International signing period coming up
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jun 12, 2008 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
ESPN.com has a good breakdown on the Latin American prospects available this season.
That signing period starts July 2.
Brian Cashman was at the Yankees complex in the Dominican Republic a few months ago to see players work out. Damon Oppenheimer is not largely involved in this aspect of scouting. The Yankees rely on Abel Guerra and Alex Cotto to run international scouting operations.
Trying to figure out the quality of Latin American prospects is like entering a maze of hype, lies and rumors. American agents are now getting involved with players, too. That only complicates the situation more.
The Yankees have been aggressive with players in recent seasons (like Jesus Montero) and you can expect that to continue. But don’t get too caught up in the names or whether they signed a certain player. Quite often the best signings are those that come in under the radar.
Michel Inoa, Yorman Rodriguez and Carlos Perez are my top three
Pete you forgot Carlos Rios he also is involved w/ the Intl. scouting.
The est ones are almost alays the under the radar guys.
And by alays, of course, I mean always.
“Inoa could get a bonus in the range of $3 million to $4 million. The Oakland A’s loom as the front-runner. The Oakland A’s loom as the front-runner.”
Brandon are you worried?
Brandon are you worried?
Of who Oakland…pfffffttt, the Yankees can trump anyone’s offer. This is where if they believe Inoa is the top arm, they will get him. Not Oakland, not Boston, not Detroit or the Mets.
What I’m worried is Boston might be that team that has an oral agreement w/ Yorman.
BTW the rumors are the 16 yr. old Carlos Perez is a guarantee the Yankees are willing to go 800 K to 1 Million w/ him. That’s an under the radar kid w/ good upside.
16 is so young…I know I don’t have a right to complain about being old, but dang, 16 is YOUNG!
If the scouting is on point, the International signing period seems to be the place the Yanks are best able to use money to their advantage.
“BTW the rumors are the 16 yr. old Carlos Perez is a guarantee the Yankees are willing to go 800 K to 1 Million w/ him. That’s an under the radar kid w/ good upside.”
Would we know if this if he were actually under the radar??
Im not going to get my hopes up with Inoa. I did this 2 years ago with Dice-K. I would have bet anything he would be a Yankee and then the Sox come out of nowhere. I kinda of have the same feeling here.
Would we know if this if he were actually under the radar??
yes we would because that would mean for his top out price to be $850 K he isn’t thought of that highly. Which for the life of me I don’t understand. I mean LHP, 16 yrs. old good moving fastball and a decent curveball that spins, Swarling Jimenez LHP is another under the radar 16 yr. LHP, he tops out at 90 mph some…some people hype him to be the LH Pedro Martinez only because he pitches inside alot.
could teams go to africa and sign a guy? Im surprised that kenyons arent targeted…surely a kenyon runner could be groomed into a top notch center fielder.
Pete,
Again great post. Inernational signing are the kind of thing a beat reporter for the yankees would have never paid any attention to in the past. Now its a huge part of the yankee’s organizational approach.
One of the biggest things to have happened to the yankees since they won their last series was losing out on Felix Hernandez to the mariners. Wasn’t noticed much at the time but it’s gone on to be a franchise changing event.
Pete’s point on American agents entering the international market can’t be underestimated. The amount of hype and nonsense flying around on these kids is only going to increase as Boras, etc get involved.
That said – scouts really do love Inoa.
He’s not signing with Oakland. That’s just a rumor floated to make the big market teams shell out more money.
When the signing period opens, how quickly do top players commit?
William, I imagine that has to do with how much money is on the table.
Almost all these kids are listed at 16, how can it even be predicted where they’ll end up ten years from now when they reach prime baseball age? Tough biz.
Francis, what are they going to do, just sign a random Kenyan? lol
William the answer to your question on July 2nd 12 AM we signed Kevin DeLeon
anthony…not just any kenyan, a young kenyan runner…one who is already an athlete.
Brandon or anyone else:
What’s your understanding of the level of competition these kids play in? Is it legion ball level. Cape Cod League? Fordham intramurals? Lot of money going to a kid like Inoa who MAY be helpful 6-7 years down the road.
So, what’s the algorithm to find out their real age, age = age + 2?
Yeah, would you have signed Carl Lewis? Hitting a baseball is not something just any runner can do, no matter how great an athlete.
was deleon the played compared to arod?
Fredo, I would never put it Cape Cod level that’s a bit too advanced for 16 and 17 yr. olds, I’d say collegiate meets legion ball.
Fordham intramurals not sure what that is. (I’m sorry some things I just don’t know)
was deleon the played compared to arod?
No he was compared to Vlady
Wow Johan was dealing today. Damn Mets are going to get 2 out of 3 from the Dbacks, actually Mets pen has to pitch 2 innings so I will wait on saying that.
deleon was compared to magellan
“was deleon the played compared to arod?
No he was compared to Vlady”
so where do these players go after they are signed? obviously not in the normal minor league system…
“Lot of money going to a kid like Inoa who MAY be helpful 6-7 years down the road.”
Is it really THAT different than what someone’ll pay a first-round high school pick?
They advantage the Yanks have is they can afford to make high-risk, high-reward acquisitions of this type. Other teams can’t afford to be wrong as much as the Yanks can. In fact, this is kind of where you WANT to be taking those kind of risks.
“so where do these players go after they are signed? obviously not in the normal minor league system…”
There’s a dominican summer league. The best of the best come right to America, like Montero. Most of the other kids go to franchise-run camps down in the Dominican and play each other.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D.....mer_league
Francis – Kenyans are dominant distance runners, not sprinters. If center field is expanded to about 20 square miles, maybe a Kenyan is your best bet. Otherwise your approach should point you more toward a 100 or 200m runner. In either case, the ceiling is probably Joey Gathright with even less of a bat. It would be quite a show, though, considering the average Kenyan distance runner probably weighs around 110 lbs. They’d have to borrow Pedroia’s uniforms.
Mets are certainly in better shape than the Yankees, and always have been so far this season.
“So, what’s the algorithm to find out their real age, age = age + 2?”
There is a very reliable genetic test developed for finding people’s real age. Why aren’t they using it?
Mets are certainly in better shape than the Yankees, and always have been so far this season.
how you figure ?
“Otherwise your approach should point you more toward a 100 or 200m runner.”
yeah, i think you need a Jamaican, not a Kenyan.
“Mets are certainly in better shape than the Yankees, and always have been so far this season.”
The currently under .500 who play in an easier division than the Yankees are in better shape than the Yankees?
Did you not see two weeks ago they wanted to fire Randolph, and they still do?
Were you drunk when you wrote this?
“Mets are certainly in better shape than the Yankees, and always have been so far this season.”
Hmm I’m not so sure about that..
Before i sign any of them i would ask if they got their birth certificates the same place as Tejada and El Duque. If so then you need to add 5 to 10 on the age.
Another words Minaya is that you ?
S.o.S.27 Inoa is 16, there is no paper wooek there.
work* (I hit submit too fast)
“Francis – Kenyans are dominant distance runners, not sprinters.”
Perfect for Girardi’s spring training boot camp.
Devon White and Chili Davis are Jamaican.
And so is Justin Masterson which I find as quite a shock.
Perfect for Girardi’s spring training boot camp.
so is Terrell Owens
“S.o.S.27 Inoa is 16, there is no paper wooek there.”
Brandon,
I was born in south america. I believe my mother recieved a birth certificate when after she delivered. I dont think a high school id will suffice.
“Mets are certainly in better shape than the Yankees, and always have been so far this season.â€
They are under .500 an have no veritable farm system. How is this better?
Which has the highest payroll in baseball?
Which is in last place?
Which the more disappointing team in NY?
“Mets are certainly in better shape than the Yankees, and always have been so far this season.”
Are you for real?
Before i sign any of them i would ask if they got their birth certificates the same place as Tejada and El Duque. If so then you need to add 5 to 10 on the age.
Go to that ESPN article, there is a picture of Inoa. He definitely looks 16, I’d be shocked if he was any older than that.
“There is a very reliable genetic test developed for finding people’s real age. Why aren’t they using it?”
What is the margin for error on that test?
Good luck trying to get anyone to take it also.
I could care less how old they are. Look at Montero, he’s listed as 18. Even if he’s actually 20 or 21 he’s still doing well in A ball and would be about the average age for his league. Its tough to fake more than a few years difference anyways.
Which the more disappointing team in NY?
Mets: Many “experts” choice to win the National League
Yankees: Most frequently picked to finish second IN THEIR DIVISION.
You tell me, who’s further from meeting expectations?
I miss Chili Davis. He was awesome.
Which has the highest payroll in baseball?
Yeah this starting off well
Which is in last place?
both aren’t in 1st places and it’s not looking like you will catch Philly imo
Which the more disappointing team in NY?
IDK which team collapsed last season Omar
“Which has the highest payroll in baseball?
Which is in last place?
Which the more disappointing team in NY?”
The Mets gave away most of the top players in their farm system for Johan Santana.
They Mets have Johan for the next 7 years at 20 something mil and his velocity is down in year one.
Again, the Mets want to fire Willie and their bullpen blows a game every other night.
Are you seriously trying to say the Mutts are in better shape?
“Which the more disappointing team in NY?”
Why are we even comparing a AAAA team to the Yankees?
Although the mets have been dissapointing this season I don’t think we can point at Santana as being a part of that dissapointment. He just threw 7 innings, 3 hits, 0 R, 10 K’s. His velocity is down (averaging 90-92 on his fastball today) but he’s still a great pitcher. He has a sub-3 ERA now. He might regress in the future but so far he’s been pretty darn good for them.
Speaking of the AAAA. Their elite bullpen looks like they also trying to give this game away. We thought we had problems. Whats funny is supposidly the Mets werent interested in trading for Hawkins. He would probably be one of their top pitchers behind Wagner and ?.
“I miss Chili Davis. He was awesome.”
Wasn’t he the only thing that separated the Yankees from the indignity of being perfect gamed by Pedro Martinez in Yankee Stadium???? Chili’s homer was the only blemish is a 3-1 Sox win where Martinez fanned 17. September 1999, I think.
Was actually in Boston that night. Bar I was at had a band who refused to go on until Martinez was done. I watched Cone and Wells throw their perfectos, but I’m not sure that wasn’t the most dominant game I ever saw pitched.
didn’t mets take 2 out of 3 from yanks?
Arizona is a joke how do you turn him lose on 3-0 w/ runners on 1st and 3rd …
didn’t mets take 2 out of 3 from yanks?
We played horrible that series, there is no excuse we just played horrible.
“didn’t mets take 2 out of 3 from yanks?”
No, they didn’t.
Fredo- pedro was unreal that night, and I remember watching the Chili Homer. Thank God he hit that lol.
Yeah, Santana isn’t the (only) reason the Mets have problems right now.
What do you think about trading for Kemp or Loney?
Actually SoS, Feliciano, Smith, Schoeneweis and Vargas have been pretty decent for the Mets. Their problem with pitching is they only have 2.5 decent starters.
Also, is it me or does the National League play a hella lot more day games than the AL?
“He might regress in the future but so far he’s been pretty darn good for them.”
And if they only had him for one year, that might be ok. But, he lost several MPH on his FB before he even threw a game for them. And they have him for 6 more years. And gave up almost everything they had in the farm to get him.
He may not be a problem _right now_ but he’s going to be a big part of the problem going forward unless whatever’s wrong magically fixes itself. Or, they take a hit while he has surgery and comes back as his normal self.
“What do you think about trading for Kemp or Loney?”
I don’t think we match up well with the Dodgers. Kemp is young and filled with promise, albeit a jerk. They want a big bat that’s not too old to give them a boost NOW. If Matsui could play the field every day, that’d be something they might be interested in.
But, I don’t think we have the bat they want to trade for.
Now…LaRoche, on the other hand, is someone I’d be interested in looking at as a 1B. He’s righty, gets on base a TON and has pretty good pop.
“He may not be a problem _right now_ but he’s going to be a big part of the problem going forward unless whatever’s wrong magically fixes itself.”
Yeah I was trying to imply that right now he’s not a problem but he might be in the future.
“What do you think about trading for Kemp or Loney?”
Yes please.
“I watched Cone and Wells throw their perfectos, but I’m not sure that wasn’t the most dominant game I ever saw pitched.”
That was a great game but what about Kerry Wood’s 20 strikeout game? I saw a video of his last strikeout and basically he threw the same breaking ball (which was by the way the best breaking ball I’ve ever seen) 3 times to get 3 swings. The hitter knew what was coming and still couldn’t even make contact, it was insane.
whozat:
LaRoche : Dodgers :: Britton : Yankees
I think if Cashman asked Matsui to waive that no trade to go back and play with Joe Torre, theyd be willing to talk about LaRoche.
just seems like it to me.
ok Billy 3 easy outs to keep the radio clean…
“They want a big bat that’s not too old to give them a boost NOW. If Matsui could play the field every day, that’d be something they might be interested in.”
They’d look at somebody like Bay or perhaps even Dunn. Established sluggers, but ones who aren’t on the back nine of their career. Matsui just isn’t going to bring back much value. His value to the Yankees is greater than the value he’d bring back in trade.
Is it sad that I missed most of 1998 because of @$#$ summer camp?
whozat,
I was thinking of Matsui myself. They also look like a team that is not meeting expectations. Throw in Duncan and some bullpen help? I guess i was looking for someone to take over Abreu spot if he ends up getting a huge contract else where or first base so that we arent stuck another 7 years with an albatross contract. The advantage i see in dealing with the dodgers is Torre.
Good point Patrick. Wood was dominant that night. What made Martinez’s game so special to me is that it was against the Yankees, who in 1999 were the Rolls Royce of baseball teams flush in the middle of a dynasty. I’ve never seen such a great team looked so helpless against someone.
Oh boy Billy
“LaRoche : Dodgers :: Britton : Yankees”
I know! That’s why I think he’d be gettable.
“They’d look at somebody like Bay or perhaps even Dunn. Established sluggers, but ones who aren’t on the back nine of their career.”
Yeah.
“Matsui just isn’t going to bring back much value.”
Now, that I think is an overstatement. He’s still a really good lefty bat. OPS over .850. And it’s not like his deal is a huge albatross. He’d not getting Kemp, but if there’s a team with a fit he could definitely bring back value.
Not saying the Mariners have anything we want, but you think THEY wouldn’t take him? If Floyd goes down and the Rays are in a playoff push at the deadline…you think THEY wouldn’t want him?
he’ll get’em don’t worry about it. Willie is not gonna face pandora’s box today
Somebody tell Billy Wagner it’s June not October.
3 OUTS BILLY !
JUST GET 3 YOU FOOL !
“Throw in Duncan and some bullpen help? I guess i was looking for someone to take over Abreu spot if he ends up getting a huge contract else where or first base so that we arent stuck another 7 years with an albatross contract.”
No one wants Shelley Duncan.
It makes sense to look for someone to take over Abreu’s spot, but that doesn’t need to be a 24/25 year old potential stud. Look for a 29-31 year old with 2-3 years left on his deal. Should be cheaper to trade for, and perfectly good while we see if Jackson or Tabata will be ready in 2010.
Did the starting pitchers do something to piss Wagner off?
This is why we should all Be GREATFUL for MO
Don’t ever complain about Mo, this just shows how great Mo is, it the toughest job in BB
When did Kyle Farnsworth start throwing left handed and decide to pitch for the Mets?
Gary Cohen is so mad lol.
NO SONOFAB***** DID NOT WALK THE BASES LOADED
3 OUTS FOOL
3 POPS UPS
1 k 2 POP UPS
3 GOS
GET 3 OUTS ,
A DP AND A K
JUST GET 3 !
Ok a DP and your out of this com’on Billy don’t go Farnsy here.
He’s gonna get out of it. The law of averages demands that he does.
Brandon are you a Mets fan?
“If center field is expanded to about 20 square miles, maybe a Kenyan is your best bet.”
Thanks Robert! That gave me a much needed laugh today.
Brandon are you a Mets fan?
I’m a Willie fan, and he blew the save
ohhhhhhhh. almost.
Brandon- wagner on the fantasy team?
Yankees in 09 baby the rest of this season is gravy next year Joba will be able to go 180-200 innings, hopefully Phil francise will lay it on the line and dominate some games and who knows maybe the likes of Humberto Sanchez and Mark Melancon are up here dominating out of the pen I see good things on the horizon just not this year. This Yankee ball club has gotten very comfortable at .500 and sitting on their reputations as “the comeback kids” when quite frankly this team dont have it this year besides the games against KC last weekend I cant recall any fight in this team. The only way this team will get the message is in September when they get mathematically eliminated from playoff contention thats when it will really sink in.
Wagner is terrific!!
“Matsui just isn’t going to bring back much value.â€
Now, that I think is an overstatement. He’s still a really good lefty bat. OPS over .850. And it’s not like his deal is a huge albatross. He’d not getting Kemp, but if there’s a team with a fit he could definitely bring back value.”
Guess we’d have to define value. What I mean to say is he will not bring a solid young player. Those are just too valuable to teams these days. Would he bring you something close to a shutdown 8th inning guy?? Probably. Would he bring you a solid low end of the rotation pitcher (read #4/5)? Probably again as long as he’s not 27 or less.
Like I said, he probably has more value to the Yankees as a player than he does trade bait.
“He’s gonna get out of it. The law of averages demands that he does.”
Uh… I don’t think the Law of Averages means what you think it means
Johan with the no decision ouch.
Brandon- wagner on the fantasy team?
Yes picked him up 4 weeks ago
How do you think Santana feels right about now?
I’d bet he had no idea what he was in store for at Shea.
WFAN could be a scary place in about an hour.
how bad is billy wagner these days?
“No one wants Shelley Duncan.”
Haha I was just about to post that. It seems like he is a popular throw-in when people around here propose a trade.
I also agree with your point about getting a replacement RF. Someone like Ryan Church who never got a shot at starting for the Nats but the Mets made a trade for and turns out he’s very solid. Who knows, Jackson might even be major league ready by mid 2009.
Another option is to put Melky in right and Gardner in center. The outfield would be generating almost no power but for a half a season I think they could get away with it, especially if Cashman signs Texeira.
I guess we won’t see Jack Nicholson for the rest of the afternoon.
how bad is billy wagner these days?
he’s off my Fantasy Team after tonight
“Uh… I don’t think the Law of Averages means what you think it means”
true…but it sounded pretty good…and thats all that really matters.
Brandon, sorry to see Wagner is on your fantasy team. That’s a rough few days. I guess you know how Willie feels, except with the media hounding you.
I’m on the phone, did Wagner just blow it?
I’m on the phone, did Wagner just blow it?
Yep. Thats 3 bad outings in a row for Billy, tough stretch.
honestly, would hate to see Wagner get the win after blowing the save. It is interesting to see all this happening after all the talking he did a few weeks ago.
Is Wagner always that bad or is this like a past week thing even if the Mets win this game sucked for them and I bet Johan is gonna make Wagner voodoo doll and invite Pelf over for a ritual.
He blew the save. 4-4 bottom of the 9th now
Single wins it here I think Wrights got it.
Endy Chavez is hitting .212 hahaha
Remember when all those Mets fans were calling WFAN and saying he was better then everyone in the Yankee outfield.. hahaha good times
“How do you think Santana feels right about now?”
Probably wishing he was cross town having MO save his games.
“No one wants Shelley Duncan.â€
Everybody needs an enforcer. Thats the reason we have Farns. One on a team is more than enough. So yes he is a movable part and for some teams much needed. If hockey has them what makes you think baseball dont?
The clubhouse at Shea is not going to be pleasant tonight.
godzirra is just beneath the upper echelon of elite hitters…he definitley has value.
Wagner has single handedly killed me this week in the fantasy league I have to hope Jason Isringausen comes back and actually does something oye
jeez. i thought nothing came easy for the yankees.
“How do you think Santana feels right about now?
I’d bet he had no idea what he was in store for at Shea.”
I really can’t imagine what he feels like right now. You can just tell by the players voices and body language that that team is in turmoil right now. And it’s not something that can be fixed over night either.
“Everybody needs an enforcer. Thats the reason we have Farns. One on a team is more than enough. So yes he is a movable part and for some teams much needed. If hockey has them what makes you think baseball dont?”
Because baseball isn’t a contact sport. There is no such thing as an enforcer in baseball. Duncan is a worthless commodity right now.
Wagner has single handedly killed me this week in the fantasy league
So you too huh…
At least my opponent this week has Santana so he wont get the win lol
Web gem at third!! Wow!
Delgado wins it right here
I had a deal lined up at one point (about 6 weeks ago), me getting Hanley Ramirez and Billy Wagner for Hamilton+Dice-K+Percival+draft picks.
So glad I didn’t do that
Mets fan fall in love with players very fast after Endy’s catch in game 7 a few years back they were devoted same thing with Damion Easley, Marlon Anderson, Jose Valentin Mets fans like to worship mediocre players its a fact.
ok Easley will win it
“Because baseball isn’t a contact sport.”
Dont tell Duncan that.
Pat it was a freekin joke.
BTW. Melky has as many homers as Beltron has and a better avg. Just wanted to throw that in.
So right now I should be glad I have Lidge, except my fantasy team is STILL in last place.
I don’t know how this is possible. I have Lincecum, and my team is in last place!
Can someone give the Mets a break lol?
WOW …webgem at SS
WOW…two amazing plays to send it to extras.
SOS – great point about Melky vs. Beltran’s numbers.
What’s the difference in age, there?
i actually consider myself somewhat of a “met hater”…but even this is too much for me.
“Pat it was a freekin joke.”
Sorry I didn’t realize, I thought you were being serious!
“Endy Chavez is hitting .212 hahaha”
You mean Inning Endy Chavez?
And failure to score….
Well there’s some good news Heilman has actually pitched well the last few outings.
Yea the Mets fans loved Everyday Joe McEwing
Another superstar
“So right now I should be glad I have Lidge, except my fantasy team is STILL in last place.
I don’t know how this is possible. I have Lincecum, and my team is in last place!”
I’m 7th/20, but very happy with my team.
Soto/A. Gonzalez/Ellis/ARod/Hamilton/McLouth/Pierre/Kubel/Griffey, Kazmir/Lackey/Harang/Dice-K/OliverPerez/Pettitte/Laffey/Percival/Torres/R.Soriano
And of course the Mets cant even come through so I can get the win with Wagner.If this was a movie no one would believe it.
I think just for the sake of the fans the Yanks need to tee off on Blanton tonight, of course they wont but it would be therapeutic given last nights debacle.
a good night to not hang out with the Met-fan cousins…
V
June 12th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I had a deal lined up at one point (about 6 weeks ago), me getting Hanley Ramirez and Billy Wagner for Hamilton+Dice-K+Percival+draft picks.
So glad I didn’t do that
There is nothing worse than hearing about someones fantasy team.
the Nl teams are generally speaking much more athletic then the AL teams. The Yanks cannot play NL baseball.. to slow and limited range in the field…
being a Mets fan right now is a tough thing…..Wagner is killing them…
“Melky has as many homers as Beltron has and a better avg. Just wanted to throw that in.”
Beltran has an .818 OPS. That’s 100 points better than melky. He’s got a .457 slugging pct and a .367 OBP.
Beltran is having a good season, especially for a CF. Melky is not. There’s no comparison between them.
“There is nothing worse than hearing about someones fantasy team.”
Thanks for your input ‘Savalas’.
Uh-Oh
“Beltran is having a good season, especially for a CF. Melky is not. There’s no comparison between them.”
Except that Beltran is one of Melky’s top 5 comparables, and Melky is much younger
That ump screwed them out of a strikeout
Actually, my bad. Beltran is Melky’s TOP comparable under Baseball Prospectus’s PECOTA.
Except that Beltran is one of Melky’s top 5 comparables, and Melky is much younger
He has a long way the way he’s going.
Melky is not Beltran. No matter what the home runs say. Use some common sense.
If I’m a Mets fan I’m grabbing a nice tall ledge right now.
“Except that Beltran is one of Melky’s top 5 comparables, and Melky is much younger ”
Keep dreaming V
I hope it comes true as well.
I amend that. There is something worse than hearing about someones fantasy teams. Hearing someones fantasy trades.
Talk about killing a crowd with boredom and useless nonsense.
The Mets are playing a brand of baseball that can be aptly defined as “playing not to lose”. When you play this style of baseball, bad things generally happen. The collapse from last year must still be weighing heavily on the franchise.
Al from Burger King – no, you’re letting go of that ledge.
Poor Willie. He waited for years for his Mgr. Opportunity…
Isn’t it funny how Jack Nicholson has seemingly disappeared from the room after the Mets lost the lead and now are in danger of losing the game?
Melky will be lucky to hold off Brett Gardner let alone be on the level of Carlos Beltran.
Moronic.
“Except that Beltran is one of Melky’s top 5 comparables, and Melky is much younger”
Games aren’t played in virtual world of a correlation matrix or a predictive model.
There’s no comparison between them as players.
Cohen sounds like he lost his puppy.
The Mets just aren’t a good team. The sad part is they won’t be good for a long time since the farm system is at 2004 Yankee levels.
Whoever compared Melky Cabrera to Carlos Beltran should be banned from posting.
Not even kidding. That is beyond crazy.
maybe Aguila wins it w/ a walkoff
“Except that Beltran is one of Melky’s top 5 comparables, and Melky is much younger”
Aaaaaaand if he doesn’t start taking better ABs from the right side and getting on base more, it won’t matter. Or, start making all of his hits doubles and homers.
Honestly, I’d happily trade melky and a pitching prospect for a solid, righty CFer.
Wow, did I say he -is- Beltran? As good as Beltran? No way. He has much less power at his age than Beltran did at his.
However, Beltran is his top comparable, in terms of minor league –> major league development.
Coco Crisp is up there, Markakis. Scrubs and stars. PECOTA tries to find out what players are ‘similar’ to a player in projecting that player’s future.
Melky’s 23. He has several years to illustrate power development before he’s tossed aside as a scrub.
Maybe not.
I got a good question for everyone in the room.
Which team will be more pathetic come the Subway Series later this month, Yanks or Mets?
Al from BK I hope it’s not us.
Actually, I really want Bobby Kielty to platoon with Melky and the other OFers.
Wow Johan was dealing today. Damn Mets are going to get 2 out of 3 from the Dbacks, actually Mets pen has to pitch 2 innings so I will wait on saying that.
This was my post after Johan came out of the game today lol.
“I amend that. There is something worse than hearing about someones fantasy teams. Hearing someones fantasy trades.
Talk about killing a crowd with boredom and useless nonsense.”
So how is complaining about it any better?
Watching this Mets team makes me appreciate my team that much more. The grass isnt always greener.
V,
gotta give it to you last night. You held your ground in attempting to calm people down. I dont know where and how you have the patience for it. You were 100% right.
I know Brandon, if its us that is inexcusable.
jack nicholson, are you still here????
I swear, tough crowd.
21-23 yr olds held at the same standard as 30 yr old veterans.
And I thought Jack is a Yankees fan.
Difference between the Mets and the Yankees:
The Yankees have a plan for their future.
The Mets, uh, not so much.
jack nicholson, are you still here????
That was Omar Minaya he was just going by his alias
WAGNER! THRID BLOWN SAVE!! JOHAN MUST BE WONDERING WTF!! HE SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN MINNESOTA!! HAHAHAHA
“Whoever compared Melky Cabrera to Carlos Beltran should be banned from posting.”
Peter he was really kidding!!
LOL!!!!!! Wagner blows another save. Heilman gives up winning run. Mets lose 5-4.
“Melky’s 23. He has several years to illustrate power development before he’s tossed aside as a scrub.”
The thing is that he doesn’t seem to wait for pitches to drive. His homers come when he manages to yank one. It’s not like he’s hitting doubles that will turn into homers when he gets stronger.
I dunno…I was really hoping we’d see the melky with a .360 OBP from 2006. Not the guy we saw last year. He’ll never have the power to be anything but a top-of-the-order bat, I don’t think. And he doesn’t get on base enough for that.
My uncle must have been watching the Met game. He thinks he is a jinx. He started to watch yesterdays game and they lost the lead, he watched last nights Yankee game and we allknow what happened.
I told him to stay away from Yankee games, and watch soxs, and Met games.
“Difference between the Mets and the Yankees:
The Yankees have a plan for their future.
The Mets, uh, not so much.”
:thumbsup:
That’s why I wasn’t in favor of dealing Hughes+Melky for Santana+contract.
Nor am I in favor of dealing Cano for Sabathia.
Nor am I in favor of dealing Horne+Tabata for lefty reliever crush of the week.
This team isn’t one piece away from being the no doubt World Series favorite.
Rebeca you are so right. Mets built this team for win now and look at what is happening!
Yankees building for a new dynasty!
I say Wagner and Farnsworth should be sent to live on an island together similar to “The Two Coreys” only it can be something like “The Two Ridiculously Unreliable Relievers” and just have them compete in relay races fight for coconuts try to make fire stuff like that. I would watch it just to be a bit sadistic.
“Which team will be more pathetic come the Subway Series later this month, Yanks or Mets?”
is that a question that really needs to be answered?
yanks will be on a hot streak once they go over and play in the stadium built on a garbage dump! Muts will be coming off of actually having to play real teams aka..AL teams!
I predict SWEEP!!!!
Maybe Hawkins could guest star with Heilman too.
“21-23 yr olds held at the same standard as 30 yr old veterans.”
Not really…but you want to see improvement. Or at least a lack of regression. His ABs from the right side have been BAD for a month and a half. He gets his hits as a lefty, sure, and every now and again he yanks one out. Ok. He’s not showing the ability to get on base, and he’s not really showing the ability to drive the ball…it’s just worrisome.
Great post Rebecca. Totally agreed.
I thought Jack was a Lakers fan…
Speaking of fantasy baseball, I just noticed that I have 4 active outfielders. One of them acts as the DH then?
Oh and Pavano is the host who else thinks the ratings would be huge especially in the tri-state market.
It’s a shame Willie is probably going to get fired from the Mets.
No manager could have prevented the Mets having leads in all three games against the D-Backs and losing 2 of the games in the 9th because their closer can’t close the deal.
You would almost think that Wagner is trying to get Willie fired.
The Yankees should keep Hughes in the rotation for all of AAA next year and bring in CC because he will just cost money.And Trade for Houstron Street.This isn’t a rebuilding team.
You don’t pay Alex Rodriguez $27 million and Jeter $18 million and try to rebuild.
Jack Nicholson is a team jumper he is at Yankees games in the playoffs and at Mets games when Santana is pitching he just does whatever he wants basically.
You know I’m coming away by a thinking from this Mets game
1) I’m trading Wagner off my FL team, I’m gonna see if I can sucker one of my opponents from Jason Bay and Damaso Marte.
2) The D’Backs made just as many errors.
3) Johan was good but the D’Backs played 10 innings, the Mets played 6.2 innings, another words they sat on that lead and thought it was over and at the end it was too late.
Texas Rangers coming to Shea good luck there.
“Oh and Pavano is the host who else thinks the ratings would be huge especially in the tri-state market.”
Throw in a Cameo by Igawa and you your rating go through the roof.
Guys like Wagner are just poison on a team. The combination of him constantly making incendiary remarks that sell out teammates and his own history of choking in big spots is an awful combination.
Omar has just brought in a terrible mix of talent. It’s not even an issue of chemistry – it’s hard to describe that team.
But its the kind of thing you see again and again (though not to this extent) on teams that are assembled via free agency to win now.
They just seem to stop worrying about player development. That’s the recurring issue again and again. Go into win now mode, forget player development, blow up underperforming team.
The Tigers are doing this now. Their draft was remarkable as it was one short term need pick after another. It’ll be interesting to see if Gerrit Cole ever becomes a MLB starter. Hard to believe they passed on him. But thats the mindset.
It just doesn’t work. Why is hard to say. The mets were thrilled when they got Wagner to sign. They should have been able to try to build a system while trying to win now but Omar just didn’t do it.
You don’t pay Alex Rodriguez $27 million and Jeter $18 million and try to rebuild.
Hmm you sound like Michael Kay but you are right, there is no need to rebuild.
Hughes will probably spend the rest of this season on the DL and in AAA. I’d consider having him throw in a winter league somewhere to get more innings. Next year I’d stash him in the minors for a few months on a strict innings limit then bring him up to be the fifth starter. I think a veteran starter will probably be necessary next season but I’m not sure it will be Sabathia. McCutchen might be in the mix for a job in the majors as well as Horne. Unfortunately Horne will also be on a pretty low innings limit due to his injury this year.
“You would almost think that Wagner is trying to get Willie fired.”
He was the one that said every player should be accountable. I wonder if he’ll get out of the locker room before the media gets in?
I can see Minaya calling Cashman back on possibly getting Hawkins.
I hope Jack has a better read on his Lakers than he does on the two NY baseball teams! lol
Only thing funnier than a Met troll is one who leaves when the going gets good.
Rebecca hit the nail on the head. The Yankees have a plan and the Mets do not.
No worries Met fans. Omar has a few more 40 year olds lined up to help for the second half of the year.
Never fear. The man is “in charge”! lol
CB, I could see the Mets becoming the Knicks of baseball in a year or two.
So let me ask you guys: building for the future vs. win now: good idea for a blog post? Or good idea for a post as long as I don’t write it
S.o.s,
Wagner had better stay and answer questions for about 20 minutes. He’s a hypocrite if he doesn’t.
I hope Perez calls out Wagner.
They should probably just make this show about all the ineffective or useless players from ever local team so you can include Jerome James, Jared Jeffries, Starbury, Chad Pennington,Bryan Thomas, Jeremy Shockey, Keith Van Horn, Rick Dipietro, Shelley Duncan and bringing back Hideki Irabu for the finale. Damn thats great entertainment.
I can’t believe Moises Alou is possibly headed back to the DL.
Patrick,
Mckutchen is struggling big time in Scranton. Hopefully he will find himself. The pitcher im rooting for is Horne. I thought he would be able to help out in the pen this year prior to the injury.
Torre is up to his old tricks. Losing 6-0 and under .500. As much as i dislike Girardi right now. Im glad we made the move. Also Kuroda lasted 2.1 innings today 4 ERA. NO JAPANESE PITCHERS!!
“They should probably just make this show about all the ineffective or useless players from ever local team so you can include ”
Tony Womack, Felix Heredia, Kenny Lofton…
Why are you people wasting a good post on International players by talking about the Mets?!?
“So let me ask you guys: building for the future vs. win now:”
Rebecca,
Its a great subject. But a suggestion – why accept that dichotomy? Is it a false one.
IMO the really interesting question and what teams are sorting segregating into is more of a continuum between building for the future (royals) and trying to win now at all costs (mets, tigers) being the extremes. That’s the traditional split.
But now there’s more of a middle ground where teams are trying to build and win – and its not just the Yankees. Its the yanks, the sox, the D’Backs, the dodgers to some extent.
To me, its the middle ground that’s really the interesting one. But that’s just my take.
“CB, I could see the Mets becoming the Knicks of baseball in a year or two.”
Sadly, the Knicks will still be the Knicks in a year or two. One of three worst organizations in professional sports.
Mckutchen is struggling big time in Scranton.
He’s struggling but not TOO terrible. AA wasn’t a challenge any longer, he just needs some more time at AAA and I’m sure he’ll improve.
BA reports David Adams received a $333 K bonus and Corban Joseph got $207 K
Van Horn wasn’t bad…during his Nets tenure anyway
Irabu wasn’t as bad as people thought; he turned in a better ’98 than Andy
CB: That’s a really interesting take.
I was thinking of doing something that partially explains right now why the Rays and the Diamondbacks, among others, are having the success they are, while the Tigers and the Mets are lagging behind.
Oooh, this is going to be a fun post to write.
My comment just got eaten so I’ll try again:
“To me, its the middle ground that’s really the interesting one. But that’s just my take.”
I agree.
However, one interesting team for me is the Cubs. Most of their team comes from trades and FA signings and they are the best team in MLB. They have a couple homegrown players like Theriot, Soto, Zambrano and Wood but the majority of the players come from out of organization.
“I can’t believe Moises Alou is possibly headed back to the DL.”
Really? You can’t believe it?
“Irabu wasn’t as bad as people thought; he turned in a better ‘98 than Andy”
Yeah, Irabu really gets a bad rap but he was actually decent during his time with the Yankees.
Irabu looks like Koufax compared to Igawa.
The Knicks are gonna be unwatchable until at least 2010 or 2011. So sad what has happened to a team with lots of history I dont understand how those players can put on the orange and blue and crap on the uniform when so many players bleed those colors.
Really? You can’t believe it?
Why did I laugh
The way we are headed the only sport worth watching in NY is gonna be Football.
The way we are headed the only sport worth watching in NY is gonna be Football.
If you are a Mets fan thats true I suppose. If you are a Yanks fan I’m not sure what you’re talking about..
Uh, right now, hockey in New York/New Jersey is VERY worth watching.
“He’s struggling but not TOO terrible. AA wasn’t a challenge any longer, he just needs some more time at AAA and I’m sure he’ll improve”
Hasn’t been pretty, Patrick. AAA is hitting .305 off of McCutchen and his ERA is 5+. I think it’s a stretch to say AA wasn’t a challenge for him. He was doing well, but there were (and still are) plenty of pitcher is AA ball better than he is.
“Uh, right now, hockey in New York/New Jersey is VERY worth watching.”
Very true.
“I was thinking of doing something that partially explains right now why the Rays and the Diamondbacks, among others, are having the success they are, while the Tigers and the Mets are lagging behind.”
Rebecca,
That’s a great post as well. You’ve got such an interesting topic that you could really write a couple of posts on it.
This year is a great year to contrast teams like the rays/ d’backs vs. mets/ tigers. Its such a stark contrast.
The D’Backs are really interesting as they’ve been straddling the line more than most and doing so with reasonable but not extravagant resources.
Josh Byrnes is a terrific GM. But he made what looks like an awful decision that is coming back to haunt his team. He resigned Eric Byrnes because he was the “hear” of the team and had some “grit.” That’s why he wound up in part trading Carlos Quentin.
You throw quentin into the d’back outfield – unbelievable.
But Byrnes went with the veteran presence in a team full of young players. Its understandable and I don’t blame him but its turned out very badly.
The trade offs there are very interesting.
The Yanks are a .500 team this year and next year doesnt look that much better unless every prospect pans out as a star and we know that wont happen.
CB: You know, i’ve said before I’d make a horrible GM, but I actually would have re-signed Byrnes…short term, maybe just one year, but there are so many kids on that Arizona team, I can see the reason for signing that one veteran.
If you’re interested in writing something on the subject, shoot me an email–I’d be more than glad to host it
“The way we are headed the only sport worth watching in NY is gonna be Football.”
Jets will be crap, though I think they’ll improve on finishing 12 games out of 1st place like last year. In ’08, I think they’ll only be out of 1st.
Like the Giants, but next to the 2001 Patriots, they are probably the worst team to win a Super Bowl in the last 30+ years. I see another 10-6 or 9-7 but they’ll need tickets to see the Super Bowl next year.
“In ‘08, I think they’ll only be out of 1st.”
that should read “In ’08, I think they’ll (the Jets) only be out of 1st by six games (rather than the 12 they finished out last year).
“Hasn’t been pretty, Patrick. AAA is hitting .305 off of McCutchen and his ERA is 5+. I think it’s a stretch to say AA wasn’t a challenge for him. He was doing well, but there were (and still are) plenty of pitcher is AA ball better than he is.”
McCutchen had a 2.55 ERA in 53 innings in AA with 52 K’s and only 18 walks. Batters were hitting .219 off him. Whats the point of him staying in AA if he was dominating?
I realize he’s doing poorly in AAA but at least its a challenge. Actually of his 4 AAA outings, 2 of them are quality starts. He needs to improve and AAA is the place to do it.
Alright guys Im checking out until the game thread gets put up see ya later.
“I realize he’s doing poorly in AAA but at least its a challenge. Actually of his 4 AAA outings, 2 of them are quality starts. He needs to improve and AAA is the place to do it.”
It took mediocrity qualifying as quality to make it happen. He hasn’t been good in any of his 4 starts. I suppose I’d agree that at his age, AA didn’t make sense any longer. I don’t see him being much in the bigs though. Borderline 5th starter, maybe long relief.
I was surfing checking a Mets board to get some reaction
here’s a few
santana should piss on wagner in the shower after the game
screw this team, DO ****ING SOMETHING ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW
All I can say is put on the pot of coffee tonight.
When is Mike Veal Francessa and dog going to take some calls?
Fredo: The Jets have an every other year thing going on, so they should make the playoffs next year.
As you see I had to cut off alot of bad language.
Oh on McCutchen I said it for sometime already I see him as a Keith Foulke for the BP, whether it’s here or somewhere else.
Poor poor Billy Wagner
Maybe we can’t ask his good buddy Delgado for an assessment of his performance.
Rebecca- As a Jets fan i hope your right last year was brutal. Giants/Pats superbowl kill me lol.
“Unfortunately Horne will also be on a pretty low innings limit due to his injury this year.”
That’s not true. He threw 150+ innings last season. It’s not like if he only throws 80 this year he has to start over again from scratch. Also, he’s in his mid 20′s. The IP limit stuff is from guys in their low 20′s. It becomes less of an issue as a guy finishes his physical development.
So, I figure Horne should be able to go 180 IP next season, given health. Which, of course, is never a given
“I realize he’s doing poorly in AAA but at least its a challenge. ”
If you look at his AAA outings (Chad Jennings just did a post on this on the SWB blog), it’s one bad inning each time that really does him in. And homers. And he has not, traditionally, been prone to the long-ball. Guys often need time to adjust to a new level. Saying he’s not ready for AAA after 4 starts (two of which were actually ok) is jumping the gun.
I think he’s a back-end guy MAX, though. Middle reliever, probably. Rasnerish. Which is fine; it’s great to be able to have guys like that from your farm system be your 5/6/7 starters.
Rebecca:
Maybe they do, probably they don’t. They overchieved in Mangini’s 1st year in a big way. I think last year was closer to what they really were. I see improvement this year, but 8-8 is the upper limits. Somehow the Patriots got an incredibly cheesey schedule (6 against the bags of crap in the AFC East, the putrid NFC West, the Raiders and Chiefs…WTF????) and will probably win 13-14 games again, so I see the Jets way behind.
Someday they’ll have to get themselves a legit championship QB if they are to play with the big boys again.
be back later guys Billy screwed up my Fantasy league this week so I’m taking a nice walk outside.
I hope we sign Chris Smith already.
“I suppose I’d agree that at his age, AA didn’t make sense any longer.”
But not that he was actually pitching well? That’s just being obtuse. He WAS dominating AA. No one’s saying he’s a potential front-end guy. But pooh-poohing a guy who could certainly contribute in the bigs in a year or so is stupid.
I just had to talk my BF..a Mets fan..off a ledge.
Holy crap..I am sure WFAN will be interesting right now..
and we think we have issues..yikes
God Bless Mo
Never said he wasn’t doing well in AA or that he shouldn’t be in AAA. I guess he was borderline dominating in AA, but again, there are plenty in AA better than he is. I guess I’m not a fan. I don’t think he amounts to much. Was hoping for better in AAA so they could sucker someone into taking him in trade.
“Except that Beltran is one of Melky’s top 5 comparables, and Melky is much youngerâ€
And we got a winner for the Dumbest Thing Said Today. Pack up the bags. We already got a winner.
Has there been a Shelley Duncan sighting recently ?
“I think he’s a back-end guy MAX, though. Middle reliever, probably. Rasnerish. Which is fine; it’s great to be able to have guys like that from your farm system be your 5/6/7 starters.”
Horne is not a Rasner type. He has had excellent numbers everywhere he has been and is generally considered a solid #3 starter.
“Horne is not a Rasner type. He has had excellent numbers everywhere he has been and is generally considered a solid #3 starter.”
Wasn’t talking about Horne. In the first part I was, but then I quoted a comment about McCutchen and was responding to that.
Shelley is a great AAAA player. Like Igawa. Great in the minors. Not good enough for the majors.
Does Willie make it through weekend? Poor Willie, he has made some poor decisions though.
McCutcheon isn’t Rasner either.
Remember that Rasner was so highly thought of that the Nationals cut him and we cut him last November.
“He has had excellent numbers everywhere he has been”
That’s not entirely true either. Whenever he’s been able to keep his walks down (Last year and junior year), he’s been good. Otherwise, he’s been decent. I was hoping that he’d show that his newfound control numbers were for real this season; I still hope he does.
SA: Off a ledge for real?
Today’s Mets game is a prime example of why Joba is needed in the pen this year. Santana was sparkling for 7 and they lost.
Buddy: Vegas probably has odds on it.
“That’s not true. He threw 150+ innings last season. It’s not like if he only throws 80 this year he has to start over again from scratch.”
I didn’t realize he threw so much last year. But still, I don’t think he’d go from 80 to 180 even if he threw 150 last year. Maybe he does though, like you said he’s in his mid-20s. Even if he doesn’t have a low innings limit he still won’t be much of an innings eater as a rookie. Thats the problem I was conveying in my original post.
Next year the Yankees have Wang, Joba and Rasner coming back as starters (its pretty likely Mussina and Pettitte are gone). Although the Yanks have tons of right handed starter depth in the minors, a lot of them would be on innings limits. And just as a rule of thumb, rookies generally aren’t efficient with pitch counts and don’t throw many innings. I think a veteran SP signing will be necessary after this season.
And all the stuff about McCutchen; I was the guy defending him not knocking him! Even though he isn’t putting up beautiful numbers in AAA he’s still getting through innings and he isn’t walking many guys at all which is a good sign. As you say his ceiling isn’t super high but I think he could contribute to the rotation next year.
Rebecca…well..more like a front step.
But there were words said that made me horrified. I think a Wagner voodoo doll is being made as I type.
Oh here we go..a reference from Fatty on how he wanted Joba to replace Mo
“Remember that Rasner was so highly thought of that the Nationals cut him and we cut him last November.”
Scouts have always projected Rasner as a back-end starter/long relief pitcher.
“Today’s Mets game is a prime example of why Joba is needed in the pen this year. Santana was sparkling for 7 and they lost.”
So why don’t the Mets make Santana a reliever? Following your logic, they should.
“McCutcheon isn’t Rasner either.”
Their stuff isn’t all that different. And, yes, I know they cut Rasner, but that was entirely for roster reasons and not because they didn’t like him.
And if you look at Rasner’s numbers in the minors…they’re really pretty good. The Nats promoted him right to the bigs from AA for a cup of coffee…and then cut him. It’s odd.
He’s not got flashy stuff, but he’s been pretty solid at every level. McCutchen’s put up good numbers at every level, but he’s been old at every level too. Rasner was pushed a lot faster.
My post disappeared..lemme try this again:
Rebecca…well..it was more like a front step.
But there were words said that made me horrified. I think a Wagner voodoo doll is being made as I type.
Oh here we go..a reference from Fatty on how he wanted Joba to replace Mo
“there are plenty in AA better than he is. I guess I’m not a fan. I don’t think he amounts to much.”
Has the perennial search for pitching not shown you that there is value in growing your own bullpen and rotation filler? Carlos Silva got 48 mil over 4 years, and he basically defines league average starter.
It’s not like the only players worth developing are all-stars. You want to develop the other guys too. At minimum, they’re always something SOMEBODY wants.
Why does every thread on this blog get hijacked? Stick to the topic at hand. No one cares about the Mets, fantasy teams, Melky vs Beltran, etc. It is supposed to be for Int signings.
“So why don’t the Mets make Santana a reliever? Following your logic, they should.”
The logic is they should get better pitchers in the bullpen. If its Santana so be it.
Their starter went 5 innings last night and they won. He goes 7 tonight and they lose. Doesn’t seem to matter what the starter does, does it?
i’m sorry…but that show “loudmouths” on sny is terrible. absolutely terrible.
“Why does every thread on this blog get hijacked? Stick to the topic at hand. No one cares about the Mets, fantasy teams, Melky vs Beltran, etc. It is supposed to be for Int signings.”
There are only so many comments you can make about international signings. Its not like there is a plethora of solid information out there about the topic. Why don’t you give us your two cents, who should the Yanks sign?
If you don’t like it, don’t read it.
“The logic is they should get better pitchers in the bullpen. If its Santana so be it.
Their starter went 5 innings last night and they won. He goes 7 tonight and they lose. Doesn’t seem to matter what the starter does, does it?”
Wow.. just wow.
Rasner is a reliever. He should not be in your rotation if you are a playoff team.
“There are only so many comments you can make about international signings. Its not like there is a plethora of solid information out there about the topic”
Then wait for the next topic. Easy enough, right? That is why many come here and check the comments. To see if people have opinions on these international players. I don’t think people want the nonsense that is on here right now. It is why the posters here are some of the most uninformed in the Yankee Universe of blogs.
But keep on telling us about your fantasy teams and other useless stuff.
“Stick to the topic at hand.”
Why? We were done with it.
This isn’t a message board. There aren’t multiple threads going at once. Where SHOULD we be talking about Melky v. Beltran? On another site?
I thought I’d read about some people with knowledge of the Latin American market. Instead I read about people wanting Santana in the bullpen and the Mets stinking.
I’ll pass.
Weird, my posts don’t show up..and then they magically do.
Freaky!
Yeah Rebecca, you tell ‘em.
Have you bought new bedding for the pad in NYC?
The sad part is there are people here saying Melky is an equal of Beltran.
The word loon comes to mind.
So everyone on the blog should be talking about international prospects none of us know much about for the past 4 hours?
Harry-then ignore posts you have no interest in. Or try starting a discussion on something else
“Rasner is a reliever. He should not be in your rotation if you are a playoff team.”
He seems to have done OK as a starter thus far. He’s been better than league average in the bigs over his career. Sure, he’s not a guy I want starting for me in the playoffs, necessarily, but he’s a fine depth guy. He can step in for a month and hold down a rotation spot just fine. He could probably even provide acceptable innings as the 5th starter for a whole season. There’s plenty of value in that.
Don’t fight the majority, Harry. They will gang up on you and shout you down for hours. Even if you got a point or two.
“Harry-then ignore posts you have no interest in. Or try starting a discussion on something else”
It’s Petes blog. This thread is here for INT signings and info. Not for anything else. Is it so hard to stay on topic?
It’s hard ignoring all the useless Met posts and fantasy baseball posts and everything that Patrick cuts and pastes because he doesn’t have opinions himself.
“The sad part is there are people here saying Melky is an equal of Beltran.”
That’s patently false. They were saying that Beltran is one of Melky’s top comparables according to one of the best projection systems around. That does NOT mean that he is, or will be, the equal of Carlos Beltran. It means that, at this point in his career, Melky exhibits some similarities to Beltran at this point in _his_ career. Nothing more and nothing less than that.
“He seems to have done OK as a starter thus far. He’s been better than league average in the bigs over his career. Sure, he’s not a guy I want starting for me in the playoffs, necessarily, but he’s a fine depth guy. He can step in for a month and hold down a rotation spot just fine. He could probably even provide acceptable innings as the 5th starter for a whole season. There’s plenty of value in that.”
So, basically you agree with what I said yet you had to type a long paragraph saying that? Be concise. It ain’t hard to do. People will listen to you even if you go “I agree”.
“This thread is here for INT signings and info. Not for anything else.”
No, it’s not. It’s here for the community to talk.
If you don’t like the way that posters here use the blog, then go to another blog. Read Pete’s posts and ignore the rest of us.
Harry I’m still waiting for your contribution on international prospects.
Ok new discussion. Of the big dissapointments this season (Detroit, Cleveland, Mets, Rockies, Mariners) who do you think has the best shot at going on a run and making the playoffs? Also of the surprising teams (Florida, St. Louis, White Sox, Tampa) who do you think has the most staying power?
I think the Indians have the best shot of making a comeback and challenging for a playoff spot. They have 3 top end starters in Lee, Sabathia, Carmona and they have some hitting. Of the surprise teams I like the Rays (unfortunately for the Yanks). They have pretty good pitching and more on the way, plus a young lineup.
When you say Melky is comparable to Beltran it is saying he is an equal and in the same league as him. How is it not?? You are saying that Pecota says that Melky is Beltran.
Which is flat out crazy.
That is why you hijacked this thread? To tell us Pecota thinks Melky can be/will be better than Beltran???
You could always take it up with Pete, as he’s the one who could actually, yaknow, do something about it if he doesn’t like it
“So, basically you agree with what I said”
No, I don’t. You said Rasner’s a reliever. I said that he’s been a better than league average starter thus far in his career and that he’s a more than adequate spot starter and a decent back-end guy.
How is that me agreeing that he’s a reliever?
Patty,
I came here for the info. If I was an expert would I be wasting my time coming here and listening to your useless ramblings???
Cut and paste that and write something “witty” under it.
“It’s Petes blog. This thread is here for INT signings and info. Not for anything else. Is it so hard to stay on topic?
It’s hard ignoring all the useless Met posts and fantasy baseball posts and everything that Patrick cuts and pastes because he doesn’t have opinions himself.”
Yes, it’s his blog. How much exactly are we suppose to talk about INT signings exactly? What do you know about them since you are so concerned about the lack of discussion regarding them? Bring something to the table then and we can discuss it.
Usually the topic of the comments change as time passes and there isn’t a new post from Peter. It’s not that hard to ignore posts from certain individuals.
In fact, I will start doing so right now just to show you how easy it is.
“No, I don’t. You said Rasner’s a reliever. I said that he’s been a better than league average starter thus far in his career and that he’s a more than adequate spot starter and a decent back-end guy.
How is that me agreeing that he’s a reliever?”
Because I said hes not a starter on a playoff team. He’s a reliever. And you write 2,000 words saying the exact thing. Just weird.
You agree that he’s not a starter on a playoff caliber team right???
It ain’t hard to agree. No one will think less of you.
“When you say Melky is comparable to Beltran it is saying he is an equal and in the same league as him. How is it not??”
Because being a “comparable” means EXACTLY what I said it means:
It means that, at this point in his career, Melky exhibits some similarities to Beltran at this point in _his_ career.
That is what a “comparable” means, according to PECOTA. And, no…I didn’t bring that up. Someone else did. Apparently it’s not just comprehending sentences that’s hard for you, but also discerning “whozat” from “V”.
“Yes, it’s his blog. How much exactly are we suppose to talk about INT signings exactly? What do you know about them since you are so concerned about the lack of discussion regarding them? Bring something to the table then and we can discuss it.”
Is it really hard to NOT write something every 4 seconds???
God knows you haven’t said anything of importance.
This isn’t a forum. It is a thread in a blog. Stay on topic.
Buddy: Haven’t even found the NYC pad yet.
Seriously though, if anyone’s looking for a roommate or something, my email’s on my blog…
I’ve got fairly horrible anxiety when it comes to calling landlords/electric companies/etc. I don’t know why, and it’s only with the phone–i’m perfectly okay over the internet, and this just makes this whole process nearly impossible!
“Apparently it’s not just comprehending sentences that’s hard for you, but also discerning “whozat†from “Vâ€.”
I’m sorry. I should know whozat and V? It’s probably the same guy anyway knowing this board.
Maybe if you would stay on topic whozat it would be easier. But that is way too hard for the Mensa members here.
“You agree that he’s not a starter on a playoff caliber team right???”
No. I don’t agree with that statement.
I said he wouldn’t be one of my 4 starters in the playoffs. I said that he’s good as a spot starter and could probably be fine as a 5th man all year.
How do you read that and come away with “He’s a reliever”?
Just came in and on the way home was listening to Michael Kay on the radio. He was saying that he feels the Yanks have a big run in them and will make the playoffs. But he questioned Robinson Cano. He said that being around the team he does not see the desire and fire in Cano that he sees in everyone else. He said that Cano is an enigma to him this season. I know this was a topic on the blog yesterday and thought it was interesting that Kay brought it up today.
“Patty,
I came here for the info. If I was an expert would I be wasting my time coming here and listening to your useless ramblings???”
So instead you come here and waste your time complaining that we aren’t spoon feeding you information about international prospects? Either way its a waste of time for you. Why don’t you stop wasting both of our time and stop posting nonsense?
It means that, at this point in his career, Melky exhibits some similarities to Beltran at this point in _his_ career.
Seriously? Melky is in danger of losing his job to a AAA player and he is comparable to Carlos Beltran?
Serious?
“God knows you haven’t said anything of importance”
LOL
Oh Yes, and we all know you definitely have spending all your time complaining about the posts in this blog.
Whoops! Forgot to ignore!
“No, it’s not. It’s here for the community to talk.”
Hey whozat. Which movie should i go watch this weekend”the hulk” or “the happening”. I didnt like the first hulk. But this looks better. I also like M.Nights work. I could always just stay home and rent a movie. Tough call.
Ironman was really good!
Patty,
You didn’t disappoint on the lack of wit and snark. I commend your lame attempts.
Since you can’t contribute anything of note I’ll just bypass your lame responses. Maybe if you stuck to the thread at hand you would find something useful out about INT players.
“I should know whozat and V?”
No. You should be able to tell that they are a different set of letters. You’re the one complaining about PECOTA being brought up. The posts in which PECOTA were brought up were written by “V”.
Since “V” and “whozat” are different strings of letters, I figured that would be enough for you to figure out that no, I did not bring up Melky’s PECOTA comparables. But…apparently I was giving you too much credit.
Harry, you’re right.
It’s Pete’s blog.
Thus, if he cared about what we talked about in a thread, he’d say so.
Actually, sometimes I think Pete gets his post ideas from what we talk about in the comments.
Cleveland’s got the pitching to make a run, and it’s just the White Sox to beat in their division.
I’m leaning towards Tampa being the most likely to keep it up, since I did just say that Cleveland’s got the best shot to overtake the White Sox. Their youth will come in handy for a greenie-less August.
Told you, Harry. You don’t mess with the majority here because they have nothing better to do than gang up on anyone that disagrees with them.
“He said that being around the team he does not see the desire and fire in Cano that he sees in everyone else. He said that Cano is an enigma to him this season.”
Well, that’s not good. Cano has been an enigma. He needs to get something going…soon.
S.o.S: Downey plays Stark in the Hulk. If you’re a comic geek, you should see Hulk. I’m going to see Zohan in about 20 minutes.
You didn’t disappoint on the lack of wit and snark. I commend your lame attempts.
Thanks brah I appreciate the kind words.
“Actually, sometimes I think Pete gets his post ideas from what we talk about in the comments.”
I can’t wait for that Pete post about Melky being Beltran and those fantasy baseball teams and Patty making lame attempts at humor.
You really are self important huh, Rebecca. Thinking Pete even reads most of the nonsense here.
He’d jump off a bridge if he had to sit thru Patty’s cut and paste snark drivel.
If that is what you regulars got going for intelligent baseball discussion I laugh at you.
“Seriously? Melky is in danger of losing his job to a AAA player and he is comparable to Carlos Beltran?”
According to their performance coming into their age 23 seasons, apparently.
Beltran spent most of that year in the minors. He did this in the majors over 375 ABs: .247/.309/.366
NO ONE is saying that Melky RIGHT NOW is comparable to Beltran RIGHT NOW. Is that really so hard to comprehend?
“I didnt like the first hulk.”
Nor did I:-)
I hear the new one is uneven, but there’s lots of eye candy. I figure it’ll be like Transformers.
Ed Norton wrote the movie himself, didn’t he?
Perhaps Cano is depressed – in a serious way – about how poorly he is hitting. He had a fantastic spring and said he was determined not to get off to a slow start like last year. I think he was energized by his contract, and felt wanted and secure (which I know some of you think security is a bad thing for a young player, but I’m not sure I think it depends). He may feel he’s letting all his teammates down.
Maybe what Cano needs is a sports psychologist. Who knows, maybe he is seeing one as we speak.
I just get a little putoff because appearances can be deceiving and what looks like aloof and uncaring to some people can be a sign of a deeply troubled person.
Basically, Patty Rebecca and SOS have no insight on INT players or anything to do with baseball yet waste their time posting about useless nonsense.
Good life you three! I wish you luck.
How was Transformers, anyway?
S.o.S.
I’d go see the Hulk, The Happening isn’t getting good reviews:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/.....happening/
I’m probably going to see Iron Man myself, I still haven’t gotten around to watching it.
“Of the big dissapointments this season (Detroit, Cleveland, Mets, Rockies, Mariners) who do you think has the best shot at going on a run and making the playoffs? Also of the surprising teams (Florida, St. Louis, White Sox, Tampa) who do you think has the most staying power?”
I think you can make the argument that of the disappointments you mentioned the Mets have the best chance to make a run. In theory the talent is there. I think you could also add the yankees to that list of disappointments, however.
Of the surprises Tampa is the most serious because of their pitching. It’s very good. As long as their pitching is there they’ll be in it. They have enough offense and their athletic. If Evan Longoria continues to improve and put things together they become a very dangerous team. He’s on the cusp of really taking off. Having a very nice rookie season already.
I forgot whozat still going on about Melky being comparable to Beltran.
Oy vey.
The boobs are out tonight. Usually they hijack the game threads not the smaller ones like this.
“Thinking Pete even reads most of the nonsense here.”
He does post in the threads from time to time.
Look, we’re just a bunch of people that like to talk to each other. We cover a much wider range of topics than what Pete posts on. Mostly, it’s about baseball. Sometimes it’s not. Why do you care?
Jason NJ,
I know. I just don’t care what these bullies say or think or do.
Who cares what a bunch of people who waste their time posting on a board about useless nonsense say? They can’t even talk Yankees let alone INT signings.
“He may feel he’s letting all his teammates down.”
Given the team picture anecdote, I wouldn’t be surprised. Frustration with himself could certainly explain his demeanor at the plate just as much as not caring that he’s sucking. And is more likely.
Folks quit the crap. I brought up Melky having the same amount of homeruns and a better batting average than Beltron. I wasnt saying he was better. I was trying to say that for all the people that want him sent down to A ball and replace him with a .280 hitter in AAA(Even though he hit over .300 down there) is pre mature. He isnt the reason this team is .500. His B.F.F. has something to do with it though. We need speed on the bench and players that can play defense on the field. Melky is holding his own for now.
If i offended a Mets fan. Well go to a Mets blog and you wont get but hurt.
“Look, we’re just a bunch of people that like to talk to each other. We cover a much wider range of topics than what Pete posts on. Mostly, it’s about baseball. Sometimes it’s not. Why do you care?”
Because most people who arne’t regulars who actually have lives come here for Pete’s news and maybe a poster with some knowledge and we have to sit thru useless knowledge from people who go back and forth all night and use snark when someone calls them out on it??
But do whatever it is that you people do. I wish you luck doing it.
“Who cares what a bunch of people who waste their time posting on a board about useless nonsense say?”
You certainly seem to. You’ve been berating us about it for a while now.
Harry: I recognize that others know a lot more about the international market than I do. Most people that post with any sort of regularity here could forget more baseball than I will ever know.
That does not mean I am clueless.
If the conversation in the thread stayed on the topic of international signings, I would have posted accordingly. It didn’t, I moved on with the rest of the conversation.
***
Going out to catch Zohan. Will be back for the game.
“I think you could also add the yankees to that list of disappointments, however.”
I’m way too optimistic to list the Yankees as a dissapointment. Even though they are .500 I fully expect them to make the playoffs, for me its not a question. Most people would disagree with that feeling but eh whatever.
“S.o.S: Downey plays Stark in the Hulk. ”
I think your confusing it with ironman. Norton plays the hulk.
Harry,
No one gives a crap what you think. All youv been doing is whining. Skip the posts that doesnt interest you. Is it that hard? Do you need that much attention?
“But do whatever it is that you people do. I wish you luck doing it.”
Thanks brohiem, good luck to you too!
“we have to sit thru useless knowledge”
I’m sorry that you consider PECOTA data useless knowledge. Most don’t.
If you don’t like the community of posters here, don’t read the comments. Go to one of the hundred thousand other Yankee blogs.
S.o.S. No, Downey plays Tony Stark in the Hulk. It’s a cameo
Harry, why don’t you try writing a novel before you tell me I have no life?
Later guys.
Blargh,
Didnt like Transformers much. To many weeknesses in the movie. The more you watch it. The more you catch them.
becca,
My bad. Didnt know that. They should have put Lou Ferigno in on a Cameo.
whozat,
If the eye candy is as good as Transformers than why not?
Rebecca -
Aha! That explains it. I was half watching a trailer and I thought they were seguing from Ironman to the Hulk because I know Robert Downey Jr. was in Ironman, but the trailer seemed to be more about the Hulk. Okay. Now I understand. Robert Downey Jr. was a busy superhero this summer. (I am not familiar with any of the characters – although I know there was Hulk tv series with Lou Ferigno and Bill Bixby years ago.)
Doreen – when I posted about Kay talking about Cano, Kay was not putting Cano down at all. He was saying that he could not understand how Cano could be around Jeter, ARod, Melky who have this desire to win and not show it. He was saying that this is not the same personality as last year, but was not sure what it was.
Fran -
I’m glad it didn’t sound like he was putting Cano down. I just don’t think it’s that he doesn’t have a desire to win. My take is as I said, that he’s extremely disappointed in himself and his performance and he can’t shake it. He won’t shake it until he starts hitting and contributing, I think. And it makes you wonder – chicken/egg – hit/shake it or shake it/hit?
Cano didn’t get as low batting average-wise last season. And he wasn’t trying to live up to a contract.
what about edward salcedo/?
That is my initial time i go article. I collected so numerous intriguing stuff within your site specifically its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only just one getting all the fun in this article! maintain up the very good function.Regards