Well, this post was meant for yesterday.

Then I got the dreaded WHOOPS sign, just after I had posted and deleted my file.

So anyhow, I retyped the whole thing, only to see that the system had indeed saved some of the data.

Ugh.

I’m giving serious consideration to leaving FoxBlogs and trying to hook on with RealSportsBloggers or go independent

New York Mets - Team Preview

The Mets have had their offseason dominated by one subject.

Lastings Milledge.

Okay just kidding.

Seriously, the Santana deal was an absolute coup for the Mets, who add the ace they’ve sorely needed for pocket change and upside.  However, the Milledge deal hurt the Mets badly, as it saw the exodus of talent in exchange of overpaid vets that really had no business starting for any team, and yet are going to be counted on to be a big part of the Mets’ title hopes. 

Starting Rotation

• Johan Santana (LHP) - Credit Omar Minaya for this, he was able to exploit a volitile situation and was able to bring in the best pitcher in the league.  Santana is flat out dominant and has proven to be a horse in the past few years.  While he does remain homer prone, he is moving to the National League and will have a excellent defense and lots of pitchers parks to play in.  He's also likely going to be the defacto Cy Young award winner for the next four years or so.
• Pedro Martinez (RHP) - Pedro looked like the Pedro of Old when he came back last year, showing that he could be dominant even without his old fastball.  The arrival of Santana pushes Pedro down to the Number Two slot, where he'll still be depended on, but not to be an ace and stopper as much.
• John Maine (RHP) - Maine is continuing to establish himself as a very good middle of the rotation option, though he did tire in the second half of last year.  Because Maine has missed time due to injury before, I'll chalk it up as simply fatigue, with the hope that it is just a part of the learning curve.
• Oliver Perez (LHP) - Talented, but inconsistent, Perez enters his walk year ready to cash in.  Perez has greatly benefited from moving to the Mets and he certainly has the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter, but he's just so damn inconsistent.
• Orlando Hernandez (RHP) - I'm not sure what exactly Hernandez has left, but he's a decent option here as the fifth starter.  Don't expect him to make 30 starts this year, though.

Bullpen

• Billy Wagner (Closer) – Wagner still is a solid closer, though he did experience some dead arm last season.  If the Mets pen is able to be solid, perhaps the Mets could limit Wagner’s aging arm and give Heilman some opportunities, if only to save their best reliever for October.

• Aaron Heilman (Setup Man) – Heilman has found his nitch as a setup man, though a rough start did cause him to lose some of his luster.  Still, quality setup men are a commodity and the Mets have a good one here.

• Duaner Sanchez (RHP) – If the Mets pen is to rebound, they sorely need Sanchez to return to the form he flashed after they acquired him from the Pirates.  If his numerous injury troubles are behind him, Sanchez could lighten the load on both Heilman and Wagner. 

• Scott Schowenweis (LHP) – A impressive twelve game stretch with the Reds got Schowenweis a big payday from the Mets.  Now, he’s likely going to be limited to mop up duty.

• Matt Wise (RHP) – A shrewd move by Minaya, Wise is a good middle reliever that was cut by the Brewers for some unknown reason.  He should be able to give them some innings, especially in a bad El Duque start.

• Jorge Sosa (RHP) – Sosa was a adequate swingman last season for New York and will contribute out of the pen this season, serving as a shadow for certain starters and as a spot starter/long man.

• Pedro Feliciano (LHP) - Not bad as a lefty reliever, Feliciano completes the bullpen puzzle here. 

Starting Lineup

1. Jose Reyes (SS) – Despite the batting average, Reyes has improved a lot from last season.  He improved in almost every facet of his game and should continue being one of the premier leadoff men in baseball.    

2. Luis Castillo (2B) - Castillo's deal is kinda confusing.  He's clearly a player in decline and will likely be terrible the last two years of his contract as his speed continues to evaporate.  He's still a capable defender, however, though his range is declining slowly.  Anyhow, the Mets are considering the near future when it comes to Castillo, so this deal will be okay for the first two years, but almost horrible the last two.

3. Carlos Delgado (1B) - Delgado wasn't the force last season that he was in 2006, and though he says that the year shouldn't be held against him, it might be a sign of things to come.  Delgado is going to be 36 in June and will likely continue to decline, meaning don't expect to see power numbers close to .500 again.  The Mets will ride out the year, hope that Delgado may have enough left for one last ride before moving on to the next option, likely Mark Teixeira of the Braves.
4. Carlos Beltran (CF) - The best centerfielder in baseball, hands down, Beltran should continue to be a force with his blend of speed and power in the heart of the lineup.
5. David Wright (3B) - A flat out star, Wright is one of the best young third basemen in the game.  He can hit for power, is starting to improve on his walk total, while flashing a great glove and even some speed.  The lone flaw are the high strikeout totals.  Still, that’s only a minor quibble, as Wright could play on any team, save the Yankees (who have Alex Rodriguez).
6. Moises Alou (LF) - Alou still has a lot of thunder in his bat, but he's also not able to play everyday.  Still, he is a bargain and will be worth the millions he's getting paid to crush the ball.
7. Ryan Church (RF) - Church has some decent pop off of him, but he's very much mortal against lefties and likely won't sustain over the long hall.  He's a better bet to produce instead of Shawn Green, but Lastings Milledge should be a better player than Church over the next four years.
8. Brian Schneider (C) – The other part of the “bounty” from the Lastings Milledge trade, Schneider is not a starting catcher.  He’s awful on offense, he’s fallen apart defensively and really should be a backup, not a starter.  While he will be splitting time with Ramon Castro, the Mets were probably better off just keeping Johnny Estrada for the year and going after Kenji Johjima as a free agent.  Or, better yet, trade for a young catcher with Milledge as the bait instead.  

Bench

• Ramon Castro (C) - Castro has solid power as a catcher, but he has had problems making contact.  He's a solid reciever though and overall is a good backup to have.  He'll likely see an increase in playing time this year, as Schnieder is..well...awful.
• Ruben Gotay (INF) - Gotay has seemingly found use as a utilityman, though he’s stretched as a starter.

   

• Damion Easley (UTIL) - Still has use as a lefty killer, Easley will probably platoon with Church in right field.

• Endy Chavez (OF) – A decent fourth outfielder, Chavez has speed and is able to hit for an empty batting average.  Though it’s not recommended, Chavez may see a lot of time as a starter this season, which isn’t out of the question considering some of the age in the lineup.

• Angel Pagan (OF) – Not sure why the Mets would bring in Pagan, who is much like Chavez except cheaper.  Regardless, this is likely a move to ensure that in the event that Chavez is pressed into emergency starting duty, not unlikely considering the health and brittleness of Alou and Church, that they would be okay with a backup backup outfielder in the fold.

Minor League Notables

• Joe Smith (RHP) - A decent setup man, Smith could very well make the team out of Spring Training with a solid campaign.
• Eddie Kunz (RHP) - Oregon State's closer has a cannon of an arm, but his control is just so inconsistent that he might not be able to rise as quickly as other college closers.  Will that stop the Mets if they need an arm?  Not likely.
• Mike Pelfrey (RHP) - Pelfrey remains the best arm in the Mets' system, but his struggles at the major league level are starting to worry me.  He seems to have regressed, possibly because the Mets have rushed him, and partially because he is listening to Boras' coaches more than his team's.  This is likely a make or break year for him this year, as if he fails once more, he's likely going to be moved to the pen.
• Fernando Martinez (CF) – The Mets’ top prospect, Martinez has already been rushed through the system.  He’s got superstar potential, but the problem is that he’s just so raw.  He’s at least two years away.  Unfortunately, should the Mets suddenly have their outfield drop like flies once again, you just know they’ll rush Martinez. 

Final Analysis

The rotation alone is enough to almost guarnatee the Mets the division this year, but this team isn't without it's flaws.  Much of the rotation is a health risk, as is much of the lineup and the bench is rather thin.  I'm picking the Mets to win right now, but this team is one injury away from the Wild Card and Third Place.

Final Prediction - Division Winner, National League East

Okay, time for my annual team preview.  Unlike last year, where I posted the divisions all together, I thought I'd break down the roster and forsee how the teams will fall together.  Teams are written in the order that I draw them out of a hat.

And the first is...

####.

New York Mets

The Mets dominated the National League East last season, riding a awesome offense along with a fantastic bullpen for much of the season.  But the rotation, thin at the best, was decimated wtih Victor Zambrano needing to undergo Tommy John and Pedro Martinez being shut down.  Thus, the team had to rely on unproven starter John Maine, whom I thought was a steal in the Kris Benson trade, the aging but still effective Tom Glavine, and the sudden resurgence of Orlando Hernandez.  The team was able to make the playoffs, but the lack of pitching cost the Mets dearly in the post-season, when they fell short against the St. Louis Cardinals, who's own pitching rose up to become dominant.

The off-season brought little relief, as the Mets underbid on Barry Zito, a pitcher they needed, who instead went to San Francisco.  The Mets' other option, Jeff Suppan, signed with Milwaukee when they failed to act.  So, the Mets are again having to depend on a staff that is too old and too young at the same time. 

Starting Rotation

1. Tom Glavine (LHP) – Glavine should really be in the middle of the rotation at this point in his career, but because of all the hell that the Mets have gone through as far as their rotation woes are concerned, he's their ace.  I think Glavine will get his 300th win this season, but asking him to put up a Cy Young caliber performance is asking too much of him.
2. Orlando Hernandez (RHP) – Hernandez was a non factor during his brief time with the Diamondbacks, but regained some semblance of his own dominance when he joined the Mets early in the season in the trade for Jorge Julio.  Much of this has to do with the fact that Hernandez moved from one of the most hitter friendly parks in the majors to one of the more pitcher friendly ones.  Hernandez can still eat innings like the old days, but his stuff has clearly fallen off the face of the earth.  He should be no more than a fifth starter.  On the Mets, he’s the number two.
3. John Maine (RHP) – Young starter that was deemed expendable by the Orioles wound up being the steal of the off-season.  Maine should be a solid middle of the rotation horse for many years to come. 
4. Mike Pelfrey (RHP) – A BIG Pitcher (6’7”), Pelfrey was forced to start only one year after he was drafted.  He did a good job, considering the circumstances, though it should be noted that he was quite raw at times, but that’s understandable.  Pelfrey’s got great talent, with his fastball that sits in the mid 90’s with good movement, occasionally touching 97, along with a cutter and a sinker and curve that scouts, Keith Law chief among them, think he should junk for a slider, which he started to in the AFL this season.  He’s got the potential to become a top of the line starter, but at the moment, Pelfrey will just be relied upon to keep the Mets alive at the fifth spot.  Depending on how strong Sosa and Perez do in Spring Training, Pelfrey will either be in the big club or back at Triple A.  I think he makes it.
5. Chan #### Park (RHP) – Park has really done nothing the last few years to prove that he's still capable of starting, but the Mets seem sold enough to give him a shot at the fifth starter's job.  I think Tomo Ohka would have been a better option.

Bullpen

• Billy Wagner (Closer) – Wagner was solid as the closer, as hoped, but he was shaky at times and looked very hittable at times, especially in the playoffs.  The off-season should have given him enough rest to be ready for another season, but, to be sure, the Mets should restrain using Wagner in tie game situations early on in the season.
• Aaron Heilman (Setup Man) – Heilman would prefer to start, but the fact is that he doesn’t have the repitoire to be a starter. 
• Ambiorix Burgos (RHP) – Burgos was signed as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2000, and he took Royals’ scouts breath away with a fastball that hit triple digits.  Unfortunately, he never was able to master a proper slider or changeup to take advantage of his heater and as a result, he was disappointing enough that the Royals traded him to the Mets (though the Royals did obtain Brian Bannister, a pitcher who could do well for them.)  Burgos could be a valuable closer and setup man, provided that the Mets are able to develop him, which I believe the Royals failed to do.
• Scott Schoeneweis (LHP) – Schoeneweis was able to parlay 16 dominant appearances for the Reds into a megabucks deal.  Only Scott Boras could do such a thing.  Anyhow, Schoeneweis is a sinker-slider pitcher who's significantly more effective against lefties.  He’s likely going to be a LOOGY, which honestly, I’m wondering why the Mets went out to get him.  Surely there were better options available via trade…
• Duaner Sanchez (RHP) – One of the Mets’ primary workhorses in the pen, it was a car accident that ended Sanchez’s season.  The Mets liked him enough to bring him back another season.  Sanchez will likely pitch seventh inning duty, setting up Heilman.
• Pedro Feliciano (LHP) – Now here’s a solid lefty reliever.  Last season was Feliciano’s first full season tour of duty in the majors.  He rewarded the Mets with a 2.06 ERA and a 7-2 record.  His biggest problem is that he can’t fielding, making groundballs a problem when hit back to him.
• Jorge Sosa (RHP) – Sosa was signed off the garbage heap after being non-tendered by the Cardinals.  Sosa has below average stuff and had issues with his control for much of last season.  It’s possible that he could rebound, especially with a talented offense and a pitcher’s ballpark, but in the end, it’s all going to depend on his ability to reclaim some semblance of his 2005 season.  In spite of him being signed as a starter, I think he’ll most likely wind up in the bullpen.

Projected Lineup

1. Jose Reyes (SS) – A great little speedster, Reyes became the first player to swipe 60-plus bases in back-to-back seasons since Marquis Grissom in 1991-92.  He was able to increase is average last season thank's to an improvement in plate discipline, ad he's got surprising power in his small frame.  He was only one home run and three triples short of joining Willie Mays (1957) as the only players in history with at least 20 doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases.  His defense is solid and his range is pretty good as well.  The best part is that he's only 23 and bound to continue improving.  With Reyes now locked up long term, the Mets have ensured that this young talent isn't going anywhere..
2. Paul Lo Duca (C) – A solid number two hitter, Lo Duca doesn’t hit for much power, but he does hit for a pretty good average and he does a decent job of getting on base.  He’s also still a valuable catcher defensively and does a good job of managing his pitchers, though John Thompson will disagree. 
3. Carlos Delgado (1B) – Always a power hitter, Delgado has slugged at least 30 homers with at least 91 RBI in each of his past ten season.  While his batting average has dropped, he’s never really been a big batting average guy and he is getting older.  He remains a quality defender at first, but the most troubling stat on Delgado is his miserable .226 average against lefties and his declining on base percentage.  Still, all that side, Delgado looks like he’s got one more star caliber season before he begins to start seriously declining.
4. Carlos Beltran (CF) – After being regarded as a bust following a poor 2005 season, Beltran bounced back this past year, putting together a MVP caliber season.  Part of this is due to Beltran having protection in the lineup, though a lot also has to do with him finally being comfortable with Shea’s environment.  Beltran will be a solid middle of the order bat for years to come, plus the fact that he’s a Gold Glove caliber centerfielder helps matters a lot, don’t it?   The only knock on Beltran is the mediocre average and the fact that he doesn’t steal more often, but in reality, those are rather small quibbles about a quality player.
5. David Wright (3B) – A star n the making, Wright had a solid season last year and is a special hitter, looking to be capable of averaging at least a .300 batting average, 30 home runs and 90 or more RBI per season, plus playing Gold Glove Caliber defense at third (he will win one, just you watch.)  The most troubling stat about Wright is his miserable second half of the season and power outage following the Home Run Derby.  Still Wright is young and will improve as he ages (he’s only 24 years old.)   Hence, Wright will remain a solid contributor to the Mets for years to come.  He’s just not going to be the main guy carrying the offense, as he struggled with that role in 2005. 
6. Moises Alou (LF) – Alou is 40 years old, but he’s still a potent bat and can hit for a fair amount of power.  He can murder lefty pitching and should be valuable in this lineup, especially since he’s not expected to be the focus of the lineup.  The only problem is that he’s having trouble staying healthy, meaning that the reserves will see plenty of time subbing for him in later innings and double headers. 
7. Shawn Green (RF) – Green isn’t the offensive force he used to, as he’s been losing power for the past three years.  He’s still got potential to be a late order threat, but as I said, he’s not the force in the lineup he was when he was with the Dodgers.  Even worse, he’s losing mobility in the field, making him an adventure in right.  . 
8. Jose Valentin (2B) – Becoming the starter in May, Valentin posted good numbers and earned himself a raise this season along with the starting job. 

Bench

• Julio Franco (1B) – Still going strong even though he’s in his late 40’s, Franco did fine in limited duty last season with the Mets. He still has some pop in his bat and did well in pinch-hit duty.  With Carlos Delgado getting older, Franco should figure to get some playing time to spell him.
• Endy Chavez (OF) – Chavez’s value is that he can capably play all three outfield positions well and has enough of a bat to be able to adequately fill in for you in a extended capacity without killing you. 
• Anderson Hernandez (SS/2B) – Hernandez is still young enough to where he could develop into an average regular somewhere in the middle infield.  With Jose Valentine getting older, Hernandez could get a chance, but I think his small build will cause problems for him.
• Ramon Castro (C) – A decent enough catcher, defensively.  Offensively, he’s a whole in the lineup about the size of Manhattan.
• Lastings Milledge (OF) – I believe that Milledge will make the team, as the health of Alou and Green are far from sure things.  Milledge has the potential to be a star, but things haven’t worked out for him at Shea, with the questions of his character and maturity coming up.  However, to be realistic, Milledge can contribute to the Mets this season, whether it’s spelling Alou or Green or even playing some centerfield to boost his trade value.  But at this point, there’s very little left for him to accomplish in the minor leagues.

Disabled List

• Pedro Martinez (RHP) – Well, the collapse of Pedro Martinez finally came, in which Pedro’s body finally broke down, resulting in Martinez getting shut down for the season.  The loss of Martinez was a big reason why the Mets lost in the playoffs, as the Mets counted on him solidifying the rotation and pitching well in the off-season.  Martinez won’t be available until at least July, and it’s unknown what exactly he can give the Mets when he comes back.
• Guillermo Mota (RHP) – Technically not on the DL, but there isn’t really a place to put Mota, unless I create a list called “Suspended List.”  Mota was dominant once he was sent to the Mets late in the season.  Then came the steroid bust.  Mota won’t be an option until late May, so we won’t see how much of that dominance was chemically induced until then.  If it turns out that his performance was legitimate, then Mota will allow the Mets to

Down On The Farm…

The Mets do have some talented arms in the system, but many aren’t ready to graduate yet.  So, aside from a few options, like Humber and Soler, both detailed below, there is little help coming anytime soon.  Thank god that the lineup is mostly set.

• Oliver Perez (LHP) – Perez was one of the most talented young lefties in baseball until something made him god-awful.  Perez won only three games last year, but did come up big in the post-season.  The Mets still believe in his talent, otherwise they wouldn’t have traded for him.  He’ll likely be sent down though, to try and get his mechanics worked out. 
• Philip Humber (RHP) – Drafted in the first round in the 2004 Draft, Humber did well in limited innings until he had to undergo Tommy John, which cost him all of 2005 (Rice players seem to have developed a tendency for injury.)  Humber was able to come back in 2006 remarkably well and his velocity came back with him, unusual so soon after undergoing TJ.  Humber works the strike zone and has a nice repertoire with a low 90’s fastball and a hard curve, as well as a power changeup.  His control is still iffy, a common symptom after TJ, but should improve as time passes.  Depending on what happens with the Mets staff, be it injury or ineffectiveness, Humber will get a look this season.
• Alay Soler (RHP) – I’m not high on Soler.  His stuff isn’t dominant, and his conditioning has always been suspect.  He’s also old for a prospect and the difference between his potential and his reality is small.  He’s likely going to evolve into a swingman.

In Conclusion

The Mets should have some competition as far as the division goes, but I think that overall, their offense should carry them to the post-season for the second time in a row.  How the pitching staff holds up is a difference story, as I don't trust that rotation to stay together the whole season.  Unless they make a deal for another starter, this team is not advancing to the World Series.

Final Standing:  National League East Division Winner

Adrift in Kansas City

"Eleven to nothing. The one-oh pitch...fly ball, Motley going back to the track...no outs to go! The Royals have won the 1985 World Series. And they converge on the mound in celebration!" - Denny Matthews

It’s been twenty years since that call last sounded over the airwaves, signifying the victory of the Kansas City Royals in the 1985 World Series.

In the 1970’s, the Royals were one of the most highly respected franchises in baseball, winning three straight division championships from 1976 to 1978 under manager Whitey Herzog.  They won, were profitable, and were able to win in a era of baseball equality.  In 1977, they posted a team-best 100-62 record, but lost the ALCS to the New York Yankees.  They reached the World Series in 1980, losing to the Phillies, but would return to win it in 1985, beating the St. Louis Cardinals in six games.  After that the team remained competitive for many years in the 1990’s until 1995 or so, when the Royals would promptly go into the toilet.  The reason being cited was that because of the rising cost of player salaries and the payroll disparity between major league teams, the Royals were unable to compete.  They could not afford the top talent thanks to the buying binges of the Yankees and Red Sox. 

Hence the advent of what General Manager Allard Baird has referred to as "the plan."  Though the subject of much sarcasm (particularly by many of the Kansas City press), the plan is essentially simple:  Rebuild using the products of the farm system, similar to what Oakland did when they rebuilt.  This sort of plan had often worked well for the Royals in the past, most notably in 1984, when the Royals suddenly had a glut of young pitching stars in Bret Saberhagen, Mark Gubicza, David Cone and Danny Jackson.  Another promising farm crop would mature in the 1990’s with Bo Jackson and Kevin Seitzer.  The new plan for rebuilding the Royals was to be similar to that of the Oakland A’s rebuilding program in the late 1990’s, when Billy Beane became the General Manager.  Draft well, sign the players to long-term contracts, buying out their arbitration years, and perhaps trading them to other contenders for more younger, cheaper talent.  That was the plan.

And the pieces to the puzzle were there.  The Royals had a flourishing farm system at the time, with several good players already in the system.  Players who would become All-Stars, whose names we all know.  Johnny Damon.  Jermaine Dye.  Carlos Beltran.  Mike Sweeney.  Joe Randa.  Mark Quinn.  The only thing that they needed was pitching, something that they could solve in the draft, thanks to high draft picks.

However, the following drafts for the Royals would be terrible.  Some of their first-round picks between 1993 and 2000 included Jeff Granger, Matt Smith, Juan LeBron, Jeff Austin, Dermal Brown, Matt Burch, Kyle Snyder and Mike Stodolka.  Don’t know who these guys are?  They’re all busts.  Some of the players the Royals could have drafted?  Tim Hudson, Zach Duke, Jonathan Papelbon, Kameron Loe, Felix Hernandez, and Brian Anderson, just to name a few.

A bigger problem was that Glass or none of the other minority owners have given the team money to keep their players, as was the trend with larger market teams come calling for free agent talent.  Most of their promising talent that the Royals expected to build around was either allowed to leave via free agency or in terrible trades.  The most recent example was Carlos Beltran, who was dealt for John Buck and a prospect.  Beltran could have been a rock in the Royals lineup, allowing David DeJesus to move to left or right field. 

Baird was adamant on keeping Johnny Damon, seeing him as someone whom the Royals could build the franchise around.  However, he wasn’t given the money to sign him.  Rather than lose him, he traded Damon to Oakland for a pair of middling prospects.   In 2001, when Baird didn’t get the money to sign Jermaine Dye long term, traded him for Neifi Perez, who was a utilityman at best.

And when the Royals do get money, it is spent so poorly.  Recall the 2003 season, when it appeared that the Royals were beginning to make a turnaround.  The Royals had only a $40 million payroll, the second lowest in baseball, but the team began the season 16-3, and would be in first place for much of the year, losing the division only in the last weeks of the season.  Manager Tony Peña was named the American League Manager of the Year.  Many even went so far as to pick the Royals to win their division in 2004 after they added some name players in the free agent market such as Brian Anderson, Juan Gonzalez, Benito Santiago, and others.  All were disappointments and would be gone within the year.  Then there was this off-season, when the Royals opened the purse again and outbid other teams for free agents scuh as Reggie Sanders, Mark Grudzielanek, Doug Mientkiewicz and Scott Elarton.  Of this, only Sanders and Grudzielanek were seen as solid signings.  Now, with rumors that the Royals are shopping around their modest free agents, there are few takers because the Royals have vastly overpaid for them.

Combine this with rushing prospects before they are ready or having them waste away on the bench and it’s no wonder the Royals are terrible.

And as for the rebuilding process?

Only Sweeney remains, with his huge contract and injury troubles have made it virtually impossible for the Royals to be able to trade him.  All of the other promising prospects are gone, to fame and fortune with other teams.  Damon and Dye won World Series rings, although with Boston and Chicago.  Beltran landed a huge money contract in New York.  Randa and Quinn’s careers have been destroyed by injuries and are now in on their last tour of the leagues with the different teams.  The team now averages 31 years old.  Not many of the prospects are playing now, as the talent in the Royals is far down in the system, in the Single A and Double A divisions. 

And the most tragic part is that the Royals have such great fans.  They are devoted, passionate, but not annoying and confrontational like Red Sox fans can be.  They’re great to watch a game with and can talk baseball with the best of them.

But, the fact is that the Royals are terrible.  And it won’t improve any time soon.

And all the while, the echoes from that 1985 World Series win get quieter and quieter.

NOTE:  This was written before the recent surge of Royals themed articles.  I hate you Ken Rosenthal.

Friday Morning Closer

So, here’s my five-pitch outing for the day:

Derek Jeter, Overrated!?  Please.

Players voted Derek Jeter as the most overrated player in baseball in a Sports Illustrated poll.

Please.

Jeter, while getting paid millions, is a solid player who delivers for his team day in and day out.  He plays hard, will often play with injuries during the playoffs so that he can continue to help the team.  He’s a good fielder, an excellent batter, and a capable leader.  Just because he gets paid millions doesn’t mean he’s overrated.  It just mean’s he’s well paid. 

So who is overrated?

Here’s a quick list:

Carlos Beltran – Great complementary player, but not a superstar.  #### You Scott Boras.

Chipper Jones – A solid third baseman and a great team player.  But not as dangerous as people have made him out to be.

Barry Zito – A great starter, but gets way to much pub because of his Cy Young win.  Is likely only a number two starter at best.

Eric Gagne – Was a crappy starter, then suddenly became lights out as a closer before going down with injury and now is fostering rumors of possible steroid use.

Josh Beckett – Had that great World Series in 2003, then became a non-factor in the Marlins rotation since.  However, this may be because the Marlins rushed his #### to the majors too quickly. 

Another Lame Trade Deadline Lies Ahead…

Ah, another crappy trade deadline period looms.  Because of the fact that most of the superstars are locked up and so many teams are going to be remaining competitive until August or so, you’ll probably see a run on complementary players, bench players, and replacement players at the break.  Stars get hurt all the time.  There’s nothing that can be done about it.  And those teams that are so close to contending will raid other non-contenders or teams with excess players in order to get themselves.

So who could we see become a suddenly hot property if a star goes down with a season ending injury?  Here’s a rough guess:

Craig Wilson (Pittsburgh Pirates) – Plays first base and the outfield.  He’s also got some nice pop to his bad and is a good defender as well.  Also has an expiring contract, so he would be under no obligation to stay.

Tony Womack (Free Agent) – Will get a call if something happens to someone’s second baseman.  Not what he once was, but he’s got good speed and can be decent at the infield.  He can’t hit anymore, so it’s likely that he’d be better off in the American League, where he could be hidden in the 9^th spot, something that can’t be done in the National League.

Steve Finley (San Francisco Giants) – An old player, but could be good as a fourth outfielder in some American League clubs.  He’s still speedy on the bases, which is a plus.

Mark Bellhorn (San Diego Padres) – Is a strikeout machine, but Bellhorn can still adequately play second and possibly some other infield position. He’s still got some pop to his bat, which is a definite plus.

Chris Burke (Houston Astros) – Is good enough to play second base on a regular basis, but is blocked by Craig Biggio.  Still, he’s being groomed as their second baseman of the future.  He can also play the outfield and is a great defender.  Also can hit the ball hard and consistently. 

Bill Hall (Milwaukee Brewers) – Still can produce, but he’s no longer a starter.  A great utility player, Hall can still produce good numbers, but doesn’t draw walks consistently.  Also strikes out a lot.

Reggie Sanders (Kansas City Royals) – Can still hit the long ball and plays a great right field.  His contract will turn off some teams, but Sanders is a great pickup for those teams that need another power bat in the lineup. 

Nationals Finally Have An Owner

Well, the Nats finally have an owner after the team was bought in 2002 from Jeffery Loria.  The team has been to a group headed by Ted Lerner, sold for the cool price of $450 million, which will equate to about $15.5 million dollars for each of the 29 teams.  The team was largely dealt a bad hand by baseball as a whole.  There was too little money given to the team (the most example was in 2003, when baseball refused to give the Expos $50,000 to call up minor leaguers to help them compete for a playoffs) and at times thought to be undercut by competitors.

The new management has a tough road ahead.  First off, they must market the team in a town that has long been dominated by Peter Angelos and the Orioles.  They’ll have to ensure that their television contract is adequate, that they are able to mend fences with the DC City Council, which is miffed that Lerner does not more minority owners in his group and is still angry at Baseball over the fight for the stadium-financing plan.

Second, the team has a weak farm system.  Terrible drafts and trades have severely weakened the system, which has some talent down in the High Class A and a couple in Triple AAA, but most of the major league ready talent that the Nats could have called up has been.  While they’ll likely be in position to draft well for the next couple of years and possibly bring in a few free agents that could make a difference, the bread and butter of a team is always the farm.  Still, I have high hopes for the Nationals  as they will begin to start rebuilding the right way, without the rest of the 29 teams butting in.  The best thing about all of this is that the Nats are finally self sufficient and have an owner that is willing to not only put in money into the team, but seems to be well grounded and has Stan Kasten, who will keep the team on course.   Things might be rough in the short term, but the future is bring in Washington.

The Most Valuable Royals Card Ever!!!!!!!

For those people who used to collect baseball cards, this story is for you.

The hottest baseball card in all of baseball isn’t of Nolan Ryan, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, even Derek Jeter.

It’s of Kansas City Royal prospect Alex Gordon, who has yet to play in the major leagues. 

Why is his rookie card so hot, selling for as much as $2,550 in recent weeks?

For those that follow the hobby, the MLB Players Association ruled that card manufacturers could only make rookie cards of players who either made the 25 man roster or played in a major league game the season before.  Gordon does qualify, as he didn’t sign his contract until late last September.  Topps realized at the last minute, destroyed the cards already produced and the production plate themselves.  But some cards did make it into circulation at some Wal-Marts in the earliest production runs only.  A fan named Jeremy Troutman pulled five of Gordon's cards and sold all five of them to different collectors for a total of $5,761.79.  Other copies are circulating eBay, including other variants of the card.

The last major error of this magnitude in the trading card industry happened in 1989, when a Fleer card featuring Billy Ripken was released.  According to legend, Billy’s big brother Cal wrote the words #### Face on the knob of the bat that Ripken used in the picture.  Fleer noticed the error and produced more than six versions of that card, but the original remained the hottest property, selling for hundreds of dollars at the time. Today, that card can be had for $5. 

Will I buy it?  Probably not.  But it’s just part of the fun of collecting baseball cards.

Genius!

Yesterday it was announced that the Team USA bus would be unmarked during the FIFA World Cup in Germany.  The reason being is so that terrorists would not be able to tell which bus was the American’s bus while traveling or while parked.  All the other buses will be marked with their Flags, leaving Team USA’s bus as the only blue one in the parking lot.

Right….

On The Block:  Carlos Beltran

Yes, this could happen.  Here’s why…

Why He’s On The Block:  Beltran has been taking abuse from the fans at Shea Stadium lately thanks to his large contract, his underperforming 2005 season, and his injury issues early this year.  Beltran was signed to provide a strong offensive presence, similar to that of Johnny Damon or Bernie Williams in his heyday.  If Beltran continues to perform below expectations, the abuse could become so bad that Beltran could consider waiving his no-trade clause and demand a trade out of New York.

Negotiable:  Yes.  If Beltran does indeed meltdown, the severity of his trade demands could affect his trade value.

What He Offers:  Beltran is still young, but to be honest, all of the pressure that is placed on him is because of his stellar performance in the 2004 Postseason, where he became Reggie Jackson.   If General Managers, in particular Omar Minaya, realized that this performance came only once in a lifetime, it’s likely that he would have never been signed to such a huge deal.  Beltran was never a player that you build a team around.  He’s more of a complementary player.  There was also talk this past summer of moving him to the Boston Red Sox for Manny Ramirez, though these talks never moved past the opening stages.  Still, here’s what Beltran’s got:

·          Plus:  Great defender

·          Plus:  Provides above average offense

·          Plus:  Quick.  Can steal lots of bases.

·          Minus:  If he does meltdown, there will be a question on his temperament and ability to get along with teammates and management.

·          Minus:  Huge contract will ensure that the Mets do not get equal value, which limits takers.

He Stay Or Will He Go:  Because this is merely hypothetical, he’s going to stay no matter what.  But if he was made available, here’s who could be interested.  Keep in mind, all of these trade ideas are listed with the condition that Beltran waives his No Trade clause.

·          Los Angeles Dodgers – 40%.   The Dodgers could use Beltran, as Kenny Lofton isn't a long term option in center.  Nor will the farm system provide a steady option for at least a couple of years.  Beltran would be a great addition to the outfield, especially since JD Drew can't play center because he'll always get injured there.  But, to even allow the Mets to consider a trade, the Dodgers will have to mortgage the farm system to swing a deal, plus take on a lot of contract money.  And with the Dodgers expecting to rebuild using the farm system and the fact that ownership may not be as solvent as it is thought to be, this would be a steep price to pay.

·          Los Angeles Angels of Sunset Boulevard – 35%.  A decent fit here.  The Angels would be able to trade some excess farm system talent and give Vlad Guerrero another bat to protect him in the lineup.  However, the Angels don't have a centerfielder to send back and are already scraping by as far as payroll is concerned.

·          Baltimore Orioles – 10%.  Adding Beltran would give the Orioles another bat in the lineup to help out Miguel Tejada and help improve the pitching by improving the outfield defense.  However, the Orioles have long disliked adding high payroll and have largely stayed away from Scott Boras clients.  Plus, any deal would likely include Tejada and pitching, something the Orioles aren’t likely to give them.  They’ll wisely stay away.

·          Houston Astros – 10%.  This would seem to be a natural fit.  Beltran would return to the team that he had his greatest success with and who was largely responsible of taking him to the post-season.  However, the Houston fans and management have largely soured on Beltran over the past year and adding him back would create some resentment on the behalf of the fans.  Such a trade would likely include fan favorites Jason Lane, Willy Taveras, and Chris Burke, plus pitching prospect Fernando Nieve, Pedro Astacio, and perhaps even Chad Qualls.  The Astros tried to sign Beltran, but once he left, he became dead to them.  And should remain so.

·          Texas Rangers – 5%.  Beltran would go a long way to solidifying an outfield that has not had any consistency in the past 5 years.  However, the Rangers are not in any hurry to add any more payroll as they did with the Alex Rodriguez contract.  Plus, Beltran would be incredibly expensive in terms on talent and prospects.  Texas GM Jon Daniels would likely laugh at this trade idea and move on.

End Result – Gets over his hang-ups and remains in New York…for now.