GaryMrMets
11-23-2004, 04:21 PM
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/nym/news/nym_news.jsp?ymd=20041121&content_id=915340&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp
11/21/2004 6:28 PM ET
Mets mailbag: Is Sosa a good fit?
By Kevin Czerwinski / MLB.com
As a Mets fan since their inception in 1962, I have got to write to beg their front office not to trade for Sammy Sosa. In addition to his age, limited abilities, and monstrous contract, there is also hitting at Shea Stadium to consider. If they want to shop Cliff Floyd, okay. But shouldn't they get someone younger, not the outfield version of Mo Vaughn.
-- Kevin G., Poughkeepsie, NY
I agree with you. I don't think Sammy Sosa is the answer to any of the problems the Mets currently have, nor do I think acquiring him to possibly get out from under the contracts of Mike Piazza or Cliff Floyd is the answer, either.
The list of reasons not to get Sosa is lengthy. Still, it remains a possibility as the Winter Meetings draw near.
Sosa's agent said last week that the Cubs haven't approached him about a potential deal. He was quick to add that might change, but that it hasn't happened yet. Signing a younger outfielder or trading for someone who can help long term seems like a more prudent move but nothing is etched in stone nor is any potential deal close to being done.
General manager Omar Minaya has a few other pressing issues on his plate, like signing Kris Benson and finding a first baseman. Perhaps if he finds the talent he feels the team needs in other areas, he won't have to make a play for Sosa.
I don't understand why first base is an issue. Mike Piazza can play first for at least 80 games while splitting catching time with Vance Wilson. Jason Phillips can do the job at first and behind the plate as a backup. As far as hitting it's up to Willie Randolph to get Phillips, Wilson and Super Joe McEwing at-bats to stay sharp. Say what you will about Bobby Valentine, but he kept everyone in the game and their bats sharp!
-- Frank S., New York
First base is an issue because Mike Piazza was not a good first baseman. The experiment of having him play first was pretty much a failure from the start, plus, the two times he got seriously hurt this past season was while playing first base. The move was designed to alleviate wear and tear on Piazza and that didn't work either because he actually was better offensively the days he played behind the plate.
Many of the infield woes New York experienced can also be attributed to Piazza's shortcomings at first. While Kaz Matsui's problems were evident, a better defensive first baseman would have saved him several throwing errors.
While Jason Phillips calls a fine game, it got to the point that he mostly caught Tom Glavine; his bat seemed to be exposed after opposing pitchers had a body of work upon which to draw -- his rookie season -- for a scouting report. Phillips may well rebound and become a fine Major League hitter. But he doesn't have the pop that an everyday first baseman needs to have.
Vance Wilson is a fine catcher as well and very consistent. He's proven that he can play every day in the Major Leagues and may find himself as a team's top catcher before he's through. Joe McEwing is valuable as well. But he has been pigeon-holed as a super sub and likely won't get a shot at starting anywhere anytime soon.
Aaron Heilman showed improved command and presence in his few starts in 2004. Is that a fluke, a sign of maturity or is Peterson working with him and showing results? Do you think the Mets are going to give up on our former No. 1 pick, or do you think he has a shot at breaking the rotation in 2005?
-- Henry M., Moorpark, California
Yes, Aaron Heilman had a solid September, probably a better month than any he's had in the big leagues. He showed poise and command and seemed to get some action back on his pitches that had been missing. He's been working with Rick Peterson and Rick Waits and may soon find himself in the rotational mix somewhere. Unfortunately, it probably won't be in New York.
The club already has four starters. With Al Leiter still in the mix for the fifth spot, there isn't a great deal of room for Heilman. If Leiter isn't signed, look for the Mets to go after one of the big-name free agents. Heilman's stock declined over the last two years and it's going to take some doing for it to rise once again.
Victor Diaz seems as though he has a lot of talent and could fill the role at right field. Is there a chance that the Mets would keep Diaz and release Richard Hidalgo to save money? Or will Diaz be traded?
-- Brian R., Pleasantville, N.Y.
For starters, the club has already declined Richard Hidalgo's option so he is a free agent. The Mets may still re-sign him but he's not a high priority at the moment.
Diaz is a wonderful player with a world of potential. There are more than a few people who feel the Mets should get a big bat to play first base or to replace Cliff Floyd in left and just let Victor Diaz develop in right field. The kid has hit everywhere he's played and certainly showed some moxie in his few weeks with the club in September.
The Mets likely won't be trading Diaz but if they can get a big name for him, anything is possible. Whether he completely fits into their plans is tough to answer. He has nothing left to prove at Triple-A so he could make the club this spring as a fourth outfielder.
With all this talk about revamping the outfield and all the big name free agents out there, like J.D. Drew and Carlos Beltran, what about looking into the organization for some help? Isn't there anyone in the minors who are almost ready for the big time, like Lastings Milledge? I know, because he is so young he might not be ready now, but what are the prospects on him for the near future?
-- Shawn B., Wallkill, NY
Unfortunately, the Mets don't have many Major League-ready outfielders near the top of their minor league system. That's why you saw so much of Gerald Williams this summer. As I told Brian in the previous answer, Victor Diaz appears poised to be a Major Leaguer but the club isn't necessarily inclined to turn over right field to a rookie.
Wayne Lydon and Co. helped Double-A Binghamton to the Eastern league playoffs this season but they will be at Triple-A this season, if they even make it that far. Lastings Milledge, meanwhile, tore up the South Atlantic League but struggled upon his promotion to the Florida State League. Milledge, though a talented five-tool player, remains several years away from the big leagues.
Kevin Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/2004/11/21/LXr75D9R.jpg
Mike Piazza's play at first base is a hot top for Mets fans. (Ed Betz/AP)
11/21/2004 6:28 PM ET
Mets mailbag: Is Sosa a good fit?
By Kevin Czerwinski / MLB.com
As a Mets fan since their inception in 1962, I have got to write to beg their front office not to trade for Sammy Sosa. In addition to his age, limited abilities, and monstrous contract, there is also hitting at Shea Stadium to consider. If they want to shop Cliff Floyd, okay. But shouldn't they get someone younger, not the outfield version of Mo Vaughn.
-- Kevin G., Poughkeepsie, NY
I agree with you. I don't think Sammy Sosa is the answer to any of the problems the Mets currently have, nor do I think acquiring him to possibly get out from under the contracts of Mike Piazza or Cliff Floyd is the answer, either.
The list of reasons not to get Sosa is lengthy. Still, it remains a possibility as the Winter Meetings draw near.
Sosa's agent said last week that the Cubs haven't approached him about a potential deal. He was quick to add that might change, but that it hasn't happened yet. Signing a younger outfielder or trading for someone who can help long term seems like a more prudent move but nothing is etched in stone nor is any potential deal close to being done.
General manager Omar Minaya has a few other pressing issues on his plate, like signing Kris Benson and finding a first baseman. Perhaps if he finds the talent he feels the team needs in other areas, he won't have to make a play for Sosa.
I don't understand why first base is an issue. Mike Piazza can play first for at least 80 games while splitting catching time with Vance Wilson. Jason Phillips can do the job at first and behind the plate as a backup. As far as hitting it's up to Willie Randolph to get Phillips, Wilson and Super Joe McEwing at-bats to stay sharp. Say what you will about Bobby Valentine, but he kept everyone in the game and their bats sharp!
-- Frank S., New York
First base is an issue because Mike Piazza was not a good first baseman. The experiment of having him play first was pretty much a failure from the start, plus, the two times he got seriously hurt this past season was while playing first base. The move was designed to alleviate wear and tear on Piazza and that didn't work either because he actually was better offensively the days he played behind the plate.
Many of the infield woes New York experienced can also be attributed to Piazza's shortcomings at first. While Kaz Matsui's problems were evident, a better defensive first baseman would have saved him several throwing errors.
While Jason Phillips calls a fine game, it got to the point that he mostly caught Tom Glavine; his bat seemed to be exposed after opposing pitchers had a body of work upon which to draw -- his rookie season -- for a scouting report. Phillips may well rebound and become a fine Major League hitter. But he doesn't have the pop that an everyday first baseman needs to have.
Vance Wilson is a fine catcher as well and very consistent. He's proven that he can play every day in the Major Leagues and may find himself as a team's top catcher before he's through. Joe McEwing is valuable as well. But he has been pigeon-holed as a super sub and likely won't get a shot at starting anywhere anytime soon.
Aaron Heilman showed improved command and presence in his few starts in 2004. Is that a fluke, a sign of maturity or is Peterson working with him and showing results? Do you think the Mets are going to give up on our former No. 1 pick, or do you think he has a shot at breaking the rotation in 2005?
-- Henry M., Moorpark, California
Yes, Aaron Heilman had a solid September, probably a better month than any he's had in the big leagues. He showed poise and command and seemed to get some action back on his pitches that had been missing. He's been working with Rick Peterson and Rick Waits and may soon find himself in the rotational mix somewhere. Unfortunately, it probably won't be in New York.
The club already has four starters. With Al Leiter still in the mix for the fifth spot, there isn't a great deal of room for Heilman. If Leiter isn't signed, look for the Mets to go after one of the big-name free agents. Heilman's stock declined over the last two years and it's going to take some doing for it to rise once again.
Victor Diaz seems as though he has a lot of talent and could fill the role at right field. Is there a chance that the Mets would keep Diaz and release Richard Hidalgo to save money? Or will Diaz be traded?
-- Brian R., Pleasantville, N.Y.
For starters, the club has already declined Richard Hidalgo's option so he is a free agent. The Mets may still re-sign him but he's not a high priority at the moment.
Diaz is a wonderful player with a world of potential. There are more than a few people who feel the Mets should get a big bat to play first base or to replace Cliff Floyd in left and just let Victor Diaz develop in right field. The kid has hit everywhere he's played and certainly showed some moxie in his few weeks with the club in September.
The Mets likely won't be trading Diaz but if they can get a big name for him, anything is possible. Whether he completely fits into their plans is tough to answer. He has nothing left to prove at Triple-A so he could make the club this spring as a fourth outfielder.
With all this talk about revamping the outfield and all the big name free agents out there, like J.D. Drew and Carlos Beltran, what about looking into the organization for some help? Isn't there anyone in the minors who are almost ready for the big time, like Lastings Milledge? I know, because he is so young he might not be ready now, but what are the prospects on him for the near future?
-- Shawn B., Wallkill, NY
Unfortunately, the Mets don't have many Major League-ready outfielders near the top of their minor league system. That's why you saw so much of Gerald Williams this summer. As I told Brian in the previous answer, Victor Diaz appears poised to be a Major Leaguer but the club isn't necessarily inclined to turn over right field to a rookie.
Wayne Lydon and Co. helped Double-A Binghamton to the Eastern league playoffs this season but they will be at Triple-A this season, if they even make it that far. Lastings Milledge, meanwhile, tore up the South Atlantic League but struggled upon his promotion to the Florida State League. Milledge, though a talented five-tool player, remains several years away from the big leagues.
Kevin Czerwinski is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/2004/11/21/LXr75D9R.jpg
Mike Piazza's play at first base is a hot top for Mets fans. (Ed Betz/AP)