The Contenders: Luis Castillo- .235/.337/.267, 0 HR, 17 RBI, 6.7 UZR/150, 0. 6 WAR, $6 million, 35 years old Daniel Murphy- .266/.313/.427, 12 HR, 63 RBI, 1.0 WAR, $400K, 26 years old Brad Emaus- .290/.397/.476, 15 HR, 75 RBI (between AA and AAA), $400K, 25 years old The Underdog: Justin Turner- .316/.374/.487, 12 HR, 43 RBI (at AAA), $400K, 26 years old The Long Shots: Ruben Tejada- .213/.305/.282, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 1.2 UZR/150, -0.4 [...]

A couple of weeks ago, in the post you can read below, I said Daniel Murphy was the early favorite for the second base job. Of course my comments were tongue in cheek and just making light of his early showing to Spring Training. That said, a few hours ago during a televised press conference on SNY, I believe that Terry Collins may have tipped his hand regarding who his favorite is for the everyday second [...]

I love when MLB analysts, bloggers and fans release their picks for a team’s projected lineup heading into the season. In many cases, educated baseball fans arrive somewhere in the “ballpark” (no pun intended) of what the Opening Day lineup will look like. Since Terry Collins has given everyone a preview of at least two-thirds of the order, there really is no guessing game associated with what the lineup will be this year. As of [...]

Everyone knows I don’t have much confidence in the 2011 Mets and I’m already looking forward to the 2012 season.  I honestly believe this is just a lost season, where .500 would be acceptable, but “what if” the Mets can compete in 2011? Marvel Comics does a series of comics where they explore the road not traveled by their characters. Last week I looked at the starting pitchers and asked what if they perform? This [...]

Andy Martino of the Daily News gives more evidence that Ruben Tejada is not even considered in the mix for the second base battle this spring. He begins with comments from Terry Collins on the newest Met, at least for now, infielder Brad Emaus, the Rule 5 pickup from the Blue Jays. “Obviously, with J.P. (Ricciardi, a former Toronto GM) involved, we had real, real good information about him, what kind of player he is. [...]

Daniel Murphy, remember him? After starting off his stint in the Dominican Republic Winter League with an underwhelming 0-8 at the plate, Murphy exploded with a big performance in his third game for the Aguilas. Last night he helped spark a three run comeback victory by going 3-4 and two RBIs. All three hits were doubles and he drew a walk as well. Murphy missed the entire 2010 season because of a pair of MCL [...]

2010 pointed out the Mets lack of a solid overall bench, and the mismanagement of some call ups and how they were used is also a major area of concern for me. Jesus Feliciano cannot successfully be the fifth outfielder for the Mets. His lack of pop or any kind of doubles power makes him a decent defensive outfielder. Keeping him on the bench instead of a defensive wizard or a great hitter is stupid. [...]

I got an interesting email from one of our readers, Des, yesterday. It contained  a small analysis she did in which she compares Ike Davis to Daniel Murphy. First let me share what she wrote me, and then I have some analysis of my own along with my conclusions. Earlier in July I did an analysis and concluded that Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy have had similar batting success in the majors. Ike has more [...]

This is one of those posts that may incite a riot, but I’ll knock wood, and cross my fingers and toes when I say what I have to say…..that the Mets have had no serious injuries yet this season to key players.  We won’t count Carlos Beltran, who had surgery back in January, or Jose Reyes, who began the year on the DL but joined the team shortly after.  And we certainly won’t count underachievers [...]

Omar Minaya became the General Manager at the end of the 2004 season.  Since then the Mets have mostly been quiet when it comes to the trade deadline.  Except for 2006, when Duaner Sanchez went for a cab ride, injured his shoulder, forcing Omar to make a trade with the Pirates for Oliver Perez (thanks a lot Duaner!) and Roberto Hernandez the trade deadline always comes and goes for the Mets.  This year looks like [...]