Dickey May Face Uphill Climb with Mets over Charity?

R.A. Dickey was the standout ace of the New York Mets this year. His bad luck 8-13 record certainly was unimpressive, but he led the team in ERA (3.28) and WHIP (1.23). He proved he could overcome the first year in Queens. Now the Mets knuckeballer is looking to conquer new heights, 19,000 feet to be exact.

According to ESPN NY, Dickey will try to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. He is doing it strictly for charity. The Mets don't seem too happy about the contribution for goodwill. If he were to suffer serious injury, he would forfeit his entire salary next year.

It's an odd development, but it raises a question. How far is too far for charity? Is a charity worth risking your career or your life? Granted, he may be, by his own admission, climbing the least dangerous mountains of the major ones like Mt Everest and Mt Fuji, but it's still a dangerous trek for raising money.

In an interview in New York magazine, he had the following to say about that,

"They (the Mets) view it as a dangerous thing. Of course, it's a risk I'm willing to take. I know what I'm doing well enough to know it's nothing more than a glorified hike."

Though it may be easy, you can see the point of view of the Mets. They have invested in Dickey. They are relying on him to perform on the field. If he gets injured on duty, they will be more than happy to cover that. However, if he hurts himself by his own volition, they recognize that they are basically screwed by his bad decision.

In both scenarios, they lose a pitcher, but they would rather be in a position to keep him as healthy as possible. Some athletes do stupid things in their off season. Some play flag football. Some go on reality dance shows. Even some do illegal things to make the headlines really interesting.

With all of that said, R.A. Dickey is climbing a mountain and he's doing it for charity. He's using his time off to benefit another human being besides himself. This act alone is worthy of recognition in this selfish, fast-paced, instant-media gratification society. Seldom are there people both in a position to help and willing to do so as well.

The Mets should be concerned if their players are wife beaters (maybe fiance's father beaters), drug addicts and money launderers, but they shouldn't worry about players using their free time to make a small difference in the world. Those types of players are the ones they should be supporting the most. After all, it's those players that help rescue the tarnished image of New York Mets baseball players of the past.

A message to the Mets: calm down and trust your high character people. If this were a player of lesser integrity your fears may have some validity. He's not. He has some experience and he's not going alone.

A message for R.A.: next time, get the whining Wilpons involved more. Maybe they may make some money off of it and stop their complaining long enough to use the money to pay some debts. Good luck Dickey!

Mack's Mets Memories: 10/23 - 10/30

The New York Mets history takes a celebratory turn this week. This week has historic home runs from Mike Piazza and the ground breaking on Shea Stadium, but they take a back seat to the events listed below.

October 25th, 1986: On this date, the New York Mets were down to their last strike with two out in the 10th Inning and trailing by two runs in Game 6 of the World Series. The jumbo-tron scrolled a message "congratulation world champion Boston Red Sox".

This was supposed to be the coronation of Boston and the celebration of their freedom from the curse of the Bambino. Mookie Wilson and the New York Mets didn't get the memo.

With three consecutive hits by Gary Carter, Kevin Mitchel and Ray Knight, they inched to within a run. A wild pitch and a ball that rolled through the legs of Bill Buckner led to the greatest comeback in World Series history. We all know where we were on that day.

In fact, ESPN NY wrote an interesting article on that very topic. My description of this game can't do it justice. Perhaps the descriptions of fellow-bloggers, friends of Mack's Mets staff and ESPN journalists can.

One final word on this subject. We, as fans, always review that comeback in our minds again and again. Now, here's a new and fun way of viewing that 10th Inning. Enjoy.

October 26th, 1998: On this date, the Mets were able to secure free agent-to-be, Mike Piazza. They inked him to a then record seven year, $91 million deal. He responded by carrying the team into the World Series a few years later in 2000.

October 27th, 1986: The Mets concluded their improbable comeback in Game 6 with a come from behind victory to win the World Series. They took the lead on MVP Ray Knight's go-ahead home run and won the game 8-5. The iconic image (pictured above) of Jesse Orosco leaping into the air and then falling to his knees soon followed.

 

October 29th, 2010: The New York Mets hired Sandy Alderson after an extensive and highly publicized search for their new GM. His first order of business was to hire Terry Collins as manager. He quickly moved to solidify the pitching staff and lighten the team burden of the multiple large contracts that were in place from the previous administration under his predecessor, Omar Minaya.

Omar the Angel?

The former New York Mets GM Omar Minaya has made his way into the headlines again. In an intriguing development, Minaya is being considered for the vacant GM position in the Angels organization. No beat writer will be safe. Seriously though, it may not be a bad fit.

While with the Mets, he was the architect of an N.L. East winner. Never mind the fact that they collapsed, had far too many odd injuries in the following seasons and had a medical staff that makes the three stooges look like geniuses. What made him an interesting choice in the New York area was his ethnicity and the team's payroll at the time.

The current Angels are in a similar situation. They can spend money. They are looking for a change. They are planted firmly in an area of the country that boasts one of the highest Latino communities in the nation. He would be embraced there much like he initially was in New York. He may also be able to bring big name Latin American players like Albert Pujols and K-Rod there.

That may be one thing they are counting on. Like the Mets once did. If he were to use the time he spent with the Mets wisely and learn from his mistakes here, he may have a chance to be a strength to that organization.

Not many writers are bigger critics of him than I am, but he showed some glimmer of talent as a GM with the Mets and I am sure I am not alone in wishing him luck. Just as long as he steers clear of those L.A. hotels in the early morning hours, he should be fine.

Dillon Gee named to MLB All Star squad, in Taiwan

Major League Baseball has been in the expanding the sport worldwide game over the past decade. They have played games in Japan, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Now they are taking their hand-picked All Star team to Taiwan.

The Mets are no strangers to sending players abroad. They did so in 2006 when Jose Reyes, David Wright and John Maine (remember when he was good) all went to Japan. Also, the Mets are not strangers to playing their games off of the mainland.

They have played divisional road games against the then Montreal Expos in Puerto Rico in 2004 and the Florida Marlins in 2010. The current team to travel overseas consists of only a 19 man roster.

They begin playing their five game tour November 1st. Gee is the only Mets player, but not the only New York player to travel. Among the 19 players is Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano.

The roster was chosen by San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy who will manage the team for the tour. The coaching staff has yet to be named. Whether Terry Collins will be on board or not has yet to be determined.

As for Dillon Gee, he has been a break out story this past season. His first half was outstanding. From April 17th to July 29th, he posted an 10-3 record and a 3.69 ERA. He became the first rookie Mets pitcher since Dwight Gooden to get at least ten wins by the All Star break.

The second half was not so kind to him, however. He finished the season on a 3-3 run with four no decisions while posting a 4.43 ERA. Still, his 13-6 record is not too bad for such a young pitcher that lacks velocity at the Major League level.

His future is in his hands. Which Gee will we see next year? If he adjusts to the league, he could be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. It is certain that the opposing hitters have adjusted to him. The next move is up to Gee.

In the meantime, he will represent our country and its national pastime with honor, respect and dignity. He is a clear choice to do this. Even if his numbers don't speak for themselves.

Mack's Mets Memories: 10/9 - 10/15

In this weekly edition of Mack's Mets Memories we take a look back on three championship runs and key events that changed the face of the Mets. First, we begin with one of the lesser known and remembered playoff runs.

October 10th: In 1973, the Mets were a surprise World Series contender when they faced off with the Cincinnati Reds. The Big Red Machine was looking to dominate the Mets, but the comeback kids from Queens had other ideas in mind.

On this date, Tom Seaver closed out the series with a 7-2 win. The Franchise gave up only one earned run through 8.1 Innings while striking out four en route to their second National League Championship in four years.

October 11th: The Washington Senators traded their manager, Gil Hodges, to the New York Mets in 1967. From 1968 to 1971, he guided the Mets to a .523 winning pct and a World Series championship in 1969. He was a beloved figure in the history of the organization.

Even after 50 years of history, Hodges ranks third in wins with 339 (behind Davey Johnson and Bobby Valentine). He is considered the greatest coach in Mets history and they acquired him for a player to be named later (Bill Denehy). The trade was completed on November 27th, 1967 but it started with the initial acquisition on this date.

October 11th: In addition to the Gil Hodges trade, the Mets also had a big hit to remember on this date. In 1986, Lenny Dykstra walked into the batter's box against the Houston Astros in the

bottom of the ninth inning.

With his team down 5-4 in an NLCS tied at one game each. The Mets took the lead in the series with one swing. Dykstra launched a two-run homer to right field for a walk-off win for the eventual champs.

October 15th: The Mets defeat the Houston Astros in 1986. This game lasted 16 innings for the longest post-season game in baseball history. The Mets clinched the NLCS and their ticket to the World Series on the strength of a 7-6 win that was capped off by a three run 16th inning.

In what many fans remember as the greatest playoff game ever, this marathon of wills lasted 4 hours and 42 minutes. This win lifted them to an inevitable meeting with the Boston Red Sox, but more on that next week.

Why are Mets are looking outside for coaching help?

The big story surrounding the Mets this week has been their attempts, or lack thereof so far, to reach out to Jose Reyes to re-sign him. Another story flew under the radar, though. The Mets have analyzed their coaching staff and have not liked what they have seen.

They kept Terry Collins, Dan Warthen and Dave Hudgens. Everyone else has been either reassigned or not re-signed. They need a new bench coach, bullpen coach, first base coach and third base coach. Among these coaching positions available, bench coach is the most important. It is the right hand man to Terry Collins. It's the coach that takes over when Collins inevitably gets the boot for arguing with the umpires.

The Mets leaked the small list of potential replacements for Ken Oberkfel, Mookie Wilson and Chip Hale, who already has signed a contract to take over as bench coach for the Oakland A's. The list for the new bench coach includes four names: Jim Riggleman, Bob Geren, John McLaren and Larry Bowa. All decent names. All experienced at some level in the majors. Here's the question I have, however. Why these guys?

Why don't they give a Tim Teufel or a Wally Backman an opportunity. This time last year Backman was good enough to nearly beat Collins out for the job as manager, but all of a sudden he's not good enough to be considered for the second in command spot?

Does that logic make any sense? It doesn't to me either. The Mets will have primarily home-grown talent next year and in the foreseeable future.

Why not have as many coaches on the staff as possible that know these young players? Coaches that know their strengths and weaknesses and their limitations. That was the sole reason that Collins stood out over Backman last year. They said he knew the players coming up a little better.

That was good enough for them last year, but this year that doesn't matter? This year it's suddenly okay to go out of the organization? I understand that they want managers that can motivate and have major league managing experience, but let's take a closer look at these candidates, shall we?

Jim Riggleman will forever be known as a coach that bailed on his team halfway through the season. His resignation with the Nationals this past season was crippling to the team. I understand that the same argument can be made about Collins from his days with the Angels.

The difference is that Collins has had to pay his dues in the league before he was trusted again. So far it has worked out well for the Mets. What are the chances that they can catch lightning in the same bottle twice? Not good.

Then, there is Bob Geren. He has held one job as a head coach. It was with the Oakland A's for the past 4 1/2 years. He has a .471 career winning pct. Other than that, what does he know about this team? His only ties (and probably the only reason he is being considered) to the Mets is that he was a minor league coach for Oakland's AAA affiliate when some of the Mets brass were working there.

That's all. He doesn't have any ties to the Mets players or staff. He doesn't know the players' tendencies and reactions to stressful situations. The adjustment period would take longer with him than it would with an in-house option.

Next, there is John McLaren. His last stint was with the Nationals. He replaced Riggleman for three days until legendary Mets manager Davey Johnson took over there. After that, he went into scouting in the Nats organization for the remainder of the season. That has some usefulness.

He can tell the Mets what their minor league players weaknesses are and do it from the perspective of an outsider. He has experience at the majors with Seattle as well. He didn't do too well with a high payroll and professional egos when at the helm. He's never held the head coach position for a full season. That lack of experience as the head of the dugout at the major league level has to speak for something.

Finally, Larry Bowa. Bowa is a fiery manager. In a clubhouse where there is only room for one fire-starter, do they really want to add

another one? Especially one that doesn't know this team? The locker room is light, friendly and inviting. The players respect the man at the top. It's him they would run through walls for. It's he who they fear ridicule from.

If the team were to add a second influence like that, it would become too much noise to them. The players would stop responding to the one that actually matters. Bowa is a name in the sport, but in this case, not a good fitting name.

This all brings me back to my original question. Why not promote from within? It makes more sense to do this than to search for an option from the outside. The options within know the players better. They will certainly be named to positions in the organization and even at the major league level.

The Mets, however, have the chance to use their knowledge to the full advantage. Wally Backman and Tim Teufel would both be outstanding choices that the players and fans would embrace. That can only lead to better and brighter things for the future.

Mack's Mets Memories: 10/2 - 10/8

The nearly 50 year history of the New York Mets have had a multitude of ups and downs. Like any good relationship, by looking at the past, we can appreciate the present. What we've been through and celebrate as fans makes us better people. This week in Mets history....

October 2nd: In 1985, Dwight Gooden becomes just the seventh pitcher (Walter Johnson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Dazzy Vance, Lefty Grove, Hal Newhouser and Sandy Koufax) to win the pitching version of the triple crown en route to a Cy Young award (wins, ERA and strikeouts). The others are all in the Hall of Fame.

October 3rd: Though it is not a direct part of Mets history, the "shot heard round the world" was hit by Bobby Thompson on this date in 1951.

October 4th: Mets matriarch Joan Payson passed away in 1975 at the age of 72. She was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1981. She was the first Vice President in team history.

October 7th: In the longest LDS game in league history, Benny Agbayani hits a home run in the 13th inning of the 5 hours 22 minute marathon to defeat the San Francisco Giants and give the Mets a 2-1 series lead.

October 8th: In 1973, Buddy Harrelson got into an all out brawl with Pete Rose during Game Three of the NLCS. Rose slid hard into Harrelson to break up a double play to begi

n the altercation. The Mets won the game 9-2.

In 1986, Mike Scott shut out the Mets and Dwight Gooden 1-0 in Game One of the NLCS. In the loss, 14 Mets struck out.

In 2000, Bobby Jones shut out the Giants in the NLDS clinching game 4-0. He threw a complete game one hitter on his way to just the sixth one-hit shut out in playoff history at that point.

Five Long-term Solutions for Closers

A few days ago, I posted here about five options the Mets need to consider to fill their hole at closer. They are all free agent options, but the Mets only need a short-term answer for this void. They have several key options for a longer-term.

Of the dozen or so players throughout the farm system that could develop into something special at the back end of the Mets bullpen, here are five names you may not know that have a good chance at this point. As before, this is in no particular order.

Dale Thayer: Thayer was called up twice this season to the Mets. While there, he under-performed. He posted a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 innings. He was much more dominant in Buffalo,

however. In AAA, he had a 2.66 ERA with 21 saves in 54 games overall. He had 66 strikeouts to just 15 walks or a four to one clip.

That ratio was certainly good enough to earn him a spot in the Mets bullpen for next year. If he is like Nick Evans and just needs playing time to warm up, he could solidify that position for

the next few years.

Rhiner Cruz: In just 38 games at Binghamton, Cruz posted seven saves. His 4.14 ERA is not an indication of a lack of talent in the role, but rather simply a period of adjustment to a higher level of competition. He had a 2.77 ERA in St Lucie.

If he continues to show improvement and adjust to better hitters, he could develop into that 9th inning option in Queens for years to come. At just 25, he's still young and he's still in need of time to mature as a pitcher. Cruz could be on pace for a 2013 siting at Citi Field. It all depends on how he develops.

Josh Edgin: Edgin was promoted during the season from Savannah to St Lucie. Between both teams, he totaled 27 saves (16 in Savannah and 11 in St Lucie). He posted a 1.50 ERA bet-

ween both stops. He posted 76 strikeouts to 23 walks in 66 innings.

That three to one ratio is exactly what teams look for in a dominant closer. As he continues to hone his skills, he could develop into what the Mets have needed for so long. He has the potential to be in Queens by 2013 if he continues his current pace.

Jack Leathersich: This man is young (21) and raw. He has pitched nine games at Brooklyn and has one save to show for it. His 0.71 ERA was a good start for a young career. The team sees him as a viable option down the road. He may move up the system quickly and we could see him in 2014 if all goes well for him.

Ryan Fraser: Of all these options, Fraser may have the farthest road to get to the Mets. He pitched in Savannah this season, mostly as a starter. He posted not so great numbers, but in the minors, it's not really about the numbers. His 3.58 ERA is deceiving. As is his 7-9 record and his 90 strikeouts in 138.1 innings.

He does have one save this year. The team has started to learn where he is most useful. As he settles into the role of closer in the minors, he will only get better. He could reach the Mets by 2014 or 2015 at the latest.

Five options for short-term closer

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Frank Gray. I am a lifetime Mets fan and a writer since I can remember. I combined my love of sports and writing into a personal blog called New York Fan in South Jersey. I then took my love of the Mets and earned the title of Featured Columnist for the Bleacher Report Mets Community. I also am the creator of an outstanding New York Giants blog called Big Giants Boom. I keep busy.

Each week I will write a few posts here on Mack's Mets. One will be a "This week in Mets history" type of article and the other will be my own observations and opinions. I hope you enjoy it. I have a tendency to have an abnormal way of viewing things. It makes for a fun time.

Enough about me, let's talk about what we all log on here to read up on: the New York Mets. More specifically, I want to look at the closers for next year. Sandy Alderson went on the air in the middle of a telecast and basically stated they will shop free agency for a closer next year. For all of those who held on to the belief that Bobby Parnell is the man for the future, now's the time to let go.

The Mets will not be looking to fill this void for the next 10 years in one signing this off season, though. The team has several outstanding and young options to take the reigns of closer in the 9th inning for the next several years. They just need someone to handle nit for the next year or two. They have players like Dale Thayer, Rhiner Cruz, Josh Edgin, Nick Carr, Ryan Fraser and Jack Leathersich all coming up in the system in the next year to three years.

The Mets have options for the long-term. It's the short-term that they really have a problem with. After looking at the list of potential free agents and available veteran closers, I see five players that jump out at me. I must specify that this list is in no particular order.

Heath Bell: First up is the prodigal son. Bell came up with the Mets and played with them for three years until they unwisely traded him with Royce Ring for two no names in November of 2006. Bell had another great year with San Diego a midst trade rumors. He posted a 2

.44 ERA and had 43 saves.

He is 34 years old and will be hitting the age where closers begin to go into decline in and Alderson will be looking to save money. Especially if they re-sign Reyes to a huge deal. n a few years. This will be his last big contract. That works against the Mets. He'll be looking to cash in. If the numbers get lower and lower for Bell and the process takes longer and longer, he may debate a return to the team that dealt him.

He has long been known as anti-Mets. Wouldn't you be if they brought you up as an amateur just to trade you for a can on beans? I believe Alderson's ties to the Padres can help convince Bell that the Mets administration is different now and worth forgiving them for their past transgressions. Alderson also knows that a name like Bell would put fans in the seats in 2012 for what otherwise will be probably another building year.

Octavio Dotel: Like Bell, Dotel was signed as an amateur free agent by the Mets. He joined the organization in 1993. He was dealt with a handful of players, including Roger Cedeno in December of 1999 to the Astros for Mike Hampton and Derek Bell when the Mets were building a World Series contender for 2000.

Dotel is another player that developed into a closer after leaving New York. He has been used more as a set-up man in recent years, but can close out games. Due to his age (38), he would be a cheaper option as well. He's not the sexy name like Bell or Papelbon would be, but in Queens, he would be a difference-maker at the ticket boxes.

Joe Nathan: A name that baseball fans know but haven't heard in a few years, Nathan has 261 career saves. He missed all of 2010 but recorded 14 saves this season on his road to a comeback. The Twins will most likely not be paying him the $12.5 million to pick up the option on him, thus making him a free agent.

The Mets can get an experienced closer at a cheap cost in a incentive-laden contract while he proves his health. Sound familiar? Nathan is this off season's Jason Isringhausen. That worked out well for the Mets last year. This is the type of deal Alderson usually seems more comfortable with. He's a winner either way.

One way, Nathan succeeds and the team does well, the other way, Nathan is not himself or doesn't recover well enough and it's not much money spent. Like Izzy, it's a chance worth taking for the Mets in a short-term situation.

Matt Capps: The former Pittsburgh Pirates standout was less than outstanding in a limited role this year for the Minnesota Twins. He posted a 4.25 ERA with 15 saves in 65.1 Innings pitched. He will be looking to rebound from these numbers, but he will not get the deal he would like as a result of them.

He is still young at 28 years old. He will be needing a small contract where he can do well in order to earn a larger contract a year or two later. That is the perfect scenario for the Mets. They underpay for a talented pitcher at the back end of their bullpen. When his contract is over, they go even younger and more dominant. It's a win-win for Alderson.

Ryan Madson: The Phillies reliever has only known one team in his career. He will be commanding a lot of money for his services next year. He has shown he can pitch middle relief, set-up and close out games too. This season alone, he did all three for the Phillies. His 32 saves after Brad Lidge went down will bring him a closer's ransom in the off season.

If Alderson wants to make a statement this off season, he would be a good start. That's not Alderson's style, but Madson has said good things about the Mets and wants to test the market. While there will be interest from several teams, the Mets could land him in the right scenario. Other closers like Papelbon, Broxton and K-Rod (remember him?) will be dominating the market early on for those teams in need of a good closer.

Madson will have to wait for his contract. That can play well into the Mets hands and help the contract be a lot less than Madson would want. That would most likely force him to settle for a one or two year deal just to have somewhere to play next season, thereby giving the Mets a steal on the market.

I May Be Wrong, But…

1. I sadly hope that Adam Rubin is correct about Angel Pagan leaving. I have enjoyed Pagan during the time he has been a Met, but I’m committed to the 2013-2014 plan and he just isn’t in it. I have been more disappointed in his defensive…err… skills this season and he just isn’t the center fielder that is needed to cover CitiField. There’s no reason to spend $5mil in 2012 on him when the solution to this problem is either still in the pipeline (Matt den Dekker, Kirk Nieuwenhuis) or on the 2013 free agent list (Michael Bourn, Matt Kemp, B.J. Upton). First, I would play Nick Evans somewhere on a winter ball team and cut a deal with them to play him only in CF. After that doesn’t work, go sign someone in the $2-3mil range to hold the fort down for one year, while Evans stays up as a utility OF/3B/1B.

2. As I understand it… and feel free to correct me if I’m wrong… but the Madoff –mess judge has ruled that the MAXIMUM amount that the Mets could owe those that are suing, is $83mil, which was based on profits over a 2-year period. I assume that could also be paid over a 2-year period, which would be $41.5mil per year. Continuing on this, I also assume that both parties could settle this right now for around $30mil a year for 2-years. So, if Cot says the 2011 payroll was #143mil, then the team could operate 2012 and 2013 at $110mil and be done with this by 2014. Kewl… oh… just read they could owe close to $340mil… err… never mind.

3. Wednesday might have been the most outstanding night of baseball… ever.  Four teams trying to get in the playoffs and most of them go into extra innings… are you kidding me? There is no way to beat what we watched late into Thursday morning. This is why we watch baseball. This is why some of us write about it. Unbelievable.

4. Should the Mets try and resign 40-year old Miquel Batista? I mean, a two-hit shutout to finish the season? I can’t see anyone giving him a multi-year deal so why not bring him back for the 2012 season while the kids mature down in Buffalo?

5. We’ve added another great writer here at Mack’s Mets. Frank Gray, of The Bleacher Report, has joined us and will start off by posting twice a week, Monday and Thursday, at 2pm EST. Our goal here is to continue to bring you the best information on the New York Mets, by the best independent writers out there on the Internet. Welcome Frank.