Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Aguilas Cibaeñas Win LIDOM Championship Series in Seven

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

 

Liga del Beisbol Profesional de la Republica Dominicana

LIDOM CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME SEVEN

(4-3) Aguilas Cibaeñas        7

(3-4) Gigantes del Cibao     4

FINAL

Chalk one up for old school béisbol.  Los Aguilas Cibaeñas, founded in 1933, come back, all the way back, from a 3-1 series deficit, winning three in a row against Los Gigantes del Cibao to capture their league record 22nd LIDOM championship.

BOXSCORE 1/18/2021 - Game Seven of the Lidom Championship Series begins quietly, with only a base hit from Cibao's Kelvin Gutierrez to speak of.  In the second, Cibañas starter Andy Otero strikes out the side.  Aguilas' third baseman Johan Camargo breaks the silence in the third inning with a home run to right off Gigantes' starter Chris Ellis.  Cibao strikes back in the fifth with three straight hits, an RBI from first baseman Ronald Guzman, and a Kelvin Gutierrez sac-fly for a 2-1 lead.  However, their lead is short-lived.  A sixth-inning home run by red hot Juan Lagares ties the game at two.  With one out in the seventh, designated hitter Luis Juarez homers off Gigantes' reliever Wily Peralta.  After which, Cibaeñas erupts for another four runs.  With the bases loaded, second baseman  Jonathan Villa doubles home two runs, and shortstop Ramon Torres singles home another en route to a 7-2 lead.  Cibao's Kelvin Gutierrez again involves himself with a home run in the eighth.  Los Gigantes go down punching and kicking in the ninth with a one-out triple from shortstop Abiatal Avelino and a follow up double from Jose Siri, but nothing more.

• Juan Lagares bats .379 with three home runs for the series.

Aguilas' starter Andy Otero exits after four innings to a no-decision, having allowed two runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  Four relievers join together over the final five frames, yielding two runs on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts.  Right-hander Luis Castillo, with four strikeouts in two scoreless innings pitched, earns the victory.  Southpaw Dario Alvarez earns the save.  Gigantes' reliever Wily Peralta, who faced just three batters, takes the loss.

1. Game One
2. Game Two
3. Game Three
4. Game Four
5. Game Five
   
6. Game Six
   

HIGHLIGHTS: DRSports/YouTube

• Los Tigres de Licey are credited with 22 championships, but two were won prior to 1951 and the establishment of Liga del Béisbol Profesional de la Dominicana República.
• Los Aguilas Cibaeñas will represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming Caribbean Series.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LIDOM Championship Series Pushed to Seventh Game

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BEISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga del Beisbol Profesional de la Republica Dominicana

GAME SIX

(3-3) Gigantes del Cibao   5

(3-3) Aguilas Cibeañas      6

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/17/21 - The LIDOM championship series is headed towards a decisive seventh game.  Los Aguilas again stave off elimination with their second straight victory to knot the series at three.  The two teams traded single runs in the first inning on runs batted in from designated hitter Juan Francisco for Cibao, and Melky Cabrera for Cibaeñas.  In the bottom of the fourth, Aguilas' center fielder Juan Lagares connects for a grand slam home run off Gigantes' reliever Jesus Reyes giving Cibeañas a 5-0 lead.  Los Aguilas' most important run comes in the sixth on another Juan Lagares run batted in.  That's because Los Gigantes mount a furious four-run rally in the ninth inning against Cibaeñas reliever Neftalí Feliz.  Center fielder Jose Siri hits a three-run home run, and first baseman Ronald Guzman followed with a solo shot.  But Los Gigantes fall a run short.  Feliz strikes out the final two batters of the game.  Game seven is scheduled for Monday evening at Estadio Julian Javier in San Francisco de Macorís.

1. Game One
2. Game Two
3. Game Three
4. Game Four
5. Game Five
   

HIGHLIGHTS: DRSports/YouTube

N.Y. Mets: Lose Six, Pick Up Sticks

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SKID HITS SIX

When you get swept in consecutive series by the N. L. East leading Braves and the wild card leading Chicago Cubs it becomes safe to say the 2019 New York Mets are not playoff contenders.  In head to head action against more competitive teams they're just not measuring up.  In a matter of six games they've lost a large measure of self-determination and control with regard to their future day to day standing.

I could be wrong, stranger things have happened.  Just ask members of the 1973 Mets whom were ten games under .500 and 6.5 games out of first place at this point in their season.  After Thursday's loss to the Cubs at Citi Field, these Mets are one game above .500 and five games back of wild card contention.  Still not the worst place to be.  However, they've now lost six in a row, and ten of their last 18 games.

The main culprit no doubt has been the offense, or lack thereof.  The Mets hit a total of seven home runs against the Braves and Cubs, but only two came with men on base.  Said another way: they hit seven home runs which result in only ten runs scored.  What a waste of dingers.  That being said, they're averaging just 2.83 runs per game during this six game skid.

Allow me then to pick up where I left off after game two vs. Chicago as the numbers speak for themselves:


I - RUNNERS LOB / RiSP

   A) - vs. Atlanta Braves

• Game 1) - 9 LOB; 0 for 7 RiSP
• Game 2) - 5 LOB; 3 for 10 RiSP
• Game 3) - 7 LOB; 1 for 8 RiSP
• TOTAL: 21 LOB; 4 for 25 RiSP (.160)

   B) - vs. Chicago Cubs

• Game 1) - 5 LOB; 0 for 5 RiSP
• Game 2) - 11 LOB; 3 for 15 RiSP
• Game 3) - 7 LOB; 0 for 3 RiSP
• TOTAL: 23 LOB; 3 for 23 RISP (.130)

• SIX GAME TOTALS: 44 LOB; 7 for 48 (.146) RiSP

But this time I'm naming names.  Over the last six games Juan Lagares, Todd Frazier, Michael Conforto, and Wilson Ramos, are a combined 0 for 19 with runners in scoring position.

• Lagares - 0 for 6
• Frazier - 0 for 5
• Conforto - 0 for 5
• Ramos - 0 for 3

II - TEAM BATTING

   A) - vs. Atlanta Braves

• Game 1) - 6 for 47 (.128); 4 walks; 14 strikeouts
• Game 2) - 11 for 37 (.297); 0 walks; 8 strikeouts
• Game 3) - 7 for 31 (.226); 3 walks; 7 strikeouts
• TOTAL: 24-115 (.209); 7 walks; 29 strikeouts

   B) - vs. Chicago Cubs

• Game 1) - 6 for 32 (.187); 1 walk; 7 strikeouts
• Game 2) - 14 for 40 (.350); 3 walks; 6 strikeouts
• Game 3) - 5 for 32 (.156); 3 walks; 7 strikeouts
• TOTAL: - 25 for 104 (.240); 7 walks; 20 strikeouts

• SIX GAME TOTALS: 49 for 219 (.224); 14 walks; 49 strikeouts

Next up: @ Philadelphia

Geno's cheese steaks suck!

N.Y. Mets: On the Difference Between Sweeping and Being Swept

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Braves Sweep Series 3-0

I - ATL 2; NYM 1

II - ATL 9; NYM 5

III  ATL 2; NYM 1

The Metropolitans are in the midst of the 18 most pivotal games of their season.  Having completed their series with Cleveland and Atlanta, they next play the Chicago Cubs, followed by Philadelphia, Washington, then Philadelphia again.

So far the first six games have garnered mixed results.

vs. Cleveland

• Game #1:  Mets 9; Indians 2
• Game #2:  Mets 4; Indians 3
• Game #3:  Mets 2; Indians 0

They sweep a good Cleveland Indians team, outscoring them by a 15-5 margin for a plus-ten run differential.  Starters Steven Matz, Marcus Stroman, and Noah Syndergaard, join forces in allowing just two earned runs on twelve hits and three walks with 13 strikeouts over 16.1 total innings pitched.


vs. Atlanta

• Game #1: Braves 2; Mets 1 *14 innings
• Game #2: Braves 9; Mets 5
• Game #3: Braves 2; Mets 1

The Mets are outscored 13-7 for a minus-six run differential - a far cry from the Cleveland series.  Mets batters go 24 for 115 (.209) against Braves pitching - barely above the Mendoza Line.  They draw a mere seven walks through three games and strikeout 29 times.  Moreover, the Mets go 4 for 25 (.160) with runners in scoring position.  Todd Frazier, Juan Lagares, and Michael Conforto, just to name a few, combine on 0 for 8 with RiSP.  Then ponder how in game one the Mets play 14 innings and their lone run of the game comes on a home run off the bat of Jacob deGrom.  How and why should that be?  Once again the Mets get effective pitching from the ranks.  In fact the bullpen matches deGrom pitch for pitch.

• deGrom: seven innings; four hits; one earned run; one walk; 13 strikeouts.
• Bullpen: seven innings; four hits; one earned run; four walks; 13 strikeouts.

Yet, the Mets go 0 for 7 with RiSP and leave nine men on base.  The line-up is a mere 6 for 47 (.128) for the game with just four walks and 14 strikeouts through 14 innings.

On Sunday Steven Matz limits the Braves to one run on just two hits and one walk with six strikeouts through six innings pitched.  But third baseman Josh Donaldson connects off Paul Sewald in the seventh giving the Braves a 2-0 lead.  The Mets muster one run in the ninth when Todd Frazier legs out a fielder's choice, but nothing more.


Mets Offense vs. Braves

• Game #1 - 6 for 47 (.128); 4 walks; 14 K; 9 LOB; 0 for 7 w/risp.
• Game #2 - 11 for 37 (.297); no walks; 8 K; 5 LOB; 3 for 10 w/risp.
• Game #3 - 7 for 31 (.226); 3 walks; 7 K; 7 LOB; 1 for 8 w/risp.

Mets Pitching Last Six Games:

• Starters: 35.1 innings; 23 hits; 8 ER; 9 BB; 35 K; 2.31 ERA; 0.912 WHiP.
• Bullpen: 23.2 innings; 15 hits; 8 ER; 9 BB; 35 K; 3.49 ERA; 1.034 WHiP.
• TOTAL: 59.0 innings; 38 hits; 16 ER; 18 BB; 70 K; 2.44 ERA; 0.949 WHiP.

The next twelve games represent the Mets best opportunity for controlling their destiny and will likely define their entire season.  They host the Cubs starting Tuesday, then play at Philadelphia and Washington before returning home to host the Phillies.  They have no games scheduled against Milwaukee nor St, Louis.  But the path to the postseason is nevertheless laid out before them.  All they need do is seize the moment.

Another Metsian Date Night Podcast with That Mets Chick, Bre

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

There was something about that 1976 season that ...

 A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

WITH GUEST

Bre aka ThatMetsChick.com

Ninety Minutes

STUFF

First Quarter of the Season ~ Series vs. Nationals

Keon Broxton ~ Carlos Gomez ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Juan Lagares

The Jeff/BVW/Mickey Pow Pow

Jeff McNeil ~ Michael Conforto ~ The 25-Man Roster

Anthony Kay ~ Robinson Cano

Kevin Plawecki ~ Dave Kingman ~ Terry Leach

More about that 1976 season, and much much more.

T'was the Week Before Opening Day Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

OPENING DAY

Six More Days and a Wake Up

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

Guest:

Mets Fan Extraordinaire, Writer, 

and Fellow Rising Apple Blog Alum

Helen Silfin, @HESilf

Sixty-Three Minutes

STUFF

41 SEAVER WAY ~ SEAVER STATUE

Travis d'Arnaud ~ Devin Mesoraco ~ Tomas Nido

Pete Alonso ~ Dom Smith ~ Adeiny Hechavarria ~ J.D. Davis

Juan Lagares ~ Rajai Davis ~ Keon Broxton

Netflix Deal ~ Brodie's Winter Wonder Land

..and so much more!

Open For Business: A Metsian Podcast Spring Training Preview With Guest Metstradamus

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

CALL OF THE PALM TREES

SPRING TRAINING SPECIAL

A METSIAN PODCAST 

with Sam, Rich, and Mike

WITH SPECIAL GUEST:

John Coppinger aka 

Metstradamus of the Sports Daily.com

93-minutes

METSIAN STUFF

The Mets Off-Season That Was ~ Brodie Van Wagenen Report Card

Free Agency Collusion Debate ~ 1981 Baseball Strike ~ Peter Ueberroth

Dave Winfield ~ Hanley Ramirez ~ Bryce Harper ~ Manny Machado

Chilli Davis/Coaching Staff ~ Mickey Callaway on the Hot Seat?

The Great Jacob deGrom Contract Dilemma

25-Man Roster ~ 40-Man Roster Depth

Devin Mesoraco ~ Juan Lagares ~ Robinson Cano ~ Tim Tebow

On Trading Prospects ~ Ty Kelly ~ Lets Go Syracuse

Are the Mets Intentionally Branding the Brooklyn Dodgers?

My Opinion on Culture Change and Making Unpopular Decisions

Rich: on Off-Season Minor League Deals

Metstradamus: on Frank Cashen and List of Core Players

N.L. East Preliminary Predictions

Mike FranSaySo ... and so much more!

ICYMI: 

Previous Podcast: 1 FEB 2019

FEATURING FORMER N.Y. METS CLOSER, 

Fan Favorite and Author of "Insight Pitch"

SKIP LOCKWOOD

1 hour; 48 minutes

#LGM

Winter League Baseball: Dominican Republic Awaiting Arrival of Robinson Cano

WINTER LEAGUE BEISBOL

2018~2019

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Republica Dominicana

est. 1951

ROUND ROBIN

(Through Jan. 14)

TOROS de ESTE

LEONES de ESCOGITO

TIGRES de LICEY

ESTRELLAS de ORIENTALES

Scoreboard, Boxscores, Gameday

N.Y. Mets: Winter League Roundup

• Robinson Cano is awaiting permission from the New York Mets to participate in the Dominican League postseason round robin tournament, according to LIDOM.com.  While still a member of the Seattle Mariners, the article says Cano promised los Estrellas de Orientales he would join the club should they qualify for round robin play.  The Stars held up their end of the deal by clinching a first place regular season finish with a league best 29-21 record.  Round robin play is already nine games into the tourney, with los Estrellas trailing the first place Toros by two games.  Cano, 36-years old, appeared in 80 games last season for the Mariners, slashing .303/.374.471, with 10 home runs and 50 RBI.

• Dilson Herrera, traded to Cincinnati in the Jay Bruce deal and since reacquired, is playing with los Tigres de Licey.  He perfectly exemplifies the unpredictability of prospects: to trade, or not trade away the future.  The Jay Bruce trade never sat well with me, due to my want for Herrera playing alongside Amed Rosario, and being defensively strong up the middle.  Suffice it to say Herrera has thus far proven himself to be somewhat of a bust.

• Juan Lagares appeared in seven games with los Aguilas de Cibaenas, going 6 for 20, with three extra-base hits.  The Eagles did not qualify for round robin play.  The oft injured Lagares, who turns 30-years old in March, finds himself square in the Mets center field mix again after  appearing in just 30 games last season, and averaging just 67 games played over his last three seasons.

• Old friend Jenrry Mejia is pitching for los Toros.  After eight starts, he owns a 2.22 ERA and 1.06 WHiP, allowing 24 hits through 28.1 innings pitched with 19 strikeouts.

• Beleaguered first baseman Dom Smith is also playing with los Toros, batting just .133 after seven games and 30 at-bats.

• Keep an eye on soon to be 28-year old right-hand reliever Tim Peterson, hurling for los Toros.  He completed his first full season at triple-A Las Vegas last season after two full tours at Binghamton.  At Vegas, he fanned 55 batters in 38.2 innings pitched last season for the 51s.  He has so far appeared in 14 winter games, posting four saves with a 3.07 ERA and 0.75 WHiP through 14.2 innings, and 21 strikeouts.

stats Mets.com


ICYMI:

• Mexican League Playoffs 
• Puerto Rico Playoffs 

Next: Venezuela; Cuba.

N.Y. Mets: Another Holly Jolly Metsian Podcast

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A METSIAN PODCAST

with Sam, Rich, and Mike

Forty Minutes

YULE LOGS for the HOT STOVE
Wilson Ramos ~ Travis d'Arnaud
Juan Lagares ~ Gregor Blanco ~ Rajai Davis ~ AJ Pollock
All Things Brodie Van Wagenen
Bryce Harper ~ Bobby Bonilla
and so much more.

JOY to the WORLD

N.Y. Mets: The Old Good Fan/Bad Fan Metsian Podcast Routine

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Moving right along ... but where?

Partner Sam Maxwell and I go head-to-head in 

a very spirited Episode 18 of A METSian Podcast. 

 

1 Hour, 4 Minutes

David Wright rejoining the team ~ Peter Alonso not joining the team

I continue ripping Noah Syndergaard; Sam supports Jason Vargas

On Robert Gsellman: Sam is pro-closer; I'm anti-closer

 Innings limits be damned ~ Seth Logo ~ Jennry Mejia?

How does 2017-2018 compare to 1978-1979 ~ Agents Gone Wild

Travis d'Arnaud ~ Darryl Strawberry ~ Juan Lagares

Michael Conforto ~ Jay Bruce ~ Todd Frazier ~ Benny Ayala

Amed Rosario and Willie Mays Hayse ... yes, Major League

!!..Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance..!!

Baseball in NYC, 1918

Brooklyn Robins ~ New York Giants ~ New York Yankees

Burleigh Grimes ~ Waite Hoyt ~ Miller Huggins

N.Y. Mets: Callaway Era Successfully Clears Launching Pad

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

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.

Game Two

• 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).

N.Y. Mets: Anger in the Outfield

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Spring Training 2018 Previews 

and Another METSian Podcast #6

New York Mets: Michael Conforto is the axis upon which spins all my outfield angst.

Michael Conforto is a left fielder by nature, having started 145 minor league games in left, just seven in center, and none in right.

Yet, he is unable to play left field for the Mets because that position belongs to Yoenis Cespedes, whom not incidentally owns one of the strongest arms in baseball.  Only problem is, he must play right field if the Mets are to maximize that attribute.  Although Cespedes has been only somewhat agreeable to playing center field in the past, he still remains adamantly opposed to playing right field today.

Therefore, the Mets shifted Michael Conforto over to right.  His transition went smoothly right up until the club acquired right fielder Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds, forcing Conforto to accommodate yet another player by moving to center.

This is what you call jerking around your prospects - in this case, you're best positional prospect.  The Mets draft players, develop them, but generally fail at integrating them into a greater progressive operation at the major league level.  I can speculate why.  For the moment, however, I'm content blaming Sandy Alderson and his disjointed team building methods.

Team building ... part of which means being strong up the middle.

Where it concerns Jay Bruce, I was originally against his acquisition because it involved exchanging second base prospect Dilson Herrera.  My former hopes lay in Herrera and Amed Rosario manning the middle infield, with Michael Conforto playing right field.  In turn, Sandy should have been seeking out a legitimate center fielder that could have equally satisfied their need for a lead-off hitter.

Today, the Mets still lack an effective lead-off hitter; are relying on a patchwork system at second base; and are still going with a corner outfielder playing out of position in center.

There's still hope ... for me that is.

Dominic Smith has proven himself unprepared for major league duty, and I have no faith Adrian Gonzalez will work out at first base.  Therefore if the Mets go with Jay Bruce at first base, and Conforto moves over to right, I'd be perfectly content with Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares platooning in center.

In fact, I welcome it.

Since Michael Conforto is still recovering from shoulder surgery, rushing him back prior to May 1st would be complete folly.  There's no reason for the Mets to act with haste when indeed they have Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares available.

Moreover, I was very happy when Sandy Alderson refused to include Nimmo in any potential deal for Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen - not because of any lack of interest in McCutchen, but because I did not want to relinquish Nimmo.  He turns 25-years old in another five days, and to date he's put together a fine spring performance, slashing .283/.361/.585, with eight extra base hits and ten RBI through 17 Grapefruit League games.

N.Y. Mets: Spring Training Previews and Another METSian Podcast #6

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Spring Training 2018

I - First Word: Year Sixteen After Doubleday 

"Run for the hills, boys!" This is a frank, brutal, not-safe-for-shills-eyes look at the #Wilpons' @Mets regime of terrible baseball. Must- read, Jeff (Fredo, @greenwichmets) Wilpon.

— Young Ideas (@DickYoungsGhost) February 14, 2018

II - PITCHERS and CATCHERS

• Five Hurlers of the Metropolis 
• On the Jason Vargas Acquisition 
• Ninth Inning Closer Need Not Apply 
• Catching Hell

III - AROUND THE HORN

• Who's On First?
• Whole Lotta Second Guessing Going On 
• Todd Frazier Restores Order At Third
• Amed Rosario Has Stage All To Himself

IV - A METSIAN PODCAST with Sam, Rich, and Mike #6

• Topics of Discussion: Our brand new podcast jingle..!  The business of Spring Training; Michael Conforto; Brandon Nimmo; Rocky Mountain high; dysfunction; Juan Lagares; another potential trade/CF; Sandy Alderson; land of confusion; ownership; Rafael Montero; Pedro Martinez; injuries; Ed Randall said; one hit wonders; Negative L.I. Mike calls in; and the passing away of Ed Charles.  (Fifty-five minutes).

N.Y. Mets: Look What Daniel Murphy Did to the Amazin's, Again

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Daniel Murphy continues pounding away at former team with breakout season Flushing faithful waited eight years for.

Through nine games now, Murphy's Law has come crashing down upon the Mets.

Daniel Murphy is now 15 for 35, for a .428 average against his former team this season, with 4 home runs and 11 RBI.

Murphy went deep twice Wednesday night, once into the second deck in right at Nationals Field, helping Washington cap off a three game sweep of the fading Mets.

In fact, Murphy tied his career high with his 14th home run, while still yet reaching the mid point of his first season playing for the Nationals.  And with 53 RBI to date, Murph is only 23 more away from tying that high as well, previously set during the 2013 season.

The Mets have now fallen to just three games above .500, while their 40-37 record puts them six games back of the first place Nationals, the most they've trailed Washington this season.  They even find themselves 1.5 games behind the Miami Marlins.

In fact, last year the Mets were 40-37 on Sunday June 28, entering a three game series against the Chicago Cubs.  This year, the Mets have the exact same record entering Thursday's series opener against the same Central Division leading Cubs.

Murphy's Law ... Einstein's definition of insanity ... you tell me.

BONUS

Here's my latest for 

Rising Apple.com

Jose Reyes and Juan Lagares 

Lead Binghamton in Romp over Altoona Curve

Including updates on Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Savannah Sand Gnats Served Organization like Champs

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

"Time can tear down a building, or destroy a woman's face..." - Rolling Stones

NEW YORK METS: The Savannah Sand Gnats and 89-year old Grayson Stadium left an indelible impression upon the greater Mets organization.

In May 2015, Savannah Sand Gnats' ownership announced the club's plans to move, and re-brand in South Carolina, citing a lack of municipal cooperation with regards to upgrading their outdated Georgian minor league facility.

Old Municipal Stadium was originally built in 1926.  After sustaining extensive damage in 1940, a major reconstruction was completed the following season.  By then, the park affectionately became known as "historic" Grayson Stadium - named after a military veteran instrumental in raising the necessary funds for its restoration.

Despite another renovation effort completed between 2007-2009, ownership ultimately determined the antiquated park was no longer a viable venue for their enterprise.

Prior to their affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats had called Grayson Stadium home since 1984, although from 1984 through 1995, they were known as the Savannah Cardinals.

Throughout their time playing in Grayson, they won three Sally League titles.  However, following their third flag in 1996, the Gnats then endured a full decade without making the playoffs until reemerging under then Mets overseer Omar Minaya.

During Savannah's nine year affiliation with the Mets, the Sand Gnats made five post-season appearances, but as noted just once under Omar Minaya.  In contrast, Savannah qualified for the playoffs in 4 of last 5 seasons during Sandy Alderson's regime, and captured the South Atlantic League championship in 2013.

Enter the Columbia Fireflies whom step into their first season of affiliation with the Mets (albeit the organization's tenth season of affiliation).  Their player development agreement (PDA) remains unchanged.

The Fireflies will continue playing in the South Atlantic League Southern Division.  Their new home field will be named Spirit Communications Park.  It is city owned, said to seat roughly 8,500 patrons, and will be located within a skip from the University of South Carolina.

This season's field manager is once again slated to be Jose Leger.  He managed the Gnats last season after spending three seasons at Kingsport.

Once the regular season starts, I'm sure the eyes of Columbia baseball fans will fix their sights on outfield prospect Wuilmer Bucerra.

Recent Savannah Sand Gnats whom now own N.L. Championship rings:

Wilmer Flores - Juan Lagares - Jacob deGrom

Kevin Plawecki - Steven Matz

Honorable Mention > Michael Fulmer

N.Y. Mets: A Long Trip From Brooklyn to Kansas City

From the desks of:

HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  and  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Coney Island to Kansas City: 1,230 miles

NEW YORK METS: What's a kid from Brooklyn doing in a place like Kansas City? Anybody know a good place for an egg cream?

For several Mets players, and many Mets fans, the trip to Kansas City for this year's World Series showdown against the Royals started in good old Brooklyn town.

Seven Mets prospects played in Coney Island to be exact, before eventually graduating to the big club in Queens.

Starting with Daniel Murphy back in 2006, and through last year when   Michael Conforto nearly led the Brooklyn Cyclones to the NYPL playoffs single-handed, Lucas Duda, Wilmer Flores, Kirk Nieuwenhuis,  Kevin Plawecki, and Juan Lagares, all additionally called Kings County their transient
home.

I feel it is my great fortune to have the Brooklyn Cyclones playing in my back yard. Then again, Coney Island is every Brooklynite's back yard and playground.

Watching Mets young hopefuls get their first real taste of big market baseball has been a
rewarding experience over the last 15 years for me.

How can Brooklyn and baseball, and Baseball in Brooklyn, provide otherwise?

It's a natural!

Now we get to see and root for some our favorite Baby Bums on the biggest stage of all.  Cheering them on the way we do in Brooklyn sort of makes us feel like proud parents.

Represent us well, Boys, and Let's Go Mets!

N.Y. Mets: Yoenis Cespedes' arm belongs in right field

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Would the Mets be better served with Yoenis Cespedes' arm in right field?

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Are the Mets hitters ready for the St. Louis Cardinals pitchers?

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

NEXT:

St. Louis Cardinals

@

NEW YORK METS

Are The Mets Hitters Ready For The St. Louis Cardinals Pitchers?

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Friday Recap: Matt Harvey and the Mets Tax Max Scherzer and the Nats

Here's my weekly Friday Recap for 

RisingApple.com

May 1, 2015

Game Recap: The Dark Knight Outlasts Max Scherzer; Mets Defeat Nationals 4-0

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Play Ball..!

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SEASON OPENER

New York Mets

vs.

Washington Nationals

from

D.C.

NEW YORK METS: The 54th Season of Metropolitan Baseball opens in Washington against the National League East favorite, Nationals.

"I wanna walk before they make me run..."  - stuff Keith Richards would say.

Let's get to .500 first!  Then, we can consider this team's play-off worthiness.

I often say, you can't win pennants in April, but you can surely lose them.  The start of the 2015 season is set to play a huge role in the final standings.  Starting Monday, and through May 10th, the Mets will play 26 of their first 31 games against the N.L. East (with 5 inter-league games against the Yankees and Orioles).

Beginning with Monday's season opener, the Mets will play the Nationals 7 times.  The Mets posted a depressing 4-15 record against them last season.  Their mission in 2015, then, is to close the gap.

The Mets will also play Miami 7 times, then Philadelphia and Atlanta 6 times.  A strong start, therefore, would position them in a very competitive situation come Mother's Day.

Once again, I expect the Marlins to be a maddening opponent for both the Mets and Nationals this season.  The Phillies and Braves however, will be locked in a race for last place.

Two things are certain regarding the 2015 Mets: pitching is clearly their strength, and the defense is highly suspect.  

The big unknown centers around the offense.

• The division winning Nationals posted a .253 team batting average in 2014, while the Mets collectively hit a mere .239, which ranked 13th out of 15 teams.

• The Mets were tied for 9th in 2014 with 125 home runs.  The Rockies led the circuit with 186 home runs (but that's because they play in the world's largest pinball machine).  Otherwise, the "windy city" Cubs were 2nd with 157 jacks.  The Nats were 4th with 152 home runs.

• The Nationals placed 3rd with 686 runs scored, 57 more runs than the 8th ranked Mets.

The heart of the Mets line-up will tentatively consist of David Wright, Lucas Duda, Curtis Granderson, and Michael Cuddyer.  Can this quartet collectively hit 100 home runs?  I think it's reasonable.  Likely?  Injuries might dictate that.

That leaves Juan Lagares, Wilmer Flores, and Travis d'Arnaud, potentially tipping the balance between the Mets having a National League top third offense, or an inadequate one.

While Juan Lagares in particular should be credited for drawing walks and posting an OBP above .400 during Grapefruit League play, he is being asked to lead-off, which is a skill and a slot he's not ideally suited to fill.  That being said, I feel there is a lot more to Juan Lagares than meets the eye - just not at the top of the order.

Last season, Travis d'Arnaud said he learned his lesson after a demotion to Las Vegas.  He made a correction at the plate, returned to Flushing, and wielded a productive bat thereafter.  That's the d'Arnaud the Mets need this season.  If he doesn't feel threatened by Kevin Plawecki's ascension through the Mets farm system, he should be.

Meanwhile, the Mets hope Wilmer Flores can compensate for any defensive shortcomings at shortstop with his bat.  Fans are divided as to whether he can do just that.  While his bat is not necessarily in question, pairing him up the middle with Daniel Murphy justifiably raises anxiety levels.



Mike