Wednesday, November 05, 2008
11/4 Winter League Report + 11/5 Links! MURPHY, Thole, Vargas!
2b Daniel Murphy 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, HR, 3 RBI, BB, K, .388
c Josh Thole 2 for 4, run, HR, 3 RBI, .405
Jason Vargas 3 IP, 4 H, ER, 0.48 era, 39:21:18, 3:6:0
Eddie Kunz 1.1 IP, 2 H, ER, K, HR, 8.44 era, BS (1), W (1-1), 22:13:9, 2:1:1
Daniel Murphy's day @ 2b (game 12):
Will Rhymes grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
Steve Clevenger grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
Matt Young grounds into a force out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to shortstop Ian Desmond. Will Rhymes out at 2nd. Matt Young to 1st.
Jeremy Slayden reaches on force attempt, fielding error by second baseman Daniel Murphy. Will Rhymes to 3rd. Matt Young to 2nd.
Honolulu 5, West Oahu 13
ss Ruben Tejada 0 for 5, K, .266
dh Jordan Abruzzo 1 for 4, run, BB, .228
Junior Guerra 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3/2 R/ER, BB, 8.62 era, 27:15:12, 1:3:0
IWLs
c Salvador Paniagua 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .292
1b Edgardo Alfonzo 3 for 5, 2 runs, 2b, RBI, BB, K, .413
Julio Polanco 0.1 IP, H, 1.42 era, 0:1:0
Joselo Diaz IP, H, K, 3.38 era, W (3-0), 2:0:1
Carlos Muniz 1.1 IP, 3 H, ER, HR, 1.93 era
11/5 Links
Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard
HWL Boxscore @ 8pm ET
HWL Gameday
AFL Boxscore @ 9pm ET
AFL Gameday
Friday, October 24, 2008
10/23 Winter League Report! Vargas! Murphy!! + 10/24 Links
Jason Vargas: (W) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 BB's, 1 K, 0.00 ERA
2b Daniel Murphy: 2-6, 2B, 2 RBI, .400
c Josh Thole 1 for 5, run, RBI, .375, PB (2)
Murphy Fielding Opportunities @ 2B
- Wes Hodges grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
- Julio Borbon grounds out softly, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
Joe Dickerson grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart. - Josh Rodriguez grounds out, pitcher Jason Vargas to second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
- Wes Hodges grounds out, second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart
- Josh Rodriguez grounds out sharply, pitcher Greg Burke to second baseman Daniel Murphy to first baseman Bill Rhinehart.
Thoughts:
---I know the trade in which the Mets gave up Lindstrom/Owens for Vargas/Bostick was horrible, but I think there may be some hope yet for Mr. Vargas. After having surgery last October to remove a bone spur form his elow, Vargas missed the entire 2008 season due to hip surgery. Finally healthy, he has thrown 12.2 scoreless innings in the AFL. Yes, AFL stats don't mean much, but this was a guy who pre his first MLB call-up, completely dominated the minor leagues, and then posted a 4 ERA in his rookie year. I haven't heard any reports about his velocity, but pre-injury he was in the low 90's which is always a plus for a lefty. I'm not saying he'll be a star or something, but he could be a nice long relief pitcher for the Mets next year..
---And yes, Daniel Murphy can hit, but this fall he has shown he's no butcher at second base, only commiting one error, and I think it would be stupid for the Mets not to give Murphy the 2B job going into next year.
IWLs
c Salvador Paniagua 0 for 4, 2 Ks, .200
3b Edgardo Alfonzo 1 for 5, run, .421
c Gustavo Molina 0 for 2, BB, .000
Matias Carrillo IP, 2 H, R, K, 7.36 era, 1:1:1
Comprehensive Winter League Scoreboard
HWL Boxscore @ 1am EDT
HWL Gameday
*AFL All Star Game @ 1015pm EDT
Boxscore
Gameday
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Taking A Look At The AFL Roster
The big guys to look out for the Mets are Daniel Murphy (learning 2B), Eddie Kunz (working on slider), and Bobby Parnell (working on changeup). It is possible that all three of these guys could find a spot on the Mets 25 man roster out of spring training, but more likely that they'll all end up there at some point in the season.
Here's a recap of Scout.com's breakdown of the Mets players heading to the AFL, with emphasis on the guys who should have an impact on next season (+ Josh Thole).
Daniel Murphy: After making significant contributions to the big league club in the latter half of the summer, Murphy will be more closely watched than any of this group sent to Arizona. Murphy, who spent all of his time with the Mets in left field, will see a lot of time at second base as the organization hopes to have him as an option there for 2009. He spent minimal time at second base this summer and while he was quick on his feet and sharp turning double plays, range is a concern though his defense is cleaner there than on the hot corner. The slight time difference to react to the ball may allow Murphy to play improved defense as he learns the position, and that is something the club is banking on.
Eddie Kunz: The second-year reliever returns to the Arizona Fall League following last winters performance in which he posted a 10.13 ERA in 10 2/3 innings pitched /[9 games]/, striking out eleven. Now stronger heading into the AFL than he was in 2007, consistency will important for Kunz. However, more important will be the further development of his slider and changeup. Both pitches were stronger down the stretch, but not to the point where they gave Kunz steady options off his sinking fastball. The former Binghamton closer will likely have the opportunity to be a significant contributor in the big league bullpen and the steps he takes in AFL will go a long way to filling those chances. His six games in New Orleans in August were the last competitive innings he threw this year, and not doubt Kunz is hungry to return to the mound
Bobby Parnell: Like Kunz, Parnell was promoted to the big league club but as a September call up. And like Kunz, Parnell who got in five big league innings in six games figures to be up for a role in the Mets bullpen in 2009. His fastball/slider combination makes him a very favorable arm to have as both pitches have a lot of movement down in the strike zone. The development of his changeup will play a role in his work while in Arizona, but at least mild gains with the pitch will give him a leg up when competing for a role next spring. This is Parnell first trip to the Arizona Fall League
Josh Thole: The St. Lucie catcher saw a surge in offense this past season. His five home runs were four more than he hit over the last two combined seasons, but more importantly was the growth of his contact stroke. Thole is much more adept to taking pitches the other way and maintaining a consistent strike zone. Those traits helped him .300 for the first time in his career and become a Florida State League All-Star. There is room to grow for him behind the plate, and his arm strength is a concern, but Thole has not hit all that much prior to the 2008 season. Therefore, continuing his swing and plate awareness is key as he faces the most experienced pitching of his career.
Also joining these guys in the AFL Jason Vargas, Shawn Bowman, and Tobi Stoner.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Mets trade Owens, Lindstrom to Marlins for 2 young arms
Mets acquired LHP Jason Vargas and LHP Adam Bostick from the Marlins for RHP Matt Lindstrom and RHP Henry Owens.
Jason Vargas
Assets
Low-mid-90s heat and strong slider and change-up, backed by impressive poise and command for a young pitcher. That slider is killer against left-handed hitters.
Flaws
Still needs to work on his approach to right-handed hitters, as well as his endurance.
Good mid-rotation southpaw.
Bostick looks like he could be a solid bullpen arm, possibly a back of the rotation starter and should start the year in a crowded AAA pitching staff.
Great trade by Omar, Vargas is still very young and has very good stuff, but had a disappointing 2006 season. He dominated in the minors in 2004 and 2005, and had a very nice stint in 2005 with the Marlins big league club. He should start out in AAA, and possibly have a shot to crack the rotation if he rebounds nicely.
I'll give this trade a B+ and the MPH seal of approval
Great trade Omar.