The Metsian Podcast: The Getaway Day Flushing Review with Jon Springer

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

GUEST

METS BY THE NUMBERS.net

Jon Springer

May the Fourth Be With You.  Despite Wednesday's sixth inning implosion, The Force remains strong in Queens.  Let's not lose sight of the Mets battling the defending World Champions and coming away with a split and that they are still yet to lose a series this season.  That's partly due to some remarkable pitching from Tylor Megill and a bullpen that combined to pitch a no-hitter against the rival Phillies.  The front office is performing with conviction as well as they bid adieu to Robinson Cano.  Times are indeed changing at Flushing by the Bay.  Please join Rich, featured guest Jon Springer, and me for a getaway day episode of The Metsian Podcast.

 

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: Sandy Alderson Still Acting Like Smartest One in the Room

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Things That Make Go You Go Hmmm ...

The Washington Nationals recently signed Brad Hand to a one-year $10.5 million contract.  We know the Mets certainly could have used him.  Toronto also recently won the George Springer sweepstakes as the Mets refused to up their bid by another $25 million or so.  Then if you rewind back to December, the Mets acted (hastily?) quickly in signing free-agent catcher James McCann to a bargain rate $40 million over four years rather than pursue J.T Realmuto (who remains unsigned) at a higher premium.

HOT TAKE ALERT: This all wreaks of Sandy Alderson's sensibilities while under the Wilpons.

But, Mike, they traded for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco.

Indeed, but they still need to secure Lindor long-term, and Carlos Carrasco figures to be a fourth starter at best.  I'd love to be wrong about the latter, but I'm just calling it as I see it.

An interesting dichotomy in the making ... the owner says go spend, yet they settle on McCann over Realmuto and do not up their ante for Springer. 🤔 I do not make Bauer a Met at his asking price.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) January 23, 2021

Here's more food for thought: Jacob deGrom's salary spikes to $35 million this year and next, and he holds an opt-out clause after the 2022 season.  The aforementioned Lindor and Michael Conforto are both in need of contract extensions, and the presently suspended Robinson Cano also returns to the checkbook after the 2021 season.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not complaining ... this is a transient mico matter, or so we hope.

It's just that the narrative since Nov. 6, 2020, coming from ownership, and the follow-up being pursued by Sandy Alderson is somewhat and strangely incongruent.

N.Y. Mets: The Cost of Painting the Town Orange

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Painting the Town Orange

The best trades usually are the ones you never see coming.  Congratulations to Sandy Alderson and his newly-assembled front office for their savvy and clandestine execution of one of the bigger blockbuster deals in Mets history.  

In this instance, actions truly spoke louder than words.  This acquisition has the potential of greatly impacting the Mets for many years to come.  Francisco Lindor is a premiere talent entering the prime years of his career.  So, if as a fan you were still somewhat skeptical before, then this should confirm beyond all lingering doubt that a new era is dawning over Flushing.

Since Steve Cohen finalized the New York Mets' purchase on November 6, 2020, Sandy Alderson has since hired general manager Jared Porter, executive Zack Scott, bench coach Dave Jauss, signed reliever Trevor May and catcher James McCann, albeit not necessarily in that order.  All of which was followed by this week's news of the trade for Lindor and Carlos Carrasco and sprinkled with subtle hints that the front office is still not through. 

MONEY STILL MATTERS

I am quite confident the Mets made this trade with the full intention of extending Lindor.  Considering their decision to part with both Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, how can they not?  In the meantime, Francisco Lindor, this upcoming season, will earn money previously earmarked for (suspended) Robinson Cano.  So, not only will the Mets be negotiating a new pact with Lindor, Cano's salary returns on the books in 2022 and through the 2023 season.  Jacob deGrom's contract is also ballooning this season and next to $35 million (up from $25 million).  He has an opt-out clause after the 2022 season, but if he stays, deGrom will earn $32.5 million per year with a team option in 2024.  Then, Michael Conforto is to consider who is eligible for free agency after the 2022 season.  With several shortstops becoming available next season, the Mets could easily wait this out and let the market determine a price.  But sign him they must.  All these factors make me question the free-agent pursuits of George Springer and/or pitcher Trevor Bauer.

HISTORY ON METS SIDE

Mets history says they've benefited far more greatly via trades than through free agency.  Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Al Leiter, Mike Hampton, Mike Piazza, Carlos Delgado, and even Yoenis Cespedes bear that out.  Even before free agency, Donn Clendenon and Rusty Staub no less prove the point.  Other blockbuster acquisitions of note include those for Frank Viola and Johan Santana.  Of all the Mets players transacted away in procuring said players, only Hubie Brooks dealt to the Expos in exchange for Gary Carter, which caused me to experience any emotional pain.  In any event, such key trades historically have been the Mets' traditional pathway towards the playoffs.

Winter League Playoffs 2020-2021: LIDOM Round-Up

From the desk: FANATICO DEL BEISBOL DE INVIERNO

⚾   JAN. 3, 2021   ⚾

LIDOM Liga de Beisbol Profesional de la Republica Dominicana

• BOXSCORE 1/3/2021: Cibao 4; Orientale 3

On Sunday, Los Gigantes del Cibao took a two games to none lead in their series against Los Estrellas Orientales.  Fernando Tatis Jr. homered in the first inning to give Orientale a prompt 1-0 lead.  Undeterred, Gigantes right fielder Moises Sierra led off the top of the second with a double and scored on a double-play.  Cibao then took a 2-1 lead in the third on left fielder Jose Siri's two-out home run to left.  Los Estrellas second baseman and Mets farmhand Gustavo Nuñez singled home the tying run in the fourth.  In the top of the seventh, Jose Siri connected on his second home run of the game, and first baseman Ronald Guzman tripled and scored, giving Cibao a 4-2 lead.  Los Estrellas rallied for a run in the ninth, but Ryan Kussmaul was able to secure the save.  Los Estrellas designated hitter Robinson Cano was 2 for 4, with a double. 

⚾

• BOXSCORE 1/3/2021: Este 2; Cibaeñas 0

Los Toros del Este outlasted Los Aguilas Cibaeñas to take a two games to none lead in their semifinal series.  Aguilas starter Carlos Martinez allowed no runs on just two hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Los Toros starter Raúl Valdés through five innings yielded no runs on three hits, and no walks with four strikeouts.  Both exited with no decisions.  Los Aguilas rallied for a run in the eighth, but not before Los Toros designated hitter Yasiel Puig (from the dugout) is ejected from the game.  When play resumes, Cibaeñas scores on consecutive hits from Juan Lagares and Melky Cabrera.  In the bottom half of the eighth, Los Toros immediately load the bases.  Left fielder Miguel Andujar's sacrifice fly to center plates the tying run.  Shortstop Jorge Mateo then scores the go-ahead run on a force play at second.  Southpaw Fernando Abad pitches a scoreless ninth for the save.  Right-hander Jairo Asencio earned the win in relief. 

⚾  JAN. 4, 2021  ⚾

• BOXSCORE 1/4/2021: Cibaeñas 3; Este 1
• SERIES: Toros del Este lead Aguilas del Cibaeñas; 2-1

Los Aguilas de Cibaeñas claim their first victory in game three.  Facing Los Toros del Este starter  Jenrry Mejia in the bottom of the first, Melky Cabrera, Mets farmhand second baseman Robel García, and first baseman Rangel Ravelo, each drove in a run apiece.  Cibaeñas starter Yoanner Negrín allowed just one hit and four walks with six strikeouts through six scoreless innings for the win.  Southpaw Gregory Soto picked up the save.  Right fielder Yasiel Puig drove in Los Toros' lone run of the game with a double in the eighth, and Miguel Andujar went hitless in three at-bats.

 

⚾

• BOXSCORE 1/4/2021: Cibao 3; Orientale 2 (10-innings)
• SERIES: Gigantes del Cibao lead Estrellas del Orientales; 2-1

Los Gigantes del Cibao strike first.   Shortstop Oneil Cruz's home run off major league veteran Ervin Santana in the second inning lasted through the seventh.  That is, until Robinson Cano's two-run home run in the top of the eighth gave Los Estrellas Orientales a 2-1 lead over Los Gigantes.   In the bottom half of the eighth, Cibao center fielder Jose Siri hit a home run (his third of the series) to send this game into extra innings.   Facing Matt Pobereyko in the home tenth, Gigantes' second baseman Abiatal Avelino draws a lead-off walk and promptly steals second.   Jose Siri follows with his third hit of the game, driving home Avelino with the game-winning run.   Right-hander Domingo Tapia earns the victory.

Four Angry Mets Fans on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

With SAM, RICH and MIKE

GUEST

John Coppinger aka METSTRADAMUS

The season is 38% done.  Last time Mets were above .500 was July 28.  It's now mid August and they own a 9-14 record.  Steven Matz is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA, and the Polar Bear is wilting in the dog days of summer.  

We rant.

#LGM

A Metsian Podcast 2020 Season Preview in July Special

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE NATIONAL PASTIME RETURNS

OPENING DAY IN JULY!?

GUEST 

  Mets Beat Writer 

NEWSDAY'S TIM HEALEY

2020 COVID NEW YORK METS

SEASON PREVIEW

seventy-minutes

Arizona Mets Fan Anna Brice Weighs In On Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

You can take the girl out of the city,

but you can't the city out of the girl.

LISTEN IN

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

GUEST:

Native New Yorker, Jersey Girl, Arizona Resident, 

and Mets Fan Extraordinaire

@AnnaBrice

102 minutes

Coronavirus Panic

Steven Matz ~ Dellin Betances ~ Seth Lugo ~ Michael Wacha

Robinson Cano ~ Yoenis Cespedes

Great Broadcasters in Mets History ~ Mets Who've Worn #46

Steve Cohen ~ Sale of the Mets ~ James Dolan

Arizona Pizza ~ Lee Mazzilli

and so much more!

#LFGM

Another Meaningful Metsian Podcast in September

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

My turn to host ...

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

Show Date: 9/22/2019

eighty-one minutes

ORANGE & BLUE STUFF

The Week Ahead ~ The Wild Card

Success ~ What Went Right ~ THE SEASON ~ What Went Wrong ~ Failure

!The Bullpen! ~ Annual May/June Swoon ~ Offensive Blackouts ~ !The Bullpen!

On Mickey Callaway's Employment ~ Grading Brodie's Rookie Season

Brodie's People vs. Sandy's People

Revisionist History ~ ROBINSON CANO/EDWIN DIAZ TRADE ~ Hindsight

Jay Bruce ~ Anthony Swarzak ~ Prospects

Free Agent Zack Wheeler ~ Trading Noah Syndergaard

JD Davis ~ Amed Rosario ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Wilson Ramos

BABE RUTH ~ 50 HOME RUN CLUB ~ PETE ALONSO

Casey Stengel ~ Mets Logo ~ Grading the Season

and so much more...!

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

@THE_SamMaxwell     @BTB_MikeII     @MetFanRich

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

Brooklyn Cyclones Tie For Wild Card Lead With Two Games Left

From the desks of: 

THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS  &  THE RICHMOND COUNTY RATS

Battle of the Boroughs

NATIONAL ANTHEM

LABOR DAY WEEKEND BEGINS

SATURDAY

Staten Island Yankees     2

Brooklyn Cyclones        11

FINAL

First Pitch

With everything riding on these next three games, Brooklyn seizes game one with an 11-2 triumph over the Staten Island Yankees at old Steeplechase Grounds.  The teams waste little time trading runs in the first.  In the second Staten Island takes a 2-1 lead on a lead-off single from left fielder Pat DeMarco, and a follow up double from right fielder Juan DeLeon against Cyclones starter Matthew Allan.  Luke Ritter doubles leading off the fourth and eventually scores via a pair of effectively productive sacrifice fly outs.  Brooklyn pushes two more runs across the plate in the sixth on doubles from Robinson Cano and Joe Genord and a gift error by Yankees third baseman Andres Chaparro.  Catcher Jose Mena is struck by a pitch leading off the seventh.  After which the Cyclones bats strike back with seven runs on five hits highlighted by Joe Genord's three run blast off Yankees reliever Marcus Evey.

(RHP) MATTHEW ALLAN

Mets Third Round Selection 2019 June Draft

Promoted from the GCL Mets, Matthew Allan makes his Brooklyn Cyclones debut Saturday afternoon against the Yankees.  The plan heading in called for a brief appearance.  In turn he faces eleven batters and throw 34 pitches with 25 (73%) going for pitches.  Nice on paper, in fact the very first batter he faces, second baseman and lead-off hitter Ezequiel Duran, fans looking at a very nifty curve ball.  But Allan winds up yielding two earned runs on five hits and a walk with three strikeouts through two innings pitched.

Hand out gold stars to the four Cyclones relievers who join together in pitching seven scoreless innings of three hit ball with ten strikeouts in relief of starter Matthew Allan.  Mitch Ragan picks up his third victory for a scoreless sixth and seventh inning with three strikeouts.

ROBINSON CANO

New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano's compromised hamstring is coming along far quicker than anyone anticipated.  He makes the start at second for Brooklyn against the Yankees and is generally received well by the Brooklyn crowd.  Robinson  reciprocates the warm welcome by going 2 for 4 with a double, run scored, and a run batted in.

CANO in the FIELD

3B - BRETT BATY

Mets First Round Selection 2019 June Draft

Brett Baty also makes his Brooklyn debut with the Cyclones.  He is promoted from (rookie) Kingsport where he hit six home runs with 22 RBI in 42 games and 156 at-bats.  He goes 0 for 3 with a walk, and a run scored.

LUKE RITTER at the PLATE

Designated hitter Luke Ritter and Joe Genord are big men on campus.  Ritter is 3 for 5 with a double, three runs scored, and four runs batted in.  Genord goes 2 for 2 with his ninth home run of the season, and five runs batted in.  Unlike their parent club of late, the Cyclones are 7 for 15 with RiSP, and leave only five runners on base.

Manager Edgardo Alfonzo

Hudson Valley defeats the Aberdeen Ironbirds at Dutchess County.  The Renegades score early and often, then pour it on again in the late innings for good measure.  They batter Aberdeen pitching for 16 hits and nine runs.  In turn the Renegades limit Ironbird hitters to just one run on a mere three hits.

Now what?

• New York Penn League

Hudson Valley is alone in first place of the McNamara Division, with Brooklyn and Aberdeen tied for second just one game back.  Scenario two: the Brooklyn Cyclones and Aberdeen Ironbirds are now tied for the wild card lead.  With Friday's loss against the Cyclones the Staten Island Yankees are eliminated from the division race.  However, they're still alive in the wild card chase albeit a precarious 1.5 games back of the Cyclones and Ironbirds with just two games left.  Sunday brings a new day but the mission remains the same.  Now that the Renegades have jumped out to a series lead, Brooklyn needs Hudson Valley to complete the sweep.  In the meantime Brooklyn must continue handling their business against the Yankees.  The series shifts to the Ballpark at St. George for game two on Sunday.

Another Metsian Podcast: Deadline Aftermath w/ John Pielli of The Passed Ball Show

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Trade Deadline Aftermath

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

FEATURED GUEST

John Pielli of The Passed Ball Show

seventy-five minutes

STUFF

Post-Trade Deadline Reaction

Marcus Stroman ~ Jason Vargas ~ New Starting Five

Anthony Kay ~ Simeon Woods Richardson ~ Austin Bossart

Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Mickey Callaway

Todd Frazier ~ JD Davis ~ Luis Avilan ~ Justin Wilson

Robinson Cano ~ Pete Alonso ~ Dom Smith

the season ahead, and so much more..!

Amazin' Grilling with Jeff Cohen's Baseball And BBQ on another Metsian Poodcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SUMMERTIME

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

WITH GUEST

Jeff Cohen 

of Baseball and BBQ Podcast

94 minutes

STUFF

Twins Series ~ Trade Deadline ~ Brodie Scuttlebutt

Zack Wheeler ~ Edwin Diaz

Pete Alonso ~ Robinson Cano ~ Amed Rosario

Todd Frazier ~ Dom Smith ~ Juan Lagares ~ Brandon Nimmo

The Core ~ Mike Vail ~ and so much more!

N.Y. Mets: Brodie's Chair Throw Lacks Velocity, Purpose, and Placement

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

If noting else, hiring Brodie Van Wagenen is an attention grabbing change of face.  Jeff Wilpon tasks his new general manager not only with improving Mets fortunes but to also once and for all transform the team's negative persona - deserved or not - being perceived by a growing population of Mets fans.  Upon taking office in November 2018 Brodie issues a manifesto in which rebuilding is not an option.  He insists the team will win now and for years to come.  Brodie also says his reconfigured front office will be relentless in its pursuit of excellence.  His plan calls for bold maneuvering in the micro, I while the macro entails establishing organizational competitiveness from the lower levels on up through the system.  He sets about supplementing the existing core of Mets players with (in his estimation) major league ready talent and deepening the 40-man roster.  In lieu of spending money Brodie facilitates his vision by transacting away a clutch of touted albeit low-level minor league prospects.

NOTE: With regards to finances, I'm convinced ownership remains in dire straits.  Operationally speaking, be it Sandy Alderson or Brodie Van Wagenen the Mets are merely handing out the same Wilpon dollars to an ever churning corpus of transient players.  Case in point: numerous players have come and gone but payroll remains relatively unchanged over the last three seasons.  Jacob deGrom's big money years kick in just as Yoenis Cespedes' contract comes off the books.  Speaking of which, ownership never once considers reinvesting recouped insurance monies.  Of course, this is merely scratching the surface.

Brodie's Notable Off-Season Trade Acquisitions:

• J.D. Davis - acquired from Houston Astros for prospects Ross Adolph, Scott Manea, and Luis Santana.
• Keon Broxton - acquired from Milwaukee Brewers for prospects Adam Hill, Bobby Wahl, and Felix Valerio.
• Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz acquired from Seattle Mariners for Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, and prospects Justin Dunn, Jarred Kelenic, and Gerson Bautista. 

Brodie's Notable and Not So Notable Free Agent Acquisitions:

• Wilson Ramos
• Jed Lowrie
• Jeurys Familia
• Rajai Davis; Carlos Gomez; Adeiny Hechavarria; Justin Wilson; Luis Avilan; 

Brodie's Mets Inheritance:

• Jacob deGrom; Noah Syndergaard; Zack Wheeler; Michael Conforto; Amed Rosario; Pete Alonso; Jeff McNeil; Seth Lugo; Robert Gsellman; Steve Matz; Dominic Smith; Brandon Nimmo; Juan Lagares; Tomas Nido; Luis Guillorme; Todd Frazier; Jason Vargas; et al. 

"COME GET US."

By the time opening day arrives Brodie's overtly positive rhetoric leaves him and the Mets little to no margin for error.  And so the season begins ...

On the morning of May 27, 2019, the Mets wake up with a 27-27 (.500) record.  They haven't been at or above .500 since.  They post a 10-18 record in June.  This past weekend the Phillies complete a series victory over the Mets at Citi Field.  The loss drops them ten games below par (.500) and further lowers their record to 40-50 (.444) for the season.  If not for the Florida Marlins, the New York Mets indeed would be the National League's worse team.  Cycle back one season, and the Mets enter action on June 1, 2018 with a par 27-27 (.500) record.  It's the last time Sandy Alderson's Mets touch .500 as they go on to post a similarly poor 5-21 record in June and a 77-85 (.475) record overall.

Most point at the bullpen's abysmal performance as the primary reason why 2019 thus far remains in a state of failure.  Mets relievers have blown 22 of 42 (52%) save opportunities.  Despite all-star performances from Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, the Mets similarly do not have the offensive potency needed for overcoming such recurring mistakes.  Entering Sunday's action they ranked 10th in the National League in runs scored; 9th in OPS and extra base hits; 7th in home runs; and 5th in strikeouts.

Jacob deGrom is pitching well, and to the astonishment of many so is Jason Vargas.  However, Noah Syndergaard (4.68 ERA); Zack Wheeler (4.42 ERA); and Steven Matz (4.89 ERA), are not.


And what of Brodie Van Wagenen's off-season acquisitions?

• Keon Broxton proves unproductive and is traded for international slot money.  Rajai Davis and Carlos Gomez likewise prove inconsequential.
• The 36-year old Robinson Cano is slashing .239/.287/.361, with four home runs and 18 RBI.
• The 35-year old Jed Lowrie has yet to play a single game (knee).
• Edwin Diaz is 1-6 with a 5.50 ERA and 1.46 WHiP.  He has converted 19 of 23 save opportunities, but has yielded eleven walks and seven home runs in 34.1 innings.  Batters are hitting .283 against him.
• Wilson Ramos is a defensive liability; Mets starting pitchers are openly expressing their preference for Tomas Nido.
• Jeurys Familia is another costly mistake as evidenced by his woeful inefficiency; both Luis Avilan and Justin Wilson incur unfortunate injury.  And so goes the bullpen depth.
• J.D. Davis is a lone bright spot among Brodie's acquisitions, but has few supporters.  Not a defensive whiz by any stretch, he nevertheless is slashing .280/.342/.470, with nine home runs and 25 RBI through 200 at-bats, but is being utilized as a back-up to Todd Frazier and an occasional contestant in left field.
• Thank goodness for Adeiny Hechaverria, huh?

Mets administrators have called for more meetings than the Royal Order of Water Buffaloes of Bedrock and Raccoon Lodge of Brooklyn combined.  The bullpen is bad but the team's defense is as bad and perhaps worse.  The Mets have handled the least physical chances in the field yet somehow lead the circuit in errors.  Teams are also running wild against them - be it pitchers incapable of holding runners, or teams taking advantage of Wilson Ramos whose 13% CS is less than half the league average.

You can understand why greater Metsville is up in arms.

But far from claiming responsibility for this epic failure, BVD first targets scapegoats in order to keep his narrative moving forward.  He finds them, and fires pitching coach Dave Eiland and bullpen coach Chuck Hernandez.  The front office controls the spin claiming Eiland was averse to analytics ... per reports.  Surprisingly, Mickey Callaway along the way is afforded not one, not two, but three votes of confidence.

When the Mets ruin yet another superb start by Jacob deGrom, and proceed to lose Friday's series opener against the Phillies at Citi Field, it is reported Brodie Van Wagenen summons Mickey Callaway and the entire coaching staff into a room and berates them all.  Reports claim at some point BVW in a fit of rage picks up and throws a chair.

Okay ...

I get pissed off.  We all get pissed off.  But in truth, this is emblematic of BVW's delusional narrative falling apart like wet toilet paper.  The chair toss itself lacks velocity, placement, and purpose.

At the end of the day, Brodie Van Wagenen is an amateur, hired by an amateur.  And together with Mickey Callaway, the three form a triumvirate of amateurism.

While Brodie rearranges deck chairs the band plays on.

N.Y. Mets: When Trade Deadline Strategy Meets Myth

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

One of two scenarios must first play out before the Mets make any decisions regarding this month's upcoming trade deadline.

1. They either continue playing subpar ball and end up pitching a tent at the sellers market.  
2. Or via some dramatic turnaround creep a few games above .500 and potentially become buyers.  

However, the likelihood of the latter occurring is slim to none.  They are now 13 games out of first, and way behind the Wild Card pack.  In fact, the Mets now own the National League's second worst record to date, only 5.5 games better than the moribund Marlins.  With Friday's 2-7 loss against the Phillies the Mets fall ten games under .500 (39-49) for the season.  They need to post a 14-4 (.778) record over their next 18 games in order to wake up on trade deadline day with a par 53-53 record.

Good luck with that ...

In the meantime, nothing changes.  The Mets are 2-8 over their last ten.  They are faced with their 42nd save opportunity Friday evening against the Phillies, and for the 22nd time this season blow it up like a Grucci fireworks show.  SNY booth said Mets relievers have now yielded 35 earned runs over their last 35 innings pitched.  So far they've handed the ball to 24 different relievers this season.  And therein lies the biggest reasons why the Mets find themselves toiling in the second division.

The question which begs asking: is the New York Mets 2019 season salvageable?  If they stop blowing more than half their saves, maybe.  Otherwise, my answer is an emphatic no.  This is a poorly constructed roster and the results bear this out.

Wilson Ramos, defensively speaking, is proving a liability behind the plate.  It's mid-season and Mets pitchers are lobbying in favor of Tomas Nido.  Second base is an issue because of among other things Robinson Cano's lack of production, and because an unproductive Cano prevents Jeff McNeil from settling into a regular position.  For what ever reason the position of shortstop presents Amed Rosario more problems than a math book.  The club may need to rethink Rosario all together.  Shifting him to center field is not the answer; in fact it strikes me as downright stupid.  In defense of the Mets, they could never have anticipated this level of MLB grade incompetency.  However, third base is an intriguing situation.  As @MetsDaddy2013 points out on our recent podcast due to Todd Frazier's expiring contract Cano can shift over to third providing McNeil well deserved regularity at second.

Like Keon Broxton and Rajai Davis, Carlos Gomez is the most recent outfield reinforcement to don a Mets uniform and fail.  Now Brodie Vann Wagenen seems to think Aaron Altherr, claimed off waivers in May from the San Francisco Giants, is the next potential stepping stone towards Amazin' days ahead.  In the meantime, Brandon Nimmo remains unavailable, and Juan Lagares has gone missing.

What the Mets do have going for them is Michael Conforto, whom is arguably underachieving; they have a dynamic tandem of Jeff McNeil and Pete Alonso; and a reinvested Dom Smith whom is hitting and fielding a new position with commendable efficiency.  And after Jacob deGrom the Mets feature a starting rotation of pitchers whom have yet to distinguish themselves.

The next question which begs asking is do the Mets have the organizational temerity to sell off popular assets?

Brodie Van Wagenen's options are three:

• Blow it up.
• Status quo.
• Enhance the team.

If he blows it up, he's admitting to a failed and false narrative.  Outside of playing the old player three-card-monte, the only practical way of enhancing the team involves extracting money from the Wilpons which recent history says is highly unlikely.  That leaves us with status quo.

Metsian Podcast Catharsis: The Aftermath Episode

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE ROAD TRIP FROM HELL; Ep. #30

A MESIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

With Special Guest

John 

aka

MetsDaddy.com

116 Minutes

STUFF

Fred Wilpon ~ Jeff Wilpon ~ Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Mickey Callaway

Not That Sorry ~ Sunday Crummy Sunday: The Aftermath ~ Jason Vargas

The Road Trip ~ The Phillies ~ The Bullpen ~ The Wreckage ~ The Pain

What in the world are the Mets gonna do with Robinson Cano?

All-Stars ~ No Stars ~ Exploding Stars

Players to wear #30 in Mets History

50th Anniversary of the Miracle Mets

and so much more!

* ART BY CYCLE

A Metsian Podcast Memorial Day Weekend Special with Mets Musings

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL

A METSIAN PODCAST

with Sam, Rich, and Mike

FEATURE GUEST

"Mr. Gary Mac" 

of 

MetsMusings.com

1 hour 18 minutes

STUFF

* ~ MEMORIAL DAY ~ *

First Third of the Season ~ Mets vs. N.L. East

Apocalypse Miami ~ Media Turning on Wilpons

Player Meeting ~ Front Office Meeting ~ Monday Presser

Jeff ~ Brodie Owns It ~ Sweep the Nationals

Starting Rotation ~ Callaway and Edwin Diaz

Carlos Gomez ~ Keon Broxton ~ Rajai Davis

Brandon Nimmo ~ Michael Conforto

George Steinbrenner and Charlie Finley

and so much more..!

N.Y. Mets: The Great Robinson Cano Conundrum

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

First time shame on me; Second time shame on you

Robinson Cano: To Hustle Or Not To Hustle Is Never A Question.

Two very specific incidences involving Robinson Cano's performance at Miami (or lack thereof) have fans back home and around the known Metsian universe up in arms.

Lower your arms fellow fans, as nothing will change.

Truth is ...

Days of ramifications are over; we see it everywhere. They can't punish him or place a dunce cap upon his head. They're certainly not going to bench him. Mets can only work with Cano, not against him. Cano will continue being as Cano does. This is the new condition of baseball.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) May 19, 2019

Moreover, I do not foresee the Mets plugging him into the starting line-up upon their return home to Citi Field on Monday night for sake of avoiding having their premiere player being showered with boos by irate fans.  We all know how much the Wilpons hate stuff like that.  The front office will chalk it up to needing a day off (during a home stand, because that makes sense).

Although Cano's utter blindness for appearances is tough to reconcile, none of us should be taken aback.  We locally were all aware throughout his first nine seasons with the Yankees (2005~2013) of Cano's battle with UDDLHS (urgency deficit disorder and lack of hustle syndrome).  Brodie Van Wagenen knew it too.  But no one cared much for as long as he played in the Bronx, or better yet in complete anonymity at Seattle.  Now that Brodie has imported Cano to Flushing Mets fans are aghast with what they see ...

... a 36-year old second baseman who is owed $24 million a year through the 2023 season, slashing a limp .245/.293/.374, with just three home runs and 13 RBI through 163 at-bats.  Through the first quarter season we've watched Cano compromise even the team's worst laid plans.  He's been consistent with making excuses, but not so much wielding a bat.

Brodie took on $120 millions dollars of pure risk in the hopes Cano would spearhead the Mets offense.  His investment has thus far yielded nothing but losses.  In fact, Sunday's non-effort makes five losses in a row for the Mets.  In order to hedge said losses, the manager's employment is now in jeopardy.

Sort of like trickle down economics ...

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.

The Past Present and Future Metsian Podcast w/ John Strubel of Mets Rewind

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Rewind to the Future Episode

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

With Special Guest: Freelance Writer; 

former MiLB public address announcer 

at Glenn Falls, N.Y., and Charleston S.C.;

"the only PA announcer in Charleston baseball history

to ever be ejected from a minor league ballpark."

John Strubel  of  Mets Rewind

Ninety-Minutes

STUFF

Fred Wilpon ~ Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Jeff Wilpon

The First Quarter Season ~ Report Card ~ 25-Man Roster

Jeff McNeil ~ Amed Rosario ~ Todd Frazier ~ JD Davis

Brandon Nimmo ~ Carlos Gomez ~ Keon Broxton ~ Juan Lagares

The Bench ~ N.L. Central ~ Milwaukee Hangover

Mickey Callaway ~ Wally Backman ~ Bobby Valentine

Pete Alonso ~ Leadership ~ Robinson Cano

 Kimbrell ~ Anthony Kay ~ Justin Wilson ~ Keuchel

Willie Montanez; Frank Thomas; Del Unser; 

other players who've worn #25 in Mets history 

and so much more!

N.Y. Mets: Will Robinson Cano Come to Brodie's Rescue

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Money Changes Everything

If Robinson Cano Can Not, The N.L. East Mets Will Not ...

Congratulations Robinson Cano for achieving 2,500 hits.  Of the nearly 20,000 players in major league history Cano becomes the 101st to accomplish the feat.  This puts him in the top five percent all-time.  He also becomes only the sixth player hailing from the Dominican Republic to join this exclusive club.

Cano no doubt has enjoyed a rather remarkable career proving both durable and productive throughout his 13 1/2 seasons previous to his arrival in Flushing.  Lest we forget in 2018 he was suspended under MLB's performance substance policy and thus missed half the regular season.  Cano began serving his suspension after Seattle's May 13 game at Detroit.  He was batting .287 at the time through 39 games, with four home runs and 23 RBI.  He returned to full duty on Aug. 14 at Oakland, finishing the season slashing .303/.374/.471 with ten home runs and 50 RBI in 80 total games played.  If you're inclined to be kind, then his numbers translate into a 20 home run and hundred RBI season (in what could have been the fifth hundred RBI season of his career, and his second with the Mariners).  In 2017 as a 34-year old, Robinson drove in 97 runs in 592 at-bats.

The now 36-year old has participated in 34 games to date as a member of the Mets.  If you're still inclined to being kind, keep in mind he is a career American League player whom (despite inter-league play) to some degree is learning a new league, new parks, with many an unfamiliar pitching staff, and having to adjust to dreaded Citi Field.  And to be fair, after getting hit with a pitch in two separate incidences his hands and digits must be killing him.  However, that didn't seem to stop him from stroking four hits against the Padres on Tuesday.  He followed up going 0 for 4 in Wednesday afternoon's loss at San Diego.  That said, Cano is presently slashing .254/.307/.400, with three home runs and 11 RBI.  For his career, he averages just 86 strikeouts in 632 at-bats per season.  But with 31 strikeouts in 130 at-bats to date, he is on pace for a 150 strikeout season.

More advanced statistics not needed because this has noting to do with what he's done and everything about what the Mets need from him this moment forward.

The acquisition of Robinson Cano was easily the off-season's top headline, a bold maneuver on BVW's part but a very risky one as well.  So far Cano's performance hasn't quite yielded what fans nor the Mets general manager had in mind when he acquired him from the equally desperate and dollar burdened Seattle Mariners.

In truth, Mets fans could care less what Robinson Cano previously achieved as a Yankee or a Mariner.  All they're interested in is his next 500 potential hits.  What impact will they have?  Because if they fail to cross connect this club with actual playoff success, I question how many will genuinely care seeing him potentially attain 3,000 career hits in a Mets uniform (perchance to dream ... see Gary Sheffield hitting home run #500 as a Met).

Ponder as you will how much Edwin Diaz weighed in the trade bringing both him and Cano to Flushing.  Diaz may very well have been the hook.  But at the end of the day it is Robinson Cano with the requisite resume needed to park fannies in the seats.  And to a large degree it's his responsibility to ensure Diaz is brought into winning situations, not Michael Conforto, not Pete Alonso, et al.  They require a separate narrative, just as Cano requires his own narrative separate of them.  Being a good mentor and clubhouse presence will not suffice.  Cano must be to the Mets what David Wright and Yoenis Cespedes could not: the unquestioned leader in the batter's box.  While it's nice Pete Alonso is coming up huge, the onus is nevertheless on Cano to elevate and get the Mets through the dog days of summer by matter of responsibility.  Injuries clearly got the better of Wright and Cespedes.  Therefore Robinson Cano must not only remain productive, but available.

Anxiety levels in Flushing are sky high as it is.  If the first fifth of Cano's 2019 regular season is any indication, well, then ...

You can't be disappointed with what you do not expect.  This is not one of those situations.  Brodie Van Wagenen knew Cano would be coming with huge and very expensive expectations.  Anything short of Cano's career averages will fail to quell those expectations.  Otherwise rampant dismay and disappointment will unavoidably run high.