N.Y. Mets: Last Season in Vegas

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

CASHMAN FIELD

home of the

LAS VEGAS 51s

Triple-A Affiliate of the New York Mets

2013 - 2018

The Mets announced last year their purchase of the Syracuse Chiefs franchise, and thus have successfully consolidated three of their minor league affiliates within the state of New York.  The existing Player Development Contract in place between the Mets and Las Vegas 51s expires at the conclusion of this season.

• Mark Weiner of Syracuse.com reported at the time the New York Mets were purchasing the (AAA) Syracuse Chiefs.  According to Weiner, a tentative deal will allow the Mets to assume control of the Chiefs when the player development contract between Syracuse and the Washington Nationals expires after the 2018 season.  The timing also coincides with the expiration of the New York Mets development contract with the Las Vegas 51s.

However, I have every intention of keeping up with 51's baseball.  Being on the east coast, Las Vegas start times on most nights conveniently follow Mets games.  And with Syracuse in my time zone, I'll still be in search of Pacific Coast League or even California League action.  Therefore, nothing really changes.  Because of my now familiarity with Las Vegas 51s games I'll be sticking around for seasons to come.  I grew to enjoy immensely through the last five years Russ Langer's call and baseball banter.  I'm a creature of habit.  So truth be told, Russ Langer has effectively become my midnight lullaby.

Personally, the last five years have been largely highlighted by former manager Wally Backman and pitching coach Frank Viola.  Many Mets fans hoped for several years to see them both one day working for the big club.  But that never materialized.  Instead Wally and the Mets parted ways two years ago on rather acrimonious terms, while Frank Viola transferred to Binghamton.

The 51's have a new manager again.  Tony DeFrancesco takes over for Pedro Lopez, whom took over for one season after Backman's departure.  Although he is new to the Mets organization, let's just say there are few people more familiar with, and have achieved more success in the Pacific Coast League.  Tony's resume is lengthy, and includes four PCL championships.

Taking over for Frank Viola will be Glenn Abbott, who has been serving dutifully at Binghamton for the previous six seasons.  Viola and Abbott are essentially trading places.  And the former's first order of business as new pitching coach at Las Vegas requires straightening out Hansel Robles and Zack Wheeler.  The two joined forces on an 8.91 ERA after surrendering a combined 21 earned runs on 39 hits through 21.2 total innings of Grapefruit League action.

• Hansel Robles might be getting called up due to an injury to Anthony Swarzak.

Jamie Callahan is a member of the 40-man roster.  Selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, the 24-year old right-hander is a product of the Boston Red Sox system and subsequently acquired by the Mets in the Addison Reed deal.  He appeared in nine games for the Mets last year, allowing seven hits and striking out five through 6.2 innings pitched.  He owns a career 4.71 ERA over six minor league seasons and 384 innings pitched.

Infielders Gavin Cecchini and Luis Guillorme are both also on the Mets 40-man roster.  Amed Rosario is now the starting shortstop for the Mets.  If needed, Adrubal Cabrera, Jose Reyes, and even Wilmer Flores could always fill in.  Meaning Cecchini, the 12th overall selection of the 2012 amateur draft, is potentially facing his third full season at Las Vegas, and therefore will continue transitioning to second base in a bid to win the position in 2019.  Shortstop Luis Guillorme, 23, is coming off a full season at Binghamton, where he batted .283 with a .376 OBP.

Outfielder Travis Taijeron spent the last three full season at Las Vegas.  However, the Mets outfield is log jammed.  There was simply no room for him.  As a consequence, the organization had no choice last November but to grant Travis his free agency after serving seven years in the Mets system.  He was signed with haste by the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Travis was a career .514 slugger through 2,644 minor league at-bats.  He achieved double-digit home runs six times, and twice hit 25 home runs in a season.  I'm sorry to see him go ...

Philip Evans, 25, opened the season with the big club based on his ability to play multiple positions.  However, he's likely the odd man out once Michael Conforto returns to the Mets line-up.  If the Mets were smart, though, they would let Conforto fulfill a rehab assignment first before shoehorning him back into active status.  Evans should otherwise look forward to his second full season at Las Vegas.  Like Travis Taijeron, he similarly finds himself stuck behind a logjam at Flushing, and is fast running out of time with the organization.

Same also goes for Jayce Boyd.  A familiar face among Mets minor league fans, but otherwise indistinguishable from the crowd.  As a first baseman/left fielder by trade, he simply lacks the slugging potential required of those positions.  In his first taste taste of AAA ball last season, he slugged above .500 for the first time in his six year minor league career.  But many chalk that up to playing in the desert conditions of Las Vegas.

Remember Wuilmer Becerra?  He was acquired along with Travis d'Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard as part of the R.A. Dickey trade with Toronto.  He was barely eighteen years old at the time.  Becerra is 22-years old now, and presently listed on the 51's roster.  He's been playing at Port St. Lucie the last two seasons.  He's double-slashing .282/.341 through 1,577 total minor league at-bats.

Matt den Dekker marks his return to the organization after spending the last three seasons at Washington and Detroit.

Left handed pitchers will forever be in demand.  David Roseboon returns for a second season with the 51's.  He was doing just fine until his arrival in the Pacific Coast League.  With Binghamton, he posted 14 saves and a 1.87 ERA in 2016, with a 5.3 H/9 and 8.4 K/9 averages through 57.2 innings pitched.  But in 18 games and 17.1 innings for Las Vegas last season, he posted an unsightly 8.31 ERA and 1.788 WHiP.

Southpaw Kelly Secrest, 26, is entering his first full season with the 51's.  Last year with Binghamton, he posted a 4.03 ERA and 1.658 WHiP through 38 innings.  He averaged 10.9 K/9, but his 10.7 H/9 and 10.7 W/9 averages would appear quite troublesome.

OPENING DAY

El Paso Chihuahuas

vs.

Las Vegas 51's

THURSDAY

N.Y. Mets: Ninth Inning Closer Need Not Apply

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE BULLPEN: CLUB CALLAWAY

Previously:

First Word: Year Sixteen After Doubleday 

The Five Hurlers of the Metropolis 

Jason Vargas is a Sensible Acquisition

New York Mets: Mickey Callaway Reviving the Role of Fireman.

I recall a time when Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez was tiring, and manager Grady Little left him in during this particular game because he didn't trust his bullpen.  Needless to say Game Seven of the 2003 ALCS goes into extra-innings, and the next thing you know ... the New York Yankees are heading to the World Series.

Hearing "bullpen by committee" always makes me think back to those 2003 Boston Red Sox.  Entering that season, then general manager Theo Epstien said something to the effect they didn't need a closer - that bullpen by committee would work, and serve them well.

Executives lacking a legitimate closer tend to say stuff like that ...

Did he learn his lesson?

In January of 2004, Theo signs free agent reliever Keith Foulke, who went on to save 31 regular season games, and threw the final pitch in the Red Sox 2004 World Series clinching victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Mets have an MLB legitimate closer in Jeurys Familia.  Therefore, this has everything to do with Mickey Callaway's and pitching coach Dave Eiland's plan to implement a closer by committee system - which is quite different than bullpen by committee.  Unless you're the 1990 Cincinnati Reds featuring the Nasty Boys; Randy Meyers, Rod Dibble, and Norm Charlton; for me the term bullpen by committee is a nonstarter.

Coach Callaway, however, sounds intent on reviving the old-school role of fireman ... and I'm absolutely cool with that.

How many times have managers held their closer back because it wasn't the ninth inning?  And how many potential victories have gone up in smoke as a result?

Of course, every situation is different and therefore such a scheme requires proper planning.  But if game threatening conditions present themselves in the seventh/eighth innings, it would occasionally make sense to call upon your fireman.  Why not let Jeurys Familia literally and figuratively save the game in the seventh/eighth if needed?  If all goes well, the next reliever in line then faces a less dire situation in the ninth inning, preferably against a less imposing portion of the line-up.

I'm indeed agreeable with this thinking, I guess, because what qualifies these days as a save situation, a non-save situation, and the save rule itself (as presently written) is pure science fiction.

Under the old save qualifications, one needed enter with the tying or go-ahead run on base or at the plate; preserve the lead and finish the game; or pitch three full innings while preserving the lead.  Today, all a closer must do in order to qualify for a save is simply finish the game and protect a three run lead.  This is precisely Goose Gossage's gripe with today's closers - and quite frankly, I agree with him.  Goose would routinely put out fires in the seventh or eighth inning, then still pitch the ninth.  That also goes for Rollie Fingers as well as other top relievers of that era.

Alas, they were firemen.

We have Tony LaRussa to thank for much of today's bullpen dogma.  Above and beyond any of his contemporaries, he's the one most responsible for inaugurating the age of strict relief specialization.  He created the one inning/ninth inning role back when he managed the White Sox, then perfected it with the Oakland A's and (HOF) Dennis Eckersley.  If you want to partly blame someone for the inane suggestions being floated around to speed up pace of play, he's your guy.

My point is Mickey Callaway's and Dave Eiland's idea is a refreshing break from the modern LaRussa model.  As a fan, I know a save when I see one, regardless of the inning.  I therefore am in lockstep with Coach Callaway regarding this matter.

As presently constructed, Mets bullpen success lies in the arms of Jeurys Familia, Anthony Swarzak, Jerry Blevins, and AJ Ramos.  They will be joined by either Zack Wheeler or Jason Vargas - depending which of the two earns the fifth spot in the starting rotation.

Barring another veteran acquisition, the rest of the bullpen will otherwise be manned by farmed products still attempting to establish themselves - Hansel Robles included.  This is where the redundancy of hiring Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland comes into play.  The pitching staff is in better hands due to the simple fact Dan Warthen is gone - no offense intended, but truth is truth.  So I'm curious to see how Robles, Paul Sewald, and maybe Cory Oswalt, respond under their tutelage.

Next is the matter of over-taxation.  Jerry Blevins is the lone left-hander in the bullpen, which could prove problematic.  But there's also Sandy Alderson's information squad whom floated the idea of limiting certain starters to just two turns through the line-up.  Metrics in fact indicate a starter's ERA skyrockets when facing line-ups a third time.  This strategy potentially applies to Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, and even Matt Harvey.

All I can say is let's just wait and see what happens.


THE PROBABLE SEVEN

• JEURYS FAMILIA

In 2015 and 2016, Familia led the National League in games finished, and in 2016 also led the circuit with 51 saves.  However, an arterial clot in Familia's right shoulder limited him to just 26 appearances last season.  I still have plenty of confidence in Familia, and so I have no real issues.

• ANTHONY SWARZAK

On paper, this appears to be a savvy acquisition by Sandy Alderson.  Last year was Swarzak's first taste of the National League after previously spending 7 1/2 seasons with the Chicago White Sox.  The right-handed 32-year old appeared in 29 games for the Milwaukee Brewers.  He posted a 2.48 ERA and 12.11 K/9 average, while allowing 21 hits in 29 innings pitched.  In 70 total appearances last season, Swarzak posted a 2.48 ERA and 1.034 WHiP, allowing just 58 hits and fanning 91 batters through 77.1 innings pitched.

Yet, the Brewers granted him his free agency.  Money was likely an issue.  Swarzak went from earning an average of $900,000 over the last three years, to signing a two-year $14 million dollar pact with the Mets.

He's strictly a fastball/slider pitcher.  He threw his fastball 48.5 percent of the time clocking in at a career high 94.7 mph, and threw his slider at a rate of 51.5 percent, likewise clocking in at a career high 87.1 mph according to Fangraphs.

• JERRY BLEVINS

Jerry is the lone southpaw of the lot.  He has turned in back-to-back solid seasons for the Mets.  In 75 appearances and 49 innings pitched, he posted a 2.94 ERA and struck out 69 batters for a 12.7 K/9 average. However, he walked batters at a 4.4 K/9 clip.  Walks are always problematic.

• AJ RAMOS

His performance slipped last season after his acquisition from Miami, where he owned a 3.73 ERA and a 10.7 K/9 average through 40 games and 39.2 innings pitched.  In 21 appearances for the Mets, however, Ramos registered a 4.74 ERA while allowing 19 hits in 19 innings pitched.  While he posted an 11.8 K/9 average, last year's 1.632 WHiP is a concern heading into this season.

• HANSEL ROBLES

I truly believe under Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland, Hansel Robles will take a huge leap forward in his development.  According to Fangraphs he threw his fastball 65.8 percent of the time last season but clocked in at a career low 94 mph.  His slider which averaged 85.5 mph accounted for 24.8 percent of his pitches.  He otherwise tinkered with a change-up eight percent of the time, which perhaps Callaway and Eiland can help further develop into a viable third pitch.

• PAUL SEWALD

Sewald made his major league debut last year, and the The Mets are hoping for an improved  sophomore season this year.  In 57 appearances, he posted a 4.55 ERA, allowed 58 hits, and averaged a 9.5 K/9 over 65.1 innings pitched.  He offsets a 92 mph fastball, with an 83 mph change and slider - Fangraph.  I'll be paying close attention to his development under Callaway and Eiland.

• CORY OSWALT

Oswalt was the Mets seventh round selection in the 2012 amateur draft.  Last season was his first stint at double-A Binghamton where he posted a 12-5 record in 24 starts, with a 2.28 ERA and 1.176 WHiP over 134.1 innings pitched.  He was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year, and the Sterling Organizational Pitcher of the Year.  For the moment, the Mets starting rotation is well stocked.  Therefore Oswalt's spring training performance will perhaps dictate whether he returns to Binghamton to resume work as a starter, or if he makes the club and pitches out of the bullpen.


THE USUAL REINFORCEMENTS

• Seth Lugo
• Robert Gsellman
• Rafael Montero

ACQUISITIONS

• Twenty-three year old Jamie Callahan was acquired from the Red Sox in the Addison Reed deal.  He owns a 4.71 ERA in 384 innings pitched over six minor league seasons.

• Twenty-four year old Jacob Rhame was acquired from the Dodgers in the Curtis Granderson deal.  He owns a 3.07 ERA in 261 innings pitched over five minor league seasons.

Subway Series: Mediocrity Running Wild

From the desks of:  

HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  and  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Yankees lead series 2-1

I - NYY 6; NYM 5*

II - NYM 7; NYY 1

III - NYY 9; NYM 5

*10 innings

SUBWAY SERIES

New York Mets

vs.

New York Yankees

FROM

Yankee Stadium

River Avenue, Bronx

Game One Final

NYY  6

NYM 5

10 innings

The Yankees extended their win streak to three games on Monday with an extra inning 6-5 victory over the hosting Mets.

Logan Verrett did well in his head-to-head match-up against C.C. Sabathia.  Logan allowed three earned runs on four hits and three walks, with four strikeouts through five full innings of work, but left on the losing side of a (then) 3-2 game.

It wasn't till the sixth inning that Mets fortunes, and C.C. Sabathia's for that matter, changed when   frequent call-up Matt Reynolds connected on a three run home run, making it a 5-3 Mets lead.

Sabathia then walked pinch hitter Steven Matz (Game Three's starting pitcher) earning him Joe Girardi's hook.  All told, C.C. was tagged for five runs on eight hits, walked three, and fanned five over 5.2 innings pitched.

Luck, however, was fickle this evening, tapping Mets relievers Jerry Blevins and Addison Reed on the shoulder.  Both each allowed a run during a Yankees two-run eighth inning, tying the game at five.

Seth Lugo earned the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning.

After hitting seven home runs in July, Wilmer Flores hit his first home run of August in the second inning off Sabathia.

Game Two Final

NYY  1

NYM 7

Tuesday's start was a test of sorts for Jacob deGrom, who passed with flying colors.  He battled lat issues early in the season, and now believes he's conquered some mechanical issues.

Against the Yankees, deGrom tossed seven shutout innings, while limiting the Yankees to just four hits and a walk.   He threw 103 pitches, with 69 going for strikes, and fanned eight batters.  

Jacob improved his record to 7-5, and sports a stellar 2.41 ERA.

The game marked Jay Bruce's first in a Mets uniform.  Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for second base prospect Dilson Hererra, Bruce went 0 for 4 in his Mets debut.  He saw a total of 13 pitches and fanned twice.

With the exception of 2014, Bruce has hit at least 20 home runs in each of his nine MLB seasons.   He's presently leading the National League with 80 RBI, and is believed he'll provide the Mets a formidable one-two punch from each side of the plate when combined with Yoenis Cespedes.

Game Three Final

NYM 5

NYY  9

Ugly is as ugly does.

In truth, both teams played terribly, but I only root for one of them...

Was Steven Matz' 20th start of the season an omen?  Apocalyptic nightmare?  Not quite, but allowing six runs on six hits and a walk, with six strikeouts through six innings pitched was eerily unsettling.

The newly assembled one-two punch of Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce lasted one game.  Yoenis is heading to the disabled list (with the other guys...) after "tweaking" his ailing quadriceps during his last at-bat in the ninth inning.  

It can be argued the Mets were foolish for devising this play/rest plan of DH'ing him against the Yankees and Tigers in the first place.  While the greater baseball establishment agrees total rest is the only effective remedy for quad strains, once again the Mets opt for playing injury roulette.  They have now exacerbated the situation, and prolonged their agony.  Meanwhile, Yoenis Cespedes' habitual golf playing requires an entirely different conversation.

The Mets offense otherwise continually shot themselves in the foot Wednesday night, essentially letting Yankees starter Chad Green repeatedly escape disaster by rolling over pitches and grounding into numerous double plays through the early innings of play.

  

Then there's Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who defeated the Mets in more ways than one.   His three run home off Steven Matz in the second inning would ultimately prove the decisive blow of the game, but he also created some drama, and added a little comic relief into the fray.

With the very first pitch in Tex's very next at-bat, Steven Matz hit him in the leg with a pitch, of which Teixeira took exception, and very emphatically exhibited his displeasure.  Both benches and bullpens emptied, but cooler New York City heads prevailed.

The foolishness, however, didn't stop there.  The Yankees loaded the bases in the seventh inning with Hansel Robles on the mound and Teixeira the base runner on second.  In short, Robles thought Tex was stealing signs, and completely let Teixeira screw with his concentration.

Southpaw reliever Josh Edgin is back, making his first appearance for the Mets since undergoing Tommy John surgery.  He walked the lone batter he faced.

No one is complaining, but Jay Bruce is now 0 for 8 with a walk and three strikeouts though his first two games with the Mets.

NEW YORK METS           55-52

NEW YORK YANKEES    54-53

Extra Innings: Baseball's Most Prolific Bench Warmer

ICYMI

N.Y. Yankees: Hal Steinbrenner Backs Brian Cashman 

The Yankees were home, facing a lefty, yet Alex Rodriguez didn't even get his cleats dirty.  I question whether the Yankees front office think his skills are that badly diminished, whether they are holding a grudge against him, or if they are purposely preventing him from hitting home run number 700 of his career.  He would be the fourth player in history to do so, joining Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Barry Bonds.  Yet, the lack of attention is deafening.  Hell, the club may very well even be trying to frustrate him into retiring.

The Mets will start Bartolo Colon in Thursday's series finale against whom Alex Rodriguez has enjoyed great success throughout his career.  It will be interesting to see if Alex is thrown a bone.

N.Y. Mets: Jeurys Familia Hits Half Century Mark

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Seizing a Golden Opportunity

NEW YORK METS: Jeurys Familia's 50th Consecutive Save is Fourth Longest Streak of All-Time.

Although Jeurys Familia is in his second full season as Closer, his 2014 season was just as busy.  In both 2014 and 2015 he made 76 appearances.

In 2015, Familia's 64 games finished led the league.  On ten occasions Terry Collins asked him to make four and five out saves, and twice more asked Familia to complete two full innings in a game.   To TC's credit, however, Familia exceeded a full inning just once from August through the regular season's end.  Collins instead ran up the bullpen phone bill, calling on Familia 16 times during the dog days of August - easily the most appearances he logged during any month of the season.

Familia is up to 45 appearances this season versus 43 by this time last year, and once again is leading the league with 44 games finished.  Yet, he's only been asked to attempt a four-out save just once (his 25th on June 24) all season.

Thanks are largely attributable to the emergence of Hansel Robles.  Addison Reed has been stellar since arriving in Flushing. Hansel, however, was still finding himself this time last year, but has now seemingly arrived.  At the very least, he gives the Mets three-deep depth in the late innings.  Hence, the physical demands on Familia have been lessened.

If Familia would just comply...

Last year, Jeurys walked 19 batters all season.  This year, Familia is just one away from tying that mark.  Naturally then, after finishing last season with an even 1.00 WHiP, this year his WHiP is upwards of 1.218 and growing.

In other words, Familia is creating his own fires, yet continues putting them all out - every one.

Jeurys Familia remains perfect in save opportunities this season.  His league leading 34th consecutive save without a blown opportunity came on July 22 against the Marlins in Miami, but not before causing Mets fans obligatory angst.

It was actually Jeurys Familia's 50th straight save without a blown opportunity dating back to last season, making it the fourth longest such streak of all-time.

Former L.A. Dodgers closer Eric Gagne owns the MLB record with 85 straight saves.

N.Y. Mets: Reemergence of Josh Edgin could make club rethink Antonio Bastardo

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The weakest link in the Mets bullpen chain snapped 

in 5-2 loss against the last place Braves Sunday afternoon in Atlanta.

NEW YORK METS: Someone please stop Antonio Bastardo before he causes any more damage..

Sunday in Atlanta, Roosevelt Avenue urban legend Bartolo Colon lowered his ERA to a heroic 2.86 mark after limiting the Braves to a run on six hits and a walk over seven innings pitched, with two strikeouts, yet exited the game on the losing side of a then 1-0 game.

At the very least, the afternoon perfectly demonstrated how an amazingly anemic offense through May and June has exacted a measurable toll on the Mets starting pitching, and the team's overall division standing.

It's a condition which in turn revealed the bullpen as the main reason why the Mets remained above .500 through Spring, and why they still find themselves within reach of first place today.

But how much longer can this last?

In a typical baseball year, the bullpen is most usually a team's major point of contention.  Yet, despite numerous injuries affecting the Mets active roster this season, their pen has generally remained surprisingly healthy, and indeed emerged to become the team strength.

Only recently, did Jim Henderson become the first real casualty to speak of.  Otherwise, the other main members of the relief corp - Jeurys Familia, Addison Reed, Hansel Robles, Jerry Blevins, and Antonio Bastardo - have been available throughout.

Jeurys Familia, in particular, has been perfect.  The closer nailed down his 26th consecutive save in 26 save opportunities Saturday night in Atlanta, thus setting the Mets all-time record previously held by Armando Benitez.

Next in, Jerry Blevins has undoubtedly been among the Mets most effective relievers this season, along with Addison Reed and Hansel Robles.

The aforementioned relievers all took their turn having a one bad month out of three, but otherwise performed well for at least two - all except for Henderson and Bastardo, that is.

The Mets were taking a known gamble with Jim Henderson, who previously underwent right shoulder surgery in 2014, and spent all of 2015 rehabbing.  After posting a 1.08 ERA in April, his campaign turned for the worse, again, when ultimately he was determined to be suffering an impingement in his right shoulder.  Henderson was placed on the disabled list earlier this week, and replaced on the roster with lefty Sean Gilmartin.

Antonio Bastardo, however, has no such excuse.  He's is a 30 year old, eight year major league veteran who previously enjoyed personal success with the Phillies and Pirates.  His velocity is still on par with previous seasons, but the 2016 season has so far easily been his worst. Antonio is teetering near career highs in ERA, FIP, WHIP, W/9 average, H/9 average, and near career low levels in K/9 average, and K/W ratio.

After posting a 2.61 ERA in April, Bastardo registered a 5.73 ERA in May and presently owns a 5.40 ERA in June, for a bullpen topping overall 5.46 ERA.  Based on his performance alone, it would appear Antonio Bastardo is most responsible for the Mets swollen bullpen ERA since April, barring anyone named Henderson, that is.

APRIL/N.L.

• Team Slugging 4th
• Runs Scored - 7th
• Bullpen ERA - 2.52

MAY/N.L.

• Team Slugging - 11th
• Runs Scored - 13th
• Bullpen ERA - 3.70

JUNE/N.L.

• Team Slugging - 13th
• Runs Scored - 15th
• Bullpen ERA - 3.24

In 1.2 innings covering his last three appearances, Bastardo allowed five earned runs on five hits and one walk, with one strikeout, one HBP, and a balk to boot.  The latter happened during Sunday's meltdown, in which Antonio failed to retire a batter in relief of Bartolo Colon in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Braves.

After surrendering a lead-off infield single to Ender Inciarte, Antonio mindlessly balked him over to second with a fake throw to first - of all things.  Bastardo then walked Freddie Freeman.  Having clearly lost his bearing, Antonio ignored shouts, and ponderously allowed Inciarte to freely wander far off second base, and easily steal third.  Naturally, Ender Inciate then scored on Nick Markakis' single, putting an end to Bastardo's day, and giving the Braves a 2-0 lead en route to an eventual 5-2 Atlanta victory.

His acquisition was originally hailed as a savvy move.  Three months into this, though, he's done everything to strain the patience of all concerned.  Now, his ineffectiveness, and his contract, have unfortunately created a problem, that could, and should be rectified, but can't.

Or can it?

There might come a time in the near future (before the trade deadline) when the Mets should revisit their contractual obligation to Antonio Bastardo by either trading him, or eating the money and releasing him.  He is due the balance of this year's $6 million salary, and another $6 million next year.

It's worth considering for several reasons, chief among them is Josh Edgin.

Unlike Zack Wheeler, Josh Edgin's comeback efforts have gone more smoothly.  Wheeler was expected to rejoin the Mets perhaps by July but unfortunately suffered a setback during his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery.  Edgin, meanwhile, has so far registered 25 combined and unhindered appearances with Port St. Lucie, but primarily for the Las Vegas 51s.

Edgin last featured a 93 mph fastball, and 85 mph slider and change-up in 2014 for the Mets.  After missing all of 2015, the southpaw so far has made 19 appearances for Las Vegas, where he presently owns a 1.93 ERA over 14 innings pitched, with 14 hits and 6 walks allowed, 18 strikeouts, a 1.286 WHiP, and an 11.6 K/9 average.

Why wouldn't his reemergence benefit the Mets, and maybe even force the front office's hand with regards to Antonio Bastardo?  The Mets have played 73 games to date, putting the midway point of the season just eight more games away.  So heading into the July non-waiver trade deadline, the idea is to take stock and formulate a plan for improving the team.  In fact, Mets COO, Jeff Wilpon, voiced a willingness to do just that.

There are many ways in which to win championships, National League or otherwise.  Throughout recent modern history, I've witnessed how bullpens can carry teams deep into post-season play, and even secure titles.  If the Mets can't slug their way to another National League pennant, as originally designed, then the bullpen scenario could very well become the Mets only recourse.

In Jeurys Familia, Addison Reed, Bobby Blevins, and young Hansel Robles, the Mets just might have the four horsemen to pull this off yet.  But they'll need help.  Assuming they remain healthy, the key for Sandy Alderson will lie in assembling a final group for the home stretch.

His options at Las Vegas are truly limited.  To begin with, the 51s are second to last in the Pacific Coast League with a 5.36 team ERA.

Logan Verrett, Erik Goeddel, perhaps Rafael Montero, and maybe even a fresh face in Vegas prospect Paul Sewald are left competing for one last right-handed spot.

Meanwhile, the Mets were already dealing with limited resources from the left side to begin with.  After Bastardo and Jerry Blevins, they retained Sean Gilmartin at Las Vegas in reserve, who has since been called up for active duty.   Otherwise, Josh Edgin represents a fourth known, and viable left-hander at the Mets disposal.   Beyond him, the Mets would be delving into the likes of Dario Alvarez.

Sandy Alderson, therefore, has an age old dilemma on his hands.  Does he address known deficiencies, or further bolster a team strength?  The acquisition of Jose Reyes just may have made that decision much easier to make.  I would suggest, then, Sandy Alderson make an aggressive search for quality relief pitching between now and the July trade deadline.  What they lack in offense, they can make up for by shortening games into proverbial six inning affairs.

In the meantime, if I were allowed to hit the delete button and reorganize the bullpen, Antonio would not make my top seven:

• Closer - Jeurys Familia
• RHP - Addison Reed
• RHP - Hansel Robles
• RHP - Logan Verrett (Jim Henderson)
• LHP - Jerry Blevins
• LHP - Sean Gilmartin
• LHP - Josh Edgin

It's doubtful Bastardo would ever agree to a minor league demotion, therefore Sandy Alderson's options are limited, but clear.

This has fast become a situation where addition by subtraction would seemingly benefit the Mets.

Then again, I could be wrong.  But I doubt it.

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

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Episode #133 The Rising Apple Report: 

Memorial Day Weekend Edition

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

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

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

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: On the potential of Jim Henderson

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Mets May Have Gained A Gem With Jim Henderson

N.Y. Mets: Podcast #119 - Calm Before the Storm

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

The four most senior writers at Rising Apple put a ribbon on the season that was, 

and turned (our) attention towards the post-season ahead.

Episode #119 The Rising Apple Report: 

Calm Before The Storm; Next Stop, Los Angeles

We left no topic unspoken..

Our full NLDS Preview Show will most likely take place Thursday evening.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: The Night Flight Podcast and the 2012 Brooklyn Cyclones

Here's some of my latest STUFF for 

RisingApple.com

Monday Night Baseball

Podcast: Monday, June 8

guests: Gary Mintz from the N.Y. Giants Baseball Preservation Society, Gary Mac from MetsMusings.com, and Sam, aka, the converted Met fan.

The six/five man starting rotation, Michael Cuddyer draft day remorse, split series in Arizona, preview of S.F. Giants series, the 2006 New York Mets season, the New York Giants baseball club, Coogan's Bluff, Mrs. Joan Payson, Californication... and other stuff. 

Episode #106 - The Rising Apple Report: Night Flight; Here Come the Champs

Monday's article:

  The 2015 Mets Are Eerily Imitating the 2012 Brooklyn Cyclones Season

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Today For Rising Apple: Binghamton Mets Review

Here's My Latest For

RisingApple.com

Binghamton Mets Review: Matthew Bowman Pitches BMets Into 1st Place Tie

And, don't forget to return later tonight for my Mets Friday Recap.

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Cyclones: The Long Bus Ride Home; Coney Island Nine Lose

From the desk of:   THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

 

BROOKLYN CYCLONES ~ WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR
 

Another Season Comes To A Close.

Hudson Valley Eliminates The Kids of Summer.

 

 

GAME THREE FINAL:

Brooklyn          0

HudsonValley  2

 

Hudson Valley Renegades Wins Series 2-1

 

 

GAME THREE REVIEW

GAME TWO RECAP

GAME ONE RECAP

GAME ONE; HANSEL ROBLES PITCHES MASTERPIECE

Just like that - the season is over.  Summertime in Coney Island is done.  The Brooklyn Cyclones will not compete for a championship.  Their 2012 quest for glory has unceremoniously ended.  Instead they'll assemble together one last time to clean out their lockers, and join with the rest of the Borough in singing the familiar local refrain - Wait Till Next Year.  But first, a long quiet bus ride home.


Hudson Valley's Jeff Ames and Taylor Guerrieri, and the Renegades bullpen proved themselves to be every bit the equal to Brooklyn's league leading pitching staff.  In Monday's post I pointed out how astonishing Taylor Guerrieri's season numbers were.  I also speculated Game Three would turn into an old fashioned pitchers duel.  With Brooklyn's Luis Cessa opposing Hudson Valley, I  apparently  predicted correctly, but certainly not proudly.  What I hadn't anticipated was the manner in which the Cyclones would get eliminated.


In front of the home crowd in Dutchess Stadium, Taylor Gerrieri and Hudson Valley's bullpen; namely Brandon Henderson; combined to pitch a one-hit shutout over the Brooklyn Cyclones in Game Three.  The Hudson Valley Renegades defeated Brooklyn 2-0, take the semi final series two games to one,  and now advance to the New York Penn League championship round.


It was also discussed in Monday's post how Taylor Guerrieri was only reliable for three to five innings tops.  He held true to form.  However, in a rare episode he was wild.  He walked five Cyclones and was relieved after the fourth inning.  But just like they did in Sunday's game, Hudson Valley's bullpen kept the Cyclones bats silent.


After Brooklyn's Hansel Robles pitched a complete game gem in the series opener, Hudson Valley's overall pitching proved a little better in a short series.  In Game Two's match-up, Jeff Ames bested Luis Mateo over six innings.  Hudson Valley then teed off on Brooklyn's bullpen.  Hudson Valley's relief corp meanwhile, shut the Cyclones down over three innings with no hit, no run, appearances by Dylan Floro and Alex Moshier.


In Game Three, Brandon Henderson put forth a superlative effort in relief of Taylor Guerrieri.  In 4.1 innings pitched, he allowed no runs, no hits, issued no walks, and struck out six batters.  Ryan Garton finished the game for the Renegades with a (0.2 inning) scoreless appearance.


That means in the last two games, Hudson Valley relief pitchers combined to pitch eight innings, surrender no runs, allow no hits, and strikeout eight.  There's your decisive factor in the series.


In the end, Earl Weaver type baseball..., lost.  I'll explain what I mean by that, and deal deeper into  the Brooklyn Cyclones 2012 season tomorrow.





Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Cyclones: Hudson Valley Showdown; Game Three

From the desk of:   THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN CYCLONES:

Potential Pitchers Duel Awaits Game Three.  Coney Island One Win Away From Fifth Championship Round Appearance.
 

GAME ONE; HANSEL ROBLES PITCHES MASTERPIECE

GAME ONE RECAP

GAME TWO RECAP

After taking the opening game of their semi final series in Coney Island, the Cyclones took their lumps up in Dutchess Stadium against the Renegades in Game Two.  The teams will play Monday Night Baseball to see who participates in this year's NYPL championship.  Monday's winner will play the victor between the Tri City Valley Cats and Auburn Doubledays.


Hudson Valley finds themselves a game away from the title round after not even making the playoffs since the 1999 season.  In championship play, Brooklyn knows Auburn and the Valley Cats all too well.  The Cyclones dropped championship series to both teams.  Most recently in 2010, the Tri City Valley Cats ended Brooklyn's championship bid.  In 2007, Auburn did the same.  Prior to that, Williamsport put Brooklyn's 2003 championship hopes to bed as well.  With a win Monday evening over the Renegades, Brooklyn will earn a fourth opportunity to win their second title.


The two pitching aces have done their jobs.  Hansel Robles dialed up a performance for the ages Friday evening in Coney Island.  And Sunday evening, Hudson Valley's ace, Jeff Ames reciprocated with a solid effort in Wappingers Falls.  Now for both teams, it is time for the next guy to step up.  Without getting cocky, in the Cyclones case, it's a matter of pick your poison.


Rainy Lara last pitched on September 2nd.  He was 8-3 this season and posted a 2.91 ERA.  Luis Cessa last pitched on September 3rd.  He posted a 5-4 record with a 2.49 ERA.  Gabriel Ynoa tossed the most recent game of Monday's potential starters.  He last pitched on September 4th.  Ynoa was 5-2, with a 2.23 ERA.  All three are well rested.


The Renegades are reportedly going with Taylor Guerrieri in Game Three.  The also have Matthew Spahn and Sean Bierman in reserve.  In twelve starts, Taylor Gerrieri's stats are rather astonishing. Although, you would never know based on his win/loss record.  His record was 1-2 this season.  But in twelve starts and fifty-two innings pitched, he posted a 1.04 ERA, and an 0.77 WHiP.  He limited opposing batters to thirty one hits and issued a mere five walks all season.  He surrendered no home runs, and struck out forty-five batters.


If in fact Taylor Guerrieri makes the start, one of three available Brooklyn pitchers almost assures a classic pitcher's duel for Game Three.  Taylor however, has only averaged three to five innings per start.  All five Brooklyn starting pitchers have been instructed in the art of length this season.  They routinely have pitched into sixth innings of games.  Game Three may very well rest in the hands of the bullpens.  So what else is new?


Brandon Nimmo has been quiet this series.  In Game One, he had a single in four trips to the plate.  He scored one run and drew one walk.  In Game Two, he had one hit in four at bats, and nothing more.  In two games, both teams have an equal amount of hits; sixteen.  But Hudson Valley has now outscored Brooklyn eight runs to five.

TONIGHT

New York Penn League ~ Division Semi Finals

GAME THREE

BROOKLYN CYCLONES
vs.

Hudson Valley Renegades

FROM
Dutchess Stadium

New York

UPDATED 9/10/12:
GAME THREE - Pitching Match-Up; Luis Cessa vs. Taylor Guerrieri





Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Cyclones: Hansel Robles Shuts Out Renegades; Game Two In Hudson Valley

From the desk of:   THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

2012

New York Penn League Playoffs

Division Semi Finals

 

FRIDAY FINAL:

Hudson Valley   0

BROOKLYN     4

 

 

Brooklyn Leads Series 1-0

Game Two @ Hudson Valley

*Game Three @ Hudson Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BROOKLYN CYCLONES:

Seaside Sluggers Take Opening Game

Behind Hansel Robles Gem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hansel Robles struck out the first Renegade batter he faced.  Hudson Valley's number two batter ruined the no-hitter post haste with an unmanly single, but was erased when the following batter grounded into a 1-6-3 double play.  Hansel cruised from there.  Over the next eight innings, all Hudson Valley managed were three more scattered hits.  Hansel Robles additionally issued no walks.  In fact, the New York Penn League regular season leader in WHiP went on to retire the side in order in the second, third, fourth, sixth, and ninth innings of Friday night's playoff opener.

 

Hansel Robles warms up in right field with catcher, Kevin Plawecki,

before heading into the bullpen with pitching coach Marc Valdez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Pitch.

 

 

After striking out the first batter of the game as noted, Robles went on to strikeout nine more giving  him ten for the night.  Brooklyn's hurler basically turned in one of the more dominating playoff performances you will ever see a professional pitcher have at any level.  And he did so against the team which outpaced the Cyclones for the division title.  His effort was also one for the books.  For Friday evening, Hansel Robles brokered a one game series lead against the Hudson Valley Renegades, after pitching the first complete game shutout in Brooklyn Cyclones playoff history.

Brandon Nimmo led off the bottom half of the first inning with a single.  Next up, Dimas Ponce got plunked in the back by Hudson Valley starter, Jesse Hahn.  With runners now on first and second,  Phillip Evans grounded into a double play.  Brandon Nimmo advanced to third base on the play.  Nimmo then scored on a Jayce Boyd single.

In the second inning, the Renegades defense faltered.  Stefan Sabol led off with a single then advanced to second base on a throwing error.  On Juan Carlos Gamboa's attempted sacrifice bunt, Hudson Valley's starting pitcher, Jesse Hahn, fielded, then also threw an errant ball to first base setting up runners at the corners.  After Eudy Pina struck out, Jorge Rivero doubled to score Sabol, and send Gamboa to third.  Jesse Hahn then issued an intentional walk to Brandon Nimmo loading 'em up, thus setting a force play at any base.  Brooklyn thwarted that strategy.  A Dimas Ponce single scored Gamboa.  With the bases still loaded, Phillip Evans stepped in and punched another single.  The bases again remained loaded for Jayce Boyd and Kevin Plawecki.  But they combined to record outs two and three, ending the rally.  With three runs in however, the Cyclones led by a 4-0 score.  Afterwards, the game was all about Hansel Robles and his mastery over the Hudson Valley Renegades.

 

Brandon Nimmo leads of game with a single; left.

Dimas Ponce takes his base after getting hit by pitch; right.

 

 

 

 

With the bases loaded, Phillip Evans set runners in motion again with a second inning single.

 

 

 

The Cyclones are headed to Fishkill, N.Y. where they'll now play the Renegades on their turf.  If weather holds up, Game Two is slated for  Saturday evening.  If Game Three becomes necessary, Hudson Valley will host.

The Cyclones improved their all-time playoff record to a 12-17 mark.  This was Brooklyn's eighth overall victory against the Renegades this season, versus just three losses.  Game Two's pitching match up will pit Brooklyn's Luis Mateo against Hudson Valley's Jeff Ames.  Luis Mateo was this season's New York Penn League strikeout king.  Renegades hurler Jeff Ames was one of only four NYPL pitchers to maintain a year long ERA below two.

 

 

 

 

Mets Number One Draft Pick - Brooklyn Cyclones Center Fielder

BRANDON NIMMO

 

Brandon was kind enough to autograph my program.

 

 

 

 

 

Mets #1 Draft Pick, 35th Overall,

Brooklyn Catcher - Kevin Plawecki

 

 

 

Home of the Surf Avenue Sluggers

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB