Friday Morning Applesauce: MacDonald Leaves, Mets Considering Replacing Pagan With Ankiel?!?

by Stephen Schmidt on Nov 4, 2011 9:27 AM EDT in Applesauce

As we read yesterday, Chad MacDonald was stolen away from the Mets yesterday to become an assistant GM with the San Diego Padres. After years of ineptness in the Omar era, it's certainly a change to see our front office members being coveted by other teams. Good luck to MacDonald and thank you for your excellent work with the Amazins.

Andy Martino took a look at what the Mets could do to replace Angel Pagan should they decide to part ways with the center fielder. I know there are some Ankiel fans out there, so his ideas may actually be appealing to some. I'm personally kind of intrigued by the idea of BJ Upton. Making a run at him may be a good way to free up some much needed 40 man roster spots so we can protect our prospects from the rule V draft (and possibly participate as well).

In case you needed any more reason to hop on the Dickey bandwagon you should probably read this. One can only sit and ponder exactly how Omar Minaya would have butchered the PR involved with this, but doing so did make me laugh for seemingly no reason at all.

Deadspin took a look at the Mets move of the fences at Citi Field. THT also had a look at the fantasy implications of the move.

If you're unsure about the value of a basestealer, FanGraphs did an article which may be of interest.

Now that the season is over, the debates are sure to begin concerning postseason awards. BtB took a graphical look at the MVP race, something those of you sitting in a basement dreaming of spreadsheets are sure to enjoy.

The media in San Francisco seems to want Carlos Beltran to return. The majority of the fanbase seems to want it as well. Why exactly was he so hated by the NY MSM? Regardless, I just hope he ends up somewhere that he's appreciated.

The veteran's committe will have 10 names to consider for induction to the hall this season. I'm with Rob Neyer in hoping Ron Santo gets the nod.

Theo's first big job as el presidente of the Cubs will be to hire a new manger. He's reportedly got a few interviews lined up already, but you have to wonder if Terry Francona would be a fit there.

Lastly, Dan Johnson and the Rays parted ways yesterday. I'm sure Rays fans will always give Johnson a warm reception when he returns to Tampa, much like Endy Chavez will likely always be loved by Mets fans.

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Upton

Wasn’t this brought up before, somehow getting Upton? And wasn’t the consensus a resounding no? If I am not mistaken, Upton has a very complex swing and is not all that patient at the plate. Am I wrong, thinking of someone else?

by CCE718 on Nov 4, 2011 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

The stpidest thing

The stupidest thing Martino said was Ankiel had an on base percentage of .296, then goes on to say the offensive numbers are far from quality but Pagan’s OBP was only.322. – So we can justify signing Ankiel because he is only slightly worse than Pagan????

by Ray 29 on Nov 4, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

You can always count on Martino bringing the stupid

1. Replacing Pagan with Ankiel is a terrible idea for many reasons. But the only one Martino repeatedly mentions — some Ankiel connection to HGH a few years ago — is not even close to being one of them.

2. He writes “Pagan seem (sic) troubled by his dip in performance in 2011.” That’s a good thing, no? I can only imagine if Pagan was running around the clubhouse laughing all year, he would be criticized for not taking the game seriously enough.

3. His whole basis for the Ankiel rumors is that Mets officials haven’t “shot down the notion.” Have Mets officials, on or off the record, completely shot down any player rumors?

by Bieser's Balk on Nov 4, 2011 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

Not only did he assume Beltran's position in CF

He also took over as clubhouse’s selfish player, who goes around alienating his teammates with his sour grapes.

Well, its clear Martino had a deadline, and a dinner date. My man had to leave work at 5:00 on the dot, quality be damned.

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by Coolpapabell on Nov 4, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions

No

No Rick Ankiel. No no no.

by barry_hal_oliver_24 on Nov 4, 2011 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

Bad Andy Martino

That’s a bad beat writer! Go lay down!

Now, kids, being eaten by a crocodile is just like going to sleep; in giant blender.

by meigs1414 on Nov 4, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

PEDS

Maybe Ankiel can call up LaRussa and get a new supply of PED’s and start hitting again.

by Ray 29 on Nov 4, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Pagan seems like the best option going into the spring

However, how much time do we give him to turn it around during the season and who do we keep waiting to replace him should he fail? Neiuwenhuis is no sure bet and Pridie is no more exciting than Pagan.

Do you think it would be possible to offer arbitration to Pagan and offer a contract to DeJesus to platoon with Bay, play center occasionally, and possibly stay there permanently, should Pagan fail?

by TheBigStapler on Nov 4, 2011 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

DeJesus has played only a handful of games at CF since 2008

His OPS+ last year was identical to Pagan’s, and he’s 2 years older. The team already has Duda and Evans at cheap corners, I’d rather they get the ABs than the desicated remains of a once good DeJesus.

I’d rather try to find a younger, cheaper RH CF bat (a la Scott Hairston this year) to be a back up till Nieuwenhuis (sp?) sustains health and success in AAA.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I disagree on DeJesus

I think he can be a really valuable piece. It’s not like he’s “desicated remains”. He still put up 2 WAR in a down year last season. You put him in a platoon with Bay and in center some days against lefties if Pagan needs a break, and he bats second or sixth. Then again, the second baseman must always bat second…

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 12:15 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

"Desicated remains" was, admittedly, hyperbole

but the point being, since 2012 is likely not a year that we go for broke, is the upside of DeJesus taking ABs in both corners, worth more than getting Duda and Evans more ABs? There is little doubt in my mind that while maybe a DD can play a capable CF, Angel can be much better. Bringing in DeJesus to be essentially a backup or take away time from Duda, doesn’t seem like a worthwhile way to spend.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I think we're having a miscommunication

Lucas Duda is my starting right fielder. Angel Pagan is my starting center fielder. The guy who loses at bats if the Mets bring in DeJesus is Jason Bay. DD starts in left against righties, Bay starts against lefties and DD spells Duda or Pagan or sits himself. DD, Pagan and Duda will all total at least 500 PAs in this scenario, and probably more. I’m not so high on Evans as to think “taking” at-bats from him is a big deal. He was never gonna play anyway.

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 12:58 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

I get what you're saying, but it doesn't seem

to me that DeJesus would want to sign here to be a 4th OF. Because lets be honest, much to our chagrin it would take catastrauphic injury to prevent Jason Bay from being the full time left fielder, at least to start the season.

Evans may not be any great shakes, but he’s cheap. I’d rather have a cheap Evans on the roster than DeJesus, so unless DeJesus signs a cheap one year deal, I’d rather see Sandy spend the money elsewhere (re: Reyes).

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't care how much Bay is being paid

And neither should the Mets. DeJesus would be brought in as the starting left fielder, and Bay is the 4th OF who plays exclusively against lefties. If that’s not possible (and I don’t see why it wouldn’t be), then I’d agree with you that DeJesus would not have value as a 4th OF with what we’d have to pay him. As for Reyes…some idiot team like Washington or Boston or SF or Detroit is gonna offer Jose 7/140 or maybe even more. Never underestimate the chance of a GM ridiculously overpaying. The Mets would be stupid to match that. 6/120 at the absolute most for Reyes.

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 1:31 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

Fair nuff

I think we’re saying similar things, from different viewpoints on Bay/DeJesus.

As for Reyes, I’ve got a whole bunch of other thoughts in the bumped fanpost on Reyes value.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the best option is keeping Pagan and signing cody Ross to spot him against lefties

If Pagan struggles into June of next year and Captain Kirk is raking in Buffalo I’d call him up and make Pagan a bench player.

by graves9 on Nov 4, 2011 3:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't think Upton makes any sense for the Mets

he’ll cost more than Pagan, he’s not that much better and it doesn’t even matter anyway because he’s a free agent after 2012. We’d be getting a marginal upgrade at one position for a season where the team isn’t likely to contend. If we really want him so bad then just wait one season for him to become a free agent.

by joma16 on Nov 4, 2011 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

But at least Upton is not slightly worse like Ankiel

(see Andy Martino)

by Ray 29 on Nov 4, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Upton is a consistent 4-5 WAR player

And only 27. I would take him over Pagan in a second if he were available at a reasonable price.

by Philip Larkin on Nov 4, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, but that "reasonble" price thing is probably the sticking point.

He’s still got one more year of cost controll arb, so the Rays don’t need to move him.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Not to mention that Friedman is a hell of a GM.

I trust Sandy Alderson more than previous GMs at the trade table but Friedman’s going to try to get a ton for him (or any valuable player he deals).

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!
You might know me as mistermet.

by Steve Schreiber on Nov 4, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

That's why I never include a trade with Tampa in my AAOPs

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on Nov 4, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Sure so would I

but why give up players to get him just to be a few wins better for one season? I might have been undervaluing Upton a bit but still, unless we’re signing him to a reasonable extension then I don’t see why we’d non-tender Pagan AND trade prospects. The Rays know his value and they won’t give him up for free.

by joma16 on Nov 4, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

While I'm not enthralled with Pagan

I sure hope he can regress back upwards and have a better year. There’s also not a better replacement, so…. nu?

The artful muppet formerly known as KrmtDfrog.
Please read my sardonic wit and over-blown sense of self over at headkicklegend.com

by Cory Braiterman on Nov 4, 2011 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

Huh?

The Mets are not considering Pagan, nor have they contacted his agent.

Martino is simply exhaling his gas bag.

by Metsmerized Online on Nov 4, 2011 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

That Deadspin article is actually retarded

To suggest that Sandy Alderson is a worse GM than Omar Minaya simply because his first year record was worse…oh my lord, that is a zillion different kinds of stupid. I stopped reading. Did anyone else get any farther?

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 10:50 AM EDT via iPhone app reply actions 4 recs

Deadspin is a snark site.

It’s not meant to be more than about 7% serious.

by Kepler on Nov 4, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Did you read the article?

I know what Deadspin is. This article is certainly full of snark, but it’s directed at the Mets, not those who mock them. It implies “the Mets don’t win” and therefore moving in the CitiField fences doesn’t matter. This must mean it’s just more bad PR by the team. However, it gives absolutely no context. It also neglects to mention that CitiField received terrific reviews upon opening and is actually a wonderful place to watch a baseball game. This author is clearly just pissed that the Mets aren’t a laughingstock anymore and is trying to make something out of nothing. It’s a decent attempt at humor, I’ll give you that, but it reads as a complete misfire.

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I read the whole thing

but I agree with your view of the article. It’s pretty disappointing, given that the quality of Deadspin’s articles is generally very good. Jack Dickey seems to have an ax to grind vis-a-vis the Mets (I think he may actually be a Met fan), but it’s still surprising that the piece would be so poor analytically and so quick to dismiss Alderson’s reality-based approach to being a GM. I mean, of course Minya’s first season was great. He he had basically an unlimited budget, and used it to bring in Beltran and Pedro.

by dontstopbelieving on Nov 4, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

The first problem is you're reading Deadspin

It’s the TMZ of sports blogging, except worse sourcing.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Pretty much, this -

my opinion of Deadspin as well.
The only time I usually bother reading is if they’re mocking some player/rival I can’t stand.

by MetsFan4Decades on Nov 4, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

I know, I fell into the trap

But Stephen linked to it, so I figured it was worth a read. I guess not.

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

It was a slow news day, what can I say

by Stephen Schmidt on Nov 4, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Get a sense of humor!

I agree about the GM stuff but the rest of it is spot on!

by Ray 29 on Nov 4, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

You think CitiField got "almost everything wrong"?

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 12:37 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

yup

The first thing is…did anybody in the front office have a clue that David (the face of the franchise at the time) Wright’s power was to right-center field? and it goes on from there.

Give me Shea back any day

by Ray 29 on Nov 4, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

That's taken care of now (somewhat)

But the Deadspin guy hates the changes. It’s just another one in a series of “let’s ridicule the Mets no matter what they do” articles. Mets just attract media and fan negativism.

by Philip Larkin on Nov 4, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

There's just no pleasing some people.

Save Jenrry Mejia!

by Ogre39666 on Nov 4, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Kilimanjaro climb

How many pro athletes out there are inspired by Hemingway? How many do you think have a goal at any point in their life to scale a mountain like Kilimanjaro?

Obviously I like Dickey because he’s a good pitcher, and the knuckleball, and the goofy faces he makes as he pitches, but also, the guy strikes me as someone I’d actually want to hang out with. He’s a bit of a nerdy, hippie intellectual.

Mark Cuban for owner! Save us from the Wilpons!

by Greenpoint Ian on Nov 4, 2011 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

If he hung out in interwar Paris drinking with literary friends

I would be more impressed.

Young, grissiony Hemingway > Old, alcoholic Hemingway

by Kepler on Nov 4, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

He's wrong about Mount Fuji, though.

‘Climbing’ Fuji is a lot like Dickey describes ‘climbing’ Kilimanjaro. Hundreds of thousands (millions?) of people do it every year. There’s even a road up it, and people in their 80s and 90s make it to the top in two days. Apparently the only real challenges are trying to summit in one day, and avoiding altitude sickness.

R.A. should schedule that for next year.

by Curtis3331 on Nov 5, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Mike Puma is reporting Luis Hernandez will be the Mets 2012 centerfielder

by David G on Nov 4, 2011 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs

Why exactly was he so hated by the NY MSM?

Because even after 2006, Beltran could not figure out how to, or just refused to foul off strike 3. If he doesn’t like the pitch – even if it’s a strike – he ain’t swingin’. This is something he should have learned way before he made it to the big leagues.

ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE IS A 2 OUT RALLY GOING ON!!!!!

by Ray 29 on Nov 4, 2011 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

LOL

"F***ing shocker." -Billy Wagner

by nymgb44 on Nov 4, 2011 12:47 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions 6 recs

Oy vey.

This is beyond dumb.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!
You might know me as mistermet.

by Steve Schreiber on Nov 4, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs

This is performance art, right?

If so, well played.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs

I know you're just trolling but dude

Beltran is a ridiculously good baseball player. Playing against the highest level of competition in the world, he’s been consistently better than average as a hitter (and usually much better than average) for the past decade. Clearly he has some idea of how to hit and what pitches to swing at.

by joma16 on Nov 4, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs

718 937 6666

by anonymous on Nov 4, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 9 recs

all i can say is

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on Nov 4, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs

rec'd

…. psychhhhhhhhhh

by nrmax88 on Nov 4, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs

.

Save Jenrry Mejia!

by Ogre39666 on Nov 4, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

.

AAARRRRRRRSSSSSHHHHHHHHAAAAAAVVVVVIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN!
Dream goal!

by Aidan Gibson on Nov 4, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs

It takes a lot of stupid to create a Greenvalanche

And this is a Greenvalanche for the ages.

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on Nov 4, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

keep it going

Mark Cuban for owner! Save us from the Wilpons!

by Greenpoint Ian on Nov 4, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs

Fail

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.

AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest

by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Nov 4, 2011 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs

I'm convinced all these Mets beat writers are lost.

Is Martino really implying the Mets are going from Pagan to Ankiel to save ~3M? Seriously?

Ankiel couldn’t shine Pagan’s boots as a baseball player.

Oh pissing blimey there's jam coming out of the walls!

by TWilliAM on Nov 4, 2011 1:04 PM EDT reply actions

He's tried

but the shoe shine kept ending up in the 4th row behind home plate

Time to update this: 2009 Did Not Happen. Neither did 2010. Or 2011. Sports suck.

by cjmulrain on Nov 4, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs

oh, snap !

rec’d

One day, this team is going to kill me.

by fxcarden on Nov 4, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

The only way I could accept Ankiel as the CF

Is if they spent $20 million in the draft this season.

What Would Matt Szczur Do?
Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Nov 4, 2011 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Deadspin article on the fences

The Mets Are Moving The Fences To Distract Themselves From The Fact They’re The Mets

LMAO

One day, this team is going to kill me.

by fxcarden on Nov 4, 2011 1:14 PM EDT reply actions

I wish I was like you

Easily amused

Oh pissing blimey there's jam coming out of the walls!

by TWilliAM on Nov 4, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Life's lessons, my friend.

One day, this team is going to kill me.

by fxcarden on Nov 4, 2011 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Who I want for Centerfield 2012

Lorenzo Cain, currently with the Kansas City Royals.

This is one of the guys the Royals got in the Greinke deal. He will be 26 years old, he can hit and play the position, he won’t command a high salary, and he should be available, as the Royals have a real logjam in the outfield. They have Cabrera, Gordon and Francoeur at the major league level, plus Clint Robinson and David Lough at AAA, both of whom deserve a shot at the majors, plus highly regarded prospect Wil Mayers at AA.

Cain is at least as good an overall player as Pagan, plus he is cheaper and five years younger; and so far as I have read he isn’t a head case like BJ Upton. Anyway I rather hate the idea of paying for unrealized potential.

Such a move would shore up a weakness for several years plus allow the Mets to move on to the next problem area.

by DED on Nov 4, 2011 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Sounds good, but what do we trade to get him?

Seems easy enough for the Royals to let Melky or Frenchy walk and let Cain play, rather than trade him to the Mets.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Francoeur got a 2 year extension, so he's not going anywhere.

Not sure of Cabrera’s status, though.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!
You might know me as mistermet.

by Steve Schreiber on Nov 4, 2011 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting, still doesn't block Cain in CF though.

Neither Frenchy nor Gordon is gonna play CF. And even if Melky is brought back, Cain’s cheap, so I don’t see any reason why KC would want to deal a young, cheap CF.

by SoCal Metfan on Nov 4, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought Cabrera was signed through 2012.

I remember Royals Review having an article about it and a large argument ensued.

Now, kids, being eaten by a crocodile is just like going to sleep; in giant blender.

by meigs1414 on Nov 4, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

2012 is his final arb year.

"And that's why anybody who invested with Lenny Dykstra should really call that number. Lawyers are standing by."

by BobbyV_Incognito on Nov 4, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Who for Lo Cain?

My thought was, the Royals need two starting pitchers in order to compete for a division title next year; they have gotten that close. I doubt they will have the resources to spend on a top of the rotation guy. They probably will have to hope that one of their own players such as Luke Hochevar or minor leaguer Mike Montgomery takes a big stride forward. It’s not a crazy hope; Hochevar did (finally) come on strong the last half of 2011.

The Royals also need an innings eater, to keep them from giving away games with next year’s versions of Kyle Davies and Sean O’Sullivan. Running out some truly putrid starters some 20% of the time disguised just how much improvement the rest of the team achieved; replacing that cast of characters with a major league average starter who could be relied upon for 190 innings would look like another big improvement. And, if they start looking like an 85 win team, then maybe they will see their way clear to import a big starter midseason. Would that the Mets were that close.

Anyway, for the innings eater role I nominate Mike Pelfrey, to be exchanged for Cain and a high risk/high ceiling pitching prospect. Who I had in mind was John Lamb, who was kicking ass through High A and AA, then underwent Tommy John surgery. He is a risk, but he is 21 next year; there’s time for him to get it back.

Trading Pelfrey is a risk. Mike has let us all down so far; he also has approximately the same career path that Chris Carpenter had at his age. With Harvey, Familia, Gorski, Wheeler, McHuch and others on the way, I doubt there will be a place for Pelfrey on the Mets eighteen months from now anyway, so I would pull the trigger on that trade.

It;s just a thought, but the point is, there is no reason on earth for the Mets to settle for someone such as Ankiel, or to overpay for Angel, either. I like Pagan, but he isn’t worth $5-6 million.

by DED on Nov 5, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup...I was thinking about him.

I don’t know what it’d cost to get him, but supposedly he can pick it out in center. That’d be a nice under the radar type grab if he doesn’t cost too much in prospects.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!
You might know me as mistermet.

by Steve Schreiber on Nov 4, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Good Research

That sounds like it could be a good under the radar move.

by MetsCity on Nov 4, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Some logjam

Two steaming piles and Gordon

by Stephen Schmidt on Nov 4, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions

It is a logjam

Hey, I wouldn’t want Cabrera playing centerfield for the Mets. I don’t think he covers enough ground. And I imagine most Mets fans wouldn’t care for a replay of the Francoeur Era.

But the point is, the Royals were happy with their outfield last year, and anyone can see why. Melky had 201 hits, Frenchy put up something like .280/.325/.475 more or less. Not in a thousand years would I count on Francoeur doing it again, but as in his days in Atlanta, Francoeur can have a spell of success before a league catches up to him. And Alex Gordon finally had a big year.

Defensively, the Royals outfield led the majors in outfield assists, with Francoeur getting good reviews and Gordon getting an undeserved Gold Glove. Even with Melky in centerfield it was a strong defensive outfield.

Plus, look up those minor league outfielders I mentioned. The Royals do have a logjam, unless they elect not to re-up Melky Cabrera, which is unlikely.

by DED on Nov 5, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Wild Thing Ankeil for CF?

from a teambuilding perspective i hate it, from a pure amusement perspective, I’d probably buy his jersey.

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on Nov 4, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

From a teambuilding perspective it actually makes sense

Because he’d be a very cheap stop-gap.

What Would Matt Szczur Do?
Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Nov 4, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

yes a cheap awful stopgap, there are cheap servicable stopgaps

I love Rick Ankeil, just because he’s so improbable, but seeing him in center field for the better part of a season would be eye gougingly awful. Mediocre defense with no bat?

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on Nov 4, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I know!

We could have Ankeil pitch for us! The ultimate irony!

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.

AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest

by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Nov 4, 2011 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

Hey now........here's a plan

go with a 4 man rotation, and Ankiel is the CF.

On the day where Ankiel pitches, Dickey is the CF / designated long man.

We can operate with a 24 man roster that way, thus saving another $50 towards Jose.

One day, this team is going to kill me.

by fxcarden on Nov 4, 2011 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Fucking logic

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!" Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.

AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 458 posts (08/24/11)
3rd Place- 2011 AAOP Contest

by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Nov 5, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I think Ankiel would sign and misplay flyballs

just to spite us for 11 years ago.

Mets, Jets, Islanders, Knicks.
GO RANGERS! Get Endy a ring!

by piazza62 on Nov 4, 2011 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

I'm probably late here

but did anyone else now know about the Dickey memoir mentioned at the end of that article?

by GilbertP on Nov 4, 2011 10:03 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I think it's been mentioned in a few other articles.

"And that's why anybody who invested with Lenny Dykstra should really call that number. Lawyers are standing by."

by BobbyV_Incognito on Nov 4, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

F*ck THAT!!!

F*ck PAGAN and F*ck ANKIEL. Put Pridie in the field, the kid has loads of charisma/potential and wants to play! Every time he was in the line-up last season on a consistent basis he did work. Enough with this BS with him, PUT PRIDIE IN!

The will is inside.

by JBarreraUSA on Nov 5, 2011 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

Are you related to Jason Pridie?

If not I’d suggest you look up his stats, and maybe you’ll realize he’s not very good at all.

by graves9 on Nov 6, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

STATS?

STATS? the guy is only, what? 24 years old? He has not had enough MLB experience. Things take time! My BEEF with baseball is everyone wants to win now! they need it now! What these campers do no realize is the youth is the key to tomorrows success. Build now, Win tomorrow. You understand?

The will is inside.

by JBarreraUSA on Nov 9, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Pridie turned 28 a month ago.

If he hasn’t had enough MLB experience, it’s not because of his age, but his talent.

"And that's why anybody who invested with Lenny Dykstra should really call that number. Lawyers are standing by."

by BobbyV_Incognito on Nov 10, 2011 8:04 AM EST up reply actions

The idea of keeping Pagan is to allow young players to develop

The worst thing would be to start a young player who is not ready. You understand?

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on Nov 10, 2011 8:54 AM EST up reply actions

LOL...he's 28.

There are also these things called minor league stats. Nice try, though.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!
You might know me as mistermet.

by Steve Schreiber on Nov 14, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

Yes...because charisma has a lot to do with baseball talent.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!
You might know me as mistermet.

by Steve Schreiber on Nov 6, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Who I want for centerfield in 2012

Willie Mays, currently with the 1954 New York Giants.

At 23, Willie is younger than Cain, Ankiel, Pagan or Pridie. He can run, hit for average, hit for power, is an above average fielder, and he has a decent arm.

He also has great attitude coming out his ass, and the man is VERY pretty. He’ll also periodically run out from under his hat, which HAS to be worth something. No clubhouse cancer here, and no funny drugs, though there is a hint that he might fall prey to the gambling demons — hopefully we could catch this in time to nip it in the bud. He’s expressed an interest in continuing to play in New York, and he has a built-in fan base that would be expected to come along with him.

The best part is, he’d be under team control for the rest of his career, because free agency is nearly a quarter century away!

by Curtis3331 on Nov 5, 2011 11:50 PM EDT reply actions