Mack Attack: Vol. I, Issue XIII

By John Mackin Ade
Posted Sunday, March 9, 2008

What can I possibly say about ST that you haven’t heard before?

1. The New York Mets organization treated me as a professional sports writer and met every need and desire that made it a week I will never forget. Once you have been approved, and have signed an agreement that says you will be banned to write stories only on Mo Vaughn if you pick up one foul ball and stuff it in your pocket, ask David Wright for an autograph while your press pass is flapping in the wind in front of his face, or, God forbid, you go into a low blood sugar and you need to use the players' john for a quick shoot up and whizz.

2. On the other hand, don’t bring your brother-in-law, Frankie ‘Ab-so-loot-lee’ Conforti, unless he too works for the news services in some capacity. No write, no cameraman, no tickee to game, no entrance to nuthin’. And if he asks David Wright for an autograph, they ask me to leave immediately and ban me to covering only the Long Island Ducks.

3. If a ball gets hit over a fence and it rolls up next to your foot, leave it there. Reporters can’t report the games and be autograph whores at the same time. Another banishment rule, this time to that ‘water world’ someone got his ass stuck in for a couple of summers.

4. Yes Virginia, the big market teams still deal up a decent lunch for the writers and photographers who cover the games all season long. One small change since the non-recession days… $6 a head, with free aqua. Sodas were an additional buck in machine next to the water fountain.

5. ‘Fans’ that gather five hours before the 11 am outdoor warm-ups start are now dominated by the EBAY-whores that would step on a three-year-old's private parts, to beat him/her to the front of the line when David Write pulls a pen out. No couth. No class. Autograph whores. They come mostly in the demographic range of overweight men between the ages of 25-75. The older are classier rude. Or, stuck on the wrong side of the fence when David Wright was signing autographs for the kids inside the rope, walked over to ex-St. Lucie manager, Howard Johnson (who happened to be walking by) and yelled out to him, waving a used practice ball: “HEY! (no “Hello, Mr. Johnson”, or, “Excuse me, HoJo…”). No, this was a “HEY… could you go get me an autograph from David Wright?” Ho-Jo just brushed it off with a “maybe later”, and kept walking away. The security guard an I were speechless, The dude looked at me and asked “what did I do wrong” and I tried to explain to him I wouldn’t know how to, first, categorize the screw-ups, no less explain them to his ears stuffed with old hearng aids. I, like HoJo, walked away not wondering why ballplayers don’t give autographs like they used to.

6. SP Johan Santana was human. He tossed up a three-run homer in the first inning of the first game he ever threw for the Mets and most Met managers were thrilled to get that over with quick. ‘Blow em up early, then settle down’ was the general consensus.

7. One of the local NY rags (I think it was the Post) must have been under deadline on a slow news day and did a half-page that came out on Friday, 2/29 that baseball said the Mets suck. It really set the tone for the remaining tri, and basically shut down the players as the secondsalvo from the NYC press (the Billy Wagner stories on the beanball-gate vs. Univ. of Michigan). I found two kinds of ‘NYC real guy reporters”… the cameramen were all over the age of 75 and, I assume, protected by their union. They will quit when their Rolex hits the clay just before their blue face smashes into the lens. The other are the under 35 bloggers who, if a player scratches his nuts, go running to their laptops and file a story that player so-and-so is suffering from some rare social rash that could have easily been contracted in one of the myriad adult bars in the area. You know what I mean, a shit story. I read all the local NYC rags the last could of days, and, boy they’re full rag shit. And it’s not even March. Shouldn’t you get a push on February scrimmages? Tough crowd.

8. Is it more than a coincidence that the Mets home opener took place on the same day ‘Bike Week’ kicks off down the block? We’re not talking much genetic difference between EBAY Whores and CEOs who don’t shave for three months so people think they are a blood killer one-percenter.

9. New York City sports reporters are the biggest a-holes in the business. They talk to no one other than themselves, they talk AT the rest of us, and totally ignore the nice people that are serving them food and maintaining the media center. Creeps.

10. I’ll be back next year.

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-The Search For a 2009 1Bman continues…

Okay… let’s look at the 1Bmen that ProjectProspect lists in their Top 150 prospect list this spring, and the current first baseman on the parent team. The important thing is we are looking for someone who is ready to come up to the Bigs for good:

Rank/Player/Parent Team/Age/Level Reached in 2007

#17/Daric Bartin/Oakland/22/MLB

“Contact hitter who can draw walks and hit for power; expect smooth transition to bigs”

2007 1Bman: Dan Johnson - 27 years old - .236/.349/.418

#18/Chris Marrero/Washington/19/A+

#21/Joey Votto/Cincinnati/24/MLB

“Line-drive machine excels at hitting the ball in the air and drawing BB; some speed, too”

2007 1Bman: Scott Hatteberg - 28 years old - .310/.394/.474 in 361 Abs

#43/Beau Mills/Cleveland/21/A+

#48/Lars Anderson/Boston/20/A+

#62/Steve Pearce/Pittsburgh/24/MLB

“Annihilated A+, AA, and AAA last year; could become a 25+ HR guy in the bigs by '09”

2007 1Bman: Adam LaRoche - 28 years old - .272/.345/.458 in 563 Abs

Barton is already projected on the A’s depth chart as the starting first baseman in 2008, and Johnson is definitely not trading for. Regarding the Cincinnati situation, Votto doesn’t sound like the power guy the Mets like to have, and Hatteberg, IMO, isn’t worth going after.

But… the Pittsburgh situation is interesting. Pearce is ready to play and LaRoche signed a one year deal last month to avoid arbitration.

I would have no problem with Mets adding him to their ‘possible’ list in 2009.

Lastly… want a long shot for 1B?

Michihiro Ogasawara - Born 11/25/1973 - 1B, FA - In 2006, Michi led the league in homers and RBIs, while helping lead his club to their first Japan Series crown in 44 years. A composed player and a fine fielder at both 1B and 3B, which would attract many MLB teams. As a free agent, Ogasawara does not require a posting fee, making him quite affordable.

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What About The Future Outfield?

Well, two-thirds of this answer would be Carlos Beltran and Fernando Martinez. This would leave one position, currently being played by Ryan Church and/or Mosies Alou. It sure looks like F-Mart will be in CitiField in 2009.

As with the other positions, let’s look at the top prospects in baseball, where and when they project to play in the bigs, and who will become expendable on that team if said team goes, the cheaper way, with the prospect:

Prospect Rank in MLB/Player/Team/2008 Projected Level

#1/Jay Bruce/Cincinnati/AAA-MLB – 3rd in Cincy CF depth chart

Probably expendable: Ken Griffey (team option on ’09 deal), Ryan Freel (age), and Adam Dunn (FA end 2008)

#2/Colby Rasmus/St. Louis/will play AAA in 2008

Expendable: Juan Encarnacion ’08 last yr. of contract), and Rick Ankiel (’08 is 5th year in service).

#9/Cameron Maybin/Florida/will start in CF for the Marlins in 2008

Expendable: Luis Gonzales (1-yr ’08 contract).

#24/Andrew McCutchen/Pittsburgh/will play 2008 at AAA level again

Possibly Expendable: Jason Bay (would take trade)

Probably expendable: Xavier Nady (1-yr ’08 contract).

#38/Carlos Gonzalez/Oakland/will play 2008 at the AAA level

Expendable: no one worth mentioning

#79/Wladimir Balentien/Seattle/will play 2008 at the AAA level

Expendable: Raul Ibanez and Brad Wilkinson (’08 last yr. of contracts).

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-How Do The Long Term Contracts Stack-Up?

Before anyone speculates on who will be promoted someday to the Bigs, or what free agent should be signed, let’s review the contracts again and see where the “long term” Mets stack up:

(these are the players in the system that I project will someday make the Mets starting lineup):

Club options are not included:

Postion 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

1B: Delgado ------ ------ ------ ------

2B: Castillo Castillo Castillo Castillo ------

SS: Reyes Reyes Reyes ------ ------

3B: Wright Wright Wright Wright Wright

C: Schneider Schneider (Pena) (Pena) (Pena)

OF: Beltran Beltran Beltran Beltran ------

OF: Alou (Martinez) (Martinez) (Martinez) (Martinez)

OF: Church ------ ------ ------ ------

SP: Santana Santana Santana Santana Santana

Hernandez (Pelfrey) (Pelfrey) ------ ------

Martinez ------ ------ ------ ------

Perez ------ ------ ------ ------

Maine Maine Maine ------ ------

RP: Wagner Wagner (Kunz) (Kunz) (Kunz)

Schoeneweis Schoeneweis ------ ------ ------

Heilman Heilman ------ ------ ------

So, nothing much has changed here. The Mets ill be looking to sign quality pitchers, a first baseman, and one outfielder in the next couple of years. Nothing more.

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-Ex-Mets:

The Royals only plan to use Justin Huber in left field this spring. Huber, who is out of options, has more experience at first base than in the outfield, but since he adjusted to the position very well, he won't be part of the competition there… Manager Charlie Manuel said Sunday that Tom Gordon "would definitely" take over as the Phillies' closer if Brad Lidge isn't ready to begin the season on time following knee surgery… Until Brewers GM Bob Melvin made his quick, decisive move, Mike Cameron figured he'd be wearing the pinstripes of the New York Yankees in 2008. With the possibility of moving centerfielder Melky Cabrera in a deal that never happened, the Yankees began showing keen interest in Cameron. "I thought I was going to New York," the 13-year veteran said. "The Brewers came out of the blue. I never gave it any thought until they called. "When I thought about it, I said, 'This might be the perfect place for me.' I'm comfortable already. It's been cool."… Nats catcher Jesus Flores arrived in Viera late Saturday, after resolving visa issues in his native Venezuela, and participated in Sunday's workout. Flores said the team was late in sending him the form he needed to secure his work visa. "I wanted to get here before the camp started, but I [had to] wait for the [form]," he said. "And finally it got there." The team responded in a statement that it applied for visa petitions for all its players at the same time as every other year, in early December, and that the process took longer than normal…

-Zephyrs:

Work crews will be at Zephyr Field from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning this week installing the new infield and outfield turf, as the Zephyrs are completely replacing their playing surface as part of a $1.27 million bond commission from the State of Louisiana. The Zephyrs' existing turf was removed in December and donated to Holy Cross High School, which will use the turf for its baseball field and football practice field on the school’s new campus in Gentilly. Work was also done at Zephyr Field to fix the outfield retention wall,which is used to hold up the ground supporting the pool, levee, outfield stage and Metairie Bank Home Run Porch.

-B-Mets:

The Binghamton Mets are introducing a new program for Little League teams around the country. With this special package teams can purchase an Official B-Mets Logo pesonalized top and hat set for each player on the team and dress like the pros. For more information or to place an order click the link. The package includes: One B-Mets Logo Hat ($15 Value), One B-Mets Logo Tee Shirt ($16 Value), and personalization with Name and Number of each player on back of tee shirt ($10 Value). Package price is only $27 per set! A minimum of twelve (12) tee shirts and caps sets ordered. Two weeks notice on all orders.

To place orders or for additional information contact Lisa or call 607.723.6387.

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Dear Mets Fans,

It's that time of year again for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The Port St. Lucie Relay will be held on April 25-26, 2008 at Tradition Field. The Mets Booster Club is having a fundraiser. We are raffling off numerous Mets and Baseball Prizes. Here is the list of Prizes.

- Gary Carter Photo and Signed Ball

- Joe McEwing Signed Photo and Ball

- Ron Swoboda Signed Photo and Ball

- Ron Swoboda Signed Legends Game Ticket

- Silver Mets Jersey #45

- Silver Mets Jersey #44

- Joe DiMaggio Legends Game Bobble Head

- 1 Set of Mets Pillowcases

- NY Yankees World Champions Banner

- Al Kaline Bronzetone Statue

- Framed 1986 Pen and Ink Poster

- Rafael Santana Signed Jersey

- White Mets Sports Jersey (Size XL)

- Orange and Black Sports Jersey (Size XL)

- Joel Youngblood Signed Ball

“2 Teams-Same Day”

- Jeff Torborg Signed Ball

- Al Downing Signed Ball

- Bill “Spaceman” Lee Signed Ball

- Ron Taylor & Art Shamsky Signed Ball

- 1969 Mets Signed Ball (12 players)

- 1969 Mets Signed Photo (6 players)

- Brooklyn Cyclones Memorabilia Basket

- Gary Carter “The Kid” Poster

- Philip Humber Bat

- Kevin Mulvey Bat

- David Wright Photo Collage

- Jose Reyes Photo Collage

- Carlos Beltran Photo Collage

The tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. The drawing will be held on March 10, 2008. If you would like to buy tickets, please send a check made out to the Mets Booster Club or to The American Cancer Society. Please mail your check and the prizes you would like to take a chance on to:

Mets Booster Club

PO Box 882061

Port St. Lucie, FL 34988-2061

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Mack