Do the mets stand a chance this year..

Capri86

We all know the mets struggle at the best of times but with reyes signed over to the marlins how much worse could it get. I would love the season to start on a high, and not all the doom and gloom of financial troubles before the first pitch is thrown.

jack presley

Capri86 wrote: »

We all know the mets struggle at the best of times but with reyes signed over to the marlins how much worse could it get. I would love the season to start on a high, and not all the doom and gloom of financial troubles before the first pitch is thrown.

The Mets don't stand a chance this season. As much as I hate to say it, I wouldn't be surprised if they lose 100 games this season and even if they don't, I can't see how they can avoid propping up the division.

Although the Phillies and Braves haven't done much this off-season, they are still going to be on a higher level this season and with all their spending, the Marlins could be up there as well. And I expect a big improvement from the Nationals as well, especially if they get Fielder. Strasburg's back and Harper will likely be up too so they could surprise a few people.

I'm actually dreading the season. It could be painful. We've no idea how Johan Santana's going to pitch and even if he's fine health wise, he still isn't going to be the old Johan and he's the ace? They financial problems is the big problem. While the Nats are getting Prince Fielder and the Marlins every other free agent, the Mets are getting Blue Jay rejects and other €1-2 million guys coming off injury or looking for 2nd chances. I know Sandy Alderson is supposed to be good and picking up cheap players that punch above their weight, I don't think even he can work with the budget he has. I know the payroll will still be around €100m which a lot of teams would kill for, but so much of it is tied up with Johan and Jason Bloody Bay.

If everything bounces right and if everyone stays healthy (a big 'if' knowing the Mets history) they could stick around but they aren't going to challenge for a play-off spot. Everyone has to play to the best of their ability; Ike, Dave Wright, Duda and especially Bay and the starting pitchers have to have career years, and considering one of the startes is Mike Pelfrey, that is unlikely.

One of the big problems last season was the bullpen and Sandy addressed that this off-season but last season's numbers of the guys he brought in weren't much better than the guys they'll be replacing so I don't know how much better the relief pitching will be.

I've gone over to NY for a Mets homestand the past 3 seasons but I'm going to give it a miss this season. I'll save my money until they're competitive again, probably 2014 if some of the prospects come through.

Coeus

I have to agree with Jack on this, the NL East will be tough this season so I think the Mets will probably finish bottom. Until they get those big contracts (mainly Santana and Bay) off their books and/or get new ownership their hands will be tied.

I think its best they go young for now and build for the future. Bring in some cheap veterans as a stopgap. Sandy Alderson is as good a guy as any to help with that considering what he did at Oakland when they slashed payroll back in the mid 90s.

Capri86

Coeus wrote: »

I have to agree with Jack on this, the NL East will be tough this season so I think the Mets will probably finish bottom. Until they get those big contracts (mainly Santana and Bay) off their books and/or get new ownership their hands will be tied.

I think its best they go young for now and build for the future. Bring in some cheap veterans as a stopgap. Sandy Alderson is as good a guy as any to help with that considering what he did at Oakland when they slashed payroll back in the mid 90s.

Oh I agree with both of you. I don't doubt the mets will probably finish last in the nl east. Even with healthy players they can struggle but they seem to be cursed with injuries the last few years. For wright and Davis to get into a collision last season was the nail in the coffin. I remember when Santana was a star. He was incredible. Now I have no faith in him at all.
But they are still the amazins to me and I can't wait for opening day!

I doubt I'll make a mets game this year either unfortunately.

jack presley

Maybe they might surprise us? You never know, with the walls at CitiField being moved in maybe Dave Wright and Jason Bay will remember how to hit home runs (although the smaller field will benefit the opposition too unfortunately).

If Johan is somewhat like the Johan of old, Pelf is the Pelf of '10 and not '11 and as I said above, if everyone stays healthy and plays to what they are capable of, they might stay in touch until the all-star break. I'd be happy with that.

Capri86

jack presley wrote: »

Maybe they might surprise us? You never know, with the walls at CitiField being moved in maybe Dave Wright and Jason Bay will remember how to hit home runs (although the smaller field will benefit the opposition too unfortunately).

If Johan is somewhat like the Johan of old, Pelf is the Pelf of '10 and not '11 and as I said above, if everyone stays healthy and plays to what they are capable of, they might stay in touch until the all-star break. I'd be happy with that.

There is nothing like homefield advantage. I think the mets can surprise us. As long as their moral isn't low they could be alright. Iv seen in person what reyes can do to boost their moral. He was much more than a fantastic shortstop. He got the others going. It'll be interesting to see the difference without him.

jack presley

So will this be the 'Official' thread for Mets fans to come and cry once the season started. It'll probably just be the three of us but it'll be good to let off some steam!

Capri86

jack presley wrote: »

So will this be the 'Official' thread for Mets fans to come and cry once the season started. It'll probably just be the three of us but it'll be good to let off some steam!

Sounds good to me. Like the facebook page 'it hurts to be a mets fan' does anyone else have espn? It's a bit frustrating as they choose the game. Iv got mlb tv in the past and it was quite good

jack presley

Capri86 wrote: »

jack presley wrote: »

So will this be the 'Official' thread for Mets fans to come and cry once the season started. It'll probably just be the three of us but it'll be good to let off some steam!

Sounds good to me. Like the facebook page 'it hurts to be a mets fan' does anyone else have espn? It's a bit frustrating as they choose the game. Iv got mlb tv in the past and it was quite good

MLB.TV all the way for me. Wouldn't do without it. I've got the little apple.tv device this year as well so will be watching on the big screen

Capri86

Nice one. I'll be getting MLB tv again this year. A few times last year I put live games on a projector and had friends over for it. It's a great way to watch a game.

jack presley

This poster was put up around NY last year

http://adsonthesubway.posterous.com/why-leave-a-city-that-has-six-professional-sp

Can you imagine how bad the ridicule will get if they are as bad as we all fear this season?

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

This poster was put up around NY last year

http://adsonthesubway.posterous.com/why-leave-a-city-that-has-six-professional-sp

Can you imagine how bad the ridicule will get if they are as bad as we all fear this season?

Is that six pro teams excluding the Mets? I guess they are including the Nets who are moving to Brooklyn next season. That said it harsh on the Mets considering the Islanders and the aforementioned Nets aint that good...

jack presley

I'd say they meant the Islanders. They're not a model franchise either but I presume the ad was just trying to kick us Mets fans when we're down.

Capri86

jack presley wrote: »

I'd say they meant the Islanders. They're not a model franchise either but I presume the ad was just trying to kick us Mets fans when we're down.

Ah I think its funny. We'll show them some day!

namloc1980

Hope I can add to this thread as well for the season as a Mets fan. Long time baseball fan and always an Expos fan! However when they went to Washington I gave up on them. Then in 2008 when I was visiting New York I went to Shea for a Mets game and they're my team now! (They lost that game to the Marlins......I should have known what I was letting myself in for )!

Looks like this season could be pretty ugly but one positive is that the Mets have a very nice new jersey for 2012. The horrible black has been eliminated from the jersey and the pinstripes are back as the main home jersey. The batting practice jersey is pretty sweet as well. Go Mets!

Capri86

namloc1980 wrote: »

Hope I can add to this thread as well for the season as a Mets fan. Long time baseball fan and always an Expos fan! However when they went to Washington I gave up on them. Then in 2008 when I was visiting New York I went to Shea for a Mets game and they're my team now! (They lost that game to the Marlins......I should have known what I was letting myself in for )!

Looks like this season could be pretty ugly but one positive is that the Mets have a very nice new jersey for 2012. The horrible black has been eliminated from the jersey and the pinstripes are back as the main home jersey. The batting practice jersey is pretty sweet as well. Go Mets!

Nice one. I liked the black jersey though but I do prefer the pinstripe. I was also at a marlins mets game in shea but that was 2007 and the mets won that game. What a great atmosphere then.

jack presley

Capri86 wrote: »

Nice one. I liked the black jersey though but I do prefer the pinstripe. I was also at a marlins mets game in shea but that was 2007 and the mets won that game. What a great atmosphere then.

I think the black jersey is still there, it's just the black background form the white/grey ones that's been eliminated.

Apparently there's some rule that a jersey can't become an 'official' game day jersey without giving MLB 12 or 14 months notice or something so that's why the Blue one (which is gorgeous by the way) is down as the batting practice jersey this season and will only be used sporadically during this season during actual games but it will be the main 3rd jersey in 2013.

Coeus

Capri86 wrote: »

Nice one. I liked the black jersey though but I do prefer the pinstripe. I was also at a marlins mets game in shea but that was 2007 and the mets won that game. What a great atmosphere then.

Funnily enough the only Mets game I've been at was also against the Marlins. Mets had to come from behind that day. Crowdwise it was definately the best MLB game I have attended, the fans were awesome that day...

http://www.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2010/index.jsp?gid=2010_06_06_flomlb_nynmlb_1&mode=box

jack presley

You have to laugh....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42elGQQ0sO0

Capri86

Haha great video. Funny enough I have never been to a losing mets game, or a losing baseball game for that matter.(I went to at&t park last year in support of the giants)
Maybe I should be the new Mr met!

jack presley

Capri86 wrote: »

Haha great video. Funny enough I have never been to a losing mets game, or a losing baseball game for that matter.(I went to at&t park last year in support of the giants)
Maybe I should be the new Mr met!

I'm 8-8 at mets games. The sad thing is I was 4-0 at the start so is all gone pear shaped since.

The first time I went to see some games I went over for 5 games. They won the first 4 and had Johan starting the 5th so it had a great chance of being a 100% trip but he pitched an awful game and they lost easily enough

Capri86

5 games in a row. That would be sweet. I would love to get the money together for a game even to fly over for a weekend on standby. Now thats an idea!

jack presley

Capri86 wrote: »

5 games in a row. That would be sweet. I would love to get the money together for a game even to fly over for a weekend on standby. Now thats an idea!

Yeah, I've gone over three years and done that now although as the Government are bleeding us dry these days I won't be going this year (and that the place will be empty as the team will be so bad).

It's a great week. I love CitiField. I was never in Shea so can't compare but when I go I try and tickets for a different area every night so get different views of the game. The only other stadium I've been at was Wrigley Field (another Mets loss!) and although it has history an is an iconic stadium, it really is a dump and not very comfortable to watch a game. I'd definitely recommend a visit to Citifield though, although probably in 2014 when the team might be competitive.

Capri86

jack presley wrote: »

Capri86 wrote: »

5 games in a row. That would be sweet. I would love to get the money together for a game even to fly over for a weekend on standby. Now thats an idea!

Yeah, I've gone over three years and done that now although as the Government are bleeding us dry these days I won't be going this year (and that the place will be empty as the team will be so bad).

It's a great week. I love CitiField. I was never in Shea so can't compare but when I go I try and tickets for a different area every night so get different views of the game. The only other stadium I've been at was Wrigley Field (another Mets loss!) and although it has history an is an iconic stadium, it really is a dump and not very comfortable to watch a game. I'd definitely recommend a visit to Citifield though, although probably in 2014 when the team might be competitive.

Ah yeah iv been to Citifield as well as shea. Citifield is top class though. Very modern and comfortable. I also went all out and got great seats!

Coeus

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports gives his preseason thoughts on the Mets
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aobzn5SwhMX3F2yoJkVp9.gHU84F?slug=jp-passan_hot_stove_daily_mets_wilpon_011512

He usually starts with the worst team works towards the best so the fact that the 5th up aint that encouraging...

namloc1980

Coeus wrote: »

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports gives his preseason thoughts on the Mets
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aobzn5SwhMX3F2yoJkVp9.gHU84F?slug=jp-passan_hot_stove_daily_mets_wilpon_011512

He usually starts with the worst team works towards the best so the fact that the 5th up aint that encouraging...

Those payroll figures are pretty stark. $140m in 2011 down to $90m for 2012 and most of that is locked up in Santana, Wright & Bay:mad:.

The Mets in 2012 should score more than their fair share of runs in 2012 but preventing runs will be a huge issue and the rotation is looking pretty poor. Some magic from Johan might just prevent a poor season becoming a brutal one.

Capri86

I don't have too much faith in johan unfortunately but hopefully he'll be good this year. That's a shocking budget though

jack presley

Check out this table.

http://www.metsblog.com/2012/01/17/mets-payroll-likely-to-start-2011-around-90-m/

Of course payroll helps but spending wisely is a big factor as well. Look at Tampa Bay and Arizona!

Unfortunately for the Mets, the $90m payroll figure is a bit deceptive. When you take out Johan's $24m, Bay's $16m and Wright's $15, theres only $35m left for the other 22 on the roster - and DJ Carrasco is getting $1.2m regardless of whether he's on the roster or not so that figure could be down as $33.8m!

Every team needs to have a star or two making big bucks and I've no problem with David Wright getting what's he's getting. But Johan isn't going to pitch like a $24m pitcher and Bay, well we all know the story there. So that's $30m, or one third of the already significantly reduced payroll 'wasted'.

jack presley

Got a grand to spare?

Well why not buy a bit of the old CitiField wall?

http://mets.auction.mlb.com/

The Wilpons sem to be doing everything to get some money!

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

Check out this table.

http://www.metsblog.com/2012/01/17/mets-payroll-likely-to-start-2011-around-90-m/

Of course payroll helps but spending wisely is a big factor as well. Look at Tampa Bay and Arizona!

Tampa Bay are very good at having no money, they have had years to practice. The draft is the key for teams like them and the Rays seem to be better than most. Players like Upton, Longoria and Price were taken with their first pick in drafts in the 2000s. They always seem to find players for free agent departees especially in pitching...

namloc1980

Work at Citi Field to bring in the dimensions, lower the walls and eliminate some of the nooks and crannys.....might help Bay hit a few more homers!!!

jack presley

namloc1980 wrote: »

Work at Citi Field to bring in the dimensions, lower the walls and eliminate some of the nooks and crannys.....might help Bay hit a few more homers!!!

Unfortunately the wall coming in will benefit the opposition too so for every extra HR Dave Wright or Jason Bay hit, their opponents will probably hit just as many.

jack presley

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, this year's Mets have the largest one year payroll drop in MLB history

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, this year's Mets have the largest one year payroll drop in MLB history

And the Mets are still carrying the Bay and Santana contracts which they would love to dump in an instance...

jack presley

Johan threw off a mound today. Small step I know but it would have been typical if he blew up

jack presley

Looks like the Mets 'ridiculous ways to get on the DL' jinx might be about to strike again. Ike Davis might have something called Valley Fever

http://www.metsblog.com/2012/03/03/m...-valley-fever/

Hopefully it won't come to fruition and he'll be alright but come on, are the Mets ever going to catch a break?

Capri86

jack presley wrote: »

Looks like the Mets 'ridiculous ways to get on the DL' jinx might be about to strike again. Ike Davis might have something called Valley Fever

http://www.metsblog.com/2012/03/03/m...-valley-fever/

Hopefully it won't come to fruition and he'll be alright but come on, are the Mets ever going to catch a break?

Haha valley fever. Only the mets. They need Ike though he is class

jack presley

Business as usual for the Mets.....

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/39760/your-mets-injury-summary

jack presley

jack presley wrote: »

Business as usual for the Mets.....

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/39760/your-mets-injury-summary

and it gets worse....

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/39866/byrdak-to-have-surgery-tuesday

No lefty in the pen now.

Coeus

Its not a good sign when that many players are getting injured during Spring training...

BigBadRob83

Stuck in what could be a loaded division for the next few years, looking to trade David Wright, relying on Santana & RA Dickey as 1-2 starters, the list goes on...

The Mets are doomed until they have new ownership.

Coeus

BigBadRob83 wrote: »

Stuck in what could be a loaded division for the next few years, looking to trade David Wright, relying on Santana & RA Dickey as 1-2 starters, the list goes on...

The Mets are doomed until they have new ownership.

These 3 guys have done alright in the 1st 2 games. Looks like the Mets are going to play long ball this season now that Pagan and Reyes are gone. Duda certainly made use of that new fence above on his first homer today...

jack presley

Coeus wrote: »

These 3 guys have done alright in the 1st 2 games. Looks like the Mets are going to play long ball this season now that Pagan and Reyes are gone. Duda certainly made use of that new fence above on his first homer today...

While I'm very happy with the start, and especially the performance of the bullpen, it's a very small sample. I wouldn't be slitting my wrists had they lost the first two so I'm not breaking out the champagne yet.

Santana even playing is a bonus and Duda and Wright getting off to good starts is great but again it's too small to a sample. Likewise, the worrying 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position isn't worth getting worried about yet.

Better to be 2-0 and 0-2 though!!

Capri86

jack presley wrote: »

Coeus wrote: »

These 3 guys have done alright in the 1st 2 games. Looks like the Mets are going to play long ball this season now that Pagan and Reyes are gone. Duda certainly made use of that new fence above on his first homer today...

While I'm very happy with the start, and especially the performance of the bullpen, it's a very small sample. I wouldn't be slitting my wrists had they lost the first two so I'm not breaking out the champagne yet.

Santana even playing is a bonus and Duda and Wright getting off to good starts is great but again it's too small to a sample. Likewise, the worrying 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position isn't worth getting worried about yet.

Better to be 2-0 and 0-2 though!!

Off to a nice start lads! We'll need a miracle but It's always a nice moral boost to start this way

Coeus

Niese has no-hitter through 6, not sure he'll make it to the end as his pitch count is high. Looking good for a 3-0 start...

jack presley

Coeus wrote: »

Niese has no-hitter through 6, not sure he'll make it to the end as his pitch count is high. Looking good for a 3-0 start...

Thanks for the kiss of death. 3 runs already in the 7th and no one out

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

Thanks for the kiss of death. 3 runs already in the 7th and no one out

Sorry, I wasn't even watching. They mentioned it on the Rays game so I went and checked it out. As I said his pitch count was high for this early in the season. The bullpen held it together for him :cool:

jack presley

Glad that one's over. Between a 4 run seventh with an easy fly ball being dropped and 2 collisions in the field which luckily didn't end in disaster, it could have ended in tears.

Still very early days yet so in not going to be getting too excited yet (ignore standings in April) but at least the performances have been good so far with the bullpen exceeding my expectations

jack presley

Time for my first rant of the regular season as the Mets slowly begin to resemble what they thought they would after the false dawn of a 4-0 start.

Today they've given up 4 runs. 1 from a passed ball, 2 from bases loaded walks and 1 from a groundout (at least that one involved a bat!). They've given up 10 walks and with just the bottom of the 9th to go, they've only got 3 hits.

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

Time for my first rant of the regular season as the Mets slowly begin to resemble what they thought they would after the false dawn of a 4-0 start.

Today they've given up 4 runs. 1 from a passed ball, 2 from bases loaded walks and 1 from a groundout (at least that one involved a bat!). They've given up 10 walks and with just the bottom of the 9th to go, they've only got 3 hits.

Just looking at the boxscore there, it looked to be a tight game until the bullpen got involved. You had right to be worried about the bullpen if they are going to give up that many walks...

Capri86

It couldn't last much longer without a loss. It was inevitable. But hey, It's a better start to the season than expected. It just might not be as bad as I thought... Haha.