Amazin' Again | A New York Mets Franchise

[Youk]

Fast Forward
Mets Have Winning Record in July

NEW YORK (AP) - The month of July has come and gone. The All-Star Games and trading deadline have passed us. The Mets, however, are still in the same position they were in June, dead last.

You would have thought that they were going to make a trade at the deadline, especially with an expiring contract in Cliff Lee, who has admitted that he will test free agency, a crushing blow to the Mets organization. The one trade the Mets did make was trade RF Gary Matthews Jr. and minor-league C Josh Thole to Arizona for CL Bob Howry. In 8 games since being traded to the Mets, Howry has 4 saves and a 0.93 ERA.

The injury train has continued, with Jason Bay, Johan Santana, and Cliff Lee all taking turns on the DL. "I don't know what we need to do to avoid these injuries. We have a top-notch conditioning and training staff. I really think it's all coincidence," said manager Jerry Manual.

Speaking of Jerry Manual, sources have told us that the entire Mets coaching staff will be released of their contracts at the end of the season, but will be given the opportunity to renew them after that. "Basically, it's just a safety precaution for the Mets if there is no one better to hire," said the source. In our opinion, it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

The Mets already find themselves dealing with a little bit of controversy. There was an altercation between Fernando Tatis and GM Chris Eckenrod in the clubhouse several weeks ago. Tatis was upset with Eckenrod's comments that Tatis has no right to ask for a trade since the only reason he has a job is because of the Mets. "Where was Tatis before the Mets? Not playing baseball," said Eckenrod. Tatis and Barajas both requested trades due to the lack of playing time, but currently find themselves as New York Mets.

The Mets start off August against the Dimondbacks, Braves, Phillies, and Rockies.

[Youk]

A Change of Heart
Lee Signs 6-year Extension

NEW YORK (AP) - Cliff Lee was all smiles at a press conference announcing the signings of a 6 years, $84 million contract extension with the New York Mets. "Hopefully I will be finishing my career at the end of this contract, and my wish is to finish it as a New York Met," said Lee, who just last week refused to discuss an extension with the team. Some baseball executives have said that a six year contract is too long for a pitcher who is already 31, but Lee agreed to a smaller monetary value for a longer contract.

The Mets three other upcoming free agents, Joe Crede, Fernando Tatis, and Rod Barajas are not expected to be resigned.

[Mit]

Not too bad of a deal for Lee. Hopefully he lives up to that hefty contract though.

[Youk]

Not too bad of a deal for Lee. Hopefully he lives up to that hefty contract though.

Yea, I figured it would be a better deal than one I could have found in Free Agency.

Hopefully Lee holds up well for ya.

Thanks, he's been a bit streaky but never horrible.

Fielder for MVP. Is there a category that dude isn't leading? Reyes has been great for you too. Your hitting started performing, now you just need the pitching to step up.

The pitchers dug themselves into a huge hole, and I don't think they'll get out this season.

[Youk]

A Very Reyes August
Jose Bats .391 In August

NEW YORK (AP) - The month of August has been sweet for both the Mets and SS Jose Reyes. The Mets finished up the month with a record over .500, then second straight month they have accomplished this. Though this was thought to be standard for the Mets before the season, it is now a big deal when a winning streak occurs. "These guys play hard, and they want to win. It's not a lack of talent or effort," said manager Jerry Manual, who knows that each day and each loss, he is closer and closer to being fired. Sources have said that Manual cannot wait until this happens, because of the situation in New York. "He doesn't like being a lame duck manager. It was never said he was, but it is widely known," said the source.

In other news, Jose Reyes has catapulted himself into second place for the National League batting crown with an insane month of August. Jose batted .391 with 2 home runs, paving the way for the rest of the Mets team. "It's a shame that we are not all hitting at the same time," said Reyes, who has avoided the injury bug for the majority of the season. In other Reyes news, Jose has asked the Mets to begin discussing a contract extension for him. He has been rumored to want $12.5 million per season, up from $11 million now. Reyes contract expires after next season.

[Youk]

Gonna update tonight, to finish off the season and off-season.

[Youk]

Close But No Cigar
Mets Finish Strong, Under .500

NEW YORK (AP) - A disappointing season for the Mets is finally finished, but a solid finish pushed the Mets out of last place, and on the cusp of a .500 season.

The Mets final record was 78-85, with a .479 winning percentage, finishing 25.5 games behind the first place Phillies, who led the league with 103 wins. In a letter written to fans, owner Fred Wilpon said that "this is not what we had in mind for you fans. I promise that we will spend our money wisely, and build a solid team for the next season. Changes will happen, and they will happen quickly."

Jose Reyes was the Mets MVP, leading the team in batting average, VORP, at-bats, runs, hits, total bases, stolen bases, and singles. Carlos Beltran led the team in power, with the most home runs and RBI's, while Jenrry Mejia had the best ERA AT 3.45.

[Youk]

AWARDS

[Youk]

Manuel Fired
Team Trainer Also Fired

[Youk]

Manager Search Down to Three

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Mets manager search is down to three candidates after Lou Piniella decided to take the managing job with the Toronto Blue Jays. The three candidates are Bob Geren, most recently of the Oakland A's, Mike Scioscia, who was fired by the Los Angeles Angels, and newcomer Tim Salmon, also of the Los Angeles Angels.

"We like the differences that each candidate brings to the table," said GM Chris Eckenrod. Geren and Scioscia are both great at handling players, while Salmon is a great teaching manager, but still has a way to go with handling players. The thought is that the Mets love what Scioscia brings to the table, and that a manager like him does not become available too often. Geren is actually a better candidate, and Salmon would bring a big name rookie manager to New York.

The Mets plan on announcing their decision in several days.

News and Notes

• Red Sox C Jason Varitek retires.
• Pirates star CF Andrew McCutchen suffers a torn labrum, a career-ending injury
• Braves manager Bobby Cox retires; Former Mets manager Jerry Manual hired to replace
• Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa retires
• Larry Walker is the only inductee for the 2010 Hall of Fame class

[Youk]

Mike Scioscia: Your Next Manager
Brings Salmon As Bench Coach

[Youk]

Here Comes The Off-Season

Where can the Mets expect changes? Let's start behind the plate.

Catcher

Signs point to a change behind the plate. Omir Santos could possibly stay on as the starting catcher, but Santos has usually been moving between AAA and the majors. Rod Barajas has been demanding a trade since he lost his starting spot in July, so don't expect him to resign with the team.

Prediction: Mets will use Santos as the starting catcher, but will sign a backup who has the ability to take over if needed.

First Base

Daniel Murphy is going to be starting at first base this season. Ike Davis is in AA, and can be a solid replacement due to injury. Expect Murphy to be given several chances at the position, as Davis is not yet ready for a full-time job.

Prediction: Murphy will start.

Second Base

Luis Castillo went downhill fast last season after his DL stint, and the Mets are looking to quickly dump his hefty contract to a desperate team. Who could replace him? Cheaper contracts could be found in free agents Orlando Hudson and Christian Guzman.

Prediction: Castillo will be traded, and the Mets will turn to free agency

Shortstop/Third Base

David Wright and Jose Reyes will be manning the left side of the infield this season, and hopefully for many more to come. Reyes has an expiring contract after 2011, and will look for a large extension, which the Mets may be willing to pay.

Outfield

Carlos Beltran will be returning to play CF, though his contract will be expiring after the 2011 season. The Mets may look to cheaper alternatives this season and let Beltran go after the season, since he is looking for at least $21 million per season. Angel Pagan and Jeff Francouer will battle over RF, but if the Mets sign a player, expect one or both to depart, as Chris Carter and Nick Evans are waiting in AAA for a spot. Jason Bay is here to stay.

Prediction: Beltran and Bay will be around. Look at Pagan to be staying.

Pitchers

The Mets need relievers as well as starters. If they can get a starter like Brandon Webb, then Parnell, Mejia, and/or Niese can be placed in the bullpen, where they could excel. The Mets also need to look at a closer, as Bob Howry may not be able to match his stats from last season.

Prediction: Look for at least one new member of the rotation, but probably no big named relievers.

[Youk]

2010 FREE AGENCY

This will be just an overview post for the off-season. Each major transaction will have its own post, plus this.

TRADES

• RF Angel Pagan traded to Kansas City Royals for SP Luke Hochevar
• RF Jeff Francouer traded to Washington Nationals for SP John Lannan
• 2B Luis Castillo traded to Detroit Tigers for MR Casey Hoorelbeke and a player to be named later
• SP John Lannan traded to Kansas City Royals for C Joe Billick

ARBITRATION

• SP John Maine received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $3,000,000.
• MR Sean Green received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $900,000.
• RF Jeff Francoeur received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $4,600,000.
• SS Russ Adams received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $600,000.

KEY LOSSES

• C Rod Barajas retires.
• SP Mike Pelfrey becomes a free agent.
• SP Nelson Figueroa becomes a free-agent.
• 1B Mike Jacobs becomes a free agent.
• 3B Joe Crede becomes a free-agent.
• 1B Fernando Tatis becomes a free-agent.
• MR Pedro Feliciano becomes a free-agent.
• MR Kelvim Escobar becomes a free-agent.

OFFERED CONTRACTS

• SP Brandon Webb
• RF Jayson Werth
• 2B Orlando Hudson
• MR Mike Ekstrom
• MR Claudio Vargas
• C Luke Carlin

[Youk]

The First Big Fish Is In
Mets sign RF Jayson Werth

NEW YORK (AP) - After several weeks of negotiations, and a bidding war against the Milwaukee Brewers, the New York Mets have brought in the big fish of the 2010 free agent class, RF Jayson Werth on a 4 year, $67 million contract.

Why do the Mets need Jayson Werth when they have Angel Pagan and Jeff Francouer, as well as Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran? "I think this ends Beltran's Mets career after the 2011 season. Werth can play CF and will be cheaper than resigning Beltran, who will want over $20 million per season," says one Mets insider.

In the mean time, the Mets are going to need to get rid of either Pagan or Francouer, as they will be grossly overpaid if they are only backups, while the cheaper backups in Carter and Evans wait in AAA.

[Youk]

Been swamped by work. Have a couple updates ready to go later on.