Keepers

Here is a look at the Pickled Pecklers for 2005 as spring training begins.

Hitters:

Michael Barrett - C 06-3
We got Barrett from Lou in the Podsednik trade. We expect numbers similar to last year, which makes him worth 10-13.

Luis Gonzalez (Col) 2B/OF 06-1
We got Gonzo 2 from Jeff for Tankersley's open spot.

David Bell 3B 06-4
We got Bell from Lou in the Podsednik trade. He had a nice year last year, but we're worried about his nagging back.

Jim Edmonds OF 06-29
We got Edmonds from Ken in a deal he wishes he didn't make for Thome and Pierzinski and Deivi Cruz. He got nowhere as Thome played hurt the rest of the way and we got a stud at an excellent price.

JD Drew OF 05-20
Hey, someone we actually drafted, though it was 2 years ago. 2004 was the season we've all been waiting for after a career on the DL. We tried to trade this guy a million times, and no one wanted him. Now in LA, we can't extend him. Our rule - only extend if he's a bargain or if it increases his trade value. We can't imagine increasing Drew's salary to 25 will increase his trade value. We'll take the few bucks of value he gives and wish him a fond farewell in October.

Jayson Werth OF 06-1
The only one of those crummy outfielders we took last year to be worth much. All credit to the Doc, who targetted him all the way. We offered him around too, even at the rules meeting during which he hit a homer on TV in front of us against the Giants. Power, some speed, youth, and an injured knee. He'll be extendable next year.

Pitchers:

Jeff Suppan SP 05-3
We got Suppan from Barry in the preseason trade last year along with Jason Larue for our #1 minor league pick. We thought we'd end up with either Suppan or Traschel, and we got the slightly more valuable pitcher. Not because he's any good, but because he's on a great team. Not extendable, obviously.

Brett Tomko SP 06X-5
When we sold out for the season, we grabbed Tomko who was showing signs of reviving. He got beat up a couple more times, then was lights out the rest of the way. Unfortunately, he didn't get that last win in the Giants' penultimate game down in LA despite leaving with a shutout after 7 innings. Steve Finley, grand slam, end of playoff run. But Tomko looked great. We're just hoping he starts pitching well before August this year.

Braden Looper RP 06-25
You've got to have a closer, and this year you've really got to have one going into the season. Wagner might be the only closer available, and at least 4 teams won't have one going into the draft. Looper had a nice season in 2004, the Mets have improved, and he's priced fairly. No brainer.

So that's 9 players who are sure keepers. It's possible we've got another to get to the limit.

Best chance is probably JJ Hardy, on our farm. It looks like he may be the starter at shortstop for the Brewskies this season, which would make him an automatic keeper at 5. We're hoping they send him down so we can keep him on the farm on draft day.

Jose Valverde RP 06-14 won the closer job for a while in Arizona, but disappeared for 4 months onto the DL with arm trouble. Unless they give him the closer job in spring training, he's not keepable at 14. He's got stuff, but he's got an ugly motion that puts serious pressure on his shoulder. I predict a career of arm trouble. He does look like a closer though, particularly the way he wears his cap askew.

Kaz Ishii is a buck. And he'll still be a buck when he's taken in the auction. If he's taken in the auction. We've already got 2 guys who may not have pristine numbers.

Eric Valent 06x-5 has power and is versatile. He's probably going to get 250-300 at bats for the Mets, but he's not likely to go for any more than 5. Good bargain at 2, though.

Royse Clayton is only worth 8 in Colorado. Maybe.

We like Matt Kata 06-2. But that infield in Arizona has gotten awfully crowded, and with his truncated season last year, it's hard to imagine him going for any more than 2.

Ricky Ledee is only a buck, but his numbers with the Giants make Ron Calloway's season look good.

Tomorrow, the coulda shouldas.