Reilly
02-02-2005, 02:50 AM
Several interesting news tidbits today, including another trade rumor. But we have to start today with Inside Pitch reporting that the Mets have signed 18 year old Australian catcher, Patrick Maat (http://mets.scout.com/2/348046.html). Here's what Tony Harris, the Mets scout that signed him had to say:
A strong young man, solid defensive catcher with offensive power at the plate, together with his make up and work habits, will be fun to watch him develop his way thru the minor leagues."
This is exactly what the Mets need to do. If he develops, Maat will replace the departed Justin Huber within the system, taking a bit of the sting out of last year's trading deadline.
Could he end up being a bust? Sure. But he's still another prospect in the system, and a young one at that.
• The Rockies have re-opened talks on a possible Mike Cameron-Preston Wilson swap (http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spbase014131581feb01,0,1483285.story?coll=ny-mets-bigpix) although the AP calls the Mets "lukewarm" on the deal.
At this point, Omar is pretty happy with the team going into the spring. Unless he gets overwhelmed with a deal, I can't see him pulling the trigger on anything. Ahhh, leverage is a wonderful thing.
• The Mets also invited three others to spring training (http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/nym/news/nym_news.jsp?ymd=20050131&content_id=937574&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp); former Expos closer, Scott Stewart, righthander Eric Junge and infielder Jed Hansen.
• Kevin Czerwinski has a new mailbag (http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/nym/news/nym_news.jsp?ymd=20050129&content_id=936788&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp) too, talking about Blade, Kaz, Fortunato, and throwing out some props for Captain Keith.
A strong young man, solid defensive catcher with offensive power at the plate, together with his make up and work habits, will be fun to watch him develop his way thru the minor leagues."
This is exactly what the Mets need to do. If he develops, Maat will replace the departed Justin Huber within the system, taking a bit of the sting out of last year's trading deadline.
Could he end up being a bust? Sure. But he's still another prospect in the system, and a young one at that.
• The Rockies have re-opened talks on a possible Mike Cameron-Preston Wilson swap (http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-spbase014131581feb01,0,1483285.story?coll=ny-mets-bigpix) although the AP calls the Mets "lukewarm" on the deal.
At this point, Omar is pretty happy with the team going into the spring. Unless he gets overwhelmed with a deal, I can't see him pulling the trigger on anything. Ahhh, leverage is a wonderful thing.
• The Mets also invited three others to spring training (http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/nym/news/nym_news.jsp?ymd=20050131&content_id=937574&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp); former Expos closer, Scott Stewart, righthander Eric Junge and infielder Jed Hansen.
• Kevin Czerwinski has a new mailbag (http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/nym/news/nym_news.jsp?ymd=20050129&content_id=936788&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp) too, talking about Blade, Kaz, Fortunato, and throwing out some props for Captain Keith.