http://forum.newsday.com/forums/thread/10849/ 1) His record is of depending on aging players to play and perform at a high level (El Duque, Moises Alou, Pedro, Delgado) and then having to scramble around the junkyard when - surprisingly - these players get hurt. I am tired of Omar always getting a pass due to injuries. Granted, the injuries have been extreme this year, but Omar cannot receive a free pass because he is responsible for the product on the field.2) Every offseason, he goes for that one big name player that he thinks will put him over the top (Beltran, Delgado, Wagner, Santana, Rodriguez) but he doesn't do a good enough job with the other 80% of the team. He is building a skyscraper that is wide and top-heavy and building it on top of a too-small foundation, and the building is collapsing. Every year, he frantically grasps at straws instead of building a solid foundation for the long term. He plugs one hole in the dike with his finger but at the same time he is letting water through two or three new holes. The team is weak outside of a few big names. Look at the rotation. We have a #1 starter - followed by four #5 starters. You can't win with four #5-quality starters.3) Similar to #2 but stated in a different way. Omar is all sizzle, and very little steak. He loves the big splash of a free agent signing but cannot put a whole team together that fully meshes. Quite simply, he does not know how to build a TEAM.4) Too much of a fascination with international players. I'm sorry, but is it too much to wish that when the Futures All-Star Game is played that maybe there is some representation of Met players on the U.S. team instead of always the World team?5) Spends money like a drunken sailor. OK, he held the line (and I didn't disagree) at 3 yrs, $36 mio for a 36-yr old Derek Lowe - but just because he got more money elsewhere doesn't mean you leave the SAME MONEY ON THE TABLE for Oliver Perez. And of course four years, $25 mio for Luis Castillo, who at age 32, was headed for DOUBLE knee surgery in the offseason. Brilliant move. 2009-07-01 07:14:19 http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69523/ 69523 Gary, I agree about trading Sheff at the deadline unless they get back into the mix. Some mid level prospects to restock is better than signing retreads like Berroa and Willie Mo Pena. I have seen enough of Tatis and Evans needas to be traded. That kid needs a change of atmosphereas he will never develop into anything as a Mets player. Put him in a package for a pitcher. Pitching!! You hit the nail on the head. As important as the Santana acquisition was, this is a crucial time to be aggressive as you state and seriously pursue Haren, Halliday, Meche, Bannister. Johan cannot do it alone. Pelfrey is still inconsistent with an upside. Perez and Maine are ????? They are starting to get the scouting report on Nieve. Parnell should be starting! Livian is fine as a 5th starter. Pitching, pitching, pitching. I am not high on Niese, Kunz, F-Mart. Trade them to AZ for Haren and then go get Bannister for Evans and a mid level prospect if there are any in this sorry farm system that Omar has inherited and not built. It is obvious that pitching will win at Citi-Field and it is not too late to save this season. We all know deep in our hearts that this organization hypes up their prospects. Might as well deal F-Mart now just like they dumped Lastings. We should be used to trading prospects away. Singleton, Otis, Bay, Kazmir, Jacobs, Melvin. Those didn't work out but this state of the Mets needs Major League ready players. The Wilpon's cannot have a new Stadium and start rebuilding. Besides Flores, Thole, Havens, Stoner what is there to build from anyway? Go get either Haren or Halliday along with Bannister for this year and the future. Enough of this Redding, Perez, Freddie Garcia cheapskate reclamation crap that Omar is always trying to do. Catching lightning in a bottle ain't working. And it appears that kudos goes to one of his assistants for the Church-Francoeur trade so I can't even give credit to Omar for that one. As dor Reyes, I agree that he isn't a winner but lets just see when or if he will ever play again as I question his motivation as well. He is too soft. Let him be an issue after the season. Sign O-Dog, man!! 2009-07-16 06:02:31 BASEBALLMOM68 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69519/ 69519 69 - now. Yes the numbers speak for themselves but he will never be on a winning Mets teamwhen he finally gets back into a Mets uniform and actually plays. He had his chances here in NY and it is time for this kid to be dealt where he will be successdul no doubt but he can bring this team back some prospects. He has not been taught well by the Mets Minors Coaches or he is just not a docile player. I can't see him winning anything in a Mets uniform. Boston can use a SS. Maybe Ellsbury and a few pitching propsects for Reeys. 2009-07-16 05:39:30 BASEBALLMOM68 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69510/ 69510 Why in the world do you all want Reyes to leave? How many shortstops can you list that have done better over the last three years? SEASON ▲TEAM ▲G ▲AB ▲R ▲H ▲TB ▲2B ▲3B ▲HR ▲RBI ▲BB ▲IBB ▲SO ▲SB ▲CS ▲AVG ▲OBP ▲SLG ▲OPS ▲GO/AO ▲sequence ▲team_id ▲2003NYM69274478411912453213036133.307.334.434.7691.0511212004NYM532203356821622145031192.255.271.373.6441.0011212005NYM161696991902692417758270786015.273.300.386.6871.0111212006NYM15364712219431530171981536816417.300.354.487.8411.1311212007NYM160681119191287361212577713787821.280.354.421.7750.8411212008NYM15968811320432737191668668825615.297.358.475.8330.93 Theis is the first year he has been hurt since 2004. There are 30 teams out there. Can anyone honestly debate that he is not in the top five? 2009-07-15 22:21:39 '69,'86,andnow'09 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69508/ 69508 Kirsh, What do you think about trading Sheff for some mid level prospects. Is Niese the real deal? Is Kunz still around? I look at other teams and every team seems to have at least one home grown player who has become an impact player. Why can't the Mets develop an impact player other than Wright? Please don't give me Reyes because they signed Kazuo Matsui thanks to Bobby Valentine's advice. D-Murph needs to start becoming an impact player already and we agree that Bobby Parns needs to become a starter. Stokes is a dang disappoinment and Takashi or whoever that lefty is should never be allowed in a Mets uniform again. One guy who I love who gets no credit is Pedro Feliciano. I mentioned this and of course it is a longshot but what would it take to bring Dan Haren over from AZ? Niese, Kunz, F-MArt? Give them whoever they want. I wouldn't be surprised if Omar signs Tony Clark. LOL. 2009-07-15 21:36:45 GARYARIZONA <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69507/ 69507 West Coast, The potential will always be there for Reyes but if he isn't playing, he is not worth having. The key here is that he has worn out his welcome in NY. A lot of us are tired of his injuries, waiting for him to mature and bonehead plays. Cora is a stop gap for 2-3 years until Flores is ready. Reyes is not going to be a winner with the Mets!! Maybe elsewhere. And why Omar was so dead set against trading for Street after he was sent to Colorado, I have no idea. I know, who knew that Putz was hurt? I think that Seattle knew that he wasn't close to being healthy. Omar needs to be aggressive now. Jeff Francouer is right. 6.5 ain't nothing. Philly went out and got Blanton last year and signed Pedro for this year. Bannister? Meche? I honestly don't know who is available. I just don't want to see Fernando Tatis, Argenis Reyes any more.Honestly, I still don't know the extent of Reyes' injury and what happened to Beltran's knee? If these guys are such great atletes, how do these injuries occur? We have all seen Reyes and Delgado doing their stretches and running during pre-game with the athletic tranier. Besides bad luck, why is this happening? Or are these guys just soft players which is why they and their bullpen collapsed the last few seasons. I still can't get Ramon Martinez, Robinson Cancel in their lineup the last few games at Shea last season. And Ryan Church swinging at butterflies. Franceour is a start. Now starting pitching. 2009-07-15 21:26:00 GARYARIZONA <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69495/ 69495 Hey West Coast,We have had Reyes for 5-6 seasons now ?You see the potential, I do, but not at leadoff. The pressure of stealing 60 - 70 bases and playing SS 158 games doesn't seem to register that he won't be Ricky H, or Maury Wills. Look At Wills career. If I add Brock to the equasion, 2 of the greatest stealers played the outfield. I don't see Jeter in AL in the Top 3 for steals every year, do you ? Jeter bats second. Maybe Reyes should, which begs the question, why don't we find a leadoff and bat Reyes second. You talk run production, I would say it would improve in the 2 hole and he would be more durable.Tommy Agee lead off for the earlier Mets, he could steal. He played CF. Mookie and Dysktra played CF and leadoff in 86. When you look at stealing 80 - 90 bases a year, your SS shouldnt be the one. It should be an outfielder.I know we all love to see Reyes run, but lets face it, the wear and tear on him means September swoon. 2009-07-15 18:24:35 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69475/ 69475 WC,I have to admit I loved the hot foots and all that stuff back then, but the difference is that team (and guys like McDowell and Keith and Rusty) proved themselves on the field and were well entitled to have a little fun. I wouldn't have been so amused if they were 15 games under .500..... 2009-07-15 10:10:03 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69471/ 69471 J Kirsch,Reyes is a baby that has never grown up! I gave him every benefit of the doubt over the past two years. He needs to go as he will never lead this team to a championship. I have to compare him to Jeter who knows how to win and lead his team. I am not a Yankee fan but have to give it up to Jeter who I have hated from day one. Reyes attitude sucks and he is not a team leader! We could make a list of his bonehead plays from not running out a groundballs to making a stupid error in the field. I don't believe anybody ever really sat the young man down to put him in his place. He is a great talent that will never reach his full potential in N.Y. Westcoast needs to understand that he has had his chances and has never stepped up when we really needed him. 2009-07-15 09:58:20 ANGRYFORMERNEWYORKER <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69469/ 69469 I am open to hearing suggestions as who replaces over 100 RS and 70 RBI in the lead-off spot. As for the smiling and dancing, in my opinion, these guys are playing a kids game why shouldn't they have some fun and be able to show it? I just think he and others need to try and keep more of that in the dugout so they don't get other teams ticked off. I am just curious, what did you think of the days when McDowell and others would do things like the hot-foot stunt in the dugout? 2009-07-15 09:54:03 WestCoastMetFan <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69467/ 69467 West Coast.... I have been a detractor of Jose Reyes since the end of 2007. For the boneheaded plays, yes, but it's so much more. It's because of the disappearing acts he pulls every September and for his overall persona. The smiling, the dancing, the overall goofiness....it's just not a persona that I feel really works for this team and this town. As far as a replacement goes, I'm sure we can figure something out. 2009-07-15 08:52:48 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69465/ 69465 Quite frankly, I do not understand why so many on this forum are so upset with Reyes. Yes, he has not live up to the expectations but maybe those expectations were unfair. Yes, he makes bonehead plays from time to time both in the field and on the bases. But it is hard to argue with his run production, clearly when he is going well so does this team. Even if he doesn't improve another iota he in my opinion is still one of the top SS in MLB. If you trade him for prospects, who plays short and bats lead-off? 2009-07-15 08:30:12 WestCoastMetFan <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69446/ 69446 [[QUOTE:Hey Baseballmom !Lost another AS game !Assuming we make some deals between 7/15 and 7/31, don't expect any major ones. We now have from 7/17/09 untill 9/30/09 to play exceptional ball. You caught the Omar line, we have our guys back soon so, we will make a run then. Basically thats what he said. meaning , no big deals will happen.So, 7/17 to 8/15 a month roughly, can we play well until then ? If we get the crew back by 8/15, can we make another run ?I don't know mom,, I think we are looking at at 70-1 odds here. There's gonna be alot of auditions here mom. You got that right.Go Mets, be Amazin ! ]Hey Ron Hunt,Had a nice All-Star Party tonite and the consensus is for Omar to aggressively pursue Halliday just like they pursued Santana and when his predecessor went hard after Piazza after LA traded him to Florida with a major fan push from Mike and the Mad Dog. I heard lots of names thrown out there from Reyes, Parnell, F-Mart, Kunz yada yada yada. I would like Omar to aggressively pursue him even if he cannot land him...at least try. Also, make it a blockbuster and bring in Wells or Rios also. Jays are an interesting trading partner. Who knows what Omar has up his sleeve? I don't like him but I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls off a monster blockbuster. 2009-07-14 22:44:22 GARYARIZONA <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69443/ 69443 Hey Baseballmom !Lost another AS game !Assuming we make some deals between 7/15 and 7/31, don't expect any major ones. We now have from 7/17/09 untill 9/30/09 to play exceptional ball. You caught the Omar line, we have our guys back soon so, we will make a run then. Basically thats what he said. meaning , no big deals will happen.So, 7/17 to 8/15 a month roughly, can we play well until then ? If we get the crew back by 8/15, can we make another run ?I don't know mom,, I think we are looking at at 70-1 odds here. There's gonna be alot of auditions here mom. You got that right.Go Mets, be Amazin ! 2009-07-14 21:12:58 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69432/ 69432 I AGREE WITH YOUR FEELINGS EXCEPT FOR THE WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR APPROACH. I FEEL THAT IT IS MORE LIKE LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE REMIANDER OF THIS SEASON ESPECIALLY AS FAR AS RETURN FROM INJURIES GOES. EVERY METS FAN KNOWS THAT FREDDIE AND JEFFY BOY WILL MAKE EXCUSES FOR THIS TEAM AND 100% SUPPORT OMAR.MOST OF THE POSTERS HAVE BEEN RIGHT ON LATELY. I AGREE WITH EATING CASTILLO'S CONTRACT (DEDUCT A PORTION OF THIS FROM MINAYA'S SALARY) AND LURING HUDSON OVER TO NY ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE. HE MAY HAVE SETTLED IN OUT THERE AND IS HAPPY??? I AM DONE WITH REYES....MAKE THE BEST TRADE YOU CAN MAKE TO GET PROSPECTS. I WOULDN'T MIND SEEING NADY BACK AT 1B OR THE OUTFIELD IF HE IS HEALTHY. MATTY HOL JUST AIN'T WORTH $15 MILLION PER YEAR AS A BORAS CLIENT ALTHOUGH I BELIEVE THAT NADY IS ALSO A BORAD CLIENT. JASON BAY WILL STAY IN BEANTOWN.I WOULD LOVE TO SEE MURPH DEVELOP INTO SOMETHING NICE IF NOT SPECIAL. A FEW HAVE MENTIONED BOBBY PARNELL AS A STARTER. I AGREE 150%. SEE YA TO PUTZ. THANKS FOR NOTHING. MAINE NEEDS TO GO IN A TRADE AS WELL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE? MAYBE BILLY WAGS WILL HELP DOWN THE STRETCH FOR METS AND BE AUDITIONING FOR WOULD BE SUITORS FOR '10. 2009-07-14 15:22:01 BASEBALLMOM68 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69371/ 69371 We all want Omar to leave the Mets and we hope this will happen soon than 3 years from now but reality is that i don't see him leaving anytime soon. It seems like in ny if you fail you are rewareded well and thats how great baseball is these days. If you beat someone up or even stick your figure at the fans they will send you to another team and grant you a raise in your contract. I see how this sport is going to hit bottom one of these days and i hope it does because we the fans seem to be the ones that actually are the ones getting hit the most when it comes to money. Omar has made a lot of bad trades and they actually are creeping up to us now. How does a GM not build a system to help fix holes up when our vets get hurt or are just not playing up to their potientials. 2009-07-13 13:58:18 HoJo20 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69313/ 69313 Hey Angry,You crack me up with some of your expressions here. LOL. Have you seen Gran Turino yet ? You would love it. It was a great movie! 2009-07-12 08:56:21 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69312/ 69312 Hey Neighbor !My Grandson and my 2 boys were out for the 4th of July so I've been preoccupied. My 4 year old grandson wore me out, but we managed to have the Met games on vs. the Phillies, which wasn't a pleasant experiance. The Daily News today is ripping the Met Org, don't know if you follow the NY papers. NY Post and Newsday likewise. Well here we go again neighbor, almost time to bring out the most favorite quote for Met fans, Wait till next year ! I actually don't have the venom for this present Met team. If they were healthy and playing this way, I might have that heart attack ! But now , I have no expectations. If they surprise me then we would be looking at a miracle Met team.Bring up the kids and let some heads roll for this fiasco 3 years running.Go Mets , Single A- or AA - wise. ( There's nothing in Buffalo. ) 2009-07-12 08:53:34 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69309/ 69309 Hey Tuff,I believed Tim Tuffel resided in the vicinity of Greenwich Connecticut when he played for the Mets.A friend of mine , back in the days worked for Cable TV and installed it at his house. He said Tuff was a great guy talking to him during the installation.Anyway, I like the idea of bringing up the kids and seeing what they got. I'm not sure how much time these former Mets got in the big leagues, but you got to cringe when you realize we dealt these guys away :Jeff Keppenger - plays 3rd, SS and 2nd base, Heath Bell - Closer , Brian Bannister - Starter , Jason Bay, starting LF , Matt Linstrom - Closer , Jesus Flores - Catcher, Ty Wiggington - 1st, 3rd, LF and RF , Scott Kazmir - Starter , Dan Wheeler - relief , Mike Jacobs, 1b.Ths is quite an impressive group. Are the Mets too quick to pull the trigger and deal away prospects like this ? I dread to see the list of players we got in return.Whether it's Omar or not, something is wrong here with the Mets in evaulating their own talent. 2009-07-12 08:27:00 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69267/ 69267 RonHunt, Timmy Tuff made some good points and I was only repeating his words. If the Mets keep falling further, it only makes sense to bring up only the prospects that are ready. If I were the GM, my deadline date would be Sept 1. If the Mets are more than 10 games out on Sept 1, I would play the prospects and the younger guys already on the ML roster to get a better evaluation of the talent. Would love to eat half of Castillo's contract to trade him. Opens door for Hudson, only problem with that is he would be a Type A FA and would cost the Mets 2 draft picks. Another option would be Lopez, who would be a Type B FA and wouldn't cost the Mets a pick. As of right now according to mlbtraderumors.com , Crawford is listed a Type B (not sure why) and may not have his option year picked up ($10mil). If so, signing him would not cost the Mets a draft pick. Now combine that with maybe a reformed Francoeur in RF, Nick Johnson or Xavier Nady (both Type B) at 1st.Trade Maine Seattle for Brandon Morrow. Trade Murphy/and prospect (although I like him) to the giants for Sanchez/and prospect (this was thoughtout before his no-hitter). Now you are looking at a starting lineup for 2010:Reyes/Crawford/Wright/Beltran/Francoeur/Johnsonor Nady/Lopez/catcher/ and these pitchers battling for 5 starting spots.Santana/Pelfrey/Morrow/Sanchez/Perez/Niese/ParnellNo draft picks lost. Had to give up on Murphy who I think will be a good ML player. Also Maine, but his history with injuries will take it's toll on him. Trade him now, while you can. Need to trade quality to get quality. having some fun here, what do you think. 2009-07-11 05:15:50 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69252/ 69252 Hey Crunch,No problem with the Sheff thing Crunch, I probably was confusing on that line. You make a persuasive argument. I'm OK with Parnell or Niese or Holt (If ready )to step up. Provided they all learn an additional pitch or two to their resume. I feel this is essential to minor league pitchers to be successful in the Major leagues. If 45M comes off the books eat Castillos salary at the least if not for a minor league player.I started off fond of Castillo , for the 2nd half of his first season back in the NL, he played fairly well for the Mets. I've seen the Mets deal and give away alot of talent over the years from pressure in NY to have a better team. We now have a bad team. I can live with it if we don't succumb to dealing the talent away. But it is a great time, to bring them up and see what they got.Too often minor league coaches say this kid ain't ready or he don't have it, only to find out the kid plays well in MLB. Sometimes I think the minor league coaches don't have enough talent to recognize talent when it's in his face. Maybe the dissapointment of not making it big themselves makes them downgrade the kids they are suppose to teach to get there. I'm dissapointed, but I can live with seeing what we got and what promise we have for next year.Go Mets. 2009-07-10 20:53:28 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69226/ 69226 Thanks for the compliments, G! I'm in Bergen County, NJ (Timmy Tuff on my home computer because I thought Timmy T was awesome - especially after he got in the bar fight at Cooters in Houston in 1986). I didn't pick up on the column reference at the time - but I also accept that as a compliment! Question for Angry.....I love your description of Omar as a &quot;Tent Maker&quot; - but what does that actually mean? Regardless, it's hysterical. My friend refers to him as a snake oil salesman, which I also love. 2009-07-10 11:41:45 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69224/ 69224 Tuff, I totally agree about Parnell becoming a starter where he can give maybe 6-7 innings per start. I thought that it is all about developing pitchers. Make him a starter just like did St. Louis did with our former closer, Bradon Looper. Not to rehash the injury problem but even if this team had Carlos D and Jose No Brain, do you really feel that based on track history and the Manager and GM without a ring, that this team would finally learn how to win? HoJo is the only winner on the staff. Sandy Alomar Sr.? Dan Warthen has not done the job. Razor Shines has surely made the difference. Another coach without a ring. The problem is that Minaya is a poor evaluator of talent.The Julio Franco, Roberto Hernandez, Moises Alou, Luis Castillo, Fernando &quot;The Real Deal-Lets Build A Church&quot; Tatis, Jose Valentin, Gary Sheffield mentality has not worked. I happen to like Sheff but Omar landed him 10 years too late.They need coach's brought in who are winners where the players can look up to these guys. If I were a player, I would respect a man like Orel hersheiser as my pitching coach or Larry Bowa or Gary Carter as my Manager. HoJo at least has a ring and had success as a hitter. One poster pointed out to me that Jerry Manuel was Manager of the year in 2002 or 2004. Whoppee do.Jerry was a loser coach under a loser Manager like Willie. Yeah, Willie was a winner as a player but he was a crappy Manager....a Joe Torre wannabe. I would really like to see a few more '86 Mets in the dugout. Tim Teufel, Wally Backman (it is his business if he beat his wife not ours. not a criteria for managing), Carter. I doubt that Hernandez, Darlking or Orel H would leave broadcast booth to coach. Man, Bowa or Carter would rev these guys up. There seems to be a lack of rah rah. Thanks for letting me vent and keep up those good posts. I like what one of the posters said--referred to your column. Is Newsday paying you well? LOL. Happy Day TT. Where are ya neighbor? 2009-07-10 11:15:48 GARYARIZONA <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69218/ 69218 I totally agree with everyone's take on the &quot;Amazing Mess&quot; situation. Omar &quot;The Tent Maker&quot; should be exiled to Guantanomo Bay Cuba. Castillo should be sellng tacos on 42nd street. Perez should be sent to the minors. Anyone who walks 7 batters should not be pitching on the majors. Freddie &quot;Coupon&quot; needs to sell the team and get the hell out of this business. HOJO needs to open up his own restaurant and call it &quot;Swing &amp; Miss&quot;! 2009-07-10 07:36:58 ANGRYFORMERNEWYORKER <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69217/ 69217 Your view of Hernandez has been accurate. Although he eats up innings as I mentioned to you in my last comment; he has looked horrible over his last 4 starts. I am beginning to lean towards giving those starts to someone else; it can't be Parnell, unless the Mets can find a replacement in the bullpen for him (pehaps Stokes). As for Niese, he hasn't lit up the minors, but he has show potential and deserves a look, perhaps sooner than I orginally suggested. I am not going to defend Omar on those two moves (Castillo and Perez). The Castillo move seemed to be one of loyality and admiration Omar has towards Castillo and the Perez move was one of desperation, could have gotten Randy Wolf for alot less and know at less Wolf can throw strikes. Despite these two moves, Omar has done a good job overall. The Mets were a horrible team before his arrival and he has made them into a winning team expected to be contenders. Despite what many fans on this board feel, the minor league system has gotten deeper since Omar, and will continue to do so. This season is not a fair assessment of Omar's ability, any GM faced with the amount of injuries would have a tough time as well. Although I haven't given up, if the season should slip away, I agree with you that the Mets should bring up their top prospects and play them, along with other players like Murphy, Evans, Martinez (already on the roster) and see what they've got. According to mlbtraderumors.com, there's plenty of Type B Free Agents available that can help this team, without the Mets surrendering a draft pick. Many fans on this board would like to see the Mets break up the core (mainly Reyes, Wright, and Beltran). Although I am not one of them, this doesn't mean that Omar wouldn't consider it if the right deal presented itself. Given the fact that Beltran has a no trade clause and is due about $17mil next two seasons, you can eliminate him from any trades. Wright seems to be the poster child and face of this organization, so he would probably be safe. That leaves Reyes as the logical choice to trade and many teams would be calling. To make such a trade, the Mets would need to be blown away. Despite Reyes injury this season, he is not damaged goods; he will recover 100%. The Mets would need a team that has a quality SS who would be part of the deal that can step right in and contribute. Many fans have mentions Wilmer as the successor to Reyes, but he is at least 2/3 years away and could always move to 2nd base, should the Mets either not trade Reyes or find a suitable quality SS in return. 2009-07-10 07:33:15 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69214/ 69214 Gary, Omar said that he had to give the four years to Castillo because if he didn't, someone else would have. #1 - I don't believe that for a minute and, #2 - If he had that kind of offer elsewhere, you simply say &quot;bye bye.&quot; Castillo was gimping around the end of 2007 when we acquired him and needed DOUBLE knee surgery in the offseason. At best, you give him an invite to spring training - you don't give him a 4-year contract (guaranteed contracts are killing baseball - the owners should have taken care of this after the players walked out in 1994). He also messed up after the 2006 season by re-signing Jose Valentin (whose clock had struck midnight by September) instead of going after Mark Loretta or Mark Grudzielanek, who were both available as free agents. His screw-ups at second base, combined with bringing back Oliver Perez, are enough for me already - but his 3-year extension doesn't even START until next year, and Wilpon isn't eating an entire three year extension, unfortunately for all of us..... Also I reiterate.....we are wasting our time each and every start that Livan Hernandez gets. He is not part of the future and each and every start he gets is a start that Bobby Parnell or Jon Niese should be getting. 2009-07-10 06:33:28 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69197/ 69197 Correct me if I am wrong but if O-Dog brought his stats to date onto the Mets roster--he would be leading the team in rbi, correct? Omar gave Castillo a 4 year contract. Why? A 1 or 2 year contract like David Eckstein got wasn't good enough. I never heard Minaya's reasoning for giving an aging player like Castillo 4 years when nobody else would. Did Minaya ever explain this on FAN? For this bonehead move alone, preventing the team from getting better when O-Dog was available, is reason enough for Omar to be fired. Whoever the GM is next year gets a 2nd chance to sign O-Dog. Go get him to play 2b. I can live with Xavier Nady at 1B or RF. Yeah, Reyes needs to go for prospects. Cora is a stop gap until Wilmer boy.Evans, Church &amp; Tatis in the same lineup is nauseating. Guys are talking about Billy Wagner. Where is he as far as rehab? Is he willing to be a lefty set up guy with the Mets. To me, he seems like a Mike Hampton who will want to go home. Am I missing something out here in AZ? Is David Wright the softest .320 hitter ever? That man needs help in this current lineup asap. 2009-07-09 21:41:06 GARYARIZONA <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69182/ 69182 I just threw out a couple of teams and names just to make conversation. There's 50% chance that the Phillies will make a big play for Halliday. I know alot of the fans on this board will want Omar to make a big name trade also, but that would be the wrong move. Yes, Halliday would help the Phillies this season and next season. However; don't expect him to sign a long term deal with the Phillies. Just a hunch, Phillies will mortgage their 4 top prospects for a player that will stay with them for only a year and a half. Maybe the Phillies can afford to do that, but the Mets can't and won't. You're right that the Mets need to see what they've got in their prospects, so they can determine what to do either at the trading deadline or during the off season. As I mentioned on a separate topic, there will be a high amount of players this off season as free agents. These players will be Type B free agents and wouldn't cost the Mets a draft pick. Check out mlbtraderumors.com to see the list, now this list can change, but right now it has the player's that can certainly help the Mets along with some of their prospects and core players. 2009-07-09 13:38:28 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69179/ 69179 Hey Crunch, thanks for your comments. Good point on Havens - I guess I hadn't checked his stats lately. I thought he was further along. As for your trade questions, I'm not up on the stats of the players you mentioned so i couldn't say either way. I'm just tired of Reyes' persona and his late season disappearing acts and I would trade him for a long-term fit for the team - like a first baseman or left fielder - but I don't have anything specific in mind. 2009-07-09 12:12:50 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69173/ 69173 You[ve really thought out your column and made many good points. Unfortunately; as long as the Mets have a realistic chance (within 5 games) this season, many of your idea's will never happen. Hernandez is not a long term option for the Mets, however; he eats up innings and right now, that's what needed for the team. I would like to move Parnell back into a SP, however; moving him now back to Buffalo will not happen unless the Mets find a suitable replacement and or are completely out of it. I agree with should bring up Thole's and Niese and see what we got, I'm sure you will see all these guys brought up on sept 1st or if the Mets really get hammered with more injuries. Trading Reyes is a big and bold move and you would need to replace his offensive and defensive contribution. I'm not a big fan of trading Reyes, but for argument sake, would you trade Reyes to the Braves for Escobar, Diaz and minor league pitcher manny Acosta, or to the Indians for Asdrubal Cabrera, Chris Perez and 2 other minor leaguers. Again, I'm not a fan of trading Reyes, just opening up a topic for discussion. I don't agree with your suggestion of bringing up Havens and inserting him at 2nd base. He's playing at A ball and is hitting only .228 with 15 errors. He's not ready and there's no need to rush him at this point. I agree with you about Evans, but not with Murphy; unless you acquire a quality young player that will be a part of the Mets future and not just a rental. My closing comment is that I don't think that the core is the reason for the failures of this team. I would focus on building around Wright, Reyes, and Beltran (just mentioning non pitchers). Don't expect Omar is make a huge splash at the trading deadline (ie: Halliday/Lee/Holliday). Look for Omar to make minor moves without giving away any top prospects. However; look for the Mets and Omar to be active in the offseason through add and subtraction to improve this team. Would love to add a Crawford and a Nady, along with SP. 2009-07-09 09:59:03 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69157/ 69157 Look people. Let's face the facts. Due to a combination of horrendous personnel moves and injuries, 2009 is just not our year. Without officially &quot;packing it in&quot;, we need to see whether certain players are part of our future or not, so that we have a better idea of our needs going into the offseason.First off, we our absolutely wasting our time letting Livan Hernandez pitch every 5th day. He's been more than reasonable, but is not part of our future. Bring up Niese right now while he is in a good groove at AAA and give him the rest of the season to see what we've got. He can't be expected to be pitching for his life each and every start. Tell him he's got a spot in the rotation the rest of the season and a spot in the 2010 rotation is his to lose. Secondly, begin to work Parnell into the rotation like I mentioned in another post. Send him down to Buffalo and build him up to the starter that he has always been and maybe we can get five or six starts out of him in September to see what we have there. We have way too many 5-6 inning pitchers. While unfortunately Oliver Perez is untradeable thanks to Omar, I would unquestionably trade John Maine, Tim Redding and even Mike Pelfrey for the right price.Josh Thole should be brought up in September and, unless we are somehow miraculously still in the race, should be given the catcher's job for the rest of the year. In the offseason, I would trade Jose Reyes (and I've been saying to trade him since the end of 2007), assuming he has returned and proven himself healthy. I would certainly trade Murphy and Evans if there is any interest. As much as I liked Murphy the end of last year (and liked Evans' potential), both of them have supremely disappointed me in that I was hoping that both of them would spend the winter with a personal trainer and pack on at least 15 pound of muscle. Sorry guys, but hitting .265 with 7 or 8 HR is no way to win a regular starting job in the big leagues, except for maybe at shortstop. If Murphy is not going to hit .330 and Evans is not going to reach 25-30 HR potential, then they will never be regulars.Reese Havens should be brought up in September as well and given the 2B job. I think we all have seen enough of Luis Castillo. Is he better than last year? Yes, but that's not saying much, is it? Let's face it. He is the new Kaz Matsui and he must be dealt somehow, someway, either this month or this winter.Finally, I think Omar must go along with Jerry Manual. While I give Omar credit for saying the right things right now - that there is no magic bullet out there due to the number of injuries we have and that he will not trade top prospects, he has put us in this mess - along with Phillips and Duquette as was correctly noted by another poster. Omar cobbles together teams with no sense of clubhouse chemistry and leadership, and the team may be a little too diverse for its own good. There is obviously a communication problem on that team. Too many cliques and groups. As for Manuel, yes he's been given a tough hand to play this year, but the lack of fundamentals - and I'm talking about little league fundamentals - has been nothing short of embarrassing. Hojo - as much as I love him (remember that he signed a one-day contract just so he could retire as a Met) has failed miserably as a hitting coach this year. David Wright and Daniel Murphy have been, for the most part, lost cases this year.Now if we can pull out a division with Niese and Parnell in the rotation along with some quality position players or prospects obtained for Maine, Redding and Pelfrey, then we are really building something here - but to go along with this bunch and somehow hold out hope that we could actually not only beat out the Phillies, but also beat the Dodgers in the postseason - is simply delusion. Let's focus on 2010 and take any benefits that may accrue as early as 2009 as a bonus. 2009-07-09 07:14:58 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69148/ 69148 Metsfan, I would only consider bringing back Putz if he returns and performs at his abilitiy. His option would be less than what Wagner was making ($10mil), Also; Putz surgery/recovery is alot less problematic than Wagner's. However; if both fully recover and perform well, I would agree with you and bring back Wagner (less money than his orginally contract) and let Putz walk(receive a supplemental pick, because Putz would most likely be a Type B FA). I stand corrected with Castillo, as he would have 2 years remaining after this season. Thanks Metsfan for pointing that out for me. I like Maine as well, but I'm concern that he may be the Gary Gentry in the Mets rotation. Gentry was a promising young pitcher, so promising that along with Jon Matlack (dominating at AAA). the Mets felt that with Seaver,Koosman,Andrews,Gentry,and Matlack, they had enough talent in the rotation, that they could afford to trade away Nolan Ryan to the Angels. We all know the results of that trade and injury plague career of Gentry. Anyway; I agree that we need to add another SP, but more of a #2 starter. As of today, the Elias baseball people have listed Type A and Type B players for 2010, now this list could change by the end of the year; but as of right now there are quality Type B players available that wouldn't cost the Mets a draft pick.(go to mlb.traderumors.com to see the list).  I don't believe the Mets and Omar will be overly active before the trading deadline, especially if it means trading away their top prospects. I know alot of the fans on this board don't want to hear that, but that's the way it is. However; I do see Omar and the Mets being very active in the offseason, once they see what they got to work with. This has been a horrible year thus far and like many fans on this board, I am very disappointed. However; stranger things have happened (see the Rockies in 2007), and I'm not ready to throw in the towel and give up on this team. 2009-07-09 05:27:38 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69144/ 69144 Sorry. My typing skills stink. I wouldn't give up on Maine. When healthy, he may be the second best starter on this team. Pelfrey has yet to distinguish himself. I think the team needs another starter. Say a #3 type. Picking up Putz' option is not something I would do. He is too high for a setup guy, unless he renegotiates at a better rate, I'd see if Wagner wants the job. The lefty is a better fit and, if healthy, he is much better that Putz. Then the offense. Nady is a prime target. As you point out, he will probably be a type B free agent and could play 1st base or a corner outfield. I'd bring Sheffield back at a reasonable price. I think Castillo has two years left. Castillo has played OK anyway. With a .350 OBP and decent defense, he's not our biggest problem. So I vote for another starter, Nady and another big bat at 1st or a corner outfield. Add the setup guy and I think we're set. Parnell needs to develop his other pitches to be a starter. Based on this season, we can't continue to wait for Niese, F-Mart, Murphy, etc. Not giving up on our young players. They need to earn their way. Easy to trade after they show enough. 2009-07-09 03:25:47 metsfan4ever <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69143/ 69143 I still think the team is solid 2009-07-09 03:12:33 metsfan4ever <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69135/ 69135 RonHunt, the way you wrote that statement regarding Sheff &quot;I would have signed him at his price&quot; was confusing. It suggested $14mil. sorry for the misunderstanding. I agree with you that you need depth to be a successful team. It's a long season and injuries are part of the game. however; you don't expect your 3 position players, 2 SP and 1 setup man to be out at the same time. If these injuries were to happen at separate times, the Mets would of had the coverage and not feel the impact so much. In regards to the Mets being greedy by letting the core players play 158+games; take a look at the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox and see how many games their core players play year to year. As you know, It's a business and management expect their high salary players to play and perform. Whether it's wrong or right, doesn't matter. that's the nature of the beast. I don't want to trade away the few blue chips that we have, Omar is building up the farm system and hopefully he will continue to do so. The Mets will have roughly $45mil available next season, so expect Omar and the Mets to improve this team. I see Delgado going back to the Blue Jays as a DH/1st base to finish out his career. I would look into Nady and if he is healthy, the Mets should consider signing him. Based on his injury plague season, I expect him to be a Type B Free Agent, which means no compensation from the Mets. If healthy, Nady can play RF or 1st base should Murphy fail. I would consider moving Parnell into the rotation to replace Maine, who I would trade for either another SP (perhaps Jimenez from the rockies) or prospects. I would consider picking up the option for Putz (if fully recovered and performs well when he returns). I would try my best to trade Castillo and sign Hudson. Based on Castillo's overall performance and entering the last year of his contact. It's possible that Omar can pull it off and perhaps acquire a couple of low level prospects. Unfortunately, Perez would be a harder sale, maybe he will bounce back and perform like he did in 2007. These are just a few of thoughts of mine without giving it too much thought. Tell me what your thoughts are or anyone else for that matter/ 2009-07-08 20:20:22 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69130/ 69130 Crunch,You don't really mean I meant sign Sheff for 13 million do you? I did mean the 400K.I'm also not sure Rivera or Lopez would not have come to the Mets because of lack of playing time. Injuries are part of the game yet the Mets managed to play the core 158 of 162 and you know that wasnt a smart move, it was a receipe for dissaster and we are right there now.We have discussed the possibility that injuries will occur if the core doesnt get some downtime. Why did Met management continue to follow this course for the past 3 seasons ?I personally see it as greedy management paying millions want their moneysworth from these stars. To me, it shows poor management. Adding a little depth to the utility players at strategic positions would have been a wise move. Has leading off Reyes taking its on his legs ? If Castillo was due for double surgery, why sign him to that contract? Beltran has had leg injuries but they continued to play him before he went down. Was Delgado's hip injury something management should have been aware of ? If I follow this theory when does Wright go down? This is not Monday Morning quaterbacking, this is 3 years of very frustrating baseball from the Mets. 2009-07-08 18:27:02 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69118/ 69118 RonHunt, with regards to the FA you mentioned. Lopez and Rivera did not want to come to the Mets, because they weren't going to get a starting spot initially. Like you, I wanted Lopez and Rivera, however; as FA they have the right to choose and their choice was to go elsewhere. You can't blame Omar for that. You mentioned in your column that you would have signed Sheff at his price. Why bring that point up when Omar gets Sheff for only $400k, while the Tigers are paying the entire $14mil. Do you think it's smart business to have signed Sheff earlier and pay the $14mil rather than the $400k that Omar is paying. If Omar would had done that, the media and the fans would had hung him. Although injuries are part of the game, it's impossible to cover each position effectively. Even the Yankees with the largest payroll in baseball couldn't do it. Imagine the Yankees losing Jeter, A-Rod, Tex, Burnett, Chamberlain, Brunney for a long period of time. Tell me what players do the Yankees have on the bench that would fill each of those positions. Also, do you think the Yankees would be able to compete at a high level missing these guys. Omar is not perfect, signing Castillo and Perez is probably his worst two moves. But let's be fair, Omar has made some pretty moves also to improve this team. 2009-07-08 16:29:28 captain-crunch <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69113/ 69113 Hey West Coast,You make a good argument. The one point though about Omar is we seem to go just so far, and then say we are ready.In an offseason of bargain FA prices, we stopped short. Orlando Hudson, Felepe Lopez and Juan Rivera could have been had, even John Smoltz. I would have also signed Sheff at his price.Sure , the payroll would have went up, but not that drastic. These guys cover every position other then catcher.Considering the injuries, look at our lineup now:Hudson, Murphy, Lopez, Wright, Rivera, Church, Schnieder and Cora.If, the core return :Hudson,Reyes, Beltran, Wright, Delgado, Rivera, Lopez, Schnieder. For a few dollars more, we could have been a contender. 2009-07-08 14:06:32 RONHUNT33 <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/69103/ 69103 Omar is not entirely to blame for the current state of the Mets. Steve Phillips and Duquette share some of the blame. They were constantly signing the wrong free agents that deprived the team of 1st round picks. They drained the farm system Omar is now trying to replenish. Let's remember that the 2002-2004 Mets averaged 91 loses. While we have not won anything under Omar he has put the team in a position to do so. This season is not his fault, no GM or team could be prepared for the injuries this team has sustained. Take Utley, Rollins and Howard out of the Phillies line-up and they would be playing as bad as we are. No team could lose its all-star SS and CF in addition to its 1B, two starters and a set-up man and not struggle. My concern has been the lack of fundamental play with this team and that was happening before the injuries. That blame falls directly on Manuel's shoulders not Omar's. It seems that maybe he concentrated too much on his 80 pitch hit to the opposite field drills at the expense of stressing fundamentals during the spring. This team played much better in previous years. 2009-07-08 08:35:39 WestCoastMetFan <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/68735/ 68735 An excellent summary of Omar's job performance. Before the season began I posted a message indicating that I could not figure out why Omar paid Perez 36 mil when he first offered him 30 mil and there were no other offers from other teams. Why pay 6 mil more for no reason??? Omar is obsessed with spending money on over the hill ball players that maybe can last one season to plug the holes in the team. The only real decent acquisition he made this season was Gary Scheffield---and who knows how long he will last until his body gives out. I think that Omar is over the hill and management should get rid of him!!! 2009-07-01 19:45:54 GoGiants!!! <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/68684/ 68684 GOOD POST! I AM A LONG TIME SUFFERING METS FAN THAT IS OUT OF PATIENCE AS WELL. OMAR MINAYA &quot;THE LIAR&quot; THE &quot;TENT MAKER&quot; OMAR SHOULD'VE NEVER RECEIVED AN EXTENSION ON HIS CONTRACT ESPECIALLY WITH THE CRAP WE HAD TO WATCH OVER THE PAST FEW SEASONS. FREDDIE &quot;COUPON&quot; KEEPS HIM AROUND FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IN THE REAL BUSINESS WORLD YOU ARE GONZO IF YOU DON'T PRODUCE.THIS SITUATION SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT. TIME TO GET RID OF THIS JOKER AND GET A REAL GM THAT CAN PUT TOGETHER A TEAM WITH CHEMISTRY. NO MORE RE-TREADS OR OVER THE HILL PLAYERS THAT THE METS HAVE LATCHED ONTO IN THE PAST. 2009-07-01 08:43:38 ANGRYFORMERNEWYORKER <forumuser@vmix.com> http://forum.newsday.com/forums/post/68675/ 68675 1) His record is of depending on aging players to play and perform at a high level (El Duque, Moises Alou, Pedro, Delgado) and then having to scramble around the junkyard when - surprisingly - these players get hurt. I am tired of Omar always getting a pass due to injuries. Granted, the injuries have been extreme this year, but Omar cannot receive a free pass because he is responsible for the product on the field.2) Every offseason, he goes for that one big name player that he thinks will put him over the top (Beltran, Delgado, Wagner, Santana, Rodriguez) but he doesn't do a good enough job with the other 80% of the team. He is building a skyscraper that is wide and top-heavy and building it on top of a too-small foundation, and the building is collapsing. Every year, he frantically grasps at straws instead of building a solid foundation for the long term. He plugs one hole in the dike with his finger but at the same time he is letting water through two or three new holes. The team is weak outside of a few big names. Look at the rotation. We have a #1 starter - followed by four #5 starters. You can't win with four #5-quality starters.3) Similar to #2 but stated in a different way. Omar is all sizzle, and very little steak. He loves the big splash of a free agent signing but cannot put a whole team together that fully meshes. Quite simply, he does not know how to build a TEAM.4) Too much of a fascination with international players. I'm sorry, but is it too much to wish that when the Futures All-Star Game is played that maybe there is some representation of Met players on the U.S. team instead of always the World team?5) Spends money like a drunken sailor. OK, he held the line (and I didn't disagree) at 3 yrs, $36 mio for a 36-yr old Derek Lowe - but just because he got more money elsewhere doesn't mean you leave the SAME MONEY ON THE TABLE for Oliver Perez. And of course four years, $25 mio for Luis Castillo, who at age 32, was headed for DOUBLE knee surgery in the offseason. Brilliant move. 2009-07-01 07:14:19 jrkirshbaum <forumuser@vmix.com>