If Shakespeare were to write a play about the state of the Mets these days, it would probably be titled “Much Ado About Valdespin” as that’s about all anyone has to talk about outside of the largely dismal performance of the team between the lines. Inasmuch as the role young number 1 plays on the team is largely limited to that of utility player/pinch hitter, I wonder if the fuss being kicked up over his [...]

I will remember it as if I saw it yesterday for the first time. A sheet of notebook paper, with the words, “Know your place, Rook … signed, your teammates,” was taped over Lastings Milledge’s locker in the Mets’ clubhouse in old RFK Stadium. This, in the late summer in 2006. The Mets were en route to the playoffs and a veteran laden team was rubbed the wrong way by Milledge’s brashness and arrogance. Then-manager [...]

It’s all about the “value” Mets fans. Regardless of your thoughts on the Phillies getting Brian Schneider, it’s a solid move for the Phillies who can give the Mets a lesson or two about getting the most value for a player. The Phillies are reportedly paying Schneider $3 million dollars for two years or an average $1.5 million per season. The Mets on the other hand, have paid Brian Schneider $8.9 million dollars in the [...]

It’s a no doubter that Brian Schneider will not be returning to the Mets in 2010. (And rightfully so) He spent some time on the disabled list, along with his fellow Mets, and when he did get a chance to play he was sub-par. He got passed over for the starting job by two rookie catchers. That’s sad. One of the positions the Mets need to fix up is catching. It’s well known that Josh Thole [...]

The Mets have a lot of holes to fill in 2010.  They need an actual number 2 pitcher in the rotation; they need a set-up guy in the bullpen, a left fielder and a catcher.  Last week I addressed the left field situation and a lot of you readers had a few opinions to say the least on my choices on who should play left field for us in 2010 but I still stand by [...]

Over the past five seasons, David Wright has emerged as the face of the New York Mets franchise and assumed the role of unofficial “captain”. For the most part he has filled this role rather nicely and has always brought a positive vibe to the team. Over his five year tenure with the Mets, Wright has been through the highs and lows. What has always impressed me was regardless of how the team was performing [...]

One of the holes the Mets need to fill for the 2010 season is first base, Daniel Murphy was named the everyday first baseman after Carlos Delgado got injured. Murphy has done fairly well as a replacement with good defense and an average bat. First base is usually a position for power hitters and Murphy will not likely reach a dozen homeruns. Also Delgado’s contract will be ending this season and has a 12 million dollar [...]

Ask just about any Mets fan nowadays about who will be behind the plate in 2010, most will have no idea. And, I can’t really blame them, the Mets have not made getting a quality catcher a priority in the past few seasons, unless you call Brian Schneider and his .189/.272/.318 line quality. If you ask anyone connected to the Mets they’ll most likely say Josh Thole and Omir Santos, a tandem I dubbed Tholmir. [...]

If you were paying attention during the fourth inning of today’s Mets broadcast, you would have learned that the Mets catchers lead the National League with 45 runs batted in. Wow, really? Omir Santos leads the pack with 22, followed by Ramon Castro who knocked in 13 runners before being traded, and Brian Schneider is holding up the rear with 10 ribbies. Santos is seventh in the league, but when you take a closer look it gets [...]

Game Summary The Mets took the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays and beat them 5-3 thanks to another solid performance from Fernando Nieve and a three run homer from catcher Brian Schneider. Game Recap Some of the other starters in the rotation can learn a thing or two from newcomer Fernando Nieve who continues to impress. Nieve did an excellent job of throwing strikes and keeping the Ray’s hitters off balance. He allowed [...]

In a little while the Mets will be hosting baseball tonight at Citi Field, going up against the American League Champions Tampa Bay Rays.  The Rays will be starting Andy Sonnanstine.  Sonnanstine is currently 5-6 with an ERA of 6.65 in 13 games started.  Left handed batters are hitting .249 against him while right handed batters are hitting .290 against him.  The Mets lineup for tonight is as follows: Alex Cora – SS Daniel Murphy [...]