http://www.hotfootblog.com New York Mets news, rumors, and analysis. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:12:01 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Luckily, I only caught a few innings of today's Mets-Phillies game. But in the innings I did see, I saw once again why the Mets are a below average team right now. I realize the team is injured, and is lacking in the talent department. What cannot be excused is ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/04/the-comedy-of-errors/ With Fernando Nieve struggling with his command for the second straight start, is it time to think about calling up Jon Niese? John Maine is no where near ready to coming back tothis team, and it could be awhile before Maine could make an impact. With that being said, I ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/04/time-to-give-niese-a-shot/ There has been some criticism of the red hats that have been worn around baseball, from a few Mets bloggers. Over at Kiner's Korner, Gene Anthony lambastes MLB for attempting to, "capitalize on every friggin’ opportunity to make a dollar." At Mets Blog, Michael Baron (no, not the famous Scrabble player) ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/04/mets-bloggers-hate-veterans/ A few days ago, I wrote of my unhappiness with Fernando Tatis. Today, Tatis went 3-4 with a single double, two run homer and 2 HBPs. Hopefully this was the turn of the corner for Tatis and he will be able to help this team going forward. Today, I am ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/02/the-gig-is-up-for-redding/ After Tuesday's debacle, in which Fernando Martinez fell flat on his face, Johan Santana was ineffective, and the Mets lost to a pitcher named Mike Burns to fall two games under .500, Jerry Manuel called a meeting. Manuel described the meeting as a "family talk" to get some "things in ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/02/the-importance-of-the-meeting/ While Minaya’s decision not to overspend on Derek Lowe is looking good, his signing of Oliver Perez is looking catastrophic. Perez is having a nightmare season, with an ERA an eyelash under 10, and more walks than strikeouts in only 21.2 innings pitched. After being sent to the minors to ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/02/mets-get-what-they-paid-for-in-perez-almost/ Many people, including myself, have criticized some of the decisions made by the Mets front office.  Some of the criticism is warranted, some is not.  But roughly half way through the season, it seems that Omar Minaya's decision to pass on free agent pitcher Derek Lowe was a smart one. At ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/02/passing-on-lowe-looks-smart/ According to TSN.com, MLB has expanded the All-Star Rosters from 32 to 33,  allowing teams to carry an extra pitcher.  In last season's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, we were one inning away from seeing David Wright pitch, as both teams were on their last pitcher. Seems like a good idea, ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/07/01/all-star-rosters-expand-to-33/ According to ESPN, former Met OF Lastings Milledge, along with RP Joel Hanrahan, have been shipped to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for speed demon Nyjer Morgan and LHP Sean Burnett. Milledge has been hurt for most of this season, after posting an impressive line of 14 homers and 24 steals ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/30/milledge-shipped-to-pirates/ I have been critical of Jerry Manuel in the past, and rightfully so. His nonsensical decisions based on his own gut feeling disregard logic or reason. But as the injury-depleted Mets become harder to watch, the game-within-a-game of “What Will Manuel Do Next” has become increasingly entertaining. For some ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/30/dear-jerry-manuel-argenis-reyes-is-not-jose-reyes/ Dear David Wright, Greetings! Hey, broski! You have by no means had a poor year.  Going into last night you were batting .342. That's pretty gosh darn good.  Your .919 OPS isn't too shabby either.  My real question is: where has your power gone?  Are you aware that you currently have the lowest slugging percentage ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/30/a-letter-to-d-wright/ The Mets (37-37) travel to Milwaukee to visit the first place Milwaukee Brewers (40-35) for a three game set starting tonight at 7:05. Both teams are coming off losses on Sunday and are looking to bounce back. Here are the pitching matchup: Game 1: Fernando Nieve (3-0 1.31) vs Braden Looper (5-4 ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/series-preview-mets-at-brewers/ There comes a time when being well liked and a good presence in the clubhouse isn't enough for a guy to stay on an MLB roster. In my opinion, that time has come for Fernando Tatis. He cannot field, cannot throw and can no longer hit a fastball. It is ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/is-tatis-done/ I recently detailed why I don't think Daniel Murphy should be playing first base for the Mets major league squad right now.   "But Rich, you can't just point out a problem without suggesting a solution."   Well first of all, disembodied voice, yes I can.  But first and a half of all, I've got ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/time-to-try-sheffield-at-first-base/ Daniel Murphy has a slugging percentage of .362. For a defensive wiz at short stop or second base, a .362 slugging percentage is acceptable.  But first basemen traditionally hit for a lot of power; the average NL first baseman has a .482 slugging percentage and an .850 OPS (on base plus ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/mets-cannot-continue-with-murphy-at-first/ As a Met fan, I feel as if someone threw scalding hot coffee on my face, before kicking me in the knee and pushing me down a flight of stairs, into a pile of mouse traps. Last week, I believe I said something along the lines of... ...I started to think “why ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/dog-house-dweller-of-the-week-or-bumpy-ride-part-ii/ He's only pitched one game last week, but I'm going to jump on the bandwagon anyway.  SP Fernando Nieve is my Man-Crush of the Week. Over 3 starts against the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rays, and 4 appearances overall, Fernando Nieve has pitched to a 1.31 ERA with a BAA of .153.  ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/man-crush-of-the-week-fernando-nieve/ For some reason, Omar Minaya was sold on the idea that the Mets could grab the former 5th starter from the Nationals - a player the Nats didn't want back - and turn him into the 5th starter for a contending ball club.  This experiment has failed.  Tim Redding is by no ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/put-redding-in-the-pen/ Just a few random thoughts. . . Encouraging start for Oliver Perez last night for the Brooklyn Cyclones.  In five innings, he struck out six, allowed only two hits and walked one batter.  The most encouraging factor in this outing is the one walk - in single A, anybody should be able ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/29/random-musings/ ESPN is reporting that IF Mark DeRosa has been dealt to the Cardinals in exchange for RP Chris Perez and a player to be named later. Perez,  regarded as the closer of the future for the Cardinals, had a 4.18 ERA and a 1.35 ERA for the Cards in 2009. DeRosa, a ... http://www.hotfootblog.com/2009/06/27/derosa-dealt-to-cards/