Six games into the season and the Mets have used three different leadoff hitters. Evidently, there are answers to be found. One who should get a longer look is Mike Baxter, who started Saturday and reached base three times on two hits and a walk. A lead off hitter needs to get on base, and if not then take the count as deep as possible to give the following hitters a chance to learn what they [...]

The last time the Mets had a youth movement, it was the in early 80’s and they were coming off a terrible run of losing seasons. The likes of Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Lenny Dykstra, Wally Backman, and Darryl Strawberry roamed the grounds at Shea Stadium and they quickly made a name for themselves especially after their magical run in 1986 that led them straight to a World Series Championship. Sprinkled in with a group [...]

No doubt that you’ve all seen or heard of the defensive woes of Ruben Tejada to start the season. This is frontpage news. The shortstop committed his fourth error yesterday. One person on twitter actually told me it was time to bring up Wilfredo Tovar. I thought he was pulling my leg, but he was serious. That’s not happening and there’s a good chance that Tovar might be worse offensively AND defensively. It was only two years ago when [...]

Most readers on MMO know full well my detailed account about what went down when the Mets failed to sign 2012 Draft second rounder RHP Teddy Stankiewicz. Here is but a reminder from what I wrote last July: With their second, second-round pick (75th overall) in this year’s First Year Player Draft, the Mets selected RHP Teddy Stankiewicz, an 18-year-old pitcher from Fort Worth, Texas. Stankiewicz went 12-2 with a 1.35 ERA this season, having [...]

The Mets will be in action tonight against the Miami Marlins at 7:05 at Roger Dean Stadium. Newly appointed Opening Day Starter Jonathon Niese will be on the hill, and Jordany Valdespin will bat leadoff. Including tonight’s contest, the Mets have just ten Grapefruit League games left to play, and will play their final game on March 30. Four of the Mets ten remaining games will be televised; two will air on SNY and two [...]

According to a report from Anthony DiComo of Mets.com, for the first time this spring, the Mets are considering the realistic possibility that second baseman Daniel Murphy will not be ready for Opening Day. Murphy has been complaining of stiffness since playing some second base in simulated game for five innings on Friday. He did not swing a bat. Since then, he has been complaining of stiffness and it appears his intercostal injury will keep [...]

Some athletes will use anything as a motivator while others simply know what it takes to get ready. Today, pitching coach Dan Warthen tried to sell the idea Johan Santana used perceived criticism of his physical condition as the spark to get him on the mound for the first time since Feb. 19. Santana threw the day after GM Sandy Alderson said he didn’t think the soon-to-be 34-year old lefty would pitch for another ten days to put his [...]

Joe D. It’s been widely reported that Kirk Nieuwenhuis will be strongly considered as a leadoff candidate this season despite a 31% strikeout percentage, a low contact rate and on-base percentage, and a poor batting eye. Assuming he could improve his on-base and strikeout rates a little, his batting eye still is what it is, and he doesn’t fit the mold of an ideal leadoff man even if it’s only against right-handed pitching. What’s troubling [...]

For better or worse, Michael Bourn fell off the New York Mets radar Monday when he agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal with the Cleveland Indians. Mets/MLB beat writer Anthony DiComo suggests, if history is any indication, Sandy Alderson committed an error.  DiComo wrote: The 11th overall Draft pick has a bizarre history of busts relative to the picks around it. Of the 48 players in history taken 11th overall, only five have amassed [...]

As the possibility of Michael Bourn landing in Queens seems more and more like a reality, there are a faction of fans who feel Bourn wouldn’t be such a necessity, had the Mets simply resigned Jose Reyes.  On the surface, they’re correct, however as is the case with everything New York Mets, there is always more to it.  Its easy to compare the two players.  Both center their games around speed, are similar in age, [...]

It was three weeks ago when we elected a president. After a long, nasty, ugly, expensive and bitter campaign we survived and made it to Election Day. And boom! Just like that more than 57 million Americans, those who voted for Mitt Romney, were pissed off. No matter who would be sworn in in January, literally half this nation would be upset. It was really a no-win situation. The negotiations between David Wright and Mets [...]