You can say all you want about your dislike of Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni an that he doesn't preach defense, but in reality who is going to take over as head coach?
I will not answer that question, because I have not been venting about this guy needing to be fired due to a 3-game losing streak of a team that is still building it's chemistry. In fact, in games such as the win over the Heat a few weeks ago, we have witnessed glimpses of this team's defensive ability and seen that they can step up in big situations. The real issue is they only play defense when they WANT to. If it's a team under .500%, where the new-look-knicks are K-4, the team doesn't think about defense. It is truly absurd that they cannot play defense consistently. They can play it though, they can. Every time they suffer a loss like last night's 119-117 loss to the Pacers they literally should watch footage of their 91-87 win over the Heat, to realize how good they can play defense. They should watch footage of their blowout and defensive win over the New Orleans Hornets. Those games will motivate these players to step up on defense. I do believe that D'Antoni can be persuaded by players such as Chauncey Billups to start focusing more on defense. Maybe they already have convinced him and it just hasn't translated on-court yet. Keep in mind with 10 seconds left last night and down two, Carmelo drove to the hoop and tied the game with about 7 seconds remaining in the game. He could have dragged it down to the buzzer and went to OT, but he knew this team had to try and make a defensive stop. He knew thats the answer to improving. Unfortunately they gave it their best and still lost in the end.
However every time the Knicks win a game we love 'em and praise the trade, and every time they lose a game we criticize coach Mike D'Antoni and call for his head on a platter. I've heard plenty of it this morning that D'Antoni needs to be fired after this season. I do not agree necessarily, because unless they convince Phil Jackson to be the coach, I really don't see who is out there that can have an impact on this team's defense while maintaining their high-powered offense.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
STAT & Melo Will Work, And Here's Why
So for weeks and months everybody in the Basketball world was basically saying that the Knicks HAD to get the trade done for Carmelo Anthony to be relevant again in the NBA, to bring life back to the Knicks fans and the Garden, to show everyone they were headed in the right direction.
So they finally complete the trade for Melo by giving up a few starters who are average at best, one of which has the ability to be like David Lee -- successful in D'Antoni's system and bum away from it -- I mean no offense, I love Gallo but you have to wonder if he's just a product of D'Antoni's fast-paced system. Luckily Denver runs a very fast offense as well so he should have a fairly comfortable adjustment. However, ever since the trade suddenly everyone is split on whether it was good, whether or not it will work out for the Knicks..... and I can't help but ask where this is all coming from?
It's quite simple. People want a reason to doubt. They need something to write; it's that easy to understand. Look through the glass my friends. Mike Francesa said a few days ago that everybody thought the same thing when the Knicks acquired Earl Monroe -- they believed that the Knicks would need to play with two basketballs for Earl & Walt Frazier to coexist. But the thing that will transform this team is how Carmelo and Amar'e both change their games -- which is exactly what they do. They both knew that was the case before this trade went down. Prior to the trade Amar'e was all offense and no defense because he had to avoid getting into foul trouble since he knew the team needed him out there on the court from start to finish. With another big offensive presence, Amar'e can now focus on his defensive play.
Carmelo understand's that as well, as proven by the press conference to introduce him. The first thing Carmelo said at the conference was that they now had to focus on rebounding and defense. He acknowledged that the team has enough offensive ability to score 120 ppg, but to be successful they NOW have to focus on improving their defensive gameplay.Chauncey Billups reiterated that, by noting that it's not that simple to accomplish, but after they work at it fro 2 or 3 weeks their defense will improve drastically. Walt 'Clyde' Frazier said the other day said
So they finally complete the trade for Melo by giving up a few starters who are average at best, one of which has the ability to be like David Lee -- successful in D'Antoni's system and bum away from it -- I mean no offense, I love Gallo but you have to wonder if he's just a product of D'Antoni's fast-paced system. Luckily Denver runs a very fast offense as well so he should have a fairly comfortable adjustment. However, ever since the trade suddenly everyone is split on whether it was good, whether or not it will work out for the Knicks..... and I can't help but ask where this is all coming from?
It's quite simple. People want a reason to doubt. They need something to write; it's that easy to understand. Look through the glass my friends. Mike Francesa said a few days ago that everybody thought the same thing when the Knicks acquired Earl Monroe -- they believed that the Knicks would need to play with two basketballs for Earl & Walt Frazier to coexist. But the thing that will transform this team is how Carmelo and Amar'e both change their games -- which is exactly what they do. They both knew that was the case before this trade went down. Prior to the trade Amar'e was all offense and no defense because he had to avoid getting into foul trouble since he knew the team needed him out there on the court from start to finish. With another big offensive presence, Amar'e can now focus on his defensive play.
Carmelo understand's that as well, as proven by the press conference to introduce him. The first thing Carmelo said at the conference was that they now had to focus on rebounding and defense. He acknowledged that the team has enough offensive ability to score 120 ppg, but to be successful they NOW have to focus on improving their defensive gameplay.Chauncey Billups reiterated that, by noting that it's not that simple to accomplish, but after they work at it fro 2 or 3 weeks their defense will improve drastically. Walt 'Clyde' Frazier said the other day said
"On the nights Earl was hot, I'd just keep giving him the ball. These guys are both smart. They'll figure that out, too."And that is exactly what Carmelo Anthony said.
"I'll just ride [Stoudemire's] coattails,"There is no reason why these two cannot coexist. I honestly believe that Chauncey Billups will convince the coach Mike D'Antoni to emphasize defense a lot more. He'll probably tell him 'We can run the offense. We have that talent and that ability and the BBIQ to do that. What we need is for you to help us on the defensive end.' I'd say to expect the Knicks to drop somebody and sign Earl Barron soon. I know they are signing Jared Jeffries but there is no way the Knicks can pass up on a solid rebounding center like Barron.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Is Earl Barron the Answer?
Everybody keeps emphasizing the Knicks' need for a big Center, who can play defense and grab rebounds. Last season the Knicks experimented with 28 year old Earl Barron for the last 7 games of the season. Unfortunately Barron decided to reject the Knicks' 2010-2011 offer which included no guaranteed money despite him averaging 10 points per game and 11 rebounds per game.
With the trade deadline less than 30 minutes away it's expected that the Knicks are pursuing a Center such as Marcus Camby, however it might just be easier for the Knicks to sign Earl Barron off of Free Agency and give him the starting role over Ronny Turiaf.
In 6 years and 5 seasons in the NBA, Barron has played only 101 games and started just 27 of those games. Barron is a set of fresh legs and the easiest option for the Knicks under Center. 7'0" and 245 lbs. Give him 25-30 mpg and he'll turn the Knicks into a team you do not want to mess with in the postseason rather than a team that is simply an "offensive" threat with 0 defensive ability. He'll improve their defense and rebounding, making them much more dynamic. Get it done Donnie!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
AMC "Movies This Month" Promos
So I've officially made it my goal to compose a massive playlist of song's featured each month on AMC whenever they show their "Movies This Month" Promos, where they basically have a montage of great awesome movie scenes for about 20-30 seconds with a song in the background that absolutely gets you pumped up.
Here are the most recent promos I've found the music to:
Looking forward to next month's ;)
Here are the most recent promos I've found the music to:
-- January 2011 --
-- February 2011 --
Looking forward to next month's ;)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Why Am I Still Uneasy about the Knicks?
First off, let me start by saying that I was all in for the Knicks to GO all in for Carmelo Anthony from day 1. As the season progressed and we started to hear that Carmelo only wanted to be a Knick I began to preach patience and wait until the offseason despite CBA uncertainty. I firmly believed at the time that if he wants to play with us, he'll take less money. If he wanted CP3 with us, he would take less money so we could afford the tandem of 3. But as New Jersey began to start forking over first round draft picks one after the other and Melo clearly being uncertain about losing the money (despite easily making up for it through endorsements in the Media capital of the World), I turned back to my original belief that it was now or never, don't let anything hold you back.
Then the world of the Knicks blew up in our faces. It appeared inevitable that the Knicks, with days to go, would acquire Carmelo Anthony, and then Frank Isola of the NY Daily News dropped the bombshell that Isiah Thomas was working from the outside to get the deal done. Quite frankly, I don't necessarily buy into it. I feel he influenced James Dolan to give up a little more, but overall Donnie gave in as well and they were all on board. If Frank had kept his mouth shut, we would have given up a ton and would be blaming/praising Donnie Walsh instead of criticizing Dolan & Zeke.
As for the team, yeah, it's tough to part with Danilo Gallinari & Raymond Felton, but quite frankly they are both replaceable as long as you draft smart. Normally I don't agree with what Mike Francesa says but he made 100% sense today -- when you have the opportunity to either bring a superstar to NY or send him off to NJ, you gotta bring him in. Danilo Gallinari should not be in the way; Raymond Felton should never be in the way; and of course Timofey Mozgov who wasnt in the rotation 1 month ago, almost certainly shouldn't be the breaking point. When a player of Carmelo's ability can drop 27 ppg in 16 playoff games in 1 postseason, you HAVE to get him if he's out there. If he WANTS to be on your team, you HAVE to get him! There is no "This is a bad trade" or "they gave up too much". Because Felton was a 2-year contract and nothing more was expected. Gallinari would have been on the bench getting 20 mpg behind Carmelo and Wilson Chandler was not going to play 8 mpg behind Melo & Gallo. He was going to be a Free Agent, no doubt. Anthony Randolph was in D'Antoni's doghouse and you never get out of the doghouse unless there are injuries, and Eddy Curry will never step on a court unless he drops 30 lbs. This was a deal they HAD to get done.
This is not a trade to set us up for now, or even next year. It's one more step in the right direction for 2012-2013 Season. We want Chris Paul. He wants to be here. Deron Williams has hinted he wants to be here. If the big-shot owners get what they want in the new CBA then I guarantee the Knicks WILL get him. However, what worries me is not whether or not we can get a new PG. It is not whether or not we can build around the stars, and get a sizeable, defensive, rebounding Center. It is whether or not this was all for nothing, and the reason for that is we have absolutely no idea whether or not Mike D'Antoni's system can bring a Championship. I mean holy smokes he had so much talent in Phoenix for so many years but could never lift that team all the way because he preaches 0 defense. He does not focus on it at all, and for years it has been proven that you MUST have defense to win a championship.... but there's always a first time for everything, correct? Francesa spoke the truest statement of all -- In the 70s, nobody believed Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe could coexist on the Knicks for even one game... and what they did was defy all the doubters, create some of the most beautiful teamwork the NBA has seen, and brought the Knicks their 2nd and last NBA Championship.
Maybe D'Antoni will prove us wrong, but until he does I will always have this doubt in my head as to whether or not all the contracts being moved and acquiring 2 or 3 superstars was all for nothing. And I guarantee you if in 8 years we sit here and discuss how D'Antoni failed to bring the Knicks a Championship, we'll all sit here and say "2005.... Phil Jackson was turned away..." Because even though it's doubtful, if Phil had been the coach, who knows if he'd be the coach still and be looking to NOT retire from the NBA. Because with Melo & Amar'e, give him a decent center and a formidable bench and he WILL deliver the championship. Not to take anything away from D'Antoni, but no matter who is on the roster over the next 2 years I will have what I like to call "limited optimism". Donnie Walsh & James Dolan did what they had to do. If the Knicks hold onto Walsh for one more year, I believe he can put the right pieces around Carmelo & Amar'e. Veterans will take minimum to play with these two, that's for sure. If Walsh can do his part next, then it's all up to Mike D'Antoni to prove it once and for all that his system can work. Because a 1-2-3 of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire might be the best offensive threesome possible in the NBA today. It can be faster and equal or better to Miami... but D'Antoni has to man up to his words and make it happen. I give him 3 more years. If he can't deliver by then and somebody else is out there who they feel CAN and HAS delivered, then drop his ass and bring home the Gold.
Then the world of the Knicks blew up in our faces. It appeared inevitable that the Knicks, with days to go, would acquire Carmelo Anthony, and then Frank Isola of the NY Daily News dropped the bombshell that Isiah Thomas was working from the outside to get the deal done. Quite frankly, I don't necessarily buy into it. I feel he influenced James Dolan to give up a little more, but overall Donnie gave in as well and they were all on board. If Frank had kept his mouth shut, we would have given up a ton and would be blaming/praising Donnie Walsh instead of criticizing Dolan & Zeke.
As for the team, yeah, it's tough to part with Danilo Gallinari & Raymond Felton, but quite frankly they are both replaceable as long as you draft smart. Normally I don't agree with what Mike Francesa says but he made 100% sense today -- when you have the opportunity to either bring a superstar to NY or send him off to NJ, you gotta bring him in. Danilo Gallinari should not be in the way; Raymond Felton should never be in the way; and of course Timofey Mozgov who wasnt in the rotation 1 month ago, almost certainly shouldn't be the breaking point. When a player of Carmelo's ability can drop 27 ppg in 16 playoff games in 1 postseason, you HAVE to get him if he's out there. If he WANTS to be on your team, you HAVE to get him! There is no "This is a bad trade" or "they gave up too much". Because Felton was a 2-year contract and nothing more was expected. Gallinari would have been on the bench getting 20 mpg behind Carmelo and Wilson Chandler was not going to play 8 mpg behind Melo & Gallo. He was going to be a Free Agent, no doubt. Anthony Randolph was in D'Antoni's doghouse and you never get out of the doghouse unless there are injuries, and Eddy Curry will never step on a court unless he drops 30 lbs. This was a deal they HAD to get done.
This is not a trade to set us up for now, or even next year. It's one more step in the right direction for 2012-2013 Season. We want Chris Paul. He wants to be here. Deron Williams has hinted he wants to be here. If the big-shot owners get what they want in the new CBA then I guarantee the Knicks WILL get him. However, what worries me is not whether or not we can get a new PG. It is not whether or not we can build around the stars, and get a sizeable, defensive, rebounding Center. It is whether or not this was all for nothing, and the reason for that is we have absolutely no idea whether or not Mike D'Antoni's system can bring a Championship. I mean holy smokes he had so much talent in Phoenix for so many years but could never lift that team all the way because he preaches 0 defense. He does not focus on it at all, and for years it has been proven that you MUST have defense to win a championship.... but there's always a first time for everything, correct? Francesa spoke the truest statement of all -- In the 70s, nobody believed Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe could coexist on the Knicks for even one game... and what they did was defy all the doubters, create some of the most beautiful teamwork the NBA has seen, and brought the Knicks their 2nd and last NBA Championship.
Maybe D'Antoni will prove us wrong, but until he does I will always have this doubt in my head as to whether or not all the contracts being moved and acquiring 2 or 3 superstars was all for nothing. And I guarantee you if in 8 years we sit here and discuss how D'Antoni failed to bring the Knicks a Championship, we'll all sit here and say "2005.... Phil Jackson was turned away..." Because even though it's doubtful, if Phil had been the coach, who knows if he'd be the coach still and be looking to NOT retire from the NBA. Because with Melo & Amar'e, give him a decent center and a formidable bench and he WILL deliver the championship. Not to take anything away from D'Antoni, but no matter who is on the roster over the next 2 years I will have what I like to call "limited optimism". Donnie Walsh & James Dolan did what they had to do. If the Knicks hold onto Walsh for one more year, I believe he can put the right pieces around Carmelo & Amar'e. Veterans will take minimum to play with these two, that's for sure. If Walsh can do his part next, then it's all up to Mike D'Antoni to prove it once and for all that his system can work. Because a 1-2-3 of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire might be the best offensive threesome possible in the NBA today. It can be faster and equal or better to Miami... but D'Antoni has to man up to his words and make it happen. I give him 3 more years. If he can't deliver by then and somebody else is out there who they feel CAN and HAS delivered, then drop his ass and bring home the Gold.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Nuggets are Crazy
Today's latest report out of the New York Post suggests that according to a league source debriefed on the Nuggets/Knicks trade discusisons that the Nuggets made a bizarre and pathetic offer to the Knicks. Below I have listed what the offer was and broke it down as best as I could:
As you can see, it's very understandeable to want a lot for a star player who is very capable of being so versatile and dynamic that he can turn you from a contender to a serious threat. However, it is irresponsible to demand all of the young talent on a team and expect them to break up their "farm" and destroy their bench depth. If the Knicks were to go through with this exact proposal, which they clearly have stated they will not, they will be stuck with the following players:
Starters:
PG - Chauncey Billups
SG - Toney Douglas
SF - Carmelo Anthony
PF - Amar'e Stoudemire
C - Ronny Turiaf
Bench:
PG - Andy Rautins
SG - Bill Walker
SG - Roger Mason Jr.
SF/PF - Kelenna Azubuike
SF - Shawne Williams
That is not something the Knicks nor any team would ever pull the trigger on -- it would leave them in a state of utter disarray. They'd become the laughing stock of the league this season -- not next season seeing as they'd be able to fix gaps on the bench during the offseason.
Elsewhere I read that the Nets are "Not a Player" for Carmelo Anthony despite earlier reports that the Nuggets reached out to New Jersey to try and make a trade.
The two easiest assumptions to make from this fiasco are:
1. The Nuggets want to spite Carmelo Anthony so much that they are willing to let him walk to the Knicks in the offseason, and receive absolutely nothing in return. There's no point in hoping the new CBA allows a Franchise Tag because, well, why keep somebody who wants out so badly he will demand a sign and trade to just one team?
2. Nets General Manager Masai Ujiri has absolutely no idea what he is doing.... plain and simple. If the man screws this up for the Nuggets fans he will be chased into the mountains by an angry mob. For christ's sake, he had the perfect package in place from the Nuggets about 1 month ago and then demanded more from them, ultimately forcing Mikhail Prohkorov to pull the plug -- and say what you want about "oh they gotta go after him!", Mikhail is a smart business man -- he knows when somebody is f-ing with him and he pulled the plug before he was made to look like a fool for working so hard to make a trade for Carmelo and then finding out face-to-face that Carmelo would refuse to sign an extension in New Jersey.
| Denver Receives | Age | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | Denver Giveth | Age | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F Danilo Gallinari | 22 | 34.8 | 15.9 | 4.8 | 1.7 | PG Chauncey Billups | 34 | 32.3 | 16.5 | 2.5 | 5.3 |
| F Wilson Chandler | 23 | 34.5 | 16.4 | 5.9 | 1.7 | SF Carmelo Anthony | 26 | 35.5 | 25.2 | 7.6 | 2.8 |
| PG Raymond Felton | 26 | 38.4 | 17.1 | 3.6 | 9.0 | ||||||
| SG Landry Fields | 22 | 32.6 | 10.1 | 7.1 | 2.0 | ||||||
| C Timofey Mozgov | 24 | 13.4 | 4.0 | 3.1 | 0.4 | ||||||
| 1st Round Draft Pick (2011) [MIN] |
| New York Receives | Age | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF Carmelo Anthony | 26 | 35.5 | 25.2 | 7.6 | 2.8 |
| PG Chauncey Billups | 34 | 32.3 | 16.5 | 2.5 | 5.3 |
| Minnesota Receives | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C Eddy Curry (Expiring Contract) [Salary Cap Reasons] | 28 | NOTE: Player has played 10 Games this Season. No stats posted |
| PF Anthony Randolph | 21 | NOTE: Player has played 10 Games this Season. No stats posted |
As you can see, it's very understandeable to want a lot for a star player who is very capable of being so versatile and dynamic that he can turn you from a contender to a serious threat. However, it is irresponsible to demand all of the young talent on a team and expect them to break up their "farm" and destroy their bench depth. If the Knicks were to go through with this exact proposal, which they clearly have stated they will not, they will be stuck with the following players:
Starters:
PG - Chauncey Billups
SG - Toney Douglas
SF - Carmelo Anthony
PF - Amar'e Stoudemire
C - Ronny Turiaf
Bench:
PG - Andy Rautins
SG - Bill Walker
SG - Roger Mason Jr.
SF/PF - Kelenna Azubuike
SF - Shawne Williams
That is not something the Knicks nor any team would ever pull the trigger on -- it would leave them in a state of utter disarray. They'd become the laughing stock of the league this season -- not next season seeing as they'd be able to fix gaps on the bench during the offseason.
Elsewhere I read that the Nets are "Not a Player" for Carmelo Anthony despite earlier reports that the Nuggets reached out to New Jersey to try and make a trade.
The two easiest assumptions to make from this fiasco are:
1. The Nuggets want to spite Carmelo Anthony so much that they are willing to let him walk to the Knicks in the offseason, and receive absolutely nothing in return. There's no point in hoping the new CBA allows a Franchise Tag because, well, why keep somebody who wants out so badly he will demand a sign and trade to just one team?
2. Nets General Manager Masai Ujiri has absolutely no idea what he is doing.... plain and simple. If the man screws this up for the Nuggets fans he will be chased into the mountains by an angry mob. For christ's sake, he had the perfect package in place from the Nuggets about 1 month ago and then demanded more from them, ultimately forcing Mikhail Prohkorov to pull the plug -- and say what you want about "oh they gotta go after him!", Mikhail is a smart business man -- he knows when somebody is f-ing with him and he pulled the plug before he was made to look like a fool for working so hard to make a trade for Carmelo and then finding out face-to-face that Carmelo would refuse to sign an extension in New Jersey.
Pre-Evaluating Mets 2011 Season
What's the best mindset to go into this season with if you're a Mets fan? Low expectations, and I mean rock-bottom low. Act like you're a Royals fan and watch the Minor League games because that's what your team gets in return for their stars that they can't "afford" anymore. Just a crop of more future stars that you get to watch play in the MLB for Kansas City for about 4 years and then be shipped off so you're club can maintain it's $28M payroll and cash in a nice $30M profit annually of TV revenue alone.
The Mets have a lot of potential, and I use that term loosely. They aren't a team to beat, but on the contrary they are a team that has to beat those who are the team to beat. Yeah, very simple knowledge I guess but you'd be shocked how many people have told me they don't get what I mean by "They are't a team to beat." You have good stars and a $140M payroll. Players like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Jason Bay can all be exceptional and productive as long as they remain healthy. What matters most is how the new rotation guys will pan out and how the spring training competition at 2B will result. The Mets need Daniel Murphy to win that job. They do not need a young player coming from AA making a "splash" and end up spending 3 months starting and batting a .192 average with 0 HRs, 9 RBIs and 74 strikeouts vs 11 walks. They need someone like Murphy who has the potential bat but just needs the experience. He's been unfortunate to be thrown in LF, which was never his strong position, then to platoon at 1B, and now have to learn how to play 2B. And evidently I recall telling people 1 year ago that Daniel would be best suited at 2B due to the lack of talent at that position throughout the entire league and that he fit the body type to play that position.
I read one scout's remarks of Jason Bay's swing in 2010 where he really struggled to hit the long ball, and the Scout basically said that he was bringing his hand more over the top and probably was trying to hit for average while still maintaining most of his power. Look, if my team is paying you $16M I don't care if you bat a .240 average. If you can hit 30+ home runs and drive in 110 RBIs I'm perfectly happy with you as the cleanup hitter.
Similar thing goes for Beltran and Reyes. Both are good leaders and really bring the team together, when they are healthy. Reyes needs to just unleash the beast from within and go on a killing spree out there just stealing every base, stealing home plate, making great defensive plays, etc. If he can get on track during this contract-year, he can really give this club a solid shot of contending for the Wild Card. Beltran has to stay healthy, move to RF so he keeps his legs a bit fresher, and it'll allow him to bat .280 and maybe hit 20-24 HRs, which is all I ask of him.
Now it comes down to pitching, which I will admit I am not worried about at all. You have veterans like Capuano and Young competing for back-end of the rotation spots, and I really hope that young gun Dillon Gee gets the #5 spot, with young getting the #4 spot, and Capuano ending up in the rotation. I mean, with that repaired shoulder who knows how durable his arm is. I'd prefer to see him on a limited basis unless he really proves something in ST. Pelfrey, Dickey and Niese need to just do what they did last year. The Mets actually had a remarkable team ERA last season but lost so many games due to a lack of offense. If they can provide solid innings and a team ERA under 3.80, they can easily make a run for the Wild Card. Also, keep in mind they struggled to find a replacement closer for K-Rod last season, so having him back and healthy will be a major relief. Say what you want about him and how much he scares you, but he was excellent for the most part last season.
Lastly, it comes down to how Terry Collins, the new manager, runs things. Last year players like Francouer busted balls after being traded about how the players on the Mets lack seriousness as they would sit around the clubhouse a few hours before a game and listen to music or play card games. Collins is a tough-nosed guy and will not tolerate that bullshit. He's going to crack down and let them know how good they are and that they are only good if they take shit seriously for a change.
The Mets have a lot of potential, and I use that term loosely. They aren't a team to beat, but on the contrary they are a team that has to beat those who are the team to beat. Yeah, very simple knowledge I guess but you'd be shocked how many people have told me they don't get what I mean by "They are't a team to beat." You have good stars and a $140M payroll. Players like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Jason Bay can all be exceptional and productive as long as they remain healthy. What matters most is how the new rotation guys will pan out and how the spring training competition at 2B will result. The Mets need Daniel Murphy to win that job. They do not need a young player coming from AA making a "splash" and end up spending 3 months starting and batting a .192 average with 0 HRs, 9 RBIs and 74 strikeouts vs 11 walks. They need someone like Murphy who has the potential bat but just needs the experience. He's been unfortunate to be thrown in LF, which was never his strong position, then to platoon at 1B, and now have to learn how to play 2B. And evidently I recall telling people 1 year ago that Daniel would be best suited at 2B due to the lack of talent at that position throughout the entire league and that he fit the body type to play that position.
I read one scout's remarks of Jason Bay's swing in 2010 where he really struggled to hit the long ball, and the Scout basically said that he was bringing his hand more over the top and probably was trying to hit for average while still maintaining most of his power. Look, if my team is paying you $16M I don't care if you bat a .240 average. If you can hit 30+ home runs and drive in 110 RBIs I'm perfectly happy with you as the cleanup hitter.
Similar thing goes for Beltran and Reyes. Both are good leaders and really bring the team together, when they are healthy. Reyes needs to just unleash the beast from within and go on a killing spree out there just stealing every base, stealing home plate, making great defensive plays, etc. If he can get on track during this contract-year, he can really give this club a solid shot of contending for the Wild Card. Beltran has to stay healthy, move to RF so he keeps his legs a bit fresher, and it'll allow him to bat .280 and maybe hit 20-24 HRs, which is all I ask of him.
Now it comes down to pitching, which I will admit I am not worried about at all. You have veterans like Capuano and Young competing for back-end of the rotation spots, and I really hope that young gun Dillon Gee gets the #5 spot, with young getting the #4 spot, and Capuano ending up in the rotation. I mean, with that repaired shoulder who knows how durable his arm is. I'd prefer to see him on a limited basis unless he really proves something in ST. Pelfrey, Dickey and Niese need to just do what they did last year. The Mets actually had a remarkable team ERA last season but lost so many games due to a lack of offense. If they can provide solid innings and a team ERA under 3.80, they can easily make a run for the Wild Card. Also, keep in mind they struggled to find a replacement closer for K-Rod last season, so having him back and healthy will be a major relief. Say what you want about him and how much he scares you, but he was excellent for the most part last season.
Lastly, it comes down to how Terry Collins, the new manager, runs things. Last year players like Francouer busted balls after being traded about how the players on the Mets lack seriousness as they would sit around the clubhouse a few hours before a game and listen to music or play card games. Collins is a tough-nosed guy and will not tolerate that bullshit. He's going to crack down and let them know how good they are and that they are only good if they take shit seriously for a change.
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