Baseball!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Who Would Want Jose Reyes?

Fangraphs has a great post on the value of Jose Reyes and even digs deeper to find out which teams may be interested if and when he is put on the trade block or granted free agency.

Mets Sign Angel Pagan


The Mets have agreed with OF Angel Pagan on a 1-year contract worth 3.5 Million. Pagan had requested 4 Million, The Mets countered with 3 million and they basically met in the middle on this one. Last year, Pagan filled in brilliantly for Carlos Beltran, and might even force Carlos to move to RF because Pagan's defense is THAT good.

Pagan in 2010: .290/.340/.425 with 31 Doubles, 7 Triples and 11 Home Runs along with 69 RBI and 37 Stolen Bases.. Damn!

Wondering what Angel Pagan had to say about the signing? Here it is..
“For the first time in my career I have a spot on the team,” Pagan said in a statement from the team.  “But I’m not taking anything for granted. I can’t wait for Spring Training to start. I think we’ll be better than people are predicting.”
Terry Collins has lit a fire under his players already and you can tell just by reading the players comments on the upcoming 2011 season. I'm extremely excited.

Below is a video from earlier this month where Pagan talks about the upcoming season. Enjoy!

1/31/11: Mets Links

  • Ed Ryan at Mets Fever noticed that there has been concerns in the past about Ronny Paulino's endurance. 
  • According to Mets.com, The New York Mets will host the 2013 All-Star game, its an early prediction but I predict the Mets will be well represented on the 2013 All-Star Team. I say David Wright, Jose Reyes, Ike Davis and Reese Havens make the team, with Wright and Reyes starting.
  • Martin Luther King III is interested in buying a piece of The Mets, according to this article. I have no problem with this, from what I understand, Fred and Jeff Wilpon are trying to recoup some of their losses from the Maddoff scam, while also keeping control of the NYM day to day activities. This situation has yet to play out, but it will be interesting to say the least.
  • The Brooklyn Cyclones, an A-ball affiliate of the NYM, has hired former Mets pitcher, Frank Viola, to be their pitching coach for the 2011 season. Its always good to know that former ball players are coaching and developing the minor league youngsters because they know what it takes to compete and perform on the MLB level. Adam Rubin has more details.
  • The Rangers have signed RHP Matt Bush to a minor league deal. Bush had also recieved offers from the New York Mets and the Cleveleand Indians. Similarly, Rodrigo Lopez is mulling over signing with the Mets, Braves, and Rockies.
  • Amazin Avenue has a great interview with Mets pitching prospect Kyle Allen. Allen admits that he loves to listen to Rick Ross and Gucci Mane, Nice!
If I missed any must-reads or any top notch NYM articles, please feel free to let me know on Facebook, Twitter, or my E-Mail.

- TF

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Mets Give Dickey 2 Year Deal

According to multiple sources, the New York Mets have agreed to a 2 year contract extention with RHP R.A. Dickey. The deal is supposed to be worth around 8 million, and thats not including incentives. In 2010, Dickey meant more to the Mets than any other pitcher on the team. Nobody expected him to produce the way he did last year. Not to mention that he can throw his knuckler at various speeds with great accuracy.

Andy McCullough of the Star Ledger has a great article comparing the best knuckleball pitchers in history, while also examining what to expect from Dickey, take a look!



Dickey (2010): 11-9, 2.84 ERA, 174.1 IP, 138 ERA+, 1.187 WHIP, 2.48 K/BB, 3.4 WAR

If R.A.Dickey can produce as much as he did last year, while serving as a mentor to the teams younger pitchers, he is well worth 4-5 million per season.

This will be the first time in Dickey's career that he has been able to go to spring training with a guaranteed job, and you can bet your bottom dollar hes excited..

“The strange thing about it is every year, it (his knuckleball) feels like it comes a little quicker,” Dickey said in a telephone interview earlier this month. “Which is nice. Like, I’m already starting to feel it coming out of my hand in a good way. Whereas in years past, it’s taken me all the way up to the first day of spring training.”

With every post that I write, the excitement of spring training becomes more real. Yes, I know that the Mets play in the best division in baseball, but that will not stop me from hoping for a good year from the amazins. I'm optimistic, and if the Mets get lucky and the Phillies age catches up to them sooner rather than later, we will have a chance to compete, and hopefully reach October baseball!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

My Favorte NYM Prospects


This post is different from my "Top 10 Underrated Prospects." This list is specifically for the purpose of showing some love for my current favorite Mets prospects. I will pick 2 players from every position and I would also list my top 5. To the right of the players name is what I hope his stat line will be if he ever reaches the MLB level for a full season (Players Potential Ceiling).. Here it goes..

Catchers:
  1. Albert Cordero .300/.350/.450 20 HR 30 2B
  2.  Fransisco Pena .275/.350/.475 25 HR 40 2B
First Baseman:
  1. Lucas Duda .315/.400/.550 40 HR 30 2B
  2. Josh Satin  .280/.340/.410 15 HR 35 2B
Second Baseman:
  1. Reese Havens .320/.400/.500 30 HR 40 2B
  2. Jordanny Valdespin .310/.375/.400 10 HR 30 2B
Shortstops:
  1. Wilmer Flores .330/.420/.550 35 HR 45 2B
  2. Robbie Shields .300/.370/.400 15 HR 30 2B
Third Baseman:
  1. Aderlin Rodriguez .290/.380/.500 30 HR 40 2B
  2. Jefry Marte .280/.370/.450 25 HR 40 2B
Left Fielders:
  1. Fernando Martinez .310/.380/.460 25 HR 40 2B
  2. Corey Vaughn .300/.400/.550 40 HR 40 2B
Center Fielders:
  1. Darrell Ceciliani .340/.410/.450 20 HR 35 2B 10 3B
  2. Cesar Puello .320/.390/.475 25 HR 35 2B 10 3B
Right Fielders:
  1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis .275/.420/.450 25 HR 45 2B 10 3B
  2. Matt Den Decker .285/.375/.425 15 HR 35 2B 15 3B
Just a reminder, these are only projections, if the player reaches his FULL potential and they cannot be proven accurate. But who knows? Maybe i'll be right on a couple of these, but im most likely being too optimistc for some of these players.

Finally, My Top 5 Favorite NYM Prospects
  1. 2B Reese Havens
  2. OF Corey Vaughn
  3. INF Wilmer Flores
  4. OF Darrell Ceciliani
  5. 3B Aderlin Rodriguez
I think these 5 players can continue producing in the minor leagues and eventually break through with the Mets and be a formitable part of this organization for years to come.

Thank you for reading Moneyball Mets, and don't forget to add us on Twitter or Facebook!

1/27/11 Mets Links and Thoughts

  • Keith Law ranked the top 10 Mets minor league prospects this morning, SS/3B Wilmer Flores sits at the top of his list with RHP Jeurys Familla  rounding out the Top-10. Click Here to see the full list.

  • The Mets GM Sandy Alderson welcomed recently acquired INF Chin Lung Hu in from of the media yesterday.

  • Mets Fever  does a great job reviewing the Mets 2010-2011 off-season. Rob also blogs about what Jon Niese will have to do this season to improve.

  • Adam Rubin wrote a great post on an interview that he had with NYM INF: Daniel Murphy. Needless to say, I think Murphy is one of my favorite players, he plays with heart and always gives it everything hes got. My guess is that he will win the 2B job out of spring training.

  • Former Met, Bobby Valentine apparently was directing traffic and helping out the community during the northeast's most recent snow storm.

Tylers Thoughts..



It impresses me to know that Daniel Murphy is working hard and at many different positions to get ready for spring training. He is another player who has alot to lose or alot to gain in 2011. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, he was constantly doubted and even while he was in the MLB he was doubted. Look at his career stats for example, he is productive, especially for a 2B.


I fully expect him to win the 2B job right out of spring training, but in the event that he doesnt, I am completely confident that he can be an extremely productive super-utility type of guy coming off the bench. Murphy is a gamer and is especially hard working. Everyone doubts him and he thrives on that. Keep up the good work Murph, can't wait for a healthy season from you.

By the way, Who is Jeff Flagg? I saw in Adam Rubins recent post that he was working out with Daniel Murphy. Expect a post on who Jeff Flagg is in the coming days.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

UPDATED: Top 10 Underrated Mets Prospects for 2011

Before I start this post, I want to share with you the doubt that has been cast onto The Mets Minor league system. Keith Law of ESPN, insider subscription required, ranked the Mets group of prospects to be the 26th best out of all 30 teams. I just dont see it. The Mets do have to spend more money in the lower levels of the draft, and showed signs of this type of transaction last june. Similarly, Jon Mayo of MLB.com ranks the top 50 prospects in the MLB, and fails to include any NYM players. Bad decision Mayo.. Remember when you forgot to add Jennry Mejia, Ike Davis, Josh Thole, and Jon Niese to your list last year? Now 3/4 of those players have a MLB roster spot waiting for them.

  1. OF Fernando Martinez
F Mart is now underrated. Yes, he has been over hyped by many in the past, but he
has been injured, just like many other NYM players in recent years. if he is fully
healthy for a full season, we could see him traded or he could be handed a chance to
show what hes got when hes healthy, he needs to improve his plate discipline and the
power will come.

   2.    P Juan Urbina

Juan is the son of former MLB Pitcher Ugeth Urbina. Juan possesses a 88-91 FB along
with a developing change up and slider. He is underrated because he is so young, but
he has been spotted on the bottom of a handful of Top 10's. But he is very
projectable, and has the pedigree to become something special in this league one
day.

   3.   P Steven Matz

Matz underwent TJS last spring, but was the Mets top draft pick in 2009 at #72
overall. Matz is tall and has room to grow. Most pitchers who put in the work
required to come back from TJS, are either better than before or about the same when
they return, so lets see what happens this spring with Matz. He is underrated
because of injury and because of lack of a professional track record.

   4.   P Brad Holt

I cant hide the fact that Brad Holt was absolutely terrible last year in AA and A+.
However, I cannot ignore the fact that he is a former 1st round draft pick with
potential to be a cog in a MLB bullpen. The best approach the Mets can take with him
this year would be to let him start out in A+ as a starter and if that fails, move
him to the bullpen perminetly. Underrated for the fact that he was very ineffective
last year, lets call it a tryout year. Better bring it in 2011 Holt.

  5.   P Jeurys Familla

Familla was supposed to dominate the A+ level this year along with Kyle Allen, but
both of them struggled. With a FB that can reach the upper 90's, Familla will have a
future whether it is as a reliever or a starter. May reach AA in 2011, but not right
out of the gate, hes definetly a sleeper.

   6.   3B Jefry Marte

Remember when Jefry Marte was right up there with Wilmer Flores when it came to Mets
INF prospects? I do, and he has fallen off the face of the earth. He needs to work
on his defense. Learn a little plate discipline and the power will come, expect he
to repeat with Savannah or get bumped up to St Lucie, with hopes of reaching
Binghamton in late 2011.

   7.   C Albert Cordero

Cordero had a .466 SLG % for Kingsport last year and scouting reports on his defense
and throwing arm are good. As with alot of these younger players, Cordero needs to
learn some plate discipline and pick his pitch. The power should come and he has
taken over Fransisco Penas spot on my prospect big board. Watch for his name in
Savannah and St Lucie in 2011.

    8.    OF/1B Lucas Duda

Lucas Duda broke out in a big way in 2010. Duda hit .286/.411/.503 with 17 doubles
and six home runs in 45 games while with AA Binghamton, was promoted to AAA, where
he was even better:  .314/.389/.610 with 23 doubles and 17 HR in 70 games. He has a
big power swing from the left side which reminds me alot of Adam Dunn. He should
repeat AAA in 2011, and if he shows consistent power, could be promoted or traded to
fill another need.

   9.     OF Matt Den Decker

Den Decker is a speedy, slap hitting outfielder. He profiles as a MLB backup with
average hitting ability and above average speed and defense. He was just drafted in
2010 so lets see what this season brings, but he is a solid piece to have in the
system. Specifically I remember a huge catch he made in the College World Series,
I'll have to dig up that video somewhere.

   10.    OF Darrell Ceciliani

Darrell Ceciliani is 20 years old, and is apparently a top notch defender in the OF,
according to Toby Hyde. However, don't think he cant hit. Last season, Ceciliani hit
.351 with a .410 OBP in 271 AB for Class-A Brooklyn and Wally Backman has praised
him for his all around game. This is easily one of my favorite players in the NYM
farm system and I cant wait to see if he can duplicate this level of performance in
the higher levels. Underrated because of the wealth of OF the NYM have.


The top 6 players on this list struggled in 2010 to either stay healthy, put up consistent numbers, or a comination of them both. Either way, 2011 is a big year for these players and I can't wait to see how they perform in Spring Training 2011.

I will especially be paying attention to all the young pitchers in the system this year because last year was a developmental year for most NYM minor league pitchers. All of these players have alot to prove in 2011 and don't be surprised to see these so called "insiders" ranking the Mets much higher on these lists a year from now.

Monday, January 24, 2011

The Reyes Contract Situation


Ever since I have been watching baseball and analyzing the games, I have always recognized that players who have one year left on their contract, amp themselves up and have unbelieveable seasons. Look at Adrian Beltre in his contract years, Jason Bay, Jeff Suppan, J.D. Drew, Andruw Jones, and most recently.. Jose Reyes.

Jose has been with the NYM since 1999 after being signed as an undrafted free-agent. Reyes has proved himself to the world by his electrifying play style on the basepaths and in the batters box. When he is on top of his game, there are only two other players who can do what he does, and they are Hanley Ramirez and Carl Crawford. Lets take a look at the deals they have signed so far...

Jose Reyes:

2006: 4 YR / 23.25 MILLION

Hanley Ramirez:

2008: 6 YR / 70 MILLION

Carl Crawford:

2005: 6 YR / 31 MILLION
2010: 7 YR / 142 MILLION

If Reyes can improve upon his numbers of 2010 and play like he did in 2006, he will be in for a HUGE payday at the end of this year, hopefully with the Mets.. take a quick look at his stats from the past couple years..

Jose Reyes: AVG/OBP/SLG/OBPS

2006: .300/.354/.487/.841 with 19 HR and 81 RBI in 153 G and 64 SB
2007: .280/.354/.421/.775 with 12 HR and 57 RBI in 160 G and 78 SB
2008: .297/.358/.475/.833 with 16 HR and 68 RBI in 159 G and 56 SB
2009: .279/.355/.395/.750 with   2 HR and 15 RBI in   36 G and 11 SB
2010: .282/.321/.428/.749 with 11 HR and 54 RBI in 133 G and 30 SB

With that being said, 2011 is a HUGE year for Reyes personally and professionally. If his stat line looks like this...

2011: .310/.355/.470/.825 with 20 HR and 75 RBI in 155 G and 40 SB

... Jose Reyes will have earned himself a contract anywhere from 80 MILLION Guaranteed - 140 MILLION Gauranteed, depending on the statistics, health, and willngness to pay that type of money by the General Managers in MLB. I would hate to see Reyes go to another team, especially the Phillies, Braves, Nationals, and Marlins. I would much rather lock him up right now for 3 YR and 45 Million, and see where it goes.

What do you think? Please leave a comment or reaction!

- Tyler

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Blaine Boyer Signs with NYM

According to MLB.com, The Mets have agreed to a minor league deal with 29 year-old RHP Blaine Boyer. Boyer was 3-2 with a 4.26 ERA in 54 appearances for the ARZ Diamondbacks in 2010, limiting right-handed hitters to a .198 average. During the epic 2008 collapse of the Mets, Blaine had a part in the downfall.. just check this link out..

Heres a video of Blaine warming up after being inserted into the game:



Now, the video doesnt show much, but I expect him to be effective vs. right handed hitters, and in the dugout when we face the Phillies.  Its a minor deal, so, we'll see what happens.

Mets Agree With Pitcher Tim Byrdak

According to Mike Silva, The NYM have signed 37 year old Tim Byrdak to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Over the past 4 years, Byrdak has been able to keep his ERA under 4.00. Although, walks have been an issue during his long MLB Career. If he makes the club out of spring training, I would expect him to be used in the role that Pedro Feliciano left vacant after signing a 2-year 8 million dollar contract earlier in the offseason.

Heres a video from YouTube about Tim:



This is another low cost/high reward signing by Sandy Alderson and Co.. I like these type of deals. Very smart.

New Season. New Players. New Team.

The 2011 New York Mets Season is already under alot of scrutinty. Many NY fans lack patience. I tend to look at each and every new season as a new toy. At first, the toy will be shiny and clean and you will be quite leary to play with it in order to prevent scratches, dings and dents. Lets take a look at our new toy in 2011..

Current NYM Players Coming Off Injury

INF/OF Daniel Murphy - Is coming of a torn MCL, lets not forget he led the NYM in HR in 2009, he was also a doubles machine. I expect him to win the starting 2B job in spring training, if not he will be an excellent bat to have coming off the bench on days when our star players need rest or late in games.

CF/OF Carlos Beltran - Beltran has not had a full season since 2008 when he played in all but one of the Mets games. 2011 is a contract year for him and there have been rumors of a possible trade. If the NYM are contending this year, I would not expect to see Beltran traded. Statistically, he is one of the most polished players in the game at his position, but just like any other player on the Mets roster in 2011, you must prove your worth. Same goes for Carlos. He might lose his CF position to Angel Pagan and be forced to shift to RF.

SS Jose Reyes - Just like Beltran, Reyes is in a contract year and he has not been fully healthy in the past two seasons. 2011 is a huge year for Jose. After seeing Carl Crawford sign with the Red Sox for boat loads of money, Reyes will be seeing $ signs if he can improve upon his productive season that he turned in last year.

LF Jason Bay - After Omar Minaya passed on Matt Holliday and handed Jason Bay a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract, Jason Bay came to NYC and found out just how harsh the playing conditions at Citi Field are. In 2009, Bay mashed 36 HR's and managed to only hit 6 in 2010. His concussion obviously had an effect on his stat line, but if Bay is fully healthy in 2011, he has the potential and the track record that will show you he can be a force in the middle of this stacked lineup, if healthy.

SP Johan Santana - Santana underwent surgery in September to repair a tear in the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. It was thought he may be sidelined until June, but this could be a sign he'll return sooner than expected. The NYM are cautiously optimistic about Santanas return to the mound in 2011. There is no exact date set for his return, but he could be a HUGE addition to the rotation when the All-Star Break rolls around.

New Position Players

C Ronny Paulino - Paulino is strictly a back-up to the starting catcher, Josh Thole. He mashes southpaws to the tune of  .358 AVG /.896 OPS. I'm sure this was a pick-up designed to fill the void when it comes time to face the great left-handed pitching in the NL East. Nice Pick-up for 1 year and 1.3 million.

2B/INF Brad Emaus - Was plucked from the Blue Jays Organization during the Rule 5 draft by Assistant GM J.P Riccardi. Emaus had a disappointing 2009, but had a bounce-back season in  2010, hitting .290/.397/.476, mostly for Triple-A Las Vegas. He has a high career OBP and these are the types of players that Alderson and Co. absolutely love. More to come on this guy throughout spring training.

SS/INF Ching-lung Hu - was acquired from the LA Dodgers in exchange for Mike Antonini, 25, who split the season between Double-A and Triple-A, with a composite 8-12 record and 4.49 ERA. Hu is the first Taiwnese born player to hit 2 HR in history. He also has an extensive MiLB Awards record: Click Here. My expectations about Hu are not very high, but I hear he has a good glove.

LF/OF Scott Hairston - Hairston spent the 2010 season in San Diego, where he hit .210/.295/.346 in 336 plate appearances. The 30-year-old, who played all three outfield positions last year, has a .278/.331/.498 line against left-handed pitching in his career.

LF/OF Willie Harris - I know this guy, he's the one robbing all those liners in the gaps when the Mets played the Nationals. Well, now hes on our side, vying for a shot at the Mets Opening Day Roster.  Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com first reported the agreement. The utility player will have a good chance of making the team's Opening Day roster, Rubin writes. Last year, the 32-year-old posted a .183/.291/.362 line with 10 homers in 262 plate appearances. To me, hes definetly going to have to earn it, theres some stiff competition within the Mets system.

New Starting Pitchers

RHP Boof Bonser - Was signed to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training back in December. His career numbers dont jump out at you, but he provides some much needed depth within the system.

LHP Chris Capuano - Capuano is a former 18 game winner, coming off his second TJ surgery, the lefty is expecting big things this year after having a full off-season to recover and get prepared. Signed for 1 year and 1.5 million. Has many incentives in his contract that can bump it up to 4.5 million if he starts 32 games and pitches 200 innings. Nice pickup.

RHP Chris Young - Chris Young was my favorite signing of the NYM off-season. Young is a monster at six foot ten, and 280 ilbs. Not only is he big, he is smart, very smart and he misses bats. Take a look at this video..



New Relief Pitchers

RHP D.J. Carrasco - there have been rumors of D.J. Carrasco being used in the rotation, Mets Fever says not so fast. He will be a middle reliever for the Mets in 2011 and last year he posted his third consecutive season with an ERA under 4. Look up my more detailed post abour Carrasco for more.

RHP Pedro Beato - Originally drafted by the Mets in 2005, a deal never got reached. He signed with the Orioles in 2006 as a 1st round draft pick and had a 2.12 ERA as a sinker-baller in AA. In order for the Mets to keep him in 2011, he must stay on the 25 man roster. So if he does good in spring training, we have a steal, and if he doesnt do so good, he will be back with the Orioles and forgotten by Mets fans.

RHP Taylor Buchholz - In 2008, Buchholz was one of the most dominant relievers (2.17 ERA) with the COL Rockies. He was unable to return until 2010, where he got bounced around the league and finally cound a home with the NYM. Another nice pickup.

LHP Taylor Tankersley - A former first round pick with the FLA Marlins, he was used as a lefty-specialist and will most likely serve that role if he makes the team out of spring training. Another low cost/high upside signing.

Prospects Who May See MLB In 2011


OF Fernando Martinez - It seems as if F-Mart has been around forever, but he just keeps getting unlucky and having major set-backs with injuries. Martinez will most likely start 2011 in AAA Buffalo but if he gets hot and one of our OF gets injured, he could explode onto the MLB scene barring a major injury and continued development of his OBP and SLG.

2B Reuben Tejada - Had a productive rookie season with NYM last year, but Terry Collins has already said that he thinks Tejada would benefit from a full season at AAA Buffalo. Defensively, Tejada is fine, but he needs to learn how to drive the ball at the MLB level. Look to see Reuben in September of 2011.

Prospects Waiting For A Chance

RP Manuel Alvarez

OF/1B Lucas Duda

1B/OF Nick Evans

3B Zach Lutz

2B Justin Turner

2B Jordany Valdespin


Conclusion

Like I was saying about the new toy idea, Sandy and Terry could take the "lets not get it dirty" approach, but if he really wants to see what he has on this roster, he will need to get down and dirty, if he makes some dinks and dents, then by all means, please repair them. Send off the useless players, and trade or promote some good ones from the minors for the MLB roster. That is exactly what Omar failed to do during his tenure in NYC. This may not be the most expensive toy, but 2011 might actually be the best chance at winning since the 2006 heartbreak.

Friday, January 21, 2011

2011 Mets Sleeper Prospects

With Spring Training 2011 coming right along, its time to take a look at the sleeper prospects of the NYM Minor League System. Heres what Project Prospect has to say:



I'd also like to mention:

2B/SS Reuben Tejada

INF Josh Satin

INF Zach Lutz

LF/RF Corey Vaughn

OF Darrell Ceciliani

Throughout spring training I will be writing more frequently about the Minor League System, this is just a glimpse.

-TF

Friday, January 7, 2011

Mets Links

Sorry I have not posted all that often, but as a 19 - year old blogger, I have numerous things I have to take care of on a daily basis. Once I get a job and have a little cash flow, this web site will be up and running at full speed, most likely around spring training of this year! But anyway, here is a list of great Mets content circling aroung the web..

Toby Hyde at Mets Minor League Blog is in the middle of writing a piece on the Mets OF prospect: Kirk Nieuwenhuis.. heres an excerpt from a conversation with Kirk's college coach..

"Obviously, the athleticism stood out right away in terms of his physicality.. great guy, kind of guy you want to hang out with and play with and respected by his teammates…. Good dude"
to read more about Kirk, click here.

Mike Pelfrey thinks it was very important for pitching coach Dan Warthen to be retained by the Metropolitans..

David Wright likes the under the radar signings of Chris Capuano, DJ Carrasco, Ronny Paulino, and Taylor Buchholz... heres a quote from Mets Merized Online..

"“If we do what we’re supposed to do – I think we’ve made some smaller moves that have gone under the radar that I think are going to be good ones for us. Just like any other year I expect to win, and anything less than that is not gonna be good enough for me.”

In case you missed it, the Mets signed pitchers Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz to 1-year deals.

The Mets have the #13 pick in the 2011 MLB Draft.

If I missed anything, let me know at moneyball mets at gmail.com!

Chris Young to the Mets?

With Chris Capuano in the fold already, the Mets are moving toward bolstering their rotation even more. According to sources at Meet the Matts and Matt Cerrone, Chris Young will be pitching in the spacious Citi Field next season. Lets take a more in depth look at him..

For Chris Young to be a successful starting pitcher for the Mets in 2011, he must get his walk rate down a little bit and keep striking guys out, if he turns out to be an Oliver Perez signing, I will be certainly surprised. I think Young has the talent and drive to be successful again at the MLB level, just look at his small sample from last year when he originally returned to the SD rotation..

Chris Young 2010: 2-0 0.90 ERA 20 IP 11 BB 15 K 10 H 1.05 WHIP

I do not think that WHIP or ERA is sustainable throughout a full MLB season, but it is encouraging to see that he was able to produce wins immediately after returning from his injury. The 2011 season will be part of the process where Young will once again have to prove his worth on the mound, and I think he can do it, I really do.

Chris Young Career Stat Line: 48-34 3.80 ERA 7.4 H/9 7.8 K/9 3.5 BB/9 1.21 WHIP

Chris Young is 6' 10 and 280 pounds, he is a HUGE guy. You would think most batters would be intimidated facing such a huge man on the pitching mound. Young is coming off of surgery and he is in his second year of recovering, which is usually when Tommy John patients usually start coming back to form, just look at Fransisco Liariano from the Minnesota Twins, for example. This makes a Chris Young signing even more enjoyable. Lets hope Young can bounce back from his surgery and get back to the dominating pitcher he was in 06-07.

Looking at that, he is definately worth a look. This would be another low risk/high reward signing for the Mets this off season and these are the signings that Omar Minaya never made, with the exception to low balling minor league free agents. Sandy Alderson is just the man for this job and he is proving it already this off season.

Lets say for a minnute that this is accurate news, which I cannot verify at this moment, but lets just speculate..

This would leave the rotation - AT BEST, looking like this at the end of the 2011 season.. (Potential Rotation spot if the SP performs well over expectations and reaches his potential or overcomes injury in 2011)

Johan Santana (1)
Mike Pelfrey (1)
R.A. Dickey (3)
Jon Niese (2)
Chris Young (2)
Chris Capuano (3)
Dillion Gee (4)
Jennry Mejia (3)

That is 8 pitchers on the Mets roster capable of winning some games. Six of those pitchers have already won atleast 10 games in a season during their career.. not including Oliver Perez. I'll take that.

That being said, how would you feel about the Mets Starting Rotation in 2011 if the Mets were to sign Chris Young to a 1 year deal worth approximately 2.5 Million with incentives?