2
2012
A Word Of Thanks, Josh Edgin Was Dealing, Rauch Wasn’t
An article by 
Hi everyone… I’m not exactly 100% back yet, but I wanted to write a few words of thanks for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I was so overwhelmed by the great outpouring I received via email, comments, texts, and even get well cards. You sure know how to make a guy feel good even when he’s feeling down in the dumps. Thank you so much!
By the time Opening Day comes around I should be back to normal with regards to my regular posting routine on MMO, but it looks like the site didn’t miss a beat while I was gone thanks to an incredible team of great people I’m privileged to write with. They really are so amazing and I want to thank all of them as well. Thanks for not burning the place down! 
I watched the game yesterday… It was the most fun I’ve had in seven days… Here are some thoughts…
Josh Edgin – Are you kidding me or what? Did you catch Edgin’s performance on Sunday? He has been a revelation. The kid comes to major league camp to lend a hand after Byrdak goes down, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that he’s now the best reliever the Mets have in camp this spring. He has a consistent, smooth delivery, throws hard, and isn’t afraid to come inside on hitters. Color me impressed. He’s pitched ten innings, has yet to give up a run, allowed just three hits, and has 13 strikeouts. Edgin was optioned to the minors immediately after the game, but we’ll be seeing him again… sooner than you think.
Jason Bay – Remember how we steamed and vented over Luis Castillo’s $24 million contract and Oliver Perez’s $36 million contract? It feels like Jason Bay, who makes more than both of them combined, continues to get a free pass. Or maybe not… Mike Puma of the post says bay is on a short leash – a six week long leash… It’s about freaking time. Bay looks so clueless and lost at the plate, and he’s become a shell of his former self. I don’t think he’s ever going to regain the stroke and swagger that once made him a feared slugger. It’s time to cut bait and give someone younger a chance. By the way, this platoon process should have started last August.
Mike Pelfrey – This guy’s an enigma. If anybody on this team is in desperate need of a change in scenery, it’s definitely Pelfrey. He’s not long for this team and the writing’s on the wall.
Rauch, Ramirez, Francisco – The only Met pitcher with a worse ERA this Spring than these three is Mike Pelfrey. I kid you not. This was not the start anyone was hoping to see from the three most costliest additions of the offseason. The signing that irked me the most was Rauch who got $3.5 million coming off the worst season of his career. What was up with that?
Johan Santana – Wow, he’s starting on Opening Day… Yep, he’s a warrior alright… I wonder what he has up his sleeve? Seven shutout innings against the Braves? Come on you know you’d all love that….
David Wright – I think he’s gonna be just fine. He’s taking his new leadership role pretty seriously as the longest tenured Met. A return to Pre-2009 form would not surprise me in the least.
Jon Niese – The Mets are filing for bankruptcy. A potential five-year, $30 million dollar contract extension for left-hander Jon Niese? Where did that come from? If it happens I’ll be happy. Basically all they’re really doing is buying out his arbitration years, but the psychological effect that things are getting better in Flushing could be huge. This is a win-win, and by the way, I’ve always been high on Niese. 2012 could be his coming out party and I’m expecting a big step up for him.
That’s all for now, but make sure you check out our MMO 2012 Mets Annual – Good Stuff!
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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Hey, Joe. Where can one get a hard copy of the Annual?
Glad to hear you’re on your way to recovery, Joe.
Edgin might indeed be here sooner rather than later if Francisco hits the DL after his MRI results.
welcome back.
Edgin for sure should be back (expect a lot of churn in the pen)> My guess is they wanted to keep as much depth as possible, and also wanted to make sure Edgin had at least a little time against AA hitters to prove that ST was no fluke. should not take long closing in AA to prove it.
bay? The only thing keeping him from platooning so far has been a LH hitter forcing the issue. If Kirk comes back crushing the ball in the minors, it won’t take long. Bay just looks really bad.
I agree about Neise. I have been high on his potential for years. This hopefully is his coming out party (to show off his new nose?)
We’re all glad to hear you’re on the way back Joe, and ready to talk baseball too.
I think everyone’s been pleasantly surprised by Edgin. I’m really excited to watch him continue to progress. Bay and Pelf are basically fighting for the Mets lives, and that’s not a bad thing. Like signing Niese to a long term deal, I think cutting ties with those two if they continue to not produce, is also a good sign for the future.
Our new bullpen terrifies me, but at least we have a healthier Santana and Wright.
Maybe Rauch has a bum knee too? He looked awful yesterday, very hittable, soft stuff. Welcome back, Joe.
Glad you’re doing better, Joe…continued prayers for your recovery. Take it easy…
Joe, Glad you’re back.. the CORE salute you!
Welcome back Joe D, glad that you are not letting those curve balls that life throws at you take you out of the lineup as our lead off hitter, bit of baseball analogy here as opening day comes, looking forward to your insight on MMO.
Maybe cause Bay hustles all the time and there is no language barrier with him, just saying, I being HIspano would not say otherwise but he has been a longer leash than Ollie or Castillo have been giving especially in the media and from fans. Where is the outcry!
Joe, it’s great to have you back. Pelf & Bay have both been underachieving for quite some time. I’m glad Mets management is making it known that the underachieving will no longer be acceptable.
welcome back Joe! I know, those chair shots will do it every time.
Glad to have you back, Joe. I hope you have a full recovery.
welcome back..I agree it is absurd Edgin not coming north.What is the downside?Team is going to stink anyway.
FYI Spring , It’s something new this year Spring training stats DO NOT COUNT.
Welcome back Buddy!
Hope your feeling better!