From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
#LGM
Showing posts with label Jeurys Familia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeurys Familia. Show all posts
Friday, July 23, 2021
Friday, April 16, 2021
Rain Out Theater with The Media Goon, Keith Blacknick of QBC on Another Metsian Podcast
From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
FEATURED GUEST
Mother Nature says no baseball for you. One of the wackiest starts to a season continues, or not. Out of fourteen scheduled games, the Mets have played just eight yet find themselves atop the N.L. East standings. Helping The Metsian Podcast make sense of it all is The Media Goon, Keith Blacknick, of the Queens Baseball Convention.
ninety-five minutes
#LFGM
Wednesday, April 07, 2021
N.Y. Mets: On the Bullpen's Three Game Trend
From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
TRUCKING UP I-95 ON THE LAST LEG HOME
OPENING DAY
Marlins
vs.
Mets
FROM
ROOSEVELT AVENUE GROUNDS
Flushing, Queens
Edwin Diaz Coming to a Ballpark Near You
If you follow me, you're familiar with one of my rules of thumb: once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.
Insofar as trending, there is the micro and the macro. For the moment, we have a three-game series at Philadelphia to speak of. By mid-April, we will have three series to compare and contrast.
The point being, I apply equal importance to early-season games as I would to any in June or September. I believe in getting off to good starts with the idea that you cannot win pennants in April, but you can certainly lose them.
Therefore, with great angst, I say the Mets will go as far as their bullpen carries them. I'm not breaking new ground here. That is just the modern condition of baseball.
In the first three games alone, the Mets relievers relinquished a lead, upheld a lead in game two, then played a rather inconsequential role in Wednesday afternoon's loss against the Phillies.
Manager Luis Rojas called upon three relievers in each of the first three games. In games one and two, Miguel Castro and Trevor May were joined by Aaron Loup and Jeurys Familia. On Wednesday, Jacob Barnes, Dellin Betances, and Joey Lucchesi each made their season debut.
Overall, the bullpen has accounted for 36% of the Mets 25 total innings pitched. Seven different relievers have joined together to throw 194 pitches, with 118 (60.8%) going for strikes. They've yielded six earned runs on 13 hits and three walks through nine innings for a 6.00 ERA and 1.77 WHiP with eleven strikeouts. Still slated to be a starter, Joey Lucchesi distinguished himself by allowing one lone hit with three strikeouts through two innings pitched.
Despite David Peterson lasting just four innings Wednesday against the Phillies, the Mets' first three starters, in turn, accounted for 64% of all innings pitched. By midsummer, I expect the starting rotation to account for at least 68% of innings pitched. In the meantime, Peterson's abbreviated start raised the bullpen's average usage up to three innings per game.
On Thursday, the Mets host the Miami Marlins for Opening Day at Citi Field. Edwin Diaz is likely to make his season debut at home, assuming the Mets own a late-inning lead. Lest we forget, last year the Marlins qualified for the post-season, and the Mets did not.
Robert Gsellman is also yet to make his first appearance.
I eagerly await to see the next trios of relievers Luis Rojas deploys against the Marlins because that's how he's trending.
N.Y. Mets Earn First Win Despite More Late Inning High-Jinx
From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Mets vs. Phillies; 1-1
I - PHI 5; NYM 3
II - NYM 8; PHI 4
METS
vs.
PHILLIES
FROM
BROAD STREET GROUNDS
BULLPEN ALREADY SINGING THE BROAD STREET BLUES
With Tuesday's 8-4 victory over Philadelphia scribbled in the book, we've been afforded a small glimpse into the Mets' pitching one-two punch.
I do not begrudge the Mets for removing Jacob deGrom from Monday's season opener when they did. The club is proceeding cautiously. Jacob was limited to 77 pitches, with 50 (65%) going for strikes. Marcus Stroman was similarly limited to 85 pitches, of which 53 (62%) went for strikes.
Otherwise, their first respective starts of the season provided quite the teaser. Jacob yielded no runs on just three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through six innings pitched, and Stroman allowed just one run on three hits (solo home run) and two walks with three strikeouts also over six innings. That translates to six hits and four walks with ten strikeouts and a 0.75 ERA through the rotation's first twelve innings pitched.
- Sophomore lefty David Peterson climbs the bump Wednesday afternoon and will be opposed by Aaron Nola.
Otherwise, the bullpen has been a mixed bag of goods. On Monday, they wasted no time relinquishing their first lead, earning their first blown save, and ultimately achieving their first loss of the new season. Miguel Castro tossed an effective seventh inning. However, new acquisitions Trevor May and Aaron Loup joined together in the eighth inning to yield five runs, two earned, on three hits and one walk.
On Tuesday, Trevor May and Miguel Castro respectively made their second straight appearance. This time Castro in the seventh yielded a run on three hits with two strikeouts. However, Trevor May fared better in his second outing, fanning two in the eighth. Jeurys Familia, to no one's surprise, struggled while closing out the ninth. Handed an 8-2 lead, Jeurys surrendered two runs, one earned, on two hits and a walk with one strikeout. That strikeout, by the way, came against pinch-hitter Andrew McCutchen on a high fastball which I believe is one of the most effective yet underutilized finishing pitches in baseball. Jeurys may want to take that into consideration ...
All told, six relievers were utilized over the two games. They collectively threw 118 pitches, with 75 (63%) going for strikes. Together, they've yielded eight runs, four earned, for an unsightly 7.20 ERA, eleven hits, and two walks with six strikeouts through five innings pitched.
And if you've noticed, the Mets have allowed four unearned runs due to late-inning defensive miscues; three errors, to be exact.
a second straight game featuring late-inning defensive folly = coincidence. Three times is a trend ...
— The Metsian Podcast with Sam, Rich and Mike (@THEMetsianPod) April 7, 2021
Friday, March 05, 2021
A Metsian Podcast: Grapefruit League Recaps & 1974 Retrospective with FAFIF's Greg Prince
From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Edwin Diaz ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Dellin Betances ~ Sean Reid-Foley ~ Pete Alonso
? Albert Almora Jr. ? Scott Hairston ? Marlon Byrd ? Eric Young Jr. ? Kevin Pillar ?
Fred Wilpon at Spring Training ~ the 1974 New York Mets
and so much more!
#LGM
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
N.Y. Mets: Hoping Trevor May Brings Stability to Bullpen Uncertainty
From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
PITCHERS & CATCHERS
⚾
THE BULLPEN
- Pitchers & Catchers: deGrominator Rising
- Pitchers & Catchers: Pressure on Marcus Stroman to Form One-Two Punch
- Pitchers & Catchers: Difference Between Good And Great Could Be Carlos Carrasco
- Pitchers & Catchers: Can David Peterson Pick Up Where He Left Off?
- A Metsian Podcast: Reporting to Camp with Baseball Writer & Analyst Ernest Dove
Trevor May Entering Strange New World
There are the returnees: Jeurys Familia, Dellin Betances, Robert Gsellman, Miguel Castro, the injured Seth Lugo, and perhaps Jerry Blevins. There's the main free-agent addition Aaron Loup, and a clutch of potentials, prospects, minor signees, and spring invitees such as Mike Montgomery, Tommy Hunter, Thomas Szapucki, the familiar Drew Smith, Jacob Barnes, and Sam McWilliams, to name a few.
For a split second, Familia and Betances were being shopped around in what was being rumored as a salary dump. But when other key free-agent relievers signed elsewhere, the undynamic duo again suddenly became indispensable.
Betances last season struggled with a 7.71 ERA, a career-high .353 BABIP, and a WHiP over two in 15 appearances while yielding an untenable ten runs on twelve hits and twelve walks in only 11.2 innings pitched. His velocity has plummeted from a career-high 98.4mph in 2017 to 94.9mph last season, a loss of 3.5mph in three years. Meanwhile, Jeurys Familia, whose velocity remains constant at 97.0mph, simply walks too many batters, reflected by last year's 6.4 W/9 average, a bloated 1.463 WHiP, and career-high (full-season) 4.92 FIP. However, he still somehow posted a representative .204 average against and .247 BABIP.
Robert Gsellman remains a likable member of the bullpen. But truth be told, since his rookie season, he has been nothing short of ineffective. You can look it up. As for Edwin Diaz, he'll get his own narrative coming shortly.
In the meantime, the burden inevitably being placed upon all the aforementioned relievers' shoulders originates with the starting rotation. Over the course of their respective careers, Jacob deGrom averages 6.1 innings per start, and Marcus Stroman averages an even six innings. Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walkers are next in, averaging 5.2 innings per start. Further down the depth chart, David Peterson and Joey Lucchesi average 5.1 innings, while Jordan Yamamoto clocks in at five innings flat. That means, on average, the Mets bullpen will be responsible for 3.2 innings per game, or, said another way, eleven outs ... again, on average.
All the concerns listed herein are precisely why Trevor May's upcoming role in Queens is destined to be far different, or should I say more treacherous, from the one he grew accustomed to at Minneapolis. Last season he was placed in just three save situations, and over the last three seasons has only faced ten save situations (successfully converting seven). If recent Flushing history is any indication, the 31-year old right-hander will be afforded numerous more opportunities despite whether or not Edwin Diaz fulfills his primary role as closer. Two seasons ago, Mets relievers were placed into 65 save situations; Edwin Diaz converted 26 of 33 opportunities while the remaining bullpen saved twelve games in near-equal 32 opportunities. During last year's abbreviated season, the bullpen was faced with 18 save situations. Diaz converted six of ten opportunities, and the rest saved five of eight chances.
KNOW TREVOR MAY
Called up after the trade deadline in 2014, Trevor in 2015 appeared in 48 games and made 16 starts in his first full season with the Twins. He posted a 4.00 ERA, a 1.344 WHiP, and 3.80 FIP, with 127 hits allowed, a 2.0 W/9 average, and 110 strikeouts through 114.2 innings pitched.
His 2016 season was compromised by a back injury, and he would subsequently require Tommy John surgery. After missing all of 2017, Trevor returned to action on the last day of July 2018 to post a promising 3.20 ERA, a 1.026 WHiP, and 3.08 FIP while allowing 21 hits and striking out 36 batters over a brief 25.1 innings pitched.
This brings us to MLB's last full season, which happened to be Trevor May's first full season post-Tommy John surgery. In 2019, Trevor appeared in 65 games, posting a career-low 2.94 ERA and a 1.073 WHiP, yielding 43 hits and fanning 79 batters through 64.1 innings. However, despite a marked decrease from a 7.5 H/9 to a 6.0 H/9 mark, a considerably lowered BABIP, and a career-low .181 average against, he saw his W/9 average, ERA+, and FIP climb significantly. He pitched in consecutive games eleven times during the season and only once pitched in three straight games.
From his rookie season of 2014 through 2016, Trevor May's velocity increased from 93.1mph to 95.0mph before TJ surgery. By 2019, he was up to 95.9mph.
Last year he clocked in at a career-high 96.7mph but threw it a career-low 51.8% of the time after averaging 60.6% over his first five seasons. Trevor in 2020 also abandoned his curveball when it once comprised 14.1% of his repertoire. Instead, May more than doubled usage (32.6%) of his slider while mixing in a change with a 15.6% rate of frequency. Net result, he posted career-highs with a 14.7 K/9 average and 39.6 K% through 24 appearances, and 23.1 innings pitched. His W/9 and FIP improved slightly. However, his 3.86 ERA, 1.157 WHiP, .326 BABIP, 7.7 H/9 average, and .225 average against, while not terrible by any stretch, all represent increases over the previous season.
Otherwise, may Trevor's force be with us.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
N.Y. Mets: Ongoing Ninth Inning Fire Rages On
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
WILL THE METS REAL FIREMAN PLEASE STEP UP
One strike away from their second straight victory to begin the season, and ...
... another Edwin Diaz pitch irretrievably disappears over the fence.
Manager Rojas spends the lead-up making timely substitutions and smartly reconfiguring his defense. In fact, the freshman Rojas sets the stage rather well. Starter Steven Matz exits on the winning side of a 2-1 contest after six innings and 93 pitches thrown, with 58 (62%) going for strikes. After which the trio of Jeurys Familia, Dellin Betances, and Justin Wilson, join together for two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and fanning a pair.
Enter Edwin Diaz; it's the ninth inning. With two outs and the Mets clinging to a slim 2-1 lead, he gets two strikes on Atlanta designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. Then comes the fatal pitch, belt high and flat, on the outside portion of the plate, just begging to be hit the other way by a right handed batter. And Ozuna does just that, sending Diaz' offering high beyond the reach of Michael Conforto, and over the right field fence - game tied. The Mets eventually lose in the tenth inning, but the damage is already done (MLB's new extra inning rules be damned).
Diaz last year pitches 58 innings and yields fifteen home runs all in the ninth inning, which sets a new MLB record previously established by Francisco Rodriguez. Now with the 2020 season underway, Edwin appears in each of the Mets first two games. Therefore, since arriving at Flushing he has now pitched 60 innings, surrendered sixteen home runs, all in the ninth inning. It bears repeating: eight blown saves; seven losses, sixteen home runs allowed in just 60 innings pitched, with a 5.37 ERA and 1.379 WHiP, over 68 overall appearances as a Met. Edwin Diaz is 26-years old and a veteran of four full major league seasons, during which he's averaged 67 innings per season. Therefore, his arm is far from approaching its expiration date. His 103 strikeouts and 15.4 K/9 average are perhaps his best and only defense. He strikes out two on Opening Day, and strikes out two more on Saturday before his run in with Ozuna. But what good is that?
Granted this is only game two of the season, but - and it's a big but - there remains only 58 games left to play. Therefore, one must question how much longer can the Mets afford to hand over ninth inning responsibilities to a consistently ineffective Edwin Diaz.
In this compromised 60-game season, time is of the essence. The responsibility of rethinking the ninth inning now falls on Luis Rojas. Hunter Strickland raised some eyebrows during Summer Camp, but on Saturday had fans watching at home turning and looking the other way. He incurs the loss upon yielding three runs, two earned, in just one-third of an inning pitched. But the likes of Seth Lugo, Jeurys Familia, Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances, along with Edwin Diaz, should perhaps begin taking on a greater collective role insofar as closing out the ninth inning.
Steven Matz is the overlooked victim in all this. He allows just one earned run on a mere two hits with one walk, and seven strikeouts, but for all his efforts unfortunately walks away with a no decision.
WILL THE METS REAL FIREMAN PLEASE STEP UP
One strike away from their second straight victory to begin the season, and ...
( ( ( ( POOF! ) ) ) )
... another Edwin Diaz pitch irretrievably disappears over the fence.
Manager Rojas spends the lead-up making timely substitutions and smartly reconfiguring his defense. In fact, the freshman Rojas sets the stage rather well. Starter Steven Matz exits on the winning side of a 2-1 contest after six innings and 93 pitches thrown, with 58 (62%) going for strikes. After which the trio of Jeurys Familia, Dellin Betances, and Justin Wilson, join together for two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and fanning a pair.
Enter Edwin Diaz; it's the ninth inning. With two outs and the Mets clinging to a slim 2-1 lead, he gets two strikes on Atlanta designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. Then comes the fatal pitch, belt high and flat, on the outside portion of the plate, just begging to be hit the other way by a right handed batter. And Ozuna does just that, sending Diaz' offering high beyond the reach of Michael Conforto, and over the right field fence - game tied. The Mets eventually lose in the tenth inning, but the damage is already done (MLB's new extra inning rules be damned).
Diaz last year pitches 58 innings and yields fifteen home runs all in the ninth inning, which sets a new MLB record previously established by Francisco Rodriguez. Now with the 2020 season underway, Edwin appears in each of the Mets first two games. Therefore, since arriving at Flushing he has now pitched 60 innings, surrendered sixteen home runs, all in the ninth inning. It bears repeating: eight blown saves; seven losses, sixteen home runs allowed in just 60 innings pitched, with a 5.37 ERA and 1.379 WHiP, over 68 overall appearances as a Met. Edwin Diaz is 26-years old and a veteran of four full major league seasons, during which he's averaged 67 innings per season. Therefore, his arm is far from approaching its expiration date. His 103 strikeouts and 15.4 K/9 average are perhaps his best and only defense. He strikes out two on Opening Day, and strikes out two more on Saturday before his run in with Ozuna. But what good is that?
Granted this is only game two of the season, but - and it's a big but - there remains only 58 games left to play. Therefore, one must question how much longer can the Mets afford to hand over ninth inning responsibilities to a consistently ineffective Edwin Diaz.
FIREMAN WANTED: INQUIRE WITHIN
Steven Matz is the overlooked victim in all this. He allows just one earned run on a mere two hits with one walk, and seven strikeouts, but for all his efforts unfortunately walks away with a no decision.
Friday, March 13, 2020
N.Y. Mets: No Baseball For You
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
WE INTERRUPT SPRING TRAINING AND THE
2020 REGULAR SEASON DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK
No baseball for you - at least not yet, or the foreseeable future. With coronavirus running wild, Take Me Out to the Ballgame certainly takes on a different tune.
However, the Trolley rolls on ...
I - Starting Pitching
Noah Syndergaard will turn 28-years old this season. It's time for him to step it up. My most serious criticism against Noah through the years has been his lack of craftsmanship. Last season he exceeded 30 starts for the first time in three years, fanning 202 batters and walking only 50 through 197.2 innings pitched. However he surrendered a career high 24 home runs which contributed greatly to his career high 4.28 ERA. That must change. With health presumably back on his side there will be little excuse should he fail to elevate his game. We Mets fans wish and hope for him to become an elite pitcher. But he is not there yet.
Rick Porcello has to date yielded 15 hits and just one walk with eight strikeouts through 10.2 innings pitched. I was in complete agreement with this acquisition. However, the signing of Michael Wacha, not so much. Wacha has surrendered eight hits and four walks in just 7.2 Grapefruit League innings pitched. In 2019, Wacha's first full season back from injury, he yielded 143 hits and 55 walks for a 1.563 WHiP through 126.2 innings.
II - Bullpen
Looks like Dellin Betances will have all the time he'll need for amping up that velocity. He says he's a slow starter. Time is now on his side. Meanwhile a slimmed down Jeurys Familia is performing well, but the troubled Edwin Diaz is not - four hits allowed and just one strikeout in three innings pitched.
As we know the Mets staff is short on left-hand pitching. In fact, Justin Wilson is the only bullpen southpaw whom I would qualify as reliable. That's why I've been rooting for Chasen Shreve to win a seat on the bus back to Flushing. A potential power arm, Shreve to date has yielded five hits (two home runs) and two walks with five strikeouts in six innings pitched. Not exactly what I had in mind.
Seth Lugo wants to start, but his performance betrays him. Compare 2017, his last season as a full time starter, versus his last two seasons as a full time reliever. As a starter he yielded 114 hits in 101.1 innings. As a reliever these last two seasons, he has allowed just 137 hits over 181.1 innings pitched. As a starter he posted a 10.1 H/9, 2.2 W/9, and 7.5 K/9. Last year he posted a career low 6.3 H/9 and 1.8 W/9, and a career high 11.7 K/9. The Mets need to utilize him to the best of his ability. If that means putting their foot down, so be it.
#washyourhands
Friday, October 04, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Can't Save Themselves From The Dog Days of Spring
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
There are still another 13 relief pitchers so far unmentioned here whom this past season appeared out of the Mets bullpen. Outside of Luis Avilan, very few if any are worth mentioning. However, none were put into save situations.
San Diego's 32-year old Kirby Yates comes out of nowhere to post a National League leading 44 saves, with a 93% conversion rate, and only three blown saves. Alas the Padres are not in the playoffs. Also home watching TV are Cincinnati's Raisel Iglesias who posts 34 saves, with an 85% conversion rate and six blown saves, and San Francisco's Will Smith who likewise posts 34 saves with an 89% conversion rate and only four blown saves. Rounding out the National League's top five closers, Milwaukee's Josh Harder finishes second with 37 saves, off an 84% conversion rate with seven blown saves. L.A.'s Kenley Jansen saves 33 games with an 80% conversion rate and eight blown saves.
GATES CLOSED
The Regular Season is Now a Matter of Record.
So What Happened?
The Mets played exactly 23 meaningful games in September. Ironically a victory over the Miami Marlins is their last, as the competition squeezes them out of post-season contention at the 158 game mark. They finish the regular season in third place, eleven games back of first, and three games out of the wild card race. With an 86-76 (.531) record the Mets at least assure themselves of their first winning season in three years.
While many if not most fans and media point to the Mets 27 blown saves as the main reason why they failed to qualify for the playoffs, there's also something to be said for what is becoming a habitual Spring swoon. From May 15 through the end of June the Mets post an 18-27 record featuring five and seven game losing streaks respectively. By July 5 they are ten games under .500 sporting a 40-50 record. It is during this dreadful two month period that a great majority of this season's blown saves occur.
THE DOG DAYS of SPRING
- May/June 2015: 25-30 (.454); 65-42 (.607) rest of season.
- May/June 2016: 26-30 (.464); 61-45 (.575) rest of season.
- May/June 2017: 27-28 (.491); 43-64 (.402) rest of season.
- May/June 2018: 15-39 (.278); 62-46 (.574) rest of season.
- May/June 2019: 23-33 (.411); 63-43 (.594) rest of season.
Last season with the Mariners Edwin Diaz posts a 1.96 ERA through 73.1 innings pitched. He converts a major league best 57 of 61 save opportunities for a 93% success rate with four blown saves. In his first season with the Mets he converts 26 of 33 save opportunities for a 79% success rate with seven blown saves. He yields a career high 15 home runs skyrocketing his ERA upwards of 5.59 in 58.0 innings pitched. Since Diaz led the Mets in blown saves, he naturally bears the brunt of criticism. But make no mistake, New York's bullpen inefficiencies were a collective effort. Edwin Diaz accounts for 26% of all Mets blown saves - seven for Diaz and 20 blown saves for everyone else. That begs the question: who is responsible for blowing the other 74% of save opportunities?
THE CULPRITS
- Edwin Diaz: (26/33) 79% conversions; 7 blown saves.
- Drew Gagnon/Wilmer Font/Brad Brach/Tyler Bashlor: (0/6) 0% conversions; 6 blown saves.
- Seth Lugo: (6/11) 54% conversions; 5 blown saves.
- Robert Gsellman: (1/5) 20% conversions; 4 blown saves.
- Jeurys Familia: (0/4) 0% conversions; 4 blown saves.
- Justin Wilson: (4/5) 80% conversions; 1 blown save.
- Paul Sewald: (1/1) 100% conversions; 0 blown saves.
There are still another 13 relief pitchers so far unmentioned here whom this past season appeared out of the Mets bullpen. Outside of Luis Avilan, very few if any are worth mentioning. However, none were put into save situations.
And what of the competition? How are they trending?
San Diego's 32-year old Kirby Yates comes out of nowhere to post a National League leading 44 saves, with a 93% conversion rate, and only three blown saves. Alas the Padres are not in the playoffs. Also home watching TV are Cincinnati's Raisel Iglesias who posts 34 saves, with an 85% conversion rate and six blown saves, and San Francisco's Will Smith who likewise posts 34 saves with an 89% conversion rate and only four blown saves. Rounding out the National League's top five closers, Milwaukee's Josh Harder finishes second with 37 saves, off an 84% conversion rate with seven blown saves. L.A.'s Kenley Jansen saves 33 games with an 80% conversion rate and eight blown saves.
National League Playoff Qualifiers
- Atlanta Braves: 66% conversions; 23 blown saves.
- St. Louis Cardinals: 71% conversions; 21 blown saves.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 60% conversions; 29 blown saves.
- Washington Nationals: 58% conversions; 29 blown saves.
- Milwaukee Brewers: 64% conversions; 28 blown saves.
- National League Averaage: 61.4% conversions; 25 blown saves.
- NEW YORK METS: (38/65) 58% CONVERSIONS; 27 BLOWN SAVES.
American League Playoff Qualifiers
- N.Y. Yankees: 63% conversions; 28 blown saves.
- Houston Astros: 70% conversions; 20 blown saves.
- Minnesota Twins: 69% conversions; 22 blown saves.
- Oakland A's: 59% conversions; 31 blown saves.
- Tampa Bay Rays: 63% conversions; 27 blown saves.
Every team blows saves. But in the National League only the Mets, Nationals, Cubs, Pirates, Rockies, and Marlins, fail to convert at least 60% of their opportunities. Washington survives the wild card game. In the American League, Oakland does not.
Make of it what you will.
Friday, September 06, 2019
Last Chance For Gas On Another Metsian Podcast
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Ya Gotta Believe,
But For How Long?
A METSIAN PODCAST
with SAM, RICH, and MIKE
FEATURING
Sam and I minus Rich
sixty-eight minutes
STUFF
LAST TWELVE GAMES: ATL; CHI; PHI; WAS
NEXT TEN GAMES: PHI; ARZ; LAD
Pete Alonso ~ Wilson Ramos ~ Michael Conforto ~ Robinson Cano
Edwin Diaz ~ Jeurys Familia ~ Paul Seward
Noah Syndergaard ~ Steven Matz ~ Zack Wheeler
Brooklyn Cyclones ~ Edgardo Alfonzo ~ Jed Lowrie ~ Syracuse Mets
Jerry Koosman ~ Ed Lynch ~ Mickey Callaway
Ya Gotta Believe ~ and so much more!
#LGM
Thursday, September 05, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Twelve Games of Resilient Dreck
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
If the last 12 games didn't kill them, perhaps the next stretch of ten will. The Mets are coming home to Flushing where they'll host a return series against the Phillies. After which they play a red hot Diamondbacks team that is 3.5 games back of the second wild card and 8-2 over their last ten. The Mets home-stand concludes with three games against the west leading Dodgers.
To be fair, I'll trend back one month. The Mets are 15-12 since Monday, Aug. 5, when they regain .500 with a victory over the Miami Marlins. But the real odyssey begins promptly after sweeping the Cleveland Indians. Even after Wednesday afternoon's YouTube victory over the Nationals, the Mets are just 4-8 over their last four series against Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington. These were twelve head to head wild card impacting confrontations I thought would surely define the Mets season. Throughout this stretch we witness their full repertoire of good, bad, and repulsive play. Yet they're 4-2 over their last six and still loitering 4.5 games back of the second wild card spot with 23 games left in the season.
Then there's the matter of Tuesday's meltdown. The Mets are on top of the free world upon arresting a 10-6 lead with five runs in the top of the ninth at Washington. But Paul Sewald, Luis Avilan, and Edwin Diaz, ponderously give it all back surrendering seven runs in the bottom half of the frame en route to a gut wrenching 11-10 loss.
If we learned anything over these last twelve games is that when the offense is clicking they win convincingly, and when they're not they lose miserably. Problem is they lay in a coma for six straight games until reanimating at Philadelphia.
vs. ATLANTA / CHICAGO
During their six game losing streak against Atlanta and Chicago the Mets hit .224 (49 for 219); with 14 walks; 49 strikeouts; 44 LOB; and .146 (7 for 48) w/RiSP. They hit seven home runs in six games; only two come with runners on base for ten generated runs. The Mets average just 2.83 runs per game against the Braves and Cubs.
vs. PHILADELPHIA
Mets win two of three against Philadelphia Phillies hit .293 (29 for 99); with ten walks; 20 strikeouts; 22 LOB; and .333 (20 for 60) w/RiSP. They hit four home runs; three come with men on base for a net eight generated runs. The Mets average 6.3 runs per game against the Phillies.
vs. WASHINGTON
Mets win two of three against Washington Nationals hitting .318 (35 for 110); with 14 walks; 21 strikeouts; 19 LOB; and .375 (12 for 32) w/RiSP. They hit eight home runs; four come with runners on base for a net 13 generated runs. The Mets average 8.3 runs per game against the Nationals.
The Mets single season home run king continues resetting his own bar. On Aug. 24 against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field Pete Alonso breaks the Mets franchise record of 41 home runs formerly shared by Todd Hundley and Carlos Beltran. By close of business Wednesday he is up to 45 home runs and counting. Alonso has played in all but two of the Mets 139 games to date, and is presently slashing .268/.368/.591/.959, with 27 doubles, 45 home runs, and 105 runs batted in (or net 60 RBI minus home runs). He likewise has smashed any and all Mets and MLB rookie related home run milestones in record setting time. In fact, exactly a month ago is when he hit the first of four home runs in as many games against the Marlins and Nationals. More than half of his 136 hits have been for extra-bases and 60% of those have gone for home runs.
Wilson Ramos' 26-game hitting streak comes to an end Wednesday afternoon at Washington. The streak begins on Aug. 3 at Pittsburgh where Ramos goes 4 for 5 with a double, home run, and six runs batted in. He twice extends his streak as a pinch-hitter. During the streak he bats .430 (43 for 100) with seven doubles, three home runs, and 18 runs batted in. For the season Wilson Ramos is slashing .295/.357/.424/.781, with 28 extra-base hits and 67 runs batted in (or net 54 RBI minus home runs which is only six less than Alonso in 92 less at-bats).
Steven Matz is 3-1 with a no decision in his last five starts with a 2.10 ERA and 1.26 WHiP, allowing just seven walks and fanning 31 through 30 innings pitched. He has averaged 24 batters faced over six innings per start, and lowered his ERA 0.54 points over that time down to a more respectable 4.04 mark.
Michael Conforto hit his career tying 28th home run of the season on Aug. 30 at Philadelphia. Over these crucial last 12 games he batted .276 (13 for 47), with three doubles, one home run, and four runs batted in. In eight of those game and batted .182 (2 for 11) with RiSP.
Through the course of 55 games Jeurys Familia's ERA (5.96) has yet to dip below five all season. He has so far yielded 49 hits and 41 walks through 49 innings pitched. After a legitimately effective month of August, Familia in his two most recent appearances has yielded five earned runs on four hits and four walks in just 1.2 innings pitched. On Wednesday the Mets were able to survive Familia, but Tuesday not so much.
LAST GASP AT THE FLUSHING CORRAL
PHILADELPHIA ~ ARIZONA ~ LOS ANGELES
To be fair, I'll trend back one month. The Mets are 15-12 since Monday, Aug. 5, when they regain .500 with a victory over the Miami Marlins. But the real odyssey begins promptly after sweeping the Cleveland Indians. Even after Wednesday afternoon's YouTube victory over the Nationals, the Mets are just 4-8 over their last four series against Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington. These were twelve head to head wild card impacting confrontations I thought would surely define the Mets season. Throughout this stretch we witness their full repertoire of good, bad, and repulsive play. Yet they're 4-2 over their last six and still loitering 4.5 games back of the second wild card spot with 23 games left in the season.
Then there's the matter of Tuesday's meltdown. The Mets are on top of the free world upon arresting a 10-6 lead with five runs in the top of the ninth at Washington. But Paul Sewald, Luis Avilan, and Edwin Diaz, ponderously give it all back surrendering seven runs in the bottom half of the frame en route to a gut wrenching 11-10 loss.
If we learned anything over these last twelve games is that when the offense is clicking they win convincingly, and when they're not they lose miserably. Problem is they lay in a coma for six straight games until reanimating at Philadelphia.
THE DIRTY DOZEN
LAST TWELVE GAMES
4-8 (.333)
vs. ATLANTA / CHICAGO
During their six game losing streak against Atlanta and Chicago the Mets hit .224 (49 for 219); with 14 walks; 49 strikeouts; 44 LOB; and .146 (7 for 48) w/RiSP. They hit seven home runs in six games; only two come with runners on base for ten generated runs. The Mets average just 2.83 runs per game against the Braves and Cubs.
vs. PHILADELPHIA
Mets win two of three against Philadelphia Phillies hit .293 (29 for 99); with ten walks; 20 strikeouts; 22 LOB; and .333 (20 for 60) w/RiSP. They hit four home runs; three come with men on base for a net eight generated runs. The Mets average 6.3 runs per game against the Phillies.
vs. WASHINGTON
Mets win two of three against Washington Nationals hitting .318 (35 for 110); with 14 walks; 21 strikeouts; 19 LOB; and .375 (12 for 32) w/RiSP. They hit eight home runs; four come with runners on base for a net 13 generated runs. The Mets average 8.3 runs per game against the Nationals.
- In four wins they hit .426 (49 for 115); with 18 walks; 29 strikeouts; 35 LOB; and .333 (18 for 54) w/RiSP.
- In eight loses they hit .226 (64 for 283); with 20 walks; 61 strikeouts; 50 LOB; and .244 (21 for 86) w/RiSP.
- GRAND TOTAL 12 Games: .264 (113-428); with 38 walks; 90 strikeouts; 85 LOB; and .278 (39 for 140) w/RiSP.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND UGLY ...
Wilson Ramos' 26-game hitting streak comes to an end Wednesday afternoon at Washington. The streak begins on Aug. 3 at Pittsburgh where Ramos goes 4 for 5 with a double, home run, and six runs batted in. He twice extends his streak as a pinch-hitter. During the streak he bats .430 (43 for 100) with seven doubles, three home runs, and 18 runs batted in. For the season Wilson Ramos is slashing .295/.357/.424/.781, with 28 extra-base hits and 67 runs batted in (or net 54 RBI minus home runs which is only six less than Alonso in 92 less at-bats).
Steven Matz is 3-1 with a no decision in his last five starts with a 2.10 ERA and 1.26 WHiP, allowing just seven walks and fanning 31 through 30 innings pitched. He has averaged 24 batters faced over six innings per start, and lowered his ERA 0.54 points over that time down to a more respectable 4.04 mark.
Michael Conforto hit his career tying 28th home run of the season on Aug. 30 at Philadelphia. Over these crucial last 12 games he batted .276 (13 for 47), with three doubles, one home run, and four runs batted in. In eight of those game and batted .182 (2 for 11) with RiSP.
Through the course of 55 games Jeurys Familia's ERA (5.96) has yet to dip below five all season. He has so far yielded 49 hits and 41 walks through 49 innings pitched. After a legitimately effective month of August, Familia in his two most recent appearances has yielded five earned runs on four hits and four walks in just 1.2 innings pitched. On Wednesday the Mets were able to survive Familia, but Tuesday not so much.
Monday, September 02, 2019
New York Mets Bats Shy Away From National Spotlight
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Fresh off Sunday night's ESPN prime time loss at Philadelphia, the Mets are 2-7 since sweeping the Cleveland Indians. And now a whole nation knows it.
They're back at two games above .500, and from one moment to the next give the impression of a team either in the midst of something amazin' or a sputtering club running out of steam. Tough to decipher; teams straddling .500 have a tendency of doing that. That's the nature of mediocrity and hovering just above par. And there's the rub: the Mets players whom wield bats for a living have yet to distinguish themselves. They continue squandering valuable opportunities sometimes seemingly without so much as a fight, instead appearing content to just fade away quietly into the night.
Like Sunday evening at Philadelphia ...
Sure we can wrangle over relievers Daniel Zamora and Jeurys Familia. Zamora yields a lead-off hit to Bryce Harper in the bottom of the eighth. Familia is then summoned from the bullpen and promptly walks Rhys Hoskins. Both base runners advance on Brad Miller's sac-fly to center (and Brandon Nimmo's bad decision on the throw). Second baseman Cesar Hernandez is intentionally walked loading the bases. After which Familia surrenders a bases clearing double to left/center by shortstop Scott Kingery.
Game!
Of course this ruins an otherwise effective performance from Marcus Stroman. He surrenders just two earned runs on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings. Marcus faces 26 batters, throwing 98 pitches with 65 (66%) going for strikes. But he does not factor in the decision ... because the Mets offense is bi-polar. Not to be confused with polar bears.
But truth be told, the Mets have been getting effective pitching ever since returning from the all-star break. Which is why I elect to keep my full focus on what has become a dysfunctional offense. The Mets in game three against Philly post some very familiar offensive numbers that hearken back to their six game losing streak: just two runs on 4 for 19 (.138); another home run with no runners on base; and going another 0 for 3 with RiSP.
In their last seven losses the Mets are now 53 for 248 (.214), with 17 walks, and 54 strikeouts. They're up to 48 runners LOB, and after Sunday are now 7 for 51 (.137) w/RiSP.
Compare that against their lone two victories (against the Phillies) in their last nine games.
So what's it gonna be? Will the real Mets please stand up? I sense we already know the answers to these questions.
JEKYLL AND HYDE OFFENSE STRIKES AGAIN
Mets win series w/ Phillies 2-1
I - NYM 11; PHI 5
II - NYM 6; PHI 3
III - PHI 5; NYM 2
Fresh off Sunday night's ESPN prime time loss at Philadelphia, the Mets are 2-7 since sweeping the Cleveland Indians. And now a whole nation knows it.
They're back at two games above .500, and from one moment to the next give the impression of a team either in the midst of something amazin' or a sputtering club running out of steam. Tough to decipher; teams straddling .500 have a tendency of doing that. That's the nature of mediocrity and hovering just above par. And there's the rub: the Mets players whom wield bats for a living have yet to distinguish themselves. They continue squandering valuable opportunities sometimes seemingly without so much as a fight, instead appearing content to just fade away quietly into the night.
Like Sunday evening at Philadelphia ...
Sure we can wrangle over relievers Daniel Zamora and Jeurys Familia. Zamora yields a lead-off hit to Bryce Harper in the bottom of the eighth. Familia is then summoned from the bullpen and promptly walks Rhys Hoskins. Both base runners advance on Brad Miller's sac-fly to center (and Brandon Nimmo's bad decision on the throw). Second baseman Cesar Hernandez is intentionally walked loading the bases. After which Familia surrenders a bases clearing double to left/center by shortstop Scott Kingery.
Game!
Of course this ruins an otherwise effective performance from Marcus Stroman. He surrenders just two earned runs on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings. Marcus faces 26 batters, throwing 98 pitches with 65 (66%) going for strikes. But he does not factor in the decision ... because the Mets offense is bi-polar. Not to be confused with polar bears.
But truth be told, the Mets have been getting effective pitching ever since returning from the all-star break. Which is why I elect to keep my full focus on what has become a dysfunctional offense. The Mets in game three against Philly post some very familiar offensive numbers that hearken back to their six game losing streak: just two runs on 4 for 19 (.138); another home run with no runners on base; and going another 0 for 3 with RiSP.
In their last seven losses the Mets are now 53 for 248 (.214), with 17 walks, and 54 strikeouts. They're up to 48 runners LOB, and after Sunday are now 7 for 51 (.137) w/RiSP.
Compare that against their lone two victories (against the Phillies) in their last nine games.
- Game One: 12 for 39 (.308); four walks, nine strikeouts; six LOB; 4 for 10 (.400) w/RiSP; three home runs with five runners on base.
- Game Two: 13 for 41 (.317); three walks; six strikeouts; twelve LOB; 6 for 20 (.300) w/RiSP.
- TOTALS: 25 for 80 (.312), seven walks; 15 strikeouts; 18 LOB; 10 for 30 (.333) w/RiSP
NEXT
New York Mets @ Washington Nationals
#LGM
Monday, August 19, 2019
Dissecting the Mets with Tim Healey of NEWSDAY on Another Metsian Podcast
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
WILL THE METS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?
We Answer That ... Rich Plays Host
A METSIAN PODCAST
with SAM, RICH, and MIKE
SPECIAL GUEST
69:00 minutes
STUFF
Who are the 2019 Mets and Will They Make the Playoffs?
Second Half ~ Competition ~ Roster ~ Possibilities
Pete Alonso Breaks National League Rookie Home Run Record
Aaron Altherr ~ Billy Hamilton ~ Rajai Davis ~ DFA's
Amed in the Outfield ~ J.D. Davis/Jeff McNeil Injuries
Edwin Diaz ~ Jeurys Familia ~ Seth Lugo ~ Marcus Stroman
Ruben Tejada ~ Dilson Herrera ~ Danny Espinosa
What Miracles Are Made Of ~ A Box of Crayons
What do Cleon Jones; Noah Syndergaard; Ed Lynch;
Junior Ortiz; Nolan Ryan; All Have In Common?
Syracuse Mets ~ and much more with Newsday's Tim Healey.
Sunday, August 11, 2019
N.Y. Mets: The Bullpen Strikes Back
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
It's no coincidence that since the return of relievers Luis Avilan and Justin Wilson, it's not just Seth Lugo whom appears back in top form. The bullpen and pitching staff as a whole are excelling and the Mets are surging as a result.
Avilan was sporting a 9.28 ERA when on May 3 he succumbed to injury. He misses the rest of May and all of June. Justin Wilson's ERA stood at 4.82 when on May 6 he too is felled by injury. Like Avilan, Justin Wilson misses the rest of May and all of June. By the time both relievers go missing the Mets own a 16-19 record. Without them the Mets go on to win 12 of their remaining 22 games in May, but lose 18 of 28 games in June dropping their record to 26-37 for the season.
On May 7, Seth Lugo owns a 3.13 ERA. In the absence of Avilan and Wilson his ERA balloons to a 3.60 mark. In June Lugo yields seven earned runs on 15 hits with a 4.84 ERA and three blown saves over ten appearances and 13 innings pitched.
Justin Wilson returns on July 2 and has since lowered his ERA to a 2.86 mark. Luis Avilan returns on July 5 and has since lowered his ERA to a 5.12 mark. In turn Seth Lugo has lowered his ERA from 3.51 at the start of July down to 2.73 by month's end. As of Sunday he owns a 2.65 ERA through 45 appearances.
Since July 3 even Jeurys Familia has lowered his ERA by more than a full point.
The bullpen owns a 3.20 ERA since the all-star break, and the pitching staff as a whole owns a 2.70 ERA while in the midst of this Amazin' 15-1 run.
The Bullpen's Back and You're Gonna Be In Trouble
It's no coincidence that since the return of relievers Luis Avilan and Justin Wilson, it's not just Seth Lugo whom appears back in top form. The bullpen and pitching staff as a whole are excelling and the Mets are surging as a result.
Avilan was sporting a 9.28 ERA when on May 3 he succumbed to injury. He misses the rest of May and all of June. Justin Wilson's ERA stood at 4.82 when on May 6 he too is felled by injury. Like Avilan, Justin Wilson misses the rest of May and all of June. By the time both relievers go missing the Mets own a 16-19 record. Without them the Mets go on to win 12 of their remaining 22 games in May, but lose 18 of 28 games in June dropping their record to 26-37 for the season.
On May 7, Seth Lugo owns a 3.13 ERA. In the absence of Avilan and Wilson his ERA balloons to a 3.60 mark. In June Lugo yields seven earned runs on 15 hits with a 4.84 ERA and three blown saves over ten appearances and 13 innings pitched.
Justin Wilson returns on July 2 and has since lowered his ERA to a 2.86 mark. Luis Avilan returns on July 5 and has since lowered his ERA to a 5.12 mark. In turn Seth Lugo has lowered his ERA from 3.51 at the start of July down to 2.73 by month's end. As of Sunday he owns a 2.65 ERA through 45 appearances.
Since July 3 even Jeurys Familia has lowered his ERA by more than a full point.
The bullpen owns a 3.20 ERA since the all-star break, and the pitching staff as a whole owns a 2.70 ERA while in the midst of this Amazin' 15-1 run.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Giving Blown Saves a Name
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
We know the Mets are blowing half their save opportunities. Flushing is up in arms about it. But simply blaming "the bullpen" is no longer good enough. It's time to name names.
While I'm not a big fan of WAR, I'm not necessarily averse to it. That said, Edwin Diaz' -0.4 WAR is terrible. His overall numbers are quite unsightly for a closer but there's a weak argument to be made he is still doing his job. Diaz is 1-6 with a 5.50 ERA and a 1.46 WHiP. He has so far yielded 39 hits, including seven home runs, and issued eleven walks though 34.1 innings pitched. Compared to last season his rate of line drives and fly balls are up and his rate of ground balls is down. He is throwing his fastball slightly more than last season and in turn is throwing his slider less. Yet his velocity appears unchanged (all) according to Fangraphs. Diaz naturally leads the Mets with 23 save opportunities and to date has converted 19 (83%) of them. His four blown saves account for 19% of all Mets blown saves this season.
Mickey Callaway to date has summoned 22 other pitchers from the bullpen including starters Steven Matz and Jason Vargas. But only six of them are ever put into save situations. Justin Wilson, recovering from injury, converts his lone save opportunity of the season. Drew Gagnon accounts for one blown save. However the trio of Seth Lugo, Tyler Bashlor, and Jeurys Famila, are 0 for 11 in save opportunities which accounts for 52% of all Mets blown saves.
At least Gsellman has converted one save through five opportunities. But if we lump together Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, Tyler Bashlor, and Jeurys Familia, they've combined on 17 save opportunities but just two save conversions. That's a rate of 88% blown saves or a 12% conversion rate - pick your poison.
But what of the competition?
San Diego leads the National League with 51 save opportunities and a league high 35 (68%) save conversions. The Mets are second with 42 save opportunities, but lead the league with 21 (50%) blown saves. The league average is 65% conversion rate. San Francisco has had the least amount of save opportunities, yet lead the National League with an 84% conversion rate; Cincinnati is second with a 73% conversion rate; Milwaukee is third in the National League with a 72% success rate. Even Miami is converting saves at a rate of 71% but have created the second least opportunities for themselves. Among the Mets other division competitors Atlanta is converting 61% of save opportunities, Washington is converting at a 56% rate, and the Phillies are one of five National League teams converting at least 70% of their opportunities.
The Mets are not one of them.
In the meantime, Brodie says there's enough talent in place, and 72 games left in the season for the bullpen to prove their mettle.
That is all ...
MY KINGDOM FOR A SAVE
While I'm not a big fan of WAR, I'm not necessarily averse to it. That said, Edwin Diaz' -0.4 WAR is terrible. His overall numbers are quite unsightly for a closer but there's a weak argument to be made he is still doing his job. Diaz is 1-6 with a 5.50 ERA and a 1.46 WHiP. He has so far yielded 39 hits, including seven home runs, and issued eleven walks though 34.1 innings pitched. Compared to last season his rate of line drives and fly balls are up and his rate of ground balls is down. He is throwing his fastball slightly more than last season and in turn is throwing his slider less. Yet his velocity appears unchanged (all) according to Fangraphs. Diaz naturally leads the Mets with 23 save opportunities and to date has converted 19 (83%) of them. His four blown saves account for 19% of all Mets blown saves this season.
Mickey Callaway to date has summoned 22 other pitchers from the bullpen including starters Steven Matz and Jason Vargas. But only six of them are ever put into save situations. Justin Wilson, recovering from injury, converts his lone save opportunity of the season. Drew Gagnon accounts for one blown save. However the trio of Seth Lugo, Tyler Bashlor, and Jeurys Famila, are 0 for 11 in save opportunities which accounts for 52% of all Mets blown saves.
At least Gsellman has converted one save through five opportunities. But if we lump together Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, Tyler Bashlor, and Jeurys Familia, they've combined on 17 save opportunities but just two save conversions. That's a rate of 88% blown saves or a 12% conversion rate - pick your poison.
- Seth Lugo - 3.35 ERA; 4 BS
- Robert Gsellman - 5.09 ERA; 4 BS
- Tyler Bashlor - 5.40 ERA; 3 BS
- Jeurys Familia - 7.59 ERA; 4 BS
- Edwin Diaz - 5.50 ERA; 4 BS
But what of the competition?
San Diego leads the National League with 51 save opportunities and a league high 35 (68%) save conversions. The Mets are second with 42 save opportunities, but lead the league with 21 (50%) blown saves. The league average is 65% conversion rate. San Francisco has had the least amount of save opportunities, yet lead the National League with an 84% conversion rate; Cincinnati is second with a 73% conversion rate; Milwaukee is third in the National League with a 72% success rate. Even Miami is converting saves at a rate of 71% but have created the second least opportunities for themselves. Among the Mets other division competitors Atlanta is converting 61% of save opportunities, Washington is converting at a 56% rate, and the Phillies are one of five National League teams converting at least 70% of their opportunities.
The Mets are not one of them.
In the meantime, Brodie says there's enough talent in place, and 72 games left in the season for the bullpen to prove their mettle.
That is all ...
Friday, May 03, 2019
Podcast: Talking Metsian Baseball with Tim Healey of Newsday
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
My Turn To Host
A METSIAN PODCAST
with SAM, RICH, and MIKE
Featuring Special Guest
New York Mets Beat Writer
one hour thirty minutes
STUFF
You name it, we dissected it like a frog in high school biology class.
All Things Mets and More..!
Friday, April 19, 2019
April Showers Sprout Red Flags on Another Metsian Podcast
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Get a load of me playing good cop for a change.
Don't Worry - Be Happy
A METSIAN PODCAST
with SAM, RICH , and MIKE
w/GUEST
Band Member ~ Composer ~ Actor
1 hour: 45 minutes
"There are no words to describe Jason Vargas" - Rich
STUFF
Michael Conforto ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Keon Broxton ~ Pete Alonso
Wilson Ramos ~ Travis d'Arnaud ~ Tomas Nido ~ Devin Mesoraco
Amed Rosario ~ Todd Frazier ~ Front Office Talk vs. Action
Jeurys Familia ~ Edwin Diaz ~ Jason Vargas
Jeff McNeil ~ Robinson Cano ~ Yoenis Cespedes
National League Rankings: Offense; Pitching; Defense
Players in Mets History to Wear #22
and so much more ..!
Tuesday, April 09, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Mickey Singing The Bullpen Blues
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
New York Mets: Will the trustworthy relief pitchers please stand up and identify themselves.
The Mets have nine games in the books. All but two of their relief pitchers already have five appearances each. Of the 81 total innings played to date, the bullpen has accounted for 43% or 35.1 innings pitched. That's a reasonable load considering this early stage of the season. Their actual performance, not so much. They've surrendered 20 earned runs for a collective 5.12 ERA; allowed 35 hits and issued 16 walks for an unsightly 1.459 WHiP; and amassed 35 strikeouts for an 8.9 K/9 average.
At least Edwin Diaz is performing up to expectations. He has thus far allowed two hits and a walk, with five strikeouts and four saves through 3.2 scoreless innings of work.
Unfortunately the same can't be said for Jeurys Familia, Seth Lugo, and Robert Gsellman. Each is presently performing worse than the next. Familia has surrendered three earned runs on four hits (two home runs) and three walks for a 5.40 ERA through five innings pitched. Lugo has allowed five earned runs on eight hits and three walks for a 9.64 ERA through 4.2 innings. And Gsellman has allowed nine hits and three earned runs in five innings pitched. Together, the three boast a problematic 6.97 ERA.
And those are the guys I trust ...
Tim Peterson is leading a conga line with six walks and four hits through four innings. Meanwhile Luis Avilan's ineffectiveness is only worsening matters. As such, Mickey Callaway has called upon Avilan the fewest times for a reason. The 29-year old import has allowed six earned runs on five hits and two walks in just 2.1 innings pitched. In turn, he himself becomes a burden on the bullpen. I suspect BVW will revisit Avilan's status in the very near future.
After a bad first impression import Justin Wilson thankfully is performing well, allowing just one earned run on three hits and a walk, for a 1.59 ERA and 0.71 WHiP, with five strikeouts over a bullpen leading 5.2 innings pitched.
This bullpen will ultimately make Mickey Callaway appear smart, or get him fired. Good thing for him, it's early. But we shall see. The starting pitching plays a part in this too.
OPENING DAY SERIES
Nats def. Mets; 2-1
I - WAS 4; NYM 0
II - NYM 6; WAS 5
III- WAS12; NYM 9
The Mets have nine games in the books. All but two of their relief pitchers already have five appearances each. Of the 81 total innings played to date, the bullpen has accounted for 43% or 35.1 innings pitched. That's a reasonable load considering this early stage of the season. Their actual performance, not so much. They've surrendered 20 earned runs for a collective 5.12 ERA; allowed 35 hits and issued 16 walks for an unsightly 1.459 WHiP; and amassed 35 strikeouts for an 8.9 K/9 average.
At least Edwin Diaz is performing up to expectations. He has thus far allowed two hits and a walk, with five strikeouts and four saves through 3.2 scoreless innings of work.
Unfortunately the same can't be said for Jeurys Familia, Seth Lugo, and Robert Gsellman. Each is presently performing worse than the next. Familia has surrendered three earned runs on four hits (two home runs) and three walks for a 5.40 ERA through five innings pitched. Lugo has allowed five earned runs on eight hits and three walks for a 9.64 ERA through 4.2 innings. And Gsellman has allowed nine hits and three earned runs in five innings pitched. Together, the three boast a problematic 6.97 ERA.
And those are the guys I trust ...
Tim Peterson is leading a conga line with six walks and four hits through four innings. Meanwhile Luis Avilan's ineffectiveness is only worsening matters. As such, Mickey Callaway has called upon Avilan the fewest times for a reason. The 29-year old import has allowed six earned runs on five hits and two walks in just 2.1 innings pitched. In turn, he himself becomes a burden on the bullpen. I suspect BVW will revisit Avilan's status in the very near future.
After a bad first impression import Justin Wilson thankfully is performing well, allowing just one earned run on three hits and a walk, for a 1.59 ERA and 0.71 WHiP, with five strikeouts over a bullpen leading 5.2 innings pitched.
This bullpen will ultimately make Mickey Callaway appear smart, or get him fired. Good thing for him, it's early. But we shall see. The starting pitching plays a part in this too.
Sunday, April 01, 2018
N.Y. Mets: Callaway Era Successfully Clears Launching Pad
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
New York Mets: Up, Up, And Callaway We Go...!
So far, so good ...
A pair of victories over the St. Louis Cardinals with a chance to sweep on Easter Sunday is a fine start to any regular season - much less Mickey Callaway's first as manager of the New York Mets. If this keeps up, Mets fans should have little problem giving off-season changes their final stamp of approval.
Two games, though, is far from trend setting. Yet, Coach Callaway has already made things quite discussion worthy nonetheless. Although he was mainly hired to harness this team's pitching potential, his choice of line-ups thus far have made the greatest impressions, and impact.
Game One
Lead-off Hitter:
Once Michael Conforto returns, both the center field and lead-off hitter situations will obviously change. In the meantime, we knew Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares would be platooning. Therefore, I'm not fielding any gripes about both receiving a start each despite facing two right-handed starting pitchers. Again ... two games does not a trend make.
Nimmo started Opening Day and went 2 for 3, with a walk, and two runs scored. On Saturday, Juan Lagares did not lead-off, but went 2 for 4 with a run scored nonetheless. Asdrubal Cabrera went from hitting clean-up on Opening Day to the lead-off spot on Saturday, and went 3 for 5 with a double, RBI, and a run scored. Through two games, the Mets lead-off hitters are 5 for 8 (.625) with a walk, RBI, and three runs scored.
Batting Second:
I understand why Mickey Callaway is doing it. This is about manipulating the bottom of the order in anticipation of, and getting his most lethal hitter more at-bats and better pitches to hit, then providing maximum protection throughout the middle of the order behind him. Coach isn't exactly breaking with conventional wisdom here. It's been done before. It's also an attempt at minimizing the pitcher's potential dead-spot in the line-up. I'm just not a proponent of batting Yoenis Cespedes second. Regardless what I think, Coach Callaway's decision is paying off. Yoenis is 3 for 7 with three walks, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored.
Questionable Three Strategy:
It's always been the unwritten rule that a team's best hitter bat third. Coach Callaway has twice penciled in Jay Bruce, whom so far is 1 for 8 with two walks, an RBI, and a run scored. In the spirit of Callaway's new ways, I would consider batting Asdrubal Cabrera third, and have Bruce clean-up.
Clean-Up Hitter:
Coach got every one's attention when he charged Asdrubal Cabrera with hitting clean-up on Opening Day. In Cabrera's defense, he is a professional hitter, and provides more pop than Mets fans originally anticipated. He's also been one of the Mets more clutch hitters since his arrival. Alas he went hit-less in four at-bats. Todd Frazier took his turn cleaning-up on Saturday, and went 1 for 3 with three RBI.
Batting Sixth:
What, me worry? In the span of two games, Adrian Gonzalez is turning a worrisome spring training into a distant memory. Hampered last season by a bad back while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gonzalez went 12 for 58 (.207) in Grapefruit play, with just three extra base hits and three RBI. So far, he is 3 for 7 with two walks, a double, a run scored, and an RBI, through two games against the Cardinals.
Catcher:
We knew there would also be a platoon behind the plate this season, but thank Mickey Callaway for giving this a new spin. It was very interesting seeing Travis d'Arnaud bat fifth. He went 1 for 3 on Saturday, with a walk and home run. Syndergaard prefers throwing to Kevin Plawecki. That's no secret. And so Plawecki started Opening Day and batted seventh, going 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and an RBI. So far, the platooning backstops are 3 for 6, with three walks, a home run, three runs scored, and two RBI.
Batting Eighth/Ninth:
Coach Callaway has elected to bat the pitcher eighth in each of the first two games. Let's see how long this continues. Otherwise, the free swinging Amed Rosario is being positioned to precede the lead-off hitter and Yoenis Cespedes by batting ninth. Until Rosario learns to be more selective at the plate, this may prove an effective ploy ... for now. Amed went 2 for 4 in his first ever major league Opening Day, with two RBI and two runs scored.
Terrors on the Base Paths:
Mickey Callaway and third base coach Glenn Sherlock have made one thing perfectly clear. They intend on being aggressive. They'll attempt taking an extra base at every turn, challenge outfield arms and their opponent's ability to execute plays.
First Pitch:
The Mets top two starting pitchers seemingly launched their 2018 campaigns without a hitch. If you look back, the most successful teams throughout history usually feature a terrible twosome that opponents dread facing. Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom must be that for the Mets more so now than ever. Noah started on Opening Day, allowing four earned runs on six hits, but walked none and fanned ten batters over six innings pitched for his first victory of the season. Jacob deGrom lasted 5.2 innings in his first start, limiting the Cardinals to just one earned run on four hits and a walk, while fanning seven for his first victory.
The Firemen:
The Mets opened up on Thursday, were off on Friday, then resumed play on Saturday. Despite a day off Callaway's utilization of the bullpen was no less curious. The same trio which appeared on Thursday were the same three which appeared in Saturday's contest. Coach's plan for Sunday's series finale will prove quite revealing. Robert Gsellman seems to be embracing his new bullpen role, allowing just one hit and fanning four in 1.2 innings. Anthony Swarzak pitched the eighth in each game, while Jeurys Familia closed out both, and earned his first save (of the four out variety).
Mets lead series 2-0
I - NYM 9; STL 4
II - NYM 6; STL 2
Series Finale
St. Louis Cardinals
vs.
New York Mets
FROM
Roosevelt Avenue Grounds
QUEENS
New York Mets: Up, Up, And Callaway We Go...!
So far, so good ...
A pair of victories over the St. Louis Cardinals with a chance to sweep on Easter Sunday is a fine start to any regular season - much less Mickey Callaway's first as manager of the New York Mets. If this keeps up, Mets fans should have little problem giving off-season changes their final stamp of approval.
Two games, though, is far from trend setting. Yet, Coach Callaway has already made things quite discussion worthy nonetheless. Although he was mainly hired to harness this team's pitching potential, his choice of line-ups thus far have made the greatest impressions, and impact.
Game One
- Nimmo; Cespedes; Bruce; Cabrera; Frazier; Gonzalez; Plawecki; Syndergaard; Rosario.
- Cabrera; Cespedes; Bruce; Frazier; d'Arnaud; Gonzalez; Lagares; deGrom; Rosario.
Lead-off Hitter:
Once Michael Conforto returns, both the center field and lead-off hitter situations will obviously change. In the meantime, we knew Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares would be platooning. Therefore, I'm not fielding any gripes about both receiving a start each despite facing two right-handed starting pitchers. Again ... two games does not a trend make.
Nimmo started Opening Day and went 2 for 3, with a walk, and two runs scored. On Saturday, Juan Lagares did not lead-off, but went 2 for 4 with a run scored nonetheless. Asdrubal Cabrera went from hitting clean-up on Opening Day to the lead-off spot on Saturday, and went 3 for 5 with a double, RBI, and a run scored. Through two games, the Mets lead-off hitters are 5 for 8 (.625) with a walk, RBI, and three runs scored.
Batting Second:
I understand why Mickey Callaway is doing it. This is about manipulating the bottom of the order in anticipation of, and getting his most lethal hitter more at-bats and better pitches to hit, then providing maximum protection throughout the middle of the order behind him. Coach isn't exactly breaking with conventional wisdom here. It's been done before. It's also an attempt at minimizing the pitcher's potential dead-spot in the line-up. I'm just not a proponent of batting Yoenis Cespedes second. Regardless what I think, Coach Callaway's decision is paying off. Yoenis is 3 for 7 with three walks, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored.
Questionable Three Strategy:
It's always been the unwritten rule that a team's best hitter bat third. Coach Callaway has twice penciled in Jay Bruce, whom so far is 1 for 8 with two walks, an RBI, and a run scored. In the spirit of Callaway's new ways, I would consider batting Asdrubal Cabrera third, and have Bruce clean-up.
Clean-Up Hitter:
Coach got every one's attention when he charged Asdrubal Cabrera with hitting clean-up on Opening Day. In Cabrera's defense, he is a professional hitter, and provides more pop than Mets fans originally anticipated. He's also been one of the Mets more clutch hitters since his arrival. Alas he went hit-less in four at-bats. Todd Frazier took his turn cleaning-up on Saturday, and went 1 for 3 with three RBI.
Batting Sixth:
What, me worry? In the span of two games, Adrian Gonzalez is turning a worrisome spring training into a distant memory. Hampered last season by a bad back while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gonzalez went 12 for 58 (.207) in Grapefruit play, with just three extra base hits and three RBI. So far, he is 3 for 7 with two walks, a double, a run scored, and an RBI, through two games against the Cardinals.
Catcher:
We knew there would also be a platoon behind the plate this season, but thank Mickey Callaway for giving this a new spin. It was very interesting seeing Travis d'Arnaud bat fifth. He went 1 for 3 on Saturday, with a walk and home run. Syndergaard prefers throwing to Kevin Plawecki. That's no secret. And so Plawecki started Opening Day and batted seventh, going 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and an RBI. So far, the platooning backstops are 3 for 6, with three walks, a home run, three runs scored, and two RBI.
Batting Eighth/Ninth:
Coach Callaway has elected to bat the pitcher eighth in each of the first two games. Let's see how long this continues. Otherwise, the free swinging Amed Rosario is being positioned to precede the lead-off hitter and Yoenis Cespedes by batting ninth. Until Rosario learns to be more selective at the plate, this may prove an effective ploy ... for now. Amed went 2 for 4 in his first ever major league Opening Day, with two RBI and two runs scored.
Terrors on the Base Paths:
Mickey Callaway and third base coach Glenn Sherlock have made one thing perfectly clear. They intend on being aggressive. They'll attempt taking an extra base at every turn, challenge outfield arms and their opponent's ability to execute plays.
First Pitch:
The Mets top two starting pitchers seemingly launched their 2018 campaigns without a hitch. If you look back, the most successful teams throughout history usually feature a terrible twosome that opponents dread facing. Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom must be that for the Mets more so now than ever. Noah started on Opening Day, allowing four earned runs on six hits, but walked none and fanned ten batters over six innings pitched for his first victory of the season. Jacob deGrom lasted 5.2 innings in his first start, limiting the Cardinals to just one earned run on four hits and a walk, while fanning seven for his first victory.
The Firemen:
The Mets opened up on Thursday, were off on Friday, then resumed play on Saturday. Despite a day off Callaway's utilization of the bullpen was no less curious. The same trio which appeared on Thursday were the same three which appeared in Saturday's contest. Coach's plan for Sunday's series finale will prove quite revealing. Robert Gsellman seems to be embracing his new bullpen role, allowing just one hit and fanning four in 1.2 innings. Anthony Swarzak pitched the eighth in each game, while Jeurys Familia closed out both, and earned his first save (of the four out variety).
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