Ruben Amaro Jr. has been the GM of the Phillies for all of what, 2 months? Already he is doing his part to ensure Mets fans hate him. Check out his reaction to the signing of K-Rod.
”I don’t think it affects us much,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “They’ve had Billy Wagner, and we still beat them the last 2 years in our division.”
What he said is 100% true, but was mentioning Wagner and reminding everyone they have won the division the last 2 years really neccessary? Mark it down, the first salvo in the ‘09 chapter of this rivalry was fired by Amaro. Don’t expect a shot back from Omar Minaya Phillies fans, he is to classy for that. Plus his focus is where it should be, on bettering the Mets for next season. Pat Gillick did a good job building the current Phillies roster, if I was Amaro I would concentrate on what I have to do to keep the Phils playing at a championship level as opposed to making snide comments about my team’s rival. Just sayin’.
On Wednesday each week I will give my reactions to some quotes made by Jets players, coaches, and front office personnel about the previous week’s game.
Eric Mangini: “If there hadn’t been a sense of urgency, there certainly will be now.”
To me it sounds like Mangini and the coaches warned the players not to get to high on themselves after the wins @ New England and Tennessee and those warnings fell on deaf ears. Mangini is hoping against hope that the veterans that have mailed it in the past couple of weeks can turn the switch back on the last three games of the regular season.
The Mets only get one cover out of the three which is a little disheartening considering they made their biggest offseason signing yesterday. This was the case even before this news came… Joel Sherman of the New York Post is reporting that Sabathia will in fact sign with the Yankees. Should be an interesting sports talk radio day considering Francesa spent a good part of yesterday trashing Sabathia for keeping the Yankees in limbo. Say somethin’ funny Mike!
Brad Smith left the game seeing stars last week after he was the recipient of this vicious hit by 49ers LB Patrick Willis…
Man, that was some hit. Which is why I was a bit surprised to read on NJ.com today that not only was Brad able to walk in a straight line, but he was well enough to promote a youth health program called What Moves U. Good guy that Brad Smith. It is actually refreshing to see a positive story about the Jets written this week even if it has absolutely nothing to do with their play on the field.
Now that the Mets have filled their Grand Canyon size gap at closer, what’s next? As we all know the Mets have several more glaring needs that they must attend to. Here is how I rank those needs as of right now:
More bullpen help.
A #2 or #3 type starter, to replace Perez
Trade Heilman and Castillo.
Acquire a corner outfielder either via trade or free agency
The same with second base assuming we can get rid of Castillo.
I will detail how I think the Mets should try and fill these gaps in separate posts throughout the next couple of days. Surprised not to see a catcher on this “to do list?” The guy I wanted was Ramon Hernandez and since the Reds stole him today I am fine with Brian Schneider being back behind the plate next season.
I just read on Erik Boland’s blog that the Jets have released running back Marcus Mason. Presumably the Jets will fill the roster spot vacated by Mason with a defensive back. Boland has a suggestion as to who they should consider bringing in,
Veteran cornerback Brian Kelly was released today by the Lions. Just saying he’s one of the guys out there…
If the Jets are looking to bring another DB in - which I haven’t heard - given the time of year Brian Kelly will probably be one of their best options.
If you remember the Jets looked to acquire Brian Kelly back in the Herm days because of his experience in the Tampa 2.
