Welcome back, Duaner! After nearly two years on the shelf, Duaner Sanchez will return to the Mets' bullpen tonight to try to recapture some of that magic. A terrific half-season in 2006 was cut short by a devastating shoulder injury that led to a serendipitous chain of events.
We can all hope that Duaner provides a boost, but it's important to note that his injury was unlike any ever faced by a pitcher in known history. There's absolutely no way of knowing if he's fully recovered and if his arm will hold up. It's obviously worth a shot, and the Mets will benefit immensely if he is able to bounce back. Carlos Muniz was sent to New Orleans to make room in the bullpen.
Let's take a look at the active roster now:
STARTING PITCHERS
Johan Santana
Oliver Perez
John Maine
Mike Pelfrey
Nelson Figueroa
Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez-DL
Pedro Martinez-DL
RELIEF PITCHERS
Billy Wagner (closer)
Aaron Heilman
Pedro Feliciano
Scott Schoenweis
Jorge Sosa
Joe Smith
Duaner Sanchez
Matt Wise-DL
CATCHERS
Brian Schneider
Raul Casanova
Ramon Castro-DL
INFIELDERS
Carlos Delgado
Luis Castillo
David Wright
Jose Reyes
Damion Easley
OUTFIELDERS
Carlos Beltran
Ryan Church
Marlon Anderson
Endy Chavez
Angel Pagan
Brady Clark
Moises Alou-DL
4 comments:
Just came across this site - you're linked at Blastings! Thrilledge. Great work so far - wish I could say the same for myself.
Last night was a quality game from the Mets, and one you hope to see more often; A quality start accompanied by 6 runs.
Much will be made of Reyes' 4-5, 1RS night but looking at the stats you can plainly see that Ryan Church's 1-3, BB, 2 RS, was more productive. We have yet to see the stolen base prowess opening up doors for the offense but a good start for him nonetheless. Maybe a couple of days off every once a while is a good thing, huh, Willie?
David Wright apparently doesn't need a day off, just a clone to add to the lineup.
The most promising thing about Duaner Sanchez' appearance was the single he gave up. With so much time gone by since his last appearance in the majors I'm sure D was rattled with some adrenalin. It was good to see him take WMP's single in stride and make quick work of the the next two batters.
All in all it was the Nationals, so it's a qualified win, but it was nice for the team to look like they did in 2006, even if just for a night. I still think this is a team in the midst of a nervous breakdown that need to find some heart somewhere. Maybe with a shot in the arm like a quality start from Pelfrey and addition of Duaner along with a sprinkling of Alou and Destro back in the clubhouse and this team will find it's balls.
They may need to find an upgrade from Easley to share some time with the now oft-fatigued Luis Castillo. What do you think about going after a Craig Counsell? He has a fiesty bat and can spell at all inf spots better more effectively than Easley.
Thanks MP! I'll be writing about your site later today.
Tim, I've been a big fan of Counsell for many years. I've mentioned this several times before, but the fact that we only have one backup infielder is ridiculous. Counsell would be a defensive upgrade from Easley, but not an offensive upgrade. They could use both (especially considering that Counsell is left-handed and Easley is right-handed) and simply waive Brady Clark to make room on the roster.
The problem is, I don't think the Brewers would give him up. They're going to challenge for the NL Central crown this year and he's a veteran presence on a team starting three young players (Weeks, Hardy and Bill Hall) at 2B, SS, and 3B). He plays three infield positions well and doesn't cost much. They don't need a starter or a position player from us either.
With all that in mind, he's the kind of guy that would fit in perfect, we need to sendout the scouts for a Counsell look-a-like search.
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