Thoughts on Game #1

My quick hits on spring training game #1 vs Nationals:

1. I was really impressed with Josh Thole. He had said all offseason he worked on his stance and keeping the same one. He had said last season his stance would change often. it seemed to me that was a big difference as he made several good throws from behind the plate and threw out a runner. His throws seemed to hit the same target at second base.

2. Andres Torres, that was the Torres we know from 2010. Hitting .212 & .321 OBP like he did in 2011 is not going to cut it and will bring Kirk he sooner rather than later. Last night he got on base and STOLE ON THE FIRST PITCH! When was the last time Reyes did that? A good sign since Sandy values OBP from his leadoff hitter.

3. Matt Harvey was definitely nervous. He once stated he struggles when he gets promoted to each level due to nervous and being excited. It was nice to see him induce the double play last night to get out of the jam and give up no runs. After giving up 3 hits and hitting a batter, goot to see him settle down and get out of the inning when he almost got yanked.

4. Daniel Murphy will be adequate at 2nd base. He was good enough at first a few years back. his problem is he is very aggressive and needs to work on his footwork. He does a good job with the DP ball but just the footwork is the issue there. I do not see him making errors due to bone headed moves or plays AKA Angel Pagan.

Judge Rakoff ruled today that the trustee was entitled to collect up to $83 million in fictitious profits from the Wilpons. This clears the way for a jury trial on March 19 in which the Wilpons could be on the hook for an additional $300 million.

Even as Jude Rakoff denied a bid by the Mets’ owners to dismiss the remaining counts against them, Rakoff said he was “skeptical” that the trustee, Irving H. Picard, can prove that the Wilpons acted in bad faith.

If they appeal Rakoff’s ruling, they will have to post a bond worth 110 percent of the monetary damages. If the figure is as much as $83 million, they would have to come up with $91 million.

It remains to be seen how the Wilpons can come up with $91 million when they twice have asked MLB for an extension of a $25 million loan and thias offseason borrowed an additional  $40 million from BOA. I personally do not understand the total financial ramifications the Wilpons are in but if Wilpons must pay an additional $91 million plus anywhere near close to another $300 million don't you figure the Wilpons are finished?

I would just caution fans who want the wilpons out that the grass isnt always greener on the other side. There are some horrific owners out there like Dan Snyder of the redskins and Steven Ross of the Dolphins. The Wilpons when they did not have these financial problems did spend maybe not wisely but did spend a lot. Obviously the farm system was ingored and  money was not allocated in the correct way but there sare some really bad owners in sports. I much rather would have the Wilpons own the team than Donald Sterling of the LA Clippers.

AJ Burnett/Johan Santana

Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a fractured right orbital bone. AJ injured himself participating in bunting drills. Pirates have not announced an immediate time table for his return.

Johan Santana faced live batters today for the first time this spring. He threw 43 pitches to several mets hitters including sitting down for four plus minutes to simulate innings. He is scheduled to long toss over the weekend then pitch against the cardinals March 06, Tuesday. Santana said he threw his fastball and changeup and felt good. Johan also stated he is not worried about velocity or hitters. Just about feeling good at this point.