Bleacher Report - Articles by Tanya Mercado

New York Yankee Bullpen Strong Enough in 2009?

Tanya Mercado — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:25:30 -0500

With Spring Training right around the corner, baseball fans everywhere are getting a little antsy for the start of the season. Nobody is waiting more than the fans of the New York Yankees.

They have every reason to be excited. With the additions of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett in the starting rotation, plus Mark Teixeira at first base, the Yankees seem to be poised to make a run for the American League pennant.

The Yankees seem to have their starting rotation set, despite the addition of the fragile Burnett. What some seem to forget is that games are not just won by the rotation. The bullpen can make or break a game.

It is the bullpen the Yankees did not seem to feel the need to work on this offseason. They will be going into 2009 with the same bullpen with which they left 2008. That is not very reassuring, if you ask me.

The great Mariano Rivera is coming off of shoulder surgery from last October. Nobody knows how it will affect him. It was his first surgery since having elbow surgery back in 1992.

The comforting fact for Yankee fans to look at is that Rivera pitched through pain in the 2008 season and still had a comeback season after putting up numbers that are not quite Mariano-like in 2007.

Damaso Marte, while not exactly blowing me away as a Yankee, had great numbers with the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a 4-0 record, 3.47 ERA in 46 plus innings, 47 strikeouts, and only allowing 16 walks, I am hopeful he will return to that.

Marte was going through an adjustment period, as all players do when they come to New York and switch leagues. I predict he will be the set-up man to Rivera. The 1-3 record with a 5.40 ERA was a fluke.

Jose Veras, Brian Bruney, Phil Coke, and Edwar Ramirez all appear to be strong in the bullpen. They have combined for 173 strikeouts and 71 walks in 162 innings of work. Coke alone has an ERA under one. Bruney had a 1.83 ERA.

The bullpen will not be the problem for the 2009 Yankees. I would look at the rotation, centerfield, and the mental strength of their third baseman, Alex Rodriguez.

Going Home Does Not Come With Guarantees

Tanya Mercado — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:52:32 -0500

With Jason Giambi going back to the Oakland Athletics, where he began his baseball journey, people have started to discuss if going back to the original team a player started with would resurrect their careers.

I do not agree with this. Coming home again does not come with any guarantees.

Some people argue that it gives the player more motivation to play.

If this were the case, why play at all? By making that argument, you suggest the player was not trying with the other team, or teams, he played for.

If a player is injured and does not play well for one team and they decide to go back to their original team, does that mean they are going to be able to play better?

Of course not! They can go to any team and that can happen. It is a matter of having better trainers on the team.

An example would be Ken Griffey, Jr. He was hurt throughout his time in Cincinnati.

Compare that to when he played for the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners. He was perfectly healthy. This would imply the latter two teams had great trainers to keep Griffey healthy.

You can say, "Well their home fans would love the player and encourage him."

I, in turn, would say, "So would the fans of any team they play for if they love the player or if the player chose to play in his hometown."

Mike Piazza's original team was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Before he retired, should he have gone back to them to try to resurrect his career? We all know the answer is "no" simply because he was considered a DH.

Other examples are Lee Mazzilli*, with the New York Mets and Gary Carter, with the Montreal Expos. They began and ended their careers with the teams they started with, not necessarily lighting it up.

This is my point. It does not matter if a player goes back to their original team.

What matters is if they actually have it within themselves to continue to play. They could just be better off retiring, as in the case of Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine.

Call it a career and wait for your turn on the Hall of Fame ballot.

*Mazzilli split his last season in the majors with the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Willie Randolph to Be a Washington National or a New York Yankee

Tanya Mercado — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:05:35 -0400

As I was listening to the Brandon Tierney show on 1050 ESPN radio, I heard him mention Willie Randolph.

It is being rumored that Willie could be taking calls from the Washington Nationals or the New York Yankees soon.

According to what he said, the Washington Nationals are interested in bringing Willie aboard to be either their bench or third base coach.

Talk about a demotion—to go from the Mets to the Nationals? Manny Acta did that, and it did not do him much good.

I was very curious about this. So I did a google search on it. The story is actually in Newsday.

The article mentioned that bringing in Willie would give the Nationals an alternative in managers, and should the team start off slow in 2009, they would fire Acta and place Randolph in the manager seat.

Tierney mentioned one more thing: Randolph might actually be going to the Bronx for a position with the New York Yankees—there's a shocker for you!

This would not surprise me.

Randolph has always considered Yankee Stadium his home. Once a Yankee, always a Yankee. Every time he goes to Yankee Stadium, he has tears in his eyes and he speaks of some “magical moment” he had there.

Willie! Are you crying? There's no crying in baseball!

All in all, if Randolph takes a coaching position, he's taking a step back. The point is to move forward—not backward.

Then again, look what it did for Jerry Manuel, he went from bench coach to manager. Who knows! It might work for Willie.

You can read the Newsday article here.

A Letter to All New York Mets Fans

Tanya Mercado — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:42:41 -0400

Dear Fans of the New York Metropolitans,

How are you this bright and sunny Thursday afternoon? I can honestly say I am well.

I am writing this letter to all of you to share my disgust with how you are treating your team. You call yourselves fans, yet you rip your team apart when they need you the most.

We have prided ourselves in not being "bandwagon jumpers" like certain fans (cross-town rivals) or even "team killers" like other fans (two states away).

We are the fans, like the fans of the Chicago Cubs, who stick by our team through the thick and thin. Appreciate what you have, Mets fans. The Mets could be the Cubs.

Remember the 1990s? Awful! Yet we all still went to the games. We still stuck by our team. Nobody had fits.

I give credit to those that still watch the games during this trying pennant race. Oh, the torment that we must endure watching the bullpen blowup or the offense fall asleep at the plate.

To those being tormented by Philadelphia Phillies fans, there is nothing they can say to hurt us. They have existed for over 100 years, yet they only have one championship to show for it.

Mets fans, the Mets are an expansion team. They have only existed for 42 years and already have two championships. It took the Phillies 91 years to claim their first. The Mets took only eight years.

Phillies fans speak from bitterness, anger, and jealousy. Feel sorry for them. Do not hate them!

In closing, to all of my beloved Mets fans, be strong. Good things are coming. Championships are coming. At the close of this baseball season, it is not the Phillies who get the last laugh, just the last tear.

Let's Go Mets!

With love,

Lady Met

Billy Wagner Is Out Until 2010, K-Rod Is Soon To Be a New York Met

Tanya Mercado — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:30:23 -0400

With the latest news reported by ESPN of Billy Wagner's season-ending demise, there are positive things to look at.

Sure Wagner is going to need Tommy John surgery. Naturally he is going to miss all of next season. Here's my question.

What's the problem?

Every New York Metropolitan fan has made the call to bring in Francisco Rodriguez, otherwise known as K-Rod. The one problem stopping Omar Minaya from obtaining him was Wagner, who is signed through the 2009 season.

Neither closer will play the set-up role for the other.

Now, the problem has been solved. Minaya can go full speed ahead after him. Despite the other teams that will be pursuing him, none of them have the deep pockets the NY Mets have. With the revenue from SNY (the Mets television network) and their new home, Citi Field, the Mets just may have enough to re-sign Oliver Perez and bring in K-Rod.

K-Rod announced earlier this season that he will be testing the free-agent market, and he expects to get paid. Who can afford to pay him? The New York Mets.

With 55 saves in 61 opportunities, a 2.49 ERA and 70 strikeouts, he is undoubtedly going to be the man of the offseason. Despite people calling this season his worst season, every team wants him. You'd be a fool not to.

Mets fans, prepare for the acquisition of the year. You thought Pedro Martinez was big. You drooled at the mere thought of Johan Santana coming to New York. What about K-Rod? Talk about your fantasies coming true.

Mr. Wilpon, it is time to break out the checkbook once again.

Carlos Delgado and the Kids Are Carrying the New York Mets to the Playoffs

Tanya Mercado — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:17:29 -0400

A lot should be said about the Mets' minor-league system. It has salvaged the season for this team.

Many give the credit to Jerry Manuel and rightly so. He has brought this team together. They matter in this pennant race now. Yet the minors, or as I like to call them "The Kids," are overlooked.

As players began to fall on the disabled list, these Kids started coming up, one by one.

It started with Nick Evans, who, at 22 years of age, was asked to come up when Moises Alou and Angel Pagan went down for the count. I have to say, I am not a fan of Evans. I wanted Fernando Martinez to be brought up. Yet Evans managed to get the job done.

Luis Castillo’s knees have failed him yet again this year. Damion Easley was tagged as the new second baseman in the meantime. Probably because of Easley’s age, the Mets brought up 26-year-old Argenis Reyes to platoon.

They have been great together. He may not be someone to fear at the plate, with a .250 batting average, but Reyes can pull off a double play with the best of them. Look for Reyes to be the new second baseman before Castillo’s contract is up.

With Jose Reyes and Argenis Reyes, we just may have the new Rey Ordonez and Edgardo Alfonzo combination. Only our current shortstop can actually hit.

At the age of 23, Daniel Murphy looked like a veteran when he made his debut to replace Marlon Anderson. Just like a pro, when he arrived to Shea Stadium, he had coaches throwing and hitting balls into left field, just so he can see how the ball bounces out there.

Carlos Beltran has been his mentor. He always looks Beltran’s way to see if he is positioned in the right spot.

He’s been killing it at the plate. Just look at his numbers. In 30 games, he has a .359 average and a .526 slugging percentage.

Eddie Kunz was brought up when Billy Wagner went down. He was the lone disappointment, with a 13.0 ERA. Nevertheless, he still has plenty of time to develop.

Now Jonathan Niese made his debut this past Tuesday in Milwaukee against the Brewers. While he wasn't anything to be scared of, he showed us glimpses of what he can be.

He is still the prospect everyone from Omar Minaya to Manuel to the Wilpons will be bragging about and teams will be asking for come the offseason. He will have to help save this team from another destructive ending with the John Maine out again.

As a Mets fan, I am not worried. "The Kids" have carried this team, and they will continue to do so until the very end.

From John Maine to Jonathan Niese? NY Mets Look for Help in the Minors

Tanya Mercado — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:23:18 -0400

The troubles for the New York Mets seem to be never-ending.

The latest distressing news is that John Maine is being put on the 15-day disabled list again. Management is scrambling to try to figure out what to do.

Here’s one solution: Shut him down for the year.

I agree with Omar Minaya when he said he does not want to risk Maine’s career for a pennant race. With the bone spur in his pitching arm, he might need surgery to get it removed. It is common for athletes to get these, especially pitchers and quarterbacks, because they are repeatedly moving their arms over their heads.

Reports are saying that rest cannot help, but it can help. If the joint in his shoulder is swelling, that’s what is causing the pain because it is scraping against the spur. Rest and cortisone shots can benefit him and still manage to keep him around for the season.

My concern is that he has been on the DL already for this. So I feel surgery would be his best option. This way you do not risk damaging the nerves in the arm. The Mets feel shutting him down for two weeks without pitching or workouts would be best, so he is able to come back by mid-September.

What happens in the meantime if the Mets do shut Maine down for the year? The obvious solution: bring up Jonathan Niese.

The Mets feel he is ready to come up. They are just waiting for the opportunity. Well, there is no greater opportunity than now. Plus, they can keep him through September call-ups.

Preferably, I would like a bigger lead in the division before bringing in the kid pitcher. Unfortunately, they do not have that luxury. There are off days, which would benefit Mike Pelfrey, whom management is most concerned about because of the number of innings he has logged.

Right now, the Mets are going to have to get by with just four starters. They did it in 1973 and took the division. So why not now?

Plaxico Burress Needs To Just Shut Up and Put Up

Tanya Mercado — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:34:53 -0400

The drama that is Plaxico Burress is disgusting and completely unnecessary. He is acting like a child.

In no way do I think he deserves what he is asking for. He signed a contract to which he should be bound to or face a penalty. What gives him the right to just come out and demand more money and a new contract? Burress should just finish his current contract and then talk about a new one.

He has replaced Jeremy Shockey as the girl on the team. The difference between Shockey's antics and what Plaxico is pulling right now is it was always about the team. Nobody can say that about Plax. It does not benefit the team. It only benefits number 17.

The Giants do not need this type of distraction. He needs to shut up, show up to camp, and train. Honor the contract. Continue to put up numbers like you did last season and when your contract is up, then you talk about a new one and more money. In that way, and only in that way, will I say you deserve it.

I'm sorry. I was not aware one great season warrants you to be paid more money. My friend, you are not "the man." You are merely a child in a man's suit throwing a tantrum.

Manny Ramirez to the Marlins with the Commissioner's Approval

Tanya Mercado — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:12:46 -0400

Many are reporting Manny Ramirez is going to the Florida Marlins in a three-team deal involving the Pittsburgh Pirates. What many are failing to add is all of this depends on the Commissioner, Bud Selig. He has to approve the deal in order for it to be finalized, because cash is being exchanged between the Boston Red Sox and the Marlins, this according to BaseballProspectus.com.

If this deal goes through, it will happen as follows:

The Marlins get Manny Ramirez, one prospect (from the Red Sox), and cash. This makes sense, because the Marlins want to keep the payroll low. It was not that long ago they had a fire sale to cut the payroll.

The Pirates get Jeremy Hermida and three prospects (two from the Marlins, one from the Red Sox).

The Red Sox get Jason Bay and John Grabow.

Should this trade happen, and in all likelihood it does appear it will, do not look for the Marlins to actually keep him for 2009 and 2010. He has $20 million options. The Marlins are not going to pay him. They are too cheap.

Olympic Memories and Today's Hopefuls

Tanya Mercado — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 07:36:42 -0400

Growing up, the Olympics were always a major event in my family. From the opening ceremonies to the closing ceremonies my family rooted hard for Team USA. My father loved track & field while my mom and I were more into gymnastics, diving, swimming, and even synchronized swimming.

I remember watching Mary Lou Retton as a little girl, always wanting to be like her. No chance of that ever happening. Florence Griffith-Joyner, more popularly known as Flo-Jo, was my favorite athlete. She amazed me with her speed as she raced down the track to Olympic gold. I felt closer to her since I was better at sprinting.

With the 2008 Beijing Olympics approaching, I was looking forward to watching Paul Hamm perform in gymnastics before he pulled out due to injury. He broke his right hand on May 22 and he has rotator cuff issues as well. I am looking forward to watching his twin Morgan and Joseph Hagerty.

As I was watching the trials, I was rather impressed by Hagerty's performance. I have been a big fan of Amanda Beard since her first appearance in the Atlanta games in 1996. I feel she will still be able to dominate. Artistry and athleticism do not seem to go hand-in-hand with me.

When I think about the Olympics, what immediately comes to mind is endurance, strength and flexibility. The incorporation of mainstream sports I do not have a problem with. It is allowing professional athletes, such as those in the NBA and MLB, to play that I have a problem with.

It should be for the amateur athletes like those in college sports or on the world circuits. As I watched the Olympic trials for various events, I have to say Team USA is a force to be reckoned with, from gymnastics to diving. I have every confidence this year's hopefuls will bring back gold to their country. Go Team USA!

Manny Ramirez or Fernando Martinez? Minaya to Decide.

Tanya Mercado — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:03:02 -0400

The trading deadline is mostly beneficial for teams that want to make that final push for the playoffs. General managers start looking at the holes they need to fill to make it to October.

What is the most desperate need for most teams at the moment? Outfielders. Pitching is always something a team is looking for, but this season it seems like outfielders is a major commodity. If you have an outfielder someone is looking for, you are in business. You can demand almost anything and get it.

With the announcement by Manny Ramirez that he will okay a trade, the GMs of the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and any other team in need of a power hitting outfielder to make a playoff push are most certainly scrambling to try to see what they have available to trade for. The Mets can make a pretty enticing offer just be mentioning Fernando Martinez in a deal.

Mets fans I have spoken to are pretty torn between Manny and Martinez. As much as they know they need an outfielder with a bat, they are not sure they want to give up their top prospect for a rental. Despite the hamstring injuries Martinez has suffered this year, he is still young and has tremendous talent.

How great would this team be with David Wright, Jose Reyes, Martinez, Mike Pelfrey, Johan Santana, and Oliver Perez (if the team re-signs him at the end of the year) as your core players?

The Mets have the potential to have the best starting rotation in the majors. In regards to outfielders--two of them would consist of a Gold Glove center fielder, and quite arguably the best center fielder, Carlos Beltran, plus a young outfielder in Fernando Martinez who can play left or right and has the potential to hit for power.

The Mets could have speed, hitting, great defense, and a starting rotation to be envied by all for years to come. These are all keys to a successful ball-club.

While I do feel the Mets need another bat/outfielder, keeping Fernando Martinez should be their priority. However, after tonight's shoulder-stiffness shortened outing by John Maine, I feel Omar Minaya may want to look into a starter. With the in-and-out of the rotation Pedro Martinez, the Mets need a more reliable arm to make that push to the playoffs.

The Ace of the NY Mets Finally Arrived to Shea Stadium

Tanya Mercado — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:25:40 -0400

On what started out as a sunny day at Shea Stadium, Johan Santana was the pitcher the Mets and their fans needed.

There is a reason why he is making the money that he is making, a reason why the Mets traded away their farm system just to land him. An ace was needed.

Yesterday afternoon, that ace finally showed up at Shea Stadium pitching a six hit complete game, the seventh in his career and the first for the Mets since John Maine did it in July of last year. Santana dominated with six strikeouts and only one walk.

Naturally, he was not perfect. Rare will you find a pitcher who is. His only mistake was a solo home run to St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols in the seventh inning.

That would have been the second home run he allowed had Mets center-fielder Carlos Beltran not robbed Ryan Ludwick of a home run in dead center with a spectacular snow cone catch over the wall.

This was an outing the Mets definitely needed after the use of every member in the bullpen Saturday night. He knew this when he arrived to the ballpark.

During a post-game interview, he said his mission was “to go as deep as [he could] to rest the bullpen while giving the team an opportunity to win.”

Aaron Heilman was relieved he was not going to be needed with every reason after pitching more than two innings and throwing 57 pitches in Saturday’s devastating loss.

After the game, he approached Santana giving him a hug and saying “thank you.” All fans should say thanks to Santana too for all the torment they have given him the past month and a half.

I think it is safe to say with yesterday’s performance he has shut up all the naysayers in the Mets’ fan base. Here is your ace. Love him. Appreciate him. There will be plenty more through the second half of this baseball season.