Nov
10
2011

2011 Player Review: Chris Capuano

An article by John Delcos

John Delcos of Newyorkmetsreport.com and Joe DeCaro of Metsmerizedonline.com will be doing more and more projects together with the goal of merging two successful blogs in the hope of giving our readers everything they’ll need in covering the Mets. Continuing our review of the 2011 Mets, today we take a look at Chris Capuano. Tomorrow: Jason Isringhausen.

Chris Capuano

THE SKINNY: Desperate teams take desperate measures, which is why last winter the pitching-thin Mets signed left-hander Chris Capuano to a free-agent contract. Coming off arm problems, the Mets took a $1.5 million gamble on the career 57-64 record, including 11-12 this season. The gamble paid off and Capuano stayed healthy and now wants two years. The Mets aren’t interested.

REASONS TO KEEP HIM: He gave the Mets 34 starts and 186 innings and those will be hard to replace. … The Mets’ rotation is thin and lefthanders are hard to come by.

REASONS TO LET HIM GO: He’s only had one winning season and that was in 2005. … He has an injury history and a career losing record. … The Mets got lucky last year. Will they do so again?

JOHN’S TAKE: Capuano gave the Mets more than they could have expected. I’d give Capuano one year or one plus an option, but would consider two because the Mets aren’t loaded with options.
The Mets have limited depth in their rotation and little immediate sources for improvement and can’t afford to discard pitchers who have been productive for them.

We know the Mets are deeper in a rebuilding plan then they are willing to admit, and if Capuano could remain healthy he could be an innings bridge until some of their younger pitchers are ready.

JOE’S TAKE: Let me begin by saying that Chris Capuano delivered one the finest pitching performances of the 2011 season when he hurled a complete game shutout against the Atlanta Braves on August 26. His 13 strikeouts were a career high and he faced just one batter over the minimum. Remarkable.

That said, as much as I loved that one phenomenal moment, I would have to say no way to re-signing Capuano. I base my opinion on two things. First, if his 1.35 WHIP and 4.55 weren’t reason enough to pass on Cappy, what about his road splits of a 5.42 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP? I mean come on, that’s absolutely brutal and how do you think that will translate in a smaller Citi Field which was just re-designed to specifically help right-handed hitters who teed off on Capuano to the tune of an .818 OPS last season? How you like me now?

Second, Capuano is now seeking a multi-year deal. No need to expand further on this, right?

Sorry Cap, but thanks for the memories…

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

12 Comments + Add Comment

Metsie November 10, 2011 at 10:59 am

If the new Mantra is to spend wisely then spending on Capuano would not qualify as SMART SPENDING!

Only if Pelfrey gets traded would you even consider it as a rotation filler until one of the Kids in the MiL are ready!
- Metsie November 10, 2011 at 11:00 am
  
  sorry this reply is just to subscribe
metsaddict November 10, 2011 at 10:59 am

Good job. Nailed it.
Richie November 10, 2011 at 11:21 am

You cant beat what he gave us considering how cheap he was. Pelfrey got paid more than twice as much and was considerably worse. Good rationale here.
MetsFan4Decades November 10, 2011 at 11:39 am

Considering Capuano appears to be looking for a multi year deal, and given the fact we’re hearing the FO is only looking to bring in guys on one year type contracts, I’d have to think we won’t be seeing Cap back.

OT: nice redesign on this site.
Bayonne Mets Fan November 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm

and the hits just keep on coming

Pirates sign catcher Rod Barajas to one-year deal with a club option for 2013.

I wonder for how much but there goes another nice veteran bat who can help drive in runs at the bottom of the order, help our pitching staff for a year, and help out young Josh Thole IF the Mets still see him as a future catcher.

Way to go Sandy – way to be a fighter.
- NJstuckinTX November 10, 2011 at 12:02 pm
  
  4.0 million with a 3.5 million option.
- Donal November 10, 2011 at 12:03 pm
  
  Are you going to do this every time a player you’ve heard of signs with another team?
  - jessep November 10, 2011 at 12:33 pm
    
    Jim Thome, Willie Bloomquist and Juan Rivera signed elsewhere? Man Sandy what are you doing?!?
    
    I’ll tell you 1 thing. If I read anywher that Craig Counsell signs anywhere but with the Mets, I’m just going to flip out.
    - Donal November 10, 2011 at 12:43 pm
      
      Jokes aside, I don’t get the drama. Blanco I guess is a good pick up and maybe he would have done well with another TOD here, but $4 million is a lot for a platoon guy who would most likely get the short end.
      
      Besides, we don’t know Alderson didn’t talk to Barajas. Another thing to consider is the Pirates have no starting catcher. Maybe Barajas would rather play everyday.
Mike November 10, 2011 at 4:34 pm

I still rather have Capy than Pelf.
Mike November 10, 2011 at 4:38 pm

We desperately need a first string catcher.Thole just can’t cut it.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	23	18	.561	-
Nationals	23	19	.548	0.5
Phillies	20	22	.476	3.5
Mets	16	23	.410	6.0
Marlins	11	31	.262	12.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

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