N.Y. Mets: Stop Matzing Around With the Starting Rotation

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Stupid is as Stupid Does

No one is untouchable.  But all this trade scuttlebutt involving Steven Matz potentially going to the Yankees as far as I'm concerned is pure media clickbait.  I do not believe any of it.

However, I strongly believe the Mets would be foolish to utilize Matz out of the bullpen.  While there exists a dearth of left-handed pitching throughout the pitching staff, taking him out of the rotation is a non-starter.  As the lone southpaw in the rotation the Mets would be better served having Matz break up the train of right-handers.  Now the latest rumor has the Mets assigning a fifth starter based on that particular day's opposition.  Because turning Matz and Wacha into spot starters makes sense.?  That's called out-thinking themselves.  While seemingly clever on paper, practical application usually proves ruinous.

Pure folly ...

After three appearances Michael Wacha has to date yielded just one Grapefruit League run through 7.2 innings pitched for a deceptive 1.71 ERA.  I am not impressed as Wacha has also surrendered eight hits and walked four for a 1.57 WHIP.

In his three Grapefruit League appearances, Matz has yielded just one earned run on two hits and no walks with five strikeouts through 6.0 innings pitched.

He is coming off back-to-back 30 start seasons, and turns 29-years old in May.  Most would agree when I say Steven Matz' biggest problem has always been between the ears.  Therefore the hope for Matz as he enters his physical prime is that he is growing into a more composed, mature, and polished hurler.

Michael Wacha is nothing more than the back up plan.

Steven Matz gets first dibs.