Baseball Guru
02-10-2003, 03:12 PM
Streaking Away From the Scene
Mets hope '02 just a blur in rearview mirror
METS INFO
Pitchers & Catchers report Thursday. Position players report Feb. 17.
Spring Schedule
2/27: CARDINALS 1:10
2/28: Cardinals at Jupiter 1:05
3/1: Orioles (ss) at Ft. Laud. 1:05; Braves (ss) at Disney 1:05
3/2: ORIOLES 1:10
3/3: Cardinals at Jupiter 1:05
3/4: MARLINS 7:10
3/5: Marlins at Jupiter 1:05
3/6: TIGERS 1:10
3/7: BRAVES (ss) 1:10; Tigers (ss) at Lakeland 1:05
3/8: CARDINALS 1:10
3/9: Astros at Kissimmee 1:10
3/10: DODGERS (ss) 1:10; Dodgers (ss) at Vero Bea. 7:05
3/11: Expos at Viera 1:05
3/12: Dodgers (ss) at Vero Bea. 1:05; DODGERS (ss) 7:10
3/13: Marlins at Jupiter 7:05
3/14: MARLINS 1:10
3/15: Dodgers at Mexico City 3:00
3/16: Dodgers at Mexico City 3:00
3/17: Orioles at Ft. Lauderdale 1:05
3/19: CARDINALS 1:10
3/20: DEVIL RAYS 7:10
3/21: ASTROS 1:10
3/22: Braves at Disney 1:05
3/23: BRAVES 1:10
3/24: Expos at Viera 6:05
3/25: DODGERS 7:10
3/26: Cardinals at Jupiter 1:05
3/27: ORIOLES 1:10
3/28: Orioles at Baltimore 6:05
3/29: ORIOLES at Shea 1:10
Home games are in CAPS. Game times are p.m. EST. (ss) = Split squad for Mets. Schedules are subject to changes.
By David Lennon
STAFF WRITER
February 9, 2003
The Mets would like you to think that the 2002 season never happened. Instead of the timeless rallying cry of "Ya Gotta Believe," the club's slogan for the upcoming year should be "Forgive and Forget."
After a last-place finish in the National League East, and numerous embarrassments off the field, the Mets' top decision-makers put the flush back in Flushing, starting with the expulsion of manager Bobby Valentine and everyone on his staff but third-basecoach/infield coach Matt Galante.
Valentine was not the only person responsible for last season's stunning underachievement - despite a $102-million payroll, the Mets finished 76-85, 26 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta and 3 1/2 behind fourth-place Florida - but he was the easiest to dispose of, even with a year and $2.7 million remaining on his contract.
The players, of course, were the true culprits, many of whom turned in career-worst performances, from Mo Vaughn to Roberto Alomar to Roger Cedeno to Jeromy Burnitz. Those four were imported during the previous winter and flopped to differing degrees in their first season with the Mets.
The failures of that foursome were impossible to overcome, and because of their unwieldy salaries, general manager Steve Phillips also found it impossible to trade Vaughn, Cedeno or Burnitz. Alomar, a future Hall of Famer, deserves a mulligan at $8 million.
So with the same suspect group of players from last season, and the infusion of Tom Glavine and Cliff Floyd, Phillips is relying on better chemistry to propel his team, fostered by his new manager, Art Howe. It's no secret that Phillips and Valentine butted heads, and in some media channels, the battle wages on. That said, Phillips believes that a less toxic clubhouse atmosphere is all these players need to succeed.
"There's a good mindset, a good environment now," Phillips said. "When you change the coaching staff and manager, there's a fresh slate. There's no baggage left over from the other relationship."
Phillips was quick to mention that he was not knocking Valentine in this specific instance but speaking in more general terms. Then again, it's easy for Phillips to take the high ground when a number of his most high-profile players already have publicly ripped Valentine during the past three months.
Glavine, Floyd and Mike Stanton all said they would not have signed with the Mets if Valentine had still been the manager, and Vaughn, a fellow Connecticut native, blamed Valentine for leaking information to the media. It's a moot point now, just worth noting that Howe already is being put on a pedestal as the anti-Valentine, without anyone certain if that's what these Mets require.
"It doesn't have to do at all with Bobby," Phillips said. "Whenever there's a change, no matter who is the manager, it creates a different environment. I don't know what it's going to look and feel like."
Howe will get the chance to put his imprint on the club in the next six weeks of spring training, but he does have a few immediate advantages over his predecessor.
Owner Fred Wilpon opened his wallet to woo Glavine away from the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. After Glavine, it's Al Leiter, Pedro Astacio and Steve Trachsel, with Mike Bacsik and Jason Middlebrook expected to contend for the fifth spot.
Wilpon and Phillips also secured the power-hitting Floyd in an effort to make up for the loss of Edgardo Alfonzo to free agency. With rookie Ty Wigginton currently slotted to be the starter at third, the decision to let Alfonzo go could haunt the Mets this season.
Two former Yankees - Stanton and Graeme Lloyd - will bolster the bullpen, and Rey Sanchez is a more than adequate fill-in as top prospect Jose Reyes, 19, grows into a major-league shortstop. But the 2003 Mets, as they head into spring training, still will rely on many of the additions from a year ago.
Vaughn appears to have honored Wilpon's shape-up directive this offseason, following the guidance of a nutritionist and personal trainer. Phillips also said Cedeno, slated to play centerfield, is less bulky and more like the player who had 55 stolen bases for the Detroit Tigers in 2001.
Both Vaughn and Cedeno will be in the spotlight this spring training. Vaughn's conditioning will be closely scrutinized, as will Cedeno's learning curve in centerfield; the position switch could be trouble based on his difficulties in left last season. The Mets have defensive insurance in the outfield with Timo Perez and Tsuyoshi Shinjo, but Cedeno's hefty contract (three years left on a four-year, $18-million deal) is enough to keep him off the bench.
At this point, Phillips' mantra is to think positive. After the trauma of last year, he believes the others will benefit from short memories, too.
"The offseason allows players to flush out the negative thoughts and negative feelings and start with hope," Phillips said.
That attitude might turn out to be the Mets' best winter acquisition.
5 Keys
1. Mo Is Less.
The Mets hope a slightly slimmer and perhaps stronger Mo Vaughn finally will become the offensive force they traded for during the winter of 2002. Simply shedding a few pounds does not automatically beef up such things as batting average and home run totals. But if Vaughn really did improve his flexibility and muscle tone, that's a much better way to start spring training than the shape he was in last February after missing an entire year.
2. The Art of Management.
By season's end, it was obvious that the combustible Bobby Valentine had lost control over the clubhouse as the players' faith disintegrated beneath the pounding pressure of so much losing. In Art Howe, the Mets will be guided by a steadier hand, and ownership is banking on that calmer and more consistent approach. The difference should be noticed quickly.
3. No Way, Jose?
One of the most intriguing story lines in Port St. Lucie will be the development of shortstop Jose Reyes, who at 19 is on the fast track to the majors. The Mets signed Rey Sanchez to keep the position warm, but they'd like to promote Reyes sooner rather than later. General manager Steve Phillips has not ruled out having Reyes on the Opening Day roster, though it is more likely he'll be called up after the All-Star break.
4. Is Ty the Guy?
It's almost beyond belief that the Mets would virtually dismiss Edgardo Alfonzo and settle on rookie Ty Wigginton as their starting third baseman, but that's how it looks right now as they head into spring training. Remember, the Mets were supposed to have Japanese slugger Norihiro Nakamura at third before he backed out, so Wigginton shouldn't get too comfortable over there.
5. Center of Attention.
There's something about the Mets' outfield that always turns into a head scratcher, and this year, it's centerfield, where Roger Cedeno is slotted as the starter. Cedeno was a defensive nightmare in left last season, and giving him even more room to roam sounds like an ill-fated plan. Outfield coach Gary Pettis will earn his keep on this project alone.
Mets hope '02 just a blur in rearview mirror
METS INFO
Pitchers & Catchers report Thursday. Position players report Feb. 17.
Spring Schedule
2/27: CARDINALS 1:10
2/28: Cardinals at Jupiter 1:05
3/1: Orioles (ss) at Ft. Laud. 1:05; Braves (ss) at Disney 1:05
3/2: ORIOLES 1:10
3/3: Cardinals at Jupiter 1:05
3/4: MARLINS 7:10
3/5: Marlins at Jupiter 1:05
3/6: TIGERS 1:10
3/7: BRAVES (ss) 1:10; Tigers (ss) at Lakeland 1:05
3/8: CARDINALS 1:10
3/9: Astros at Kissimmee 1:10
3/10: DODGERS (ss) 1:10; Dodgers (ss) at Vero Bea. 7:05
3/11: Expos at Viera 1:05
3/12: Dodgers (ss) at Vero Bea. 1:05; DODGERS (ss) 7:10
3/13: Marlins at Jupiter 7:05
3/14: MARLINS 1:10
3/15: Dodgers at Mexico City 3:00
3/16: Dodgers at Mexico City 3:00
3/17: Orioles at Ft. Lauderdale 1:05
3/19: CARDINALS 1:10
3/20: DEVIL RAYS 7:10
3/21: ASTROS 1:10
3/22: Braves at Disney 1:05
3/23: BRAVES 1:10
3/24: Expos at Viera 6:05
3/25: DODGERS 7:10
3/26: Cardinals at Jupiter 1:05
3/27: ORIOLES 1:10
3/28: Orioles at Baltimore 6:05
3/29: ORIOLES at Shea 1:10
Home games are in CAPS. Game times are p.m. EST. (ss) = Split squad for Mets. Schedules are subject to changes.
By David Lennon
STAFF WRITER
February 9, 2003
The Mets would like you to think that the 2002 season never happened. Instead of the timeless rallying cry of "Ya Gotta Believe," the club's slogan for the upcoming year should be "Forgive and Forget."
After a last-place finish in the National League East, and numerous embarrassments off the field, the Mets' top decision-makers put the flush back in Flushing, starting with the expulsion of manager Bobby Valentine and everyone on his staff but third-basecoach/infield coach Matt Galante.
Valentine was not the only person responsible for last season's stunning underachievement - despite a $102-million payroll, the Mets finished 76-85, 26 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta and 3 1/2 behind fourth-place Florida - but he was the easiest to dispose of, even with a year and $2.7 million remaining on his contract.
The players, of course, were the true culprits, many of whom turned in career-worst performances, from Mo Vaughn to Roberto Alomar to Roger Cedeno to Jeromy Burnitz. Those four were imported during the previous winter and flopped to differing degrees in their first season with the Mets.
The failures of that foursome were impossible to overcome, and because of their unwieldy salaries, general manager Steve Phillips also found it impossible to trade Vaughn, Cedeno or Burnitz. Alomar, a future Hall of Famer, deserves a mulligan at $8 million.
So with the same suspect group of players from last season, and the infusion of Tom Glavine and Cliff Floyd, Phillips is relying on better chemistry to propel his team, fostered by his new manager, Art Howe. It's no secret that Phillips and Valentine butted heads, and in some media channels, the battle wages on. That said, Phillips believes that a less toxic clubhouse atmosphere is all these players need to succeed.
"There's a good mindset, a good environment now," Phillips said. "When you change the coaching staff and manager, there's a fresh slate. There's no baggage left over from the other relationship."
Phillips was quick to mention that he was not knocking Valentine in this specific instance but speaking in more general terms. Then again, it's easy for Phillips to take the high ground when a number of his most high-profile players already have publicly ripped Valentine during the past three months.
Glavine, Floyd and Mike Stanton all said they would not have signed with the Mets if Valentine had still been the manager, and Vaughn, a fellow Connecticut native, blamed Valentine for leaking information to the media. It's a moot point now, just worth noting that Howe already is being put on a pedestal as the anti-Valentine, without anyone certain if that's what these Mets require.
"It doesn't have to do at all with Bobby," Phillips said. "Whenever there's a change, no matter who is the manager, it creates a different environment. I don't know what it's going to look and feel like."
Howe will get the chance to put his imprint on the club in the next six weeks of spring training, but he does have a few immediate advantages over his predecessor.
Owner Fred Wilpon opened his wallet to woo Glavine away from the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. After Glavine, it's Al Leiter, Pedro Astacio and Steve Trachsel, with Mike Bacsik and Jason Middlebrook expected to contend for the fifth spot.
Wilpon and Phillips also secured the power-hitting Floyd in an effort to make up for the loss of Edgardo Alfonzo to free agency. With rookie Ty Wigginton currently slotted to be the starter at third, the decision to let Alfonzo go could haunt the Mets this season.
Two former Yankees - Stanton and Graeme Lloyd - will bolster the bullpen, and Rey Sanchez is a more than adequate fill-in as top prospect Jose Reyes, 19, grows into a major-league shortstop. But the 2003 Mets, as they head into spring training, still will rely on many of the additions from a year ago.
Vaughn appears to have honored Wilpon's shape-up directive this offseason, following the guidance of a nutritionist and personal trainer. Phillips also said Cedeno, slated to play centerfield, is less bulky and more like the player who had 55 stolen bases for the Detroit Tigers in 2001.
Both Vaughn and Cedeno will be in the spotlight this spring training. Vaughn's conditioning will be closely scrutinized, as will Cedeno's learning curve in centerfield; the position switch could be trouble based on his difficulties in left last season. The Mets have defensive insurance in the outfield with Timo Perez and Tsuyoshi Shinjo, but Cedeno's hefty contract (three years left on a four-year, $18-million deal) is enough to keep him off the bench.
At this point, Phillips' mantra is to think positive. After the trauma of last year, he believes the others will benefit from short memories, too.
"The offseason allows players to flush out the negative thoughts and negative feelings and start with hope," Phillips said.
That attitude might turn out to be the Mets' best winter acquisition.
5 Keys
1. Mo Is Less.
The Mets hope a slightly slimmer and perhaps stronger Mo Vaughn finally will become the offensive force they traded for during the winter of 2002. Simply shedding a few pounds does not automatically beef up such things as batting average and home run totals. But if Vaughn really did improve his flexibility and muscle tone, that's a much better way to start spring training than the shape he was in last February after missing an entire year.
2. The Art of Management.
By season's end, it was obvious that the combustible Bobby Valentine had lost control over the clubhouse as the players' faith disintegrated beneath the pounding pressure of so much losing. In Art Howe, the Mets will be guided by a steadier hand, and ownership is banking on that calmer and more consistent approach. The difference should be noticed quickly.
3. No Way, Jose?
One of the most intriguing story lines in Port St. Lucie will be the development of shortstop Jose Reyes, who at 19 is on the fast track to the majors. The Mets signed Rey Sanchez to keep the position warm, but they'd like to promote Reyes sooner rather than later. General manager Steve Phillips has not ruled out having Reyes on the Opening Day roster, though it is more likely he'll be called up after the All-Star break.
4. Is Ty the Guy?
It's almost beyond belief that the Mets would virtually dismiss Edgardo Alfonzo and settle on rookie Ty Wigginton as their starting third baseman, but that's how it looks right now as they head into spring training. Remember, the Mets were supposed to have Japanese slugger Norihiro Nakamura at third before he backed out, so Wigginton shouldn't get too comfortable over there.
5. Center of Attention.
There's something about the Mets' outfield that always turns into a head scratcher, and this year, it's centerfield, where Roger Cedeno is slotted as the starter. Cedeno was a defensive nightmare in left last season, and giving him even more room to roam sounds like an ill-fated plan. Outfield coach Gary Pettis will earn his keep on this project alone.