Working in sports is difficult. Long hours, summer holidays are spent at the ballpark, and the pay is extremely poor for about 95% of those in the industry. You work to get an opportunity to be a member of the elite 5% who make it a living. Nowhere is this more apparent than minor league […]
Are closers made or born? The retirement of Eric Gagne got me to thinking about the genesis of elite closers. Over the twenty years of following baseball I have seen the local teams employ a number of top flight closers. Dave Righetti, John Wetteland, and Mariano Rivera have closed for the Yankees, while the Mets […]
The Mets won in 2006 because of a strong bullpen. Their relievers that year put up a 3.28 ERA and shouldered the load of pitching 37% of the teams total innings. Since then, especially in 2008, the bullpen has been more of a weakness instead of strength. You could blame it on injuries or poor […]
I did the all decade team a little different. Instead of compiling the “best at each position”, I put a player who I felt had the “best individual” season on the team. This includes starting lineup, pinch hitting performance, bullpen, and manager. Here it goes, give me your thoughts. The Mets All Decade Team (2000 […]
Yesterday, Andrew Marchand of ESPN 1050 reported a scenario where Omar Minaya would be reassigned this offseason and John Ricco would become the GM and face of the franchise. The staff would mostly be kept intact and I assume Jerry Manuel would survive as well. This is not an acceptable situation moving forward. The Mets […]
In case your head is spinning from all the versions of the trade. The Mets gave up the following: Mets received JJ Putz, Sean Green, and Jeremy Reed. Those who may be confused, and I don’t blame you, have asked whom did the Mets give up to Cleveland and Seattle? The answer is Aaron Heilman, […]
Quote via ESPN An All-Star in 2007 when he saved 40 games, Putz was 6-5 with a 3.88 ERA and 15 saves in 23 chances last season, when he missed long stretches with ribcage and elbow injuries. His agent, Craig Landis, said Putz wants to remain a closer. “He’s one of the top five or […]
In case you missed NYBD Radio last night, I wanted to recap some of the highlights for you. If you want to hear the entire hour (with 15 minute bonus coverage) - CLICK HERE TO LISTEN or DOWNLOAD IT AT THE ARCHIVE. Steve Jacobson, long time sports writer at Newsday, told us why he believes […]
We are back at it after a along holiday weekend. Howard Megdal of the NY Observer joins me to talk a little hot stove. We will not be alone this Sunday, also joining us will be: Former Newsday sports writer Steve Jacobson. He will tell us why he won’t miss George Steinbrenner or, as he […]
You heard from me and Howard about what the Mets should do with Aaron Heilman. We want to know what you think. The results will be part of our Sunday discussion on NYBD Radio. <a href =”http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1143105/” >What to Do With Aaron Heilman</a> <br/> <span style=”font-size:9px;” mce_style=”font-size:9px;”> (<a href =”http://www.polldaddy.com”> polls</a>)</span>
Now that you have digested your Turkey lets get back to the Hot Stove. On Thursday, Joe Demayo and Frank Russo gave us the latest on the NYBD Rumor Mill. Joe still believes a deal can get done for Huston Street. The Mets are not going to give up two relievers for him because they […]
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Mets are still two reliable starters short, with only Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine assured of spots in next season’s rotation. Oliver Perez remains unsigned, and if the season opened today, Jonathon Niese (total career starts: 3) would likely be the number four man. Meanwhile, embattled reliever Aaron Heilman […]
According to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations, the Mets and Rockies are still in talks in regards to the Mets obtaining reliever Huston Street. The source confirms what Joel Sherman posted today in the NY Post that the Mets had offered the Rockies Aaron Heilman for Huston Street, which the Rockies declined. […]
Howard Megdal and I have another edition of our Sunday Hot Stove tonight at 7pm on NYBD Radio. During the first half hour Ted Berg of SNY will join us to talk about the latest happening’s with the Mets. We will discuss Aaron Heilman, possibility of Bobby Abreu, and if the catching position is something […]
The Aaron Heilman starter vs. reliever discussion is now going on four years old. Everyone remembers the one hit shutout against Florida in 2005, but the truth is Heilman was very average as a starting pitcher that season (2-3, 4.71). You can argue he never was given a full year to show what he can […]
