2005 MLB Schedules for the Palm
There were some problems getting my MLB schedules for the Palm ready this year but I’m happy to announce that they are finally available for purchase. You can purchase them from my website.
For those who interested in .vcs versions (for Outlook and other PIMs) the process for acquiring those versions is the same as in the past. Purchase the version that is available on my website. Don’t try to install it (it’s a Palm Desktop only version). After your transaction has been completed forward me the receipt you get from Handango along with a request for the .vcs version of the product you purchased. Upon receiving the request I will generate the file and email it to you as soon as I can.
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Minor Acquisitions
In addition to signing Kelly Stinnett yesterday the Mets made a few other acquisitions.
- Infielder Benji Gil was acquired from the Seattle Mariners as infield insurance. Gil has major league experience but will be assigned to AAA Norfolk as insurance in case Jose Reyes or Kazuo Matsui gets hurt.
- Catcher Fernando Lunar was acquired to provide some more depth at that position. He has a little major league experience but will sit behind Mike Piazza, Ramon Castro and Stinnett.
- Infielder Wilson Valdez was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. He had a cup of coffee with the ChiSox last season and will provide more infield depth at AAA Norfolk.
Though none of these moves will have an immediate impact (if any impact at all) on the big league club I have to give Omar Minaya props. Rather than sit on what he has at the big league level he’s gone out and acquired some depth that could help hold down the fort in case any of his starters get hurt. Gil and Valdez would help as utility infielders coming off the bench if Reyes or Matsui get hurt as they did last year. Lunar could help in a similar capacity should Piazza go down. There’s nothing like having major league ready talent close by for just such situations.
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The Big Cat Retires
Andres Galarraga has announced his retirement. Galarraga was signed by the Mets in December with the intention that he’d try to make the team as a bench player. A sub par spring (.235, a double, 3 HRs & 7 RBIs in 17 games) apparently convinced him that it was time.
Galarraga’s retirement opens the door for another player, probably Kerry Robinson, to make the team.
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Catching Another Catcher
This just in…
Mets sign catcher Kelly Stinnett
The Mets have signed backup catcher Kelly Stinnett to a minor league contract the day after he was granted a release from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Stinnett is no all star but he gives the Mets another experienced backup catcher. No word yet on how this may affect the status of Ramon Castro who, after the trade that sent Jason Phillips to the Dodgers, is the expected backup to Mike Piazza.
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Just Wright for Batting Eighth
The blog universe is up in arms over manager Willie Randolph’s decision to bat David Wright in the eighth slot in the batting order. I’m going to go against the grain and defend Willie’s idea. Wright has limited major league experience and, though he may be a better hitter than some other players on the team, hasn’t yet ‘made his bones’ on this level yet. Besides, the prevalent attitude about batting one’s worst batter in the eighth position is flawed. Wright has the ability to get on base, he runs well and can even hit the long ball. What does that do in the eighth position? It minimizes the times you’ll have your pitcher leading off the following inning. At the same time you don’t want a stiff batting earlier in the order and killing rallies so I wouldn’t bet on Wright staying in the eighth position too long when guys like Doug Mientkiewicz, Kazuo Matsui and Mike Cameron go cold.
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Scott Strickland Reassigned
The Mets reassigned Scott Strickland over the weekend. Strickland, recovering from Tommy John surgery, proclaimed himself ready to play last week. So much for that.
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Misery Loves Company on Bonds
Rob over at Misery Loves Company has a post up about Barry Bonds that is pretty much an add on to my recent post about Bonds. And it’s got a witty title too (for those who remember the early seasons of Saturday Night Live): Barry, You Ignorant Slut. Rob adds a point that I had trouble working into my post. That point is that the media cannot injure your knee. Only you can injure your knee.
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Five Players to Watch According to Baseball Prospectus
Baseball Prospectus has included Mets relief pitcher Heath Bell in it’s list of “Five Players to Watch in 2005“. Kazuo Matsui is not listed as part of the 5 but was given Honorable Mention. So the ‘New’ Mets at least have a certain level of street cred going into the season. Let’s see if these 2 can translate that into real numbers.
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Quick Notes
It’s been pretty quiet around Mets camp the past few days so there’s not much to report. Just a couple of notes.
- Scott Strickland seems satisfied enough with his condition to proclaim himself ready to play.
- Mike Cameron will play in his first exhibition game with major league players today.
That’s all there is.
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Ryne Sandberg’s NL East Preview
Baseball Hall of Famer elect Ryne Sandberg’s NL East preview was posted on Yahoo Sports yesterday. Sandberg picked the Mets for second place this year but says they could be the team to end Atlanta’s reign over the division. I’m not quite that confident that the can be that good but I know they’ll be making some noise this season.
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