Left field has always been used as a kind of defensive dumping ground for many teams trying to find a way to get a bat in the lineup.  Not requiring the arm strength considered de rigueur for Right, and less daunting in the presence of a fleet centerfielder, it is often a place for players whose offense demands playing time, but are not “natural” outfielders and have been blocked from a preferred position by a [...]

The most famous No. 1 in Mets’ history has some advice when it comes to the man who is quickly becoming the most infamous No. 1 on the Mets. “Give the kid a chance,” Mookie Wilson said Friday when discussing Jordany Valdespin. “He is a very spirited kid, very young and has a lot to learn, no question about that. But some things are being blown out of proportion. I think we need to back up and not overanalyze [...]

Jordany Valdespin has his flaws and it has nothing to do with his race. He could be Caucasian, African American, Pacific Islander, doesn’t matter … he’s had trouble with insubordination in virtually every stop on his way to the majors. He picked a fight with Ike Davis and Justin Turner for a prank they had absolutely nothing to do with, he took a silly picture wearing a Marlins cap and put it up on twitter, [...]

Most everything about the Mets these days is about the future. From Matt Harvey, to extending David Wright, to the trade of R.A. Dickey and protecting Zack Wheeler, we’re talking about 2014 and beyond. Sure, it would be great to compete now, but 2013 is mostly for establishing the foundation. It is the development of Harvey and Jon Niese; giving Wheeler major league experience – while avoiding free agency for a year – and hope Ike Davis and Lucas Duda improve their offensive efficiency while still producing [...]

When the Mets made the trade with the Blue Jays over the winter, Travis d’Arnaud was a key component in the trade with high hopes that he would be the Mets catcher of the future. Thrown in the deal was catcher John Buck, who most people probably felt that if Buck played well enough during the first half of the season, the Mets could use him as trade bait for possibly a pitcher. The plan was to have [...]

According to this tweet by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Mets may have something cooking with the Texas Rangers who are seeking to move outfielder Julio Borbon. Borbon, 27, was designated for assignment last week and the Rangers have until this afternoon to trade him or place him on irrevocable waivers. He has a slash of .283/.324/.358 over parts of four years in the majors. Last season, Borbon hit .304/.349/.433 with 23 doubles, eight triples, 10 [...]

John Buck, 32, has started the season with blinders on. He is focused and locked into every pitch the second it releases a pitcher’s hand and it’s almost as if it heads to the plate in super slow motion for him. He’s kept criticism at bay and been one of the bigger surprises for the Mets in the early part of this season. Buck continued his hot streak with another home run in yesterday’s loss to the Phillies 3-7. [...]

This is the T-Shirt Tuesday design for the April 23 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, honoring Mets catcher John Buck. It bears a striking resemblance to Blitzen. In 31 plate appearances so far this season, Buck is batting .393/.387/.464 with four home runs and an NL leading 14 RBIs in eight games. Buck did not hit his fourth home run of the year last year until May 13 (25 games) and did not drive [...]

I want to kick that football, I can see Lucy holding it. She’s promised not to pull it away, I know she’s promised before and still pulled it away, but she seemed really honest this time. I’m Charlie Brown, and I really really want to kick that football. I can visualize it in my mind, the feel of the ball on my toe, watching it glide through the uprights. I know it can happen. As [...]

Reliever Elvin Ramirez has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations to free up a spot on their 40 Man Roster. That they got anything for him is a mind-blower to me. His 5.48 ERA in 20 MLB appearances will hardly be missed. This one was the easiest cut/trade/release of all. The Mets’ 40-man roster now stands at 38. In other Mets news, the team announced their rotation today. Jon Niese will start Opening Day against the Padres, followed [...]

If you are like me, you look forward to a time when the major rebuilding is done and the Mets can (hopefully) embark on an extended period of high level competitiveness and play meaningful games (to borrow a phrase) each fall. Assuming that time is near (2014? 2015?), what will the team’s roster look like? I offer a speculative peek from one fan’s perspective that will focus on internal options: FIRST BASE: This should be [...]