Mets fans?

[Misterbluesky]

Remember fellas....when you get home from work..6pm MLBN.

 

Is 12.9 a year enough for Jake?

[Gugny]

Who's the prick who voted for Scherzer?

 

29-1 vote.

 

GO JAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[SinceThe70s]

10 hours ago, Gugny said:

Who's the prick who voted for Scherzer?

 

29-1 vote.

 

GO JAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

Had to be the Nationals writer.

 

EDIT: I was wrong, it was a writer from San Diego. 

https://bbwaa.com/18-nl-cy/

 

And apparently he hung up on a NY radio host:

https://nypost.com/2018/11/15/writer-who-didnt-vote-for-degrom-hangs-up-on-wfan-host/

 

Edited November 15, 2018 by SinceThe70s

[KD in CA]

5 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Had to be the Nationals writer.

 

EDIT: I was wrong, it was a writer from San Diego. 

https://bbwaa.com/18-nl-cy/

 

And apparently he hung up on a NY radio host:

https://nypost.com/2018/11/15/writer-who-didnt-vote-for-degrom-hangs-up-on-wfan-host/

 

 

HAHAHAHA......I love Steve Somers.  Schmoooooozing under the covers until dawn!

[Gugny]

15 minutes ago, KD in CA said:

 

HAHAHAHA......I love Steve Somers.  Schmoooooozing under the covers until dawn!

 

This is awesome.  Thanks for sharing.  What a douche (the writer) ... and Somers was right; TOTALLY looking for his 15 minutes of fame.

[SinceThe70s]

 

Came across this article about ex-Met Ron Hunt and thought it was a decent read. If you never heard of him he was best known for getting hit by pitches. I remember him as an Expo and Cardinal - and couldn't stand the guy -  but he actually got his start with the Mets. I was surprised to see that he retired after the '74 season when I wasn't quite 11, but I can remember him leaning into pitches.

 

Article mentioned that he played with Hernandez in Keith's rookie year. Keith alluded to it on a telecast hinting that Hunt wasn't a great influence, but he didn't elaborate. Probably some great stories. 

 

https://nypost.com/2018/11/15/beloved-mets-hard-nosed-play-has-turned-into-a-hard-life-from-beanings-to-parkinsons/

 

 

[Golden Goat]

13 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Came across this article about ex-Met Ron Hunt and thought it was a decent read. If you never heard of him he was best known for getting hit by pitches. I remember him as an Expo and Cardinal - and couldn't stand the guy -  but he actually got his start with the Mets. I was surprised to see that he retired after the '74 season when I wasn't quite 11, but I can remember him leaning into pitches.

 

Article mentioned that he played with Hernandez in Keith's rookie year. Keith alluded to it on a telecast hinting that Hunt wasn't a great influence, but he didn't elaborate. Probably some great stories. 

 

https://nypost.com/2018/11/15/beloved-mets-hard-nosed-play-has-turned-into-a-hard-life-from-beanings-to-parkinsons/

 

Check out Keith Hernandez in 1974-75. I didn't recognize him without the porn stache. ?
 

Edited November 17, 2018 by Golden Goat

[SinceThe70s]

1 minute ago, Golden Goat said:

 

Check out Keith Hernandez in 1974-75. I didn't recognize him without the porn stache. ?
 

 

Nice. Garner ended up on the '86 Astros team that lost to Keith's Mets in the NLCS.

[Gugny]

13 hours ago, Golden Goat said:

 

Check out Keith Hernandez in 1974-75. I didn't recognize him without the porn stache. ?
 

 

 

Looks like a young Freddie Mercury!

Edited November 18, 2018 by Gugny

[Another Fan]

Not a big Blecher Report fan but I’ve read several reports trades for Noah are being entertained 

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2807208-mlb-trade-rumors-mets-seriously-considering-noah-syndergaard-deal.amp.html

[SinceThe70s]

25 minutes ago, Another Fan said:

Not a big Blecher Report fan but I’ve read several reports trades for Noah are being entertained 

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2807208-mlb-trade-rumors-mets-seriously-considering-noah-syndergaard-deal.amp.html

 

Entertaining is fine. I liked Wilpons comment that any trade would have to be lopsided.

 

The other rumor I saw was the Mets and Cleveland are discussing catcher Yan Gomes:

https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/could-mets-potential-trade-for-indians-catcher-yan-gomes-expand-to-include-brandon-nimmo-for-a-starting-pitcher/301007552

 

Mets bench coach search is focusing on ex NL Managers (Fredi Gonzalez, Jim Riggleman, Bryan Price). This may be behind a fee wall:

https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/former-nl-managers-among-the-mets-candidates-for-bench-coach-sources-say-1.23617495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Misterbluesky]

On 11/21/2018 at 7:32 PM, SinceThe70s said:

 

Entertaining is fine. I liked Wilpons comment that any trade would have to be lopsided.

 

The other rumor I saw was the Mets and Cleveland are discussing catcher Yan Gomes:

https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/could-mets-potential-trade-for-indians-catcher-yan-gomes-expand-to-include-brandon-nimmo-for-a-starting-pitcher/301007552

 

Mets bench coach search is focusing on ex NL Managers (Fredi Gonzalez, Jim Riggleman, Bryan Price). This may be behind a fee wall:

https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/former-nl-managers-among-the-mets-candidates-for-bench-coach-sources-say-1.23617495

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miller,Chisenhall and now Gomes.Mick is whispering in some ears.

[Gugny]

I get trading Syndergaard.  I see him as having a very short shelf-life and if they can get something good for him in return, I'd be upset but not heartbroken.  Nimmo, on the other hand, is a different story.  I think that's a trade they could regret.  

[SinceThe70s]

11 hours ago, Gugny said:

I get trading Syndergaard.  I see him as having a very short shelf-life and if they can get something good for him in return, I'd be upset but not heartbroken.  Nimmo, on the other hand, is a different story.  I think that's a trade they could regret.  

 

It's a gamble for sure with Thor. If you're convinced he has a short shelf-life it's a no brainer, he will bring back a kings ransom since he's under control for three more years. I may still be scarred by Nolan Ryan, but I'd still roll with Jake and Noah. In three years Jake will be 33 and possibly on the downside. Jake,  a healthy Thor and more of the same from Wheeler would keep us competitive. 

 

Would you move Conforto in the right deal?

[Gugny]

1 minute ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

It's a gamble for sure with Thor. If you're convinced he has a short shelf-life it's a no brainer, he will bring back a kings ransom since he's under control for three more years. I may still be scarred by Nolan Ryan, but I'd still roll with Jake and Noah. In three years Jake will be 33 and possibly on the downside. Jake,  a healthy Thor and more of the same from Wheeler would keep us competitive. 

 

Would you move Conforto in the right deal?

 

After his resurgence last year, I would keep Conforto at all costs.  With regard to Thor, my biggest fear is that he's another Lincecum.  Pure thrower whose body can't keep up.  I could be wrong.  And if we hold onto him, I hope I am wrong.  Syndergaard is a household favorite between my son and me.  We love him.  But my concerns are real.

[SinceThe70s]

Just now, Gugny said:

 

After his resurgence last year, I would keep Conforto at all costs.  With regard to Thor, my biggest fear is that he's another Lincecum.  Pure thrower whose body can't keep up.  I could be wrong.  And if we hold onto him, I hope I am wrong.  Syndergaard is a household favorite between my son and me.  We love him.  But my concerns are real.

 

Completely legit concerns WRT Thor, didn't intend to suggest otherwise, I just never want to give up on high ceiling pitchers.

 

So you're holding on to Conforto and Nimmo? I'm not convinced there's room for both....unless the Wilpons stop caring about salary (i.e.  Cespedes).

 

 

[Another Fan]

Off the Noah conversation I see parallels between the Bills and Mets at the moment.  Both had just BAD stretches earlier in the year but it looks like the Bills may very well finish strong as well.  6 or 7 wins and Allen making progress.  2019 I see as a make or break year for both squads and coaches per say. 

Edited November 26, 2018 by Another Fan

[Gugny]

2 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Completely legit concerns WRT Thor, didn't intend to suggest otherwise, I just never want to give up on high ceiling pitchers.

 

So you're holding on to Conforto and Nimmo? I'm not convinced there's room for both....unless the Wilpons stop caring about salary (i.e.  Cespedes).

 

 

 

You make a great point with regard to keeping both Nimmo and Conforto.  I'm honestly not sure what their contracts look like.  And don't get me wrong - my ideal situation is to go into the season with Thor, Jake, Matz and Wheeler.  Would just be nice to have Nimmo and Conforto in the outfield, as well as McNeil and Rosario in the infield.  Nice young core.  And who knows what Dom Smith will be like in the spring?  Either he or Alonso will be gone, most likely.

 

There's a ton of talent in the organization.  My biggest concern is Callaway.

[Gugny]

Riggleman got the job.  Good hire.

[Misterbluesky]

20 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

You make a great point with regard to keeping both Nimmo and Conforto.

Lagares is going to make 9 million next season...I highly doubt all three will be on the roster come March.

[Gugny]

1 hour ago, Misterbluesky said:

Lagares is going to make 9 million next season...I highly doubt all three will be on the roster come March.

 

I love Lagares.  Just wish he could stay healthy.

[Gugny]

Just heard on the radio that the Mets are in heavy pursuit of Robinson Cano.

 

Why?  What's wrong with Jeff McNeil?  Cano is entering his 15th year.  This one concerns me.

 

EDIT:  Found this explanation:

 

As for the Mets, the idea is to capitalize on Seattle's own aggressive posture in trying to unload Cano. At 36 years old, owed $120 million over the next five seasons, and coming off a PED suspension, Cano carries significant baggage. But he remains a productive hitter.

Could the Mets use this deal to rid themselves of Jay Bruce's contract, and acquire young closer Edwin Diaz? How much would the Mariners pay of Cano's contract?

 

I still don't like it.

Edited November 27, 2018 by Gugny

[SinceThe70s]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

Just heard on the radio that the Mets are in heavy pursuit of Robinson Cano.

 

Why?  What's wrong with Jeff McNeil?  Cano is entering his 15th year.  This one concerns me.

 

EDIT:  Found this explanation:

 

As for the Mets, the idea is to capitalize on Seattle's own aggressive posture in trying to unload Cano. At 36 years old, owed $120 million over the next five seasons, and coming off a PED suspension, Cano carries significant baggage. But he remains a productive hitter.

Could the Mets use this deal to rid themselves of Jay Bruce's contract, and acquire young closer Edwin Diaz? How much would the Mariners pay of Cano's contract?

 

I still don't like it.

 

I heard this last night. The way I heard it the Mariners contacted the Mets and Yankees trying to unload him. In the case of the Yankees they'd take northwest native Jacoby Ellsbury off the Yankees hands.

 

I don't want him either, too old and we can't hide him at DH.

 

But if you wanna play what if...how about we bring him in to play first base, (as you said) move Bruce in the deal and move Frazier too. Sign Manny Machado and trade Alonso for pitching. Mid-season lineup:

 

SS Rosario 

2B O'Neill

3B Machado

1B Cano

LF Cespedes

RF Conforto

CF Lagares/Nimmo

C Someone better than D'Arnaud and Beef-on-Plawecki

 

 

 

[Gugny]

21 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

I heard this last night. The way I heard it the Mariners contacted the Mets and Yankees trying to unload him. In the case of the Yankees they'd take northwest native Jacoby Ellsbury off the Yankees hands.

 

I don't want him either, too old and we can't hide him at DH.

 

But if you wanna play what if...how about we bring him in to play first base, (as you said) move Bruce in the deal and move Frazier too. Sign Manny Machado and trade Alonso for pitching. Mid-season lineup:

 

SS Rosario 

2B O'Neill

3B Machado

1B Cano

LF Cespedes

RF Conforto

CF Lagares/Nimmo

C Someone better than D'Arnaud and Beef-on-Plawecki

 

 

 

 

Signing Manny Machado would make me very, very unhappy.  Like "possible hiatus" unhappy.

[Misterbluesky]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

Just heard on the radio that the Mets are in heavy pursuit of Robinson Cano.

 

Why?  What's wrong with Jeff McNeil?  Cano is entering his 15th year.  This one concerns me.

 

EDIT:  Found this explanation:

 

As for the Mets, the idea is to capitalize on Seattle's own aggressive posture in trying to unload Cano. At 36 years old, owed $120 million over the next five seasons, and coming off a PED suspension, Cano carries significant baggage. But he remains a productive hitter.

Could the Mets use this deal to rid themselves of Jay Bruce's contract, and acquire young closer Edwin Diaz? How much would the Mariners pay of Cano's contract?

 

I still don't like it.

I hate it!!!!!!!  We just got done dumping aging talent..to entertain this dumb butt idea would be a big mistake by this new GM.Does he realize we were one of the better teams in baseball after the break? I'm very,very much looking forward to seeing McNeil and Alonso playing on the right side on a regular basis,these two young lads are hungry...hungry to play baseball.jmo

[SinceThe70s]

 

Some interesting stuff in the article below.

 

- Mets hired a 33 year old analytics guy who co-founded a consulting company named Normalized Empirical Individual Forecasting Index (NEIFI). I wonder if he was a fan of Neifi Perez.

- Riggleman was first contacted by Omar before the Van Wagenen hire and Omar made the follow up call after Van Wagenen was hired. I don't want to read too much into that but is Van Wagenen a puppet? That was my friends take when the Van Wagenen hire was first announced.

 

https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/jim-riggleman-adam-guttridge-1.23969572

[Another Fan]

3 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Some interesting stuff in the article below.

 

- Mets hired a 33 year old analytics guy who co-founded a consulting company named Normalized Empirical Individual Forecasting Index (NEIFI). I wonder if he was a fan of Neifi Perez.

- Riggleman was first contacted by Omar before the Van Wagenen hire and Omar made the follow up call after Van Wagenen was hired. I don't want to read too much into that but is Van Wagenen a puppet? That was my friends take when the Van Wagenen hire was first announced.

 

https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/jim-riggleman-adam-guttridge-1.23969572

I thought they wanted to get away from analytics based thinking.....

 

To answer your second question until proven or shown otherwise I tend to think so 

[KD in CA]

10 hours ago, Gugny said:

Just heard on the radio that the Mets are in heavy pursuit of Robinson Cano.

 

Why?  What's wrong with Jeff McNeil?  Cano is entering his 15th year.  This one concerns me.

 

EDIT:  Found this explanation:

 

As for the Mets, the idea is to capitalize on Seattle's own aggressive posture in trying to unload Cano. At 36 years old, owed $120 million over the next five seasons, and coming off a PED suspension, Cano carries significant baggage. But he remains a productive hitter.

Could the Mets use this deal to rid themselves of Jay Bruce's contract, and acquire young closer Edwin Diaz? How much would the Mariners pay of Cano's contract?

 

I still don't like it.

 

Gee, what's not to like about 36 year roid head with $120M left on his deal.  I'm sure he'll be awesome when he's 41.   

[SinceThe70s]

According to the article below the parameters for the Cano deal are the Mets take on Cano and pay him $14 mill for 5 years and also get either CF Mitch Haniger or closer Edwin Diaz. Mariners take on Jay Bruce and get a top prospect. 

 

I'd rather have Cano at $14 over Bruce at $13 for the next two years, but the last three would be a disaster, plus whose to say Cano doesn't get suspended again. Risky.

 

Also, who is the top prospect? Certainly not Dom Smith,  I would think it would be among Alonso, Jimenez or Kelenic. I'd vote Jimenez off the island.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hot-stove-making-sense-of-robinson-cano-rumors-as-the-mariners-and-mets-continue-to-talk/

 

 

[Gugny]

3 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

According to the article below the parameters for the Cano deal are the Mets take on Cano and pay him $14 mill for 5 years and also get either CF Mitch Haniger or closer Edwin Diaz. Mariners take on Jay Bruce and get a top prospect. 

 

I'd rather have Cano at $14 over Bruce at $13 for the next two years, but the last three would be a disaster, plus whose to say Cano doesn't get suspended again. Risky.

 

Also, who is the top prospect? Certainly not Dom Smith,  I would think it would be among Alonso, Jimenez or Kelenic. I'd vote Jimenez off the island.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hot-stove-making-sense-of-robinson-cano-rumors-as-the-mariners-and-mets-continue-to-talk/

 

 

 

Now Bryce Harper's name has entered the mix (heard it on the radio - no link).

 

The Cano thing is just plain stupid.  Getting rid of any of the following position players would be horrible:  McNeil, Rosario, Conforto, Nimmo.  The Mets finally have some young talent and they want to get rid of some AND take on a huge contract for a roided up 36-year-old ... for a ***** closer?!?!?

 

I will be very, very pissed.

 

I think Harper is asking for WAAAAY too much money.  But I would not be upset if he ends up in Flushing.

[KD in CA]

13 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

According to the article below the parameters for the Cano deal are the Mets take on Cano and pay him $14 mill for 5 years and also get either CF Mitch Haniger or closer Edwin Diaz. Mariners take on Jay Bruce and get a top prospect. 

 

I'd rather have Cano at $14 over Bruce at $13 for the next two years, but the last three would be a disaster, plus whose to say Cano doesn't get suspended again. Risky.

 

Also, who is the top prospect? Certainly not Dom Smith,  I would think it would be among Alonso, Jimenez or Kelenic. I'd vote Jimenez off the island.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hot-stove-making-sense-of-robinson-cano-rumors-as-the-mariners-and-mets-continue-to-talk/

 

 

If they traded for Cano I’d be so upset it would threaten by Mets fandom.  

 

Seriously, are people on crack??   36 yo roid boy and his gigantic contract the Yankees were smart not to give him??  NFW

 

Harper?  Sure, bring it on.  I could learn to love him.

[SinceThe70s]

8 hours ago, KD in CA said:

If they traded for Cano I’d be so upset it would threaten by Mets fandom.  

 

Seriously, are people on crack??   36 yo roid boy and his gigantic contract the Yankees were smart not to give him??  NFW

 

Harper?  Sure, bring it on.  I could learn to love him.

 

I'm not advocating for Cano, but the thought of dumping Bruce and bringing in a young lights out closer (50+ saves sub 2.00 ERA) is appealing.

 

I can't stand Harper and the thought of being stuck with him on a long term contract frightens me. Granted he's young, but not many of those mega deals work out too well (ironically - see Robinson Cano). But I'd learn to love him too. I always go back to my most hated Mets signing: Vince Coleman. Couldn't stomach hm in a Mets uniform, but slowly came around. Just in time for the bleach and firecrackers.

[KD in CA]

5 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

I'm not advocating for Cano, but the thought of dumping Bruce and bringing in a young lights out closer (50+ saves sub 2.00 ERA) is appealing.

 

I can't stand Harper and the thought of being stuck with him on a long term contract frightens me. Granted he's young, but not many of those mega deals work out too well (ironically - see Robinson Cano). But I'd learn to love him too. I always go back to my most hated Mets signing: Vince Coleman. Couldn't stomach hm in a Mets uniform, but slowly came around. Just in time for the bleach and firecrackers.

 

There’s a fun off season diversion - list your five most hated Mets imports via trade or FA.

 

 Yes you have to limit it to five!

 

Juan Samuel and Jason Bay (I KNEW he was going to be terrible) immediately spring to mind.

[SinceThe70s]

1 hour ago, KD in CA said:

 

There’s a fun off season diversion - list your five most hated Mets imports via trade or FA.

 

 Yes you have to limit it to five!

 

Juan Samuel and Jason Bay (I KNEW he was going to be terrible) immediately spring to mind.

 

If it's a list of players I hated at the point of import, that's pretty tough. I've often skeptical about an import (Bay is a great example) but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and hope I'm wrong. If it's a list of imports that I grew to hate that might take me through to the new year. Going with the former list:

 

1. Vince Coleman

2. Vince Coleman

3. Curtis Granderson 

4. Bobby Bo the second time around

5. Vince Coleman

[SinceThe70s]

Where there's smoke there's fire? Two tidbits from this article:

 

- Van Wagenen negotiated Cano's 10 year contract 

- the Mets prospects may be Justin Kelenic and Justin Dunn.

 

https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/robinson-cano-mets-trade-talks-1.24040485

[Golden Goat]

4 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

Where there's smoke there's fire? Two tidbits from this article:

 

- Van Wagenen negotiated Cano's 10 year contract 

- the Mets prospects may be Justin Kelenic and Justin Dunn.

 

https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/robinson-cano-mets-trade-talks-1.24040485

I've never said this about any of my favorite pro teams, but if the Mets deal Kelenic for an over-priced, aging, two-year roid rental, I'm done. They're not even close to being "a player away," and they just drafted the kid, who is looking like the steal of the 2018 draft. Some agreement: https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/two-scouts-say-mets-including-jarred-kelenic-in-robinson-cano-trade-would-be-big-mistake/301249144

 

Edit: Alonso, too.

 

 

Edited November 29, 2018 by Golden Goat

[SinceThe70s]

1 hour ago, Golden Goat said:

I've never said this about any of my favorite pro teams, but if the Mets deal Kelenic for an over-priced, aging, two-year roid rental, I'm done. They're not even close to being "a player away," and they just drafted the kid, who is looking like the steal of the 2018 draft. Some agreement: https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/two-scouts-say-mets-including-jarred-kelenic-in-robinson-cano-trade-would-be-big-mistake/301249144

 

Edit: Alonso, too.

 

 

 

This deal is more about Edwin Diaz than it is about Cano. I'd trade any prospect the Mets have for Diaz straight up. Assuming Bruce is in the deal the risk is years 3-5 not 1-2.

 

If this goes down they better give up only one top prospect. I'm not dialed in to the farm system but assume that means Kelenic, Dunn, Jimenez or Alonso. I'd want to keep Kelenic over the other three with Alonso second. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Golden Goat]

4 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

This deal is more about Edwin Diaz than it is about Cano. I'd trade any prospect the Mets have for Diaz straight up. Assuming Bruce is in the deal the risk is years 3-5 not 1-2.

 

If this goes down they better give up only one top prospect. I'm not dialed in to the farm system but assume that means Kelenic, Dunn, Jimenez or Alonso. I'd want to keep Kelenic over the other three with Alonso second. 

 

Diaz is, without a doubt, one of the best closers in the game. This one just hits close to home, because Kelenic was my preferred pick pre-draft (for damn good reason, I might add). Like you, I'd be more okay with Dunn or Jimenez moved in this trade. As for my disdain for Cano -- I hate cheaters, he tends to be lazy, and he's one bad decision away from a 162-game suspension. For the size of our market, we're not exactly spenders. His crazy salary likely would keep us from adding other key pieces, even if Bruce is included in the deal. I can't shake the feeling that he'll be Mo Vaughn 2.0.

Our farm system has been consistently ranked at the bottom of the league for the past five years. I was excited that we'd finally turned that corner. Again, too many things we do not know. Let's hope it is, indeed, ONE prospect and Bruce's contract.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2018 by Golden Goat

[Gugny]

The Cano trade is beginning to look imminent. 

[SinceThe70s]

27 minutes ago, Gugny said:

The Cano trade is beginning to look imminent. 

 

Multiple sources saying it's Cano/Diaz for Bruce/Swarzak/Kelenic/Dunn and maybe Gershon. McNeil and Vargas have been mentioned too. 

 

For some reason I keep thinking of Seinfeld:

 

Frank: What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for?!? He had 30 home runs, and over 100 RBIs last year. He’s got a rocket for an arm. You don’t know what the hell you’re doin’!

Steinbrenner: Well, Buhner was a good prospect, no question about it. But my baseball people loved Ken Phelps’ bat. They kept saying “Ken Phelps, Ken Phelps.”