Month: January 2010

Scrap Heap Signings Haven’t Solved Mets’ Pitching Problem

Okay, so the Mets went 1-for-2 on their attempts to get a power hitting outfielder and a top of the rotation starter. Then after whiffing on pitchers Jason Marquis and Joel Pineiro and catcher Bengie Molina (the most welcome strikeouts since Kevin Bass in 1986), they didn’t even offer at pitchers Doug Davis, Ben Sheets and Jon Garland. So Omar and company spent the last week taking their...

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Omar and Mets Search For Leadership

Is there any doubt that Omar Minaya is searching for leadership to help change the chemistry of his ballclub without gutting the “core” of this team? The Jason Bay signing was not just to fulfill the need for power in the lineup, it was done also with the hope that Bay would help fill a void for leadership that exists. I’m not trying to disparage any current member of the Mets.  David Wright...

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2010 Outlook: The Nationals – 4th Place Or Bust

The Washington Nationals lost 103 games last season.  It would have been worse had they not been saved by a season ending seven game winning streak.  Their pitching was in chaos all season long.  Relief pitchers blew 25 saves during the season.  They had only one starter who made more than 19 starts. They have made several moves this winter, mostly investing in pitching.  It’s a safe...

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Mets Sign Catalanotto to Minor League Deal

The Mets have signed veteran utilityman Frank Catalanotto to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The 35-year-old Catalanotto hit .278 with a homer and nine RBIs in 77 games last season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s a career .292 hitter over 13 big league seasons that included stops in Detroit, Texas and Toronto. Catalanotto has played first, second and third...

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Fernando Nieve Could Be A Sleeper

Adam Rubin of the Daily News, recently reported that the Mets will not have Bobby Parnell audition for a spot in the starting rotation, but that Fernando Nieve will figure into the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation behind Santana, Maine, Perez and Pelfrey. Jerry Manuel is very high on Nieve as is GM Omar Minaya, both of them have mentioned him as a pitcher we shouldn’t count out...

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