The Metsian Podcast: The Season Opener That Wasn't w/ District on Deck & Baseball and BBQ

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SEASON OPENING FEATURE

Mets

vs.

Nationals

N.L. East Preview w/ Co-Site Editor

DISTRICT on DECK

MAX RAYMAN

SHOW GUESTS

Jeff Cohen and Len Aberman

FROM
BASEBALL and BBQ

GAME CALLED!

BUT THE METSIAN PODCAST ROLLS ON

The $341 Million Dollar Man

Opening Day Memories

Reeling in the Years 2011 ~ 2020

Terry Collins ~ Bobby Valentine

and so much more!

#LGM

A Metsian Podcast, Ep. #2 - On What Jeff Wilpon Didn't Say

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

We're Back on the Air!

The Converted Mets fan, Sam Maxwell, MetFanRich, and I, 

have reunited to bring you:

A

METSIAN

PODCAST

On the heels of COO Jeff Wilpon's interview with the media, our main focus in Episode #2 centered around the state of ownership in general.  We also discussed baseball's newly elected members to the Hall of Fame; the career of Johan Santana; the 2002 season in review; and players who've worn #2 through Mets history.

ICYMI: The Inaugural Episode

Our featured guest was old friend and author 

Greg Prince from FaithAndFearInFlushing.com

We went for 2:30 hours because time flies when your having fun.  It was just nice having the band back together, but we'll be tightening that up.  Otherwise covered a lot regarding the past, present, and future, of our beloved New York Mets baseball club.

N.Y. Mets: Meet The New Boss

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Great Communicator Has Spoken

New York Mets: Indians Pitching Coach, Mickey Callaway, Named 21st Manager in Club History.

I won't lie ...

I knew Mickey Callaway was pitching coach for Terry Francona throughout his five years with Cleveland, but not much else.

Joe McEwing, Kevin Long, and therefore Mickey Callaway, didn't even make my personal list of candidates. 

Yeah, I said it.

Alex Cora was my first choice.  I would have been agreeable with Ron Gardenhire, or Manny Acta, and I was slightly intrigued with Sandy Alomar Jr.

Callaway didn't make my list for the very reason he is/was a pitching coach with only five seasons of experience (and only a couple seasons coaching in the minors previous to that).  Otherwise, I was aware he was an active MLB pitcher from 1999 through the 2004.

The list of pitching coaches turned field manager is short, and the list of successful ones even shorter.  Roger Craig comes to mind.  Boston asked former pitching coach John Farrell to manage the Red Sox after the Bobby Valentine fiasco and returned them to prominence.  George Bamberger, former pitching coach of the once formidable Orioles pitching staffs, later served as manager of the (Brewers, and) Mets, but only as a favor to Frank Cashen.

Like football, I'm a believer in good coaching trees.  As noted, Callaway comes to the Mets having worked the last five seasons with Terry Francona.  That's gotta count for something.  He's also being widely reported in the tabloids as a great communicator.  Sandy Alderson going right for the hire, instead of conducting a second round of interviews speaks volumes.  The tabloids have been describing it as Callaway's "wow" effect - that once you speak with him, he wins you over.

Apparently, all was not well and good during Terry Collins' years as Mets manager.  Local tabloids characterized the end of season exit interviews as rather condemning of the former manager who retires with the second most career victories in the organization's history.  Trust, or lack there of, between Collins and younger players, favoritism and not holding veterans accountable, and an overwhelming lack of communication were chief among gripes.

That being said, I could have done without the introductory (paraphrasing) - these players are going to be the most cared about group of people in all of major league baseball.

Expressing a desire to establish an environment of fairness, with respect towards individuals, while emphasizing team precepts, would have sufficed.

On a separate note, Sandy Alderson has now twice handed over the reigns to a pitching coach; first with Bud Black in San Diego, and now with Mickey Callaway and the Mets.  On an executive level, he is therefore not breaking any new ground here.

Sandy Alderson also made it clear the Mets are a pitching oriented team, and so Callaway fits well into the team's present condition.  Alderson also seems satisfied with Callaway's willingness to incorporate new age metrics.

Mickey Callaway is also part of a younger class of managers, in their mid-40s or so, being hired in recent years.


My Concerns:

• Managing with conviction:  The last skipper sometimes let his players manage for him.  Being every one's friend is nice, but where it concerns managing, unpopular decisions usually turn out being the best decisions.  It's not a player's job to like it; it's a manager's job to manage nonetheless.
• Neutralizing the media:  The sharks were constantly circling Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel.  For the most part, the media ate them up and spit them out.  Terry Collins handled the media very well.  Sometimes we didn't know that hell he was talking about, but at least he didn't take any crap from them.
• Managing and manipulating a 25-man (40-man) roster:  He'll be responsible for double the number of pupils he is normally used to.  That's a bit over-stated.  These coaches and players are together all the time.
• Managing in the National League:  Strategy; substitutions; a running game.  Pitching changes are not as straightforward in the National League than in the junior circuit.  Just ask Terry Collins.  If you mismanage the bullpen and bench, that's all on you, dude.
• Playing to team strengths:  The Mets set an organization record last year for most home runs in one season.  But where did that get them?  I want Mickey to also establish competency in manufacturing runs as a reliable back-up for when the long-ball goes dry.  Did Sandy Alderson ask him if he knew what a bunt was?

From what I've gathered, most Mets fans seem on board with Sandy Alderson's selection.

Now that I've had a few days to let it sink in, I'm warming up to the idea as well.  I'm not opposed to Mickey Callaway being manager.  I'm just a little more wait and see.

N.Y. Mets: Terry Collins Takes a Knife in the Back

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE IDES OF AUTUMN?

Media, Front Office, and Players

Gang-Up On Terry Collins

New York Mets: Terry Collins Deserved Better; I Guess Handling the Situation With Dignity Was Too Much to Ask.

On Wednesday, the Mets played their final home game of the 2017 regular season.

In all likelihood, it was also Terry Collins' last game at Citi Field as manager of the New York Mets.

If only things were that cut and dry.

On Thursday, Newsday writer Marc Carig unleashed an incriminating expose, unveiling just some of the dysfunction afflicting the Mets front office; a condition we fans have suspected all along.

According to more than a dozen team insiders interviewed by Newsday, speaking on the condition of anonymity (of course..), Carig states organizational dysfunction, discord between Terry Collins and his players, and a broken relationship between the manager and the front office, have all been plaguing the Mets for several years now.

Carig wrote that Fred Wilpon has been protecting Terry Collins from Sandy Alderson and Jeff Wilpon, who've lobbied several times during the last few years for the manager's dismissal. 

Apparently, Fred would have none of it.

Otherwise, Collins' misuse/overuse of the bullpen is reported to be one of the front office's major points of contention.  Carig's article also leads us to believe Terry was never the great communicator we were led to believe.

And there's the rub ...

All we've heard from the media since 2011 is how much players respected, and wanted to play for Collins.  It was the media congratulating Collins for somehow maintaining a sense of comradery in the clubhouse through some very lean seasons.  And it was the media heaping praise upon him in 2015 after guiding the Mets to a National League title, then again for piloting the Mets to back-to-back post-season appearances.

Let me be clear, I was never among TC's biggest supporters.  Collins never made my personal list of candidates back when he was originally appointed manager.  At best, I grew ambivalent towards him. Suffice to say, I do not necessarily disagree with many things Carig's article touches upon.

Terry Collins is indeed a poor tactician, and his abuse of the bullpen borders on criminal.  I do not appreciate his lack of conviction when it concerns certain higher profile players, nor his heavy-handed tactics with younger players, because when managing a clubhouse one method flies in the face of the other.

In that sense, some of which Marc Carig reports makes perfect sense (most of it, actually).  And in truth, nothing about this is new to us fans.  The dysfunction afflicting the Mets front office is crystal clear, and has been for quite some time.  We've been screaming this from the mountain tops, only to have the media take Collins' side. 

How ironic ... hmm?

Whether you liked him or not, I believe most fans were perfectly willing to thank Terry Collins, then just let him ride off into the sunset. 

That is why I call this article a swift kick in the ass.  For Carig's part, the timing of it stinks to high hell.  Worse, however, the front office contributing anonymous quotes is nothing short of cowardly.

And if Carig didn't get some quotes directly from Sandy Alderson, then the Mets front office has a leak.

John Ricco?

Think about it ... no one knows what he does, but he has a bird's eye view of everything.

N.Y. Mets: Meet the New Boss?

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Next Potential Manager - Pedro Lopez?

N.Y. Mets: Terrible Terry Lashes Out

Here's my latest article for

RisingApple.com

Terry Collins Takes Hard Line With Wilmer Flores

Here's installment #5 of our Season Preview collaboration: 

Who Will Be The Mets Kryptonite This Season? 

 You can also listen to out latest podcast, 

and check out the previous four installments of our Season Preview series

HERE

N.Y. Mets: Ready for Wild Time in Flushing

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

POLO GROUNDS

New York Giants 1890-1957

New York Mets    1962-1963

2016

NATIONAL LEAGUE

WILD CARD PLAYOFF

*           *           *

San Francisco Giants

vs.

New York Mets

FROM

CITI FIELD

Roosevelt Avenue

QUEENS

Storied past, almost mythical, the golden era of baseball, when three boroughs each fielded their own major league franchise - a time long gone, forgotten, essentially dead and quite literally buried over.

Unconditional support of players, unyielding loyalties to team, a kinship of sorts, for National League fans, ended in 1957.

Outwardly, the 58 year old wounds seemed to have heeled.  But make no mistake, within those who remember, major resentment still lingers.

The Mets and Giants are forever connected by Mrs. Joan Whitney Payson, former co-owner of the (then) New York Giants, whom was the only member of the executive board to vote against the proposed relocation to San Francisco.

In turn, she and William Shea set about turning the major league establishment on its ear, threatening them with the potential creation a new rival league.  The net result, or affect, became modern era expansion.

Ms. Payson and William Shea would then establish the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club, whose inaugural season occurred in 1962.

Tonight, the San Francisco Giants revisit their estranged New York City love child, left behind when together, Mr. Horace Stoneham and Walter O'Malley eloped to California.

There's no denying the DNA.  Cut into each of these teams, and they will bleed orange.

The time has come, and is long overdue, for a memorial befitting Joan Payson, the matriarch of the Mets, be erected at Citi Field.

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

How Can You Not Be WILD About These Mets?

N.Y. Mets: Jeurys Familia Hits Half Century Mark

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Seizing a Golden Opportunity

NEW YORK METS: Jeurys Familia's 50th Consecutive Save is Fourth Longest Streak of All-Time.

Although Jeurys Familia is in his second full season as Closer, his 2014 season was just as busy.  In both 2014 and 2015 he made 76 appearances.

In 2015, Familia's 64 games finished led the league.  On ten occasions Terry Collins asked him to make four and five out saves, and twice more asked Familia to complete two full innings in a game.   To TC's credit, however, Familia exceeded a full inning just once from August through the regular season's end.  Collins instead ran up the bullpen phone bill, calling on Familia 16 times during the dog days of August - easily the most appearances he logged during any month of the season.

Familia is up to 45 appearances this season versus 43 by this time last year, and once again is leading the league with 44 games finished.  Yet, he's only been asked to attempt a four-out save just once (his 25th on June 24) all season.

Thanks are largely attributable to the emergence of Hansel Robles.  Addison Reed has been stellar since arriving in Flushing. Hansel, however, was still finding himself this time last year, but has now seemingly arrived.  At the very least, he gives the Mets three-deep depth in the late innings.  Hence, the physical demands on Familia have been lessened.

If Familia would just comply...

Last year, Jeurys walked 19 batters all season.  This year, Familia is just one away from tying that mark.  Naturally then, after finishing last season with an even 1.00 WHiP, this year his WHiP is upwards of 1.218 and growing.

In other words, Familia is creating his own fires, yet continues putting them all out - every one.

Jeurys Familia remains perfect in save opportunities this season.  His league leading 34th consecutive save without a blown opportunity came on July 22 against the Marlins in Miami, but not before causing Mets fans obligatory angst.

It was actually Jeurys Familia's 50th straight save without a blown opportunity dating back to last season, making it the fourth longest such streak of all-time.

Former L.A. Dodgers closer Eric Gagne owns the MLB record with 85 straight saves.

N.Y. Mets: That's Life in the Citi; A Big Apple Wrap-Up

That's a wrap.
The 111th World Series is done.

The Kansas City Royals triumphed
over the New York Mets four games to one.

Here's out latest podcast at RisingApple.com detailing it all.

ICYMI:
10/29/2015

Rich and I offered our post Kansas City reactions, and previewed the series shift to Citi Field.
This was not necessarily a G-Rated show.  You've been warned.

Mets Down, But Not Out - Games 1 and 2 

GAMES

3  *  4  *  5

2015 World Series Reflections

Met Fan Rich hosted.  Together we welcomed
Greg Prince from FaithAndFearInFlushing.com


Here's my latest article posted Tuesday evening:
In the 9th inning of Game 5,
I feel David Wright exercised poor positional discipline.
Read my explanation here..

David Wright's Odd Play 

Led To Lucas Duda's Poor Throw

Last one out turn off the lights..!

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: One NLDS with a side of Gravy to go, Please!

Congratulations to my fellow Metropolitan Baseball fans!
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it.

Here's to good times in Metsville...
#LGM

I humbly present you with my latest for

RisingApple.com

Mets Snatch NLDS From Dodgers;

Will Face Chicago Cubs in NLCS.

GAME FIVE

Mets        3

Dodgers  2

FINAL

Daniel Murphy Pours Gravy 

Over Chavez Ravine!

Mike

happy 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: 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: Podcast #109 - Round Table at the Midpoint

Here's our latest episode of 

the RisingApple.com podcast

Rich hosted, with me, Sam, and 

Gary Mack from MetsMusings.com on the panel.

No Stone Left Unturned:

First half review, second half hopes. 

All hail the pitching!

What needs to be done, and who needs to do it.

Terry Collins : Papa Smurf :: Sandy Alderson : Wilpon's money.

What offense?  What about Wright?  Sandy said what?  Japan?

Frank Francisco to Michael Cuddyer bashing.

Vietnam and Duda's gold plated glove.

The 'ol trade deadline let's wait and see routine, 

Parity, legitimacy, transparency, and Ryan Church?

1973 vs. 2015 Mets comparison, the 2009 season, who wore #9,

and much more stuff.

Enjoy, and thank you.

Link to Blog Talk Radio:

Episode #109 - the Rising Apple Report: Roundtable at the Midpoint


I got tomorrow's recap too.  Check back...
Thor vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

Podcast Episode #108 - An Extensive Mid-Season Metropolitan Baseball Rant

Here's our latest podcast on 

RisingApple.com

The actual show title is misleading.

This wasn't a weekly recap served up with Melba Toast and tea.

We ranted, complained, and whined about upper management, 

meaning Sandy Alderson and the Wilpons in particular.  

Then we complained some more, and followed that with more ranting.

We talked sense at times, in between ranting that is, and still managed to cover 

the 2008 season and players who've worn the #8.  

Otherwise, Sam, Rich and I basically vented all our Metstrations for roughly 108 minutes.

Episode #108 - The Rising Apple Report: We beat L.A., now Bring on the Giants

Mike

For Rising Apple: Trading Kevin Plawecki Would Be A Bad Idea

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com 

Trading Kevin Plawecki Is A Bad Idea

Podcast from Thursday, February 26th.
Fellow RA writer Rich and I talking Mets baseball for 90 minutes.

Episode #94, the Rising Apple Report: Camp Bravado Is Open For Business

Mike

senior writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: Trucking Six Years of Baggage Down I-95

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Loaded up and truckin' on southbound I-95

2015: Pre-Season

Pitchers/Catchers - Feb. 19

Position Players Due - Feb. 24

1st Full Squad Workout - Feb. 26

Grapefruit League Opener - Mar. 4

SEASON OPENER - APRIL 6

OPENING DAY - APRIL 13

NEW YORK METS: The past 6 years have been trying times in Flushing.  So were the 6 years following the infamous Tom Seaver trade.  I've lived through both periods.  As Yogi once said, it's been like deja-vu all over again.

The Resurrection That Was: 1984

Over the last 6 years, the Mets have averaged 75.5 victories per season.  Their worse mark came in 2009 when they posted a 70-92 record.  Last season, they tied their best mark over that span with a 79-83 record.  That's a net improvement of 9 games, or, a gain of 1.8 victories per season.

Earlier this winter, Sandy Alderson expressed his belief the Mets can improve by 10 games this upcoming season and reach 89 victories.  That's a more realistic expectation than last winter's desire to win 90 games only because several young players gained valuable experience, and hopefully other key players have sufficiently healed.

Even I will admit the upcoming 2015 season finally brings with it realistic expectations for competitiveness after a long deconstruction, and reconstruction period undertaken by Sandy Alderson.  I would argue the rebuilding is still ongoing, but most have had it with excuses, double talk, broken promises, and particularly, finances.

There's a sense the Mets are close.  Close to what is still debatable, but, fans want wins.

To that regard, there's a small measure of good news.

With just 2 more victories last season, the Mets could have reached the elusive .500 plateau for the first time since 2008.  With just slightly better play against the Nationals and/or Giants, that could have been achieved.  Or, instead of blowing 22 saves last season, they could have limited themselves to just 20 blown saves, or this, or that.  Otherwise, the Mets posted a .500 record against the rest of the National League.

The Mets finished 17 games behind the Nationals in the N.L. East last season, while the Giants and Pirates earned Wild Cards with 88 victories.

I would rather the Mets put their minds and efforts towards achieving a .500 record first, but it seems 89 victories is indeed key for a shot at post-season play.

Within Mets history, there's precedent for such a turnaround.

It took Frank Cashen 4 seasons, between 1980 through 1983, to build the Mets into a 90-win competitor in year five.  Frank Cashen benefited from players left behind by Joe McDonald, that he either utilized or traded to improve the team.

Sandy Alderson has likewise spent the last 4 seasons, between 2011 and 2014, rebuilding the Mets, and is now heading into season five.  Like Cashen, Sandy Alderson is benefiting from players left behind by Omar Minaya, by either utilizing them, or trading some in an effort to improve the team.

The Mets won 69 games in 1983, then took a major step forward in 1984 with 90 victories.  We're only asking for half of that in 2015.

Compared to the Mets present situation, the '84 team was defensively superior up the middle with Mike Fitzgerald behind the plate, Jose Oquendo and Wally Backman at middle infield, and with Mookie Wilson in center.  Keith Hernandez had no equal at first, Darryl Strawberry sported the league's best arm in right, and Hubie Brooks was a very good third baseman.  If anyone, George Foster was the lone weak link in left.

Foster more than made up for any defensive shortcomings with his bat.  The middle of the '84 line-up featured Keith Hernandez (.311, 15 HR, 94 RBI), Darryl Strawberry (26 HR, 97 RBI), Hubie Brooks (.283, 16 HR, 73 RBI), and at 34-years old, George Foster turned in 24 HR and 86 RBI.  Between Mookie Wilson and Wally Backman, that team also had effective table setters.

On the mound, 19-year old Dwight Gooden turned in an historic ROY performance with a 17-9 record, 2.60 ERA, and rookie record 276 strikeouts.  He was complimented by Ron Darling, Walt Terrell, and an emerging Sid Fernandez whom combined on a 29-27 record.

In the bullpen, Jesse Orosco was 10-6 with a 2.59 ERA and 31 saves.  Doug Sisk posted a 2.02 ERA and saved another 15 games.

Defense: Edge 1984

Offense: Edge 1984

Pitching: Edge 2015

How does all this translate with regards to the 2015 season?

2014 N.L. Fielding Ranking:

Fielding Average - 12th

Stolen Base% - 13th

Passed Balls - 4th most

2014 N.L. Offensive Ranking:

R - 8th

HR - 9th

Avg. - 13th

OBP - 9th

SLG - 12th

2014 N.L. Pitching Ranking:

Avg. Against - 8th

WHiP - 10th

Walks - 3rd most

ERA - 6th

Saves - 9th

DEFENSE: Passed Balls, A Gold Glove, and Cross Your Fingers.

The Mets ranked 12th in the N.L. in overall defense.  They are particularly flawed up the middle.   While center fielder Juan Lagares won his first gold glove award, the team is debilitated in three other key positions.  

It's easier to hide one defensive liability than it is two; naturally.  Despite Daniel Murphy's overall improvement these last few seasons, he is still an inadequate second baseman.  Now the Mets intend on adding defensively challenged Wilmer Flores to the mix at shortstop.  The Mets turned the second most double-plays last season.  I learned back in the 1970's, teams that usually lead the league in DPs are generally sub .500 teams.  This combination screams trouble, which a young pitching staff such as that of the Mets could find discouraging.

However, this should be a short term problem.  The Mets are near prepared to transition away from Murphy from within.  Unless traded during the season, the Mets have made it clear they will let him walk as a free agent.  I'm sure the Mets would be willing to package Wilmer Flores in a trade as well, if it suits their needs.  Shortstop will remain a major point of contention unless Flores' bat sufficiently mutes the naysayers, or, because the Mets lack a readily available prospect to fill the position, they acquire an off-campus solution.

Behind the plate, the kid gloves are off.  As a receiver, Travis d'Arnaud frames pitches very well, and Met pitchers generally say they like working with him.  However, the Mets were 13th worst at throwing out would be base-stealers, and allowed the 4th most passed balls.  Travis d'Arnaud led the N.L. with 12 passed balls.  To his credit, he was a considerably improved player after being recalled from a demotion to Las Vegas.  This season, however, Travis d'Arnaud, 26, has too much competition behind him to risk a step backwards.  Kevin Plawecki's MLB debut is imminent.

OFFENSE: Now Bordering Insanity.

In a 12 team circuit, the 1984 Mets finished their season ranked 6th in runs, HR, Avg., and slugging.   In a 15 team circuit, the 2014 Mets finished 13th in average, 12th in slugging, 9th in HR, and 8th in runs.  Here's the twist: the '84 Mets scored 652 runs, and allowed 676, while last year's Mets scored 629, and allowed 618.

The Mets are potentially heading into the 2015 season with the same general line-up as they have the last two seasons.  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of what?

Insanity?

The only off-season enhancement Sandy Alderson has made to the offense was signing Michael Cuddyer.  We know what he's done in his 14-year MLB career.  We just do not know what he brings to the Mets.  Aren't we just banking on him being the next George Foster, Jerry Hairston, or Marlon Byrd?  His addition is an improvement over Eric Young, for sure, but he's hardly enough to make the Mets even a middle of the pack offense (as they became in 1984).

The Mets true fortunes lie with David Wright having a vintage Wright season, Curtis Granderson increasing his productivity under his old batting coach, and with Lucas Duda's, Travis d'Arnaud's, and Juan Lagares' continued improvement at the plate.  Then obviously, Daniel Murphy and Wilmer Flores will have to provide considerably better bats than gloves.

Juan Lagares is most likely going to begin the season at the top of the line-up.  In 172 plate appearances leading-off, he double slashed .276/.329, with 9 stolen bases.  For now, that's the best the Mets can do, unless, if in their attempts to improve 2B and SS they acquire someone more suitable at the top of the line-up.

PITCHING: A Call To Arms.

This is where I believe today's Mets are ahead of the 1984 Mets; in their depth of rotation.  The Mets have a growing potential to form one of the most formidable starting rotations in baseball (at least by season's end).

Between Batman and Thor, they're starting to read like Marvel heroes.

The Dark Knight of Gotham; the Real Deal; or, as this blog named him, the Time Bandit; Matt Harvey is back.  How close he'll be to the one we remember prior to surgery remains to be seen.  He's a big lift nonetheless; akin to a big off-season acquisition.  As he goes, the Mets will go.  He has the potential to make up 10 games all by himself, but he will be pitching the upcoming season with limits.  This is slowly turning into a wait and see situation.  For the moment, Matt Harvey is scheduled to pitch the home opener on April 13th.

Moving forward, the onus is now on Zack Wheeler to take another step forward, and for 2014 ROY Jacob deGrom to validate himself.

Soon joining Harvey, Wheeler, and deGrom, is a mix that will potentially include Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero, with Steven Matz hot on their trail.  Once the Mets get service time and Super-2 hang-ups out of the way, the door will open for any one of their arrivals.

Until then. the Mets otherwise enter the regular season well fortified with Bartolo Colon, Jon Niese, and Dillon Gee.  It would seem with all this starting pitching, the team should be able to steer clear of any prolonged losing streaks.  That said, the Mets are looking to deal some of this depth, most notably, Dillon Gee or Jon Niese (or both).

After suffering many hardships, the bullpen is now a team strength.

Final Pitch: Looking Like a Lost Cause.

Even the 1984 Mets were still 2 seasons away from a championship, which means it took Frank Cashen 7 years to get there.

Just saying...

There's also the matter of the field manager.  In 1984, Frank Cashen promoted Davey Johnson to replace George Bamberger/Frank Howard, and become the new field manager of the Mets.  Johnson was familiar, and enjoyed minor league success with many of the young players on the roster and worked well with the veterans.  With Mel Stottlemyer as pitching coach, Johnson guided the Mets five 90-win seasons before getting let go early in 1990.

Many Mets fans, including myself, have clamored long and loudly for Sandy Alderson to replace manager Terry Collins with Wally Backman (and pitching coach Frank Viola) to no avail.  The upcoming season could be distinctly similar to 1984 in this respect: Wally Backman would be the absolute right move and have the absolute right affect on these players, with whom he's enjoyed minor league success on numerous levels.

I feel the usefulness of Terry Collins has passed, and do not necessarily believe he is owed an opportunity to win with this team.

The 2015 Mets, and the future of the Mets, depends on much more bold and definitive decision making on the general manager's part, but first he needs a stronger commitment from ownership. Until those guys step up their efforts, the Mets will continue competing against themselves.

They're merely a condition.  So despite them, there's still a good feeling heading into Spring Training.




Mike

N.Y. Mets: Terry Collins Playing With Fire

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Terry Collins has spent the first 29 games of the season making a strong case for his dismissal.

Is Terry Collins trying to lose his job?  What was he thinking in leaving Jenrry Mejia in against Colorado on Saturday, and letting him surrender 8 runs in the 5th inning, punctuated by a grand slam off the bat of third baseman Nolan Arenado?  Where was his mind in letting a 6-0 lead become a 2 run deficit?

Sure, an error by first baseman Lucas Duda prolonged the inning, but, make no mistake, the 5th inning will shine an awfully bright spotlight on the Mets skipper.  I'm confident this will be an incident referred to numerous times.

His bullpen management was already questionable to begin with.  At no time during Jenrry Mejia's meltdown, did the manager hasten activity in the bullpen.  Diasuke Matsuzaka was still attempting to warm up by the time his real need arrived.  As someone still learning the role of relief, Dice-K was no where near prepared to enter the game in time to save Mejia from his implosion.  That falls squarely on Terry Collins, for not having two pitchers preparing themselves.

Issues with Terry Collins' game management do not stop there.  He is also in the midst of making unpopular decisions with his line-up, particularly through his lack of conviction in selecting a clean-up hitter, along with his indecision as to how to proceed forward with the outfield.

The last few years have obviously been spent rebuilding the Mets, and as manager of such, Terry Collins served in that capacity well by pointing a preponderance of youngsters in the right direction..  But, 2014 was supposed to be a turning point.  If the Mets can't produce tangible results on the field, then at a minimum, the decision making process should nevertheless move forward with creating a more demanding environment for the players.

I believed since the day Terry Collins signed his extension, that Sandy Alderson designed that contract with the intentions of eating it.

If Terry Collins keeps this up, he may not make it to July.  But, a mid-season fire and hire however, may not present the Mets with their optimal replacement.  Third base coach Tim Teufel would most likely serve as interim manager should Terry Collins get relieved in-season, and then be included in the interview process to determine next season's skipper.  I for one, want Tim Teufel nowhere near the Mets helm.  I do not even consider him an adequate third base coach.

More and more, Mets fans are clamoring for Wally Backman to assume control over the Flushing Nine.  I share that sentiment.  I suspect promoting Wally Backman in-season is out of the question, and I would even agree it unwise.  He should finish what he started in Las Vegas.  But come next season, I would be one of tens of thousands that would stand and roar with delight at the sight of Wally Backman handing the umpires New York's lineup card on Opening Day.

We do not know Sandy Alderson's true opinion of Backman.  Based on philosophical beliefs, the two seem opposed in thought, application, and practice.  However, there is something to be said for Wally Backman being in his third season as manager of the Mets AAA affiliate.  It makes sense that Sandy Alderson keeps asking him back for a reason.

In hindsight, 2014 was prematurely targeted as the season this club was to turn the page.  That still may be, but most agree true contention is still at least another season away.  That should not preclude the club from operating with a greater sense of urgency.

Better baseball requires better management.  If a change is warranted, act with expediency and conviction.



Mike.BTB

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: Is Terry Collins' Two Year Extention A Four Month Probation?

From the desk of:   HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Terry Collins Remains At Helm Of The S.S. Wilpon.  Will Wally Backman Remain Quietly At Las Vegas Serving As The Team's Lifeboat?

The Mets finally extended Terry Collins for another two seasons.  That just tells me Sandy Alderson is rewarding his field manager with a fair shot at leading a markedly improved roster.  I guess that's only fair considering the GM spent three years trading away Terry's top performers, while injuries decimated the rest.  However, should things go awry next season, Sandy Alderson kept himself in a position to make a quick switch if the need arrives earlier than later.  At Terry's age, a longer deal was unlikely anyway.

Is he the right guy for the job?  Well, Terry Collins is not a bad fit or necessarily wrong for the club.  Prior to taking the helm in Flushing, Terry Collins roved throughout the Mets minor leagues.  So, if there is anyone familiar with many of the organization's rising prospects, it would be him.  To date, no one is aware of any enemies Terry might have created while employed by the Mets, unlike several well known episodes which occurred in his prior places of employment.  Instead, in a sense, these are indeed a collective of Terry Kids.

He handles himself well in front of a microphone and stays in charge of the media, unlike his two previous predecessors who were always too busy being defensive trying to fend them off.

On the field, if you're okay with opposing pitchers continually throwing at David Wright with no threat of retaliation, a team lacking basic fundamental bunting skills, his occasional odd in-game strategies, bullpen misuse, and a generally vanilla atmosphere, then he is definitely the right guy.

Now I'm curious as all hell to see if Wally Backman will stay on to manage the Mets AAA-affiliate for a third straight season.  Extending Terry Collins didn't exactly close any windows of opportunity.

Why would Sandy Alderson employ someone who didn't necessarily fit his criteria?  That's why I feel Wally Backman is still in the mix.  Should the Mets stumble out of the block next season, or struggle throughout the first half, Sandy Alderson would have a readily available in-house option with which to facilitate a switch.  I guess the same can be said of third base coach Tim Teufel.  He wouldn't be my choice though.  I'm in Backman's corner.

I do not feel Terry Collins owns a killer instinct to rival that of Wally Backman's.  Terry Collins no doubt keeps his players accountable, but Wally Backman will make them play with purpose.  And believe me, Wally Backman would have the league thinking twice about continually throwing at the head of David Wright.  Players respect Terry Collins, but I feel players will want to do extraordinary things playing for Wally Backman.  The whole Mets condition and on field dynamic would change under Wally Backman, and that may be exactly what the organization fears.

Terry Collins respects the game and good honest competition.  Hiring Wally Backman means it's us against the world again.  Sometimes the difference between being good and great is the people you have in your corner.



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