gregjefferies09

From metsblog:

"the Mets' front office has never been thrilled with catcher Paul Lo Duca. Rubin recalls their pursuit of Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernandez a couple of offseasons ago before abruptly trading for Lo Duca. Rubin says the Mets are already laying the groundwork for an offseason trade for Pirates' catcher Ronny Paulino. Lo Duca would like to remain a Met, but the team doesn't appear interested.

Paulino, 26, had a fine rookie season for the Bucs in 2006. He hit .310/.360/.394 and threw out 36.2% of baserunners with improving mechanics behind the plate. He's been effective against the running game again this year with 38.5% caught stealing. However, the bottom dropped out on his offensive line, which is not a shock since it was supported mostly by batting average. Paulino's statistical profile is actually quite similar to that of Ramon Hernandez, so there is definitely hope for him. I'm not sure why the Pirates would give him up, though a Jarrod Saltalamacchia acquisition would be a good reason. "

mets84

unless he falls off the table with his on-field production, getting rid of lo duca would be a mistake. he may be a scumbag, but he's a good fit in the lineup and he would run over his mother to win a ballgame.

Led, the Revenge

That quote came from todays Daily News, the day after Lisa Olsen wrote a piece whining about his being annoyed with the Mets. THIS I'd feel is just much ado about nothing after all the recent problems between the press and Lo Duca. The Mets well may not pick up his option, but I seriously doubt there's a long term agenda.

TheBigScungilli

No doubt Lo Duca has personal problems and character issues to the hilt, but he is a born leader and wants to win whatever the cost. I can live the fire he brings for another season or 2.

Ajax

I like LoDuca, imo he's a New York kind of guy. He is pretty beaten up though. I'd lilke to see the mets try him for another season. More than that imo would be dangerous as he doesn't play any other position should his body become too broken down to catch. I must admit, he likes to win, with Mike behind the plate, sometimes it looked like he was just putting in his time, couldn't care less on the outcome of the game. LoDuca gets pissed if he loses. I like that.

strummer

I like Duke well enough but if we were all honest, he's overrated, maybe even significantly overrated. Never walks, no power, average at best defensively.

"Clubhouse leadership" has always been overrated.

NickPapagiorgio

I almost posted this exact thing this mornign after reading it in the News and almost choking on my bagel. Paulino? What does he bring to the table other than being from the Dominican Republic. I wouldn't go crazy re-signing LoDuca to some crazy deal but losing him would be a huge mistake.

Franco45

The thing is that I would not give LoDuca more than a one year deal and I would like to see him be a Met in 2008. With that said, I think there are some teams out there that would give him a guaranteed two year deal. He's probably gone though after this season

15 Day DL Alou

I don't see the problem with keeping Duke and just resting him more with Castro.

The Julio Bird has to go though, you need room on the bench with the catching platoon.

Green Must Go

I think LoDuca's best attribute is that he makes contact. Which is important in a lineup of others that don't.

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