N.Y. Mets: Pete Alonso Resumes Amazin' Assault on Club Records

From the desk of:  LEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

BEWARE POLAR BEAR WITH BAT

Pete Alonso so far this season has obliterated thee all-time Mets club records.

On May 6, 1983 Darryl Strawberry makes his major league debut.  He proceeds to both hit a Mets rookie record 26 home runs over his next 121 regular season games and drive in a record 74 runs en route to winning N.L. Rookie of the Year honors.

Rewind seven years and back in 1976 Dave Kingman sets the club record for most round trippers before the All-Star break amassing 30 home runs just 88 games into the season.

Then along comes Pete Alonso.  Sure he dominated all of triple-A last season in home runs and RBI.  But no one can say with a straight face they saw this coming.  For in less than 100 games as a major league player the man has shattered Mets records which have stood for over three and four decades respectively.

On June 23, 2019 Pete Alonso breaks Strawberry's Mets rookie record with home run #27 in just the 77th game of his career.  On July 17, 2019 at Minnesota, Alonso hits his 31st home run of the season breaking Kingman's record for most home runs before the All-Star break (accomplishing the feat in 94 games played).  And on July 20, 2019 at San Francisco, Alonso drives in three runs giving him 75 for the season, and thus breaking Darryl Strawberry's Mets record for RBI in a season by a rookie.  Alonso accomplishes the feat in just 97 games played, an impressive 25 games less than it took Strawberry.  Most remarkable of all is that ten days still remain before the month of July expires.

As of close of business Sunday, Pete Alonso is slashing .267/.359/.615/.974, with 56 extra base hits, 33 home runs, and 75 RBI, through 97 games and 356 at-bats.  He hit his 33rd home run this past Saturday while appearing as a pinch-hitter against the Giants at San Francisco.  He also sports a 3.6 WAR and 28 RAA (runs better than avg.)  The next Mets game will be their 100th of the season, leaving 62 games for Alonso to potentially wreak havoc on National League pitching like Godzilla going through Tokyo.

Mets All-Time Single Season Leaders:

• Home Runs: 41 (Todd Hundley '96; Beltran '06).
• RBI: 124 (Mike Piazza '99; David Wright '08).
• Slugging: .614 (Mike Piazza '00).
• OPS: 1.024 (Mike Piazza '98).
• Total Bases: 334 (David Wright '08)

The Polar Bear may not achieve all the magic numbers.  But the time certainly has come for us to leave behind the discussion of most prolific hitting rookie born of the Mets system, and begin contemplating what may turn into the most prolific all around Mets season ever.  Alonso is just eight home runs, 49 runs batted in, and 115 total bases from tying the club's aforementioned milestones.  He is presently on pace to hit 55 home runs, drive in 125 runs, and tally 366 total bases according to Baseball-Reference 162 game average.

Grrrr...!

• Pete Alonso - Baseball Reference

N.Y. Mets: Brodie and the Budget

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

New York Mets: Not out of the woods yet, but light is beginning to shine through the leaves.

One of the major criticisms fans levy against ownership: the Wilpons can be swayed into spending money, they just do not spend wisely.

I knew the off-season would greatly test Brodie Van Wagenen's creativity.  After just two weeks on the job, it appears he's already passing with flying colors.  BVW reasoned upon acquiring Cano/Diaz how in past years the club too often tethered potential success with hopeful "if" scenarios; something Mets fans have been complaining about for years.  Only this time someone in the front office finally acknowledged it, and actually verbalized the corrosive effect it has had on fans.

We asked for change; we got change.  But due to ownership's continuing financial constraints, how many more changes either this year or next can we realistically expect? 

Ownership has never been forthright when it concerns club finances (so what else is new...).  As a result, they consistently leave themselves open to wide ranging speculation.  But there's obviously much more going on than meets the eye, behind the scene matters of which we're not privy.  In the meantime, I present this small sample of public information in order to somewhat reveal the club's current financial situation:

"When they say it's not about the money, it's about the money." - George Young, former general manager New York Giants.

Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz back in August of 2015 refinanced (over five years) the remaining roughly $700 million dollars of debt stemming from the Bernie Madoff implosion and post-recovery.  As such, the Mets/SNY-TV still owe lenders on average $140 million over each of the next two seasons.

In 2015, the year they won the pennant, the Mets drew 2,569,753 fans.  In 2016, they drew 2,789,602 fans to Citi Field.  After the season, Forbes reported Mets overall revenue rose 10%, to $167 million, up 43% over the previous season.

According to a June 2018 Bloomberg report, the $650 million in municipal bonds issued to build Citi Field were upgraded to slightly above junk status as Moody's Investors Service says investors can count on revenue from naming rights, sponsorship contracts, concessions, parking and premium seats.  The report points out that a little more than one-third of stadium revenue pledged to the bonds, about $60 million, comes from those sources, providing a very predictable cash flow.  The report goes on to say stadium costs are stable and debt service is level.

Rounded math says from 2016 through 2018 stadium revenue grew by roughly $20 million.  However, since 2016, attendance has dropped by over half a million.

For the moment, Baseball Reference lists the Mets 2019 projected salary commitment at $125.2 million.  Based on excitement created by the acquisition of Cano/Diaz, I'll assume Citi Field will experience a slight uptick in attendance, which theoretically should generate more revenue, perhaps achieving upwards of $190 million plus(?).  But once we add debt/bond payments, they're understandably cutting it really close. 

The Mets have just six players to speak of under contract: Robinson Cano; Yoenis Cespedes; Juan Lagares; Todd Frazier; Jason Vargas; and David Wright.  The only other people extracting large sums of Mets money are bankers.  Otherwise, the rest of the roster is populated by the arbitration proletariat.

Then there's the issue of recovered insurance, which is where the Mets can really put their money where their mouth is.  In the meantime, both Jeff Wilpon and BVW very recently reiterated more transactions are forthcoming.  Sounds promising, but I understand real financial flexibility is still about two years away.

"Brodie knows the parameters we're working with." - Jeff Wilpon

And so do we ... kinda.

*Attendance - Baseball Reference

A Very Metsian Podcast with Metstradamus and MetsMusings

From the desk of:  HEAD=BUTTING MR. MET

Sam, Rich, and I, present our

2018 End of Season Round Table 

Metsian Podcast

With Guests

John Coppinger aka Metstradamus

and

Mr. Gary Mack of MetsMusings.com

An End of Season Round Table is worthy of two hours, no?

John Coppinger joins us for the first half-hour.

Gary Mack joins for the final 90-minutes.

STUFF

Cy Young closing arguments ~ David Wright Farewell

The season that was ~ report cards ~ this record vs. that record

Linus' blanket ~ throwing Sandy Alderson under the bus

phantom finishes ~ first base quagmire ~ Peter Alonso

organizational failures at second base ~ Jeff McNeil ~ Amed Rosario

my kingdom for a catcher ~ grading Mickey Callaway

Fred, Jeff, the front office, and the next executive

This is when Sam makes me blow not one, but two gaskets.

N.Y. Mets: The Wright Way

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE CAPTAIN

 5

David Wright

New York Mets: Never before has the organization celebrated an occasion quite like this.

The New York Mets are poised to conclude their 56th year of operation.  Looking back, it is rather surprising that prior to David Wright there have been only two players who spent their entire careers with the Mets.

The more time goes by, the more grateful I am to have seen Ed Kranepool play out his final seasons with the Mets.  Eddie hit a majestic home run against the Giants at Shea Stadium one night in the summer of '76, that I swear still has yet to land.  That was a pretty big deal for this nine year old.  The Mets were in existence for six years the year I was born, and were around for thirteen years once I finally latched on as a die hard fan in '74.  Being part of two N.L. pennants and a Word Series title made Kranepool an endearing player through his continuing years.  But he was additionally beloved as a local guy from Bronx.  By the late 70s we recognized we were watching his last games.  Before chants in the early 1980s of Rusty! Rusty! Rusty! ... Eddie! Eddie! Eddie! was the anthem of 1979.  His name still resonates with fans today.  No disrespect to Jose Reyes, but when I think number seven, Steady Eddie Kranepool is the first former Mets player whom immediately jumps to mind.

By the time of Kranepool's retirement, the organization itself was only 18-years old.  Five years later  another career Met decided to call it quits.  For twelve seasons Ron Hodges faithfully served as spot starter and primary backup to Jerry Grote, and John Stearns.  Hodges began his Mets career as a rookie with the 1973 N.L. champs, and retired after the 1984 season.

The organization has certainly honored players through the years and decades.  They feature Hall of Fame members as well.  However, never before have they been able to properly honor and celebrate one of its own home grown, career-long great players, for David Wright is effectively their first, and easily the greatest life long ambassador they've ever had.

On September 29, 2018, Wright plays his last game with the only club he's ever known.  Thus David Wright becomes only the third player to spend his entire playing career with the New York Mets.  He also retires arguably with the distinction of being the greatest home grown positional product and ultimately one of the greatest players in Mets history.  Darryl Strawberry still leads the Mets all-time in home runs, while Ed Kranepool still holds the club record in games played.  Otherwise, David Wright has damn near rewritten the entire Mets records book.  And on Sunday Citi Field fills to capacity with fans showering David Wright with fifteen years worth of thanks, appreciation, and praise for being one of MLB's greatest yet humble stars to ever don a Mets uniform.

N.Y. Mets: The Autumnal Equinox Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Sam, Rich, and I present you 

Episode #21 of a Metsian Podcast with special guest, 

author Greg Prince of Faith and Fear in Flushing.com

Two Hours

Lots-O-Stuff

Second-half and September play ~ Last home stand of season ~ Finishing strong

The Raging Denton True Young Debate

Jacob deGrom/Sustainability vs. Max Scherzer/Fading Fast

The Best of David Wright Round Table

Subway Series ~ World Series ~ Triple Crown threat

Captain America ~ Toast of the Town

Wilmer's knees ~ When Nature calls ~ The Ghost of Kevin Bass

Amed Rosario ~ Jeff McNeil ~ Michael Conforto

Cleon Jones ~ Lucas Duda ~ NYC in 1921 ~ Carlos Delgado

Mickey Callaway's progress ~ Sandy Alderson's fingerprints

and so much more ...

N.Y. Mets: The Latest Greatest Three Positive People Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Sam, Rich, and I bring you a very positive

Episode #20 of a Metsian Podcast

Sam gets a gold star for this episode.

1 hour, 10 minutes

STUFF

Jacob deGrom and the continuing Cy Young debate

The great R.A. Dickey hypocrisy ~ Jack Morris ~ Craig Swan ~ 

Todd Frazier's fake catch ~ Umpires Gone Wild ~ David Wright reaction

JAY HORWITZ NEW JOB DESCRIPTION

Good Things To Say About The Wilpons .... No, Really!

Tommy Agee ~ BABE RUTH ~ Shawn Green

Amed Rosario ~ grading Callaway ~ catchers ~ Michael Conforto

Thor ~ second half play ~ parking cars ~ and so much more...!

N.Y. Mets: The Captain David Wright Setting New Life Course

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE CAPTAIN

5

DAVID WRIGHT

New York Mets: Without actually using the "R" word, David Wright sadly informs the organization, media, and fans, that his playing career is unavoidably coming to an end.

The New York Mets held a Thursday mid-afternoon press conference at Citi Field where David Wright, accompanied by Jeff Wilpon and John Ricco, confirmed that various physical ailments affecting his neck, back, and shoulder, are preventing him from resuming his playing career.

In 2015, he only plays in 38 regular season games, but at least is able to participate in three rounds of playoffs and help the Mets win a National League pennant.  However, the following season he is again limited to just 37 games played, the last occurring on May 27, 2016, against the Dodgers at Citi Field.  Wright has not played a game for the Mets since.

Recent Injury History:

• 2009 - suffers concussion/post-concussion symptoms after getting hit with pitch in head/helmet.
• 2011 - suffers stress fracture in lower back.
• 2016 - diagnosed with spinal stenosis; undergoes surgery for herniated disk in neck.
• 2017 - undergoes rotator cuff surgery.

The club recently cut-short his official rehab assignment (at Las Vegas) so as to control the date of his official activation.  According to SNY-TV, the tentative plan is to reinstate him by Sept. 25, after which he will play third base on Saturday, Sept. 29, against the Miami Marlins in the penultimate game of the regular season at Citi Field.  David's availability for Sunday's season finale has yet to be determined, although unlikely.

Thursday's announcement sets in motion one of the more unfortunate and somber career endings to beset this organization throughout its five-plus decades old history.  Wright has been a part of the Mets family since they drafted him with the 38th overall selection in the 2001 amateur draft.  By late 2004 he is donning a New York Mets uniform for his first time.  After which, he spends the next fourteen years becoming one of the Mets most beloved players of all-time, and one of the organization's greatest ever ambassadors.

A seven time all-star, he makes his Mets debut on July 21, 2004, against the Montreal Expos at Shea Stadium.  At 21-years of age, he slashes .293/.332/.525, with 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 69 games.  Between 2005-2008, and 2010, he averages .305/.386/.527/.913, with 29 home runs and 110 RBI.  He enjoys a resurgent season in 2012, slashing .306/.391/.492, with 21 home runs and 93 RBI.

Then injuries start piling up which ultimately take a career ending toll on his elite baseball abilities, however, not before David Wright rewrites the Mets history books.  He is the Mets all-time leader in At-Bats; Runs Scored; Hits; Doubles; RBI; and Walks.  He is second in games played behind Ed Kranepool, and second in home runs (only ten) behind Darryl Strawberry, and is third all-time in career average.  All of which arguably qualifies him as the greatest ever positional player in New York Mets history.

Above all else, I want David Wright, the husband and father of two daughters, to enjoy for many years to come a superior quality of life with his family, that he be able to dance with his daughters perhaps one day at their respective weddings, and maybe one day be able to play with grandchildren free of restrictions.

Otherwise, thank you, David Wright, for being such an upstanding person, and for being the admirable hero to so many Mets fans you undoubtedly have become.

N.Y. Mets: The Old Good Fan/Bad Fan Metsian Podcast Routine

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Moving right along ... but where?

Partner Sam Maxwell and I go head-to-head in 

a very spirited Episode 18 of A METSian Podcast. 

 

1 Hour, 4 Minutes

David Wright rejoining the team ~ Peter Alonso not joining the team

I continue ripping Noah Syndergaard; Sam supports Jason Vargas

On Robert Gsellman: Sam is pro-closer; I'm anti-closer

 Innings limits be damned ~ Seth Logo ~ Jennry Mejia?

How does 2017-2018 compare to 1978-1979 ~ Agents Gone Wild

Travis d'Arnaud ~ Darryl Strawberry ~ Juan Lagares

Michael Conforto ~ Jay Bruce ~ Todd Frazier ~ Benny Ayala

Amed Rosario and Willie Mays Hayse ... yes, Major League

!!..Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance..!!

Baseball in NYC, 1918

Brooklyn Robins ~ New York Giants ~ New York Yankees

Burleigh Grimes ~ Waite Hoyt ~ Miller Huggins

N.Y. Mets: The Generation X Strikes Back Metsian Musings Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

That's right, just me ... and feature guest,

GARY MAC of MetsMusings.com

A METSIAN PODCAST 

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

 EPISODE SIXTEEN

Sabermetrics ~ Lee Mazzilli ~ Change ~ Hot 70's disco ~ daggers and stupidity

John Stearns ~ trade deadline ~ the three-headed monster ~ Wilpon Love ~ 

Davey Johnson ~ Doc Gooden ~ David Wright comeback ~ elbow room ~ meddlers

ED KRANPOOL

David Cone article 1988 ~ extended Brooklyn Cyclones talk ~ Ross Adolph

trading Syndergaard ~ old guy on a soap box ~ strikeouts ~ eat money ~ bye bye Asdrubal

more meddling ~ John Ricco ~ and so much more!

1 hour: 15 minutes!

N.Y. Mets: Todd Frazier Restores Order at Third Base

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Curious Case of Todd Frazier vs. Wilmer Flores

New York Mets: If we're talking about Todd Frazier playing third base, it means we're not talking about David Wright.

In the context of life, baseball careers are transient in nature.  Unfortunately, oft times the end is not always pleasant.  More players fail to leave the game on their own terms than those whom retire more gracefully and personally satisfied with their body of work.

When the situation involves a locally venerated player such as David Wright, conflicting emotions and opinions usually rule the day.  In truth, no graceful manner exists for reconciling the physical condition of David Wright and his continuing inactive status among (us) Mets fans, the organization, nor Wright himself.

That's why at this juncture in David's career, I prefer he solely focus on quality of life issues beyond the diamond.  David is still young in the game of life.  There's no reason for him to risk a future potentially compromised by physical limitations when an honest, introspective, responsible assessment of his ongoing condition can prevent just that.

I'm no doctor, but, yes, I'm suggesting one of the greatest Mets players of all-time finally retire.

He's done enough.

At the same time, I'm also not looking to disparage or cast blame over what has transpired at third base in Wright's absence.

The Mets essentially spent much of the 2015 and 2016 seasons crossing their fingers, and adopting a wait and see approach with regard to Wright, whom was limited to just 75 total games over that time.  Then, of course, he missed all of the 2017 season.

At least ten different players have manned third base over the last three seasons in lieu of Wright, with none seizing it outright.

• Eric Campbell; Matt Reynolds; Jose Reyes; Juan Uribe; Wilmer Flores; T.J. Rivera; Ty Kelly; Daniel Muno; Kelly Johnson; Neil Walker; Asdrubal Cabrera.

Therefore, it can be argued positively that signing Todd Frazier was a pragmatic, proactive off-season acquisition, and that the matter of third base is, for the moment, closed.

Frazier is 30-years old, a third baseman by trade, and a veteran of seven major league seasons.  He provides a short term yet solid solution - just the way I like it.  And at $17 million for two seasons, he is also price worthy - just the way the Mets like it.

He provides the line-up with a measure of protection, and particularly helps break up the left-handed bats of Michael Conforto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Nimmo, and Adrian Gonzalez/Dom Smith.

Over the course of a full season, none of the aforementioned back-ups to David Wright quite match up to Todd Frazier's career 162 game averages ...

• Baseball Reference .245/.321/.459  28 Doubles  30 Home Runs  86 RBI

Unless you're Wilmer Flores, that is ...

Here are Wilmer Flores' and Todd Frazier's overall totals for the last two seasons:

• Flores: 213 games; 697 at-bats; 31 doubles; 34 home runs; 101 RBI; .269/.313/.478.
• Frazier: 305 games; 1,064 at-bats; 40 doubles; 67 home runs; 174 RBI; .219/.323/.446.

Wilmer is still only 26-years old.  There is a part of me that still believes he can yet approach the .300 hitter he often demonstrated himself to be throughout his minor league career.

He played a career high 137 games as a 23-year old in 2015, slashing .263/.295/.446, with 22 doubles, 16 home runs, and a career high 59 RBI.  He is averaging .267/.307/.455, with 15 home runs and 53 RBI in 375 at-bats over his last three seasons in the majors.  And last year, he established career highs in home runs (18), slugging (.488), and batting average (.271), in just 336 at-bats.

Intriguing ... isn't it?

Defensively, though, not so much.

Todd Frazier owns a career .965 fielding average at third base.  Wilmer owns a .943 mark in 133 career games at the hot corner, and last year posted an unsightly .929 FA through 59 games at third.

I just feel the Mets have done more to hinder Wilmer Flores than help him.  Then again, performance trumps all.  And that's why the Mets went off campus in order to stabilize third base.

Frazier is the better known and more reliable variable in this equation.

N.Y. Mets: Spring Training Podcast

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Rising Apple Report: 

Mets Spring Training Special

STUFF

David Wright ... Terry Collins

5th Starter Spot ... Las Vegas 51s

Neil Walker ... Curtis Granderson

Problems Behind the Plate,

and other stuff.

N.Y. Mets: T.J. Rivera; Prospect Rising

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Prospect T.J. Rivera Emerging 

as a Third Base Alternative

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: RA's First Round Amateur Draft Review

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

A player by player review
of Friday's first round draft selections
#1 through #34
Mets June Amateur Draft Overview: Round One

ICYMI:
A look back at the 2011 amateur draft,
and a preview of the 2016 draft.

Should Mounting Injuries Influence Mets June Amateur Draft Strategy?

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Time for the Annual June Amateur Draft

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Should Mounting Injuries Influence the Mets 

Upcoming June Amateur Draft Strategy?

A review of the 2011 amateur draft, 

and potential strategies for this weekend's 2016 June amateur draft.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: RA's Memorial Day Podcast

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Episode #133 The Rising Apple Report: 

Memorial Day Weekend Edition

I hosted, and was joined by fellow RA writer Rich Sparago.

Our guests were Gary Mac of MetsMusings.com
 and John Pielli of the Passed Ball Show

A National League round-up,
lots of Matt Harvey stuff, and Steven Matz,
what to do at first base, praise for the bullpen,
a live report from Sam while at a tavern in Cooperstown,
all starters pitchers not firing on all cylinders
while injuries mounting to positional players,
recollections of the 1986 New York Mets championship season.
and loads more stuff...!

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: The Good, the Bad, and the Harvey

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

METROPOLITANS BASEBALL CLUB

First Quarter Performance Report

NEW YORK METS: Injuries and Inconsistencies Holding the Amazin's Back From Achieving Greater Gains.

Entering their 43rd game of the season on Sunday, the Mets have veered left and are well into the first corner turn of the 2016 campaign, but, already are experiencing problems to many of their key horses.

After closing to within a nose of the N.L. East leaders, the Mets recently lost 2 of 3 against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field, in turn pushing them back into the pack with Philadelphia and Miami.

Thanks to a pair of victories over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, the Mets improved to 9-11 in May, with nine games remaining in the month.  Sunday, the Mets will attempt a sweep of the Brewers, while entering the game 1 1/2 games out of first place.

The Outfield is Yielding a Mixed Crop

Yoenis Cespedes is admittedly surprised he's hit this many home runs this soon, noting he's been a notoriously better second half performer throughout his career.  That's a good thing I suppose..

After hitting an opposite field home run on Friday, then doubling in Saturday's victory over the Brewers, Michael Conforto seems to be snapping out of his first prolonged slump as a Met.

While Curtis Granderson has earned the benefit of the doubt, and has found his home run stroke of late, he is nonetheless batting below the Mendoza Line, and hitting just .134 in May.  His .292 OBP is no less problematic as the lead-off hitter.  Perhaps, drawing a pair of walks and going 1 for 3 Saturday against the Brewers is a sign of better things to come.

This Diamond is Getting Rough

Travis d'Arnaud's latest injury (apparently one with no resolution is sight), his short term future, as well as his long term future with the Mets are no more or less clear today, than they were upon his arrival from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ideally, one player's injury is another player's opportunity.  But in the case of Kevin Plawecki, he's thus far failed to show the polish the Mets anticipated from their once highly regarded college amateur draft selection.  He's been the primary catcher for the Mets since April 24th, and in 20 starts since, he's slashing .206/.341, with four doubles and one home run.

Lucas Duda is hurt with one of those injuries that makes us all shake our heads at the Mets medical staff.  I mean, sometimes you just never know with these guys.  For the record, Lucas Duda is presently experiencing a lower back ailment.  It was reported Saturday his MRI came back clean.   Otherwise, little else explains his rather inconsequential 130 at-bats this season.  He's so far slashing just .231/.297/.431, with seven home runs and 19 RBI.  But, above all, his streaky nature continues boggling the minds of Mets fans.

With regards to second base and shortstop, Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera have allowed Mets fans to repress their former situation.  By no means, though, have they achieved nirvana.
Walker's and Cabrera's play this month have cooled ... and that's putting it mildly.  After slashing .307/.337/.625 in April, Walker is presently slashing just .170/.267/.245 in May with only one double, and one home run.

To date, there's a case to be made Asdrubal Cabrera has been the most consistent Mets player this season.  While his performance dip from April into May has been less precipitous than Walker's, it has been no less noticeable.  After slashing .300/.364/.400 in April, he's presently operating at a .257/.307/.357 rate of productivity in May.  Cabrera's play at times this month even offered very brief, fleeting glimpses that somewhat confirmed less than complimentary off-season scouting reports.

Third baseman David Wright stroked a 9th inning, game winning RBI Saturday against the Brewers.   Unfortunately, there's no hiding the fact his spinal stenosis condition has compromised his game, both offensively and in the field, and particularly on throws to first.

Pen Full-o-Bulls

The strength of the 2016 New York Mets has easily been their bullpen: Hansel Robles, Addison Reed, Jerry Blevins, Jim Henderson, and Antonio Bastardo have combined to throw 83 innings, in which they've posted a combined 2.38 ERA, 1.074 WHiP, with an 11.2 K/9 average.

The closer?  Very simply, Jeurys Familia has turned himself around.  In April, he allowed 14 hits with nine strikeouts in just 12 innings pitched.  This month, he allowed just three hits and fanned seven in just 7.1 innings pitched.

The Four Hurlers of the Metropolis

With the exception of Thor, the rest of the Mets Marvels are presently performing like mere mortals at best.

Super Matz is still battling his body and lack of mound experience, while the deGrominator is still searching for his mojo.  Meanwhile, the Dark Knight continues to fall further into the abyss.

Noah Syndergaard, 23, has been nothing short of brilliant.  Still fresh from out-dueling Max Scherzer, Thor is 4-2 with a 2.19 ERA and 0.994 WHiP this season, with 65 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched.

He has now pitched the equivalent of a full season in his brief career.  In 32 combined starts, Noah owns a career 13-9 record, with a 2.97 ERA and 1.033 WHiP, and 231 strikeouts over 203.1 innings pitched.

The 800 lbs. gorilla in the locker room is no doubt Matt Harvey.   Said another way, the Real Deal is in real trouble.  After nine starts, he owns a 3-6 record, with a bloated 5.77 ERA and unsightly 1.655 WHiP.  His 8.0 K/9 average is at a career low, and he's issuing a full walk more per nine innings over last season.  Most alarming, Harvey owns a 12.1 H/9 average this season.

His last start against the Washington Nationals was particularly disturbing, not because he allowed nine runs (six earned) in only 2.2 innings pitched, but because I watched a pitcher simply going through the motions.

I've watched more strenuous efforts from coaches delivering batting practice.

Winning Cures All

Matt Harvey wants the ball again when the Mets vs. Nationals resumes again this Monday in Washington.  There's ongoing speculation the Mets might withhold him for a start, but that seems unlikely at this point.

After losing 2 of 3 against the Nationals at Citi Field, a proper response is in order.  Nothing short of a series win will satisfy.

This is not last season.  This team has expectations to fulfill.

N.Y. Mets: First Place or Bust Time in May

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

ROOSEVELT AVENUE RUMBLE

Washington Nationals

vs.

New York Mets

FROM

CITI FIELD

Queens, N.Y.

NEW YORK METS: Washington Nationals Upsetting Balance of the Universe!

Despite what you've been reading in the internet tabloids, the previous 37 games were just practice.

Sure, the Nationals jumped out to a 9-1 start, while the Mets initially stumbled out of the block with a 2-5 record.  But what happened in April, stayed in April.

It's now mid-May, and it's all good - the New York Mets are presently in fine position ... and so defense of their National League pennant starts in earnest Tuesday night at Citi Field, when the home plate umpire makes the call to Play Ball against first place Washington.

Nationals    23-15

Mets            21-16

The Nats fell short of a N.L. East flag last season, largely due to their own failings.  That's not to undermine what the Mets accomplished - not at all.  Washington made the mistake of leaving the door open, and the Mets obligingly barged on through.

That's baseball...

This season, the Nationals have so far wrought nothing less of destruction - in the establishment, in the financial market, in the record books, and then to a lesser degree, in the standings,

Bryce Harper is the main headliner for effectively telling Goose Gossage and the rest of MLB, that he's essentially had it up to his threaded eyebrows with Old School nonsense.  It's not the first time he's criticized the establishment, having previously accused MLB many times of killing itself by alienating yet another generation of youngsters with their antiquated code of unwritten rules and protocol.

I do not necessarily disagree with his latter point.  Baseball is indeed in jeopardy of losing a second consecutive generation of potentially passionate fans.  Despite increasing WiFi capabilities at ballparks, they have done little to address an increasing disconnect between players, the game, and the average fan.  Harper believes restricting players' self expression only worsens the matter.

Meanwhile, the new Dusty Baker still utilizes starting pitchers like the old Dusty Baker.

That may or may not be a good thing in terms of the Mets future, considering Scott Boars and Nationals' ownership financially polluted the market for pitchers yet again with Stephen Strasburg's new contract.  Some believe Strasburg's next injury is always just a pitch away.

On that note, Max Scherzer is still throwing no hitters, and very recently tied the MLB record by recording 20 strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers.  He is tentatively slated to start Tuesday's series opener against Noah Syndergaard.

Daniel Murphy Returns to Citi Field

And of course, there's former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy, who is proving last year's post-season offensive heroics were no fluke.  With 140 at-bats in the books to date, Daniel is slashing .400/.433/.629, with 5 home runs and 23 RBI.  You read that right - Oh Murph! is still batting .400 for the season.

Mets fans knew all along Murph could hit.  He was a doubles machine.  But they also knew his OBP would never lay too far ahead of his batting average, and this season is no different.  As for his present rate of slugging versus that during his time with the Mets ... he was a lead player during troublesome rebuilding years.  He was always a solid contributor, but his production could never be enough for those Mets.  Then throw money into the equation, and what you have now is an ex-Mets player who was once widely loved by the fan base.

There's no doubt in my mind Daniel Murphy will receive a very warm, heartfelt, and extended, standing ovation from Mets fans upon his first trip to the plate, only this time as a member of the Washington Nationals.

After which, it's game on!

New Mets second baseman Neil Walker has done much to help fans at least move on from their attachment to Daniel Murphy.  In fact, Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera have done much to make Mets fans forget how defensively inept they were up the middle.  For the most part, the two have been smooth as silk.  Cabrera, specifically, has so far proved all the scouts wrong whom counted him out last year.

The Mets new problems reside at the hot corners.  David Wright is defective and Lucas Duda has been ineffective.  Watching Wright's throws to first base are becoming distressful, if not problematic. Meanwhile, the Big Lebowski's bat has been inconsequential as ever.  His hot streaks are as unpredictable as a mid-western twister.

Then, there's the Mets battery problems.  Catcher Travis d'Arnaud's propensity for injury is just as dismaying today, as it has ever been previously.  On the mound, the Dark Knight is still yet to find his mojo, while Steven Matz is apparently breaking down ... again (although no ligament damage has been found in his elbow).

Oh, and the Mets went 4-7 on their road trip, and are presently losers of 4 in a row.

In other words, just another day in the Citi.

Let the games begin!

N.Y. Mets: N.L. East Podcast Pt. Two, and more 2016 previews

Here's our latest at 

RisingApple.com

Rising Apple Report N.L. East Preview Pt. 2 

Featuring Fred Owens from Fansided's Tomahawk Take (Braves)

and Matt Veasey from Fansided's That Ball Is Outta Here (Phillies)

Rich hosted, while I shook my pom-poms.
In all honesty, a great show ... with a creepy ending (by yours truly).
We ranted a bit about Matt Harvey, and
covered the potential Mets/Royals revenge factor entering the season opener.

ICYMI:

Rising Apple Report N.L. East Preview Pt. 1

Featuring Ricky Keeler from District on Deck (Nationals)

and Sean Millerick from Marlins Maniac.

In all, Rich and I hosted four outstanding guests from our Fansided sister sites whom performed well above and beyond our standards over the course of two shows.

Mets 2016 Season Previews

Here are my short takes on the following topics:

• What player or team will be the Mets' Kryptonite in 2016? 
• The Mets player most likely to disappoint. 
• Mets player most likely to surprise.    
• What should we expect from David Wright? 
• Which starting pitcher are you most excited to see?

Rising Apple senior staff writer

N.Y. Mets: An Amazin' podcast with Gary Mac of MetsMusings.com

From 

March 24, 2016

On Thursday, I made a guest appearance on 

Gary Mac's podcast heard on MetsMusings.com

A great Mets fan, I came to know Gary from our Rising Apple Report podcasts, and now consider him a very good friend.  Talking baseball with Mr. Mac always results in good times and laughter.

We covered much in a 1/2 hour's time:

Jacob deGrom - David Wright - Jeurys Familia - Kevin Plawecki

Thor and more...

We even squeezed in obscure Ron Hodges and Benny Agbayani references.

N.Y. Mets: More is needed from Travis d'Arnaud

Here's my latest article for 

RisingApple.com

On catcher Travis d'Arnaud:

Mets Catching Situation Still Needs Big Shot in the Arm

Archives:

Last week's podcast with featured guest John Pielli
from The Passed Ball Show.

Topics
Spring Training mid-term report
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Jacob deGrom - Travis d'Arnaud - David Wright - Neil Walker
An impromptu Jon Niese rant!
Players who've worn #28 in Mets history
Matt Harvey - money - bye bye Ruben Tejada
...and much more.

Episode #128 Rising Apple Report St. Patrick's Day Edition

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple