The answer to this question seems obvious; no. However, even after Frank Francisco got credit for a “save” in the Mets 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, it seems like it will be a matter of time before somebody else will be protecting 9th inning leads in Queens. Francisco gave up a run, two hits and walked a batter while finishing the game for the Mets. The obvious answer consists of candidates such as Bobby Parnell and Jon Rauch, but a distinct case could be made that the Mets may be interested in trading for another reliever.

Sandy Alderson did not hold back in putting a brunt of the blame for last season’s lousy second half on the bullpen. While Alderson had no choice but to move Francisco Rodriguez with the first chance he got, he left the team with sub par options to finish the last two innings of a game. Jason Isringhausen was ok, but struggled at times and was unavailable for the last three plus weeks of the season. Parnell was very hittable, though he may have something now with the use of the change up he has used effectively so far this season. You know there were no options when Manny Acosta got his  share of save opportunities.

The Mets have some depth in the bullpen this season that they did not have last year. Ramon Ramirez has pitched ok, despite struggling at times. Rauch has pitched very well, a stark contrast from his tough season in Toronto. Parnell and Tim Byrdak have done a very good job, to this point. In my opinion, the last two spots of the bullpen are interchangeable and guys like Acosta and DJ Carrasco will either pitch well or be replaced by somebody else in the organization.

That synopsis suggests that Francisco is the only Mets reliever pitching noticeably poor. Ramirez has not pitched like he did last year for the Giants, and Acosta is probably one more shaky appearance away from being DFA’d. Francisco was the choice Alderson went with to be the 9th inning guy. You had to go back no further than last year to realize how important of a role that is. It also had to be noted that you can’t just put anybody there, and after all the research was put together, the best option was Francisco. He could have made a better case for himself, pitching terribly in spring training. Maybe all those who said “Its spring training, don’t be crazy” or “he’ll do better when it counts” have realized that this will not work out for much longer. Yes, his velocity is up from spring training, but he is all over the strike zone and based on the results, his strikes are very hittable.

So, many have suggested the Mets go to Parnell or Rauch to replace Francisco temporarily. I don’t have a problem with that, being Francisco will keep costing the team games as long as he is in the closers role. And in order for Parnell or Rauch to step into that role, it will have to be Francisco who will pitch some important 7th and 8th innings. If he is struggling to get hitters out as a closer, he will do the same in the 7th and 8th innings. He cannot and will not be released, since he is owed another $6.5 million next year after he finishes collecting his $5.5 million from this season. I suggest that he takes on the Acosta role now, usually pitching with nothing on the line but occasionally getting into a big spot out of necessity. Acosta should be DFA’d and the Mets should consider adding another reliever.

Mike MacDougal was just released by the Dodgers, it couldn’t hurt to give him a shot. Perhaps it may be time to try of LHP Josh Edgin, who is closing games for AAA Buffalo. And yes, I am going there: here are some trade possibilities that they should at least kick the tires on.

Kevin Gregg really has no spot in the Orioles bullpen. He is 0-1 4.50 ERA, 8 Ks in 10 IP. The Orioles are trying very hard to trade him, as they have pitched extremely well. The price may not be too high. Something would have to be worked out with his 2012 salary and it has to be understood that his 2013 team option will be declined.

Jordan Walden has lost his closer’s job in Los Angeles to Scott Downs. Walden saved 32 games as a 23 year old rookie last season, but it has to be understood that he is young and has a lot of promise. The Mets would have to get creative if they wanted to make a trade here. Perhaps dip into the lower levels of the minor leagues for a couple of younger prospects, such as Robbie Shields and Juan Lagares, and package that with Matt Den Dekker or Jordany Valdespin to get this done. It may seem like a lot, but you would have to give up three players to get somebody with Walden’s upside. It still may not be enough to pry him away from LA.

Sean Marshall is a pitcher I would want in my bullpen. He will not be available, being the Reds just traded for him and extended him through 2015. Though he is currently not the Reds closer, this is a pitcher the Reds want to have around for a while.

Brett Myers could fill a temporary relief role and help as a starter. He has pitched well as the Astros closer this season, but I would not expect the Mets to pick up the balance of the $11 million he is owed this season. He also has a $10 million team option with a $3 million buyout for next season, something the Mets want no part of. If the Astros get desperate, this is something worth considering towards the trading deadline. Perhaps the Mets try MacDougal and Edgin, getting themselves until June or July. Then, the Astros may just want to unload Myers and the contract is closer to what the Mets would be willing to pay.

26 year old Javy Guerra has struggled for the Dodgers this season. He was sharp last year, saving 21 games mostly in the second half of the season for LA. He lost the job to Kenley Jensen and there is no hiding the fact that LA is looking for relief help.

The middle of the Mets bullpen has, for the most part, gotten the job done this season. Francisco, at least for the time being, needs to pitch some mop up relief and get his confidence back. The Mets will be compromising the middle relief which has worked by moving Parnell or Rauch into the closers role. They should consider adding another reliever to give them depth for the 7th and 8th innings.

Logo taken from Google Images

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 12: Phillip Humber #41 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Oakland Athletics on June 12, 2011 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Phillip Humber threw a perfect game yesterday for the Chicago White Sox, adding his name to the list of former Mets pitchers who have thrown no-hitters. While a couple pitchers had accomplished the feat prior to joining the Mets, most have done it after they have left the team. Humber is the second former Met to ever throw a perfect game, accomplished only by David Cone with the New York Yankees.

Mike Scott was traded in 1982 by the Mets for OF Danny Heep. While Heep was a member of the 1986 World Series Champion team, Scott became a nemasis, nearly ending the Mets NL Pennant dream. He also clinched the NL West title for the Astros by throwing a no-hitter, becoming another former Mets pitcher to throw one. Hideo Nomo threw one when he pitched for the Dodgers in 1996, pitched for the Mets, then threw a second one pitching for the Boston Red Sox.

Of course, the Mets have acquired their share of pitchers who had no hitters on their resume. The Mets acquired Cy Young winner Bret Saberhagen from the Royals in 1992, a year after he threw a no-hitter for the Kansas City Royals. They traded for LHP Al Leiter from the Marlins before the 1998 season, after he threw a no-hitter for the Marlins in 1996. Hall of Famer Warren Spahn, who joined the Mets pitching staff in 1965 while doubling as pitching coach, threw two no-hitters for the Braves in 1960 and 1961.

The earliest no-hitter thrown by a pitcher that would later pitch for the Mets was Don Cardwell, who as a Cubs pitcher no-hit the Cardinals on May 15, 1960. Cardwell joined the Mets in 1967. Dean Chance pitched a no-hitter for the Twins in 1967 before pitching three games for the Mets in 1970. Dock Ellis threw a no-hitter for the Pirates in 1970 (reportedly while tripping on acid) and pitched for the Mets in 1979. John Candelaria, who pitched in a handful of September games for the Mets in 1987, threw a no-hitter pitching for the Pirates in 1976.

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 07: Phillip Humber #41 Chicago White Sox tips his cap after leaving the game in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners on June 7, 2011 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Sox defeated the Mariners 5-1. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Kenny Rogers is the only pitcher to throw a perfect game before pitching for the Mets. This happened in 1994 pitching for the Texas Rangers. He would pitch for the Mets in 1999. Scott Erickson, who briefly pitched for the Mets in 2004, threw a no-hitter for the Minnesota Twins in 1994 as well.

In the history of the franchise, there are four relief pitchers who have been part of no-hitters. Alejandro Pena pitched the final inning of a combined no hitter started by Kent Merker (7 innings) and Mark Wohlers (1 IP) in 1991, not too long after being traded from the Mets. LHP Ricardo Rincon, who would see some action in 2008 with the Mets, was part of a 10 inning no hitter for the Pirates, relieving Francisco Cordova and pitching an inning of hitless ball. Two pitchers who are now members of New York Mets alumni, Octavio Dotel and Billy Wagner, were part of that crazy no-hitter the Houston Astrosthrew against the Yankees in 2003. They each pitched an inning, combining with Roy Oswalt (1 IP), Peter Munro (2 2/3), Kirk Saarloos (1 1/3) and Brad Lidge (2) to keep the Yankees hitless.

The only other pitcher who was part of the Mets roster to pitch a no-hitter is Jim Bibby, who was a September call-up in 1971. He never got into a game, but was on the roster and in uniform for the team. He would pitch his no-hitter in 1973, while pitching for the Texas Rangers.

All this history about no-hitters and the Mets, you would think one would have been wearing a Mets uniform when they did it. Of course not, and it will be 50 years or more before it ever happens, if it ever does at all.

R.A. Dickey is not a name that shoots to the front of most baseball fans minds when they think of players whose story they may want to hear. While he may not be the most well-known of players, Dickey, a starting pitcher for the New York Mets, has put together a very interesting story of his life in a new book written with Wayne Coffey titled Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball.

Just simply by reading the title of the book, fans can see that he isn’t your normal starting pitcher. Anyone knows that there has to be something different in the mind of a pitcher to get them to even try throwing a knuckleball. Perhaps that’s what makes Dickey special. Throughout the book, one of the main themes is that he always does what he thinks is right, regardless of what others may say about him.

Dickey is far from someone who could be considered a dumb jock. In fact, he may just be the most cultured Major Leaguer. From trips to Mount Kilimanjaro in the off season to raise awareness about human trafficking in Mumbai, to the fact that he names his bats after literary characters, Dickey certainly does it his way.

Life wasn’t always easy for this hurler, although a bird’s eye view of his early life might suggest otherwise. When Dickey was in high school, he was immediately seen as someone who was going to be great and make it to the Big Leagues one day. Scouts watched him very closely during high school and he had offers from many colleges and the possibility existed of going pro right out of high school. Dickey decided to take a full scholarship from the University of Tennessee, where he excelled on the field. He also was a starting pitcher for team USA during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA.

He won various awards during college and was drafted in the first round by the Texas Rangers. Everything was going smoothly and according to plan, until Dickey’s mind took over and started making decisions that may not have been the best for his career. Dickey goes into depth on the decisions that he made during his early career in professional baseball that almost led to not only the end of his playing days, but the end of his life all together.

Just one unusual incident that Dickey chronicles is his attempt to swim across the Missouri River wearing flip-flops. Without giving too much away, let’s just say this isn’t the best decision Dickey or anyone else could ever make.

Dickey also shares his incredibly honest thoughts on a number of things including performance enhancing drugs, and their effect on the game. While Dickey’s story is certainly his own, in many ways his thoughts and feelings are probably not much different than many other players, the difference is that he is willing to share them.

While there are certainly some off of the field topics discussed in the book, there are many on field experiences that Dickey lets the reader in on as well. A few of the highlights related to baseball that Dickey touches on are how he overcame one of the worst performances of any starting pitcher in the last 100 years when he gave up six home runs to the Detroit Tigers in just 3 1/3 innings, and his description of a meeting with Orel Hershiser and Buck Showalter that changed his life forever.

Dickey’s work is not unlike memoirs that other players have published in the past to illustrate their life story. However, it is clearly unique to his own life and journey and, while his story of becoming an athlete isn’t a rare one on bookshelves these days, the specifics of his journey and the story of how he became the player he is today certainly is.

The 328 page work was published on March 29, 2012 in hardback from Blue Rider Press and retails for $26.95.

Overall Rating: 3.25/5

Most teams come in to spring training with several questions with regards to the composition of their roster. There are teams with many questions and others have only some. Seldom does a team know exactly how their entire roster should look before spring training starts. You can make a case that Sandy Alderson, Terry Collins and the New York Mets had a set 25 players for their team before players gathered here in Port St. Lucie.

Prior to this season, I had gone to spring training earlier, usually within the first two weeks of live games. This year, I arrived March 20th and will be leaving as soon as I am done with this post. I got to see a lot more regular players as the Mets made their first round of cuts on 3/20, just as I made my way into my hotel. The major question I had, as well as every other fan, was “what is the health of LHP Johan Santana?”.  So far, its been good news on Santana, who is recovering from shoulder surgery on a torn capsule muscle. He has responded to pitching every fifth day and is on track for opening day. In the two starts I saw him pitch, he even showed glimpses of the old Johan Santana, who was one of the best pitchers in the game when the Mets acquired him from the Twins before the 2008 season.

Had things not gone well with Santana, the Mets were not prepared. Miguel Batista would have been their 5th starter, with very little to back him up. The Mets signed Chris Young, who is recovering quickly from having the same surgery as Santana, as an insurance policy and he provides the most major league experience not named Batista. Batista will make the team, but not without help from DJ Carrasco, who was slated to make the team before an injury likely puts him on the disabled list to start the season. LHP Tim Byrdak, who may be back as soon as the second series of the season, freed up a spot for a left handed specialist, likely to be Daniel Herrera. As expected, the Mets rotation will be Santana, RA Dickey, Jonathon Niese, Mike Pelfrey and Dillon Gee. The bullpen will be Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch, Ramon Ramirez, Manny Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Herrera (until Byrdak returns) and Batista (until Carrasco returns).

The Mets starting lineup is as set as it was before camp began. The only question that remains involves center fielder Andres Torres, who remains a possibility to be ready to play by opening day. Daniel Murphy has played a decent second base and will lead a middle of the order that includes third baseman David Wright, first baseman Ike Davis, Jason Bay in left, and Lucas Duda in right. Catcher Josh Thole and shortstop Ruben Tejada round out the batting order. The projected place for there to be competition was to be the Mets bench, but that was almost as set in stone as the batting order.

Infielder Justin Turner will be a holdover from last season. The Mets signed shortstop Ronny Cedeno to backup Tejada. Scott Hairston, who missed a good amount of camp with an oblique injury, was re-signed to be a forth outfielder and right handed bat off the bench. The next two spots, where I thought would more competitive, turned out not to be. Mike Nickeas, with little major league experience, was given a clear track to the spot as Mets backup catcher. Former minor leaguers Rob Johnson and Lucas May were strictly brought in to provide depth at AAA, though both showed they can hit. Vinny Rottino, who can catch if needed, has had a great spring and may be the one player to earn an unexpected spot on this team, as he is likely to go north if Torres is not ready to play. Jordany Valdespin, who played very well and intrigued a lot of fans, may be the only player crunched by the numbers game. The Mets felt they have enough infield depth with Turner and Cedeno and felt Valdespin was not a viable option as a backup outfielder. Kirk Nieuwenhuis has been injured and Matt den Dekker is simply not ready to hit major league pitching at this point.

That leaves only one spot on the Mets bench. Camp opened with a competition between outfielders Mike Baxter and Adam Loewen, both in on minor league contracts. Baxter had little major league experience last season and Loewen was the converted pitcher who had a good season in 2011 with the Toronto Blue Jays AAA team. Loewen came in with the bigger power bat. Baxter has had a good spring and won the job outright, with Loewen striking out too much to turn any heads. I, as well as many others, felt the Mets could be interested in making an addition at the end of spring training. This will not happen as the Mets will go with what they had going in. For better or for worse, this is the 2012 New York Mets.

My 30-1 MLB countdown and team preview brings me to a team for whom I have rooted for over 25 years. A team that is trying to keep its focus off its financial problems and on to the team that has been constructed for the 2012 season. That of course, is the New York Mets. I decided to put my fandom aside when I put this list together, which means I am being as objective as I can be. As spring training has started, I am rooting as much as I can for my favorite team and it is my hopes that they somehow exceed expectations.

To say this team has been snakebitten with injuries over the past couple of seasons is an under-statement. As a fan, you get tired of  hearing about how good the team could be if everybody stays healthy. Already David Wright is experiencing problems with his ribs and Ike Davis has valley fever. Not to mention Scott Hairston and his oblique injury that may cause him to miss the beginning of the season.  Injuries are a part of the game, as even on a good year some players will miss time. That is where depth comes in; right now the Mets have little to no depth, especially when it comes to position players.

The Mets major moves this offseason consisted of adding free agent closer Frank Francisco and set up man Jon Rauch. They finished their day of business by trading OF Angel Pagan to the San Francisco Giants for RHP Ramon Ramirez and OF Andres Torres. Other than that, the only offseason move they made was signing SS Ronny Cedeno, formerly of the Pirates.

Ruben Tejada (.284, 0, 36) takes over at shortstop for Jose Reyes. A lot will be on his plate this year as he may try to be somebody he is not. Terry Collins has decided to move him to the bottom of the lineup which I think is an excellent move so he can just worry about being a shortstop. Tejada will struggle if he tries to be Jose Reyes, which he obviously is not. He is a very fundamentally sound player and should improve as a hitter over time. The leadoff spot goes to Torres. The Mets are hoping Torres can hit closer to his 2010 form (.268, 16, 63 in 139 games) as opposed to the 2011 version (.221, 4, 19 in 112 games).

Daniel Murphy is getting the opportunity to be the everyday second baseman, and he will also bat second in the batting order. Murphy has worked hard this offseason to prepare for second base (he always does), but it could be a tough task to ask him to play there all season and remain healthy (he has injured his knees the last 2 years turning a double play at second base). Justin Turner had a very surprising 2011 season (.260, 4, 51 in 117 games) and should provide some insurance at second as well as third and maybe first base. Cedeno will back up Tejada at short.

Injuries last season to Davis (who never played again after May) and Wright (who missed 60 games) stalled any progress the team had made after a 5-13 start. The trades of RHP Francisco Rodriguez and OF Carlos Beltran affected the team and the knockout punch was when they lost Reyes and Murphy in the same game. Having Davis and Wright for the whole season makes them look better on paper than they were last year. Losing Reyes and not having Beltran gives the team some ground to make up. Some of the ground can be made up with Jason Bay, who has not hit for much power since coming to the Mets two years ago. Lucas Duda played very well in the second half  of last season by hitting .292 with 10 homers and 50 RBI in 100 games. Josh Thole has to work on his defense, as it affected his offense last year.

The success or failure of the Mets pitching staff will be affected by the health of Johan Santana. Santana has looked to be in great shape and is determined to pitch opening day against the Braves. If Santana has no setbacks and can pitch the full season, it will give the Mets an advantage they do not have at the moment. RA Dickey (8-13, 3.28) and Jonathon Niese (11-11, 4.40) are the best of the rest in a rotation that has little backup resources. Mike Pelfrey (7-13, 4.74) and Dillon Gee (13-6. 4.43) round out a rotation that does not have a 6th starter if somebody has to start the season on the DL. Miguel Batista and rookie Matt Harvey are be the favorites to land a spot if Santana or somebody else doesn’t start the season. Harvey has come into camp with the determination to make the team, but it is still very likely he will start the season in AAA, perhaps even AA.

The bullpen is improved from last year, when it blew seemingly every 8th or 9th inning lead in the second half of 2011. Francisco was 1-4, 3.55 and 17 saves for Toronto last season, missing some time with an injury. Rauch filled in as the Blue Jays closer, but had a tough season (5-4, 4.85, 11 saves). Rauch gave up 11 HR in 52 IP last year, something that needs to be better this year. I like the acquisition of Ramirez, who was 3-3 with a 2.62 ERA to go along with 4 saves with the Giants last year. He also showed a little moxy when he beaned Shane Victorino of the Phillies and walked up to him afterwards, starting a fight between the two teams. Manny Acosta (4-1, 3.45, 4 sv) and Bobby Parnell (4-6, 3.64, 6 sv) should be part of the mix and Tim Byrdak (2-1, 3.72 in 72 games) did a very good job last year.

Other than Turner and possibly Cedeno, the Mets have no bench. It is not worth breaking down stats for Mike Baxter, Adam Loewen and Mike Nickeas, all of whom have spent little to no time in the big leagues. Maybe one of them can be a surprise for 2012. Perhaps OF prospect Kirk Nieuwenhuis can impress the brass enough to earn a spot on the team to start the season. Perhaps Sandy Alderson will see what is out there towards the end of spring training, but that is unlikely.

Vegas was down on the Mets when it came to the O/U. Only the Orioles (69.5) and the Astros (64) were given lower numbers than the Mets (70.5). Maybe Vegas is predicting the Mets will continue their salary purge and have an all-time bad season. I think they will win more than that, finishing 76-86 for last place in the NL East. The other four teams in the division are better at this point. If Wright, Bay, and Davis put up the numbers they are capable of, they could do better. Also, if Santana becomes Santana again, they will exceed expectations. If you are not rooting for that, root for the younger pitchers in the organization to continue to develop and maybe for the team to land a future star in this year’s draft. I think they may be better than people think.

photo taken from Zimbio via Google Images

It has been reported that the Washington Nationals are among the teams interested in Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra. Parra won a NL Gold Glove last year in the OF but may be without a spot in the lineup due to the signing of free agent OF Jason Kubel. In an ideal world, the Diamondbacks would like to use Parra as a 4th OF behind Kubel, Chris Young and Justin Upton. It may become difficult though, since Parra seems to be coming in to his own at age 25. Through my blog (John Pielli’s Passed Ball Show) as well as many others, it has been discussed how extra parts are moved around during spring training as teams trade something they have excess of in exchange for something they need. This is why I think Parra will be moved before opening day.
Parra has always been a pure hitter, even through his time in the minors. He may strike out a little more than you want, but he has a sweet stroke at the plate. He is purely a gap hitter, but has a little bit of power. He has good speed but is learning to use it better on the bases. He could become a 30 SB player though it’s something that has to be applied more. He had a breakout season in 2009 where he hit .290 in 120 games with 21 2B, eight 3B, five HR and 60 RBI. His numbers dropped a little bit in 2010, where he hit .261 in 133 games with 19 2B, six 3B, three HR and just 30 RBI. He became more of a core player in 2011 where he hit .292 in 141 games with 20 2B, eight 3B, eight HR and 46 RBI.
Watching Parra play in 2009, he shows the potential to be a very useful player. He is best as a LF, but has played all outfield positions. He had 12 OF assists last year and made his share of highlight plays. It’s no surprise that plenty of teams are inquiring about him and more of a reason that he probably will be playing for somebody other than Arizona in 2012.
The simple question is, could he be a fit for the New York Mets? I personally think he is the type of player the Mets should be interested in. He could start the year as a 4th OF and perhaps work his way into the starting lineup as the team’s CF. Maybe Parra would prefer to be traded to a team where he could start and play every day. As much as Andres Torres deserves a chance to be a regular, at this point, he will more than likely be better suited as a 4th OF on this team. Parra’s age (25) makes him more of a fit as he could be a consideration to be a corner OF in the future of this organization. The team will also benefit from his defense.
What would the Mets have to give up in such a trade? The Diamondbacks are not going to give him away and we have to factor in that other teams are interested, assuming the Mets are. The point of course is mute if the team has no interest. The Diamondbacks could use Daniel Murphy at both 1B and 3B, but the Mets have committed to him as their 2B. The Mets top and mid level pitching prospects are probably all off limits. Getting Parra back in the deal may give the Mets some flexibility when it comes to their OF prospects. For the exception of Brandon Nimmo and maybe Matt Den Dekker, they have very few OFs that project to be MLB starters at this point. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Juan Lagares and Javier Rodriguez could interest Arizona and if another minor league player is added, this is a deal that could be made.  Factor in that Parra is pre-arbitration eligible; it’s a move that works for the Mets financially.

The first thing Mets fans think of when they mention the 1987 season is a failure or a down season. Though they did not make the postseason, they had a better season than people think. Coming off the last season when they won the World Series, it was no doubt a team that was expected to repeat. They were that good. In a season where the St Louis Cardinals returned to the postseason after a year off, the Mets were as good as any team in the NL. They had the second most wins in the league and won two more games than the NL West Champion San Francisco Giants.

Logo taken from Google Images

Coming off a season where they won 108 games, winning 92 was a disappointment. I think it’s fair to expect a letdown, with all the enthusiasm of the prior season and the season getting off to a bad start with the drug suspension of ace Dwight Gooden.
The Bob Ojeda injury kept the Mets from having as formidable rotation as they had the previous season. The bullpen kind of let the team down, probably because Roger McDowell and Jesse Orosco wore out after all the work in 1986 and the postseason. Newcomer Randy Myers, despite 92 strikeouts in 75 innings pitched, was inconsistent pitching to a 3.96 ERA while McDowell and Orosco pitched to ERAs of 4.16 and 4.44, respectively. Rick Aguilera was having a breakout season going 11-3 before an injury shut down his season. Terry Leach went 11-1, both relieving and starting, but would have been better suited providing depth as a full-time reliever.
Offensively, you can make a case that the team was better than the previous year. 3B Howard Johnson had a huge year, hitting .265, 36, 99 and newcomer Kevin McReynolds, though fans didn’t embrace him because he was quiet, hit .276, 29, 95. Those were huge additions to a lineup that already included Keith Hernandez (.290, 18, 89), Darryl Strawberry (.284, 39, 104) and Gary Carter (.235, 20, 83). Also factor in Tim Teufel’s .298, 14, 61 season, when he was .247, 4, 31 in 1986 and this was easily the best offensive team in the league. Only Carter notably had a better season in 1986 (.255, 24, 105). It wasn’t good enough to catch a Cardinals team that got back power hitting 1B Jack Clark after missing him for a good amount of the 1986 season.
I would take the 1987 Mets offense over the 1986, but the pitching was much better in 1986. Not having Gooden to start the season and the injuries to Ojeda and Aguilera caused for too many moving parts. The staff was set up to be deeper with the additions of Randy Myers and Terry Leach, but by the end of the season, everybody was overworked. They used former Indians SP Don Schultze to start some games, similar to a 2008 Brian Lawrence. They even acquired John Candeleria from the Angels to make a couple of starts in September. In the end, the Cardinals won because they had the better and healthier pitching staff.
Top to bottom, I actually liked the 1987 Mets team, depth wise. The lineup had a 1-7 that was probably the best in their history, while maintaining a deep bench. Extra quality arms, such as Leach, Myers, David Cone and John Mitchell were supposed to control the workloads of guys like McDowell and Orosco. That didn’t happen.
I wasn’t old enough to enjoy the 1986 Mets World Series victory first hand, but I very well remember the 1987 season. Though it was a huge disappointment not returning to the postseason, it probably made them better in 1988. Unfortunately, 1988 was the bigger disappointment, not beating the Dodgers in the NLCS where they were heavily favored. 1987 was the first full season I remember, being 7 years old. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since then, and 26 since the team’s last World Series Championship.

RIP Gary Carter: photo taken from Google Images

May he rest in Peace…

Gary Carter delivered a walk-off homer in his first-ever regular-season game for the Mets.  The Kid also started the Mets’ historic rally in the 10^th inning of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the Red Sox with a two-out single.

But Carter, who passed away at the young age of 57, really energized the team with his swagger.

Before Carter arrived, the Mets had Doc Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Darryl Strawberry and most of the parts they needed to be a contender. They won 90 games in 1984 and were getting close to making the playoffs for the first time since 1973.

The acquisition of Carter would put them over the top.  The Mets won 98 games in 1985 with Carter behind the plate, with only a great season by the Cardinals keeping them out of the postseason. The Kid had his best offensive season with the Mets, hitting .281 with 32 homers and 100 RBI.

The following year, of course, the Mets won it all by winning 108 games and finding mind-bending ways to win the NLCS and the World Series. Carter hit .255 with 24 homers in 1986, but delivered many clutch hits in the postseason.

It’s a World Series that Mets fans remember well, especially since the team has not won one since.

Image via Wikipedia

The Kid’s offensive numbers declined every year during his Shea tenure, but he contributed in so many different ways. He helped guide young pitchers such as Gooden, Ron Darling and Sid Fernandez behind the plate. And his confidence, sometimes misconstrued by opponents as arrogance, fueled the Mets.

The Kid fought his cancer the same way he battled against Calvin Schiraldi in his 10^th-inning at-bat of the 1986 World Series – he never gave up.  That’s how I will always remember him.

Photo taken from Google Images

Listening to the most recent comments Sandy Alderson made to the New York Post, it has become more likely that he has little to no interest in adding any more players before spring training. Very few fans expected this team to do much this offseason, but it is impossible for a team who needed so much to improve to do so little. We can talk all day about the financial constraints, but it is pretty obvious Alderson did all his work in one day. Remember, he has JP Riccardi and Paul Depodesta on his staff; apparently they are only needed for the draft.
As a Mets fan, it is most frustrating because any free agent, no matter how little the price, can be worked into the Mets roster and make the team a little deeper. And because of this lack of interest, the Mets will employ players on their team that don’t belong in the major leagues. In return, there will be players who will start the 2012 season without a team. The players union should be concerned about what the Mets are doing, even though they can’t prove the Mets are colluding against bringing in players.
So the Mets will go into opening day with what they have right now, exciting right? I wanted to compose a list of the top ten concerns going in to the 2012 season, but there a lot more than that. So, I had to keep it to the composition of the roster. That means concerns like David Wright and Jason Bay returning to form, Lucas Duda playing right field, Ruben Tejada playing every day at shortstop, Mike Pelfrey getting over his psychological issues and Ike Davis returning from his surgery all have to be left off this list. If I missed anything, I apologize and feel free to leave it in the comment section below. Without further due, here are the top ten roster concerns that the Mets refused to address. I will refer to this before opening day as well as at the all-star break and the end of the 2012 season and see how many of these issues blow up in the Mets face.
10. Frank Francisco as the closer: I understand the Mets could have done worse. The main reason I think the Mets upgraded their bullpen is the addition of Ramon Ramirez. Francisco has had some injury problems in his career. He had just 17 saves being the Toronto Blue Jays closer last season. That was not the first time Francisco was given a closer’s job and he wasn’t the primary closer. He was given the job in spring in 2010 with the Texas Rangers and lost the job to eventual rookie of the year Neftali Feliz. He spent some time as a middle reliever, so his 49-70 save completion ratio is not as bad as it looks. The bigger questions are whether he will last the entire season as the closer and if he can stay healthy for the entire season. Good chance Ramon Ramirez becomes the closer and if that happens, what kind of role does Francisco have for the balance of the next two years?
9. Jon Rauch as 8th inning set-up man: Rauch is coming off a terrible season with the Toronto Blue Jays. The optimist would point to his 2010 year with the Minnesota Twins when he was 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA and 21 saves in 53 games. But, 2011 should be a concern. He finished with a 4.85 ERA and gave up 11 homeruns in just 52 innings pitched. He’s not that old, just 33, but there were many others the Mets could have signed for $3.5 million or less. Perhaps a return to the National League will help Rauch and let’s understand that there are eight bigger concerns with this team than the back of the Mets bullpen.
8. Ronny Cedeno: I didn’t like the Cedeno signing from the beginning. Jack Wilson and Ryan Theriot had more versatility and if Alderson knew then that he wouldn’t bring in any additional depth, a roster spot is being tied up for a player who will only be able to do one thing, back up at shortstop. Cedeno will not be an option as a pinch hitter, perhaps can play 2nd base and that’s it and has little to no speed.
7. Scott Hairston- back up centerfielder: Last year, the Mets started the season with Hairston and Willie Harris backing up in centerfield and this year it will be just Hairston. They also ended up keeping Jason Pridie to play CF for the remainder of the season. With Pridie gone, the Mets have nobody else but Hairston to do the job. Yes, options like Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Matt DenDekker exist, but they are most likely to start the season in AAA unless either have a tremendous spring training.
6. Last bullpen spot: My biggest concern here is if the last spot goes to DJ Carrasco because he is making $1.2 million for 2012. Pedro Beato may need to spend a little more time in AAA. Some say there is a need for another lefty reliever. If they need to give the job to a lefthander, it will be either journeyman Daniel Herrera or minor league starting pitcher Robert Carson. There are no other legitimate contenders for the position unless you want to include Garrett Olson and Chuck James. A perfect spot for the team to bring a couple of proven arms who will take a minor league contract at this point, but Sandy says the team is “all set”.
5. Daniel Murphy 2B: Murphy is coming off a very good offensive season but still faces many critics. Some feel he may not be able to keep up with the .320 average and may not be the offensive player he was in 2011. Murphy’s biggest concern will be his switching to playing second base full time in 2012. His last two seasons have ended because of collisions at second base turning double plays and he is not known to be the most fleet footed. I understand he is working very hard to get himself ready, but this has to be a concern. If he struggles a little bit defensively, it could affect him at the plate. If it is determined that he can’t play second base, there may not be another place he can play at a regular basis on this team. If it works, his numbers should stand out among 2nd basemen in the NL.
4. Mike Nickeas- back-up catcher: I don’t have a problem if Nickeas won the job in spring training, but it seems like he is getting the job by default. He’s not a bad game caller, but has not spent a full season in the big leagues. Josh Thole needs to be challenged for playing time, and it does not look good if Nickeas is playing every day against left handed pitchers. Perhaps Rob Johnson can win the job, but Thole is the undisputed best catcher on the team and will get the majority of playing time. Still options are available, but the back-up catcher will be one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.
3. Mike Baxter/ Adam Loewen- back-up outfielder/ first off the bench: It will be hard to see either of these players starting in the outfield if either Jason Bay or Lucas Duda gets hurt. Baxter looked overmatched in AAA last season and despite a good 2011 for Loewen, he may need a little more time to gain confidence. Neither would be considered a 4th outfielder on any other team and neither gives a fan confidence as a pinch hitter. Another spot where you would like to see a veteran compete, but it looks like Baxter or Loewen will be in Queens come opening day.
2. Miguel Batista- sixth starter: More speculation states that Johan Santana may not be ready for opening day. Alderson still doesn’t think the Mets need a veteran to compete? Miguel Batista is a competitor. I like what he showed last season. But, at 41, I can’t see him making 30 starts for the Mets this season. We continue to hear that the Mets will not rush Matt Harver, Jeurys Familia and Zach Wheeler, but there is little on this roster that gives the team insurance if one or more starter goes down. And Santana is one of the biggest question marks among starting pitchers in baseball this season?
1. Andres Torres CF: Some of the prior concerns have helped solidify Torres as the number one concern. He hit .221 with 4 HR and 19 RBI in 112 games with the Giants last season. He is, without a doubt, the Mets starting centerfielder. There is also nobody who will be considered to play CF unless Torres gets hurt. When he needs a day off, Hairston is the Mets CF. Jon Heyman agrees with the executive that says Torres is a fifth OF. There is hope that he will be better in the clubhouse than Angel Pagan, but that will only be evident if he is a better hitter than 2011. Why, if the price is right, would the Mets not want to have more depth in their outfield?
I’m sure there are more concerns that will affect the 2012 New York Mets. As I have said before, this team is one major injury away from playing non-major leaguers for the fourth consecutive season. We all know the hope is in the future. But, let’s be honest, it will be a miracle for this team to be competitive. They will need everybody to be healthy, everybody to perform at the top of their game and some of the non-major league players on this projected team need to play above their heads. Good luck!