N.Y. Mets: On Jacob's Escalating deGromination

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

GREAT HURLERS OF METROPOLIS

This has everything to do with Jacob deGrom's performance last Friday, Apr. 23, against the Washington Nationals and the respectful fan debate that broke out on Twitter insofar as comparing and contrasting Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, and Jacob deGrom.

First, as someone who witnessed all three, I think I speak for like Mets fans in saying we've been blessed with a tradition steeped in such great starting pitching.

The following Tweets served as our impetus for conversation:

#Mets fans, I want to hear from YOU! Specifically those of you who watched Seaver in his prime...just how good IS Jacob deGrom? Is it history repeating itself? Better?Paging: @greg_prince @Metfanrich @Metstradamus @BTB_MikeII @MarkCHealey Anyone else with insight?

— The Coop (@Coopz22) April 24, 2021

For those old enough...Doc 1985 or Jake 2021?

— CTMetsfan (@Metfanrich) April 24, 2021

I was manning @THEMetsianPod the night of deGrom's masterpiece when thousands of thought bubbles exploded over my head.  I couldn't help but respond in several differing ways.  If you didn't know, @MetFanRich is one of my partners on the podcast, and @Coopz22 is similarly a friend of ours and the podcast.

First, my response to CTMetsFan:

• "This team and pandemic crowds vs. 1980s crowds and that raucous team complicate the answer."

Then, in reply to both, I said:

• "Doc was never better than 1984-1986, whereas deGrom is getting better by the season."

Somewhere along the way, I said:

• "Seaver, like Jacob, also had to fend for himself at the plate.  Ironically, the 1980s Mets took excellent care of Doc."

Speak for myself - I try my best to not compare eras. Different conditions, ballparks, mindsets, batters today care less of Ks.
We went bonkers if Seaver K'd nine; did same if Doc struck out 11; as we're doing now when deGrom (for a third straight start) fans 14 batters.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 24, 2021

• I also added that Jacob deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery as a minor league, and so I think time will be on his side.  

• In response to another comment, I said RA Dickey was a bright light during dim times and that he was a great craftsman but shouldn't be included in this exclusive company.

Then I dropped this ...

Suggest folks look again at Seaver's baseball card (Baseball Ref) and behold how his career record is populated with numbers in bold/italic, and/or both. It speaks to his greatness above and beyond his HOF contemporaries. He retired (keyword) 3rd on the all-time K list.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 24, 2021

And this ...

Seaver had nine straight seasons 200+ strikeouts; deGrom is in his eighth year with the Mets.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 24, 2021

⚾

My Mets fandom comes from my Mom's side of the family, whereas my father was a huge Yankees fan, but he also loved watching Tom Seaver.  I attended just one game in 1973 at the original Yankee Stadium.  During the summers of 1974 and 1975, he and I practically lived at Shea Stadium as the ballpark in the Bronx was undergoing renovations.  When 1976 rolled around, the monumental effort it took my pop to ensure we'd keep following both teams was revealed to me.  Bless his soul, for it afforded this young boy a fine view during numerous Tom Seaver starts.

I remember being at several of his games in 1974, particularly his Sept. 13, eleven strikeout, shutout performance against the Cubs.  Yes, I was young, but my father spoke glowingly of it.  I attended Opening Day in 1975, in which Seaver allowed just one earned run with nine strikeouts for the win.  In September, I watched Seaver shut out the Pirates on four hits and ten strikeouts for his 20th win of the season.  It was a day game with a huge crowd, and the place went nuts.  By this time, I had learned how to keep score.  Unbeknownst to me at that moment, I had just spent the summer witnessing Seaver's third Cy Young award-winning campaign.  

The following season of 1976 is when Pop and I attended our most Tom Seaver starts.  I watched The Franchise strike out eight Montreal Expos on Opening Day and was in attendance later that month when he fanned nine in a complete-game shutout performance against the Braves.  In July, I attended his ten strikeouts in ten scoreless innings loss against the Pirates.  Another loss against Dave Winfield and the San Diego Padres comes to mind.  So, yes, I sat through several defeats as well.  Later in September, I saw him strike out eight in a victory over the Cubs.

As we know, Tom Seaver was traded away the following summer ... *(sigh)*

⚾

In 2014, Jacob deGrom, like Tom Seaver and Doc Gooden before him, wins the Rookie of the Year award.

A year later, Jacob deGrom's winning effort over the Dodgers in Game One of the 2015 NLDS goes down as one of the organization's finest all-time playoff performances. He faces 27 batters over 7 innings, allowing no runs on just five hits, walking one, and striking out 13 batters for the victory.  He ties Tom Seaver for most strikeouts in a post-season game by a Met.  In the opening game of the 1973 NLCS against the Reds, Seaver strikes out 13 batters over 8.1 innings yet takes the loss.  Jacob deGrom also becomes only the third Mets pitcher to achieve double-digit strikeouts in a post-season game.  Seaver strikes out twelve batters against the Oakland A's in the '73 World Series but earns a no-decision, and Dwight Gooden fans ten Los Angeles Dodgers through 7 innings to open the 1988 NLCS but likewise walks off to a no-decision.

In 2018, a 30-year old Jacob deGrom crafts the finest campaign of his career to date, and perhaps one of the most dominant in Mets history.  Jacob leads the major leagues in ERA, ERA+, HR/9, and WAR for pitchers.  He leads the National League in fewest walks per nine innings, OBP against, SLG against, OPS against, and FIP.  He trails only Max Scherzer by mere fractions in WHiP, H/9, and strikeout/walk ratio.

• 32 Regular Season Starts
• 217 innings pitched
• 10-9 record
• 1.70 ERA
• 0.912 WHiP
• 269 strikeouts
• 6.3 H/9
• 1.9 W/9
• 11.15 K/9
• 5.84 K/W ratio
• 1.98 FIP
• 219 ERA+
• .196 average against/.244 OBP/.277 SLG/.521 OPS
• 0.4 HR/9
• 9.8 WAR

On April 16, he throws the first of his MLB record-setting 29 consecutive starts allowing three runs or less.  Jacob first breaks Doc Gooden's Mets record of 24 straight, then breaks the MLB record of 25 established back in 1910 by Chicago Cub King Cole.  The streak also tied the overall mark set over two seasons by Jake Arrieta.  Only four times throughout the streak did Jacob actually allow three runs.  He otherwise limited the opponent to two runs or less in 23 of 28 previous starts.  Moreover, Jacob deGrom allows one run or less in 21 (65%) of his 32 starts en route to his first Cy Young.  After May 2, Jacob deGrom's ERA never once climbs above two.  That's what you call Denton True deGromination.  

In 2019, Jacob deGrom opened the season by extending the record to 30 straight starts allowing three runs or less.

National League Cy Young Award

• 1969: Tom Seaver
• 1973: Tom Seaver
• 1975: Tom Seaver
• 1985: Dwight Gooden
• 2012: R.A. Dickey
• 2018: JACOB deGROM
• 2019: JACOB deGROM

PITCHERS TO WIN CONSECUTIVE CY YOUNG AWARDS: Sandy Koufax; Denny McLain; Jim Palmer; Greg Maddux; Roger Clemens; Pedro Martinez; Randy Johnson; Tim Lincecum; Clayton Kershaw; Max Scherzer. 

In only his sixth season in the major leagues Jacob deGrom adds his name to the list becoming just the eleventh pitcher in major league history to win back-to-back Cy Young awards.

Jacob deGrom joins Tom Seaver as the only Mets pitchers to win multiple awards.  In 2019 he won his first ERA title and led major league baseball in strikeouts.  He exceeds 200 strikeouts for the fourth time in his career and pitches at least seven innings in 19 of his 32 starts.  Over the course of his two Cy Young seasons, deGrom limits the opposition to just two runs or less in 51 of 64 starts and compiles 524 strikeouts. 

Last season, albeit compromised by COVID, he leads the National League for a second straight season in strikeouts while posting a career-best 13.8 K/9 average.  He also registers a career-low 6.2 H/9 average, while his 2.38 ERA is his second-lowest.  In fact, last year marked the third straight season he posted a BABIP below three, an ERA below 2.50, and a WHiP below one.  

Jacob deGrom turns 33-years old this coming June and is showing no signs of slowing down.  

Like any savvy veteran, he's been going about his craft a little differently.

• 2014 - fastball 61.5%; slider 16.5%; curveball 9.9%; change-up 12.1%.
• 2020 - fastball 44.9%; slider 35.6%; curveball 2.6%; change-up 16.9%.

Is he adjusting for age and lost velocity?

Hardly ...

Jacob deGrom's velocity is still on the rise, as has been throughout his career.  According to Fangraphs, he enters the league in 2014 with a 94.5mph fastball then effectively gains velocity in each of the next six seasons to close out 2020 with a career-high 99.0mph fastball - an increase of 1.8mph over 2019, a 2.2mph increase over his first Cy Young season, and a 4.5mph increase over his rookie season.  Last season batters were swinging at the most offerings in deGrom's career but making contact at an all-time low.

But just when we thought we had him figured out, now he's in the midst of bucking all sorts of trends.

Through four starts, he is averaging a career-high 98.8 mph fastball.  Moreover, he's offering it at a rate of 63.2%, a new career-high.  He's throwing his change-up at a career-low rate, use of his slider is down 9%, and he is yet to throw a curveball.

• 2021 - fastball 63.2%; slider 26.6%; curveball 0.0%; change-up 9.7%.

 

Entering Wednesday's start against the Red Sox, Jacob deGrom is averaging 7.1 innings per start.  He presently owns an MLB best 0.31 ERA through 29.0 innings pitched, with a career-low 4.9 H/9 average, and a career-high 15.5 K/9 average.  He has faced 101 batters so far, yielding just 13 hits and three walks, with a major league-leading 50 strikeouts.

Jacob has fanned no fewer than 14 batters in each of his last three starts, and of course, there was Friday's masterpiece: a complete game two-hit shutout with no walks and a career-high 15 strikeouts against the Washington Nationals.  He struck out nine in a row at one point, coming withing one more consecutive strikeout of tying Tom Seaver's major league record of ten consecutive batters recorded back in 1971 against the San Diego Padres.

I'm content to judge Jacob deGrom based against his contemporaries, just as I am with Tom Seaver against his own contemporaries.  But I refuse to compare and contrast one with the other.  I will say of all the great pitchers to ever don a Mets uniform, Jacob deGrom's craftmanship and skill most rivals Tom Terrific.

UPDATE: Wednesday vs. Boston Red Sox

• Jacob deGrom yields just one earned run on three hits and one walk with nine strikeouts over six innings pitched.  He throws 93 pitches with 66 (70.9%) going for strikes but leaves on the losing side of a 1-0 contest.

Of course, he does ...

N.Y. Mets: A Celebration of Jacob deGromination Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

A METSIAN PODCAST

HOT STOVE SPECIAL

Feature Guests

Greg Prince of FaithAndFearInFlushing.com 

and the man we affectionately call 

Gary Mack from MetsMusings.com

98 Minutes

ON JACOB deGROM:

Mets Cy Young Award winners: Seaver, Gooden, Dickey, deGrom

Astonishing statistical comparisons, I promise!

How well does deGrom's season rank among Mets six Cy Young seasons?

Breakdown of deGrom's 2018 record breaking regular season

Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and Pennants, Oh My!

Age ~ Contract ~ Arbitration ~ Free Agent ~ Money ~ Commitment

Dave Eiland effect ~ King Cole ~ Mickey Callaway effect

Jerry Grote, Gary Carter, and Jacob's cornucopia of Mets catchers

Steve Somers/WFAN and the lone rogue writer from San Diego,

Dave Kingman, and so much more!

N.Y. Mets: Denton True deGromination

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

National League Cy Young Award

TOM SEAVER  ~  DWIGHT GOODEN  ~  R.A. DICKEY

New York Mets: Max Scherzer is Great, But This Season Jacob deGrom is Better.

As the 2018 regular season winds down, the race for this year's Cy Young award is being hotly debated.  In fairness to Philadelphia Phillie Aaron Nola, he's the only candidate who pitched for a viable contender.  The Mets have long since assured themselves a sub .500 finish, and by the end of June Washington never got any closer to first place than five games.  However, I think most would agree Nola rates third behind D.C.'s Max Scherzer and the Mets own Jacob deGrom.

At 34-years of age, Max Scherzer may have pitched the best season of his career.  A three-time Cy Young award winner, Scherzer leads the majors in innings pitched and strikeouts.  He leads the National League in victories, WHiP, least hits allowed per nine innings, strikeouts per nine innings, strikeout/walk ratio, and batting average against.

He achieves 300 strikeouts for the first time in his career, making him only the 17th pitcher to achieve the feat since 1900, and only the fifth pitcher this century.

Scherzer may squeeze in one more start before the season is through.

• 33 starts;  220.2 innings pitched;  18-7 record;  2.53 ERA;  0.911 WHiP;  300 strikeouts;  6.1 H/9;  2.1 W/9;  12.2 K/9;  5.88 K/W ratio;  2.65 FIP;  168 ERA+;  .188 average against/.247 OBP/.332 SLG/.580 OPS;  0.9 HR/9;  9.0 WAR.

Jacob deGrom's season comes to an end this past Wednesday at Citi Field.  Now 30-years of age, and in his fifth season with the New York Mets, Jacob deGrom undoubtedly crafts the finest campaign of his career, and perhaps one of the most dominant in Mets history.  Jacob leads the major leagues in ERA, ERA+, HR/9, and WAR for pitchers.  He leads the National League in least walks per nine innings, OBP against, SLG against, OPS against, and FIP.  He trails Max Scherzer by only fractions in WHiP, H/9, and strikeout/walk ratio.

• 32 starts;  217 innings pitched;  10-9 record;  1.70 ERA;  0.912 WHiP;  269 strikeouts;  6.3 H/9;  1.9 W/9;  11.15 K/9;  5.84 K/W ratio;  1.98 FIP; 219 ERA+;  .196 average against/.244 OBP/.277 SLG/.521 OPS; 0.4 HR/9;  9.8 WAR.

In his most recent start, Max Scherzer allows just one earned run on five hits and no walks, and strikes out ten Miami Marlins en route to his 18th victory.  In his final start of the season, Jacob deGrom tosses eight scoreless innings, allows just two hits and no walks, and fans ten Atlanta Braves en route to his tenth victory of the season.

Photo finish?

Hardly ...

Max Scherzer on average benefited from 5.27 runs per start.  The Mets line-up provided just 3.53 runs in support of deGrom.

If that sounds like a pity party, then perhaps there's a better case to be made for sustainability.

Max Scherzer fades considerably down the stretch.  His 1.95 ERA as of June 5 only grows and has remained above two ever since.  In his six starts (Aug. 23 - Sept. 20) previous to that against Miami, Scherzer allows 20 earned runs through 39 innings pitched for a 4.61 ERA.

Since May 2, Jacob deGrom's ERA never once climbs above two.  On April 16 (against the Nationals) he throws the first of his MLB record-setting 29 consecutive starts allowing three runs or less.  Jacob breaks Doc Gooden's Mets record of 24, but moreover breaks the MLB record of 25 established back in 1910 by Chicago Cub, King Cole.  The streak also ties the overall mark set over two seasons by former Chicago Cub, Jake Arrieta.*

I'm not done ...

While Max Scherzer allows one run or less in 12 (36%) of his 33 starts, Jacob deGrom allows one run or less in 21 (65%) of his 32 starts.

That's what you call Denton True deGromination.


METS CY YOUNG AWARD WNNERS:

1969 - Tom Seaver; allows one run or less in 16 (45%) of 35 starts.
1973 - Tom Seaver; allows one run or less in 16 (44%) of 36 starts.
1975 - Tom Seaver; allows one run or less in 14 (38%) of 36 starts.
1985 - Dwight Gooden; allows one run or less in 19 (54%) of 35 starts.
2012 - R.A. Dickey; allows one run or less in 15 (44%) of 34 starts.

I repeat, Jacob deGrom this season allows one run or less in 21 (65%) of 32 starts.

Note: May 13; one inning pitched.


* NYDN

N.Y. Mets: The We Just Want Meaningful Conversation in September Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Partner @MetFanRich and I bring you a 

wide ranging and very straight forward Metsian discussion.

1 hour, 18 minutes

 

STUFF

California fool's gold rush ~ Bobby Ojeda ~ Home Run Baker

PON vs. Son of PON ~ Omar Minaya ~ scouting vs. analytics

Pitching ~ Pitching ~ Pitching

DeGrom's streak ~ Thor's Hammer ~ The Wonder Wheeler ~ Dwight Gooden

Terry Collins ~ Bullpen ~ Closer ~ What Inning Limits?

Mickey Callaway ~ Dave Eiland ~ Wally Backman ~ Frank Viola

Home Run Baker ~ Tim Foli ~ Ryan Church ~ gambling ~ The Black Sox

Pragmatism ~ more Cy Young talk ... and so much more!

N.Y. Mets: A Season of Historic deGromination

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Jacob deGrom breaks Dwight Gooden's 33-year old record; 

ties 118-year old Major League record.

New York Mets: Jacob deGrom's Bid for Cy Young Award Goes from Epic to Historic.

With no disrespect towards Philadelphia's Aaron Nola, it's safe to say this year's chase for the National League Cy Young Award is a two man race between Washington's Max Scherzer and Flushing's own Jacob deGrom. 

Scherzer's 16-6 record and deGrom's 8-8 record are obviously incomparable.  Otherwise, Scherzer and deGrom are first and second respectively in both WHiP and strikeouts.  However, deGrom leads the majors with a stingy 1.68 ERA, while his 230 strikeouts rank fourth overall.  He additionally leads the National League with a 0.4 HR/9 average and 2.07 FIP.

On April 10, at Miami, in just his third start of the regular season, Jacob allows four earned runs on seven hits and a walk, with six strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Although he earns the rare  victory, it's arguably his worst performance of the season, to date.  Since then, deGrom limits opponents to three runs or less in each of his next 25 starts, thus breaking the Mets record of 24 consecutive starts yielding three runs or less set in 1985 by Dwight Gooden.  Moreover, deGrom also ties the major league record for consecutive starts allowing three runs or fewer set back in 1910 by Chicago Cub King Cole, according to ESPN.

Only four times during the streak has he actually allowed the opposition three runs in a game.  Otherwise he has limited them to two runs or less 21 other times.  For the season, he has allowed but two runs or less in 23 of his 28 starts.

Now in the midst of his fifth season with the Mets, Jacob deGrom's narrative has evolved from being a quietly touted prospect, to Rookie of the Year, to All-Star pitcher, to National League champion, and most recently to Cy Young Award candidate. 

Now we begin his foray into the realm MLB records.

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: Last One Out Shut the Lights

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: The scars of previous postseason failures timestamp my pain.  This season, however, went a long way towards soothing those wounds.

From 1985 through 1988, the Mets won 398 games.  Like the 1986 team, the 1988 Mets reached the century mark in wins, and captured another division flag.  The Mets pummeled the N.L. West clinching Los Angeles Dodgers throughout the regular season, and appeared poised to cement their dynasty - that is, until they ran into Orel Hershiser's record setting arm, Kirk Gibson's swan song, and catcher Mike Scioscia accidentally hitting a Dwight Gooden fastball over Shea Stadium's right field wall during the NLCS.  That one is still very disturbing to revisit.

Let's be honest with ourselves with what transpired a decade later.  Much of the 1999-2000 success was owed to Wayne (Blockbuster) Huizenga, and his Marlins fire sale after winning the 1997 World Series.  Al Leiter and Mike Piazza would not have become available otherwise.

That said, the Mets of Jon Olerud, Edgardo Alfonzo, and Robin Ventura, almost pulled off a remarkable comeback against the Braves in the 1999 NLCS - right up until Kenny freakin' Rogers walked home the winning, and series clinching run in Game Six.  That was an infuriating way to lose (rather than forcing a Game 7).  I still have trouble reconciling that series, particularly Kenny Rogers' existence.

Then, losing the 2000 World Series was distressing for obvious reasons, as it came against the Yankees.

The 2006 team was a veteran squad constructed for immediate gratification.  They were indeed an offensive force that steamrolled the regular season competition.  Their starting pitching, however, fell apart at the worst possible time - the opening of the postseason.  Even then, the Mets had their chances against the Cardinals in the NLCS.  Much transpired that left Mets fans pondering, what if, well before Adam Wainwright delivered his series ending curveball to Carlos Beltran.

Remember Duaner Sanchez?  Yeah, me too.  I'm reminded how he wasn't there to save Mets fans from Aaron Heilman, much in the same way Jenrry Mejia went professionally MIA this season, leaving the Mets depending on the likes of Tyler Clippard, etc.

Just saying...

As a self proclaimed pragmatist, I try living by a saying, that you can not be disappointed with what you do not expect.  That's the best way I can describe the 2015 season.  All I wanted from this team was a .500 record, and improvement from their young crop of players.  Instead, I got a National League pennant, and baseball lasting into November!

Without question, the New York Metropolitans recently concluded 54th season in franchise history rates among their most Amazin' ever.  For the fifth time in their history, the Mets are kings of the Senior Circuit.

I'll take that!

If anything, I'm confident this off-season will prove far more disappointing than the Mets actual loss to Kansas City.

Asphalt road, take me home, under the El where I belong, Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, Queens, Citi Field, take me home...

They say love is blind.

If Fred Wilpon's shameless tribute to the Dodgers didn't quite feel like home to you (like yours truly), then perhaps this changes things?  I guess there's a reason why I spend most of my time spanning the Shea Bridge.  I spent my childhood, teen years, adolescence, and adult years at Shea Stadium.  That's hard to top.  But, they say home is where the heart is.  In the end, Citi Field finally had its day to shine.  Hell, the Home Run Apple even took one for the team off the bat of Travis d'Arnaud.

**Word to the owners: Leave the bandage on the Apple!**

So yeah, now that the place has been decorated with a new National League Champion banner after six long, losing seasons, perhaps a noticeable cold era has indeed thawed.

I'll learn to love her yet.

Game Called:

I'm a man for all seasons.

Good or bad, I love the stories they inspire, but they all take their respective toll.  Don't misunderstand me when saying I look forward to the last day of the season as much as I do Opening Day.  I like the beginning and finality.

The length of any given baseball season, however, never hits me until the very last out.  That's when the long haul ends, the weight of 162-plus games comes to rest, and you realize how much being consumed by teams, players, games, stats, and trends, taxed the brain.

N.Y. Mets: The Four Hurlers of the Metropolis - Thor's Turn

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

GAME FACE!

The Four Hurlers of the Metropolis

Dark Knight  *  deGrominator  *  Thor  *  Mad Matz

WORLD SERIES

Pitching Match-Ups

Royals @ Mets

GAME THREE @ Citi Field

Yordano Ventura

vs.

Noah Syndergaard

Mets Need Thor to Drop His Hammer on Kansas City Royals

It is easy forgetting Noah Syndergaard is just a rookie.  

Game 3 against the Royals at Citi Field will be his 27th overall start at the major league level, and his 3rd of this postseason.  Thor is also poised to pitch Game 7 in Kansas City, if necessary.

In 24 regular season starts, Thor posted a 9-7 record with a 3.24 ERA, and 1.047 WHiP.  He fanned 166 batters in 150 innings pitched for a 10.0 K/9 average, to go along with a 1.9 W/9 average.

He's been even better during the playoffs.  In two starts and one relief appearance, Syndergaard is 1-1 so far with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.077 WHiP.  He has 20 strikeouts in 13 inning pitched, for a 13.8 K/9 average.

Many questioned why Thor pitched in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, and not at Citi Field.  His splits said he was a decidedly better pitcher at home, than on the road this season.  

• HOME: 12 starts, 7-2 record, 84 innings pitched, 2.46 ERA, 0.821 WHiP, 59 hits (10 HR) allowed with a .196 average against, 10 walks, 86 strikeouts with a 9.2 K.9 average.

• AWAY: 12 starts, 2-5 record, 66 innings pitched, 4.23 ERA, 1.333 WHiP, 67 hits (9HR) allowed with a .258 average against, 21 walks, 80 strikeouts with a 10.9 K/9 average.

Syndergaard indeed took the loss at Chavez Ravine, but did not pitch that badly.  In 6.1 innings he allowed three earned runs on five hits and four walks, with nine strikeouts.

And therein lies the rub...

Noah Syndergaard's control is clearly enhanced by the familiarity of Citi Field's mound.  On the road, Thor's rate of walk climbs the rainbow bridge to Asgard.

His second ever postseason start came against the Cubs in the NLCS at Citi Field.  Thor's control improved over his previous start.  In 5.2 inning, he allowed just one earned run on 3 hits and one walk, with another nine strikeouts.

He climbs the mound in Game 3 with the Met down 0-2 in the series to the Royals.  It is safe to say, the Mets are desperate to avoid falling further behind without so much as a victory to speak of.  They need Thor to drop his hammer on the visitors from Kansas City like a young Tom Seaver, or a young Dwight Gooden once did.  That's an awful lot of pressure being place upon a rookie - but a very poised rookie.

Opposing him will be Yordano Ventura, 24, whom finished sixth behind Jacob deGrom in last year's Rookie of the Year balloting.  

The sophomore pitcher started 28 regular season games, in which he posted a 13-8 record with an American League-ish 4.08 ERA.  He struck out 156 batters in 163.1 innings pitched, with a 3.2 W/9 average.

Game 3 will mark his fifth postseason start.  He's so far made two starts each against Houston, then Toronto.  Ventura is 0-1 with three no-decisions.  After 17.2 innings pitched he owns a 5.09 ERA, and a .278 average against, with 21 strikeouts.

N.Y. Mets: Jacob deGrom stamps his name in Mets history books, again

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

ICYMI:

History Beckons for Jacob deGrom

NLDS

Mets win series over Doders 3-2

I - NYM 3; LAD 1

II - LAD 5; NYM 2

III - NYM 13; LAD 7

IV - LAD 3; NYM 1

V - NYM 3; LAD 2

NEW YORK METS: The deGROMinator stars in final Hollywood epic; adds his name among great playoff performances authored by Amazin' hurlers of the past.

Many consider Jacob deGrom's two NLDS mound opponents the Los Angeles Dodgers' modern day equivalents of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale - and for good reason.

Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke deserve no audit from me, but, just to keep things in perspective, Kershaw is a three-time, and reigning back-to-back N.L. Cy Young award winner.  He posted a 16-7 regular season record with a 2.13 ERA.  His 232.2 innings pitched, 301 strikeouts, and 4 complete games all led the National League.

Having just ended his fourth season with the Dodgers, Zack Greinke was originally a Kansas City Royals product.  After posting a 19-3 record this season, he is no less a Cy Young candidate than Kershaw.  Greinke led the National League with a minuscule 1.66 ERA and 0.844 WHiP.

Last year's Rookie of the Year opposed them both, won each time, and did so on the road. While the Mets indeed owe Daniel Murphy a large debt of gratitude for his NLDS exploits, make no mistake, the Mets are opening the NLCS today primarily due to the right arm of Jacob deGrom, and his brilliant competitive spirit.

Regardless what the near future brings, Jacob's name has officially been etched among the New York Mets greatest ever post-season performances.  He tied a franchise record with a deGrominating performance in the NLDS opener, then followed-up with one of the guttiest efforts Mets fans have ever seen, during the Amazin's decisive Game 5 victory in Los Angeles.

Jacob deGrom outlasted Kershaw in Game One for the victory, pitching 7 scoreless innings of five-hit baseball.  He walked one, and tied a post-season franchise record with 13 strikeouts first set by Tom Seaver back in 1973 against the Big Red Machine.

Jacob then faced off against L.A.'s other Cy Young candidate, and Game Two winner Zack Greinke. In the fifth and deciding game of the NLDS, last year's Rookie of the Year quite literally willed himself through 27 batters, and laboriously threw 105 pitches with 67 (63%) going for strikes.  He somehow limited the Dodgers to a pair of earned runs on five hits and three walks over six innings, with seven strikeouts.

In truth, however, the Mets leading starter of 2015 spent the first 5 innings of the game escaping trouble like a squirrel crossing Queens Boulevard:

• 1st inning: Surrendered 4 straight singles then fanned the final two batters.
• 2nd inning: After issuing a walk, and an E-6, he fanned the final two batters.
• 3rd inning: Surrendered a lead-off double, issued a walk, and left them stranded.
• 4th inning: Issued his third walk of the evening to the lead-off batter.
• 5th inning; Surrendered a 1-out double and fanned two batters.
• 6th inning: Retired the side in order.
• 7th inning: Retired side in order, struck out last two batters he faced.

So where exactly does Jacob deGrom's NLDS performance rate in Mets post-season history?

Two starts: 2-0 record, 13 innings, 1.38 ERA, 11 hits, 4 walks, 20 strikeouts

Jerry Koosman famously turned in two stellar efforts during the 1969 World Series against the Orioles; Tom Seaver not so much.

In 1973, however, Seaver opened the NLCS with an 8.1 inning/13 strikeout performance against the Cincinnati Reds, but allowed a pair of solo home runs during a brutal 2-1 Mets loss.  In Game Three of the World Series against the A's, Seaver again topped double digit strikeouts (12), but again failed to achieve a victory.

Dwight Gooden's two-start performance in the 1986 NLCS against the Astros deserves mention.  In 17 innings, he allowed 16 hits, just 2 earned runs, walked 5 and struck out 9 batters.  However, he managed no victories either.

In 1988, Dwight Gooden put forth a pair of dominant, albeit unlucky performances.  He opened the NLCS against the Dodgers with a 7 inning/10 strikeout performance, but earned a no decision.  He pitched 8.1 innings in Game Four, struck out 9 more batters, and yielded 5 hits, but none more damaging than Mike Scioscia's 9th inning home run that sent the game deep into extra-innings.

Bobby Jones pitched a brilliant 1-hit shutout in the clinching game of the 2000 NLDS over the San Francisco Giants.  Mike Hampton then drew the spotlight with a stellar 2-0 record against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS.  He pitched the series opener, and the Game Five clincher, compiling 16 scoreless innings of 9 hit baseball, with 4 walks, and 12 strikeouts.  In the World Series, Al Leiter pitched commendably in two starts against the Yankees.

Dwight Gooden, Jacob deGrom, and Tom Seaver, are the only three Mets pitchers to post double-digit strikeouts in a post-season game.  deGrom also won both his games, while Doc and Seaver can not say the same.  However, Mike Hampton can, but he was not as deGROMinating as Jacob was.

So where does this all place Jacob deGrom's performance in Mets post-season history?

It's certainly near the top.

All I know is his resiliency owned Game Five in Los Angeles.

N.Y. Mets: The Going Back to Cali Podcast; Game Five

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

GAME FIVE

New York Mets

vs.

Los Angeles Dodgers

FROM

CHAVEN RAVINE

Just me 

and Gary Mack from MetsMusings.com

talking NLDS and the Mets:

Jacob deGrom; Tom Seaver; Dwight Gooden; 

Chase Utley, violent fandom; distant relatives;

Dave Kingman's thumb; Omar Minaya; Continental League

anxiety; anxiety; anxiety;

make it shake; lovechild; 

Curtis Granderson;Citi Field

Rising Apple Report NLDS Game Five Special: 

One More Night in Hollywood

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Jacob deGrominated Dodgers with an all-time Amazin' effort

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Jacob deGrom tied Tom Seaver (1973)

for most strikeouts in a post-season start.

NEW YORK METS: Jacob deGrom's Game One performance goes down as one of the Amazin's all-time best playoff efforts ever.

Jacob deGrom's winning effort in Game One of the NLDS over the Dodgers goes down as one of the organization's finest play-off performances ever.  He faced 27 batters over 7 innings pitched, allowed the Dodgers no runs on just 5 hits, walked one, and struck out 13 batters for the victory.

Jacob tied Tom Seaver for most strikeouts in a post-season game by a Met.  In the opening game of the 1973 NLCS against the Reds, Seaver struck out 13 batters over 8.1 innings, yet took the loss.

Jacob deGrom also became only the third Mets pitcher to achieve double-digit strikeouts in a post-season game.  Seaver struck out another 12 batters against the Oakland A's in the '73 World Series, but this time earned a no-decision.  Dwight Gooden struck out 10 Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 innings to open the 1988 NLCS, and likewise walked off to a no-decision.

In the 1969 NLCS vs. the Atlanta Braves, Nolan Ryan pitched 7 innings, allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, and fanned 7 batters for the victory in relief of starter Gary Genrty.

In the World Series vs, the Baltimore Orioles, Tom Seaver pitched 10 innings and struck out 6 batters for the victory in Game Four.  Jerry Koosman pitched a complete game and fanned 5 batters in the Game Five clincher.

In 1973 NLCS, Jon Matlack followed Tom Seaver's 13 strikeout opening loss against Cincinnati with a gem.   Matlack fanned 9 batters en route to a complete game 2-hit shutout over the Big Red Machine in Game Two.  Jerry Koosman followed with another 9 strikeout, complete game effort in Game Three.

In Game Three of the 1973 World Series against the Oakland A's, Tom Seaver fanned 12 batters over 8 innings pitched.

The greatest pitching effort of the 1986 NLCS was perhaps authored by Roger McDowell during the Game Six clincher.  Starter Bob Ojeda pitched a complete game victory in Game Two, but only lasted 5 innings in Game Six, which evolved into 16 innings of play.  Before Jesse Orosco labored through the final three innings, Roger McDowell's 5 innings of 1-hit ball kept the Mets alive from the 9th through the 13th inning.

Bob Ojeda got the Mets turned around after going down 0-2 in the 1986 World Series against the Boston Red Sox with an immensely clutch effort in Game Three.  Ron Darling allowed just one unearned run and 6 hits, and struck out 12 over 2 starts and 14 innings pitched.

Dwight Gooden experienced tough luck during the 1988 post-season against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He struck out 10 batters over 7 innings in Game One, but took a no-decision.  Gooden was again cruising along in Game Four with 9 strikeouts through 8.1 innings until Mike Scioscia connected on a gut-wrenching home run in the 9th inning.

Al Leiter's 1999 play-in game in the 163rd game of the regular season deserves mention.  He tossed a complete game 2-hit shutout over the Cincinnati Reds, with 7 strikeouts.

A year later, Mike Hampton turned in a brilliant performance in the 2000 NLCS clincher, tossing a complete game 3-hit shutout, with 8 strikeouts over the St. Louis Cardinals.

In fairness to Tom Glavine, he pitched very well in Game Two of the 2006 NLDS against the Dodgers, and again in Game One of the NLCS against the Cardinals, when he opened the series with 7 scoreless innings of 4-hit ball for the victory.

Forgive me for the efforts omitted in this compilation, but none of them would have matched what Jacob deGrom accomplished Friday night in Los Angeles.

N.Y. Mets: Trucking Six Years of Baggage Down I-95

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Loaded up and truckin' on southbound I-95

2015: Pre-Season

Pitchers/Catchers - Feb. 19

Position Players Due - Feb. 24

1st Full Squad Workout - Feb. 26

Grapefruit League Opener - Mar. 4

SEASON OPENER - APRIL 6

OPENING DAY - APRIL 13

NEW YORK METS: The past 6 years have been trying times in Flushing.  So were the 6 years following the infamous Tom Seaver trade.  I've lived through both periods.  As Yogi once said, it's been like deja-vu all over again.

The Resurrection That Was: 1984

Over the last 6 years, the Mets have averaged 75.5 victories per season.  Their worse mark came in 2009 when they posted a 70-92 record.  Last season, they tied their best mark over that span with a 79-83 record.  That's a net improvement of 9 games, or, a gain of 1.8 victories per season.

Earlier this winter, Sandy Alderson expressed his belief the Mets can improve by 10 games this upcoming season and reach 89 victories.  That's a more realistic expectation than last winter's desire to win 90 games only because several young players gained valuable experience, and hopefully other key players have sufficiently healed.

Even I will admit the upcoming 2015 season finally brings with it realistic expectations for competitiveness after a long deconstruction, and reconstruction period undertaken by Sandy Alderson.  I would argue the rebuilding is still ongoing, but most have had it with excuses, double talk, broken promises, and particularly, finances.

There's a sense the Mets are close.  Close to what is still debatable, but, fans want wins.

To that regard, there's a small measure of good news.

With just 2 more victories last season, the Mets could have reached the elusive .500 plateau for the first time since 2008.  With just slightly better play against the Nationals and/or Giants, that could have been achieved.  Or, instead of blowing 22 saves last season, they could have limited themselves to just 20 blown saves, or this, or that.  Otherwise, the Mets posted a .500 record against the rest of the National League.

The Mets finished 17 games behind the Nationals in the N.L. East last season, while the Giants and Pirates earned Wild Cards with 88 victories.

I would rather the Mets put their minds and efforts towards achieving a .500 record first, but it seems 89 victories is indeed key for a shot at post-season play.

Within Mets history, there's precedent for such a turnaround.

It took Frank Cashen 4 seasons, between 1980 through 1983, to build the Mets into a 90-win competitor in year five.  Frank Cashen benefited from players left behind by Joe McDonald, that he either utilized or traded to improve the team.

Sandy Alderson has likewise spent the last 4 seasons, between 2011 and 2014, rebuilding the Mets, and is now heading into season five.  Like Cashen, Sandy Alderson is benefiting from players left behind by Omar Minaya, by either utilizing them, or trading some in an effort to improve the team.

The Mets won 69 games in 1983, then took a major step forward in 1984 with 90 victories.  We're only asking for half of that in 2015.

Compared to the Mets present situation, the '84 team was defensively superior up the middle with Mike Fitzgerald behind the plate, Jose Oquendo and Wally Backman at middle infield, and with Mookie Wilson in center.  Keith Hernandez had no equal at first, Darryl Strawberry sported the league's best arm in right, and Hubie Brooks was a very good third baseman.  If anyone, George Foster was the lone weak link in left.

Foster more than made up for any defensive shortcomings with his bat.  The middle of the '84 line-up featured Keith Hernandez (.311, 15 HR, 94 RBI), Darryl Strawberry (26 HR, 97 RBI), Hubie Brooks (.283, 16 HR, 73 RBI), and at 34-years old, George Foster turned in 24 HR and 86 RBI.  Between Mookie Wilson and Wally Backman, that team also had effective table setters.

On the mound, 19-year old Dwight Gooden turned in an historic ROY performance with a 17-9 record, 2.60 ERA, and rookie record 276 strikeouts.  He was complimented by Ron Darling, Walt Terrell, and an emerging Sid Fernandez whom combined on a 29-27 record.

In the bullpen, Jesse Orosco was 10-6 with a 2.59 ERA and 31 saves.  Doug Sisk posted a 2.02 ERA and saved another 15 games.

Defense: Edge 1984

Offense: Edge 1984

Pitching: Edge 2015

How does all this translate with regards to the 2015 season?

2014 N.L. Fielding Ranking:

Fielding Average - 12th

Stolen Base% - 13th

Passed Balls - 4th most

2014 N.L. Offensive Ranking:

R - 8th

HR - 9th

Avg. - 13th

OBP - 9th

SLG - 12th

2014 N.L. Pitching Ranking:

Avg. Against - 8th

WHiP - 10th

Walks - 3rd most

ERA - 6th

Saves - 9th

DEFENSE: Passed Balls, A Gold Glove, and Cross Your Fingers.

The Mets ranked 12th in the N.L. in overall defense.  They are particularly flawed up the middle.   While center fielder Juan Lagares won his first gold glove award, the team is debilitated in three other key positions.  

It's easier to hide one defensive liability than it is two; naturally.  Despite Daniel Murphy's overall improvement these last few seasons, he is still an inadequate second baseman.  Now the Mets intend on adding defensively challenged Wilmer Flores to the mix at shortstop.  The Mets turned the second most double-plays last season.  I learned back in the 1970's, teams that usually lead the league in DPs are generally sub .500 teams.  This combination screams trouble, which a young pitching staff such as that of the Mets could find discouraging.

However, this should be a short term problem.  The Mets are near prepared to transition away from Murphy from within.  Unless traded during the season, the Mets have made it clear they will let him walk as a free agent.  I'm sure the Mets would be willing to package Wilmer Flores in a trade as well, if it suits their needs.  Shortstop will remain a major point of contention unless Flores' bat sufficiently mutes the naysayers, or, because the Mets lack a readily available prospect to fill the position, they acquire an off-campus solution.

Behind the plate, the kid gloves are off.  As a receiver, Travis d'Arnaud frames pitches very well, and Met pitchers generally say they like working with him.  However, the Mets were 13th worst at throwing out would be base-stealers, and allowed the 4th most passed balls.  Travis d'Arnaud led the N.L. with 12 passed balls.  To his credit, he was a considerably improved player after being recalled from a demotion to Las Vegas.  This season, however, Travis d'Arnaud, 26, has too much competition behind him to risk a step backwards.  Kevin Plawecki's MLB debut is imminent.

OFFENSE: Now Bordering Insanity.

In a 12 team circuit, the 1984 Mets finished their season ranked 6th in runs, HR, Avg., and slugging.   In a 15 team circuit, the 2014 Mets finished 13th in average, 12th in slugging, 9th in HR, and 8th in runs.  Here's the twist: the '84 Mets scored 652 runs, and allowed 676, while last year's Mets scored 629, and allowed 618.

The Mets are potentially heading into the 2015 season with the same general line-up as they have the last two seasons.  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of what?

Insanity?

The only off-season enhancement Sandy Alderson has made to the offense was signing Michael Cuddyer.  We know what he's done in his 14-year MLB career.  We just do not know what he brings to the Mets.  Aren't we just banking on him being the next George Foster, Jerry Hairston, or Marlon Byrd?  His addition is an improvement over Eric Young, for sure, but he's hardly enough to make the Mets even a middle of the pack offense (as they became in 1984).

The Mets true fortunes lie with David Wright having a vintage Wright season, Curtis Granderson increasing his productivity under his old batting coach, and with Lucas Duda's, Travis d'Arnaud's, and Juan Lagares' continued improvement at the plate.  Then obviously, Daniel Murphy and Wilmer Flores will have to provide considerably better bats than gloves.

Juan Lagares is most likely going to begin the season at the top of the line-up.  In 172 plate appearances leading-off, he double slashed .276/.329, with 9 stolen bases.  For now, that's the best the Mets can do, unless, if in their attempts to improve 2B and SS they acquire someone more suitable at the top of the line-up.

PITCHING: A Call To Arms.

This is where I believe today's Mets are ahead of the 1984 Mets; in their depth of rotation.  The Mets have a growing potential to form one of the most formidable starting rotations in baseball (at least by season's end).

Between Batman and Thor, they're starting to read like Marvel heroes.

The Dark Knight of Gotham; the Real Deal; or, as this blog named him, the Time Bandit; Matt Harvey is back.  How close he'll be to the one we remember prior to surgery remains to be seen.  He's a big lift nonetheless; akin to a big off-season acquisition.  As he goes, the Mets will go.  He has the potential to make up 10 games all by himself, but he will be pitching the upcoming season with limits.  This is slowly turning into a wait and see situation.  For the moment, Matt Harvey is scheduled to pitch the home opener on April 13th.

Moving forward, the onus is now on Zack Wheeler to take another step forward, and for 2014 ROY Jacob deGrom to validate himself.

Soon joining Harvey, Wheeler, and deGrom, is a mix that will potentially include Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero, with Steven Matz hot on their trail.  Once the Mets get service time and Super-2 hang-ups out of the way, the door will open for any one of their arrivals.

Until then. the Mets otherwise enter the regular season well fortified with Bartolo Colon, Jon Niese, and Dillon Gee.  It would seem with all this starting pitching, the team should be able to steer clear of any prolonged losing streaks.  That said, the Mets are looking to deal some of this depth, most notably, Dillon Gee or Jon Niese (or both).

After suffering many hardships, the bullpen is now a team strength.

Final Pitch: Looking Like a Lost Cause.

Even the 1984 Mets were still 2 seasons away from a championship, which means it took Frank Cashen 7 years to get there.

Just saying...

There's also the matter of the field manager.  In 1984, Frank Cashen promoted Davey Johnson to replace George Bamberger/Frank Howard, and become the new field manager of the Mets.  Johnson was familiar, and enjoyed minor league success with many of the young players on the roster and worked well with the veterans.  With Mel Stottlemyer as pitching coach, Johnson guided the Mets five 90-win seasons before getting let go early in 1990.

Many Mets fans, including myself, have clamored long and loudly for Sandy Alderson to replace manager Terry Collins with Wally Backman (and pitching coach Frank Viola) to no avail.  The upcoming season could be distinctly similar to 1984 in this respect: Wally Backman would be the absolute right move and have the absolute right affect on these players, with whom he's enjoyed minor league success on numerous levels.

I feel the usefulness of Terry Collins has passed, and do not necessarily believe he is owed an opportunity to win with this team.

The 2015 Mets, and the future of the Mets, depends on much more bold and definitive decision making on the general manager's part, but first he needs a stronger commitment from ownership. Until those guys step up their efforts, the Mets will continue competing against themselves.

They're merely a condition.  So despite them, there's still a good feeling heading into Spring Training.




Mike

N.Y. Mets: Matt Harvey - Time Bandit

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET


NEW YORK METS - Matt Harvey Wastes No Time.  The Great Ones Never Do.


In a word, Matt Harvey's first start of the season was a gem.  He pitched seven innings, only allowed one hit, walked two, and struck out ten Padres.  Harvey's was the kind of performance that should be affected upon a team of San Diego's caliber.  That he indeed dominated them was reassuring, if not amazin'.

If you remember way back to Matt Harvey's major league debut, which came in Arizona on July 26, 2012, he tossed 5.1 innings, allowed three hits, walked three, and struck out eleven DBacks.  He now has eleven major league starts and 66.1 innings pitched, which translates into six innings per start.  Matt has eighty strikeouts, while only allowing forty-three hits.  He issued twenty-eight walks so far, and sports a "career" 1.070 WHiP.  Since he allowed no runs in Wednesday's start, his ERA dropped to a 2.44 mark.  At twenty-four years of age, that's what Matt Harvey has accomplished in his MLB career so far.


So why does it seem he's done so much more?  It's not like he spent much time in the minors gaining vast experience.  It took almost two months to sign him after being selected seventh overall in the 2010 draft.  Otherwise, he could have commenced his pro career in Brooklyn or Savannah.  As it turned out, he spent 2011 split between Port St. Lucie and Binghamton.  Before his brief call-up last season, he spent the majority of 2012 at AAA-Buffalo.  Harvey only totalled 245.2 innings in two seasons before arriving in Queens.  He joins elite company in that respect.  Tom Seaver pitched one season of minor league ball in 1966, and tossed 210 innings at AAA Jacksonville.  In 1982, Dwight Gooden pitched a season split between Kingsport-rookie, and the A-level New York Penn League.  In 1983, he put in a full season of A-ball, and tossed 191 innings, for a grand total of 269.2 minor league innings pitched.

Matt will be pitching this season with no innings limit or general restrictions.  He is free to ply his craft.  Where he comes off with this much polish is beyond me.  The only thing I can peg is, in just eleven MLB starts, Matt Harvey has additionally exhibited the poise and confidence the two pitchers previously mentioned took to the mound with them very early in their careers.  Harvey certainly makes it seem as if he's been doing this a long time.  He was rather brilliant on an otherwise chilly, and blustery Wednesday night in Citi Field.  And that was just game one.  I can't wait till the warm weather hits.



* Mets Graffiti - Williamsburg
Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Matt Harvey And Zach Wheeler Joined At The Hip

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET


NEW YORK METS - The Senior Half Of The Amazin's Latest Attempt At A Dynamic Duo Pitches Today.


Mets top pitching prospect Zach Wheeler made his 2013 Spring debut Saturday afternoon against the Washington Nationals.  He pitched two innings, and in a word - impressed.  Over the ensuing twenty hours or so, sports radio, tabloids, fan blogs, and Twitter, were all abuzz over what they saw.  In two innings pitched, Zach allowed one hit, issued one walk, and struck out back-to-back batters with a runner on base.


The talk surrounding Wheeler now needs a considerable cool down.  But that might have to wait till Tuesday at the earliest.  Many will want to spend all of Monday letting their imaginations run wild in the thought of a dynamic one-two punch the Mets seemingly are putting together.  For on Sunday afternoon, Matt Harvey will make his Spring mound debut as well.


Mets fans and the media already got their initial taste of Matt Harvey last season.  After Harvey's 59.1 innings pitched in 2012, and after just two innings and two strikeouts for Wheeler yesterday, it very fair, if not fun, getting caught up in what the two can accomplish together.  But to include them in conversation regarding great Mets pitching combos of the past is going too far.  Amusing as it is pondering Harvey and Wheeler in the same ilk as Seaver/Koosman, and Doc and Darling, the Mets young unproven duo isn't even in the same conversation with Bill Pulsipher, Jason Isringhausen or even Paul Wilson.  Of course, just based on pure MLB experience alone, they aren't even Craig Swan and Pat Zachry yet.  For they are yet to wear major league uniforms together in the same season.  However consensus says, that will change this summer.


The radio voices and scribes; the supposed custodians of reason; have spoken.  One of them wants Wheeler in Flushing right away.  I'm not singling anyone out.  It is too early for that.  There is no denying however, METropolis is already abuzz over what they saw on Saturday.  But I will only appeal to Mets fans, remove those thoughts from your mouths and shut your brain.  Learn your lesson from Generation-K; stay level headed about our newest situation.


The club already announced Zach Wheeler will begin the 2013 in Las Vegas.  That's good.  Despite what we saw yesterday in St. Lucie, Zach still has control issues to contend with.  He has 323 innings of minor league experience.  Matt Harvey was pushed into the bigs after just 245 innings pitched.  On both counts, I thought the number was low.  But when I looked back at the numbers, it seems my fears are unfounded.


Just using the names mentioned as an example, Tom Seaver broke into the bigs after just 210 minor league innings pitched.  Doc Gooden, the ace of the 1980's staff, made his MLB debut after 269 innings.  Their respective partners, Jerry Koosman and Ron Darling, threw considerably more.  Jerry Koosman tossed 467 minor league innings before joining Seaver.  Ron Darling pitched 382 innings before arriving in Flushing.  In between, lie Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler.


Just for fun, Steve Carlton threw 306 innings in the minors.  Bob Gibson threw 451 innings.  The "Dominican Dandy" Juan Marichal, threw 655 innings in three seasons of minor league baseball.  Nolan Ryan threw 291 innings in the Mets system.  More recently, Pedro Martinez threw 419 innings in the minors.  Justin Verlander is a freak - one minor league season split between A and AA; 118.2 innings pitched.




Mike.BTB

New York Mets: R.A. Dickey Becomes 7th Met Hurler To Win Eighteen

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

 

 

NEW YORK METS:

R.A. Dickey Becomes Only Seventh Met Pitcher

To Reach Eighteen Wins.

 

Tom Seaver - 6x

Doc Gooden - 3x

Jerry Koosman - 2x

Bob Ojeda - 1x

David Cone - 1x

Frank Viola - 1x

R.A. Dickey pitched well enough Wednesday afternoon in St. Louis to win his eighteenth game.  He now owns a stellar 18-4 record and is the first hurler in Baseball this season to reach such heights.  Dickey also ranks first in the National League with five complete games.  He then ranks second in WHiP, innings pitched, strikeouts, and earned run average.


Prior to Wednesday's game, a Met pitcher won eighteen games or better thirteen times in club history.  R.A. Dickey is now the fourteenth.  Robert matches Bob Ojeda's 18-5 record in 1986, and Tom Seaver's 18-12 mark in the 1970 season.  Tom Seaver led the league in ERA that year, and posted a 1.07 WHiP.  He struck out 283 batters in 292.2 innings pitched.  Bob Ojeda posted a nifty 2.57 ERA and a 1.09 WHiP.  In 217.1 innings pitched he came in at 148 strikeouts.  R.A. Dickey will fall somewhere in between.  He currently has 195 K's on the season.  At the moment, R.A. Dickey's ERA sits at a 2.64 mark, and falling.  Amazingly, at least for a knuckle ball pitcher, R.A. has issued a mere forty-five walks all season.  With respect to winning percentage, R.A. Dickey has them both beat with an .810 win rate.  Only Ojeda is close with a .783 mark.


R.A. Dickey is now coming down the home stretch on one of the Mets all time pitching seasons.  He may be able to fit in five more starts this season.  Tom Seaver's all time mark of twenty-five wins looks safe.  So does Doc Gooden's twenty-four win season.  Next on the list however are three nineteen win seasons authored by Doc, Jerry Koosman, and Tom Seaver.




Mike.BTB