Cuban phenom pitcher Aroldis Chapman signs with the Red Sox for $30M for 6 years, plus a $16M signing bonus.

Wait, what?!?

[doublechecks story on mlb.com]

Make that the Reds. Who'd have guessed? Cincinnati wins the prize. Score one for the little guy, even if it is the exception that proves the rule...

http://www.bugsandcranks.com/bradbortone/baseball/5-things-this-offseason-taught-me-about-the-mets/

5 Things This Offseason Taught Me About the Mets
Yesterday, I received an email from a fairly regular reader, saying the following:

"Brad – why have you been so quiet? Jason Bay got signed. Gary Matthews Jr. is coming to Citi. Are you not planning to write about these things? What do u think about the mets offseason so far?"

I should be able to sum this up in one sentence — I'm not writing anything about the Mets' moves because there's really nothing to write.

Oh sure, we got Bay (an average deal for a decent player) and somehow managed to get a workmanlike outfielder for Brian Stokes. But what else?

Nothing...and to be frank, I don't feel like being the umpteenth blogger to babble speculation about players we a) can't have b) shouldn't want or c) don't need.

The Mets haven't really done much at all, and it's this overwhelming sense of "wait and see" apathy that taught me a few lessons this past month. In no particular order...

1. The Mets really don't think they have any problems

Jason Bay is a good hitter. Jason Bay is a better fielder than people give him credit for. Jason Bay is a good clubhouse guy. But here's a sentence you'll likely never hear: "We wouldn't have won this World Series without Jason Bay." And since the Mets effectively bid against themselves to get the man, it's pretty clear that the rest of the league feels the same way. I like the signing, because I think he's going to be a good player at Citi — but Hernandez for Allen and Ownbey, this ain't.

Likewise, any efforts to move Luis Castillo were lukewarm at best. And the recent trade of Brian Stokes for Gary Matthews Jr. — one that makes sense to me, even if it's currently popular to whine like we just traded for a $2 million ass tumor — indicates that the Mets really don't seem to think the team has any holes.  Have they really tested the waters on Orlando Hudson?  Are they really in touch with Cincinnati about Harang or Arroyo?  Did Milwaukee really offer Corey Hart for John Maine?

Probably not, because while these options sit out in the ether, the Mets are spending their time in Puerto Rico, debating between having Carlos Delgado limp around first base, or bringing back Fernando Tatis to try and win an unprecedented third comeback player of the year award.

In other words, we'll probably be seeing many of the same players who couldn't get it done in 2009, 2008, 2007...

2. Mets fans overreact worse than my mother


Exhibit A: The Mets' doctors, and how they suck.

Folks, we need to get a grip. As ridiculous as 2009 was for the Medi-Mets, to think that the team's doctors and trainers are somehow to blame for it, is inane. The Mets' injuries happened the same way many of us did — by accident. Jose Reyes plays a game based on speed and aggression, and paid for it. Carlos Delgado has been nursing minor injuries most of his career — a career that began 17 years ago. John Maine throws nothing but fastballs.

I can continue, but why bother? The 2009 Mets featured so many injuries, because they have a slew of players that are prone to injuries. Period.

The idea that the Mets — a major professional sports franchise featuring some of the largest pockets in the world — is somehow employing less-than-stellar medical staff, is dumber than people who are taking sides in the Leno/Conan debate.  Yes, the team mismanages a lot of things, but I highly doubt this is one of them.

Exhibit B? Every mouth-breather on the forums that think the Mets should "just go all out and get _________ or _________."  Seriously, dude — We could trade $5 billion and the Colonel's secret recipe, and we'd still never have Pujols. Get over it and go outside.

3. The Mets are no longer on that proverbial short list of elite teams

For Mets fans living in the shadow of the Bronx, it's easy to forget that outside of this city, the Mets are a major franchise. Sure, if you're not a fan, it's easy to hate them. And their annoying "little stepbrother" routine makes them an easy target for detractors. But for professional players looking to make a ton of cash while playing on the world's biggest stage? Ummm, yeah, the Mets are elite.

Or, I should say, "...were elite."

After seeing Bengie Molina take considerably less money to stay in San Fran, and Joel Pineiro decide to commit professional suicide by going back to the AL, it's becoming clear that the lure of playing in the Big Apple is no longer enough to get players to sign in Queens. And public squabbles between Mets players, management and ownership aren't doing anything to help.

Media attention is usually craved by ego-driven players. But in the last few years events such as Willie's moronic pink slip and the recent Beltran nonsense have done nothing but make the Mets' front office look like a well-paid bunch of rank amateurs.

4. The Mets should have traded Carlos Beltran


And no, this isn't just because of his attitude problem with Mets' brass about his knee. This is because, at 33, Carlos is likely on the decline as a highly-marketable five tool guy. Injuries or not, the team would have gotten takers had they tried to move him this offseason. And those takers would have likely given up some of the young pitching and infield depth the Mets so desperately need.

Likewise, if anyone thinks that Carlos wouldn't waive his no-trade clause to leave the team, think again. Recent events have shown that he's not fond of the Mets, and I still stand firm that he only really ever saw the Mets as a cash cow option, anyway. That's not to say he didn't learn to like it in Queens — but it's pretty apparent that the love affair is "off again."

Like many, I wonder just how legit Fernando Martinez is, at this point. I wasn't wholly impressed in his extended audition last year, and his injury totals are frightening. But if he is to be a star, then maybe it's time to let him take a shot at it.

Carlos has done a great job for the Mets, and he's earned his lofty paycheck. But as the contract expires and communication with the front office dwindles, the best plan for the Mets and Beltran is to simply part ways. Of course, this isn't going to happen — but let's see where his marketability stands in the winter to come.

SB

Os brought tejada back!

Quote from: antelope19 on January 27, 2010, 03:45:45 PM
Os brought tejada back!

And his B-12 shots too?

Quote from: mattstick on January 25, 2010, 03:49:10 PM
Jason Bay is a better fielder than people give him credit for.

The uber-dorks who calculate runs prevented say otherwise. As does Boston's medical staff, which was more worried about his knees than about his other, better-known health issues.

I guess there's one way to find out if they got off the Bay bandwagon at just the right time. Wait and see what happens.

Is it time for spring training yet?

I didn't write that, so you probably shouldn't attribute the quote to me.

Bay is an adequate fielder who more than makes up for his lack of range with his gawdy offensive production.

Quote from: mattstick on January 27, 2010, 04:29:27 PM

I didn't write that, so you probably shouldn't attribute the quote to me.

I figured the 5 people who follow the thread would understand. :-D

But...point taken.

Look out AL East!  The Jays are comin' back!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove09/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4860251

Interesting read.  Sure, I'm a Sox fan but nothing would make me happier that a truly competitive East. 

Quote from: thatfargone on January 27, 2010, 04:04:16 PM

Quote from: antelope19 on January 27, 2010, 03:45:45 PM
Os brought tejada back!

And his B-12 shots too?

As an O's fan desperate for a winning season, I'll say: LET'S HOPE SO!   :-P  Seriously though, they signed him for one year to keep the third base seat warm for Bell while he's at Triple A.  I hope that the transition from short -> third isn't a tough one for him.  I know plenty of others have done it, but can a 36?  Oh wait, we don't even really know how old the guy is either........

Aww fu** it, if he can bat .315 with 90 RBI and 15 homers again like he did last year, I'll be happy.  Lord knows he'll have ample opportunity in the top of our line up to drive in runs. 

Quote from: thatfargone on January 28, 2010, 09:00:51 AM
Interesting read.  Sure, I'm a Sox fan but nothing would make me happier that a truly competitive East.

I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly.  Imagine how much fun it would be to watch our division with 4, or even 5 competitive teams.  I know I'm wearing the rose-colored glasses when I say this, but I think the O's and Jays are gonna surprise some people this year. 

My biggest concern is while the Jays and Os are looking better, I still don't see them competing against the Sox and Yanks.  Angelos will not fill in gaps heading into the trade deadline, he NEVER does.  Jays are pretty much tapped financially going into the season and will not have funds to make moves of fill holes. 

How many years do the Os come out of the gate tough, lead at the break, and then completely fall apart due to no trades/pickups??? 

I hear you on Tejada, I always admired the way he played the game, I really enjoyed watching Roberts, Tejada, and Palmeiro together....but in hindsight, how can I look back with anything but disgust???

is it time for the fantasy draft yet?

The O's usually need a lot more help than late-season acquisitions.

The Jays are looking way ahead, although they could be the "08 Rays" in 2011 if everything goes well.