Mets Merized Online

 Mike Pelfrey was at it again Wednesday, tantalizing Met teammates, management, fans and writers with his Grapefruit League performance against the Red Sox.

‘Big Pelf’ has seemingly been on the precipice of greatness since being drafted by the Mets in the 1^st round, 9^th overall, in 2005. But nearly five years later questions remain about the talented young hurler…

Yesterday, I treated myself to multiple articles from Anthony McCarron from the Daily News and Steve Popper from the Bergen Record regaling the Met fan base with Pelfrey’s exploits against the Red Sox. Both articles were excellent and gave positive reviews of Pelfrey’s performance Wednesday, and of his improvement with his secondary pitches. Improvement of his secondary pitches is only one aspect of Pelfrey’s need for growth though.

I, personally, am a huge fan of ‘Big Pelf’.  I believe he has the physical abilities to be an outstanding MLB pitcher. Pelfrey is being counted on to step up, along with both Ollie Perez and John Maine, to have bounce back seasons and to provide the Mets with 200 innings and 12-15 victories.

My problem with Mike Pelfrey is his inability to harness the mental aspect of the game. Similar to Perez, he goes to pieces when errors occur behind him. Mike’s body language (bordering on anxiety in my opinion) and inability to keep his emotions in check are things he needs to focus on as much as his secondary pitches.  

Is this inability to keep his emotions in check a detriment to his continuing development?  Is Pelfrey uncomfortable pitching out of the stretch as opposed to a full wind-up? Does Pelfrey get so nervous when runners get on that he chokes or changes the grip on the baseball? Does Mike get nervous or anxious pitching in front of big crowds in high pressure situations? Pelfrey seems to exhibit a mental inability to simply “turn the page” after a bad pitch or good at bat by an opponent.

When I look around baseball, there just aren’t that many major league pitchers with Mike Pelfrey’s physical attributes or talent. Mental toughness and baseball savvy and knowledge are what separate the bad and mediocre pitchers from the good and elite pitchers. Mental toughness is every bit as important as physical tools. For Mike Pelfrey to conquer the NL and learn the art of pitching he will need to harness the mental part of the game to enhance his excellent physical attributes.

Can you imagine if a gifted physical talent like Pelfrey had the mental toughness and bulldog mentality of say, Nellie Figueroa? (Could you imagine Figgy with Pelfrey’s physical talent?)

All of this begs the biggest question: Can Mike Pelfrey find success in New York?

I hope and believe the answer is yes. If it is not, Pelfrey may find himself eventually pitching in Cincy, KC or Pittsburgh.

This past offseason, the merciless bashing of the Mets organization seemed to reach it’s zenith. If you listened to talk radio and read all the blogs and papers you would have thought Omar Minaya was the boogieman. Was the criticism justified? That question won’t be answered until after the season. Or, maybe it will be answered by the end of spring training …

Listening to Jerry Manuel wax poetic about young Jenrry Mejia’s arm resonated with the fan base and blog and newspaper writers. Armed with a 97 mph fastball, that interest, and our fascination with the young man‘s talent made for some intriguing storylines. We, as fans, have been told that young Mejia may be an 8^th inning setup man this year. Hogwash! Mejia isn’t ready. The Mets know this, but continue to hype the talented 20 year old.

Another young man has been equally impressive. The difference being that it’s becoming more obvious by the day that young Ike Davis is ready. When Davis is mentioned, the Mets continue to reiterate that Ike “isn’t ready yet” that he needs “more seasoning”. Are we all watching the same player? Don’t play coy with us Omar/Jerry.

I don’t want to go off the deep end after 3 games in Port St. Lucie, and project this guy to be the next anybody. How about we all just hope he puts up good numbers wherever he plays. It isn’t hard to envision young Mr. Davis with better numbers than either Daniel Murphy or Mike Jacobs. What is hard to fathom is that those numbers will probably be at ‘AAA’ Buffalo…

Ike hasn’t been campaigning for the 1^st base job. He’s shown he knows his place. His father, Ron, a former setup man and big league pitcher has taught him how to deal with major league clubhouse politics and the media. So, it’s going be up to the fan base and bloggers and writers and his on field play to do his politicking for him. So far, so good Ike.

The Mets continue with the company line as it pertains to Ike. Granted, we haven’t seen Ike against the Halladay’s or Wainwright’s or Carpenter’s. Ike finished last year at AA Binghamton. Ike Davis also went to Arizona State for a few years. In my mind, and many others, his collegiate experience equates to 2 years more of minor league ball. If you couple Davis’ work ethic, natural talent, bloodlines, and maturity, you have the makings of a excellent young player who has the drive and talent to succeed in any environment.

I recall a young man who was also drafted out of college who was drafted with less fanfare. He played AA ball until being called up to AAA. He hadn’t even got his feet wet there when he was called up by the big club. The players name: Daniel Murphy. Murph essentially never played at AAA. He was brought up and hit well at the end of ‘08. No AAA ball. Yet, to open the 2009 season he was our Mets starting LF, and, after Carlos Delgado went down, our starting 1^st baseman. If Daniel Murphy can play with no AAA experience in the field and at the plate, I’m absolutely positive that Ike Davis can.

This past off season, we fans were treated to the torment of watching players who would help our squad sign or be dealt elsewhere. Our owner, Fred Wilpon said of this past off season “Torture. Very, very difficult. So, look, you’ve heard the theme that we have to stay healthy. I’m very optimistic that they will.”

I like Dan Murphy, I like Mike Jacobs. I love Ike Davis. The Mets many times this off season let us down as a fan base. They shouldn’t’t be so shortsighted and let us down again…

The biggest question to be answered at 1^st base is not ‘Is Ike ready?’ It’s why don’t the Mets realize he’s ready? Surely if Dan Murphy was ready in ‘09, Ike Davis is ready in ‘10.

Many times I’ve told others that the Mets have way more talent on the farm than they are given credit for.

The Mets make that argument themselves, saying their minor leagues have more talent than most scouts think. It’s time to be bold. Bring Ike Davis north and prove it.

The current Mets roster continues to morph into whatever vision Omar Minaya, his underlings and ownership have for the team. We can all question the moves or lack thereof, but for the time being with the exception of a few smaller moves, the Met roster seems pretty set.

The Met payroll will be far lower this year. We can all argue about why, the Madoff fallout, anticipated lower attendance, dearth of quality talent in free agency, the fact is it is lower, way lower. If you look over at Cots Baseball Contracts the estimated Met payroll for 2009 stood at $149,373,987. The estimated 2010 commitment for the Mets is around $122-127 million (this based off who will make the team and who won’t.) That’s $22-27 million dollars difference in the black Met fans.

In my estimation, this leaves open the possibility of some quality acquisitions for this team in mid-season. I, personally, believe this has been the ‘Plan’ spoken of when the Mets hierarchy developed their plan for the offseason. Go after Bay, and get a starter, but only at their price. They would not overpay for mediocre talent that they felt was no better than what they already had. So, they valued players at what they valued them at, and, would not go over the dollar amount they assigned to each free agent. The pitching they sought wasn’t available at their price, so they went with what they have…

The Met farm system is now rated “middle of the pack” by some. This is a wonderful improvement over previous years, when it was rated near the bottom of all the minor leagues systems.  It seems their international signings have supplemented some weak draft classes. The Mets will more than likely have some ‘chips’ to deal at the deadline.  There will most certainly be dollars available for deals to be made.

When examining that possibility, we can all identify certain guys. I always look at perceived weaknesses on our team such as first base, second base, starting and relief pitching. The question being, what players will be available at the deadline? This is hard to ascertain because we don’t know who’ll get hurt, who won’t sign a contract extension, who will be a contender/non contender. I, myself, feel the Mets have identified certain players, let other GM’s know they are interested in those players if they are moved and to contact them should their situations change, and/or their demands are lowered.

The Mets may be able to hold teams over a barrel this summer because they will have available dollars to take on contracts. The only other team who may have that flexibility is the Yankees. So, for all of us screaming about why the Mets did not just pay Joel Pineiro or Jason Marquis or sign Ben Sheets, remember that the 2010 season is long. It’s a marathon not a sprint. Something bigger and better may be on the horizon. Spring is hope. Let’s just hope this is truly the situation. If it is not the situation and the Mets are close and don’t make a sensible deal for decent help at the deadline or before, Met nation will revolt. Are you listening Mr. Wilpon, Omar, et al?

It’s my belief that the only deals the Mets will make in season or during the spring will be for pitching. I don’t think Omar will trade quality prospects for a bat. The Met farm system is “on the come”.  Rejoice Met nation! Dollars are available for in season acquisitions. Rejoice Met Nation! Spring games start on Monday. Rejoice Met nation! Jenrry Mejia actually throws 97. It’s not hype. Rejoice Met nation!

Is there any doubt that Omar Minaya is searching for leadership to help change the chemistry of his ballclub without gutting the “core” of this team?

The Jason Bay signing was not just to fulfill the need for power in the lineup, it was done also with the hope that Bay would help fill a void for leadership that exists.

I’m not trying to disparage any current member of the Mets.  David Wright will eventually be the leader of this team.  Carlos Delgado will not be brought back.  The Mets have begun to develop younger players, and it won’t be too long until Wright finds a more forceful voice and wears the “C” on his uniform for this team.

Bay’s leadership skills are not of the vocal variety. Rather, Bay is the kind of guy that gives his best effort everyday.  Bay is a “watch how I go about my business guy” and learn from me.  He should never be confused with a Keith Hernandez as it pertains to leadership.  Leaders like Keith come along once in a generation for a team. That’s not to say Bay won’t speak or dispense advice to younger players, it’s unfair to say that. It’s just that he’s a quieter guy.

Omar continues to search for leaders for this team. The rumors of his and the Mets interest in John Smoltz and his signing of Frank Catalanotto, (who is well respected as a smart baseball guy and good clubhouse guy) proves that he believes there is a leadership void on this team.

Smoltz would not only be pitching, but showing the other pitchers how to go about their business. He’d be brought in as much for his leadership as his pitching ability, which must be questioned at age 42.

The problem I have with Omar’s search is that guys like Catalanotto and Smoltz (if signed) may only be with the Mets briefly as their baseball skills have deteriorated to the point of ineffectiveness. Then where do you turn for leadership?

Many people say chemistry and leadership is overrated. I disagree. Look at the Mets teams that have won.  In 1969, 1973, 1986, 1988, 1999, 2000, and 2006. Leaders abound on those teams.   Look at our team today and point out which regular is a leader. Wright’s not ready for it yet. (he’s only 27 this year) Beltran’s hurt and isn’t’t vocal enough.  Reyes doesn’t want it.  That leaves Francoeur and Bay. Which one is going to help Wright be the leader of this team? Ray Knight helped lead with Hernandez in the ’86 season. Who on these current Mets can lead along with Wright? I just don’t know. Any ideas fans?

Occasionally, all of us become downtrodden, pessimistic, and critical of the Mets. Even the most faithful and patient Met fans have problems with this. We vacillate between positive and negative storylines and opinions in our comments, our radio calls, our blog writing and reporting.  I’d like to take a positive look at what the Mets have done and give hope to all of us for 2010…

The need for good health takes precedent over all our off season moves. We as fans should not forget that this team was pretty good until the parade of injuries that beset this ballclub last year.  Good health is an imperative this season, and except for Carlos Beltran’s setback, our team seems healthy for the first time in a long time. 

Seeing our Mets on the field whether in photos from the Port St. Lucie mini-camp, or video feeds on SNY, provides fans with the first glimpses of spring.  Personally, I don’t need to see a robin or wait for the groundhog.  I see Johan throw and Ollie looking to be in great shape, and the cold winter seems to melt away bringing spring ever so closer.

Although player procurement continues and additions will in all likelihood also continue, let’s see where we are now.

Going around the diamond, lets take a look at each position.  At the end of each we will say whether the glass is half full or half empty or hope for the best…

Position Players

Daniel Murphy - Murph was essentially a square peg in a round hole last season. He was thrown to the wolves in LF. His defense most assuredly was deficient.  His bat work, supposedly the strength of his game suffered. When he became the first baseman after Delgado’s injury and other player’s ineffectiveness, he settled down. He markedly improved in the second half last year both offensively and defensively, most importantly, he’ll only be 25 on April Fools Day. Glass half full.

Luis Castillo - Luis had an excellent bounce back year for the Mets. Offensively, he is just a singles hitter now, but is the best bunter in the game as well.  Defensively, he needs to improve his footwork around the bag.  Luis shouldn’t be admonished for his lack of range, rather, the coaching staff should be chided for not realizing that Luis has lost a step and using better positioning to enhance the range Luis does have left.  He came into camp last year in fabulous shape. Let’s hope he’s in great shape again. Hope for the best.

Jose Reyes - Jose was injured most of the season. When healthy, Jose is one of he best weapons in the game offensively. Essentially, Jose is the most important Met. As Jose goes, so go the Mets. His ability to turn singles and walks to doubles, and doubles to triples, is almost as important as the power that Beltran, Wright, and Bay provide. He has that smile and that infectious enthusiasm that makes Jose who he is. His glove is an asset. With better concentration, it’s easy to foresee Jose winning a gold glove in the future, maybe this year.  Jose may have a chip on his shoulder to prove his leg injuries are behind him.  That’s a good thing. Motivation is a wonderful tool.  Glass half full.

David Wright - David had an off year in 2009. We all know it. Just having Jay Bay in the lineup for protection will make him better offensively. Defensively, David needs to rededicate himself to improving his footwork and his throwing. The “team leader” mantra, I believe, weighs too heavily on him at times. This soft spoken star is not yet ready to lead regardless of the fans and media prodding. CitiField stadium got into his head as well. He will bounce back after a winter to relax and refocus his hitting approach. He’s only 27. Glass half full.

Jason Bay – Jason had a wonderful season in Boston offensively.  The Mets say his swing will translate to strong power numbers at Citi. His defense was questioned, but this is a guy who had no errors and 15 assists. He may not have the best range, but he works hard and gives his best effort every night. He’s easily the best LF we’ve had since the days of KMac in the ‘80’s. Arguably, the best LF we’ve ever had.  Glass half full.

Carlos Beltran – Carlos was injured much of last season.  But when healthy, was there any doubt he was the Mets best all around player? Offensively, he was hitting for a high average. His glove was as good and as gold as ever.  He returned in late ’09 and seemed okay. Then came knee pain in December during workouts. Then came surgery after subsequent examinations proved the need was real. Carlos knee problems are not going away. He, right now, cannot be counted on for a contribution until probably mid-May or June at the earliest. (Don’t kid yourself, the Mets are worried about Beltran hence the GMJ acquisition) Glass half empty.

Jeff Francoeur – Frenchy was a bright spot after being acquired from Atlanta for Ryan Church. His professionalism and enthusiasm were infectious in the Met clubhouse. He played well both offensively and defensively.  Howard Johnson should receive kudos for helping “Frenchy” with his swing.  A solid all around player who appears to have been invigorated by his liberation from Atlanta where he was born, raised and played.  If this guy reverts to his form of his first 2 years, the Mets and we fans will jump for joy.  Glass half full.

Omir Santos – Omir was a total surprise for the Mets. After showing surprising hitting acumen, he forced the Mets into dealing Ramon Castro and defensively seemed to hold his own.  Rumors persist of the Mets being unhappy with his game calling. The signing of Henry Blanco proves the Mets belief in the need for better defense and game calling. Hope for the best

The Bench - With the bench, usually it’s better to wait to evaluate when the roster is set at the conclusion of Spring Training, but here’s the “for sure” guys at this time…

Angel Pagan - Angel will either be the starter for Beltran till he returns or be packaged for a starter if performance or health in the rotation dictates such a move. The guy was a revelation offensively, and was pretty good defensively too. His base running gaffes are a joke; the coaching staff and Angel must be better prepared and teach him situational baseball better than he’s been taught.  His 22 doubles and 11 triples in a little over half a season were outstanding. He’s a quality player who may be a late bloomer. Glass half full.

Gary Matthews Jr. – Junior is insurance against a prolonged injury to Beltran. Don’t be fooled however, if Pagan is needed in a trade for a starting pitcher during the spring GMJ will be starting in CF till Beltran is ready, or Fernando Martinez will be the starter and Matthews Jr. will stay in the role best suited for him. Let the arguments over his acquisition end. For a 4th or 5th outfielder, he’ll do fine. He’s a better choice than Cory Sullivan or Jeremy Reed.  Glass half full.

Henry Blanco – Henry is still a superior defensive catcher but is still 38. Offensively, Henry is a great defensive catcher, enough said.  Blanco’s expertise may be in helping Josh Thole and Omir Santos learn to call a game better. He’s definitely an improvement over Brian Schneider, especially defensively. Glass half full.

Alex Cora – Alex was brought back as much for his leadership and intangibles as his baseball skills. He is a pretty decent utility man. Last year he was overexposed, of this there can be no doubt. If used judiciously to rest Reyes and Castillo, he will prove to be acceptable. Glass half full.

The Rotation

Johan Santana – Johan is simply one of the top starters in the game. Injuries are the only thing that can stop a future date in Cooperstown. He’s now healthy and the undisputed leader of this pitching staff. Glass half full.

Mike Pelfrey – “Big Pelf” was a bit of mystery in ’09 after a breakout ’08. Pelfrey has excellent stuff but needs to mature mentally.  He really just needs to stop worrying about painting the corners and trust his stuff.  If he gives up a hit or a fielding error occurs behind him, he goes to pieces. This lack of mental maturity is as much to blame as anything. His body language on the mound last year screamed of the player putting too much pressure on himself.  Still, he is only 26, and will improve.  Glass half full.

John Maine – John has a problem. He’s his own biggest critic. He needs to stop analyzing every pitch in every start and just go out and throw. His high pitch count early in games may be attributed more to the movement on his pitches than missing his spots. He’s healthy this year and feeling good. Perhaps he’ll have better mechanics with no more pain; in turn this will improve his pitch location and reduce his pitch count, which will reduce the stress on his arm, which also helps the pen. John is still only 29. Glass half full.

Oliver Perez – “Ollie” is healthy now and seems more mature and focused in his interviews. After a lost season and the heaping helping of criticism he received, maybe he’s finally begun to mature, as his off season workouts may indicate. Ollie has great talent, a rubber arm, and the attention span of a gnat. He needs to find his proper arm angle and replicate his delivery consistently, start after start. If he does so, he’ll be in the mix for “comeback player of the year”. He is still only 28. Glass half full.

Fernando Nieve – Fernando showed great promise in his few starts for the Mets. He was 3-3 2.95 ERA. If he can throw strikes consistently, he has enough ability to stick either as a number 5 or long man in the pen. Nieve throws hard and has a power arm. He is only 27. Hope for the best.

Jon Niese - Jon has ability. Jon Niese is ready. Niese who had mastered a cutter last season was brought up to plug the injuries for the major league staff. He was bitten by the same injury bug as quite a few of his teammates, tearing his hamstring tendon.  Niese appears to have turned a corner in Triple AAA last season. He’s lefty, and he’s only 23. If his injuries are behind him, he’ll contribute in 2010. Maybe not right away, but at some point for sure. Glass half full.

The Bullpen - The bullpen, like the bench, usually changes but a quick evaluation of those that will probably be there is worth a look.

Francisco Rodriguez – “Frankie” is still a great closer. He did struggle a bit the second half of last season, but can that be attributed more to the teams standing or is Frankie losing something? I think Frankie needs the adrenaline rush of a pennant race to become effective again. Closing in meaningless games seemed to affect him mentally. His WHIP was only a tick higher. His ERA was a full run and a half higher over the previous season. Lest we forget, most players have a near 1 year adjustment period in New York. Ask Carlos Beltran. Frankie is only 28 this season. Let’s hope for the best. Glass half full.

Ryota Igarashi - Ryota is a reliever that has a power arm and wicked splitter. The soon to be 30 year old can be viewed throwing over at YouTube. He appears to have a fastball that explodes up and in to right handed batters. His split is obviously his “out” pitch. Hope for the best.

Kelvim Escobar - Kelvim is coming off shoulder surgery. He’s been a starter out in LA for the Angels, but will be a reliever in NY as he was early in his career with Toronto. Escobar has always had good movement on his pitches. Now pain free, he’ll be more effective as a setup man at this point in his career. Hope for the best.

Sean Green – Sean had an uneven, inconsistent year with the Mets. Another player who was overexposed last season due to injuries, He did terribly early, and made adjustments later in the season.  Sean is a situational reliever, not a setup man. If used as such, He should prosper. Hope for the best.

Pedro Feliciano – Pedro was very good last season. The soon to be 34 year old was used in 88 games and threw 59 + innings. His WHIP was only 1.16. Most important is his status as our primary LH reliever.  A quality pitcher, the Mets need another season like last year from Pedro to return to their winning ways. There is no reason to think Pedro can’t be successful again as long as he’s not overused. Glass half full.

Bobby Parnell – Bobby” had an up and down season last year and was force fed on the major league level. His true calling appears to be as a reliever. He just doesn’t have enough quality pitches beyond his fastball to be considered a starter.  He does throw very hard. I watched games where he hit 99 on the JUGS gun. If he had better movement with that pitch and learned a splitter, Bobby could be devastating as a short reliever. Glass half full.

If you look at things objectively, the Mets could be very good this year.  Or bad again. It will depend on health and bounce back seasons from almost everyone on the team.  Younger players need to progress, and veterans need to return to form.  Indeed, hope springs eternal optimism, especially in baseball, especially with our Mets.

Poking hot coals from hot stove seasons past…

November 1, 1972 – The New York Mets traded RH starter Gary Gentry and RH reliever Danny Frisella to the Atlanta Braves for 2B Felix Millan and RH Pitcher George Stone.

He was a hero in 1969. He came from Arizona State University.  He wore the Met uniform well and left an indelible impression on not only the fans and his teammates, but the Baltimore Orioles.

Gary Gentry had all the attributes of a star.  Many Baltimore Orioles have been quoted saying Gentry was the toughest pitcher they faced in the ’69 series. Not Seaver, Not Koosman, Not Ryan. Gary Gentry.

Gentry became a Met on June 6^th, 1967. He was drafted in round 3 of the 1967 free agent player draft. His career started with great promise and ended in obscurity and injury.  His 1969 season stabilized the Met staff.  Although he went ‘only’ 13-12 in ’69, his Game 3 victory in the 1969 series was a pivotal moment.  It enhanced and reinforced that teams belief in itself.  The 5-0 victory brought the Mets a 2 games to 1 lead in the series and Gentry was masterful, pitching  6 2/3 innings giving up 3 hits and 5 walks, striking out 4 with no runs, before giving way to fellow young fireballer Nolan Ryan. Ryan would pitch  2  1/3 of 1 hit relief to save it for Gentry and the Mets.

Over the ensuing 3 years, Gentry had some good moments and a few uneven seasons. Arm injuries robbed him of his earlier successes. When the Mets dealt him along with reliever Danny Frisella, it was just about the end of the line for Mr. Gentry.  Gentry finished his Met career 41-42. He attempted a brief comeback in 1975 signing with the Mets in May but was finished just a few weeks later at age 28.

Danny Frisella was a quality reliever for the Mets from 1967 to 1972. Frisella had an absolutely filthy forkball.  He quickly found a role with the Mets.

He was the right handed Tug McGraw. He and Tug anchored the back end of the Met bullpen from 1970 to ’72.  His 1971 season was spectacular.  He went 8-5 with 12 saves, and a 1.99 ERA. Frisella was also a member of the ’69 Mets who had military obligations that season.  

Tragically, Danny Frisella was killed in a dune buggy accident in January 1977 at age 30.  Frisella’s forkball was feared in both the AL and NL.  Frisella also pitched for Atlanta, San Diego, Milwaukee, and St. Louis in his 10 year career.

In return the Mets received 2 players who helped them to the 1973 NL pennant and 7^th game of the World Series with Oakland.  Felix Millan and George Stone.

George Stone was a right hander who was a swingman but mostly a starting pitcher. His best career season was also his first with the Mets in 1973. Stone went 12-3 with a 2.80 ERA.  In ’73 he started 20 of the 27 games he appeared in. He won 8 straight starts from July on. He was returned to the bullpen for the ’73 post season.

In Game 6 of the World Series with the Mets ahead of Oakland 3-2 in games, Manager Yogi Berra elected to pitch Tom Seaver on short rest in Game 6 rather than have a fully rested Seaver for Game 7.  Stone was bypassed. Many Met fans and players from that team remain unsure why to this day.

Stone never was able to recapture his ’73 form. He was with the Mets till 1975. The Mets dealt him away to the Rangers for Bill Hands in the ’75 off season. Hands never threw a pitch for the Mets. Likewise, Stone never threw a pitch for Texas.

Felix Millan was a quality 2^nd baseman for the Mets from 1973 to 1977. The “Cat” was teamed with Bud Harrelson to provide an excellent double play combo in 1973. His professionalism and hitting prowess earned him respect around the league.  He was a two time gold glover, and 3 time all star (all with Atlanta)

Felix was a good contact hitter who had spent 9 years in Atlanta before joining the Mets. His ’73 season with the Mets was his best when he hit .290 with 3 HR and 37 RBI. He committed only 9 errors defensively.

Many will remember Felix being body slammed to the turf in a 1977 game against the Pirates. Ed Ott slid into Millan who became angry. Millan reacted by slapping Ott with his hand and the ball. Ott ended the argument slamming Millan to the turf and breaking his shoulder, effectively ending his Met and MLB career.

He finished out his career in Japan for the Taiyo Whales (Later known as the Yokohama Bay Stars) in 1980.

The trade served the Mets needs well as Millan proved capable for 3 + years with the club. Gentry was injured and no longer was a factor.  Stone’s 1973 was great, but would never be matched.  The tragedy that befell Danny Frisella was terrible. Frisella only spent 2 years with Atlanta. He moved on to the Padres, Brewers and Cardinals. The trade ended up a steal for the Mets.

As for me, I remember myself, and my older brother and friends playing baseball as youngster.  My brother, who was left handed, would always say,” I’m Felix Millan.” We tried telling him 2^nd sackers have to be righthanded, he didn’t care though, Millan was one of his favorites…

In years previous I’ve heard Omar in a few of his “State of the Mets” interviews include phrases like “our brand remains strong” or “we remain confident in our brand”.

Usually, this is a corporate phrase thrown around when discussing the state of a company’s business. In my heart of hearts, I’d like to think this is the Mets way of trying to convey to everyone that they are run correctly. Unfortunately, I take a different viewpoint in that phrase. I take it negatively. Let me explain why.

The Mets are run as a business. Of this there can be no doubt. They have a budget. (regardless of what anyone says) They look for ways to increase advertising revenue 24/7. They look to wring every dollar they can out of each fan. They price their tickets based on the quality of the visiting opponent. Is it wrong for the Mets to do this? Not in their eyes. I think it is because being a passionate fan, I think it’s just as important to have the franchise be fan friendly and play “meaningful September games” but really, more importantly October games. But, the Wilpon’s are businessmen. Shrewd businessman at that, and the idea in business is to make money. We all know the Mets make money. On this I hope we can agree.

Unfortunately, the Mets are also, in my eyes and heart, a public trust. While the Wilpon family makes untold millions from this franchise, we suffer as year after year our team fails to make the postseason. Fans practically beg for players to be brought on, and as a fan base we try to bring pressure to bear by not renewing tickets, by not buying Met merchandise, by critiquing the organization with blog sites and talk radio. But, our cries and lamentations seem to fall on deaf ears. I’ve become increasingly upset and agitated with ownership as I see a total disregard and disconnect with the fan base.

The refits taking place in CitiField should be proof enough. The owner builds a shrine to Ebbets Field and his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, then finally realizes he didn’t do enough to make it a home for MET fans or the Mets, the team he owns. So the frantic “refitting” begins and continues when they receive criticism which was well deserved and correct in it’s veracity and scope.

In this day and age, with the revenues that this franchise generates, you would think ownership would be very excited and happy owning this franchise, but, instead, the team continues to struggle with bringing talent in because apparently, the Mets are viewed with skepticism by other players from around MLB. All of this chatter amongst players can’t just be from one injury riddled year.

No Met fans. The Met “brand” is now damaged. Two collapses and a season where the words disabled list was spoken so often that you thought it was the name of our hottest prospect will do that.

To procure any remaining talent this off season the Mets will have to overpay. It’s become fairly obvious.

Players play. They also talk. With the continuing problems with medical issues, the high level of fan interest, the amount of media in NYC, which in turn, brings heat and criticism whether fair or unfair, talk radio and mass media in general, it’s no small wonder this franchise seems to be on life support as a contender in January.

I must say, I’m happy Benji and Joel won’t be here. I’m not a genuine believer in either. But, there is no denying the Mets are having problems securing talent and getting people to take their money on their terms.

The organization must make a few bold moves to recapture the fans interest and goodwill. If not, the Met “brand” will be damaged for quite awhile longer. This franchise is being run as a business. I call into question why it’s not run with heart and determination, and a will to win as well.

Okay Fans. It’s time to put to bed all the foolishness that has enveloped the Mets this past week. Make no mistake. It is ALL foolishness. We can try to ascertain who is at fault, who was right, who was wrong. Analyze it. Whatever. The bottom line is we’re missing, arguably, our best player for at least 2 to 4 weeks of the regular season, and probably a little longer.  (Let’s be hopeful it won’t be)

Luckily, Angel Pagan is still with us as a 4th outfielder. He is now our starting center fielder. Mr. Pagan showed us all some intriguing skills last year.  Given the playing time to prepare in Spring Training, I believe Pagan will do well.  However, what if the injury bug that stole our and the organizations’ 2009 season away returns, and that insidious little injury bug bites Angel too? It has previously with Angel…

Lest we forget what truly decimated the Mets last year was a lack of depth beyond not only the starters, but quality replacements around the diamond, and across the whole New York Met system.  That’s not to say the Mets lacked replacements for their injured, fallen stars. We just lacked quality replacements. Let’s just be honest, without being completely disrespectful, Cory Sullivan? Wilson Valdez? Angel Berroa? ANGEL BERROA for goodness sakes!  I’ve seen better players in the Independent leagues. 

Granted, the injuries that the Mets had throughout their system last season were of nothing like I’ve seen any major league team go through. I can’t recall anything quite like what we witnessed since I’ve been watching baseball.  At one point the Mets had nearly an all-star team on the disabled list, or so it seemed. The organization had to scurry and scramble to find replacements for the replacements.

All of this begs the question:  Why won’t the Mets sign a quality hitter who is versatile enough to play multiple positions? Is this in contrast to an organizational philosophy that preaches defense first among its backup players? It can’t be that. If defense is so important to the organization why was Daniel Murphy our starting LF coming out of the spring last year? Why is Carlos Delgado being considered to be brought back when we all know he’ll struggle with mobility and his defense around the 1st base bag this year?

I believe Omar and the front office have been doing an exceptional job this winter in letting the market come back to them when it comes to procuring talent.  In one aspect of this approach I differ with the Mets:  I believe big market teams with big payrolls like our Mets shouldn’t allow themselves to be fooled into not paying up for quality versatility. It’s the one thing I see occur year after year with the Mets. 

Using this winter as an example, a guy like Alex Cora gets 2 million dollars. I’m not trying to disparage Mr. Cora, or his skill set, but I’d have rather had Aubrey Huff who’s played 1B, 3B and the outfield in his career for the 1 million more it took for San Francisco to sign him. (Huff got 3 million) He’d have been available as an excellent left handed bat off the bench or, if that insidious injury bug bites, to play at 1^st or 3^rd or one of the corner outfield spots, He’s not the greatest defender but is a quality hitter. At least then, a player like Wilson Valdez or the recently departed Argenis Reyes makes sense.

These types of players are out there.  Ryan Garko who can hit and play the outfield or 1st base, I’ll take him.  How about inquiring with the Orioles about former Met Ty Wigginton? He plays everywhere! There are quality utility men available in both free agency and via trade.  Jerry Hairston Jr. is decent. I’ve seen him linked to our Mets in the wake of the Beltran fiasco.

So the question to be answered is this: When you have a payroll in the 150 million dollar range is it better to be thrifty with the money needed to make up your bench?  Is it not more prudent to increase the payroll 5 to 8 million dollars over what you expected to insure against a repeat of last seasons debacle? Especially considering that the 5 to 8 million will mitigate what could turn into a repeat of 2009, and thereby render the Mets premier acquisitions a waste of good money.  

The answer should be easy. It should be to increase the payroll to insure no repeat debacles.

At worst, if no players are injured, and you are cruising along, doing well with those players you have signed to insure that no repeat of last year occurs, You can either keep them for the season and hopefully post season, or deal them at the deadline for prospects…

Instead of the Beltran injury foolishness I’d rather Wednesday’s presser to have been about Beltran’s surgery and the Mets signing quality backups to guard against his loss for a protracted period of time…

Analyze that!

December 7^th 1984 -  Poking hot coals from Hot Stove History

The guy pitched well, but there were so many arms “on the come” throughout the Mets minor leagues and majors that Frank Cashen dealt away a good young arm in Walt Terrell on December 7^th 1984.

Walt Terrell had arrived via a trade from April 1, 1982. I think the Texas Rangers organization and fans realize the “April fools” joke was on them that year. Walt was acquired with another young arm named Ron Darling for OF/1B Lee Mazzilli.

Mazzilli was the face of a Met franchise in total disarray at that time…  A period of time I’ve heard dubbed as “The Dark Ages”…“Grant’s Tomb” around Shea. (’77-’83)

But with that deal at that time, Frank Cashen stabilized a need for good young pitching at the upper levels of the Mets minor league system, and continued with his “five year plan”.  In Darling and Terrell, the Mets received quality pitching in exchange for a player on the decline. Darling was the Superstar.

Terrell wasn’t a superstar. But he was blessed with good ability, a bulldog mentality, and good control.

He made the majors in late ’82. In 1983, He started to establish himself as a viable, dependable starter. In 1984, he managed to go 11-12 with a 3.52 ERA, but more importantly he threw 215 innings.

The Detroit Tigers had just won the 1984 World Series. Sparky Anderson, the Hall of Fame manager, wasn’t happy with young 3^rd baseman Howard Johnson’s streakiness during the season. Sparky went so far as to question his toughness and ability to handle pressure. He began rotating 3^rd baseman in late ’84. He sat ‘HoJo’ for almost the entire playoffs with the exception of a single at-bat. Johnson became available when the Tigers, who were looking for starting pitching, swapped the young switch hitter for the young Terrell with the Mets.  

Many Met fans were annoyed by this deal and questioned why the Mets had brought in another 3^rd sacker. (Ray Knight and Hubie Brooks being the others) Met fans found out 3 days later when Brooks headlined a package that brought All-Star catcher Gary Carter from Montreal.

But I digress…  to Howard Johnson…

Howard Johnson played for the Mets from 1985 until 1993.  ‘HoJo’ turned out to be one of the best offensive players the Mets have ever had. An incredible athlete, he made the phrase 30/30 a regular occurrence around Shea in the late ‘80’s and gave it familiarity like it should happen for him and us that way every year… For 5 years, the 30/30 threat that was Howard Johnson helped lead the Met offensive attack.

Johnson became the starter at 3rd in the winter of 1986 when the Mets let World Series MVP Ray Knight leave via free agency.  Ironically Knight signed with the Detroit Tigers who were searching for a new third baseman to replace Tom Brookens who had platooned in Detroit with ‘HoJo’ prior to his being traded to New York.

Johnson began the 30/30 talk in ’87 when he hit .265 with 36 HR 99 RBI and 32 SB. In subsequent years, he began alternating 30/30 seasons doing so again in 1989 and 1991.  He made All-Star appearances in 1989 and 1991.

‘HoJo’s Met career was done soon thereafter. For his final two seasons in New York, Johnson seemed to fight injury after injury which he just couldn’t get through. After two sub-par seasons, one in Colorado another in Chicago with the Cubs, Howard gracefully stepped away. He was just 35. He made a brief comeback in 1997 with the Mets but, time, age, and injury had taken their toll. He was finished for good at 37.

Howard Johnson continues to be affiliated with the Mets today as their hitting instructor. He’s a favorite among many. He wasn’t the flashiest to play for the Mets but he was very good.

My best memories of Howard Johnson were and still are his battle with Cardinals closer Todd Worrell. I recall it was power vs. power and HoJo came through hitting a pinch hit homer off the hard throwing reliever. I know many others recall Howard in his heyday, and I remember some of his special days, but I remember the young Johnson vs. Worrell and recall it with fondness. It was when I realized in April of ’86 the Mets were better than anybody. They were special.

Howard Johnson’s acquisition by Frank Cashen on December 7^th 1984 should be celebrated for multiple reasons. It gave the Mets a young, superior offensive player and enabled Frank Cashen to trade depth at 3^rd base for Gary Carter. Walt Terrell went on to pitch very well for the Tigers; however he was never a top end starter. The trade was a heist for the Mets.

New York Mets acquire OF/1B Willie Mays for P Charlie Williams

I was just a lil’ boy when the New York Mets acquired Willie Mays from the San Francisco Giants to bring him back to New York for the end of his majestic, Hall of Fame career. 

“Willie Mays was the best all around center fielder I ever saw play the game. Period. End of story.” 

That’s what my 73 year old father told me recently as we talked about baseball over a cup of coffee and cocoa on a snowy day after Christmas in Western Pennsylvania where he was born and raised before moving to metropolitan NYC in 1961. 

Willie was acquired by the Mets on May 11, 1972 for pitcher Charlie Williams, who, in a twist of irony, was born in Flushing, New York – - the only Met to ever be born in Flushing. 

Willie Mays may well have been, arguably, the greatest center fielder to ever play the game. Many who saw him play, including my own father, even say he was the best all around player. 

My Dad, who loves Stan Musial, said he thought ‘Stan the Man’ might have been better, but sipping slowly and after some reflection, he said, “that’s hogwash”. His own memories had been skewed by the bias of favoritism and time. Stan Musial was great, but Willie Mays was the best. That’s the beauty of baseball…we all have our favorites and opinions… 

Willie was well past his prime when he was dealt to the Mets. Horace Stoneham, owner of the Giants, who had moved the Giants to San Francisco when the Dodgers left Brooklyn for LA at the end of the ‘57 season, was running into financial problems in the early seventies, and the Mets, owned by Mrs. Joan Payson, loved Mays. It was a perfect match. So, Willie came back to New York in exchange for Charlie Williams. (It’s a wonder Stoneham didn’t try to obtain more from the Mets. No doubt he tried.) 

In his first game as Met, on May 14^th 1972, Willie was penciled into the lineup leading off and playing first base against, you guessed it, the San Francisco Giants at Shea Stadium. Willie walked and scored on a Rusty Staub grand slam in the first inning off Giant pitcher Sam McDowell.

After the Giants rallied to tie the score off Met starter Ray Sadecki, Willie came to the plate against Giant reliever Don Carrithers in the bottom of the 5th and proceeded to hit a game winning home run. The Mets won 5-4. As Casey Stengel would have said, “Amazin’ Amazin’ Amazin‘ ”!!! 

Over the ensuing 1 ½ years Willie Mays became a leader on that Met team and helped the team to the ‘73 pennant. He was a shadow of his former self as a player, but was always a threat because of his ability and flair for the dramatic. 

He commanded the respect of everyone that played, and opposing managers never wanted him batting in tight games as a pinch hitter. 

There are many recollections from Mays’ fans. As for me, I remember a weeping Mays on his tired knees begging the home plate umpire to call Bud Harrelson safe in Game 2 of the 1973 World Series. As a young boy, I was in awe, asking my dad why Willie was crying. To this day, I recall looking back in the chair as I sat on his lap, to see my father with tears on his cheek. It left an indelible impression on me, as I’ve only seen my father cry on few occasions in my whole life. Two of those after his parents passed and once more after my mom’s father passed away. 

I asked my father this past day after Christmas, why he cried that day, and he told me,

“Son, it was one of the more poignant moments I’ve ever seen. A grown man, who’d accomplished so much, and had been one of the best, with Father Time galloping away with his skills, on his knees pleading for the chance to go out a champion”. 

Ultimately, the Mets lost that series, and Willie his chance to go out a champion. The opportunity absconded by a bad managerial decision, an injury to his teammate Rusty Staub, and Father Time…How sad…What could have been…  

After having a 3-2 lead The Mets were in a position to bring home their second World Series triumph in four years. Alas, upon returning to Oakland, Met manager Yogi Berra decided to bypass George Stone to pitch Tom Seaver on short rest. A decision that has left many Met fans befuddled to this day. 

Willie went on to be a coach for the Mets from ‘74-’79, ending his tenure and affiliation with the club as a hitting instructor in 1979. 

Then Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, in one of the more foolish decisions he ever made, suspended both Willie and Mickey Mantle in ’79 for being associated with casinos’ in Atlantic City NJ. Neither of them endorsed gambling, they were just trying to make extra money through endorsement deals as greeters to customers. Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, realizing the foolish decision made by Kuhn, rescinded the suspensions in 1985. 

So, on this new year 2010, for those who can’t remember, I implore you to go to your elders and ask them to share their thoughts on the “Say Hey Kid”.

And never forget that Willie Mays, arguably the greatest to ever play the game, was a New York Met, if only for a brief moment in time…