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

Tim Healey of NEWSDAY

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.

N.Y. Mets: May I Cut You a Niese of Pity Pie?

Here's my latest article for 

RisingApple.com

Former Mets: When Goodbyes Become Get Lost

Ruben Tejada took the high road.

Jon Niese to a very winding, low road.

or

The art of goodbye and professionalism...

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Dem Bums Should Expect No Quarter in the Citi

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Post-Season Returns To Queens

CITI FIELD 

HOSTING FIRST EVER PLAYOFF

NLDS Tied 1-1

I - NYM 3; LAD 1

II - LAD 5; NYM 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

GAME THREE

Los Angeles Dodgers

vs.

New York Mets

FROM

Roosevelt Avenue

FLUSHING

This is the New York Mets 

8th post-season in their 54-year history.

They have played in 15 series and won 9 of them.

NEW YORK METS

All-Time Post-Season Record

43-32

NLDS: Game One

Jacob deGrom tied Tom Seaver for most strikeouts 

by a Mets pitcher in a post-season game.

ICYMI:

Jacob deGROMinated Dodgers 

With An All-Time Amazin' Effort; 
A Look Back At Great Mets Performances.

NLDS: Game Two

The Mets played their 75th ever post-season game.

Mets vs. Dodgers

 All-Time Post-Season Record:

7-5

FADE TO BLACK: Ruben Tejada scripted a nice comeback story, until Saturday's sudden, unfortunate, and scandalous Hollywood ending in Game Two.

The season long debate over who the Mets starting shortstop should be was finally settled after Chase Utley ended Ruben Tejada's season with a malicious slide into second base during the 7th inning of Game Two of the NLDS in Los Angeles.

Utley's actions earned him a suspension for games Three and Four in New York, and so will be spared the wrath of livid Mets fans. The rest of his team mates, however, will not.

Flushing Bay is set to boil over as Citi Field hosts its first ever playoff game and series, against the Los Angeles Dodgers no less (a team notorious for abandoning Brooklyn so many years ago, and who's old ballpark; Ebbets Field; was unceremoniously mimicked by Mets owner Fred Wilpon upon constructing Shea Stadium's replacement).

The Citi is sure to be rife with tension this evening.

In any event, this will be the Dodgers third visit to Queens for post-season play.  The Mets lost the 1988 NLCS in ponderous fashion, but exacted a measure of revenge during the 2006 NLDS.

The Wild World of Wilmer Flores Just Got a Little Wackier

Wilmer Flores will likely play through the rest of the NLDS.  This development is not exactly optimal for the Mets, however, Monday is shaping up to be a conducive situation for Wilmer Flores.

Wilmer will show up for work in a place that now embraces him like a mother hugs her child ever since the odd and ultimately uplifting events of July 31st.

On the hill, meanwhile, Matt Harvey will oppose southpaw Brett Anderson.  If the Mets were going to have their way with any of L.A.'s pitchers, this would be the one.

In 57 games and 100 at-bats against left-handers, Wilmer Flores slashed .310/.355/.600, with 8 doubles, 7 home runs, and 16 RBI.  In 6 games against the Dodgers this season, he batted .524, with 5 RBI.

The Mets are importing infield prospect Matt Reynolds to fill Tejada's spot on the NLDS roster.  It's debatable whether prospect Matt Reynolds is even incrementally better defensively than Flores at short.  So look for Wilmer to stay in there all game.

I can't help but feel badly for Ruben Tejada whom played his ass off to emerge from the abyss and back into Terry Collins' good graces.  He was named the starting shortstop entering the NLDS more so due to his own improved play than any defensive inadequacies Wilmer Flores may have.

Ruben's was a nice comeback story, until Saturday's sudden and unfortunate ending in Hollywood.

EXPECTATIONS MULTIPLY FOR THE REAL DEAL

The spotlight now shines upon the Dark Night.  All eyes will be on him.  Matt Harvey can give this plot just the twist Gotham sorely needs.

The Mets need a calm, cool, and collected performance from their vigilante hurler. He must resist the temptation of openly hunting down these modern day Trolley Dodgers.

If the situation fails to present itself, he must avoid any chance of ejection. But should stealth be with him, then strike he must.

The time has also come for Harvey to ratify the hype and accolades bestowed upon him so early in his career.  His brief, yet controversial stint with the Mets has been waiting for this very moment.  It's up to Mat Harvey, now, to seize the moment.

N.Y. Mets: On Chase Utley #Sorry #Shameless

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

NLDS

Series tied 1-1

GAME TWO

Mets       2

Dodgers 5

FINAL

On Chase Utley's Very Tweet Apology 
#WhyBother

GAMES

3 & 4

@

Citi Field

Flushing

QUEENS

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

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

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

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

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

Episode #119 The Rising Apple Report: 

Calm Before The Storm; Next Stop, Los Angeles

We left no topic unspoken..

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

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: The Look Whose #1 Podcast

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

I hosted...

They never learn.

Guests:

John Pielli from The Passed Ball Show, and 

  Mike Silva of MikeSilvaMedia

We shook pom-poms at some things, and pooh-pooh'ed others.

The Class of 2010, dog days of Summer, parity, lack of backbones.

Hot is hot, gonzo, show prep.

Terry Collins, more Fred Wilpon stuff, the 2014 regular season.

Queens love child, MLB expansion, smoke and mirrors, and shameless plugs.

Ruben Tejada, Jon Niese, Jeurys Familia, Wilmer Flores, 

and Shea's upper deck.

The 1914 Federal League, the Continental League.

and Gil Hodges #14.

Check it..!

  The Rising Apple Report, Episode #114: 

Look Whose Number One! With Mike Silva and John Pielli

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

The Friday Recap: Mets win wild game in Tampa over Rays

Here's my weekly Friday Recap for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Friday Recap: 

Amazins Extend Winning Streak to 7 Games With Wild 4-3 Victory In Tampa

ICYMI

This one was actually 4 days ago, after Game One against the Marlins.
Sam and I kept it simple - just me and him.
*
The newest Mets, we rejoiced after a sweep of the Nationals,
and actually gave the Wilpons some credit.
Did the Mets ever have a better week (in my lifetime) than that?
Talked about 2013, and players who've worn #13 in Mets history.
Rick Cerone, the Newark Bears, Lee Mazzilli,
Casey Stengel, Babe Herman, the 1916 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Beer!
Gary Cohen, ESPN production,
Wilmer Flores, Jeurys Familia, Michael Conforto, Ruben Tejada,
and more....

da link:

Rising Apple Report, Episode #113: Keep on Pushin Mets, Keeeep on Pushing!

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Binge Podcasting

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: !Que bruto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's like the U-Bet of doping!

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

Now for the other stuff:

Here's out most recent podcasts at 

  RisingApple.com

Here's the deal:

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

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

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

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

7/28/2015

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



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

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

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

Topics:

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


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

Rising Apple Report - Episode #112: Trade Deadline Special

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

Topics:

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

John Stearns beat up a pitcher in 1980.

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

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

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

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

The Brooklyn Cyclones seize first place.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: The Friday Recap and Michael Conforto's MLB Debut

Here's my Friday Night Recap for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Game Recap: 

Dodgers Spoil Michael Conforto's Debut With 7-2 Rout Over Punch-Less Mets

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

The Friday Recap: Late Rally Lifts Mets Over Dodgers

Here's my Friday Recap for 

  RisingApple.com

Mets Game Recap: Late Rally Gives Mets 2-1 Victory in Series Opener Over Dodgers

Check in every week for my Friday Night Recap.

Mike

Today for Rising Apple - Stuck in the Middle with You: Wilmer Flores

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com

Stuck In The Middle With You: Wilmer Flores

Mike

Senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Southbound Truckin' Down I-95

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Port St. Lucie Or Bust!

One Week Till Pitchers and Catchers

The equipment truck rumbled out of Flushing, and started down I-95 a few days ago.  What many fans hope is shaping up to be the most promising Mets season of the recent past, begins Saturday morning, when pitchers and catchers report for initial work-outs.

The Mets roster is a mix of old problems, new faces, and inexperienced kids, that collectively, hope to start changing the on-field conversation in Flushing towards the better.  Although Spring Training is yet to begin, the team is already operating with a new outlook.  That's a positive condition to start.

It All Starts At The Top

Of course, there is no escaping the fact ownership is still mired in money woes, but for the moment, they have stabilized their immediate situation enough to make the 2014 regular season seem like a reasonably functional endeavor.  But make no mistake, ownership, needs increased wins on the field, in order to increase attendance, and generate higher game day revenues.  More importantly, they need the 2014 season to begin a winning trend.  There is virtually nothing they can do in one year, that can change the fact that ownership's situation is highly leveraged, and they are still near one billion dollars in debt.

The Front Office

The organization has still not discussed a contract extension with Sandy Alderson.  I find this only mildly unsettling for the moment, but my concern will grow the longer this issue remains unresolved.

In October 2013, Sandy Alderson began the off-season by expressing his desire for acquiring a major league back-up for Travis d'Arnaud.  At the beginning of the free-agency period, Sandy Alderson maintained signing a shortstop was a main priority.  Throughout the winter meetings, Sandy Alderson was intent on trading Ike Davis.  None of that transpired, and thus far, Alderson has additionally neglected the bullpen.

What Sandy Alderson has accomplished however, to a large extent, is rebuild what was a minor league caliber outfield, and, in the absence of Matt Harvey, created depth in the starting rotation.

If you're inclined to take an optimistic approach, this may finally be the season the club pulls off a surprise acquisition at the trade deadline.  Sandy Alderson has stocked the system with enough attractive prospects, should such a trade opportunity materialize.  Ownership would have to sign-off on such a move, but the club is no longer saddled with prohibitive, long term contracts, that have stymied them previously.  This off-season, Sandy Alderson smartly staggered the expiration dates on his three main free agent signings.

The Skipper

After lengthy speculation, Sandy Alderson finally decided Terry Collins would continue managing the Mets, and offered him a contract extension that runs through the 2015 season.  The real question regarding Collins was whether a better candidate existed at the time.  Outside of Wally Backman being a fan favorite, the pragmatic answer was, not really.

Not incidentally, I still find it very curious that Wally Backman agreed to stay with Las Vegas for another season.  Terry Collins' two year extension is not exactly a ringing endorsement from the general manager.  It seems more like a GM trying to retain flexibility, and keeping his options open.  Should the Mets decide to fire Terry Collins at anytime, the financial pill would be a small one for Mr. Wilpon to swallow.

Regardless, Terry Collins earned the right to return.  After a rough first half, the Mets finished the last 100 games of the 2013 season with a .500 record.  He obediently piloted them through an organizational deconstruction period, and now gets to guide the team in, what everyone hopes, is a new direction.

Secure in his position for the moment, what type of Terry Collins may we expect now?  The emergence of young players, in addition to the off-season acquisitions, means this season brings with it new expectations. The rebuilding stage, and time for coddling players has effectively passed.  In other words, Terry Collins is now under pressure to win, and at least get this team above the .500 mark this year.

Historically, under Collins, the team has gotten off to quick starts, then finished the season in a state of disarray.  Last year, however, provided just the opposite.  A repeat of last year's poor start, may doom Terry's extension.

What's Old Is New Again

Ike Davis is being given one last chance to win the first base job, while Ruben Tejada is back for another, hopefully more productive stint at shortstop.  Both players have their work cut out for them, with little margin for error, and even less organizational patience.

Terry Collin's declaration that Ike Davis has first dibs on first base, means Lucas Duda's situation is just as unsettled as ever.  Josh Satin's role appears unchanged, as he is the right handed bat in the first base equation.

Welcome To Flushing

Curtis Granderson was the most significant off-season acquisition, along with Bartolo Colon and Chris Young.  Sandy Alderson also took steps to improve depth in the starting rotation.

The Kids Are Alright

Or, so the Mets hope.  The Mets need positive contributions from their young, promising players.  Highly touted imports such as Travis d'Arnaud, and Zack Wheeler, and promoted farm hands such as Juan Lagares, and Wilmer Flores, are being put in the spotlight very early in their careers.  More talent is on the way.  Pitchers Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero are expected to make their major league debuts at some point this season.


Winter is far from over, but let the stretching begin.  More on the Mets coming soon.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: The Winter Meetings Situation Report

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

 

"Who's baby is that?  What's your angle?  I'll buy that!" - Fred Flintstone

NEW YORK METS: Sandy Alderson Still Has Much To Accomplish During The Winter Meetings.

THE SITUATION REPORT ~ POSITION PLAYERS:

Baseball's Winter Meetings are upon us.  The yearly bacchanalia of baseball executives, agents, and media begins now.  If a furious start to the free agency period serves as any indication, then the Meetings should get plenty wild, and create steady streams of news.  The traditional gonzo festival will culminate on December 12th, with the Rule-V draft.

Many great careers got their start, thanks in part, to being exposed to the Rule-V draft.  This is partly when Paul DePodesta earns his salary, in hopefully selecting quality talent that may have gotten squeezed out or suppressed in other organizations.

Through several recent non-tenders, Sandy Alderson reduced the team's 40-man roster, then added Chris Young to set the number at 35 players.  Once Curtis Granderson is (officially) figured in, the 40-man roster sits at 36 players.  Yes Mets fans, after much adieu, Sandy Alderson finally addressed the outfield through free agency.

The Mets still have positions that require his immediate attention.  A starting pitcher, perhaps a reliever, and a shortstop top the list.  A back-up catcher, and clarification regarding first base would rate second on the list.  While much can be anticipated over the next several days, Mets fans can still reasonably expect more activity from their general manager.  With room on the roster, and with a few more dollars to spend, Sandy Alderson indeed still has much to accomplish.

So far, no further word has materialized regarding Sandy Alderson's now questionable interest in pitcher Bronson Arroyo.  Otherwise, the GM has a few major league players, and a basket full of minor league eggs to talk trades with.

Heading into the Winter Meetings, here is the Mets current Positional Players situation report:

Catcher

Projected Starter: Travis d'Arnaud

Projected Back-Up: Pending.

Situation: Sandy Alderson ended the regular season saying he wanted to acquire an experienced MLB catcher, as a hedge should Travis d'Arnaud reinjure himself.  Free agent A.J. Pierzynski was my preference, but is no longer available, having signed with the Red Sox.

Travis d'Arnaud himself has even been involved in mild, if not baseless rumors.  For the moment, Anthony Recker is the favorite to back-up d'Arnaud.

Alternative: Juan Centeno.

Future Prospect: Kevin Plawecki; projected to play 2014 in Binghamton.



First Base

Projected Starter: Lucas Duda

Projected Back-Up: Josh Satin.

Situation: Make no mistake, Ike Davis is on the trading block.  Most recent rumors have him linked with the Tampa Bay Rays.  Otherwise, first base looks to remain an in-house issue next season.

I prefer a platoon with Josh Satin.  I think Coach Collins does too, but first base seems primarily Duda's for the moment.  He, like Ike Davis, is falling out of favor, and falling short on time.  This will surely be Duda's last opportunity to prove his worth.  Duda is no less on the trading block than Ike Davis is.

Free agent James Loney is still available should Sandy Alderson be compelled to spend more Wilpon dollars.  However, it is finally time for Lucas Duda to provide the same type of production, or be moved.  Save money here, and ensure both Duda and Satin get a fair shake.

Alternative: Despite breaking his fibula while playing winter ball in Venezuela, I'm in favor of re-signing our in-house free agent minor leaguer, Allan Dykstra, and giving him an equal chance at winning the job in Spring Training.

Future Prospect: Dominic Smith; projected to play 2014 in Brooklyn.



Second Base

Projected Starter: Daniel Murphy.

Projected Back-Up: Wilmer Flores.

Situation: Murphy is arbitration eligible for two more seasons until he earns his free agency in 2016.  He is regarded as the Mets best major league trading chip.  His name constantly gets mentioned, and lately, even more so.  However, it doesn't appear as if Murphy is going anywhere, any time soon.  I could be wrong though.  That's the great thing about the Winter Meetings.  Murphy recently endured major slights, first from a Jeff Wilpon omission regarding core players, then by his general manager who specified a want for more good guys in the clubhouse.  That was code for Alderson's displeasure with Murph's free swinging ways.

Non-tendering Justin Turner opened up a more clearly defined role for Wilmer Flores as the back-up second baseman.

Alternative: As Jordany Valdespin and Justin Turner, were non-tendered by the Mets, Eric Young Jr. can be moved back to his natural position should Daniel Murphy get traded.

Future Prospect: 1) - Dilson Herrera; projected to play 2014 in Kingsport, or Brooklyn.
2) - L.J. Mazzilli; projected to play 2014 in Savannah.



Shortstop

Projected Starter: Ruben Tejada

Projected Back-Up: Wilfredo Tovar.

Situation: Free agent Jhonny Perlata priced himself beyond the Mets parameters, and ultimately signed with the Cardinals.  The Mets also turned away from Rafael Furcal, while Red Sox free agent Stephen Drew still remains unsigned.

Several trade scenarios can, and need to be explored.  With Ian Kinsler headed to the Tigers, I would assume the Texas Rangers would be less inclined to trade Jurickson Profar, although he has recently been rumored to be included in a possible deal for David Price of Tampa.  The possibility for a deal remains open.

Otherwise, the Mets non-tendered Omar Quintanilla, which all but ensures Ruben Tejada's return to shortstop next season.  Ruben has a lot of impressing to do.  He and Lucas Duda signed up for a strengthening program this off-season, and for Ruben's sake, it better pay off.  The GM and Terry Collins have long been disgusted by Tejada's work ethic and conditioning.  This is the final straw for the Mets diminutive shortstop.  If he doesn't shape up, he'll be shipped out.

Wilfredo Tovar is now the front-runner to assume the back-up role.  This position is by no means Ruben Tejada's to keep.

Alternative: None to speak of.  The Winter Meeting may solve this dilemma.

Future Prospect: Gavin Cecchini; projected to play 2014 in Savannah.



Third Base

Projected Starter: David Wright

Projected Back-Up: Josh Satin, Zach Lutz, Wilmer Flores

Situation: There is no situation.  For as long as he remains healthy, David Wright is a Met for life, which in Flushing years, means for the next seven seasons.  Before the signing of Curtis Granderson, he was the only positional surety the Mets had, and now, he may finally have reliable protection behind him in the line-up, as well.  Wright should benefit from hitting along side both Granderson and Chris Young, and could conceivably have his first 100+ RBI season since 2010.

Alternative: None to speak of.  Lutz and Flores have that covered.

Future Prospect: OF/3B Dustin Lawley; projected to play 2014 in Binghamton.



Left Field

Projected Starter: Curtis Granderson

Projected Back-Up: Eric Young, Matt den Dekker

Situation: Sandy Alderson signed free agent Curtis Granderson to a straight four year, $60 million dollar contract.

Alternative: None to speak of.  The position is manageable with their current depth.

Future Prospect:
1) - OF/3B Dustin Lawley. 
2) - Cesar Puello; projected to play 2014 in Port St. Lucie or Binghamton.



Center Field

Projected Starter: Juan Lagares

Projected Back-Up: Curtis Granderson, Matt den Dekker, Eric Young

Situation: The door remains wide open for someone else to take over center field, but despite suffering a minor injury playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Juan Lagares has seized the moment.  He showed enough poise and defensive prowess during his MLB debut to warrant the starting center field job.  At 24 years of age, he is an eight year minor league veteran.  Juan will still need to provide his share of offense, which still remains a questionable proposition.

Alternative: Matt den Dekker may pose the greatest in-house challenge to Lagares' current hold on center.  Dekker is similarly known as an above average fielder, and perhaps swings a mightier bat.

Eric Young is arbitration eligible.  Despite leading the National League with 46 stolen bases last season, Eric Young's .249 batting average, and his .310 OBP were not up to lead-off hitter standards.  Working in his favor, Young is a switch hitter.  A platoon with lefty-swinging Matt den Dekker isn't out of the question, as Eric Young is a better hitter from the right side of the plate.

Future Prospect: Brandon Nimmo; projected to play 2014 in Port St. Lucie.



Right Field

Projected Starter: Chris Young

Projected Back-Up: Curtis Granderson, Andrew Brown, Matt den Dekker

Situation: Sandy Alderson signed free agent Chris Young to a one year, $7.25 million dollar contract.  He'll be needed to at least replicate Marlon Byrd's season, and Scott Hairston before him.  Otherwise, Young is merely the latest on a long list of players over the last ten years to play right field for the Mets.  There is potential for a lot of upside here.  With the way money has been tossed around so wantonly during this free agency period, Chris Young's price tag has officially become reasonable.

Alternative: None to speak of.  The position is manageable with their current depth.

Future Prospect: Lacking.  Cory Vaughn's minor league career is falling apart.  See left field.




Mike.BTB

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

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

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

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

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

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

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

So far, we have spent $37.5 million.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will Mr. Wilpon dare approach this number?

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

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


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




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Mets: Getting Swept By Fish Should Be A Wake-Up Call

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

 

NEW YORK METS - Someone Tell The GM To Stop Treating Citi Field Like It's Some Kind Of Reliquary, And Get Back To Rebuilding A Baseball Team.


With a third of the regular season complete, the Mets are ten games under .500, with a 22-32 record - no surprise there.  But getting swept in Miami by the Fish should have served as a wake-up call that all is not right in Flushing - obviously.  I would feel a lot better about the general situation if only Sandy Alderson were conducting the season with greater emphasis on internal competition.  My idea this season was to empty out the toy box, see which prospects were most serviceable, which were broken, and which to donate away - not pick through some other club's garbage, and display a few pieces of junk at Citi Field like it's some kind of reliquary.


Among Team Sandy are very learned people, but sometimes I'm not sure they (all of them) get it.  Time is of the essence.  The Mets hierarchy have been afforded plenty of time and patience on our part, and are still partaking in the last few months of their grace period.  Even though 2014 is the target date for major changes with regards to baseball operations, the time to act with a strong sense of urgency towards that end is now - as should have been all season.  The trade deadline looms ahead, and there still exists too many uncertainties.  Think of it this way, the Mets are nine months away from Spring Training 2014.  This much IS certain - if the Mets entire business model does not change by next season, as promised, there will be a hellish fan backlash, unlike the Wilpons have never suffered through before.  So time is indeed of the essence.


Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel, LaTroy Hawkins, and Shaun Marcum should be deleted from this team post-haste.  Then, so as to prevent a bottleneck at the door, hold off on evicting Scott Rice and Scott Atchison until the exit clears.  That gives me six roster spots that I'll address shortly.


First, my plan involves collateral damage - sorry.  But I ask, what is Mike Baxter's MLB value to the Mets?  At Baxter's expense, I would promote Josh Satin to form a (less than full) platoon with Ike Davis at first base.  Satin is twenty-eight years old, hitting .312 and slugging an even .500 at Las Vegas.  Bring him up, showcase him, and attempt to trade him while his particular iron is hot.  In the mean time, if Ike Davis begins another dominant second half, so be it.  But instead of the old tired talk of sending Ike Davis down to Vegas, bring Satin to the Citi, and provide competition for Ike here.  If Josh Satin or Ike Davis, or both are not traded, it's back to Vegas for Satin....or not.  That all depends on Ike.


Truth is, the Mets couldn't promote Wilmer Flores to Flushing even if they wanted to.  They have nowhere to play him.  Or do they?  I would include Flores in any potential major trade.  However, with Ruben Tejada hurt, not to mention suffering through a horrendous season otherwise, this might be Flores' big chance to revert back to his original position of shortstop.  In Monday night's AAA game between Las Vegas and Fresno, Brandon Hicks played short, while Flores played second base.  On a side note, twenty-one year old 2B/SS Wilfredo Tovar is having his problems in Binghamton this season.  Depending how Ruben Tejada progresses this season, the Mets should open a window for Wilmer Flores at shortstop by July or August.


Acquiring Rick Ankiel and Marlon Byrd to play outfield were perhaps the most counter-productive decisions of the season.  Juan Lagares, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Collin Cowgill, Andrew Brown, and Jamie Hoffmann, are the AAA outfielders who perhaps should be getting the lion's share of two available positions.  While in Binghamton, Cory Vaughn and Cesar Puello are blazing their own paths towards Flushing.  Of course, the idea is to secure a legitimate slugger either at the trade deadline or during the off-season.  In the mean time, Ankiel and Byrd, who lack any worth to the Mets, are wasting valuable playing time that needs to be invested elsewhere...now.


That leaves me with four roster spots left.  Shaun Marcum's slot goes to Zack Wheeler.  The last three go to the bullpen.  I know LaTroy Hawkins is a somewhat serviceable reliever for us, but he too is wasting our time.  Along with Rice and Atchison, I'd kindly ask them to find employment elsewhere as none of them project into the Mets future.  In back-filling, I wouldn't dig too heavily into Binghamton's bullpen yet, but would consider promoting Mark Cohoon to share duties with Collin McHugh as the fifth starters, as well as making them work out of the bullpen together.  I would also commence a revolving door, starting with reliever Adam Kolarek, then transition to John Church.  This leaves top relievers Jack Leathersich, Jeff Walters and Chase Huchingson behind and untouched in Binghamton to continue their stellar campaigns and battling for first place.  While I also still have hopes for Josh Edgin, Jeurys Familia gets his spot back when he returns.


NOTE:  The St. Louis Cardinals employ a system where by they place their best pitching prospects into the bullpen and let them learn on the major league level.  The best pitchers graduate into the starting rotation.  Just saying.


Starting now, and increasingly so by mid-summer, I'd like to see the overall effort around here focused our own first.  A somewhat reconfigured 25-man roster could resemble this:


C - Travis d'Arnaud - John Buck
1B - Ike Davis - Josh Satin
2B - Daniel Murphy
SS - Ruben Tejada - Wilmer Flores
3B - David Wright
OF - Lucas Duda - Juan Lagares - Kirk Nieuwenhuis
OF - Collin Cowgill - Cory Vaughn/Cesar Puello

SP - Matt Harvey - Zack Wheeler - Jonathon Niese - Dillon Gee - Rafael Montero/Jeremy Hefner
RP - Bobby Parnell - Robert Carson - Brandon Lyon - Jeurys Familia
RP - Mark Cohoon/Collin McHugh - Adam Kolarek/John Church

25th man - Justin Turner, Greg Burke, other


This is by no means a solution.  It is part of a process.  The team clearly needs more enhancements that will come via trades and maybe even free agency.  But looking at such players now, will give us better clarity into the 2014 season - better than we've been achieving so far.





Mike.BTB

New York Mets: Year Fifty-Two Of Orange And Blue

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

HEADING NORTH:

Next Stop - Roosevelt Avenue

Queens

The 52nd SEASON OF NEW YORK METS BASEBALL

FIRST OPENING DAY:  April 9, 1976 - With Tom Seaver on the mound, the Mets defeated the Montreal Expos 3-2.  Buddy Harrelson drove in two runs with a double.  Tom Seaver pitched seven innings, allowing one run. five hits, and one walk.  He struck out eight batters.  Skip Lockwood, one of my favorite Mets at the time, earned the Save.

FAVORITE OPENING DAY:  April 5, 1983 - Tom Seaver Returns.  I was sitting between first base and right field towards the back rows of field level.  Upon completion of his pregame warm-ups, Tom Seaver walked from the bullpen to the dugout.  The fan ovation was special.  The game was also notable because we were facing the Philadelphia Phillies featuring three future HOF players; Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton; in addition to Pete Rose.  The Mets shut-out Philly 2-0.  Seaver got a no-decision.  In he return to Shea, he pitched six innings, allowed only three hits, walked one, and struck out five.  Doug Sisk got the win in relief.  The unremarkable Brian Giles and Mike Howard drove in the Mets two runs.

MOST RECENT OPENING DAY:  April 13, 2009 - A 6-5 loss to the San Diego Padres.  Adrian Gonzalez was the only Padre worth mentioning from that team.  Ponderous.  Mike Pelfrey started but took a no-decision.  David Wright homered in the losing effort.....Played at night - Terrible!

OTHER OPENING DAYS ATTENDED:  1977 - 1978 - 1979 - 1980 - 1981 - 1984 - 1990 - 1997 - 2005 - 2006 - 2008.

OPENING DAY 2013

 

 

Monday, April 1, 2013

 

San Diego Padres

vs.

NEW YORK METS

from

CITI FIELD

Flushing, Queens

 

 

 

A very strange season is about to begin off Roosevelt Avenue.  Mets fans are being teased now more  than ever.  Both the team and fans are patiently waiting for some new, young, talented players to fill roles, and seats, at Citi Field.  Then for whatever his motivation, the owner announced a clean(er) bill of financial health heading into (and here's the catch...) next season.  To the club's credit, they are fresh off enriching their third baseman and additionally naming him Team Captain - a well deserved appointment earned by David Wright.  Money-wise, Sandy Alderson also actively pursued Michael Bourn during the off-season, who would have cost a handsome dollar.  So perhaps, finances are indeed easing up.  Over the winter, ownership secured some fancy all-inclusive refinancing they believe will give them ample flexibility moving forward.  I have my suspicions regarding their math and sustainability.  But with Spring Training at its end, it is time to delve less into that, and more into winning baseball games during the upcoming season.
 

 

In spite of a spring filled with injuries, the Mets fifty-second Opening Day roster is just about set.  Word is David Wright satisfactorily recovered from his rib strain, and will play Monday.  Daniel Murphy on the other hand, should not.  That's just me talking though.  His own strained intercostal muscle considerably hampered his entire Spring Training regimen.  Until he gets up to game speed, I feel he should miss a few games.  Regardless of what I think, the latest from the club is Murph will play on Opening Day.  In the bullpen, Pedro Feliciano is literally contemplating his baseball future, while Frank Francisco and his elbow are nowhere near ready to resume his former role as team closer.  The starting rotation's depth was originally thought to be facing a major dilemma when Jeremy Hefner was struck on his elbow by a come-backer.  He now appears fine.  As Johan Santana's replacement, Hefner has a fan in me.  Shaun Marcum's reliability however, looks to pose a problem.  But without a doubt, the biggest news of Spring Training started and ended with Johan Santana.  He is headed towards a second surgery this Tuesday.  His season, and Mets career, are now all but over.

 

N.Y. Mets - Johan Santana's Situation Cuts Like A Knife
 

 

 

The hope entering Opening Day and the 2013 regular season is that Jon Niese will come into his own.  All indications point to this being the season that happens.  At twenty-seven years old, his ability and mentality look to finally be in sync.  Stardom may elude him, but Jon Niese has the potential to become a highly respected pitcher this season.  With Johan Santana and R.A. Dickey no longer serving as Mets ace, the onus is on Jon Niese to fill that role by leading Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee, and Jeremy Hefner through a long season.  Ditto goes for Zach Wheeler upon his promotion.  I'm openly backing Jeremy Hefner, and therefore say the Mets have four young quality starters to begin the season with.  When Zach Wheeler arrives, they'll have five.  Starting pitching is clearly the team's strength.
 

 

Is there such a thing as growing into the closer's role, or, are certain pitchers just better suited than others to finish-off opponents and end games?  This will be Parnell's 2013 challenge as he embarks on his third shot at becoming the team's closer.  For a third consecutive season, someone else's injury is opening the door to an opportunity.  But in his first two attempts, Parnell generally failed to seize the moment.  As the team's interim closer this year, Bobby Parnell will be as successful as his  knuckle-curveball allows.  The knuckle-curve is relatively new to his arsenal.  So maybe with it will come different results.  In order for his "Knerve" to be an even more effective pitch however, he needs to add some more bite to it.  Last season it looked like a two-to-eight o'clock breaking slurve.  The pitch needs an adjustment because if he doesn't throw it for a strike early in the count, batters have been doing a good job laying off, and waiting on his fastball instead.
 

 

The bullpen as a whole appears to be better stocked than last year.  A better relief corp can potentially be a season maker, as the Mets blew nineteen saves last season.  As noted, Pedro Feliciano is out.  So the Mets will be substantially short from the left side.  Entering his second season, Josh Edgin is already an indispensable member of the bullpen.  With Robert Carson assigned to Las Vegas, Scott Rice becomes the next southpaw in line.  If Aaron Laffey makes the team, he can spot start as well as relieve from the left side.  From the right side, LaTroy Hawkins is making the team.  He will join a plethora of righties heading north which include Scott Atchison and Brandon Lyon.  The new Odd Couple - Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia continue to be two very curious specimens.  Lost in all the Harvey and Wheeler hoopla, fans still do not know what to make of these two.


Terry Collins announced to start the season, there will be no platooning in the outfield.  The initial plan is to go with Lucas Duda in left, Collin Cowgill in center, and Marlon Byrd in right.  Only one of them is out there on a sink or swim basis however.  No one will be more be scrutinized this season than Lucas Duda.  After a Grapefruit League start that drew early moans and groans, Duda bounced back to put together more than just a respectable spring.  He finished batting .270 in 63 at-bats.  The good news was Lucas tied with Collin Cowgill for the team lead in home runs with five.  Lucas Duda also wound up leading the Mets in RBI with thirteen.  That's exactly what the Mets need from Duda - slugging, power and run production.  With another bad season, he could very well play himself out of Flushing.  But with a move to left field and another year of experience under his belt, he could also finally acclimate himself to the big leagues, and start to excel.  Since baseball is a game of averages, Lucas should be given the entire season in left, regardless of struggles or success.  A full season will  better help determine Lucas Duda's future in Flushing once and for all.


Collin Cowgill was my surprise player of Spring Training.  His Grapefruit League efforts definitely warranted a starting job to begin the season.  At least on this team they did.  Perhaps Collin Cowgill is benefiting from having escaped a crowded situation in Oakland.  In any event, his new challenge is to translate a good spring into the regular season.  Jordany Valdespin's Grapefruit play suggested he should have been the next outfielder in line.  The right field job however will go to veteran Marlon Byrd.


I won't say Ruben Tejada's mighty struggles in this year's Grapefruit League went unnoticed.  But they did go largely unspoken.  He finished Spring play with a .098 batting average, managing only five hits (two doubles and one home run) in fifty-two at-bats.  I'm quite sure Terry Collins noticed though.  If you ask me who I think Terry Collins is toughest with, I would immediately answer - Ruben Tejada.  Coach Terry was not all too pleased with either his conditioning, or that Ruben famously felt "tired" last season.  Tejada reported to camp very early this year.  But that didn't translate into a productive spring.  I am by no means concerned.  Baseball is like that.  I expect Ruben to continue along his career averages.


Without a catcher, you're going to have a lot of passed balls - I love that line.  The Mets have a good situation behind the plate.  Of course, the future now lies in the mitt of Travis d'Arnaud.  Until he receives his bus ticket to Flushing, John Buck is no less a fine improvement.  Interestingly, both he and Travis d'Arnaud, along with Jordany Valdespin and Marlon Byrd had perhaps the most consistent springs trainings.  With Anthony Recker serving as back-up until the d'Arnaud era begins, the Mets turned the position of catcher into a strength.  All three catchers have a little pop, and can provide protection in the bottom of the order.


There is no secret - the Mets corner infielders will be the cornerstones of their overall offensive  production.  The grand failures or fortunes of the Mets offense lie in tha bats of David Wright and Ike Davis.  Wright's WBC mishap aside, both David and Ike enter the 2013 season healthy, and together.  With both wielding hot bats, the Mets can make life miserable for a number of opponents.  There is not much else to say here.  A vintage season from David Wright would be nice.  I think most fans agree he still has the kind of years he posted from 2005 through 2010 within him.  Meanwhile, after a horrendous first half at the plate, Ike Davis finished the 2012 season with fury.  If he can somehow get off to the kind of start he did in 2011, and couple that with his 2012 second half, now we're talking about a total package.  Realistically, a .275 average, thirty-five home runs, and 110 RBI would be suit everyone just fine.  If these two do not produce up to the Mets needs, the outfield will become a season long source of derision.


As we know, the team the Mets start with, may not necessarily be the one they finish with.  Zach Wheeler and Travis d'Arnaud are on the horizon.  For Terry Collins, their arrivals can not come too soon.  For the last two seasons, he has managed a club being stripped of virtually all its high profile players, while forced to nurture younger, unproven players.  He additionally has no contract assurances beyond this season, and the general manager seems in no rush to address his field manager's situation.  In fact, the Mets only have two players under contract beyond the 2014 season.  That means Terry Collins isn't just your traditional lame duck manager.  He is roasting over an open flame.  Under Terry Collins, the team has become known for spirited starts and horrific finishes.  In each of the last two seasons, there even came a moment where the manager seemed to crack.  Overall though, Terry Collins has been a good dude.  A bad start to the upcoming season may doom him, and open the door to his successor.  Then again, a good start, reinforced by the arrival of Wheeler and d'Arnaud could possibly save him.  Maybe.  At best, I'd describe Terry Collins' situation as fluid.  Wally Backman is at the gates.


Let's Go Mets!




Mike.BTB