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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman accused the players’ union, led by executive director Donald Fehr, of stonewalling as talks recessed late last week. (Chris Young/Canadian Press) (PhatzRadio / CBC Sports) — National Hockey League labor talks remain in recess five days after negotiations broke down, and 10 days before the league has threatened to lock out [...]
NHLPA head Donald Fehr says talks between the players and owners are “recessed.” (Chris Young/Canadian Press) NEW YORK (AP) — NHL labor negotiations hit a standstill after talks broke off on Friday, two weeks before the league has threatened to lock out its players. NHL Players’ Association executive director Don Fehr announced that the NHL [...]
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, left, and his deputy Bill Daly Bettman, sat with the NHLPA executives last week in Toronto, but were unable to agree on a new deal. (Chris Young/Canadian Press) NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL issued a new proposal to the players’ association Tuesday as a lockout looms next month. And at [...]
Commissioner Gary Bettman, left, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly reportedly represented the NHL at a meeting ahead of Wednesday’s scheduled formal talks, which were subsequently called off. (Chris Young/Canadian Press) (PhatzRadio / USA Today) — Formal NHL collective bargaining talks were canceled Wednesday in Toronto, with both sides indicating it was done primarily to give [...]
Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin, centre, and Ottawa Senators’ Jason Spezza, left, follow NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr, after talking to the media following collective bargaining talks Tuesday in Toronto. (Chris Young/Canadian Press) TORONTO (AP) — The first truly tense moments of the NHL’s collective bargaining negotiations have arrived. With NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL [...]
As the New York Mets returned home, one of the big questions surrounding the team was the future of outfielder Jason Bay. General Manager Sandy Alderson had hinted before the team’s road trip that Bay would get an 11 game opportunity to show where he fit into the team’s plans for the remainder of this season and beyond. When Bay disappointed on the trip, many began to wonder about the future of the beleagured outfielder. The answer to Bay’s fate and much more will be revealed in this week’s edition of Mets 101 News and Notes. Let’s start with:
Bay To Stay:
Jason Bay will be remaining with the Mets, MetsBlog.com reports. GM Sandy Alderson told ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand that Bay is not going anywhere for the foreseeable future, and that he does not feel that it is necessary to buy out Bay’s contract at this time. Speculation was rampant that Alderson, who had bought out the contracts of Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez last season, could buy out Bay’s deal to give him and the club an opportunity to start fresh. Bay will stay because, according to manager Terry Collins, he is a professional and is doing everything he can to help the ball club. The manager did acknowledge that Bay is a platoon player as of now who will play primarily against left handed pitching and against certain right handed pitchers. Bay’s status could change by the end of the season, so stay tuned.
Bad News for Byrdak:
Mets left hander Tim Byrdak received some bad news over the weekend. The left hander’s season is over after he was diagnosed with a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder, Mike Vorkunov of the Newark Star-Ledger reports. The injury is the same one that kept both Johan Santana and Chris Young out of action for the 2011 season, and it remains to be seen whether Byrdak will choose to resume his career or retire. Manager Terry Collins admitted that injuries like Byrdak’s can result from overuse, and his workload was extreme for the last two seasons. The Mets replaced Byrdak in the bullpen by recalling lefty Garrett Olson from Triple-A Buffalo. Elvin Ramirez was demoted back to the Bisons to make room for Olson, who was added to the 40 man roster after Dillon Gee was transferred to the 60 day disabled list.
All Star Logo Unveiled:
As the Mets continue to prepare for the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field, the organization took the opportunity yesterday to unveil the game’s official logo. The logo was unveiled at a press conference yesterday attended by current players David Wright, R.A. Dickey, Johan Santana and manager Terry Collins. Former Mets All Stars John Franco, Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, and Dwight Gooden were also in attendance. Wright took the podium before the logo was unveiled and jokingly referenced the fences being moved in as an asset if he or one of his teammates were to compete in the Home Run Derby next summer. The logo, which can be seen in this link from the Mets, strongly resembles the team’s current logo.
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NL Central:
This year, the Pirates feel right. They picked up Wandy Rodriguez from Houston, Andrew McCutchen is playing like a MVP, the bullpen has been pieced together nicely, and Starling Marte is on the roster. They take on the Reds and the Cardinals for the NL Central title.
The Birds can hit like there is no tomorrow. Lance Lynn has been outstanding in the rotation this year. The Birds, however, need to make a move for an arm. Here’s what they had last season that they do not have today. A Colby Rasmus-esque position player who is expendable and that they could dangle around the trade market to get the relief pitching that wins championships. Believe me, if the Cardinals do not win a World Series without that trade, Scrabble, Octavio Dotel and Edwin Jackson were the secret sauce. Currently, their bullpen is nothing after Jason Motte.
The Birds have to dangle something valuable to get arms. Or else they will be the 2006 White Sox. A defending champ that finishes third behind two better teams while boasting a great lineup and a popular third baseman who just so happens to be a World Series hero. Tyler Greene can play the role of Brian Anderson. One thing that does swing in their favor, though, is having the best run differential in baseball.
Eyes will also be on the shores of Lake Michigan north of Madison Street in Chicago. The Cubs and the Brewers are arms dealers in the Midwest. Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Zack Grienke and Randy Wolf. They will all change colors in the next week, I would imagine. Welcome to Grienke-Mania. The White Sox, Rangers, Dodgers, Angels and Braves are the most likely suitors for Grienke. I’ve heard the Red Sox thrown into those rumors, but my advice to the Red Sox remains the same. Sell.
Milwaukee is brewing up a fire sale.
Projected Finish
1. Pirates
2. Reds
3. Cardinals
4. Cubs
5. Brewers
6. Astros
NL East:
It seems so long ago was the day the Mets were taking headlines from the struggling Yankees. Now the Mets are more than 10 games out of first. Props to the Metropolitans for making R.A. Dickey‘s knuckleball a “thing.” He now replaces Tim Wakefield as Major League Baseball’s Flagship knuckleballer. Now the Mets are between buying and selling. They will sell something by the deadline
Miami has already sold and Philadelphia is coming to grips with their role as losers this season. After moving Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante, which netted them a great return, the Marlins could be looking to move several players. Among said players are Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Carlos Lee, Gaby Sanchez and Heath Bell. After watching The Franchise, I’ve grown fond of Heath throughout his trying season. I’m sure given an opportunity in the second half, Bell will be a solid setup guy. I would say the Yankees would pick him up, but Rafael Soriano is setting the league on fire.
Philly may just be stubborn and eat this season up and make no deadline moves. I have a feeling they will move Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino and/or Hunter Pence. The Phillies have depleted their farm system in their attempt to build a dynasty. They need to get some of it back.
All I can say about the Braves is that they are going to make a move. Washington’s kids are going to face adversity this season. I believe that the guys in D.C. have the intestinal fortitude to win their division though. Remember that the Nats are the best in the National League, but they can easily slip and fall in this league.
Projected Finish
1. Nationals
2. Braves (Wild Card)
3. Phillies
4. Mets
5. Marlins
NL West:
If Arizona wants to make a move, they must act quickly. They are in Cleveland’s situation. However, instead of adding marginal talent, they have subtracted marginal talent. As far as I know, the Dodgers are not content with merely acquiring Randy Choate and Hanley Ramirez. They will make another move and so will the Giants.
In conclusion, this next week is an arms race. There are currently 19 teams that are contending by my count. 10 of them will make the playoffs. Where certain players, particularly starting pitchers, are moved will decide who makes it to October.
Be sure to check out other great articles at DailyShootout.com.
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Todd Frazier #21 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates after hitting a two-run homer in the second inning of the game against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park on August 2, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (August 1, 2012 – Source: Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America) CINCINNATI (AP) — Todd Frazier hit a two-run [...]
The Mets needed a big-time performance from Jon Niese tonight. They got that but found themselves on the wrong end of a pitchers duel for eight innings. Down 2-0 in the top of the ninth, Jordany Valdespin sent a Tyler Clippard pitch into the right-centerfield seats for a three-run homer to give the Mets a 3-2 lead.
Then the Met bullpen showed their true colors yet again.
Bobby Parnell came in to try and close things out in the bottom of the ninth. After retiring Ryan Zimmerman to lead off the inning, Parnell gave up a one-out single to Michael Morse. The next batter, Adam LaRoche singled up the middle on a hit-and-run which allowed pinch runner, Ian Desmond, to go first-to-third on the play. After Tyler Moore struck out, Danny Espinosa came to the plate as the National’s last hope. Espinosa’s RBI single plated Desmond, tying the game and procuring the blown save for Parnell.
The Mets were able to regain the lead in the top of the tenth off a Josh Thole RBI double but the bullpen let them down again in the bottom of the frame. Lefty Tim Byrdak came in to try and close things out. Jhonatan Solano led off the bottom half with a single and was promptly advanced 90-feet to second on a sacrifice bunt by Steve Lombardozzi. The next batter was Bryce Harper who promptly tripled to tie the game and secure yet another blown save for the Met bullpen. Following intentional walks to Zimmerman and Desmond to load the bases and an Adam LaRoche fielders choice, Pedro Beato relieved Byrdak. Beato threw a wild pitch past the catcher Thole, allowing Zimmerman to score from third to give the Nationals a 5-4 walkoff win.
The Mets wasted a strong outing by Jonathan Niese (7-4, 3.58 ERA). Niese pitched seven innings, giving up only one run on three hits with eight strikeouts. His only mistake was a solo shot given up to Tyler Moore in the bottom of the fifth.
Not to be outdone was Nationals starter Ross Detwiler (4-3, 3.15 ERA) who pitched seven innings of shutout ball. He scattered five hits and struck out four batters. Both Detwiler and Niese left with no decisions.
What’s Next
The Mets and Nats are right back at it tomorrow in Washington. Chris Young (2-3, 4.28 ERA) goes for the Mets. Jordan Zimmerman (6-6, 2.48 ERA) takes the hill for Washington. First pitch is set for 7:05.
Post Game Notes
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Few Mets fans have been riding the Dillon Gee bandwagon for as long as I have. To me, and some of my closest Mets fan friends, he’s the second-coming of Rick Reed, down to sharing the number the veteran righty wore in his time in New York.
Over the All-Star break, Gee was revealed to have a blood clot in an artery located in his right shoulder, which will require additional surgery to not only enable him to pitch again, but to live a normal and healthy life. The second surgery will likely put Gee on the shelf for the rest of the 2012 regular season, creating a significant hole at the end of the Mets starting rotation. Without question, the team’s biggest strength this season has been the performance of their starting rotation. It is imperative for the Mets to not just replace Gee, but find someone who could continue to contribute at a high level and enable the Mets to keep the ball rolling on what has been nothing short of a surprise first half.
That brings forward a question that doesn’t only deal with the future of the current 2012 season for the Mets, but the long-term outlook of the big league team: who replaces Dillon Gee?
Out of the gates, it will be Miguel Batista. The Mets love his versatility, and he’s already filled into an open rotation slot once this season when Mike Pelfrey was lost to Tommy John surgery before Chris Young was ready to contribute from his rehab assignment. However, his role in what is the Mets clear weakness, their bullpen, is too important to lose him from late-game situations the deeper this team gets into the season. At most, I would be stunned to see Batista make any more than two starts before the team looks towards another option.
And that’s the thing, who will be that other option? If this team does upgrade from the outside and bring in talent via trades, it will be for more reinforcements for the bullpen or a right-handed hitting catcher. Those seem to be the signals management have sent out to the media and other teams throughout the league. It wouldn’t fit the Mets current organizational outlook to package together top prospects for a chance at a Zack Greinke or Matt Garza. Even a pitcher like Wandy Rodriguez would likely cost the Mets more in prospects than they are currently willing to surrender.
That brings us to one logical piece that is knocking on the Major League’s door. Two of my closest friends and biggest Mets fans I know (Ted Youngling and Brian May) both agreed with me.
Its time for us to see exactly what Matt Havery can do.
Harvey was the #7 overall selection in the 2010 MLB Draft, and has been one of the team’s top prospects ever since. He’s excelled at every level he’s been at thus far in his Minor League career, and has recently put together his most dominant stretch at the AAA level in Buffalo.
In Buffalo this year, Matt Harvey has started 18 games, compiling a 3.39 ERA (ninth in the league) and has fanned 102 batters (second in the league). Harvey has continued to improve his ERA every month of the season, posting a 4.85 in April, 3.24 in May and 2.45 in June. Walks have been the biggest knock against Harvey this season, but he has worked on improving his command of his secondary pitches throughout the season.
Entering this season, depending on the rankings list you decided to read, Harvey and Zach Wheeler ranked 1 and 2 in some order entering this season. Wheeler has spent the entire season in AA, and has made it clear with his impressive stats that he’s ready for the next challenge in AAA. Promoting Harvey would seemingly open that role for Wheeler to slide in to, and continue him on the proper developmental course at the same time.
The main point is, the Mets have made it clear they aren’t going to open the prospect vault for some team in order to acquire a All-Star caliber starting pitcher. Any trade they make will address the team’s weakest link, the bullpen or right-handed help on the bench. And if the Mets were to look at the trade market for a starting pitcher, we’d be hearing names like Jeremy Guthrie in Colorado. What would Guthrie be able to do in New York that Matt Harvey currently can’t?
I understand that the Mets would rather err on the side of caution and play it slow with Harvey’s development. They weren’t anticipating this team being ready to compete for a playoff spot as early as this year. But, this is the situation they are in. They need to prove not only to the fans, but the players within the organization, that they’re taking this success seriously. One clear way to show that is by promoting one of the team’s best assests in the Minor Leagues that will not just help this team win in the future, but potentially right now.
Its time to see what the New York Mets have in Matt Harvey, whether they’re ready or not.
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