I’ve been reading the Aubrey/Maturin Series by Patrick O’Brian so nautical metaphors are making a lot of sense. In the second of twenty one novels ‘Post Captain’ Jack Aubrey is posted into the HMS Polychrest (Also known as the “Carpenter’s Mistake”) a poorly designed and poorly built ship. In the HMS Polychrest I see an [...]
“You are what your record says you are.” Most sports fans recognize that quote from Bill Parcells. And while it’s a football quote, let’s use it to examine Terry Collins. Last year the Mets were 74-88 and the year before that they were 77-85. If you are what your record says you are, then the [...]
One of the Mets’ perceived strengths heading into the 2013 season is the makeup and depth of their rotation. With the Mets expected to get consistent, reliable seasons from the likes of R.A. Dickey, Jonathon Niese and Matt Harvey, the health and reliability of Johan Santana could be the major wild card for success for [...]
The combination of a lackluster free agent class and a lack of available cash have the Mets allegedly focusing on trades to address their needs this offseason. So now seems like a good time to look at the trade record of GM Sandy Alderson. Let’s start off looking at his moves for the Mets and [...]
The World Series is about to begin, featuring a matchup between two venerable franchises who -- surprisingly -- have never met before. The San Francisco Giants will be talking on the Detroit Tigers in serious competition for the very first time ever. You would think there would have been some instant when Ty Cobb clashed [...]
I finally got around to reading R.A. Dickey’s book and one part stood out to me. Dickey talked about conquering fears and managing regrets. I don’t know if this is something he came up with himself or if it is merely therapist-speak – both seem equally likely – but I thought it was a nice [...]
Imagine the following scenario: ‘Disgusted with his dismal performance in the playoffs and diminishing talents; the Yankees look to unload the contract of Alex Rodriguez so they can pursue a new direction. Unable to afford to offer him the contract he feels he deserves, the Mets are forced to pursue a trade for David Wright. [...]
One of the most influential people for me in my baseball fandom is Bill James. Now an employee of the Boston Red Sox, James started out as a guy who wanted to find out the answers to questions. Is baseball 80 percent pitching? Is a walk as good as a hit? Does a pulled-in infield [...]
The Mets need outfield help. You, I and the family pet all know this much. It’s so obviously evident, that the Mets should post a Craigslist ad asking for outfield help! One current Mets’ outfielder who stands a decent chance of cracking the starting rotation is Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Scott Hairston and Andres Torres are likely [...]
As I write this, the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants are enjoying a well-deserved day off in the midst of their National League Championship Series, to give it its full, “Avenue Of The Americas” title. Hostilities stand at one-all and this entire postseason tournament – taking into account all ten teams involved – [...]
It’s easy to look at Jeremy Hefner’s 5.09 ERA and 4-7 record and conclude that it was not a very good year and that the Mets might look to upgrade his spot for 2013. But Hefner did a fine job in his role and not only should he be back next year, there are legitimate [...]
I can’t find an official Rule 5 list, but I did compile at least these guys: P – Zack Wheeler (ya think?), Chris Schwinden, Gonzalez Germen, Darin Gorski, Brad Holt, Armondo Rodriguez, Luis Cessa IF – Josh Satin, Eric Campbell, Alan Dykstra, Jefry Marte, Wilfredo Tovar, Aderlin Rodriguez OF – Alonzo Harris C – Juan [...]