The recent debate of whether or not the Mets should pick up the $8.6 million dollar option on J.J. Putz shouldn’t even be a debate at all. With all the problems the Mets have right now, why would they even consider paying almost nine million bucks to a setup man who hasn’t been effective since 2007? We’ve been bashing Omar for over spending on players for the last three years, and now some of us would [...]

Yesterday, Joe D posted a blog suggesting that picking up J.J. Putz’s option would be a waste of money.  I happen to agree with his position.  Putz’s option is way too much for a man who has been a shadow of himself due to various injuries.  There are other less expensive options the Mets could consider if they would like someone other than Putz to pitch the eighth inning.  For example, how about free agent [...]

After the 2007 season, the Mets faithful were thrilled by the acquisition of ace Johan Santana.  Despite only poor team performances since his acquisition, Johan’s contributions to the team have been unending and undeniably huge, highlighted by his memorable effort on the 2nd-to-last-day of the 2008 season and the last game at Shea Stadium that I choose to remember.  Last season, the Mets reeled in K-Rod who, while he’s had his moments of faltering, has [...]

I just looked through some notes of mine from the start of the season, and found this article previewing the NL East by Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.  Here is an excerpt of how he felt about the Mets heading into 2009: Two years, two chokes. The Mets have gotten good at this. And, sure, the bullpen was a big issue, so seeing J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez in the eighth and ninth innings will [...]

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 [...]

The Mets got a double dose of bad news on the pitching front when setup man J.J. Putz was shutdown for the season after suffering a setback while rehabbing in Florida. Yesterday, Omar Minaya said that Putz’ scheduled rehab appearance had been canceled to give him an extra day of rest, but a few hours later Jerry Manuel announced that Putz was being shut down for the season because of new fraying and a slight tear [...]

Omar Minaya earlier today had a telephone conference with reporters that was broadcast on SNY.  As usual when Omar has a press conference he continues to make the Mets look silly.  Omar said that he could not recall that Johan Santana had an elbow injury during Spring Training.  What planet is Omar living on?  Here is a link from MLB.com Johan’s exam canceled after session.  In the piece dated March 1, 2009 Omar Minaya says [...]

With all the talk of the Mets plans for 2010 and beyond, few if any have mentioned the bullpen. As one of the lone bright spots for the team this season, the bullpen is going to need some attention next season. Currently, the Mets have two ex-All-Star setup men on their roster in Billy Wagner and J.J. Putz. Although, both have options for next season it is highly unlikely either will be brought back without [...]

You know, I can accept the fact that the injury bug has bitten our Mets hard this season, and that freak accidents have hurt, as has being beaned in the head by opposing pitchers.  We’ve learned to accept that we have average to below-average replacements and that the season was basically over before the all-star break.  Now we’re biding our time and waiting until next year, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t [...]

Did any of you see the cover story of the USA Today sports page yesterday?  If you didn’t, here is a link, but let me warn you—it’s going to make you both angry and jealous.  It’s about Phillies’ rookie GM Ruben Amaro, Jr., and how the guy has earned the respect of his players by not only going out and grabbing what turned out to be a tremendous free agent in Raul Ibanez over the [...]

As I’ve been watching our beloved Mets this season, going through cases of Pepto-Bismol and Alka-Seltzer, I’ve still kept an interest in seeing the team win, no matter how many games out of first we’ve been.  Recently, it’s gotten much tougher to get genuinely excited over wins, though having them spaced so far apart does help increase the excitement when we get one.  But, for the first time in a few years, I have a [...]