Going, going, Gotay

A few days ago I commented to a friend that Ruben Gotay was the new Endy Chavez.

I said so because it seemed more and more fans (at least the ones who call in to radio programs) and certain radio show hosts themselves have been squawking more and more about what a good hitter Gotay was, and that he wasn't horrible defensively, and he should start ahead of Luis Castillo, who is aging and breaking down. WFAN's Evan Roberts went so far as to say Gotay reminded him of Melvin Mora.

Well, Gotay has been placed on waivers and his spot on the roster could well go to Fernando Tatis, who had a great year for the Cardinals in 1999 but hasn't done anything since about 2002. But Tatis has shown some power and can play every position and does bat righthanded -- and he's apparently healthy.

Gotay's departure shouldn't surprise anyone. Willie apparently never liked him, as evidenced by his appearance on Mike and the Mad Dog the day Johan Santana was introduced as a Met. Mike referred to Gotay as (and I'm paraphrasing now) "that second baseman who's a pretty good hitter" -- of course, neither he or Mad Dog could remember Gotay's name.

Willie says, "Castillo?"

"No, the other guy, the second baseman."

"Anderson?"

"No, you know, the other guy, he's a good hitter."

"Castillo?"

Finally, someone said Gotay. Willie must have rolled his eyes or something because Francesa said, "You don't like his defense." Willie then went on to talk about how he has to work on his defense and how important it is, blah, blah, blah.

At that point, I knew. If your manager can't remember your name, you're in trouble.