Mike's Mets

Agree with your assessment of Padilla. Guys like him are living the dream so far as I can see; they never become stars, but what of it? They get to play a game they love and even make a living at it.

It was a year ago, but someone ran a statistical projection of Padilla after the 2005 season. Quoting from memory, the piece was pessimistic of Juan's ability to continue at remotely the same level he achieved that year, since his opponents' batting average on balls put into play was unnaturally low; those things tend to even out over time.

So, I pull for him, hope for the best, but won't be surprised if he falls short.

Off topic: There are a number of readers of this site -- writers too for that matter -- who are enamored with the idea of picking up struggling young pitchers with potential and giving them a shot in spring training. I include myself in that group.

So, what would you say to bringing in a non-pitcher in a similar circumstance? I'm referring to B.J.Upton, former #1 pick of the Devil Rays, who currently has no position and has not hit very well. His situation reminds me of former Gold Spikes winner Phil Nevin, who crapped out as a third baseman, tried catching, and generally foundered around, before suddenly locking in with the bat and going on to have 4-5 really productive years, two teams later.

One wants to look at the merchandise, of course, but at the moment I would be more than willing to land him in right field and tell him to have a good season. From what I've been reading he can be had. Tampa always needs pitching, and the Mets have numbers if not proven quality. At least they did before shipping out Bannister, Owens and Lindstrom et al.

Anyway, it's a thought; pick up a fellow whose upside seemed endless not so long ago, and maybe catch lightening. Thoughts?

Just another thought. Lets make a deal with the Rockies for a pitcher and we will take Helton (.302 15/81) 1st basemen off thier hands. They are looking for a way to get rid of his salary. It's only money and a thought for a pitcher without giving up our youth? Hey it,s a slow offseason just a thought. He can be a expensive backup.

dd - Me, too. I like the kid and hope he proves me wrong. As for the other one, I can't picture them trading a guy like Upton for less than a top pitching prospect like Humber or Pelfrey, and I just can't see doing that right now. Plus OF is a strength of the Mets system.
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Rev - They're not going to just dump Helton, and I have a lot of steroid-related questions about his sudden decline. He's likely to be one of the more overpaid players in the game over the next few years.

Padilla is a guy you like rooting for, but I think part of the reason Met fans fell in love the guy is because we watched him in contrast to Braden Looper in 2005. He strikes you as a guy that pitches better than he should be able to given his mediocre stuff. His fastball is decent, but fairly straight. The rest of his arsenal doesn't exactly scare anyone. I think ideally, he's a guy who you can plug into the 7th inning here and there to see if he continues to overachieve. Realistically, coming off of Tommy John surgery, he's a middle innings guy at best.

I too expect him to get some innings at New Orleans before any judgement can be made on his post-TJ progress. And I don't know where he'll break the rotation with the setup triumvirate of Mota / Heilman / Sanchez looming for most of the season. But then again, overachievers have a tendency to overachieve no matter what anyone thinks.

Salman - That's true, but this bullpen is so loaded I expect him to move on to another team.

Mike,
Your Jan. 23rd assessment of Juan Padilla is generally on the mark but do not be surprised if he pitches better than expected. I have followed Padilla since he played in the minor leagues at Class "AA" and he pitched better than anyone expected throughout his stint in the minors. Juan is smart and poised and that gives him his edge. His 2005 performance was no fluke. If he is fully recovered from surgery, he has a good chance of staying in the majors.

I hope he does. He's definitely one of the guys you root for.

I am another one pulling for Juan and hope his recent elbow soreness is only a temporary setback. I have known Juan since his college days at Jacksonville University and have seen first-hand that he is a true competitor. I believe that Willie and the Mets know what they have in Juan and I feel that he will definitely be around to help the Mets win the NL pennant this year.

I hope he gets the chance. Getting hurt last year was a terrible break for him.