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: Binge Podcasting

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: !Que bruto!

This has been one of the more surreal weeks in recent Mets history.

The Mets have relied on strong, effective, consistent pitching to weave themselves into playoff contention, along with gaining a measure of league wide respect and recognition as such.

Matters away from the pitching mound, however, continue fraying the edges of this nicely woven, albeit incomplete tapestry.

I can't help but chime in on Jenrry Mejia, whom, because of all the late breaking developments emanating out of Flushing, has escaped the general public's wrath.

.....handed a 2nd suspension a mere 20 days after returning from his initial suspension for testing positive for steroids.  He must now sit out 162 games as of Tuesday.

How ponderous is it, that he got busted taking old school(!) steroids?  That's like still using dial up internet.  Steroids...Really?  Like, the basic old fashioned Canseco type?  Loosy-goosy A-Rod stuff?

That's like the U-Bet of doping!

Who even knows what U-Bet is anymore?  Hint: think Boscoe, or just forget it.

Now for the other stuff:

Here's out most recent podcasts at 

  RisingApple.com

Here's the deal:

We left off Episode #110 last Thursday putting ownership's feet to the fire.

Then, on the heels of Sandy Alderson's trade to acquire Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson, 

Sam called me around midnight seeing if I wanted to do a podcast at 1:00am.  

I couldn't resist, and so on the air we went.

7/28/2015

Rising Apple Report, Episode #110 1/2: An Impromptu Metsian Exhale



7/29/2015
We held a follow-up podcast on Wednesday night, and what a show it was.

  Rising Apple Report - Episode #111: 3 Days left For Another Mets Move

My guest was an impressive 13-year old Mets fan extraordinaire from Los Angeles, and, another fan of the show calling from the southwest mountains of Virginia, to whom I extended an invitation after receiving his emailing regarding our podcast.  We also took several live callers which went well.

Topics:

The Mets season up until game #100, Noah Syndergaard's recent dominant performance.
Sandy Alderson's trade acquisitions, remaining trade possibilities.
The ponderous Tulowitzki/Reyes trade.
How about that Ruben Tejada?  Jenrry Mejia is an idiot!
Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson.
1969, 2010, and players who've worn #10 in Mets history,
and loads of other stuff.


7/30/2015
With a Thursday day game, why not have another...

Rising Apple Report - Episode #112: Trade Deadline Special

This time Rich hosted, and we were joined by Rising Apple editor Danny, and The Coop!

Topics:

The 2012 season, and players who've worn #12 in Mets history.

John Stearns beat up a pitcher in 1980.

One small step forward for Mets fans; One giant leap backwards for Mets kind!

The botched Carlos Gomez for Zack Wheeler/Wilmer Flores trade, 

and the whole fiasco that transpired at Citi Field because of it.

Did Terry Collins throw Sandy Alderson under the bus?  Social media crap.

The Brooklyn Cyclones seize first place.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: First Strange Decision of the Season

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

New York Mets: First Game Of Season Produces First Questionable Decision.

One game into the season and we have our first controversy - Lineup Gate - that Monday's lineup was largely influenced by Sandy Alderson and was an exercise in Money Ball philosophy.

C. Granderson
D. Wright
L. Duda
M. Cuddyer
D. Murphy
J. Lagares
W. Flores
T. d'Arnaud

Why have a manager then.., to make sure they don't bat out of order?  Or, as I've heard, to get the best hitters the most at-bats?

*sigh*

Did the Mets need to create a controversy so early?

Curtis Granderson was signed to provide power, not bat lead-off.  And after gearing-up Juan Lagares to bat lead-off all Spring, they bat him fifth?

Brought to you by your resident over thinkers...

What I took away from game #1:

Bartolo Colon and the Meta were able to wait-out Max Scherzer until the Nat's became the first team to blink.

Lucas Duda and Travis d'Anaud coming through with a pair of big, late, clutch hits, making the Nationals pay for their defensive miscues.

Wilmer Flores made a solid play ranging to his right, and making a long throw to first base ending the game.

Down Goes Mejia:

The man already has one Tommy John surgery on his resume.  Mejia has now been placed on the DL with (inflammation) pain in his elbow.  An MRI showed no ligament or structural damage.

This might only be a short term setback, but this nevertheless makes the 3rd compromised pitcher for the Mets after Zack Wheeler and Josh Edgin.  Even then, the Mets newly established depth still seems able to absorb this loss as well.



Mike

For Rising Apple: Failure to trade Dillon Gee creates problems for bullpen

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Failure To Trade Dillon Gee Creates Problems In The Bullpen

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Let The Off-Season Begin

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Stick Those Few Free Agent Dollars Back In The Piggy Bank, And Focus On The Trade Market.

That's a wrap; the World Series is done.  Let the off-season begin.

Mets fans however, had better prepare themselves for a quiet, dark, and cold winter.  There will be little activity to speak of, and few logs afforded by the front office for the (hot) stove.

The annual free agent period will open shortly, and here's what we need to know.

Speaking back in September with regards to improving the team through free agency, Sandy Alderson described the Mets financial situation as prohibitive.

He also went on to say, "We'll have some flexibility.  We'll be able to do some things.  We just have to see what's there."

Fair enough, because that's perhaps the most honest assessment he's rendered over the last 3 years.  In fact, I applaud his pragmatism.  Finally.

This year's free agent class. however, features no one the Mets should be pushing other teams out of the way for.  So, for Mets fans, Sandy Alderson, and ownership, there appears to be a convenient common ground this off-season.

The Mets entered 2014 with somewhere near $88 million in payroll, and finished the season slightly above $83 million.  Next season, payroll will increase whether the club likes it or not, and that's even before figuring a potential free agent.

In 2015, Bartolo Colon's salary goes up by $2 million (to $11 million), and Curtis Granderson's swells by $3 million (to $16 million dollars).

They should also expect to dole out handsome raises in arbitration to Matt Harvey, Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee, and Jenrry Mejia.

We can only speculate the club's plans for their remaining arbitration eligible: Ruben Tejada, Eric Young, Buddy Carlyle, and Dana Eveland.  Non-tendering them, however, does not afford the Mets sufficient relief.

• See Baseball Reference > The Mets are getting off light this season.  It will cost them roughly $20 million to retain their arbitration eligible players.  Of the current Mets, 15 will be arbitration eligible next year, and upwards of 20 by 2016.  By then, they'll potentially be paying in the neighborhood of $60 million in arbitration alone.

In 2014, the Mets finally snapped 5 straight years of declining attendance at Citi Field.  But, not by much - just barely in fact.  From a Citi Field high of 3.1 million fans in 2009, attendance steadily dropped down to 2,135,657 by 2013.  Last year, 2,148,808 fans spun the turnstiles - a modest increase of 13,151 patrons.  Again, that hardly lifts ownership's financial situation.

Lastly, (as if we fans need reminding), ownership still has massive debt issues.  Somehow, that just doesn't get talked about much lately, or to the extent their financial woes should.

O the field, what the Mets need are a shortstop, and a corner outfielder.  To be more precise, the Mets need middle of the order power - a slugger.

There are no available shortstops who fit that description, unless the Mets are foolish enough to court Hanley Ramirez.  (please don't)

The outfield market includes Melkey Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Cuddyer - none of which particularly interests me.

Nelson Cruz at least showed he's predisposed to accepting a one-year contract.  Baltimore paid a mere $8 million for his services in 2014, and Cruz in turn led the A.L. with a career high 40 home runs.  Although outside of Camden Yards, I'm sure that home run number reverts back to his Texas averages.  However, with a one-year deal and a raise, Cruz could serve the Mets offensive needs well.

Outside of that, I'm afraid there's little else the Mets can do to impact the offense through free agency this Fall.

That said, the Mets might be better off sticking their dollars back in their pocket this off-season, and focus more on the winter meetings and the trade market.




Mike

For Rising Apple: 5/9 Game Recap: Phillies Outlast Mets Bullpen For 3-2 Victory In 11 Innings

Here's my latest for
RisingApple.com

5/9 Game Recap: Phillies Outlast Mets Bullpen For 3-2 Victory In 11 Innings

Join me every week for the Friday Recap

Mike.BTB

Senior Staff Writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Play Ball..!! Opening Day In The Citi

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

OPENING DAY RECORD  34-18

Polo Grounds; 0-2

Shea Stadium; 30-15

Citi Field; 4-1

NEW YORK METS

HAPPY OPENING DAY!

The New York Mets lost their only two Opening Days played at the Polo Grounds.  They proceeded to christen Shea Stadium with six more consecutive losses.  The team didn't win their first Opening Day game until 1970, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by a 5-3 score.

By then, the team finally got this Opening Day thing figured out.  Between 1975 and 1983, the Mets won nine consecutive times.  In all, the Mets rebounded from an 0-6 start in their 2nd park, to finish with a 30-15 record at Shea Stadium.

The Mets head into Monday's game with a 4-1 record in Citi Field home openers, and are riding a two game win streak.  Their lone loss over the last five openers came in 2011, at the hands of their modern arch nemesis, the Miami Marlins.

Dillon Gee has been given the privilege of making this year's Opening Day start.  This will be his first.  He will be the 24th different pitcher in 53 years of Mets history to make this start.

Roger Craig made the first Opening Day start in Mets history.  Al Jackson made the first opening start at Shea Stadium.  Johan Santana started the first opener at Citi Field.

Tom Seaver is credited with the Mets first Opening Day win, and leads the team with 11 starts. Dwight Gooden is second with 8 starts, followed by Tom Glavine and Johan Santana, who started 4 games each.

*         *         *         *

Dillon Gee will be facing off against Stephen Strasburg, and the Washington Nationals.  Jon Niese was originally scheduled to make this start, but will begin the season on the disabled list until a fifth starter is needed.  Niese developed discomfort in his shoulder and elbow during spring training, but will apparently be ready when needed around April 6th.

The Washington Nationals are widely regarded as the National League East favorites this season. They've fortified their pitching with the addition of Doug Fister, and have handed the helm over to new rookie manager Matt Williams.

Some of the other interesting developments within the division this season, include the defections of Brian McCann from the Braves to the Yankees, and the problems Atlanta had refortifying their pitching.  Freddie Freeman enters the season as a legitimate MVP candidate, and Craig Kimbrel is a flat out stud.  If they can keep things together, the Braves look to pose the biggest threat to Washington this season.

Ryne Sandberg begins his first season as field manager of the Phillies.  Age is fast becoming an issue in Philadelphia, and I have a sneaky suspicion GM Ruben Amaro will not idly sit by.  I expect him to be active this season, and make some rather unpopular decisions.

Forever young - the Miami Marlins will be improved, and will give the division fits.  They have two very young players in particular, a pitcher and outfielder, who each possess great potential of capturing this season's Cy Young and MVP award respectively.  On a side note, I thought the Mets had it bad, but Miami's ownership is horrific.

In the National League East, I think the Mets and Marlins will be improved enough to prevent the Washington Nationals from running away, and in effect, keeping the Braves alive in the race for first place.  One of the National League's Wild Cards will likely come from this division.  That's where the Mets come in.

The 2014 season was slated to be the time when things began gaining focus at the major league level.  Sandy Alderson's minor league work has been well discussed.  With still much to address and improve upon, I believe, at least the direction in Flushing has been set.  The younger players of the organization are starting to assume their places.  It is a process still trying to gain momentum, but the process has been started nonetheless.

This season, anything less than a .500 record should not be regarded as a step forward.  A wild card?  Perchance to dream...

*         *         *         *

Sandy Alderson provided a few surprises in selecting his final 25-man roster.  Most notable, Jenrry Mejia has been declared the 5th starter, which means Daisuke Matsuzaka will start the season in Las Vegas, and provide a first line of insurance for the rotation.

The Mets will start the season with Dillon Gee, Zack Wheeler, Bartolo Colon, and Jenrry Mejia, until Jon Niese joins the rotation next week.  The light schedule allows the Mets go with four pitchers, and utilize an extra bench player until then.

After a poor Grapefruit League performance, reliever Vic Black will also start the season in Las Vegas.  That's a big blow to the bullpen.  When Bobby Parnell's status was still in question, Black was an early candidate to fill the closer's role.  His demotion opened the door for Germen Gonzalez, who was only recently informed he was heading north.

The Mets will begin the season with a bullpen comprised of Bobby Parnell, Jeurys Familia, Scott Rice, John Lannan, Germen Gonzalez, Carlos Torres, and late winter free agent acquisition, Jose Valverde.

*         *         *         *

Ike Davis still on the team and playing first base forces Lucas Duda to find playing time in an outfield already riddled with issues.  Duda's innings will no doubt cut into Eric Young's and Juan Lagares' innings.  Then, on the one hand, fans are clamoring for Juan Lagares' defense in centerfield, while on the other hand, fans are faced with Coach Terry's man crush with EYJ at the top of the line-up.

On a side note, in order to get Chris Young signed, Sandy Alderson promised him a starting role. He just didn't promise Young which outfield position.  Now Duda's addition to the outfield mix really makes Coach Terry's positioning a transient matter.

All that said, hello Curtis Granderson.  He adds a complimentary home run threat to the line-up. The Mets ranked near the bottom of most offensive categories last season.  Sandy Alderson is hoping the additions of Granderson and Chris Young, will have positive effects on the line-up, and increases run production.

If solidifying the outfield was Sandy Aderson's major accomplishment of the winter, the fact that Ruben Tejada will start the season at shortstop points to Sandy Alderson's ultimate failure.  To date, he has not, or could not upgrade the position through free agency or a trade.  The Mets additionally lack a minor league shortstop of note, or at least one ready to assume the position any time soon.  Best case scenario - Ruben Tejada provides even a mild surprise.  Omar Quintanilla was awarded a trip north to Flushing as a back-up.

Travis d'Arnaud hit 3 home runs in Grapefruit League play, but only batted .170 in 47 at-bats.  The Mets aren't necessarily interested in power, so much as they want d'Arnaud to be an above average contact hitter.  But, Travis has so far played himself into an after though in pre-season ROY considerations.  The Mets clearly need him to turn things around sooner than later this season.

Still at the heart of all things Mets, is third baseman and team captain, David Wright.  As he goes, so will the Mets.  He is obviously one of the players the Mets can least afford to have go down. But, if the Mets want to keep him on the field, and have him be productive, they'll need to do their part, and start taking better care of him.

Opposing pitchers have routinely thrown at David Wright without fear of consequence.  That must change immediately.  Rules be damned, because the pitcher who beans first, does so with impunity. Part of policing this is Dan Warthen's responsibility, working in concert with his pitchers.  That's where guys like Zack Wheeler and Bartolo Colon (and Matt Harvey) come in.  I believe they are just the types to make that stand, and do what's necessary to protect their players.

*         *         *         *

All that's left is to play the games.  The 53rd season of Amazin' baseball starts now.

Let's Go Mets!

Mike.BTB

Today For Rising Apple - Jenrry Mejia And Jeurys Familia: Joined At The Hip

Here's my latest article for

RisingApple.com

Jenrry Mejia And Jeurys Familia: Joined At The Hip

Mike.BTB
Senior Staff Writier/Rising Apple

Today On Rising Apple: Podcast Ep. #51 - Hosted By...Me

Today On

Rising Apple

 

 

PODCAST; Episode #51 - Running Of The Bull(pen), We Like Ike, And The Week That Was

 

 ...and I hosted - My first time.  I was a little nervous..., but had fun.

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Sizing Up Next Year's Payroll And Pitfalls

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: So Just How Much Is Mr. Wilpon Willing To Spend Anyway?

Jonathon Niese and David Wright will cost the Mets a combined $25 million dollars to operate next season.  They are the only two players under contract beyond the 2014 season.

The Mets have eleven arbitration eligible players: Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Dillon Gee, Eric Young, Mike Baxter, Justin Turner, Bobby Parnell, Scott Atchison, Omar Quintanilla and Ruben Tejada.  I personally would grant Atchison, Quintanilla and Baxter their free agency. 

The following are no brainers: Daniel Murphy enjoyed a career year, and should realize a substantial increase from his $2.9 million salary.  With double-digit victories, Dillon Gee should likewise see a considerable increase in pay.  He made just over a half-million dollars last season.  The Mets can expect to shell out roughly six million-plus dollars next season for the pair.  Bobby Parnell, who earned $1.7 million last season, effectively staked his claim to the closer's role.  He will be coming off neck surgery, but is expected to recover.  Expect him to get bumped up to $3 million or so.

Eric Young Jr. led the National League in stolen bases.  That should be enough to get him into the millionaire's club.  Players almost never lose, and so Justin Turner will get a raise too.  The pair should cost the Mets around another $3 million to retain.

So far, we have spent $37.5 million.

There is a reason why Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada were left for last.  What the hell do we do with them now?  The 2013 season was supposed to solve some team issues.  Instead, we came out even more problems.  Despite doing everything possible to give away his starting job, the Mets are lacking a shortstop that can adequately replace Ruben Tejada.  He might cost the Mets a million.  Outfield is no longer an option for Lucas Duda.  That leaves him and Ike Davis fighting it out for first base.  Or does it?  It would be difficult to let either one just walk away for nothing.  If both are offered arbitration, one would certainly have to begin the season in Las Vegas.  Another option is one gets traded during the off-season.  My over-riding sentiment is, this competition needs to end.  The time has come to make a definitive decision on one, or the other.  Where ever possible, the make-up of this team heading into the 2014 season needs to change.  Ike could only get see a marginal raise after last season.  The Mets should be able to keep him for under $4 million.  Lucas Duda however could possibly get bumped up to as much as $2 million next season.

Let's average this all out, and put the Mets at $40 million so far.

LaTroy Hawkins wants to continue pitching, and the Mets would be wise to resign him.  He made $1 million last season.  Let's give him a half-million dollar raise, and plug in Zack Wheeler, Juan Lagares and Travis d'Arnaud for the major league minimum.
.
I will add another six players who will also make the major league minimum.  You can argue over who they will be: Matt den Dekker, Germen Gonzalez, Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia, Vic Black, Wilmer Flores, Josh Satin, Wilfredo Tovar, Anthony Recker, Carlos Torres, or other.

That brings the Mets 2014 bill up to $46 million, with six more roster spots to fill.

Sandy Alderson said he will be active in the free agent market.  So let's spend some more of Wilpon's money then.  Say the Mets sign two major free agents this off-season, that cost sixteen and twenty-one million per season each.  That would bring the Mets 2014 expenditure to $83 million dollars, with four more roster spots to fill.

Fortifying the starting rotation should bring the club to $90 million dollars.  If the Mets pick up the option on Johan Santana's contract, the number goes up.

Will Mr. Wilpon dare approach this number?

Attendance at Citi Field had dropped in each of the years since it opened.  Ownership already forecasted and announced their 2014 projected $10 million dollar loss last year.  Currently, their money is mostly spoken for.  The people refinancing ownerships debt load are making sure of that.  The Mets are additionally looking to renegotiate another $250 dollars....again.  A NYPost report says Mr. Wilpon will look to arrange that over the Winter, but supposedly this will not effect 2014's player salary budget.  I honestly do not see that ownership will have any potential cash flow for the upcoming season.  Meanwhile, Sandy Alderson still needs to know what he'll be allowed to spend soon.

Another question is, how closely should the 2014 Mets resemble the team of the last two years?  Many of the above players have contributed to an overall 148-176 record.  Perhaps the Mets could benefit from trading some of their more valuable players for the sake of finally changing the direction of this club.  They certainly need to cut the chord with others.


P.S.  Bobby Bonilla is still on the books!




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: A Dark Night In Gotham

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: This One Hurts A Little More Than Usual.  Time Bandit, Say It Aint So.

Time Bandit, say it aint so.  In a flash, the Dark Knight of Gotham is gone from us.  After thirty-six total starts, Flushing is without their modern day hero.  It wasn't the division's goons or network of chaos - he was defeated by a torn tendon.

In twenty-six starts this season, Matt Harvey posted a 9-5 record, but suffered twelve no decisions.  He had a 2.27 ERA in 178.1 innings, and still leads the league with 191 strikeouts.  His WHiP was below one, he allowed the fewest home runs in the circuit, and started the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field.  On every fifth day Matt Harvey became event baseball.  A scepter with a knife now awaits him, as there is every possibility we'll be forced to forget about him until the 2015 season.

As a Mets fan, what can I say?  Are we snake bit?  Cursed?  Unlucky?  Or something other?  There are still a few teams worse off than us.  What I do know, is that there was a new kind adversity delivered to Citi Field's door step yesterday - their franchise player is down.

Obviously, a torn tendon was not part of the plan.  We're trying to assemble talent, not continue watching them fall by the wayside.  But this one hurts just a little more than usual.  Harvey had become so much in so little time - hence, The Time Bandit.

The Mets have a veritable stable of starting pitchers not at their disposal.  A potential five-man rotation featuring Johan Santana, Matt Harvey, Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia and Jeremy Hefner should make any manager giddy - a manager of a rehabilitation center that is.  And lest we forget Dillon Gee is an experienced surgery patient, and Jonothan Niese is still fresh off his issues.  It seems as if no one is safe.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Let Youth Be Served

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET


NEW YORK METS: All This Digging Is Starting To Pay Off...  So, Just Shut Up And Keep Digging.

Rebuilding - it takes time, but it's finally being done right.  Although I would have liked if the GM made a deal of relative impact at this year's deadline, the market spoke volumes.  Outside of the trade between Boston and Detroit, there apparently were no deals to be made throughout baseball.

Many of Sandy Alderson's major league signings and trades, in large part have been derivatives of Mr. Wilpon's situation.  I wholly get that.  At this point, we all do.  That is why, questionable as many have been, I generally give Alderson a pass.  Plus, with a second wild card at stake, .500 teams seem more willing to hold on to their players.  Therefore, it behooves any organization, to reinvest and double efforts into their minor league operations if they seek to achieve any kind of sustained competitiveness.

Vestiges of the Minaya Administration, and minor league endeavors undertaken by the new  Triumvirate of Flushing has quietly established winning baseball throughout the Mets minor league landscape.  From Savannah to Las Vegas, the farm is producing at levels not seen since the early 2000's when Jose Reyes, Scott Kazmir and David Wright rose through the system.

It was only last season the Mets fielded their first all home-grown team since the 1971 season.  That's astonishing, but doesn't exactly speak to my point does it?  The point is, since the first new wave of newbies featuring the likes of Jon Niese, (Mike Pelfrey), Bobby Parnell and Daniel Murphy arrived on Flushing shores, the next wave of Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Ruben Tejada, Dillon Gee, etc., have already given way to a burgeoning, more promising and skilled bunch.

Wilmer Flores made his major league debut today.  The fans have been clamoring for his promotion for some time now.  Jenrry Mejia also pitched today.  Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey are together now.  Juan Lagares gets better with each passing game.  Travis d'Arnaud is on the way.  And perhaps, there is more pitching within the system on the way as well.  The talent is no longer trickling.  I believe we now established a flow.  It is still early in the process, in so far as being major league ready, but the pool is nevertheless widening and deepening.  In two years time, it might even be overflowing.  Perchance to dream...

We are still dealing in fuzzy math with regards to Mr. Wilpon's situation.  But when stripping down an organization and building it back up again, none of that should have mattered.  It was never time to spend.  Money was an irrelevant factor in the Mets real plight.  What was and remains important, is that down below, Sandy Alderson and his lieutenants are doing what needs to be done.


Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: 2013 Bullpen

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET


NEW YORK METS - Building A Better Bullpen.


The bad news - Bobby Parnell blew Wednesday's Grapefruit League game.  The good news - only 3,908 fans saw it.  Of course that's unfair to say.  But it's spring training for fans too.  I'm just trying to get in shape - like Sandy's bullpen remix.  Compared to last year's unit, and despite Frank Francisco's prolonged elbow issue, you can't help but feel a little better about this year's group of bullpen candidates.  Despite taking a cheap shot at Parnell, Wednesday was his first hiccup in Grapefruit League action.  Prior to surrendering four runs (three earned) against the Nats, Bobby hadn't allowed an earned run in six innings.  Until Frank Francisco is game ready, Bobby Parnell is still tentatively scheduled to start the season as the Mets closer.


From the right side, Brandon Lyon and Scott Atchison have combined to pitch nine innings.  They've allowed five hits and three earned runs.  Together they have issued one walk and struck out five.


Corey Mazzoni is certainly doing enough to earn a seat on the bus trip back north.  But will the Mets allow the clock on this twenty-three year old to start ticking so soon?  Or will the club delay his MLB debut till late April or beyond, as the rules for service time change?  Although he escaped the first round of 40-man roster cuts, odds are Corey starts the season in Las Vegas.  In 2012, Mazzoni pitched in twelve games at St. Lucie, then made fourteen appearances at Binghamton.  So far, Corey has participated in four Grapefruit games, compiling seven strikeouts in eight innings pitched.


In truth, Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia remain as unfamiliar to us as they were two years ago, when we were hyping them as the future.  At least with Familia, we are starting to get a regular view.  He has tossed six innings so far, allowing three hits, and striking out four.  Jenrry Mejia, however, has been limited to two innings so far.  Visa issues caused him to arrive late to camp.  Jenrry then missed time when he was discovered to have a hyper-active thyroid gland.  He has since been cleared to resume his life and told to lay off the seafood.


It is hard to say where Greg Burke; the sub-mariner; stands in the eyes of Sandy Alderson.  In 6.1 innings, he has allowed seven hits and four earned runs.  However, he struck out eight with no walks.  His ERA sits at a lofty 5.68 mark.  And lastly, LaTroy Hawkins seems to have made a friend in Terry Collins.


I think the Mets have issues from the left side.  As their top southpaw, Josh Edgin has been getting hit around some, allowing nine hits in six innings of work.  The Mets are hoping he avoids a sophomore slump as it relates to hurlers.  After stepping in last year in the manner which he did, Edgin made himself indispensable to the Mets entering this season.  Robert Carson hasn't fared much better.  In seven innings, he has allowed eight hits, and five earned runs.  Third in, free agent pick-up Aaron Laffey is yet to surrender an earned run in 5.2 innings pitched, but has allowed seven hits.


With all due respect to Pedro Feliciano, you would be hard pressed to find another left-hander headed north with the team.  It is hard to say what Pedro can offer the Mets.  My guess is, not much; not this time.  The other lefty the Mets had in camp was Darin Gorski, who was re-assigned to AA-Binghamton along with some of his fellow Spring mates.


As part of the first round of cuts to get within the 40-man limit, the Mets re-assigned Gonzalez Germen, and Gorski as mentioned, to Binghamton.  Colin McHugh, Elvin Ramirez, and most notably, Zach Wheeler, have been re-assigned to AAA-Las Vegas.  Hansel Robles gets a promotion from Brooklyn, to Savannah.



Mike.BTB

New York Mets: Rising Apple Takes Citi

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

 

"Meet up by the Apple..."

NEW YORK METS:  RISING APPLE INVADES CITI.


Rising Apple was in the house at Citi Field last night.  My fellow staff writer Sam Maxwell, our writer/editor Matt Musico and I, went out to the park and played scout for a night while watching some of the Mets young mound hopefuls in action.


Jenrry Mejia made the start against Pittsburgh.  He pitched four scoreless innings, surrendered four hits, walked two, and struck out four.  He threw ninety-six pitches; sixty five for strikes; en route to earning his first victory.  The question surrounding Henrry Mejia's future is whether he will pitch as a starter, or in relief.  The same goes for Jeurys Familia.  In his case however, Sam believes the club seems to be directing him towards the bullpen.  Last night he pitched 0.2 innings in relief, but didn't fare as well as Mejia.  He allowed the Pirates first run of the game.  That was a small matter though, as Matt, Sam, and I spent several innings discussing Mets hurlers.


There was much more to ponder however during the Mets 6-2 Monday evening win over the Pirates. 
Ike Davis pummelled the Pirates all by himself with two home runs and five runs batted in.  He now has thirty home runs on the season.  Lately, to trade Ike Davis, or not to trade Ike Davis has been the question.  The three of us were unanimous in our desire to see Ike Davis in a Mets uniform for many years to come.


While David Wright drew a hit closer to Eddie Kranepool's club record, we discussed and lamented the overall play of Josh Thole. I believe we were all in agreement that fans should continue being patient with our catcher.  The future of Lucas Duda in a Mets uniform was also speculated.  And after a brilliant diving play at shortstop, we took time out to extol the season Ruben Tejada is having.


Sam, Matt, and I are obviously only three members of the greater Rising Apple team.  Unfortunately, the others couldn't make Monday's game.  And we will certainly reschedule a date we can all get together next season for sure.  For now, three of us were meeting for the first time.  We watched the game, we cheered, high-fived, talked, laughed, and discussed everything mentioned above.  The only thing that could have capped off a great night with the boys was a Mets win.  And we got it.  That said, life is good sometimes folks.


Being in my forties, I'm a little older than the boys.  And they gave me reasons to laugh about it.  I made two references last night that to my amusement failed to register with them.  We were discussing Daniel Murphy when I mentioned a player named Bobby Grich.  Then it dawned on me Bobby retired from the game after the 1986 season while these guys were still in Pampers.  Prior to the game, I referenced Oscar Madison; i.e. Jack Klugman's sloppy, messy, sportswriter character in the old TV show, The Odd Couple.  Even I admit that was going way back, and realized the problem was all mine!  Believe me however when I say, those were just two great moments during an otherwise spectacular night.  Taking in the National Pastime with Sam and Matt was a night very well spent.  Can't wait till next year!


One last thing.  If you want to know the reason behind my brick at Citi Field, Sam has the story posted in his personal blog - Converted Mets Fan.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets ~ Lack of Power is a Small Problem for Terry's Kids

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS:   Amazins' Bats Sending Sandy Alderson a Message - We Don't Need Any Help.  Get Pitching!


Despite two consecutive losses to the Braves, the Mets' bats are making a strong case for Sandy Alderson to address other areas of the team, rather than looking for another bat to enhance the Mets' line-up, and possibly upgrade their lack of power.


For the sake of this post, let's still call this the half-way point and project the numbers forward.  After eighty-eight games played this season, and with Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy beginning to peculate, the Mets can potentially have four batters breaking the ninety RBI mark, and can possibly have three players break one-hundred RBI this season.  That may be generous of me to say.  But the chances none-the-less exist.


Daniel Murphy appeared to be coming out his malaise prior to the break.  The hope is he can pick up where he left off.  But in the first two games back, he is batting one for ten.  As the trade deadline approaches, his production will warrant monitoring.  But there's still an awful lot of upside to his bat.  With only three home runs to his credit, he remarkably has driven in forty-three runs on the strength of twenty-three doubles, and a current .289 batting average; which is up from a low of .271 not too long ago.  If his batting average climbs back up to his standard, his RBI should accumulate commensurately.


Lucas Duda's biggest problem is he doesn't have a right-handed bat protecting him in the line-up.  Otherwise, he's quite adept at stroking the ball the other way against lefties, and pulling the righties.  He is struggling with a .246 batting average because pitchers have no reason to give him anything to hit.  Lucas has still clubbed twelve home runs this season, with forty-four RBI so far.  We shouldn't get too down on Lucas.  A bat behind him would help his game immeasurably.  If Jason Bay comes back and at least represents himself, Lucas will benefit.  And lest we forget he's a first baseman playing right field.  So defensively, I cut him a little more slack.


The power switch on Ike Davis has been flicked on.  After struggling horribly below the Mario Mendoza line, and faced with potentially being sent down to Buffalo during the Spring months, Ike Davis has finally tapped into his home run swing, and is having a robust summer.  He is now the second Mets player to reach fifty RBI this season, and currently leads the team in home runs with thirteen.  His .207 average at the moment, is fast becoming a phantom stat.  Ike is on the rise.


And then there is the Mets MVP candidate; David Wright.  He batted above the .400 mark for a substantial portion of the early season.  He currently sits at .347 because he went 0 for 5 Saturday.  Otherwise, he entered the game against the Braves with a .353 average.  He is actually fourth on the team with eleven home runs.  But he is number one on the Mets with fifty-nine RBI, which also ties him for fifth in the National League.


If this all doesn't seem earth shattering to you, then consider this.  For all the talk of the Mets' lack of power, they still produce runs at a surprising clip.  As a matter of fact, the Mets top four run producers drive in more runs than the top four RBI men of all their division rivals.


In Washington, the top four RBI men are Adam LaRoche (53); Ian Desmond (52); Ryan Zimmerman (42); and Bryce Harper with 25 RBI.  That's a total of 172 RBI.


In Atlanta, the top four RBI men are Freddie Freeman (51); Brian McCann (46); Dan Uggla (46); and Jason Heyward with 43 RBI.  That's a total of 186 RBI.


In Miami, the top four RBI men are Giancarlo Stanton (50); Hanley Ramirez (44); Logan Morrison (36); and Omar Infante with 30 RBI.


The book is out on Philadelphia because of lengthy injuries to Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard.


Here are the Mets' numbers:

Daniel Murphy - 86 games; 23 doubles; 3 home runs; 43 rbi.
David Wright - 84 games; 28 doubles; 11 home runs; 59 rbi.
Ike Davis - 83 games; 15 doubles; 13 home runs; 50 rbi.
Lucas Duda - 85 games; 9 doubles; 12 home runs; 44 rbi.


The Mets top four RBI men have driven in 196 runs this season, for tops in the division.  Like Atlanta, they have four players above forty.  But the Mets are the only team with two players above fifty RBI.


Of the blocs of four players mentioned, the Marlins have totalled seventy-four doubles; Washington seventy-seven doubles; and Atlanta sixty doubles.  The Mets big four come in at sixty-seven doubles.  However, the Mets rank number three overall in the National League.  While the Mets still lack significant power, and only rank twelfth in the senior circuit, they are #1 in walks; #4 in total hits; #3 in OBP; and sport the National League's #7 team batting average.


These are things to consider as the trade deadline draws closer.  Perhaps when prioritizing the Mets' needs, a right-handed hitter should, or could, be lower on the list.  The Mets bats seem very capable of holding their own, all be it in their own special way.  But a right-handed bat, like I said, would benefit Lucas Duda most.


With a lack of power/slugging seemingly, and somewhat dispelled, I'd make acquiring pitching the Mets priority moving forward.  If Johan Santana, R.A. Dickey, and Jon Niese, can combine to form a formidable trio over the next two weeks, then for sure, the Mets top priority should be to address the bullpen as the trade deadline approaches.  For now though, the club waits on Frank Francisco, and Jenrry Mejia for reinforcement.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets ~ Resiliency Still No Equalizer Against Mets' Bullpen

From the desks of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  and   BLAME CARLOS MAY

YANKEES WIN QUEENS SUBWAY SERIES 2-1

I  -  NYM 6; NYY 4

II  -  NYY 4; NYM 3

III  -  NYY 6; NYM 5

NEW YORK METS:  Bullpen Situation Becoming Critical.


In the opening game of the Roosevelt Avenue showdown, the Mets jumped on Andy Pettitte early and often, then held on for a win.  But in Game Two, the bullpen faltered, and the Mets let one get away.  The feature match-up between C.C. Sabathia and R.A. Dickey would decide the Queens stop of the Subway Series on Sunday night.


R.A. Dickey retired the Yankees on nine pitches to begin the game.  C.C. Sabathia retired the first two batters, then surrendered a single to David Wright.  That extended Wright's hitting streak to fourteen games.  David then stole second base.  When the throw down to second got away, Wright to advance to third.  But C.C. struck out Scott Hairston to end the inning.  However, the Mets made the Yankees ace throw twenty-three pitches.


Then the night took on the feeling of one of those games.  Right on cue, the game got away from both starters and into the bullpen they went.  The Yankees pulled away.  Then the Mets scrapped back.  But in the eighth, Miguel Batista surrendered a go-ahead home run to Robinson Cano.  Series over.  The Yankees win two games to one.


Miguel Batista threw one bad pitch Sunday.  But with this bullpen, it is still one pitch too many.  The Mets just can't continue to blow games like this.  Not if they plan on being a legitimate contender.  And therein lies the tipping point amongst Mets fans.


Indeed, the Mets bullpen strikes again.  Realistically speaking, where will the help come from?  And what team won't be looking for relief pitching at the trade deadline?  Right now, the only solution available for the Mets is Jenrry Mejia, who continues to work out of the bullpen in Buffalo.  It's only a matter of time now, before he's on the big club for good.


Just to be clear, I am against bringing Jenrry Mejia up this season.  In 2012, I am more interested in development than contending for a Wild Card.  But I can't speak for all Met fans.  But truth is, Jenrry has the most experience out of the young pitchers under consideration for promotion, and seems the logical choice to join the Mets' pen.  Apparently, his promotion was always part of the plan anyway.  Even then, like many roster moves the Mets have made recently, injury, or bare bottom necessity, have hastened the Mets' decisions.  Repeated implosions by the bullpen, will hasten Jenrry's promotion as well.


This season is still fun.  The last two games haven't shattered that for me, but they have certainly highlighted the Mets two most major flaws, their bullpen and defense.  Buffalo can help with the former, but in a limited capacity.  The defensive lapses in Chicago Monday night were somewhat foreshadowed by Coach Terry.  So it's best if the Mets just move on, and try again tomorrow.




Mike.BTB

N.Y. METS ~ The 49th Season Of Metropolitan Baseball Starts Now

OPENING DAY

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON TO ALL!

and now...

From the Desk of:  Head-Butting Mr. Met

Welcome to Mets' Year 9 A.D.

(AFTER DOUBLEDAY)

This is
"The Saul B. Katz Dilemma"

We LIVE in the THE AGE of WILPONIANISM

GAME ONE of the 2011 SEASON

NEW YORK METS

vs.

Florida Marlins

From Some Where in South Florida

Dear Fellow Met Fans,

I just don't know.  The end.  Thank you for your time.

NEW YORK METS:  The S.S. Wilpon has sailed into the perfect storm and threatens to sink our team.  So what am I so happy about?  And what still makes me grumpy?

I was much more angrier heading into last season than I am headed into this one.  Last season we were still desperate for changes.  This year we start under a new regime with some of the changes having been made.  That's a positive right?  We all know there will be more changes to come; with some more drastic than we realize.  See Jose Reyes. 

But there is more for me to be optimistic about this season than last.  Yet the cloud hovering over our team grows darker by the day.

The truth is this season will be our most trying season ever.  Even after our matriarch and original owner; Mrs. Joan Payson passed away, we knew the plan was for the eventual sale of the Mets in it's entirety.  Today we face a radically dis-similar situation with an owner desperately trying to hold on to his team while faced with mounting debt, dwindling assets, plummeting profits and a disconnected fan base.  The present owner's thinking is by bringing in a minority partner, their major financial crisis can be more handily managed through the coming rough times ahead.  The plan seems a little impotent to me.  It makes a Mets' fan almost feel as if we are taking a back seat to Fred Wilpon's grandchildren whom he would love to leave this organization behind to.  Woe is us.

In the mean time, what about us?  Mr. Wilpon..., if you're not considering that question at this very moment, your attendance figures over the first three months will give you an unsolicited indication (I guess) as to how we feel about our favorite team's ever-dimming outlook.  And it won't be because of the players.  They are the ones who just may save your company books from reflecting big fat negative zeroes and a lot of red ink.  No; instead I'm talking about...You.  Your best laid intentions may still go up in smoke if we have little faith in you.  You have a lot of winning-over to do, or, hand this team over to someone who can operate the organization in a New York State Of Mind and not from the New York State Social Services office.

But that's not all.  I don't enjoy kicking a guy when he's down, and seldom do.  But did EVERYTHING Omar Minaya touch turn into coal?  It's as if he is eternally cursed for the Bartolo Colon acquisition when he was GM of the Montreal Expos; you know - the deal that single handed rebuilt the Cleveland Indians with one trade.

Omar's last big acquisition as GM of the Mets was Jason Bay.  Omar's last hurrah will be starting the season on the DL with..whatever.  Me?  As you can see I'm viewing Bay's injury with apathy.

Omar's other lingering legacies; Carlos Beltran? - I'm just done.  I liked him; defended him; - But I'm done with him.  I just want to move on already and hand these jobs over to our younger guys like Lucas Duda and company..  Ditto with the other guy, K-Rod.  Done.  Johan Santana?  Did someone place a curse on Omar?  It's all so bizarre. 

Francisco Rodriguez brings up a fascinating dilemma in itself because of his appearances clause in his contract.  If he makes 55(?) appearances, a $17 million dollar option kicks in?  Well, with the Mets as tight as a tourniquet right now money wise, it's unlikely the Mets will let him achieve that appearance plateau.  Then, that will probably trigger a grievance by the Player's Union.  It should be fun.  Don't miss out on all the minutia.

Back to Lucas Duda, that's when I start to get a lot happier about this team.  I'm happy because we have a collection of "our guys" on the team.  For a change, they are here in bunches.  How refreshing.  And they're a bunch I'm already very attached to.  I don't think it's backlash displacement anger for the other guys.  I genuinely like this crop (and this is where Omar will never get a full serving of credit for drafting many of these kids we're about to rely on).

Josh Thole?  He's my Dude!  I have far more confidence in him than the majority of the Media seems to have in him.  Ike Davis and the Original Brooklyn Cyclone - Angel Pagan return as most favorite players.  I have always been behind Pagan since 2001 when he played for Brooklyn.

Want to know why I'm so with Dillon Gee (AAA), Jonathan Niese and Big Pelf?  Because they weren't hyped to kingdom-come like Generation-K was.  I like what I see out of those three; more-so when Gee and Niese are concerned.  I'm content, and am more than willing to hand those three the ball every fifth day.  And I've been a big Bobby Parnell fan also.  Jenrry Mejia may yet deliver the goods for us one day, as well as Nieve.  But Sandy Alderson made some acquisitions for the pitching staff with high potential reward factors attached.  Yea, they are coming off injuries and they scream of moves Omar made.  But I'm rolling with it.  Chris Capuano and Chris Young will be getting a fair shake from me.

You might call me one of those rare Met fans with patience.  But my head is without a doubt, in the new.  Above all, I'm just happy to see the new faces; finally.  I'm happy to give these guys a full year together.  We know what's in store for us Met fans.  Don't we?  Of course we do.  I'm in total break-away mode folks and I know it's going to take another year to continue purging and reconfiguring this team.

That's why I'm going to have fun watching these new Metsies grow-up.  I've been wanting it.  And now I'm starting to see it.  My complaints have been with what remains of the old.  And I realize the gutting work is still in progress.  Over the years I have screamed loudest for the Wilpons to go off campus and hire a GM unfamiliar to them.  They have done that.

So, I must say, according to my own words and wants, I go into 2011 a happier Met fan than last year, oddly, as the organization's foundation and pillars are crumbling before our eyes.

If it's not one thing, it's always another.

Let's Go Mets!

Mike.BTB