Sunday, April 01, 2007
MetsGrrl Mailbag: Mets beat reporter Narty Moble answers fans’ questions
In honor of Opening Day and the new look and location for MetsGrrl, we are thrilled to welcome MLB Mets beat reporter Narty Moble, making a special guest appearance with the Mailbag. Narty, over to you:
Dear Narty: I was curious as to what you thought about why the Mets did not go after Johan Santana harder in the off-season.
Joe P., Carroll Gardens
I’m sorry to break it to you, but Johan Santana was not available. The Twins would be foolish in the extreme to trade Santana now.
Dear Narty:
Two things I know for sure: A-rod is leaving town this year and Aaron Heilman is going to move into the starting rotation. What do you think?
Jerry R., Stamford, CT
Two things I know for sure: you people certainly have a vivid fantasy life. This is a Mets column, so I’ll deal with your latter assertion only: I have very little reason to believe that Willie will change his opinion about Heilman in a starting role.
Dear Narty: Despite his WHIP of 1.0 and his 2.77 ERA, it is beyond my comprehension that the Mets did not attempt to go after Johan Santana harder. Don’t you agree that he would have been a stellar addition to our starting lineup?
Stu D., Astoria
I certainly agree that he would, and cannot argue with your statistics, but the fact remains that Johan Santana was not on the market this year.
Dear Narty: I have been perplexed about this for ages and only now am I writing to you for insight on this quandry. I deeply appreciate your knowledge and insight, and your particular expertise when it comes to the history of the Metropolitans. Your generosity in participating in this feature each week is unparalleled.
And now, here is my question: Given their pitching difficulties and inability to obtain Barry Zito’s services, do you think the Mets will give Aaron Heilman his much-coveted role as starter?
Michael S., Manhattan
Thanks for your compliments, but regrettably, I don’t think it’s in the Mets best interest to use Heilman in a starting role. He was unparalled in his current position and there is no reason to make a change that could only cause damage to the bullpen.
Dear Narty:
What about Dontrelle Willis?
Evan S., Rumson, NJ
What about him?
Dear Narty:
No, seriously, what about Dontrelle Willis?
Bruce S., Rumson, NJ
Bruce, Evan - sounds like you’re neighbors. Perhaps the two of you could get together and discuss your great love for Dontrelle Willis - who is not going anywhere this year.
Dear Narty:
Don’t you think the Mets would be wise to consider a trade for either Dontrelle Willis or Johan Santana? I cannot believe that with all your knowledge about baseball that you would not be actively advocating that Omar Minaya vigorously pursue this course of action immediately. It is unconscionable that this has not been a regular topic in the Mailbag.
Joe T., the Bronx
...
There are few times I’ve been rendered speechless. You’re witnessing one of them right now.
Dear Narty:
WTF is wrong with Omar and Willie? Why do they continue to refuse to allow Aaron Heilman to be the undoubted savior and fix what is wrong with our starting lineup! You gotta agree that it’s a great idea.
Tony F., Bayridge
No.
Dear Narty:
C’mon, you gotta give us better than ‘no’! We’re entitled to a full and detailed explanation as to why you don’t think Aaron Heilman should be in the starting lineup.
Tony F.’s friend Bobby P., also from Bayridge
Do you people not read this column every week?
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Disclaimer: While April 1 is Opening Day, it is also April Fools’ Day. :)
That was great, you had Noble’s dry deadpan down cold. Well done.