The Truck is Unloaded;
LET SPRING TRAINING BEGIN!
PITCHERS and CATCHERS
Since being named general manager just three months ago Brodie Van Wagenen has been busy shaking, rattling, and rolling, all the while stressing winning, winning now, winning for years to come, and winning deep into the future.
That's great! His positive energy is undeniable. But I still have my reservations. Because what BVW does not discuss is the other side of the proverbial coin: Mets ownership is still in debt. As such, their finances will continue playing a prohibitive role in club operations for another two years. Only then, by 2021, will they will be free of all debt stemming from the Madoff implosion, the aftermath, and recovery, and finally regain the financial flexibility fans are clamoring for. I've cited in previous posts easily searched media articles/reports and links supporting this claim. I merely bring this up for sake of injecting needed context into the conversation, nothing more.
Otherwise, as a fan who preaches success starts at the top I'm quite pleased with the sweeping changes enacted throughout the front office, scouting and development departments, and coaching staff. I'd also be a hypocrite if I say I do not agree with BVW's plan to fortify the entire 40-man roster. There's a very noticeable redundancy at play, with an aim to hedge against injury - something the Mets know much about. There's also no denying that whichever potential mix of players wind up comprising this year's opening day 25-man roster, it will be an improved version over last year.
Some of BVW's transactions have been popular, others not so much. Some acquisitions have come at the expense of several well touted, albeit low level minor league prospects. I had a particular liking for Justin Dunn and Ross Adolf. However, how all of this works out remains to been seen. The Mets have won off-season's in the past. But no team gets parades down the Canyon of Heroes for dominating the winter tabloids.
Catchers: The Position is Improved With An Agreeable Short-Term Solution.
I'm still a little dismayed over the non- acquisition of J.T. Realmuto, more so now that he's a member of the Phillies, and considering the price Philadelphia paid to acquire him. It looks as if the Miami Marlins overplayed their hand. However, the problem is wholly mine, for if there were one player I really wanted BVW to get in a Mets uniform this off-season, it was him.
Perchance to dream ...
Instead, the Mets enter the season with free agent catcher Wilson "the Buffalo" Ramos. He is signed to a favorable two-year deal, which leaves only his day to day availability in question. Wilson is averaging 108 games played over his last four season, but only 92 games over his last eight full seasons. Health concerns aside he wields a very capable bat, able to hit for both average and power, and should provide solid protection for the middle of the line-up. He's equally adept behind the plate, having already demonstrated himself to be a good receiver behind the plate, while sporting a .993 fielding average, and an above league average in caught stealing.
However, the re-signing of Devin Mesoraco (to a minor league contract) may prove most valuable of all. Because although retained and signed, the future of Travis d'Arnaud in a Mets uniform remains very much in doubt. To a far greater extent than Ramos, there is little debating that d'Arnaud's worse ability has been his unavailability. He'll need to stay healthy for a complete season, be it in Flushing or Syracuse, before shaking the growing general perception of him. In the meantime, Mesoraco enters camp as a non-roster invitee. However, he has already proven to Mets fans that he is a very capable receiver behind the plate. I'd be more than agreeable with Devin backing up Wilson Ramos on a full time basis. Travis d'Arnaud ... not so much.
Next up: Pitchers.
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