Comments on: Rangers Acquire Catcher Luis Martinez

By: Russell Zanca

Russell Zanca — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:43:12 +0000

What is Nickeas’ best baseball talent?

I couldn’t care less if we get a good hitting catcher as long as it’s someone who can play the position and handle the staff.

Blanco at age 50 would be better than Thole and Nickeas combined!

By: Metsie

Metsie — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:57:30 +0000

Well while I agree defense is important you have to wonder if it is important enough to warrant signing a guy who his .203!

I mean if thats all you want at the plate Might as well play Nickeas who hit .189

By: trs86

trs86 — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:14:59 +0000

I think in terms of catcher, the off-season is not over with yet. There is a good chance they upgrade at the position but guys like this are needed just to staff the AAA team as well. That’s what I don’t get about so many of the I will bash anyone the team signs guys… It’s like they don’t understand that legally the minor league teams have to have someone to play catch with the pitcher. Granted, you can be upset with the fact there is no minor league depth from within our system but that’s a different discussion.

By: 86mets

86mets — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:03:07 +0000

I cannot believe that they are this willing to go with such a weak catching tandem. Thole can hit a little (albeit with no power) but is inferior defensively and Nickeas can certainly catch, but cannot hit at all. I realize the free agent market has been poor this year for catchers, even backups, but the lack of activity in trying to address this particular weakness is disappointing.

I understand they are constrained financially but a creative mind could find a way to address the situation without breaking the bank, right? Maybe they have tried, and I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. But going into 2012 with this tandem is worrisome. Is Ivan Rodriguez going to cost that much money to sign considering he’s 40 and coming off a terrible year in Washington? Maybe he’s washed up, but I’ve also heard on MLB Network that he’s in great shape and should still be able to contribute a couple of times a week. That’s what the Mets need: for him to mentor Thole on the finer points of game calling and defense and to start maybe twice a week. I think Pudge can handle that. I just am uncomfortable with the idea of Nickeas, who has less MLB time than Thole, being asked to be the “mentor” / defensive upgrade.

By: larman

larman — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:00:32 +0000

I agree with this guy. Really you think he’s gonna help us. I see how sandy and the mets brass check in on this website. Why don’t sandy and the wilpons put there mets uniforms on and be on the opening day roster, a joke maybe you guys can play the field and hit and run and throw, really not. cus this guy will play like yous, maybe that’s why f-mart is done too. Great job once again to make us mets fans happy. Oh what a team, joke, joke, joke.