Coach Keith

Awhile back I sent Matt over at Metsblog an email asking for his thoughts on the whole "Coach Keith" thing - if he knew whether or not Keith had ever been offered a position with the team, why, why not, etc. Matt has actually spoken to people slightly more in the know than your average fan, so if you're interested in the topic, check out his reply. Also, take the time to read the comments - they're priceless.

Checking Out The Norfolk Tides

Well, the Tides were in town over the weekend, so last night (Monday) I decided to take in a game. Hey, Minor League ball is cheap entertainment, and when combined with the Clippers "Dime A Dog Night" - yes, that's hot dogs for 10 cents apiece, well you just can't go wrong.

I made sure I got seats as close to the Tides dugout as I could. Armed with two cameras and all the Mets gear I could stand to wear in 95 degree heat, my trusted yet temperamental scorekeeper Mary kept score while I cheered and clicked away. To check out some of the photos I took from the fourth row, go to my Flickr photo album. [The "badge" is over on the right, just before the poll. You can click on any photo, or anywhere on it to view the photos in my photostream. I may eventually move it down on the sidebar. If you have a problem seeing it, you may need to install a Flash plugin]. I'm also hoping to go to another Clippers/Tides game in August, and get better pictures then.

So, here are some random observations about the game. For one, Tides relief pitching is a heck of a lot worse than the Mets, as evidenced by the 7th inning grand slam off of McGinley that put the Clippers ahead to stay.

Another thing is that ballplayers are a lot younger looking in person (Bubba Crosby looks to be about 12, far as I can tell) and generally much better looking in person too. Eric Valent, for example. A very good-looking man. Which brings me to another observation.

Eric Valent should be playing in the show, period. He's too good for AAA. He really is. I hope for his sake, if the Mets can't use him, that they send him to a team that can. I also noticed that Eric was playing first, which made me wonder if the Mets plan to call him back if Daubach doesn't work out. He'll be getting a good workout there, because Bazak at SS and Nye at 3B have some throwing issues.

Anyway, Valent went two for three with a double, an RBI, a walk and a run scored.

I was also very impressed with Anderson Hernandez. He made an awesome diving play at second, and his quickness, combined with that of Chris Bazak at SS, made for a sweet double play. He ended up going two for five with a stolen base and two runs scored.

Another general AAA observation: if you can throw a curve ball, you wont last in AAA - you'll make the bigs immediately. I swear, it was one 85-88 mph fastball after another, from every pitcher we saw (there were six in all). It's not like this is the first AAA game I've been to - I've been living in the Columbus area and going to games for years. I guess I just never paid such close attention before. And let me tell you - paying close attention at a Clippers game requires some serious attention-paying skills, especially when you've got Beavis, Butthead, and their retarded Appalachian cousins sitting directly behind you. No wonder Giambi refused when the Yankees tried to send him down to that hellhole.

Anyway, I've got to get back to the Mets/Phils game. We're winning!

Have We Got Issues!

Ok, so two outta three from the Yankees aint so bad. Raise your hand if you thought going into the bottom of the ninth that Looper would definitely blow it. Raise your hand if you thought Tino would hit a home run. Raise your hand if... oh, nevermind. I can't see your freakin hands anyway.

So I've decided it's time to retire the hitting coach poll, and move on to other issues. So, I've chosen a new poll centered around the Mets' various.... issues. Stuff that needs to be addressed, sooner rather than later. Before I move on to the new poll, here's the final tally of the hitting coach poll: There were 34 total votes. 13 of you wanted to see the Mets sign Keith Hernandez. 15 were for Hojo. 4 of you thought Rick Down was doing just fine, and 2 didn't like any of the choices I listed as possibilities (Eddie Murray was the other one and he got zero votes).

Since it's nearly midnight and I can't find my glasses, I'm going to put off railing against Braden Looper and the rest of the bullpen until tomorrow. G'night.

You Know What I Love?

Cake. Yummy chocolate cake. Which I can't eat because I'm diabetic. But you know what gives me just as much of an endorphin rush? The Mets beating the hell out of the Yankees. And you know what the icing on that cake is? Hearing fans at Yankee Stadium cheering LETS GO METS! That, my friends, is better than chocolate. Or cake.

The Trading Block

SI.com posts a who's who on the MLB trading block in the coming weeks. My thoughts on each candidate as they pertain to the Mets.

Danys Baez: I just watched him pitch effectively against the Yanks during their mostly disastrous series against the D'Rays. This kid has good stuff, and good numbers. Considering pitching is our primary need right now, I'm buying.

Miguel Batista: Buying him too, but I don't think the Jays will be selling.

Mike Cameron: NOT selling. He's having a great year, he's an offensive spark, and his veteran presence is critical to this young team. I say keep him, Omar.

Roger Clemens: Clemens and Piazza in the same dugout? Not interested.

Carl Everett: Definitely NOT interested.

Tom Gordon: Yes, I am buying Flash. But not for Mike Cameron. No way. Robinson Cano, maybe, but I can't see the Yanks letting that kid go.

Todd Helton: I am one fan who isn't on the "we need a new firstbaseman" bandwagon. Helton is just too expensive for my blood, and lord knows the Rockies will strip any team who wants him of any and all valueable players they might have. I'm just not willing to pay that price. If the Rockies are going to deal him, which I don't think they will, he's going to cost way more than the 100+ million in salary he's owed. I'll pass.

Aubrey Huff: No thanks. We have three excellent outfielders. I like the chemistry we've got going on with Beltran, Floyd, and Cameron. Don't need Huff.

Austin Kearns: Might be cheap enough to get from the Reds, but I'd still rather spend money on pitching or a decent 2B.

Joe Kennedy: I don't know. That's a gamble. Who's to say he'll stop stinking when he leaves Coors field? I'm inclined to pass.

Mark Kotsay: Don't need him. As I've said, I like our outfield just the way it is.

Jose Mesa: Head case. I'll pass.

Lyle Overbay: Ok, it's hard to pass up this guy, as much as I love Dougie. I don't want to overpay for him though. Considering how popular he is in Milwaukee, I'm kind of surprised they'd deal him. I'm keeping an open mind though.

Jay Payton: Been there. Done that. Next!

Willie Mo Pena: Why are the Reds having a fire sale? Are they trying to get rid of all their young talent? Jeez. Anyway, yet another outfielder we don't need.

Mark Redman: Veteran lefty starter? Yes please!

Jason Schmidt: He's still got enough mustard on those fastballs to chew up batters and win games. I'll take it!

Frank Thomas: A DH? We're in the National League. Next!

Preston Wilson: Mookie's nephew makes a lot more $$$ than I would have expected. No thanks.

Barry Zito: YES! YES! YES!

Calm Before The Storm

Well, it's that time of year again. Remember the episode of the Brady Bunch where Peter, Bobby and Greg are fighting, so they take masking tape and run a strip down the center of their room, dividing it up? Welcome to my house. It's Subway Series Season, and it just might get ugly. Both of these teams are desperately in need of wins. And the Mets are desperately in need of payback against the Yanks. Game one, tomorrow, Pedro vs. Moose, 7pm. I'm getting all tingly just thinking about it. How can anyone not love interleague play? Well, except for the fact that while the Mets were taking on the Yanks and the Braves were up against the BoSox - the Nationals played the BLUE JAYS (no, not the first place O's). What kind of scheduling crap was THAT? But I digress.

Anyway, the Mets should be going into the series feeling pretty confident, taking two of three from the Phils. And if I forgot to mention it before, Minky's slump is OVER! There are two things leaving me scratching my head though. First, why is David Wright hitting seventh? Willie, I just don't get it. Second, why are Ring and Bell still our go-to setup guys? Ok, so maybe Willie doesn't have too many options in that department. Maybe Omar is going to have to buy Willie some relief if we're going to make it to the postseason, and I'm not talking about R-O-L-A-I-D-S.

One more thing: did anyone notice that Keith sort of disappeared in the fourth inning, came back for half the sixth, then left for good, which is what he usually does in the sixth? What was that about? It was clear he was watching the game while he was gone, because he talked about it when he returned. Why? WHY? Was it an extended nic-fit? Did he have to feed a parking meter? It's not enough he drives me nuts leaving in the sixth every time, but now he leaves and comes back? Who does that? Seriously! I swear, when most people finally go to Heaven, they ask about Jesus, or the Pyramids at Giza, or why the dinosaurs died, or is Jimmy Hoffa really buried under Giants Stadium. I'll be asking about Keith Hernandez's mysterious disappearances during games. I can just see God now, looking at me incredulously, shrugging his shoulders and answering "I should know that?"

sigh

A Couple of Things

Matt over at Metsblog, who listens to WFAN more than anyone else I know or have a cordial electronic acquaintance with, reports that Willie says Doug Mientkiewicz will be his starting firstbaseman for the forseeable future (many happydances!) but that Dave Wright will continue to bounce around the lineup for now (no happydancing, just me standing here with a silly look on my face going "huh?????")

Well, puzzled as I am about that.... ok, I guess. Let him bounce. Let's not put him in the three/four/or five spot and leave him there to grow into it or anything. I'm just going to accept it, shut my mouth, and sit down and watch the game. But I still have the funny look on my face.

I Never Gave Up On You Doug!

Ok, I am officially declaring Doug Mientkiewicz's slup OVER. Tonight, he went two for four with a home run (the "game changing play" no less) and a beautiful pick at first for the final out, ending the game with the Phils threatening in the bottom of the ninth.

Of course, Doug did not win the game singlehandedly; Carlos, Cliffy, and Jose did their fair share of damage with the bats, as well as the pinch hitting Brian Daubach. It may not have been Kris Benson's best game on the mound (though he did manage to raise his BA to.294 with yet another hit). It was just a wonderful game to watch. Our guys were firing on all cylinders.

Besides declaring my utter joy at having the privilege to watch such an awesome game, and doing several happy dances for Dougie, I'd also like to send a message out to Omar: Please sign Billy Wagner. Pretty please? With sugar on top? I know, we probably wont get a crack at him until after the season's over, what with the Phils playing as well as they are. Having a one-two punch (Urbina-Wagner) like that is going to serve them well down the strech. But for next year: Sign Billy. Please.

Oh, and Rick Down? You're still not entirely off my list. This sudden rash of hitting is going to have to continue for some time before I get off your case. As for my readers (who knew I had so many?) - most seem to favor promoting Hojo from Norfolk rather than keep you around, though almost as many (at least as I write this) would rather see Keith Hernandez take your job.

Finally, one other note. Can someone talk to Dave Wright about the tantrums? It's one thing to play with fire and passion; it's quite another to act like a brat when things don't go your way, you know?

That's all. Great game, boys!

The "Get Keith Back In The Dugout" Campaign

Which I'm going to rename simply, "Coach Keith."



Somebody needs to teach Jose Reyes how to work a count, and lay off the inside breaking ball that gets him (and Kaz Matsui) to strike out almost every time. Somebody needs to work with Doug Mientkiewicz on whatever problems there are with his swing that's repeatedly causing him to either pop up or ground out to second. Somebody needs to help our young players work a count and place hits where they count when we have runners in scoring position. Patience & smarts + talent = win.

Offensively, it's feast or (mostly) famine with the Mets. Something isn't clicking offensively with this team. Something has got to change, and I for one think we should start with a new hitting coach. Rick Down, you're fired. Our guys have been mired in the same funk for the better part of the season so far, and you don't seem to be helping turn things around. So leave. Please.

I hear Eddie Murray is available. And as much as having him on the bench would be an improvement over Rick Down, I really want Keith Hernandez. Now, I don't know if the Mets have, in the past, offered him positions in the front office or in the dugout and he's turned them down. I suspect that's been the case. Either that, or the dugout just isn't big enough for him & his ego, and whoever else happens to be coaching or managing in there. In any case, it's time for Keith to step up to the plate and help out his team.

So I'm thinking that maybe us fans need to start a campaign to convince the Mets to offer Keith a coaching job, and for Keith to accept the offer. He could end up being the most well-payed coach in the bigs, but I'd wager a bet he'd be well worth the cash. He'd also be a help to whomever the Mets see as their longterm firstbaseman.

So, anyone out there with a web site, feel free to use any of these images to show your support of hiring Keith. And, whether you have a web site or blog or whatever, be sure to let the Mets know how you feel through email or letter-writing. Hey, it couldn't hurt.

Yay, We Won

First, hooray for winning. Winning is nice. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Brian Daubach, welcome to the bigs (again). Three walks - that's impressive. Looks like we might be needing you at second after all, because there's a chance Matsui will be joining Cairo on the DL after that dirty slide by Jason Kendall.

I heard we signed Benito Santiago to a minor league deal. This is obviously not a long term solution, but I think the Mets will probably wait until the season is over to go after a solid young catcher.

Finally, and this has nothing to do with the Mets, I'd like to nominate White Sox DH and Resident Mental Defective, Carl Everett, for Mike & Mike's "Just Shut Up" award.

Not Feelin' It

Well, my posts have been sporadic at best lately. The Mets have been playing like my mood lately: crappy. So, for the three people who actually look at my blog from time to time (hi Pop!) I apologize for being kind of out of it.

I have to take my hat off to guys like Matt Cerrone, and I'm not just kissing up here. When our boys are playing as lousy as they have been lately, it's hard to get motivated to write and to keep the faith, but Matt manages to do it pretty much every day. Frankly, when I want to really know the inside scoop about what's going on with my team, his site is the first place I go.

I'd also like to point to a great post on Faith & Fear in Flushing, which pretty much sums up my feelings about the Mets right now. Well done, Jason.

Hello Danny; Bye Bye Manny

It's official, reports CNNSI: Danny Graves is now a Met, and Manny Aybar has been designated for assignment. Graves says he's looking at this as a new chapter in his career, and is ok with the possibility of not being a closer. Considering our options at the present time, I'm happy to consider him our closer... at least for now.

I'm hoping the bullpen shakeups will continue. I'd like to see DeJean or Bell go away. I'd also be happy with Seo or Heilman taking over Ishii's spot in the rotation, and putting Ishii into the bullpen for lefthanded relief. It's become obvious that the guy is often stellar once or twice through the lineup; after that, hitters seem to figure him out and then clobber him.

Fonzi & The Latest Rumor Buzz

So now I hear that the Mets might be talking to the Giants about a swap, Kaz Matsui for Edgardo Alfonzo. I'm thinking if it's true, it's not a bad idea at all.

Salary-wise, it's a wash. For Matsui, it's his chance to get the hell outta New York, which I'm sure he'd waive that no-trade clause for in a heartbeat. Poor Matbooey isn't exactly getting a whole lot of support from Mets fans, and you can't entirely blame the fans for losing patience with him.

A left coast team brings Kaz about five hours closer to home in Osaka, Japan. San Francisco also has a large Japanese American community. Starting over in a friendlier town might be the boost he needs to play up to his potential in the majors. The only other place where he might be a better fit would be Seattle, but I have no desire to see a mediocre hitter like Brett Boone in a Met uniform, at least not when the possibility of getting Fonzi back exists.

Now, I know Fonz is not the player he was. But we don't need a superstar. What we need is a solid veteran presence in the infield, and a reliable bat that's good in the clutch. Many argue that we already have that in Cairo. I'm not so sure. Cairo is a good player, but Fonz is just great to have in the clutch. He has a lifetime BA of .312 with RISP. For 2005, he's hitting .370 with RISP. Cairo? Just .136 with RISP. Sorry, but that's just not good enough.

Considering that leaving runners on base seems to be the Mets biggest offensive problem, I'll take a guy who has a history of hitting well with runners on any day. Plus, we only need Fonzi to keep 2B warm for a year or two, until Keppinger is ready to come up.

Someone over at Metsblog also mentioned that Fonzi could be moved over to first. Not a bad idea, actually. But for now, my loyalty is with Minky. I wan't to see him back at first as soon as those ribs are feeling better. I just know his bat will come alive eventually, and I'm sure he's willing to sit in the eight-hole until it does.

Some Random Thoughts Before Tonight's Game

Ok, Houdini is on the mound tonight. Will we win this one? Flip a coin, ask the Magic Eight Ball, whatever - just don't put money on it.

I heard over at Metsblog that Willie and the Mets are kicking around the possibility of trying out Victor Diaz at first. Oh boy. I know I've been nothing if not forthright in admitting my love for Minky, and I know his bat has been less than spectacular... but Diaz? At first? Seriously? Look, I hope I'm wrong about this, but I'm picturing Vic making Mike Piazza look like a gold glover out there. This just has ESPN highlight reel hilarity written all over it.

I also hear Mr. Graves may be in uniform for tonight's game. Good luck, kid! and hopefully goodbye to you, Braden Benitez...

How Bad Can It Get For The Braves?

Pretty bad, apparently. For anyone paying attention to the injury riddled Braves, catcher Johnny Estrada was knocked into next week by Angels first baseman and former football player Darrin Erstad (6'2" 215 lbs) during a play at the plate last night. Figuring to see some fireworks, I tuned in for the first inning at Turner Field.

On his first pitch to Erstad, Braves pitcher Horacio Ramirez pulled an Estes by throwing behind the very large Erstad, missing him by about a foot. Erstad didn't even have to squeeze his butt a la Clemens to avoid the pitch. In fact, he didn't even move out of the box as the home plate umpire immediately warned Ramirez (and the Angels) against further reprisals. Erstad stood in the box, and while staring down Ramirez, not-so-subtly took hold of his, uhm, area, as if to say "you couldn't hit the side of a barn, stupid Brave." Darrin, you are now my favorite non-Met player. Just don't ever do that to Mike, or you will be my sworn enemy.

Random Stuff

First off, I'd like to say I'm happy with the Mets' first choice in the draft: Wichita State RHP Michael Pelfrey. The kid is huge - 6'7" 210 lbs, and has a mid-90's fastball. If anyone knows where he'll end up next (Binghamton? Norfolk?) let me know.

I'm also pleased that the Mets picked up Danny Graves. Good move. Not really sure if the guy has anywhere near the same stuff that got him to the All-Star Game 5+ years ago, but he's certainly worth taking a chance on.

Finally, I know Pedro is pitching tonight, but I'm going to have to keep tabs on the Angels/Braves game, at least through the first inning or so. Horacio Ramirez will be on the mound for the Braves, and when Darrin Erstad comes up for the first time tonight, I have a feeling he might want to, uhm, what's the word? Oh, yeah. DUCK!

Just A Half Game Back!

This latest win over the Giants makes it three in a row for the Mets, and puts us only a half a game behind the Braves and Marlins, and three games over .500.

Tom Glavine looks to be serious about earning that option next year. He pitched another decent game, going seven and two thirds, giving up only one run on nine hits and no walks. Mike Piazza's bat seems to be coming alive, (maybe Buster Olney really did piss him off) going three for five with two RBIs. His BA is starting to creep up, too - now he's at .254. As for Jose Reyes, that OBP has finally crept up over .300 to .304.

Oh, and anyone talking about trading Mike Cameron needs to just cram it. The guy is playing his usual amazing defense, and he's still hitting .347 with an OBP of .448. Everybody keeps saying he's streaky, he'll cool off, it won't last, blah blah blah. So far he's still playing like a man on fire. A man I want on my team.

In other news, according to John Kruk, David Wright is one of the top five best 25-and-under players in the majors. Says Kruk, "If I was calling the shots at Shea, I'd place him in the four or five hole and just keep him there and let him blossom. He's going to produce, and it's not helping him when you bounce him up and down in the lineup." I tend to agree with Kruk. Some of Willie's lineup configurations just leave me thinking "whaaaa...?"

A Simple Request

Dear Pedro:

Could you do me a favor? When Shawn Estes comes up to bat for the first time, could you nail him in the butt with a fastball please? Thanks.

Gail

Poor Minky

From Dan George's MLB Power Rankings at CNNSI.com:

It's bad enough that Doug Mientkiewicz is hitting .210. Last week in Atlanta, he got locked in a hotel stairwell. Then the van he and teammates took to the ballpark blew a tire. "Other than that," he said, "my life's turning right around, boys."

Hang in there, Mink.

Annual All-Star Voting Rant #1

Call me old school. To me, this game has always mattered. The hell with Bud and his home field advantage "this time it matters" crap. It matters because as a lifelong Mets fan, I'm an NL kind of girl. I root for the National League every year. So why is it National League fans, Mets fans included, insist on voting stupidly? Knowing the AL side of the field is going to be lousy with Yankees should be reason enough to vote smart.

Here's the state of the vote as of May 31:

Current AL Leaders:
Tino Martinez, Brian Roberts, Miguel Tejada, Alex Rodriguez, Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez/Vlad Guerrero/Ichiro Suzuki

Current NL Leaders:
Albert Pujols, Jeff Kent, Nomar Garciaparra, Scott Rolen, Mike Piazza, Carlos Beltran/Jim Edmonds/Ken Griffey Jr.

This is why All-Star voting drives me crazy. Look at the lineup of top vote getters in the AL. Every one of those players is having a darn good season, and deserves to go. Ok, maybe Johnny Damon and Gary Sheffield deserve the nod more than Manny Ramirez and Vlad Guerrero. That's arguable, and you never know, Damon could catch up.

But look at the top NL vote getters. Nomar Garciaparra? The man is injured for crying out loud! And before he got hurt, he was hitting .157! What the hell is wrong with you people? And, hello, what about Mike Cameron, Bobby Abreu, and Miguel Cabrera? Edmonds and Griffey aren't have bad seasons, but this is the All-Star Game we're talking about here. You put your best players on the field if you want to win. Which brings me to Mike Piazza. Not having such a great year, in case any of you voters were paying attention. Yeah, I know he's a Met. But just because I'm a Met fan doesn't mean I'm going to vote for him. This isn't about the Mets - it's about the National League winning the damned game.

I could make an argument for just about every position that NL voters are just not voting smart. Except for Albert Pujols. It's one of the few picks that makes any sense on the NL side of the voting. Kent, Rolen, Garciaparra, Piazza - How about Castillo (either one) or Grudzielanek, Wright, ANY OTHER SHORTSTOP, or Hernandez?

The bottom line is, I want to win this game. Yes, home field advantage would be great, but it's more than that. It should be more than that to the players, and to the fans. I don't know why or how or when the game turned into an exhibition - popularity contest - everybody-gets-to-play-an-inning-little-league-style thing. That's just crap. The game should matter because one league oughta want to beat the pants off the other, period.

We Still Love Ya, Mike

Buster Olney writes in his blog on ESPN that Mike Piazza looks like he's moving in "super slo-mo." He does. Something is gone - I don't know what, but he's just not the same Mike Piazza. Other than occasional flashes of the old Mike, usually in the form of a tape-measure home run, he just doesn't look like the same guy out there. The spark is gone. Maybe the injuries have finally taken their toll. Maybe he's just tired. Who knows?

I don't know what Mike is planning on doing at the end of this season. I'd actually be surprised if he goes off to an AL team to DH. Maybe he'd be up for that if he could occasionally catch a game here and there. But the more I look at him, the more he looks like a guy whose just waiting for the season to be over. Frankly, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he just hung up the catcher's mitt in exchange for an announcer's mic. Can you imagine how cool it would be to listen to a game called by Keith Hernandez and Mike Piazza? I think it'd be great if the organization could find a way to keep him around (just not behind the plate, please).

Anyway, I just hope that Mike knows that Mets fans love him, and always will. It's sad to see him struggle; it's downright heartbreaking to see him stop struggling and give up. Which is how he looks right now - like a guy calling it in.

Still, he's the guy that got us to the playoffs in '99, and to the Series in 2000. I'll be the first to suggest retiring the number 31. So when I rant about us needing to think about getting a new catcher, it's nothing personal. Neither DeFelice nor Castro will ever be half the player Mike was.