” signed by COO(C uh O?) Jeffrey Wilpon along with Johan’s full no trade requiring some sort of accomodation deemed acceptable by the player. In addition the Wilpons, as was their custom, had incorporated a significant(considering current Picard/Madoff atmosphere) level of deferred salary amounting to $5M annually +1.25% compound interest per year commencing in ’08, the accruals for which were held in escrow accounts as part of the lost Madoff portfolio. payment of thiese annual deferrals commencces “7 years after season in which salary was earned” translates to still being in debt to Santana commencing 2015 & running through 2020 if deatl this season 2018, 2020 if held for contract completion without activating 2014 option @ $25M($5.5M buyout)

  Joel, in conclusion, I submit the shortest path to rebuilding a contending team is by dealing away, former cornerstones to a failed structure Beltran, Santana, Rodriguez while retaining & locking in long term both Reyes & Wright framing both in the context once held jointly by Carter(KID) & Hernadez(MEX). as co-leaders.
  Those dealt are too old, too expensive & too luxurious to consider retention by a team unprepared to mount their title challenge for another 2 years or so. Those retained, still within PRIME productivity age to edge out the potential contributions from younger, inexperienced challengers.
  Joel, I submit, that Reyes’ +’s constitute him as the single MOST ESSENTIAL MET and that thiose strengths that are Reyes, make his talents much harder to replace than those of a top shelf SP; for instance it could be argued successfully that, proiperly trained & cultivated the LH SP Betances could conceivably be consideres as en equally formidable ACE than santana has provided thus far & for the forseeable future. Over the past 50 years of NYM history there have been a substantial parade of developed high talent level pitchers in SEAVER,KOOSMAN,MATLACK,SWAN,GOODEN et al. yet no [position player, let alone a SS as electrifying as Reyes. I submit the next 50 years do not poretend to improve upon tyhose results making Reyes a once in a Franchise level talent specifically designed to maximize the League & ballfield he currently is toiling in/on.
  • Lifelongmetsfan May 3, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    What? What’s the matter with you? Everything you write about is normal for every major league team. The difference is how teams react and plan for adversity and the unexpected. The Mets are the first team in major league history to have injuries?
    The Mets are the first team in major league history to have a spending budget?
    THe Mets have an ownership group whose first priority is stabilize their finances at the expense of the major league team they own. All that writing you did and you leave out this fact? Do you think the first priority of the Wilpons this year is how well the Mets do in the eastern division? What about next year? Do you think the Wilpons are broken up that the Mets will not contend next year either? I don’t know, Met fans are so really frick’in stupid or I’m a genius.
  • theonlymaskman May 8, 2011 at 9:47 am

    ’62, The most important consideration relative to the Mets ability to retain Reyes is whether they can afford to sign him to a long term contract given the Ponzi overhang on ownership. You have offered the strategy of trading off Johan, KRod and Beltran as a way to do this. However, as far as I can tell, you did not net out the savings of the departures vs the likely future outflow of Reyes’ new salary requirements in combination with that required for Wright. Is the cost of retaining Reyes and Wright offset by the savings afforded by the departure of the other 3? If not, your strategy does not fly.
• jessep May 3, 2011 at 3:15 pm

  I think this is just something that happens. This is what makes a player a prospect with promise or a big leaguer. Most teams can rebound from this, the problem is we don’t see a farm system that can.

  Frankly, I always thought Mejia should be groomed to be a closer. The Mets haven’t groomed a closer in… ever-ish?

  But I understand a starter is more valuable, but I guess it doesn’t matter now
  • Chris May 3, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    Beato, future closer. Maybe as soon as this year if K-Rod is traded. true story.
  • metsfan May 4, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Really, never. Is ignorance bliss? I’ll give you one name and you can search and search and find a reason to deny it….. Randy Meyers.