This afternoon we had a chat with David Lennon of Newsday. Some of the more interesting questions asked and answered were:
Question: HoJo is a favorite among fans, players and the front office, but at what point might he take the fall for the team's offensive struggles? They're not terrible, but they all have to step it up. They can't just wait for Beltran to get back.
Lennon: HoJo is well-liked by ownership and is supposed to be the key to helping David Wright, despite his problems this past weekend. Wright is a streaky hitter, as is FRancoeur, so maybe they're due for an upswing shortly. The bigger question is Bay -- also streaky - but more of a wild card because its his first year with the Mets. I haven't heard any rumblings about HoJo lately, but if they continue to struggle, the Mets may not have any choice but to make a switch. The middle of the order has been horrendous.
Question: If Beltran is not ready to resume baseball activities and join the Mets by the All Star break, do you think the Mets will look to find another possible CF? Pagan has been OK, but over the course of the season his flaws will come out. Matthews JR certainly isn't the answer. Do you think the Mets will look for another OF?
Lennon: I could see the Mets looking for another OF, especially if Fernando Martinez can't stay healthy. Apparently, F-Mart had to leave yesterday's game for Buffalo with an undisclosed leg injury. As for Beltran, I think the Mets would be lucky to see Beltran before the end of June/early July.
Question: If Ollie continues to falter, what would be the chances of either seeing Dillon Gee or Takahasi moved into the starting rotation?
Lennon: I think Takahashi would have to be the first choice and Manuel already has hinted at that. While he does serve a big role in the bullpen, if Ollie is pulled, there may be less need of a long man with the weakest link of the rotation replaced.
Question: Ollie perez: worst Met free agent signing in their history???????
Lennon: Bonilla was pretty bad. But Perez is up there.
Question: It looked like the Giants pitchers consistently pitched David Wright up and in throughout the series and quite effectively. Is this the new book on how to approach Wright? BTW, I don't recall any Mets pitchers looking to protect Wright and send a message to the Giants.
Lennon: That's the book on Wright. Pitch him up and in early, then fastballs/sliders away. No need to send any messages because Wright hasn't been getting hit. If Wright was getting drilled regularly, there would be a need for protection. Otherwise, it's just a good job by the opposing pitchers.
Question: When does Nick Evans get a 2nd chance? He is killing it in the minors so far.
Lennon: ...there's no plans to have him in the majors any time soon.
Question: Has anyone else noticed that Ike Davis steps in the bucket every time he faces a lefty? The results have been good so far, but it seems like it would be hard to have success if he keeps that up. Any thoughts?
Lennon: I saw Davis hit two homers off Sanchez on Friday night and the Giants pitcher had not allowed a hit - one hit - to a lefty all season. Davis will be fine. With such good plate coverage, he can get to most pitches even if he does step "in the bucket"
Question: Who are we going to see promoted first: R. A. Dickey, Pat Misch, Chris Carter, Dillon Gee or John Lujan?
Lennon: 1. Misch 2. Dickey 3. Carter 4. Gee 5. Lujan
To see the entire Q&A, visit David Lennon Chat
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