Here's my latest for
Mike
senior staff writer/Rising Apple
Showing posts with label Dillon Gee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dillon Gee. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
For Rising Apple: Trading Kevin Plawecki Would Be A Bad Idea
Here's my latest for
Podcast from Thursday, February 26th.
Fellow RA writer Rich and I talking Mets baseball for 90 minutes.
Fellow RA writer Rich and I talking Mets baseball for 90 minutes.
Mike
senior writer/Rising Apple
Saturday, November 01, 2014
N.Y. Mets: Let The Off-Season Begin
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
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NEW YORK METS: Stick Those Few Free Agent Dollars Back In The Piggy Bank, And Focus On The Trade Market.
That's a wrap; the World Series is done. Let the off-season begin.
Mets fans however, had better prepare themselves for a quiet, dark, and cold winter. There will be little activity to speak of, and few logs afforded by the front office for the (hot) stove.
The annual free agent period will open shortly, and here's what we need to know.
Speaking back in September with regards to improving the team through free agency, Sandy Alderson described the Mets financial situation as prohibitive.
He also went on to say, "We'll have some flexibility. We'll be able to do some things. We just have to see what's there."
Fair enough, because that's perhaps the most honest assessment he's rendered over the last 3 years. In fact, I applaud his pragmatism. Finally.
This year's free agent class. however, features no one the Mets should be pushing other teams out of the way for. So, for Mets fans, Sandy Alderson, and ownership, there appears to be a convenient common ground this off-season.
The Mets entered 2014 with somewhere near $88 million in payroll, and finished the season slightly above $83 million. Next season, payroll will increase whether the club likes it or not, and that's even before figuring a potential free agent.
In 2015, Bartolo Colon's salary goes up by $2 million (to $11 million), and Curtis Granderson's swells by $3 million (to $16 million dollars).
They should also expect to dole out handsome raises in arbitration to Matt Harvey, Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee, and Jenrry Mejia.
We can only speculate the club's plans for their remaining arbitration eligible: Ruben Tejada, Eric Young, Buddy Carlyle, and Dana Eveland. Non-tendering them, however, does not afford the Mets sufficient relief.
Lastly, (as if we fans need reminding), ownership still has massive debt issues. Somehow, that just doesn't get talked about much lately, or to the extent their financial woes should.
O the field, what the Mets need are a shortstop, and a corner outfielder. To be more precise, the Mets need middle of the order power - a slugger.
There are no available shortstops who fit that description, unless the Mets are foolish enough to court Hanley Ramirez. (please don't)
The outfield market includes Melkey Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Cuddyer - none of which particularly interests me.
Nelson Cruz at least showed he's predisposed to accepting a one-year contract. Baltimore paid a mere $8 million for his services in 2014, and Cruz in turn led the A.L. with a career high 40 home runs. Although outside of Camden Yards, I'm sure that home run number reverts back to his Texas averages. However, with a one-year deal and a raise, Cruz could serve the Mets offensive needs well.
Outside of that, I'm afraid there's little else the Mets can do to impact the offense through free agency this Fall.
That said, the Mets might be better off sticking their dollars back in their pocket this off-season, and focus more on the winter meetings and the trade market.
Mike
NEW YORK METS: Stick Those Few Free Agent Dollars Back In The Piggy Bank, And Focus On The Trade Market.
That's a wrap; the World Series is done. Let the off-season begin.
Mets fans however, had better prepare themselves for a quiet, dark, and cold winter. There will be little activity to speak of, and few logs afforded by the front office for the (hot) stove.
The annual free agent period will open shortly, and here's what we need to know.
Speaking back in September with regards to improving the team through free agency, Sandy Alderson described the Mets financial situation as prohibitive.
He also went on to say, "We'll have some flexibility. We'll be able to do some things. We just have to see what's there."
Fair enough, because that's perhaps the most honest assessment he's rendered over the last 3 years. In fact, I applaud his pragmatism. Finally.
This year's free agent class. however, features no one the Mets should be pushing other teams out of the way for. So, for Mets fans, Sandy Alderson, and ownership, there appears to be a convenient common ground this off-season.
The Mets entered 2014 with somewhere near $88 million in payroll, and finished the season slightly above $83 million. Next season, payroll will increase whether the club likes it or not, and that's even before figuring a potential free agent.
In 2015, Bartolo Colon's salary goes up by $2 million (to $11 million), and Curtis Granderson's swells by $3 million (to $16 million dollars).
They should also expect to dole out handsome raises in arbitration to Matt Harvey, Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee, and Jenrry Mejia.
We can only speculate the club's plans for their remaining arbitration eligible: Ruben Tejada, Eric Young, Buddy Carlyle, and Dana Eveland. Non-tendering them, however, does not afford the Mets sufficient relief.
- See Baseball Reference > The Mets are getting off light this season. It will cost them roughly $20 million to retain their arbitration eligible players. Of the current Mets, 15 will be arbitration eligible next year, and upwards of 20 by 2016. By then, they'll potentially be paying in the neighborhood of $60 million in arbitration alone.
Lastly, (as if we fans need reminding), ownership still has massive debt issues. Somehow, that just doesn't get talked about much lately, or to the extent their financial woes should.
O the field, what the Mets need are a shortstop, and a corner outfielder. To be more precise, the Mets need middle of the order power - a slugger.
There are no available shortstops who fit that description, unless the Mets are foolish enough to court Hanley Ramirez. (please don't)
The outfield market includes Melkey Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Cuddyer - none of which particularly interests me.
Nelson Cruz at least showed he's predisposed to accepting a one-year contract. Baltimore paid a mere $8 million for his services in 2014, and Cruz in turn led the A.L. with a career high 40 home runs. Although outside of Camden Yards, I'm sure that home run number reverts back to his Texas averages. However, with a one-year deal and a raise, Cruz could serve the Mets offensive needs well.
Outside of that, I'm afraid there's little else the Mets can do to impact the offense through free agency this Fall.
That said, the Mets might be better off sticking their dollars back in their pocket this off-season, and focus more on the winter meetings and the trade market.
Mike
Thursday, September 11, 2014
N.Y. Mets: How Far Are We From Washington?
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
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NEW YORK METS: The Nationals Are In Town To Show Us How Far Away We Really Are.
The Mets begin a 4 game weekend set against the Washington Nationals this evening. In fact, 7 of the Mets remaining 16 games this season will be against the Nats. While there is little Terry's Kids can do in the way of overtaking Washington for the division lead, 7 games is a good litmus test for gauging where the Mets presently stand against the division's best.
First place Washington enters this evening's action 20-games above .500, while the Mets still remain 4-games below.
Although the Mets are better suited to contend with Washington on the mound, the Nationals still own a more than slight edge. Offensively, however, they own a very distinct advantage over the Mets.
Pitching:
NEW YORK METS: The Nationals Are In Town To Show Us How Far Away We Really Are.
The Mets begin a 4 game weekend set against the Washington Nationals this evening. In fact, 7 of the Mets remaining 16 games this season will be against the Nats. While there is little Terry's Kids can do in the way of overtaking Washington for the division lead, 7 games is a good litmus test for gauging where the Mets presently stand against the division's best.
First place Washington enters this evening's action 20-games above .500, while the Mets still remain 4-games below.
Although the Mets are better suited to contend with Washington on the mound, the Nationals still own a more than slight edge. Offensively, however, they own a very distinct advantage over the Mets.
Pitching:
- Washington: 2nd overall in ERA, 4th in WHiP, and 12th in BAA.
- New York: 10th in ERA, 17th in WHiP, and 10th in BAA.
Offense:
- Washington: 8th overall runs, 17th team batting, 13th OB, and 12th in slugging.
- New York: 21st runs, 29th team average, 24th OB, and 29th in slugging.
New York's young pitching is coming around. Zack Wheeler and Jacob deGrom will be rejoined by Matt Harvey next season. Rafael Montero and Noah Syndergaard will eventually have their time in Flushing as well.
Dillon Gee and Jon Niese are worth keeping, but perhaps represent 2 of the Mets better trade chips.
The bullpen has been transformed by youth as well, led by Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia.
Like Gee and Niese, a returning Bobby Parnell perhaps gives the Mets another still young, viable trade option,
Moving forward, the Mets overall pitching situation is good, to very good.
Obviously, the most glaring improvements need to be made at the plate, where for several years the Mets have remained near the bottom of most offensive categories.
Suddenly, David Wright's recent inability to stay healthy is becoming an issue. He is now out for the rest of the season with an ailing shoulder. At this point, we're only talking about the remaining 16 games. But it's clear his shoulder took a greater toll on his, and the Mets season. With his long term contract, this evolving situation is not easily rectifiable.
The situation at shortstop is still up in the air. While Wilmer Flores offers far more offensively than Ruben Tejada, he is far from being the solution. The Mets also do not have another emerging shortstop in the minors that will change this situation any time soon. It seems the Mets need to go off-campus for a solution.
At second base, Daniel Murphy stands to cost the Mets more money in arbitration, again, and then are faced with his free agency year. Murphy joins Gee, Niese and Parnell, as potential trade chips, with Murphy perhaps being their best. Dilson Herrera recently opened some eyes, and may be closer to being MLB ready than previously anticipated.
At first base, Lucas Duda has finally seized the moment. His power production is now part of the solution.
Behind the plate, Travis d'Arnaud is likewise discovering a comfort zone, and is starting to fulfill his promise. There is still concern over his ability to stay healthy. Meanwhile, Kevin Plawecki continues to plow through the minor leagues. So, for the moment, catcher seem okay.
The Mets need to generate their power in the outfield. Some things just have not changed. Sandy Alderson's gamble on Chris Young was a complete failure, and Curtis Granderson was never a viable power solution in the first place. His contract will now become a troublesome matter for 2 more seasons.
Juan Lagares is a keeper, and I'm content to let one of the minor leaguers win the 4th outfielder spot. Otherwise, there are no sluggers to speak of on the farm. If the Mets are to improve their offense and power, they will need to secure two corner outfielders who fit the bill.
Easier said than done. I know. But all that said, in order to close the gap with Washington the Mets must substantially upgrade at least three positions.
For the Mets, all options should remain open. The problem is, whether through trades or free agency, that costs money- money the Mets do not have.
Sandy Alderson has already warned the masses - don't expect the club to spend money during the off-season. That distressing news came rather early. This time Alderson completely spared us the doublespeak.
It is common knowledge that attendance has gone down, and the Mets have lost money in each season since the Madoff crisis erupted. Attendance failed to recover this season, and the club already projected for another loss back in spring.
There will no doubt be raises coming for those arbitration eligible players, which will leave even less for any real payroll increases.
Then I'm forced to ask - What spending, what increases? Ownership is still at least 3/4 of a billion dollars in debt.
Mike
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Today For Rising Apple: The Friday Night Recap
Here's My Weekly Friday Night Game Recap For
Join me every Friday for the Mets post game recap.
Mike.BTB
Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple
Friday, October 11, 2013
N.Y. Mets: Sizing Up Next Year's Payroll And Pitfalls
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
NEW YORK METS: So Just How Much Is Mr. Wilpon Willing To Spend Anyway?
Jonathon Niese and David Wright will cost the Mets a combined $25 million dollars to operate next season. They are the only two players under contract beyond the 2014 season.
The Mets have eleven arbitration eligible players: Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Dillon Gee, Eric Young, Mike Baxter, Justin Turner, Bobby Parnell, Scott Atchison, Omar Quintanilla and Ruben Tejada. I personally would grant Atchison, Quintanilla and Baxter their free agency.
The following are no brainers: Daniel Murphy enjoyed a career year, and should realize a substantial increase from his $2.9 million salary. With double-digit victories, Dillon Gee should likewise see a considerable increase in pay. He made just over a half-million dollars last season. The Mets can expect to shell out roughly six million-plus dollars next season for the pair. Bobby Parnell, who earned $1.7 million last season, effectively staked his claim to the closer's role. He will be coming off neck surgery, but is expected to recover. Expect him to get bumped up to $3 million or so.
Eric Young Jr. led the National League in stolen bases. That should be enough to get him into the millionaire's club. Players almost never lose, and so Justin Turner will get a raise too. The pair should cost the Mets around another $3 million to retain.
So far, we have spent $37.5 million.
There is a reason why Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada were left for last. What the hell do we do with them now? The 2013 season was supposed to solve some team issues. Instead, we came out even more problems. Despite doing everything possible to give away his starting job, the Mets are lacking a shortstop that can adequately replace Ruben Tejada. He might cost the Mets a million. Outfield is no longer an option for Lucas Duda. That leaves him and Ike Davis fighting it out for first base. Or does it? It would be difficult to let either one just walk away for nothing. If both are offered arbitration, one would certainly have to begin the season in Las Vegas. Another option is one gets traded during the off-season. My over-riding sentiment is, this competition needs to end. The time has come to make a definitive decision on one, or the other. Where ever possible, the make-up of this team heading into the 2014 season needs to change. Ike could only get see a marginal raise after last season. The Mets should be able to keep him for under $4 million. Lucas Duda however could possibly get bumped up to as much as $2 million next season.
Let's average this all out, and put the Mets at $40 million so far.
LaTroy Hawkins wants to continue pitching, and the Mets would be wise to resign him. He made $1 million last season. Let's give him a half-million dollar raise, and plug in Zack Wheeler, Juan Lagares and Travis d'Arnaud for the major league minimum.
.
I will add another six players who will also make the major league minimum. You can argue over who they will be: Matt den Dekker, Germen Gonzalez, Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Vic Black, Wilmer Flores, Josh Satin, Wilfredo Tovar, Anthony Recker, Carlos Torres, or other.
That brings the Mets 2014 bill up to $46 million, with six more roster spots to fill.
Sandy Alderson said he will be active in the free agent market. So let's spend some more of Wilpon's money then. Say the Mets sign two major free agents this off-season, that cost sixteen and twenty-one million per season each. That would bring the Mets 2014 expenditure to $83 million dollars, with four more roster spots to fill.
Fortifying the starting rotation should bring the club to $90 million dollars. If the Mets pick up the option on Johan Santana's contract, the number goes up.
Will Mr. Wilpon dare approach this number?
Attendance at Citi Field had dropped in each of the years since it opened. Ownership already forecasted and announced their 2014 projected $10 million dollar loss last year. Currently, their money is mostly spoken for. The people refinancing ownerships debt load are making sure of that. The Mets are additionally looking to renegotiate another $250 dollars....again. A NYPost report says Mr. Wilpon will look to arrange that over the Winter, but supposedly this will not effect 2014's player salary budget. I honestly do not see that ownership will have any potential cash flow for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Sandy Alderson still needs to know what he'll be allowed to spend soon.
Another question is, how closely should the 2014 Mets resemble the team of the last two years? Many of the above players have contributed to an overall 148-176 record. Perhaps the Mets could benefit from trading some of their more valuable players for the sake of finally changing the direction of this club. They certainly need to cut the chord with others.
P.S. Bobby Bonilla is still on the books!
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: So Just How Much Is Mr. Wilpon Willing To Spend Anyway?
Jonathon Niese and David Wright will cost the Mets a combined $25 million dollars to operate next season. They are the only two players under contract beyond the 2014 season.
The Mets have eleven arbitration eligible players: Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Dillon Gee, Eric Young, Mike Baxter, Justin Turner, Bobby Parnell, Scott Atchison, Omar Quintanilla and Ruben Tejada. I personally would grant Atchison, Quintanilla and Baxter their free agency.
The following are no brainers: Daniel Murphy enjoyed a career year, and should realize a substantial increase from his $2.9 million salary. With double-digit victories, Dillon Gee should likewise see a considerable increase in pay. He made just over a half-million dollars last season. The Mets can expect to shell out roughly six million-plus dollars next season for the pair. Bobby Parnell, who earned $1.7 million last season, effectively staked his claim to the closer's role. He will be coming off neck surgery, but is expected to recover. Expect him to get bumped up to $3 million or so.
Eric Young Jr. led the National League in stolen bases. That should be enough to get him into the millionaire's club. Players almost never lose, and so Justin Turner will get a raise too. The pair should cost the Mets around another $3 million to retain.
So far, we have spent $37.5 million.
There is a reason why Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada were left for last. What the hell do we do with them now? The 2013 season was supposed to solve some team issues. Instead, we came out even more problems. Despite doing everything possible to give away his starting job, the Mets are lacking a shortstop that can adequately replace Ruben Tejada. He might cost the Mets a million. Outfield is no longer an option for Lucas Duda. That leaves him and Ike Davis fighting it out for first base. Or does it? It would be difficult to let either one just walk away for nothing. If both are offered arbitration, one would certainly have to begin the season in Las Vegas. Another option is one gets traded during the off-season. My over-riding sentiment is, this competition needs to end. The time has come to make a definitive decision on one, or the other. Where ever possible, the make-up of this team heading into the 2014 season needs to change. Ike could only get see a marginal raise after last season. The Mets should be able to keep him for under $4 million. Lucas Duda however could possibly get bumped up to as much as $2 million next season.
Let's average this all out, and put the Mets at $40 million so far.
LaTroy Hawkins wants to continue pitching, and the Mets would be wise to resign him. He made $1 million last season. Let's give him a half-million dollar raise, and plug in Zack Wheeler, Juan Lagares and Travis d'Arnaud for the major league minimum.
.
I will add another six players who will also make the major league minimum. You can argue over who they will be: Matt den Dekker, Germen Gonzalez, Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Vic Black, Wilmer Flores, Josh Satin, Wilfredo Tovar, Anthony Recker, Carlos Torres, or other.
That brings the Mets 2014 bill up to $46 million, with six more roster spots to fill.
Sandy Alderson said he will be active in the free agent market. So let's spend some more of Wilpon's money then. Say the Mets sign two major free agents this off-season, that cost sixteen and twenty-one million per season each. That would bring the Mets 2014 expenditure to $83 million dollars, with four more roster spots to fill.
Fortifying the starting rotation should bring the club to $90 million dollars. If the Mets pick up the option on Johan Santana's contract, the number goes up.
Will Mr. Wilpon dare approach this number?
Attendance at Citi Field had dropped in each of the years since it opened. Ownership already forecasted and announced their 2014 projected $10 million dollar loss last year. Currently, their money is mostly spoken for. The people refinancing ownerships debt load are making sure of that. The Mets are additionally looking to renegotiate another $250 dollars....again. A NYPost report says Mr. Wilpon will look to arrange that over the Winter, but supposedly this will not effect 2014's player salary budget. I honestly do not see that ownership will have any potential cash flow for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Sandy Alderson still needs to know what he'll be allowed to spend soon.
Another question is, how closely should the 2014 Mets resemble the team of the last two years? Many of the above players have contributed to an overall 148-176 record. Perhaps the Mets could benefit from trading some of their more valuable players for the sake of finally changing the direction of this club. They certainly need to cut the chord with others.
P.S. Bobby Bonilla is still on the books!
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
N.Y. Mets: A Dark Night In Gotham
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
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NEW YORK METS: This One Hurts A Little More Than Usual. Time Bandit, Say It Aint So.
Time Bandit, say it aint so. In a flash, the Dark Knight of Gotham is gone from us. After thirty-six total starts, Flushing is without their modern day hero. It wasn't the division's goons or network of chaos - he was defeated by a torn tendon.
In twenty-six starts this season, Matt Harvey posted a 9-5 record, but suffered twelve no decisions. He had a 2.27 ERA in 178.1 innings, and still leads the league with 191 strikeouts. His WHiP was below one, he allowed the fewest home runs in the circuit, and started the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. On every fifth day Matt Harvey became event baseball. A scepter with a knife now awaits him, as there is every possibility we'll be forced to forget about him until the 2015 season.
As a Mets fan, what can I say? Are we snake bit? Cursed? Unlucky? Or something other? There are still a few teams worse off than us. What I do know, is that there was a new kind adversity delivered to Citi Field's door step yesterday - their franchise player is down.
Obviously, a torn tendon was not part of the plan. We're trying to assemble talent, not continue watching them fall by the wayside. But this one hurts just a little more than usual. Harvey had become so much in so little time - hence, The Time Bandit.
The Mets have a veritable stable of starting pitchers not at their disposal. A potential five-man rotation featuring Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia and Jeremy Hefner should make any manager giddy - a manager of a rehabilitation center that is. And lest we forget Dillon Gee is an experienced surgery patient, and Jonothan Niese is still fresh off his issues. It seems as if no one is safe.
Mike.BTB
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NEW YORK METS: This One Hurts A Little More Than Usual. Time Bandit, Say It Aint So.
Time Bandit, say it aint so. In a flash, the Dark Knight of Gotham is gone from us. After thirty-six total starts, Flushing is without their modern day hero. It wasn't the division's goons or network of chaos - he was defeated by a torn tendon.
In twenty-six starts this season, Matt Harvey posted a 9-5 record, but suffered twelve no decisions. He had a 2.27 ERA in 178.1 innings, and still leads the league with 191 strikeouts. His WHiP was below one, he allowed the fewest home runs in the circuit, and started the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. On every fifth day Matt Harvey became event baseball. A scepter with a knife now awaits him, as there is every possibility we'll be forced to forget about him until the 2015 season.
As a Mets fan, what can I say? Are we snake bit? Cursed? Unlucky? Or something other? There are still a few teams worse off than us. What I do know, is that there was a new kind adversity delivered to Citi Field's door step yesterday - their franchise player is down.
Obviously, a torn tendon was not part of the plan. We're trying to assemble talent, not continue watching them fall by the wayside. But this one hurts just a little more than usual. Harvey had become so much in so little time - hence, The Time Bandit.
The Mets have a veritable stable of starting pitchers not at their disposal. A potential five-man rotation featuring Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia and Jeremy Hefner should make any manager giddy - a manager of a rehabilitation center that is. And lest we forget Dillon Gee is an experienced surgery patient, and Jonothan Niese is still fresh off his issues. It seems as if no one is safe.
Mike.BTB
Friday, April 26, 2013
New York Mets: Citi Field Needs Another Hero For Friday Night's Game
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
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NEW YORK METS - If The Team Has Asked So Much From Matt Harvey This Early, There's Nothing Wrong With Fans Wanting A Big Game Out Of Dillon Gee, Right Now.
Flawed thinking is exactly what this team needs. But I digress.
This season, much of the Mets misfortunes have been overshadowed by the feats and exploits of Matt Harvey. Nonetheless, the team found itself flirting with .500 baseball again. Facing mediocrity occurred much more sooner than last year, as April 2012 represented some of their brighter times.
So far in this young season, Harvey has been asked to stop losing streaks, and overcome Washington's own phenom, Stephen Strasburg, in a head to head match up. Wednesday night, Matt Harvey was being asked to stave off futility. With a loss against the visiting Dodgers, the Mets would have fallen one game below the .500 mark.
Harvey wasn't dominating, but he pitched well. Except for an early run, he kept the Dodgers scoreless long enough for the Mets to mount something - anything, which they couldn't. So what the the Mets line-up couldn't provide in support of Matt Harvey's effort, Matt Harvey took upon himself. The Mets pitcher clubbed a double off the left field wall, then scored on Ruben Tejada's rbi single to tie game at one apiece.
Matt Harvey was credited with a no decision, and perhaps not in vain. Jordany Valdespin's 10th inning heroics gave the Mets a dramatic win, and the home plate celebration included Harvey as well. He said he sucked, but also had fun, so why pooh-pooh the situation. ...An otherwise great night for Mets fans.
The team indeed staved off the dreaded .500 level, improving to 10-9 on the season. Then came Thursday afternoon's last inning loss. Tough break for Jeremy Hefner who pitched very well, and for Scott Rice who took the loss. The Mets stand at 10-10 now. On Friday, Mets fans want an April hero. Dillon Gee will be on the mound against division foe, the Philadelphia Phillies. There's nothing wrong with wanting him to pitch a big game this early.
Mike.BTB
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NEW YORK METS - If The Team Has Asked So Much From Matt Harvey This Early, There's Nothing Wrong With Fans Wanting A Big Game Out Of Dillon Gee, Right Now.
Flawed thinking is exactly what this team needs. But I digress.
This season, much of the Mets misfortunes have been overshadowed by the feats and exploits of Matt Harvey. Nonetheless, the team found itself flirting with .500 baseball again. Facing mediocrity occurred much more sooner than last year, as April 2012 represented some of their brighter times.
So far in this young season, Harvey has been asked to stop losing streaks, and overcome Washington's own phenom, Stephen Strasburg, in a head to head match up. Wednesday night, Matt Harvey was being asked to stave off futility. With a loss against the visiting Dodgers, the Mets would have fallen one game below the .500 mark.
Harvey wasn't dominating, but he pitched well. Except for an early run, he kept the Dodgers scoreless long enough for the Mets to mount something - anything, which they couldn't. So what the the Mets line-up couldn't provide in support of Matt Harvey's effort, Matt Harvey took upon himself. The Mets pitcher clubbed a double off the left field wall, then scored on Ruben Tejada's rbi single to tie game at one apiece.
Matt Harvey was credited with a no decision, and perhaps not in vain. Jordany Valdespin's 10th inning heroics gave the Mets a dramatic win, and the home plate celebration included Harvey as well. He said he sucked, but also had fun, so why pooh-pooh the situation. ...An otherwise great night for Mets fans.
The team indeed staved off the dreaded .500 level, improving to 10-9 on the season. Then came Thursday afternoon's last inning loss. Tough break for Jeremy Hefner who pitched very well, and for Scott Rice who took the loss. The Mets stand at 10-10 now. On Friday, Mets fans want an April hero. Dillon Gee will be on the mound against division foe, the Philadelphia Phillies. There's nothing wrong with wanting him to pitch a big game this early.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, March 31, 2013
New York Mets: Year Fifty-Two Of Orange And Blue
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
FIRST OPENING DAY: April 9, 1976 - With Tom Seaver on the mound, the Mets defeated the Montreal Expos 3-2. Buddy Harrelson drove in two runs with a double. Tom Seaver pitched seven innings, allowing one run. five hits, and one walk. He struck out eight batters. Skip Lockwood, one of my favorite Mets at the time, earned the Save.
MOST RECENT OPENING DAY: April 13, 2009 - A 6-5 loss to the San Diego Padres. Adrian Gonzalez was the only Padre worth mentioning from that team. Ponderous. Mike Pelfrey started but took a no-decision. David Wright homered in the losing effort.....Played at night - Terrible!
OTHER OPENING DAYS ATTENDED: 1977 - 1978 - 1979 - 1980 - 1981 - 1984 - 1990 - 1997 - 2005 - 2006 - 2008.
HEADING NORTH:
Next Stop - Roosevelt Avenue
Queens
The 52nd SEASON OF NEW YORK METS BASEBALL
FIRST OPENING DAY: April 9, 1976 - With Tom Seaver on the mound, the Mets defeated the Montreal Expos 3-2. Buddy Harrelson drove in two runs with a double. Tom Seaver pitched seven innings, allowing one run. five hits, and one walk. He struck out eight batters. Skip Lockwood, one of my favorite Mets at the time, earned the Save.
FAVORITE OPENING DAY: April 5, 1983 - Tom Seaver Returns. I was sitting between first base and right field towards the back rows of field level. Upon completion of his pregame warm-ups, Tom Seaver walked from the bullpen to the dugout. The fan ovation was special. The game was also notable because we were facing the Philadelphia Phillies featuring three future HOF players; Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton; in addition to Pete Rose. The Mets shut-out Philly 2-0. Seaver got a no-decision. In he return to Shea, he pitched six innings, allowed only three hits, walked one, and struck out five. Doug Sisk got the win in relief. The unremarkable Brian Giles and Mike Howard drove in the Mets two runs.
MOST RECENT OPENING DAY: April 13, 2009 - A 6-5 loss to the San Diego Padres. Adrian Gonzalez was the only Padre worth mentioning from that team. Ponderous. Mike Pelfrey started but took a no-decision. David Wright homered in the losing effort.....Played at night - Terrible!
OTHER OPENING DAYS ATTENDED: 1977 - 1978 - 1979 - 1980 - 1981 - 1984 - 1990 - 1997 - 2005 - 2006 - 2008.
OPENING DAY 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
San Diego Padres
vs.
NEW YORK METS
from
CITI FIELD
Flushing, Queens
A very strange season is about to begin off Roosevelt Avenue. Mets fans are being teased now more than ever. Both the team and fans are patiently waiting for some new, young, talented players to fill roles, and seats, at Citi Field. Then for whatever his motivation, the owner announced a clean(er) bill of financial health heading into (and here's the catch...) next season. To the club's credit, they are fresh off enriching their third baseman and additionally naming him Team Captain - a well deserved appointment earned by David Wright. Money-wise, Sandy Alderson also actively pursued Michael Bourn during the off-season, who would have cost a handsome dollar. So perhaps, finances are indeed easing up. Over the winter, ownership secured some fancy all-inclusive refinancing they believe will give them ample flexibility moving forward. I have my suspicions regarding their math and sustainability. But with Spring Training at its end, it is time to delve less into that, and more into winning baseball games during the upcoming season.
In spite of a spring filled with injuries, the Mets fifty-second Opening Day roster is just about set. Word is David Wright satisfactorily recovered from his rib strain, and will play Monday. Daniel Murphy on the other hand, should not. That's just me talking though. His own strained intercostal muscle considerably hampered his entire Spring Training regimen. Until he gets up to game speed, I feel he should miss a few games. Regardless of what I think, the latest from the club is Murph will play on Opening Day. In the bullpen, Pedro Feliciano is literally contemplating his baseball future, while Frank Francisco and his elbow are nowhere near ready to resume his former role as team closer. The starting rotation's depth was originally thought to be facing a major dilemma when Jeremy Hefner was struck on his elbow by a come-backer. He now appears fine. As Johan Santana's replacement, Hefner has a fan in me. Shaun Marcum's reliability however, looks to pose a problem. But without a doubt, the biggest news of Spring Training started and ended with Johan Santana. He is headed towards a second surgery this Tuesday. His season, and Mets career, are now all but over.
The hope entering Opening Day and the 2013 regular season is that Jon Niese will come into his own. All indications point to this being the season that happens. At twenty-seven years old, his ability and mentality look to finally be in sync. Stardom may elude him, but Jon Niese has the potential to become a highly respected pitcher this season. With Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey no longer serving as Mets ace, the onus is on Jon Niese to fill that role by leading Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee, and Jeremy Hefner through a long season. Ditto goes for Zach Wheeler upon his promotion. I'm openly backing Jeremy Hefner, and therefore say the Mets have four young quality starters to begin the season with. When Zach Wheeler arrives, they'll have five. Starting pitching is clearly the team's strength.
Is there such a thing as growing into the closer's role, or, are certain pitchers just better suited than others to finish-off opponents and end games? This will be Parnell's 2013 challenge as he embarks on his third shot at becoming the team's closer. For a third consecutive season, someone else's injury is opening the door to an opportunity. But in his first two attempts, Parnell generally failed to seize the moment. As the team's interim closer this year, Bobby Parnell will be as successful as his knuckle-curveball allows. The knuckle-curve is relatively new to his arsenal. So maybe with it will come different results. In order for his "Knerve" to be an even more effective pitch however, he needs to add some more bite to it. Last season it looked like a two-to-eight o'clock breaking slurve. The pitch needs an adjustment because if he doesn't throw it for a strike early in the count, batters have been doing a good job laying off, and waiting on his fastball instead.
The bullpen as a whole appears to be better stocked than last year. A better relief corp can potentially be a season maker, as the Mets blew nineteen saves last season. As noted, Pedro Feliciano is out. So the Mets will be substantially short from the left side. Entering his second season, Josh Edgin is already an indispensable member of the bullpen. With Robert Carson assigned to Las Vegas, Scott Rice becomes the next southpaw in line. If Aaron Laffey makes the team, he can spot start as well as relieve from the left side. From the right side, LaTroy Hawkins is making the team. He will join a plethora of righties heading north which include Scott Atchison and Brandon Lyon. The new Odd Couple - Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia continue to be two very curious specimens. Lost in all the Harvey and Wheeler hoopla, fans still do not know what to make of these two.
Terry Collins announced to start the season, there will be no platooning in the outfield. The initial plan is to go with Lucas Duda in left, Collin Cowgill in center, and Marlon Byrd in right. Only one of them is out there on a sink or swim basis however. No one will be more be scrutinized this season than Lucas Duda. After a Grapefruit League start that drew early moans and groans, Duda bounced back to put together more than just a respectable spring. He finished batting .270 in 63 at-bats. The good news was Lucas tied with Collin Cowgill for the team lead in home runs with five. Lucas Duda also wound up leading the Mets in RBI with thirteen. That's exactly what the Mets need from Duda - slugging, power and run production. With another bad season, he could very well play himself out of Flushing. But with a move to left field and another year of experience under his belt, he could also finally acclimate himself to the big leagues, and start to excel. Since baseball is a game of averages, Lucas should be given the entire season in left, regardless of struggles or success. A full season will better help determine Lucas Duda's future in Flushing once and for all.
Collin Cowgill was my surprise player of Spring Training. His Grapefruit League efforts definitely warranted a starting job to begin the season. At least on this team they did. Perhaps Collin Cowgill is benefiting from having escaped a crowded situation in Oakland. In any event, his new challenge is to translate a good spring into the regular season. Jordany Valdespin's Grapefruit play suggested he should have been the next outfielder in line. The right field job however will go to veteran Marlon Byrd.
I won't say Ruben Tejada's mighty struggles in this year's Grapefruit League went unnoticed. But they did go largely unspoken. He finished Spring play with a .098 batting average, managing only five hits (two doubles and one home run) in fifty-two at-bats. I'm quite sure Terry Collins noticed though. If you ask me who I think Terry Collins is toughest with, I would immediately answer - Ruben Tejada. Coach Terry was not all too pleased with either his conditioning, or that Ruben famously felt "tired" last season. Tejada reported to camp very early this year. But that didn't translate into a productive spring. I am by no means concerned. Baseball is like that. I expect Ruben to continue along his career averages.
Without a catcher, you're going to have a lot of passed balls - I love that line. The Mets have a good situation behind the plate. Of course, the future now lies in the mitt of Travis d'Arnaud. Until he receives his bus ticket to Flushing, John Buck is no less a fine improvement. Interestingly, both he and Travis d'Arnaud, along with Jordany Valdespin and Marlon Byrd had perhaps the most consistent springs trainings. With Anthony Recker serving as back-up until the d'Arnaud era begins, the Mets turned the position of catcher into a strength. All three catchers have a little pop, and can provide protection in the bottom of the order.
There is no secret - the Mets corner infielders will be the cornerstones of their overall offensive production. The grand failures or fortunes of the Mets offense lie in tha bats of David Wright and Ike Davis. Wright's WBC mishap aside, both David and Ike enter the 2013 season healthy, and together. With both wielding hot bats, the Mets can make life miserable for a number of opponents. There is not much else to say here. A vintage season from David Wright would be nice. I think most fans agree he still has the kind of years he posted from 2005 through 2010 within him. Meanwhile, after a horrendous first half at the plate, Ike Davis finished the 2012 season with fury. If he can somehow get off to the kind of start he did in 2011, and couple that with his 2012 second half, now we're talking about a total package. Realistically, a .275 average, thirty-five home runs, and 110 RBI would be suit everyone just fine. If these two do not produce up to the Mets needs, the outfield will become a season long source of derision.
As we know, the team the Mets start with, may not necessarily be the one they finish with. Zach Wheeler and Travis d'Arnaud are on the horizon. For Terry Collins, their arrivals can not come too soon. For the last two seasons, he has managed a club being stripped of virtually all its high profile players, while forced to nurture younger, unproven players. He additionally has no contract assurances beyond this season, and the general manager seems in no rush to address his field manager's situation. In fact, the Mets only have two players under contract beyond the 2014 season. That means Terry Collins isn't just your traditional lame duck manager. He is roasting over an open flame. Under Terry Collins, the team has become known for spirited starts and horrific finishes. In each of the last two seasons, there even came a moment where the manager seemed to crack. Overall though, Terry Collins has been a good dude. A bad start to the upcoming season may doom him, and open the door to his successor. Then again, a good start, reinforced by the arrival of Wheeler and d'Arnaud could possibly save him. Maybe. At best, I'd describe Terry Collins' situation as fluid. Wally Backman is at the gates.
Let's Go Mets!
Mike.BTB
Terry Collins announced to start the season, there will be no platooning in the outfield. The initial plan is to go with Lucas Duda in left, Collin Cowgill in center, and Marlon Byrd in right. Only one of them is out there on a sink or swim basis however. No one will be more be scrutinized this season than Lucas Duda. After a Grapefruit League start that drew early moans and groans, Duda bounced back to put together more than just a respectable spring. He finished batting .270 in 63 at-bats. The good news was Lucas tied with Collin Cowgill for the team lead in home runs with five. Lucas Duda also wound up leading the Mets in RBI with thirteen. That's exactly what the Mets need from Duda - slugging, power and run production. With another bad season, he could very well play himself out of Flushing. But with a move to left field and another year of experience under his belt, he could also finally acclimate himself to the big leagues, and start to excel. Since baseball is a game of averages, Lucas should be given the entire season in left, regardless of struggles or success. A full season will better help determine Lucas Duda's future in Flushing once and for all.
Collin Cowgill was my surprise player of Spring Training. His Grapefruit League efforts definitely warranted a starting job to begin the season. At least on this team they did. Perhaps Collin Cowgill is benefiting from having escaped a crowded situation in Oakland. In any event, his new challenge is to translate a good spring into the regular season. Jordany Valdespin's Grapefruit play suggested he should have been the next outfielder in line. The right field job however will go to veteran Marlon Byrd.
I won't say Ruben Tejada's mighty struggles in this year's Grapefruit League went unnoticed. But they did go largely unspoken. He finished Spring play with a .098 batting average, managing only five hits (two doubles and one home run) in fifty-two at-bats. I'm quite sure Terry Collins noticed though. If you ask me who I think Terry Collins is toughest with, I would immediately answer - Ruben Tejada. Coach Terry was not all too pleased with either his conditioning, or that Ruben famously felt "tired" last season. Tejada reported to camp very early this year. But that didn't translate into a productive spring. I am by no means concerned. Baseball is like that. I expect Ruben to continue along his career averages.
Without a catcher, you're going to have a lot of passed balls - I love that line. The Mets have a good situation behind the plate. Of course, the future now lies in the mitt of Travis d'Arnaud. Until he receives his bus ticket to Flushing, John Buck is no less a fine improvement. Interestingly, both he and Travis d'Arnaud, along with Jordany Valdespin and Marlon Byrd had perhaps the most consistent springs trainings. With Anthony Recker serving as back-up until the d'Arnaud era begins, the Mets turned the position of catcher into a strength. All three catchers have a little pop, and can provide protection in the bottom of the order.
There is no secret - the Mets corner infielders will be the cornerstones of their overall offensive production. The grand failures or fortunes of the Mets offense lie in tha bats of David Wright and Ike Davis. Wright's WBC mishap aside, both David and Ike enter the 2013 season healthy, and together. With both wielding hot bats, the Mets can make life miserable for a number of opponents. There is not much else to say here. A vintage season from David Wright would be nice. I think most fans agree he still has the kind of years he posted from 2005 through 2010 within him. Meanwhile, after a horrendous first half at the plate, Ike Davis finished the 2012 season with fury. If he can somehow get off to the kind of start he did in 2011, and couple that with his 2012 second half, now we're talking about a total package. Realistically, a .275 average, thirty-five home runs, and 110 RBI would be suit everyone just fine. If these two do not produce up to the Mets needs, the outfield will become a season long source of derision.
As we know, the team the Mets start with, may not necessarily be the one they finish with. Zach Wheeler and Travis d'Arnaud are on the horizon. For Terry Collins, their arrivals can not come too soon. For the last two seasons, he has managed a club being stripped of virtually all its high profile players, while forced to nurture younger, unproven players. He additionally has no contract assurances beyond this season, and the general manager seems in no rush to address his field manager's situation. In fact, the Mets only have two players under contract beyond the 2014 season. That means Terry Collins isn't just your traditional lame duck manager. He is roasting over an open flame. Under Terry Collins, the team has become known for spirited starts and horrific finishes. In each of the last two seasons, there even came a moment where the manager seemed to crack. Overall though, Terry Collins has been a good dude. A bad start to the upcoming season may doom him, and open the door to his successor. Then again, a good start, reinforced by the arrival of Wheeler and d'Arnaud could possibly save him. Maybe. At best, I'd describe Terry Collins' situation as fluid. Wally Backman is at the gates.
Let's Go Mets!
Mike.BTB
Saturday, February 09, 2013
New York Mets: Pitchers and Catchers 2013
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
I - Behind the Plate
The Mets appear to have rectified their catching situation via a motivated buyer in the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays clearly feel the A.L. East can be had, and are sparing no expense to ensure they remain in contention for a division title. As such, bye bye Josh Thole - Hello Travis D'Arnaud. He was the main component in the R.A. Dickey deal. Travis may not break camp and head north with the big club. But as they say in the business, he is a blue chipper who will arrive in Flushing shortly. Lingering knee worries dating back to June 2012 seem safely behind him now. With any luck, all that remains for d'Arnaud is to spend some time at Las Vegas, then fulfill his promise upon arrival in Queens. Simple....right?
NEW YORK METS - PORT ST. LUCIE OR BUST!
South bound on I-95 - Loaded up and truckin'. The Mets are gonna try and do what many say can't be done. They got a long way to go, and a short time to get there....
Hey Mr. Met, ya got your ears on? Just keep an eye out for them smokies. Out!..
Spring Training 2013:
Mets Year Fifty Two of the Amazin' Era
I - Behind the Plate
The Mets appear to have rectified their catching situation via a motivated buyer in the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays clearly feel the A.L. East can be had, and are sparing no expense to ensure they remain in contention for a division title. As such, bye bye Josh Thole - Hello Travis D'Arnaud. He was the main component in the R.A. Dickey deal. Travis may not break camp and head north with the big club. But as they say in the business, he is a blue chipper who will arrive in Flushing shortly. Lingering knee worries dating back to June 2012 seem safely behind him now. With any luck, all that remains for d'Arnaud is to spend some time at Las Vegas, then fulfill his promise upon arrival in Queens. Simple....right?
Travis d'Arnaud was a #1 selection in 2007 by the Phillies. He immediately became the Mets #1 organizational prospect upon arrival from Toronto. In pre-2012 rankings, Baseball America had him ranked #17 on their top prospects list. Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com currently ranks Travis d'Arnaud the #6 prospect in baseball. Over the last two seasons Travis has shown promises of power. With 424 at-bats at AA-New Hampshire in 2011, he batted .311, stroked 21 home runs, and posted a .542 slugging mark. With 279 at-bats in 2012 at AAA-Las Vegas, Travis batted .333, hit 16 home runs, and slugged at a .595 clip before having his season cut short by a knee injury. Keep in mind however, many consider the Pacific Coast League to be a very hitting friendly circuit.
Sandy Alderson's plan however seems to be starting the season with John Buck behind the plate. Perhaps not so much in hitting average, Buck will be an appreciable improvement over Josh Thole with a bat. John Buck, a nine year veteran also acquired in the R.A. Dickey trade, can hit with some power and can contribute some needed production towards the bottom of the order.
Backing up John Buck will most likely be Anthony Recker. The Mets claimed him of waivers last year from the Cubs. He is twenty-nine years old with twenty seven major league games under his belt. Non-roster invitees Landon Powell and Juan Centeno will be in camp competing for a back-up role as well. Oakland selected Powell in the first round of the 2004 June draft. Last season he was granted free agency by Houston. Sandy Alderson signed him last month. Juan Centeno (23 yrs old) is a six year minor league veteran of the Mets system. In 281 at-bats at Binghamton last season, he batted for a .285 average.
II - The Starting Rotation
Farewell R.A. Dickey and Mike Pelfrey. It's time to move on now.
Backing up John Buck will most likely be Anthony Recker. The Mets claimed him of waivers last year from the Cubs. He is twenty-nine years old with twenty seven major league games under his belt. Non-roster invitees Landon Powell and Juan Centeno will be in camp competing for a back-up role as well. Oakland selected Powell in the first round of the 2004 June draft. Last season he was granted free agency by Houston. Sandy Alderson signed him last month. Juan Centeno (23 yrs old) is a six year minor league veteran of the Mets system. In 281 at-bats at Binghamton last season, he batted for a .285 average.
II - The Starting Rotation
Farewell R.A. Dickey and Mike Pelfrey. It's time to move on now.
Bienvenidos to Johan Santana's swan song. It is really a shame to talk about Johan in the following regard, but with Johan's 2013 total compensation amounting to roughly $31 million bucks, and taking up a disproportionate 33% (+/-) of the payroll pie, the Mets can't wait to see him go. I reckon in order to trade Johan and attempt to receive a respectable return, the Mets would have to pick-up at least twenty three to twenty five million dollars of his 2013 salary. If the Mets can get another team to pick up any portion of his salary at all, they should seriously consider a move. Hell, they should even consider eating the whole check. Anyway you look at it, the money is already spent. So why not try and realize a return for Johan. Within the context of the Mets continuing rebuilding effort, an overwhelming package of prospects isn't really necessary. Teams recognize the Mets potential motivation to trade Johan. So if they can get some solid talent in return, the venture would be worth the effort. Then who knows. If Johan proves worthy prior to the trade deadline, a motivated contender just might be willing to pony up a small yet premium package for his services.
This is the man who kept the Mets playoff hopes alive as 2008 wound down to the last two crucial games of the regular season. Under do or die circumstances, Johan pitched a three hit shutout on three days rest over the Florida Marlins. The Mets hopes of returning to the playoffs then ended however with Tom Glavine's next start and subsequent self-implosion. The Mets would never again contend for the remainder of Johan's contract. Of course, Johan Santana will forever be known around Flushing as the pitcher who threw the club's first ever no-hit game. Most Mets fans will agree with me, that we are happy someone of his stature finally got it done.
However, don't go patting yourselves on the back just yet Mets fans. You booed him in his first ever start at Shea Stadium during a loss to Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers - Ponderous in a season he won his third ERA title. When he takes the mound for the first time this season, make sure and do the right thing. If it's Opening Day, even better. Let him feel your appreciation right off the bat, in what will be an uncomfortable season of saying good-bye.
Over his Mets career, Johan has been hobbled by knee problems, and sidelined with shoulder issues. In his return last year, Johan was hittable by his standards, and maintained an un-Santana like 4.85 ERA until his season was prematurely ended by fatigue. Additionally, Johan's walks were up considerably as well. His strikeouts however were right on point. He is now making a second attempt to pitch in his first full campaign since the 2010 season in which he logged 199 innings in twenty nine starts. With any appreciable return to form, the Mets can reasonably get fourteen wins out of him. And even if he only brings his ERA down to his career average of 3.20, that would be a major improvement over last season.
If Jon Niese continues to progress as he has, the 2013 season could turn into a breakout year for the Mets lefty. The Amazin's would be helped immeasurably if Jon Niese can step his game up, and grab the reigns of the starting rotation. Once Johan Santana departs the team, the Mets rotation will be largely populated by young, and relatively inexperienced pitchers. Jon Niese seems like the perfect guy right now, to lead the likes of Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee, and hopefully soon, Zach Wheeler, into the 2014 season.
Dillon Gee appears to be all systems go after surgery to remove a blood clot from his pitching shoulder last year. All is not perfect however. He is still susceptible to numbness in his fingertips during cold weather. Can Dillon regain his old form so soon after surgery? He no doubt has a big test ahead of him. He began light throwing two weeks ago. All I can say is everyone will be monitoring Dillon Gee's Spring Training very closely, and with great anxiety.
Sandy Alderson said Matt Harvey will be entering the 2013 season with no pitch restrictions placed upon him. He is a free range hurler now. This kid seemingly has it all - the skill, demeanor, and fortitude of a winner. This will be his first full major league season, and as a fan, I can't wait. But as such, he'll be graded on a curve. However, there's no denying after last year's arrival in Flushing, the anticipation of his potential has excited all Mets fans. In ten starts, he averaged ten strikeouts per nine innings pitched, and limited opposing hitters to 6.4 hits per nine. He hit three batters which is okay by me too. In 59.1 innings pitched, he posted a 2.73 era. If he can bring his walks down, who knows what he can achieve.
The biggest question Mets fans want answered is - When is Zach Wheeler getting here? Patience Mets fans; patience. Haste makes waste. Zach spent most of his 2012 season at Binghamton, then made six appearances at Buffalo:
BINGHAMTON:
Games - 19
Record - 10-6
ERA - 3.26
Innings - 116
Hits - 92
Walks - 43
Strikeouts - 117
WHiP - 1.164
Hits/9 - 7.1
Walks/9 - 3.3
Strikeouts/9 - 9.1
BUFFALO:
Games - 6
Record - 2-2
ERA - 3.27
Innings - 33
Hits - 23
Walks - 16
Strikeouts - 31
WHiP - 1.182
Hits/9 - 6.3
Walks/9 - 4.4
Strikeouts/9 - 8.5
Zach Wheeler clearly needs to bring his bases on balls down a bit. Otherwise he seems on the right path towards a Flushing debut. But after starting the season at Las Vegas first. How long that lasts seems totally up to Zach Wheeler. The newest member of the starting rotation is Shaun Marcum. He'll be the Mets fifth starter. If Zach Wheeler excels at AAA and warrants a promotion, either Marcum or Dillon Gee seem the likely candidates to surrender their turns in the rotation.
By the time Frank Francisco went down with an injury and the Mets started their July swoon, three members of the Opening Day starting rotation were out of commission. Only Dickey and Jon Niese made it till the end. But while the rotation stayed strong over the first three months of the season, so stayed the Mets. As was the case in 2012, health therefore seems to be the determining factor for success in 2013, or not. The starting rotation and the infield are the team's strengths in that order. Perhaps offensively, the line-up can provide a little more than they did last season, and give these guys some runs to work with.
Up Next - THE BULLPEN.
Mike.BTB
This is the man who kept the Mets playoff hopes alive as 2008 wound down to the last two crucial games of the regular season. Under do or die circumstances, Johan pitched a three hit shutout on three days rest over the Florida Marlins. The Mets hopes of returning to the playoffs then ended however with Tom Glavine's next start and subsequent self-implosion. The Mets would never again contend for the remainder of Johan's contract. Of course, Johan Santana will forever be known around Flushing as the pitcher who threw the club's first ever no-hit game. Most Mets fans will agree with me, that we are happy someone of his stature finally got it done.
However, don't go patting yourselves on the back just yet Mets fans. You booed him in his first ever start at Shea Stadium during a loss to Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers - Ponderous in a season he won his third ERA title. When he takes the mound for the first time this season, make sure and do the right thing. If it's Opening Day, even better. Let him feel your appreciation right off the bat, in what will be an uncomfortable season of saying good-bye.
Over his Mets career, Johan has been hobbled by knee problems, and sidelined with shoulder issues. In his return last year, Johan was hittable by his standards, and maintained an un-Santana like 4.85 ERA until his season was prematurely ended by fatigue. Additionally, Johan's walks were up considerably as well. His strikeouts however were right on point. He is now making a second attempt to pitch in his first full campaign since the 2010 season in which he logged 199 innings in twenty nine starts. With any appreciable return to form, the Mets can reasonably get fourteen wins out of him. And even if he only brings his ERA down to his career average of 3.20, that would be a major improvement over last season.
If Jon Niese continues to progress as he has, the 2013 season could turn into a breakout year for the Mets lefty. The Amazin's would be helped immeasurably if Jon Niese can step his game up, and grab the reigns of the starting rotation. Once Johan Santana departs the team, the Mets rotation will be largely populated by young, and relatively inexperienced pitchers. Jon Niese seems like the perfect guy right now, to lead the likes of Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee, and hopefully soon, Zach Wheeler, into the 2014 season.
Dillon Gee appears to be all systems go after surgery to remove a blood clot from his pitching shoulder last year. All is not perfect however. He is still susceptible to numbness in his fingertips during cold weather. Can Dillon regain his old form so soon after surgery? He no doubt has a big test ahead of him. He began light throwing two weeks ago. All I can say is everyone will be monitoring Dillon Gee's Spring Training very closely, and with great anxiety.
Sandy Alderson said Matt Harvey will be entering the 2013 season with no pitch restrictions placed upon him. He is a free range hurler now. This kid seemingly has it all - the skill, demeanor, and fortitude of a winner. This will be his first full major league season, and as a fan, I can't wait. But as such, he'll be graded on a curve. However, there's no denying after last year's arrival in Flushing, the anticipation of his potential has excited all Mets fans. In ten starts, he averaged ten strikeouts per nine innings pitched, and limited opposing hitters to 6.4 hits per nine. He hit three batters which is okay by me too. In 59.1 innings pitched, he posted a 2.73 era. If he can bring his walks down, who knows what he can achieve.
The biggest question Mets fans want answered is - When is Zach Wheeler getting here? Patience Mets fans; patience. Haste makes waste. Zach spent most of his 2012 season at Binghamton, then made six appearances at Buffalo:
BINGHAMTON:
Games - 19
Record - 10-6
ERA - 3.26
Innings - 116
Hits - 92
Walks - 43
Strikeouts - 117
WHiP - 1.164
Hits/9 - 7.1
Walks/9 - 3.3
Strikeouts/9 - 9.1
BUFFALO:
Games - 6
Record - 2-2
ERA - 3.27
Innings - 33
Hits - 23
Walks - 16
Strikeouts - 31
WHiP - 1.182
Hits/9 - 6.3
Walks/9 - 4.4
Strikeouts/9 - 8.5
Zach Wheeler clearly needs to bring his bases on balls down a bit. Otherwise he seems on the right path towards a Flushing debut. But after starting the season at Las Vegas first. How long that lasts seems totally up to Zach Wheeler. The newest member of the starting rotation is Shaun Marcum. He'll be the Mets fifth starter. If Zach Wheeler excels at AAA and warrants a promotion, either Marcum or Dillon Gee seem the likely candidates to surrender their turns in the rotation.
By the time Frank Francisco went down with an injury and the Mets started their July swoon, three members of the Opening Day starting rotation were out of commission. Only Dickey and Jon Niese made it till the end. But while the rotation stayed strong over the first three months of the season, so stayed the Mets. As was the case in 2012, health therefore seems to be the determining factor for success in 2013, or not. The starting rotation and the infield are the team's strengths in that order. Perhaps offensively, the line-up can provide a little more than they did last season, and give these guys some runs to work with.
Up Next - THE BULLPEN.
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
N.Y. Mets ~ Amazins Pass a Major Test
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
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Dillon Gee took his place in the Mets' arms race tonight. The sophomore righty contributed yet another splendidly pitched game by the Mets in the month of June. He only gave up three hits on the night in 7.1 innings pitched. He evened his season record to 5-5, and also lowered his ERA from 4.43, to a 4.27 mark.
Gee started out allowing just one hit through seven complete innings. He only walked one, while striking out eight Orioles, and had only thrown eighty-two pitches to that point. So the thought was he still had gas left in the tank. He was working on the Mets' third consecutive shutout.
In the eighth inning, Dillon Gee set his new career high for strikeouts with number nine, but not before surrendering a two run home run to Wilsonn Betemit to make it a 4-2 game. Then after issuing his second walk of the evening, Coach Terry went to the mound and removed his starter. Dillon Gee walked off the field to a rousing ovation.
Then in came Bobby Parnell with a runner on first and one out. He made it interesting by allowing the next batter to hit safely. But Bobby got the Mets out of the inning without incurring further damage, and kept Dillon Gee's effort on the winning side.
Coach Terry went with his closer, Frank Francisco, in the ninth, who promptly loaded the bases with two outs. Francisco proceeded to walk in a run, making it a 4-3 game. Then up came Brian Roberts for the Orioles. A ground ball to Jordany Valdespin at second base ended this game that almost started to go south on the Mets. But with the 4-3 final, the Amazins completed their sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.
It was a roller coaster finish, but the Mets have arrived at their off day having gone 10-9 over a stretch of nineteen games against teams with better than .500 records. They got swept by the Yankees in the Bronx, then swept the Rays in Tampa. They returned to Flushing and got swept by the Reds, and now, they sweep the Orioles. For the moment, that's Mets' Baseball. And we'll take it.
Enjoy your day off guys. After recovering to improve your record to 38-32, you've all earned a well deserved day off. All that's left is to read, and listen tomorrow, to what all the Mets' media naysayers will have to say regarding the club now. So come hungry boys. There's plenty of crow for every one of you to eat.
Mike.BTB
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NEW YORK METS: Starting Pitchers Continue to Dominate June. End Tough Nineteen Game Stretch on Amazin' Note.
Dillon Gee took his place in the Mets' arms race tonight. The sophomore righty contributed yet another splendidly pitched game by the Mets in the month of June. He only gave up three hits on the night in 7.1 innings pitched. He evened his season record to 5-5, and also lowered his ERA from 4.43, to a 4.27 mark.
Gee started out allowing just one hit through seven complete innings. He only walked one, while striking out eight Orioles, and had only thrown eighty-two pitches to that point. So the thought was he still had gas left in the tank. He was working on the Mets' third consecutive shutout.
In the eighth inning, Dillon Gee set his new career high for strikeouts with number nine, but not before surrendering a two run home run to Wilsonn Betemit to make it a 4-2 game. Then after issuing his second walk of the evening, Coach Terry went to the mound and removed his starter. Dillon Gee walked off the field to a rousing ovation.
Then in came Bobby Parnell with a runner on first and one out. He made it interesting by allowing the next batter to hit safely. But Bobby got the Mets out of the inning without incurring further damage, and kept Dillon Gee's effort on the winning side.
Coach Terry went with his closer, Frank Francisco, in the ninth, who promptly loaded the bases with two outs. Francisco proceeded to walk in a run, making it a 4-3 game. Then up came Brian Roberts for the Orioles. A ground ball to Jordany Valdespin at second base ended this game that almost started to go south on the Mets. But with the 4-3 final, the Amazins completed their sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.
It was a roller coaster finish, but the Mets have arrived at their off day having gone 10-9 over a stretch of nineteen games against teams with better than .500 records. They got swept by the Yankees in the Bronx, then swept the Rays in Tampa. They returned to Flushing and got swept by the Reds, and now, they sweep the Orioles. For the moment, that's Mets' Baseball. And we'll take it.
Enjoy your day off guys. After recovering to improve your record to 38-32, you've all earned a well deserved day off. All that's left is to read, and listen tomorrow, to what all the Mets' media naysayers will have to say regarding the club now. So come hungry boys. There's plenty of crow for every one of you to eat.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
N.Y. Mets ~ One Amazin' Win Away From Silencing Doubters
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
It took R.A. Dickey all of two hours and seven minutes to dispatch the Orioles. Monday's game was his ninth straight win, and eleventh of the season, which leads the Major Leagues. Overall this season, the Mets' starter is pitching at historic levels; not just by Mets standards, but in Major League history. Back-to-back one hitters isn't exactly Johnny Vander Meer like. But R.A. Dickey's last two efforts are about as close as we'll get in my, or our, lifetime, to accomplishing that age old feat.
In his last two starts, he has thrown eighteen innings, allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out twenty-five batters. Monday night, he struck out thirteen Orioles to set a new career best. Monday marked the fourth time this season R.A. has stuck out double digit batters. He now leads the National League with 103 K's. R.A. also leads the National League with an even 2.00 ERA.
In his last nine starts, he failed to pitch beyond the sixth inning only twice. And the most remarkable statistic during R.A. Dickey's stretch, would be his 42.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run. Since breaking Jerry Koosman's club mark earlier this month, only one unearned run has been scored against him.
This pitching run is being spoken about in the same conversations, not only along with the previously mentioned Johnny Vander Meer, but along with the Mets' very own Dwight Gooden of 1985, Fernando Valenzuela of 1981, and Mark Fydrich's 1976 season. I've witnessed all three of those seasons. And so far, R.A. Dickey's run most definitely compares favorably with those. What makes Dickey's campaign even more remarkable, is that he is a knuckle ball specialist, who throws his specialty pitch with control, and with a certain degree of power. In that respect, he's one of the most unique knuckle ball pitchers in history.
As far as the game itself, Monday's game was won on the strength of Dickey's arm, but more importantly, victory came off the bat of Ike Davis, who connected on the first grand slam home run of his career.
In Tuesday's affair, Lucas Duda supplied the power. His two run home run in the sixth inning was Duda's eleventh, which came along with his forty-first, and forty-second, RBI of the season. Jordany Valdespin had himself a nice game, going 2 for 4, with two RBI.
Johan Santana pitched six innings and earned his fifth win of the season. He allowed four hits, walked two, while striking out five. Of greater noting, Johan, Bobby Parnell, Miguel Batista, and Jon Rauch, combined on the Mets' eighth shut-out of the season, which leads Baseball.
More important than just the last two games, Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey have established themselves as the most lethal starting duo in the division; if not the National League. That's not a stretch considering the Washington Nationals have let it be known, they will be shutting down Stephen Strasburg at some point this season. In the mean time, between them, R.A. and Johan have pitched four complete game shutouts this month, while accumulating six wins.
Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey have now provided an answer to getting swept by the Reds. The Mets are now 9-9 over this stretch against above .500 teams which started back against the Cardinals; the series in which Johan Santana authored the Club's first no-hitter in history. Wednesday, the Mets will attempt to sweep the Birds with Dillon Gee, and improve their record to a game over .500 for the stretch. It might just be the difference of one game, but should they pull off a victory in game three of this series, the narrative on the New York Mets' season deserves to change dramatically, for they continue to AMAZE. If you remember, this was the stretch many in the media said the Mets would be lucky to end with a .500 record.
Mike.BTB
NEW YORK METS: Pitching Continues to be Amazin!
Mets One Game Away From Proving Their Nay-Sayers Wrong
It took R.A. Dickey all of two hours and seven minutes to dispatch the Orioles. Monday's game was his ninth straight win, and eleventh of the season, which leads the Major Leagues. Overall this season, the Mets' starter is pitching at historic levels; not just by Mets standards, but in Major League history. Back-to-back one hitters isn't exactly Johnny Vander Meer like. But R.A. Dickey's last two efforts are about as close as we'll get in my, or our, lifetime, to accomplishing that age old feat.
In his last two starts, he has thrown eighteen innings, allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out twenty-five batters. Monday night, he struck out thirteen Orioles to set a new career best. Monday marked the fourth time this season R.A. has stuck out double digit batters. He now leads the National League with 103 K's. R.A. also leads the National League with an even 2.00 ERA.
In his last nine starts, he failed to pitch beyond the sixth inning only twice. And the most remarkable statistic during R.A. Dickey's stretch, would be his 42.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run. Since breaking Jerry Koosman's club mark earlier this month, only one unearned run has been scored against him.
This pitching run is being spoken about in the same conversations, not only along with the previously mentioned Johnny Vander Meer, but along with the Mets' very own Dwight Gooden of 1985, Fernando Valenzuela of 1981, and Mark Fydrich's 1976 season. I've witnessed all three of those seasons. And so far, R.A. Dickey's run most definitely compares favorably with those. What makes Dickey's campaign even more remarkable, is that he is a knuckle ball specialist, who throws his specialty pitch with control, and with a certain degree of power. In that respect, he's one of the most unique knuckle ball pitchers in history.
As far as the game itself, Monday's game was won on the strength of Dickey's arm, but more importantly, victory came off the bat of Ike Davis, who connected on the first grand slam home run of his career.
In Tuesday's affair, Lucas Duda supplied the power. His two run home run in the sixth inning was Duda's eleventh, which came along with his forty-first, and forty-second, RBI of the season. Jordany Valdespin had himself a nice game, going 2 for 4, with two RBI.
Johan Santana pitched six innings and earned his fifth win of the season. He allowed four hits, walked two, while striking out five. Of greater noting, Johan, Bobby Parnell, Miguel Batista, and Jon Rauch, combined on the Mets' eighth shut-out of the season, which leads Baseball.
More important than just the last two games, Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey have established themselves as the most lethal starting duo in the division; if not the National League. That's not a stretch considering the Washington Nationals have let it be known, they will be shutting down Stephen Strasburg at some point this season. In the mean time, between them, R.A. and Johan have pitched four complete game shutouts this month, while accumulating six wins.
Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey have now provided an answer to getting swept by the Reds. The Mets are now 9-9 over this stretch against above .500 teams which started back against the Cardinals; the series in which Johan Santana authored the Club's first no-hitter in history. Wednesday, the Mets will attempt to sweep the Birds with Dillon Gee, and improve their record to a game over .500 for the stretch. It might just be the difference of one game, but should they pull off a victory in game three of this series, the narrative on the New York Mets' season deserves to change dramatically, for they continue to AMAZE. If you remember, this was the stretch many in the media said the Mets would be lucky to end with a .500 record.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, June 10, 2012
N.Y. Mets ~ Subway Series; A Bronx Fail
From the desks of:
HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET and BLAME CARLOS MAY
YANKEES WIN SUBWAY SERIES - I
Old School Mural ~ Williamsburg
YANKEES WIN SERIES 3-0
I - NYY 9; NYM 1
II - NYY 4; NYM 3
III - NYY 5; NYM 4
Mets Suffer A Bronx Beat-Down
"The Yankees draw Johan Santana tonight in his first game since tossing a no-hitter at Citi Field. Johan has now tossed two consecutive complete game victories. After tossing 134 pitches during his no-no, tonight we'll see the effects of him either over extending himself last time out, or whether giving Johan extra time off between starts was beneficial, or leaves him flat." - That's what I said Friday prior to Game One.
If I didn't come right out and say it, I certainly sensed it. Johan Santana's start was going to be a bomb. We all know what happened FRIDAY. I'm not saying I'm smart. I'm just saying, that's Baseball. That's the way pitchers go in the modern age. There is a very fine line to walk between managing muscle recovery, and foiling muscle memory. The Mets toyed with both, but are not to be blamed. Throwing no-hittters are an exception to the rule of traditional in-game management. Post game management, in this case, the decision to give Johan extra rest, was probably necessary, but it's also called biting the bullet for such occasions as Johan's 134 pitch gem. In Game One, he only walked one, and struck out five Yankees. So control wasn't the issue. He was flat, and hittable, as evidenced by six hits, but four home runs allowed, in five innings. Three of those came back, to back, to back. As Mets fans, it is just a game we have to ignore.
What I'm not OK with, was the offensive rigamortis that set in against Hiroki Kuroda. Thank you Omar Quintanilla for breaking up a potential no-hitter in the sixth. Kuroda struck out seven Mets in the process. Only Lucas Duda continued his steady hitting, finally connecting for a double in the ninth to score Quintanilla, and ruining the Yankees' shut-out. But that's all the Mets would get; two hits and one run.
The other point of contention would be the performance of Elvin Ramirez. All three of his appearances so far, have gone very wrong since his call-up from Buffalo. He dazzled in eight appearances in Binghampton, and then ten more with the Bisons this season before Sandy Alderson summoned him up to the big club. Since arriving, the twenty-four year old has fizzled miserably.
SATURDAY'S GAME was lost on two pitches. Dillon Gee served-up a home run pitch to Mark Teixeira; a little payback for getting plunked by Gee in the first; and Bobby Parnell issued one to Curtis Grandrson. As number four starters go, Gee and Phil Hughes actually engaged in a nice pitching duel through the first five innings. But Hughes had a better sixth inning. And well, there ya go. Game Two went to the Yankees again.
The Mets actually out-hit the Yankees eight to six. And David Wright and Omar Quintanilla both homered for the Amazins. But when you cancel out the four combined home runs hit in this game, Alex Rodriguez' RBI single to drive in Derek Jeter was the difference. It gave the Yankees a first inning lead that had strong enough legs to allow the Bomber's bullpen a chance at finishing off the Mets over the final 2.2 innings.
Saturday's was a decent start for Dillon Gee, and as with several of his other previous starts, he certainly could have used more help.
SUNDAY, the Mets set about trying to gain victory in the final game of this series by scoring early off Andy Pettitte. Vinny Rottino had an RBI single, and Jordany Valdespin doubled home two more, for a three run second inning. The Mets left the bases loaded however, as Andy struck out Jason Bay and David Wright consecutively, to end the Amazin's threat.
Jon Niese cruised through the first five innings. In the sixth he got into trouble. Derek Jeter led off by beating out an infield hit, and Granderson followed with a single. Teixeira then grounded into a fielder's choice, on a nice play by Valdespin at short. With runners now on first and third, and one out, up came Alex Rodriguez to face Jon Niese. The Mets' starter escaped the inning when he got A-Rod to ground into an inning ending double play.
Andy Pettitte fielded a come-backer in the sixth with his bare pitching hand, but stayed in and completed the frame. However, he did not return to the mound for the seventh. Andy was clearly feeling discomfort in his hand, and gave way to Pinstripe neophyte, Clay Rapada.
Jon Niese came out for his half of the seventh, and immediately gave up a lead-off single to Robinson Cano. The Mets then went around the horn on Nick Swisher's grounder to Wright, and turned their second double-play in two innings for a quick two outs. An E-5 allowed Andrew Jones to reach first when Vinny Rottino, playing first base for Ike Davis, couldn't dig a ball out of the dirt. So naturally, with two outs, Russell Martin lined a short Yankee-Porch home run to right to bring the Yankees within a run.
After getting the third out, Jon Niese's afternoon was through. He pitched seven full innings, gave up seven hits and one walk. He allowed two runs, but both were unearned. Jon struck out six and threw exactly 100 pitches.
In came Bobby Parnell for the eighth. His first batter was Derek Jeter, who topped a bouncer to short. Quintanilla misplayed the hop, and Derek Jeter advanced to second as the ball dribbled away. Curtis Granderson singled to left and Jeter got held up at third. Up came Teixeira, who singled in Jeter to tie the game at three. And there went Jon Niese's start.
Alex Rodriguez took his turn against Parnell and popped a ball up that fell between Ike Davis (in as a defensive replacement), Jordany Valdespin from second base, and Scott Hairston coming from right. Granderson scored. There went the Mets' lead, and off went Bobby Parnell to the showers, without so much as retiring a batter.
Tim Byrdak was summoned, and set down the next two Yankees in order. Then Coach Collins made another move for Jon Rauch, who struck out Raul Ibanez to end the inning.
In the Mets' ninth, they faced de-facto closer, Rafael Soriano. Lucas Duda led off, and unleashed a laser to center and over Granderson's head for a double. Then up came Ike Davis for the first time in the game, and promptly mashed a double to right center, delivering Duda for a tie game. Quintanilla hit a grounder to short, that Ike Davis tried advancing to third on, and was thrown out.
Daniel Murphy batted with Quintanilla on first. On a 3-2 pitch, Murphy pulled a pitch between first and second, putting Quintanilla on third, which spelled the end of Rafael Soriano's day. Joe Girardi then called upon his fourth reliever of the afternoon, Boone Logan to put a stop to the Mets' rally. He'd face Josh Thole, who was sent up as a pinch-hitter with one out, and the go ahead runner at third. In a little catcher-on-catcher crime, Josh fouled one off Russell Martin's mask, then got JOBBED on a called strike three a few pitches later! Rookie Kirk Nieuwenhuis then stepped up and grounded out to Cano for the third out.
In the bottom of the ninth, lead-off batter, Russell Martin, launched a Jon Rauch slider deep, about eight rows back into the left field seats, for his second home run of the afternoon, a walk-off win, and a Yankees' sweep of the Mets in the Bronx.
Thuugh Mets lose. Thuu-uugh, Mets Lose. Why you ask? An E-5 and an E-6 will go down as the Mets' ruin in Game Three.
The Mets lost this series in a near no-hitter/slash/blow-out, two ill-fated pitches in Game Two, and two killer errors. Everything else is academic. All except the prodigious number of home runs the Yankees hit, compared to the Mets, that is. For every home run the Mets hit this series, the Yankees hit four. More about that..., later.
Drive safely. Pay attention to the signs on your way home.
*Grand St. Graffiti - Old School Mural - W'burg, B'klyn
Mike.BTB
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