Mets Correspondent Report- 4/20

Authors: Chris Lee, Max Dworin

Latest Team Info: Currently 10-6, 1st NL East

The Mets have gotten off to a very favorable start, on top of the NL East, here’s why:

Pitching: Mets starters have been pitching lights out ball, and consistently too. Led by Al Leiter, who has a 0.38 ERA so far, the staff has compiled a 7-3 record, with an ERA below 3. Relievers have also done a nice job closing out games. The questions are: Can they keep it up? and Will the offensive provide some run support?

Recently, Pete Walker was called up by the Mets to replace reliever Tyler Yates, who replaced the injured Komiyama. Walker was 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 2 starts with AAA Norfolk. As for Komiyama, he was placed on the 15 day DL with a cut on his middle finger. Komiyama apparently cut his finger while opening his garage door.

Infield: The Mets lead the major leagues in errors. Most of them have come from the infield, surprising when there are two gold glovers in Ordonez, and Alomar, and a very descent fielder in Alfonzo. When Bobby Valentine was asked about Ordonez’s 3 error game earlier, he said, “I have never seen him play this badly, and probably never will again.”

On the positive side, Alfonzo has been hitting the ball extremely well to start off, Edgardo is batting .364 with 20 hits in 55 AB, along with 5 RBI in 16 games played. Also, Alomar, and Piazza has finally began to produce like they were expected too. Mo is expected to return soon.

Outfield: After being called up from Norfolk, Timo Perez has made a large contribution to the team. Filling in for Cedeno, Timo is batting .296, collecting 8 hits in 27 AB. He has made some nice defensive stops in the field. Perez’s timely hitting, and speed should earn him a semi-starting job. Tony Torasco was also called up from AAA, replacing McKay Christensen. Tony has not yet collected a hit in 5 at-bats.

Burnitz, who has a reputation for being a power hitter, is living up to those standards. He has hit 4 homers so far. He’ll strike out a lot, and hurt your fantasy team’s batting average, but if you lack homers, and RBI, make sure you slot him into the lineup.

Cedeno, who has sat out for a few games, is still trying hard to fit in the Mets lineup. With his speed, stealing bases is no problem, but getting on base has been. Don’t give up on him too soon!

Local Perspective: Obviously, many fans are concerned about the errors being committed. Fans have called up local sports talk shows discussing these issues. Here’s a quick answer to those problems: It’s only 16 games into the season, with 2 gold glovers, and Mo Vaughn returning soon, everything should be OK. Jay Payton’s poor hitting has also been the subjects of discussions. Bobby V will most likely put in Timo Perez for Payton to give him some time to work on his swing.

Local Reporter:

It is just a joke. All the errors that the Mets are making is a joke. As of April 19, the Mets had committed 21 errors, 8 of them belonging to Gold- Glove shortstop Rey Ordonez. The year he won the Gold- Glove, Rey committed only 4 errors, so this is a real shock. Even Gold- Glove second basemen Roberto Alomar is having trouble, having committed 3 errors through 17 games. This is inexcusable, the Mets cannot be committing sometimes 2 or 3 errors or game, hitting or not, they will get nowhere that way. They cannot be a championship team making so many careless mistakes. I only have one explanation, not excuse, but explanation for this. I heard on the Mets radio station, WFAN 660, that the dirt at Shea is different this year at second and short. The ball bounces about knee high at short and it bounces shoulder high down the lines, but c’mon Rey, get used to it and same goes for you Robbie, get used to it, you guys are defensive geniuses! It is also not just at home, it happens on the road to, well hopefully Rey Ordonez’ new glove (he cut up his original glove this year with doctors’ scissors), will help him out, or maybe his bright yellow hair might change all the Mets defensive woes.

-Max Dworin

Injuries:

John Franco-The team captain slowly continues to recover from surgery on his left elbow. Franco pitched in the bullpen yesterday, and will pitch again in two days. By extending his bullpen sessions, and pitching more often, Franco should be ready to rejoin the Mets by mid May. Manager Bobby Valentine said,"Franco will be ready whenever nature allows; there is no timetable for his return"

Mo Vaughn- Mo is also making steady progress. Vaughn says he would be ready to come off the disabled list in a few days, or sooner. The slugging first baseman was sidelined with a broken bone in his hand, when he was hit by Pirate pitcher Jimmy Anderson earlier this season.

Satoru Komiyama- Komiyama was recently placed on the 15-day DL. He cut his middle finger while opening his garage door.

On the Farm: Look out for AAA Norfolk hurler, Mike Basick. The former Indian’s minor league pitcher of the year has been disappointing so far at AAA, with a 7.94 ERA, and a 0-1 ERA, but espect him to make an impact when rosters are expanded. Catcher Jason Phillips has beenvery impressive, hitting .326 with 1 homer and 10 RBI. Keep an eye on him. P John Bale, P Dicky Gonzalez, and OF McKay Christensen are also worth a glance at.

Quick View:

Add:
Timo Perez- He could be very valuable in deep leagues. Timo gives your team some speed, and some run production every now and then. Perez wont start everyday, but make sure to put him in when he does.
Jeff D’Amico- As long as he stays healthy, and gets sufficient run support, D’Amico is a steal.
Hold:
Roger Cedeno- Off to a slow start, but have some faith in him. Place him on the bench for a while. Once he starts to hit, start him.
Drop:
Scott Strickland- He’s no longer closing, and doesn’t have much fantasy value, unless your league is playing with holds.