N. Y. Mets: Snap Out of Offensive Funk at Philly

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Mets Tilt Pinball Bank Stadium

FRIDAY

Mets    11

Phillies  5

FINAL

See what happens when you put runners on base?  The Mets hit seven home runs through six games against the Braves and Cubs, but only two come with runners on base for a net ten runs.  They average just 2.83 runs per game during their six game skid.  Then miraculously the Mets effectively outperform their previous six games in one night.  They hit three home runs in Friday's series opener at Philadelphia, and all three come with runners on base for a net eight runs.  It's also no coincidence they win by an 11-5 final.

In summarizing the Mets six game losing streak, they go 49 for 219 (.224) with 14 walks, and 49 strikeouts.  They leave 44 runners on base and go 7 for 48 (.146) with runners in scoring position.  In game one at Philadelphia's Pinball Bank Stadium, the Met go 12 for 39 (.308), with four walks, two doubles, three home runs, and nine strikeouts.  They leave six runners on base and are 4 for 10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.

Todd Frazier finally breaks out.  He goes 2 for 4 with a pair of three-run home runs.  He had previously hit two home runs all month.  Frazier was a main culprit during the Mets six game offensive shutdown going 0 for 5 with RiSP.

However, Amed Rosario has been a force throughout.  He is now 4 for 10 (.400) with runners in scoring position over the last seven games.

Wilson Ramos extends his hitting streak to 23-games.

Michael Conforto hit his 28th home run of the season in the ninth inning tying his career high, with still a month to go.

Now sweep the Phillies, then we'll talk.

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

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SKID HITS SIX

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

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

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

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


I - RUNNERS LOB / RiSP

   A) - vs. Atlanta Braves

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

   B) - vs. Chicago Cubs

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

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

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

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

II - TEAM BATTING

   A) - vs. Atlanta Braves

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

   B) - vs. Chicago Cubs

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

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

Next up: @ Philadelphia

Geno's cheese steaks suck!

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

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Braves Sweep Series 3-0

I - ATL 2; NYM 1

II - ATL 9; NYM 5

III  ATL 2; NYM 1

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

So far the first six games have garnered mixed results.

vs. Cleveland

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

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


vs. Atlanta

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

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

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

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

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


Mets Offense vs. Braves

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

Mets Pitching Last Six Games:

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

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

Recaps and Previews with Megan Bungeroth and Mets Daddy on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Atlanta Braves Sweep Mets at Citi Field

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

SPECIAL GUESTS

John of MetsDaddy.com

and

WRITER/EDITOR HAILING FROM CHICAGO 

Megan Bungeroth

8/25/2019

Ninety Minutes

STUFF

Chicago Cubs Preview w/ Megan Bungeroth

The Cleveland Indians Series ~ The Atlanta Braves Series

Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Roster ~ Mickey Callaway

Asdrubal Cabrera ~ Francisco Cirvelli ~ Billy Hamilton ~ Adeiny Hechavarria

Good Pitching ~ An Untimely Offensive Shut Down ~ Poor Fundies

Pete Alonso ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Jed Lowrey ~ Big Foot

JD Davis ~ Jeff McNeil ~ Todd Frazier ~ Michael Conforto

Randy Jones ~ Jose Offerman ~ Roy Staiger

Ed Lynch ~ Doc Ellis ~ Dillon Gee ~ Rick Reed

The Next 12 Games ... and so much more!

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: Season Suddenly Becoming a Serious Matter of Contention

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Mets Lead Nationals 2-0

I - NYM 7; WAS 6

II - NYM 4; WAS 3

III - SUNDAY

GAME THREE

Washington Nationals

vs.

New York Mets

FROM

41 Seaver Way at Roosevelt Avenue

Flushing, Queens

That's one wild step for the Mets, and one giant leap for Metskind.

We pick up this story on July 12 as the Mets return from the all-star break with a loss against the  dreadful Miami Marlins.  They drop to 40-51 for the season (eleven games under .500) and a distant 14.5 games out of first place.  After which they go on to win 12 of their next 16 games, and finish out July with a 14-8 record.

#LGM are 12-1 since @greg_prince @Metfanrich and me attended Citi Field together Jul 27 vs. PITT.

Your welcome.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) August 11, 2019

The Mets pick up in August where they leave off in July by winning their seventh game in a row.  However on Aug 2 that streak is snapped by the Pirates at Pittsburgh.  One sunrise later they embark on yet another extended win streak bringing us into this weekend's showdown against the second place Nationals at Citi Field.  I listened to Friday's game on radio and Howie Rose says that night was the most raucous Citi Field has ever been since its opening (...or at least since the 2015 playoffs).  And that due to the configuration of Citi Field versus Shea Stadium the roar of the crowd smacks him from different angles and directions.

Prior to this weekend's series against the Nationals, the Mets were busy posting a 19-6 (.760) record; the best second-half mark in all of baseball.  There were two legitimate wins over the Minnesota Twins, which they follow up disappointingly by losing three of four against the San Francisco Giants.  Otherwise the Mets compile 16 of 19 said victories against second division teams: Marlins, Padres, White Sox, and Pirates.  While on the one hand you can only play teams on your schedule, on the other hand the four aforementioned teams combine for a .429 winning percentage.  Moreover twelve of those victories are against bottom feeders of their respective divisions, with six against the Marlins, and another six against the Pirates.  And so the real test lay ahead with these upcoming games against the Nationals, followed by a pair of series against the Braves, et al.

The question which begs to be asked:  Are the Mets a paper tiger?

To that end they say actions speak louder than words ...

PANDEMONIUM AND MAYHEM APPEARING NIGHTLY

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Michael Conforto Drives in First Ever Game Winning RBI.

With the Mets trailing 0-3 after three and a half innings, Jeff McNeil works out a base on balls leading off the bottom of the fourth.  Two outs later Pete Alonso launches a home run (38!) to deep left off Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg.  Next in JD Davis makes it back-to-back home runs and a tie game at three.  Mickey Callaway sends starter Marcus Stroman out for the seventh, whom walks lead-off batter Trea Turner.  Callaway then summons Justin Wilson from the pen.  After fanning Adam Eaton Wilson surrenders a two run home run to third baseman Anthony Rendon.  Washington tacks on an insurance run in the top of the ninth when Trea Turner scores from third base on a Luis Avilan wild pitch.  Washington dispatches reliever Sean Doolittle to the mound for the ninth.  JD Davis greets Doolittle with a double to left, and Wilson Ramos follows with a single up the middle.  Todd Frazier then hooks a home run just inside the left field foul tying the game at six.  Nationals manager Dave Martinez sticks with Doolittle and the Mets continue inflicting damage.  Newest arrival Joe Panik joins the fray singling to center.  I guess you can say Juan Lagares blows the sacrifice by essentially bunting himself into a fielder's choice as Panik is erased at second.  After Jeff McNeil flies harmlessly to right, Amed Rosario singles.  In steps Michael Conforto who strikes a line drive over right fielder Adam Eaton's head one hop off the wall.  Juan Lagares scores from second base and the Mets win.  It's their seventh straight victory.


SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: You Can't Stop JD Davis, You Can Only Hope To Contain Him.

Noah Syndergaard toes the rubber in game two and is opposed by Patrick Corbin.  Washington promptly jumps out to a 2-0 first inning lead on Juan Soto's two run home run.  The Mets finally strike back in the fourth with back-to-back home runs from Wilson Ramos and JD Davis.  Patrick Corbin lasts six innings while Syndergaard goes seven.  Each walk off to a no decision.  Noah is charged with two earned runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts.  He winds up throwing 97 pitches with 66 going for strikes.  Enter Seth Lugo.  With two outs in the top of the eighth Lugo surrenders Juan Soto's second home run of the game.  Up by a run manager Martinez calls upon the well traveled 42-year old Fernando Rodney to handle the bottom half of the frame.  Pinch-hitting, Luis Guilllorme leads off with a game tying home run to left - it's hit first ever career home run.  Next in Joe Panik reaches safely on an E-6, then advances on Jeff McNeil's hit to center.  Amed Rosario advances the runners up one base.  With two runners in scoring position the Nationals elect to intentionally walk Pete Alonso.  JD Davis then lifts a sac-fly to left scoring Panik from third for a 4-3 Mets lead.  Mickey Callaway sticks with Seth Lugo who does not disappoint, retiring Asdrubal Cabrera on a fly to right, then fanning the final two batters of the game.  Lugo is credited with his fifth victory of the season against two losses with a 2.65 ERA.  It's the Mets season high eighth straight victory, making them 15-1 (.937) in their last 16 games.


AMAZIN: When you pick up Sunday's papers the top four wild card contenders will read Nationals, Brewers, Cardinals, and Flushing's own New York Mets.

August 10, 2019, the Mets close business with an overall 61-56 record drawing them to within one-half game of a wild card with 45 games remaining in the regular season.  By no means are they lucky.
Make no mistake about that.  They've legitimately placed themselves into this position of contention, and these last two games in particular suddenly transform the rest of the season into a very serious matter.

Mets fans dating back to 1969 and 1973 understand full well about miracles and what the will to believe can achieve.  Although the 1986 Mets dominated the regular season, even they required a few miracles along the way.  And of course who can forget the run of 2015, one of the more endearing seasons in Mets history.  If these 2019 Mets continue playing meaningful games in August they'll no doubt engage meaningful games in September.

Can they continue winning games with a 93% or a even a 76% rate of success?

Uh, no ..

Is it within their abilities down the stretch to win at least 64% of their games?

Not out of the question ...

The Mets have the advantage of 28 more home games and just 18 remaining on the road.  They are 27-36 (.429) on the road and 33-20 (.630) at home - a stark difference to say the least.  However, since July 2 the Mets are 10-5 (.667) on the road.

This is now a matter of seizing the moment.

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

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Trade Deadline Aftermath

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

FEATURED GUEST

John Pielli of The Passed Ball Show

seventy-five minutes

STUFF

Post-Trade Deadline Reaction

Marcus Stroman ~ Jason Vargas ~ New Starting Five

Anthony Kay ~ Simeon Woods Richardson ~ Austin Bossart

Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Mickey Callaway

Todd Frazier ~ JD Davis ~ Luis Avilan ~ Justin Wilson

Robinson Cano ~ Pete Alonso ~ Dom Smith

the season ahead, and so much more..!

Talking Trade Deadline with Mediagoon, Keith Blacknick of QBC, on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SATURDAY AT THE GAME

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

With Featured Guest

Mediagoon 

Keith Blacknick of QBC, aka 

Queens Baseball Convention

sixty-six minutes

STUFF

Marcus Stroman ~ Steven Matz

Noah Syndergaard ~ Trade Deadline ~ Edwin Diaz

Anthony Kay ~ Simeon Woods Richardson

Todd Frazier ~ JD Davis ~ Jeff McNeil

Queens Baseball Convention

Three Guys Walk Into Citi Field and a Whitewash Breaks Out

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SATURDAY

Pirates   0

Mets      3

FINAL

My esteemed Metsian Podcast partner, Rich, Greg Prince of FaithAndFearInFlushing.com and I joined forces Saturday evening in rooting on our beloved New York Mets.  Among our many topics of discussion is Mets game starter Steven Matz.  I said I do not trust what is inside the man's mind nor the things rattling inside his elbow.  So what happens ...

Making his 90th start as a New York Met Steven Matz pitches an absolute gem.  Velocity, off-speed effectiveness, accuracy, pace, low pitch economy, he nails it.  Matz yields no runs on just five hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through nine full innings.  He averages 11 pitches per inning while overall throws an efficient 99 pitches with 67 (68%) going for strikes.  The marks Steven Matz' first ever career complete game shutout.

On trading Noah Syndergaard: the Mets insistence on starting Todd Frazier over JD Davis to me says the Mets are desperate to win now.  But if they trade Syndergaard will they not be considered in rebuild mode?  Therefore which is it?  Somehow we'll all be shaking our heads come the trade deadline.  Of that I'm sure.  If nothing else the Mets are demonstrating they have no plan.  Four months into the season and they're in a panic.  Perhaps the best thing for them to do is nothing at all.

How's that?

There's too much talent on this team for it to remain this bad this long.  More likely than not, the law of averages will begin favoring the Mets, perhaps with six weeks left in the season.  They'll catch fire and finish strong.  It's a worst case scenario for many and obvious reasons.  Because if you're gonna trade Syndergaard, then you might as well blow the entire thing up (with two or three obvious exceptions).

Mets win, complete game shutout, fantastic time w/ @Metfanrich and @greg_prince EPIC..!! #LGM

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) July 28, 2019

Missed ya buddy.

— Greg Prince (@greg_prince) July 28, 2019

Thank you to @BTB_MikeII @Metfanrich and @Smatz88 for a memorable Saturday night. #LGM

— Greg Prince (@greg_prince) July 28, 2019

Wonderful time with these guys! Special thanks to @BTB_MikeII for the primo location. https://t.co/UxPCLOSKb3

— Mets killin'me (@Metfanrich) July 28, 2019

Read more about Steven Matz' performance, the game, and the night in general,

Mr. Matz on the Moon - by Greg Prince

Pete Alonso

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

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Rewind to the Future Episode

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

With Special Guest: Freelance Writer; 

former MiLB public address announcer 

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

"the only PA announcer in Charleston baseball history

to ever be ejected from a minor league ballpark."

John Strubel  of  Mets Rewind

Ninety-Minutes

STUFF

Fred Wilpon ~ Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Jeff Wilpon

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

Jeff McNeil ~ Amed Rosario ~ Todd Frazier ~ JD Davis

Brandon Nimmo ~ Carlos Gomez ~ Keon Broxton ~ Juan Lagares

The Bench ~ N.L. Central ~ Milwaukee Hangover

Mickey Callaway ~ Wally Backman ~ Bobby Valentine

Pete Alonso ~ Leadership ~ Robinson Cano

 Kimbrell ~ Anthony Kay ~ Justin Wilson ~ Keuchel

Willie Montanez; Frank Thomas; Del Unser; 

other players who've worn #25 in Mets history 

and so much more!

N.Y. Mets: Zack Wheeler Serves Up Phillies Flambe

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Competitive Aprils Lead to Contending Summers

Series tied 1-1

I - NYM 5; PHI 1

II - NYM 9; PHI 0

III - WEDNESDAY

New York Mets: Look Who's Number One ... For Now!

Far too often these early season showdowns go under spoken.  For instance both the Mets and Phillies entered Tuesday's game sporting rather unremarkable 12-10 records.  Thing is they entered Tuesday's game tied for first place - exactly where fans want to be.

I always say you can't win pennants in April, but you sure can lose them.  As the month draws to a close, the Mets and Phils now have five game between them.  Therefore I say this series is no longer a potential preview of this season's race for the National League East title.  This in fact is the race for the division flag.

The Phils, Nationals, and Braves have all demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt, that every game will matter greatly.

Record vs. N.L. East

• WAS: 3-3
• ATL:  2-2
• PHI:   3-2
• MIA:  3-0

This just tells me this division is up for grabs.  There will be little margin for error come September - assuming all teams stay reasonably healthy.  Should that turn out being the case, expect a fight to the finish.

The Mets defeated the Phils to gain a tie for first place on Monday.  On Tuesday the Mets again defeated the Phillies to secure a series victory, and move into sole possession of first place.

The Zack Wheeler I've been anticipating all spring finally showed up.  Making his fifth start of the season, the Mets looming free agent pitched a gem, while consistently popping the radar gun from 98mph to the century mark.  He threw 105 pitches with 74 (70%) going for strikes, while allowing just five hits and no walks through seven scoreless innings with eleven strikeouts for his second victory of the season.  Wheeler was also 2 for 3 at the plate, with a double, home run, and three RBI.

Luis Avilan and Jacob Rhame joined in pitching two scoreless innings of no hit ball in relief of Wheeler to complete the Mets 9-0 whitewashing of Philadelphia.

Robinson Cano and Michael Conforto each posted multi-hit games.  In only his second game back from injury Todd Frazier connected on a grand slam in the fifth inning.

Philadelphia's Bryce Harper is 0 for 5 thus far in the series with four strikeouts, an ejection in game one, and an all around bad attitude.

See ... baseball games in April are fun, but they matter too. A little bit of bad blood doesn't hurt either.

N.Y. Mets: Pete Alonso Smashes First Grapefruit of Spring Training

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE

New York Mets: Pete Alonso Begins Bid to Win First Base Job With a Bang.

With general manager Brodie Van Wagenen looking on, first base hopeful Pete Alonso wasted no time putting his long-ball capabilities on full display Saturday afternoon for all the Spring Training crowd to see.  In his first Grapefruit League at-bat, Alonso deposited Atlanta's Touki Toussaint's first offering beyond the left/center field wall.

It's also worth mentioning one of BVW's very first actions as new general manager was to pay his highly touted slugger a personal visit.  After all, it's Brodie who is prioritizing better organizational interpersonal relationships aimed towards achieving success.

Yeah ... just keep hitting dingers, Pete!

I caught my first glimpse of Alonso in 2016 when he played (in my backyard) for the Brooklyn Cyclones.  He slashed .321/.382/.587, with 12 doubles, five home runs, and 21 RBI, through 30 games and 109 at-bats.  He played 82 games for (A+) St. Lucie in 2017, then touched down at Binghamton by season's end (where I managed my second glimpse of Alonso; pictured below).

Sept. 4, 2017 @ Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Alonso split last season demoralizing both Eastern and Pacific Coast League pitchers.  Considering his batting average dipped 54-points from Binghamton (.314) to Las Vegas (.260), he nonetheless finished up slashing .285/.395/.579/1.012, with 31 doubles, 36 home runs, and 119 RBI through 132 games and a combined 478 at-bats.

The recently turned 24-year old has but 282 games played as a professional.  Through 1,038 career minor league at-bats, Alonso is slashing .287/.377/.555/.932, with 65 home runs and 230 RBI.  That's some rather prodigious stuff.  But by no means does last season's performance, nor Saturday's home run mean he's ready to compete against major league pitching.  That must work itself out on the field and at the plate.  In the meantime, he appears to have no bigger proponent than Brodie Van Wagenen, who seems unconcerned with starting Alonso's proverbial clock.

Syracuse is, of course, the logical place for him to open the season.  There's enough roster depth available between Todd Frazier, Dom Smith, and J.D. Davis, for accommodating Alonso's eventual graduation to Flushing.  The only question is not if, but when.  Unfortunately, Alonso potentially faces a lengthy season at Syracuse, as the matter of Todd Frazier's $9 million dollar salary may force Alonso to just sit around and wait.


J.D. DAVIS: TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL TO SURPRISE.

J.D. Davis is a curious acquisition with much potential upside.  He comes from the Houston Astros, along with (minor) Cody Bohanek, in exchange for (minor prospects) Ross Adolph, Scott, Manea, and Luis Santana.  Parting with Adolph is my only bone of contention.  Like Pete Alonso, I enjoyed immensely watching Ross play out his first pro season as a member of the Brooklyn Cyclones.  But unlike Ross, Davis has major league experience and can play the infield corners as well as outfield (although his defense at third may leave something to be desired).  He turns 26-years old in April, and is not eligible for free agency until after the 2024 season.  That said,  I'll give J.D. a pass for 67 inconsequential MLB games played, to date.  What I will credit him for is being a .521 slugger through five minor league seasons and nearly 2,000 career (minor) at-bats.  Last season while playing at Fresno of the PCL, he slashed a nifty .342/.406/.583, with 17 home runs and 81 RBI through 85 games and 333 at-bats.  However, like Pete Alonso, this slugger needs to prove himself on the major league level.  But this is indeed an intriguing acquisition to say the least.

N.Y. Mets: The Autumnal Equinox Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Sam, Rich, and I present you 

Episode #21 of a Metsian Podcast with special guest, 

author Greg Prince of Faith and Fear in Flushing.com

Two Hours

Lots-O-Stuff

Second-half and September play ~ Last home stand of season ~ Finishing strong

The Raging Denton True Young Debate

Jacob deGrom/Sustainability vs. Max Scherzer/Fading Fast

The Best of David Wright Round Table

Subway Series ~ World Series ~ Triple Crown threat

Captain America ~ Toast of the Town

Wilmer's knees ~ When Nature calls ~ The Ghost of Kevin Bass

Amed Rosario ~ Jeff McNeil ~ Michael Conforto

Cleon Jones ~ Lucas Duda ~ NYC in 1921 ~ Carlos Delgado

Mickey Callaway's progress ~ Sandy Alderson's fingerprints

and so much more ...

N.Y. Mets: The Latest Greatest Three Positive People Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Sam, Rich, and I bring you a very positive

Episode #20 of a Metsian Podcast

Sam gets a gold star for this episode.

1 hour, 10 minutes

STUFF

Jacob deGrom and the continuing Cy Young debate

The great R.A. Dickey hypocrisy ~ Jack Morris ~ Craig Swan ~ 

Todd Frazier's fake catch ~ Umpires Gone Wild ~ David Wright reaction

JAY HORWITZ NEW JOB DESCRIPTION

Good Things To Say About The Wilpons .... No, Really!

Tommy Agee ~ BABE RUTH ~ Shawn Green

Amed Rosario ~ grading Callaway ~ catchers ~ Michael Conforto

Thor ~ second half play ~ parking cars ~ and so much more...!

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

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Moving right along ... but where?

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

a very spirited Episode 18 of A METSian Podcast. 

 

1 Hour, 4 Minutes

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

I continue ripping Noah Syndergaard; Sam supports Jason Vargas

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

 Innings limits be damned ~ Seth Logo ~ Jennry Mejia?

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

Travis d'Arnaud ~ Darryl Strawberry ~ Juan Lagares

Michael Conforto ~ Jay Bruce ~ Todd Frazier ~ Benny Ayala

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

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

Baseball in NYC, 1918

Brooklyn Robins ~ New York Giants ~ New York Yankees

Burleigh Grimes ~ Waite Hoyt ~ Miller Huggins

N.Y. Mets: The Minor Issues and Major Problems of Metsian Proportion Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

We all ranted ... some more than others.

It was epic!

After spending a few weeks apart, the triumvirate of Sam, Rich and myself 

reconvened this week to bring you episode #17 of our Metsian Podcast.

1 hour: 36 minutes

Jose Bautista ~ Montreal Expos ~ Tim Tebow ~ Dom Smith ~ Ahmed Rosario 

The un-Dynamic Duo ~ My Kingdom for an Executive ~ Rich loves dumping on Wilmer Flores

1917 New York Giants lose another World Series ~ Players who've worn #17 in Mets history

Sam Rants ~ Wally Pipp ~ first base quagmire ~ Business for Dummies ~ Brooklyn Robins

Todd Frazier's salt/pepper thing ~ Felix Millan vs. Ed Ott ~ Don Zimmer ~ 40-man roster

Another Sam Rant ~ Jacob deGrom the Winless Wonder ~ Noah Syndergaard ~ mirror images

Keith Hernandez ~ Ellis Valentine ~ mobsters ~ Sam's N.Y. Jets rant ~ Perdro Martinez 

Minor Leagues; Peter Alonso; Levi Michael; Christian Colon; Peter Alonso; Jeff McNeil

and so much more..!

N.Y. Mets: Roosevelt Ave Sluggers Too Much for Bronx Bombers

From the desks of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET  and  BLAME CARLOS MAY

NEW YORK, NEW YORK;

It's a hell of a town.

The Bronx slipped up; Flushing Queens is down;

The people ride in a crumbling hole in the ground.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Run by a Bunch of Clowns!

Add C.C. Sabathia to the list of disabled.  He will miss his next two starts due to right knee inflammation.  On the brighter side, a troublesome knee is nothing new to Sabathia.  It's something he manages.  Nevertheless, it's an untimely setback for the Yankees starting rotation.  The news comes on the heels of Sunny Gray's demotion to the bullpen, and newly acquired J.A. Happ contracting Hand, Foot, Mouth disease.

Sabathia is coming off a six inning one-hit shut-out performance in Sunday's Yankees victory over the Texas Rangers.  In 22 starts to date, he's 7-4 with a very respectable 3.32 ERA and 1.28 WHiP, with 106 strikeouts through 119.1 innings pitched.

He was given a fourteen day break between starts during the all-star break.  This next 10-day stint on the disabled list just may prove beneficial for the 38-year old veteran.  If the Yankees are to catch the Red Sox, or at minimum maintain control of the Wild Card, they'll need a reliable C.C. in September.  Although it's "only" mid-August, if one considers the length of a post-season run, his creaky hinge comes into question.

That said, the Yankees are now down three very key components: Sabathia, Gary Sanchez, and Aaron Judge, whom is still experiencing pain in his wrist.  As such, their margin of error diminishes with every Boston, Oakland, and Seattle victory.

Despite Monday night's subway series make-up loss at the Stadium, the Yankees end the day with the second best record in baseball, but you'd never know it.  Fans officially are in a panic.  In a season only baseball can script, the best record of all belongs to the team atop the A.L. East standings hailing from Boston.  While the Yankees sport an impressive (74-34) record, the idle Red Sox entered Monday's action FIFTY!! games over .500, and now own a ten game lead over the Yankees.

Jacob deGrom  vs.  Luis Severino

The crosstown Mets give the Yankees something else to ponder Monday night.  They knock Yankees starter Luis Severino out of the box with a first inning home run by Amed Rosario, a fourth inning home run by Jose Bautista.  Overall Mets strike seven hits off Severino in just four innings pitched.  

• In his last seven starts, Luis Severino has surrendered 31 earned runs in 36 innings pitched for a very problematic 7.75 ERA.  Despite 35 strikeouts, he has allowed 54 hits and nine walks for a 1.75 WHiP.

The Mets receive much needed insurance on home runs by Todd Frazier, Brandon Nimmo, and Michael Conforto.

Starter Jacob deGrom surrenders three runs, just two earned, on five hits and a pair of walks through 6.2 innings pitched.  He exits on the winning side of a 7-3 game but not before fanning twelve batters.  Jerry Blevins closes out the seventh in relief of deGrom.  However, Seth Lugo surrenders a two-run home run to Miguel Andujar making it a 7-5 Mets lead.

• Mets have all of a sudden scored fifteen runs in Jacob deGrom's last two starts.  Jacob deGrom finally evens his record to 7-7 with a 1.81 ERA.  He has surrendered four runs in a game just once all season, against the Marlins back on Apr. 10 at Miami,and is now just four innings away from tying Dwight Gooden's club record of consecutive starts allowing three runs or less (per SNY post game).

In the top of the ninth, Gleyber Torres mishandles Didi's throw to second base on a potential double-play ball, allowing the Mets their eighth run of the evening, and their final margin of victory.

Robert Gsellman closes out the Yankees in the bottom of the ninth to earn his seventh save of the season.

The Mets win their 50th game of the season.

N.Y. Mets: Trading Starting Pitching Now is Counterproductive

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Non-Waiver Trade Deadline

New York Mets: Three-Headed Monster Must Avoid Boondoggle of Amazin Proportion.

What's done is done.  Beyond parting with Jeurys Familia and Asdrubal Cabrera, I do not trust the Mets front office in its present state to transact much else.  If the "three headed monster" can relocate Jerry Blevins, Devin Mesoraco, Jose Bautista, etc., in exchange for warm bodies before Tuesday's deadline, fine.  Otherwise, the Mets must first reconcile their general manager situation, then let him/her figure things out.

Is trading Jacob deGrom and/or Noah Syndergaard the quickest way to restock the farm system with talent?  Perhaps.  But let someone else make that decision; someone with a plan.  Because at this very moment the Mets lack a clear and cohesive one, and the last thing any of us need on our hands is a Metsian boondoggle of Amazin proportion.  That's why I rather any talk of trading deGrom, Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, or Steven Matz, be revisited at a time well after Tuesday's non-waiver deadline, if at all.

Am I opposed to trading them?

No, for as long as I feel the plan is sound and the person implementing it garners results.

Truth be told, however, the club is in a bind.  They are financially committed to Todd Frazier for another season, and Jay Bruce and Yoenis Cespedes for two more seasons.  At this juncture, it makes little sense leaving the team bereft of quality starters.  Unless the Mets are willing to eat the remaining monies owed Frazier and Bruce for sake of clearing out playing space for younger replacements, it appears as if the Mets hands are tied.  Therefore breaking up this pitching staff now may prove counterproductive.

N.Y. Mets: Fall To Par Then Pray For Rain

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

MEMORIAL DAY REPORT

This past off-season at a winter luncheon Mets COO Jeff Wilpon told reporters he believes the Mets are within a range in which they can effectively compete ... and that he does not believe they must rank among the top payrolls in baseball in order to contend for a championship.

According to Anthony DiComo at MLB.com, Jeff Wilpon said,

"I'd rather look at what we can do in terms of wins and losses.  Being top five in payroll, I don't think that won us a World Series.  So we're set out to make the playoffs and do well deep into the playoffs, and try to win the World Series - not to try and be in the top five in payroll.  If you look at what's coming back or what should be coming back that was hurt last year, that's tantamount to signing some free agents ... "

Very well ... let's eat your oatmeal pragmatism stick with wins and losses.  The latter have been piling up of late, as have the myriad of ways the Mets have gone about them.  Although the season started very promisingly with the team reeling off five straight series victories en route to a club record 11-1 start, they've since gone 15-25 dropping them to par with an 25-25 overall record, and a fourth place standing in the N.L. East.

• The nightcap of Monday's double-header is/was delayed by rain.

If nothing else the Mets did reconfirm the importance of a good start.  I say it all the time: you can't win pennants in April, but you sure can lose them.  Most fans would be apoplectic by now (if not already) were it not for their 11-1 start.  Instead, we're talking about a team just five games out of first place patiently awaiting the returns of Yoenis Cespedes and Todd Frazier to their line-up.

About that ...

It's Memorial Day, the traditional first checkpoint of the season, and to no one's surprise the Mets are already hobbling after the first turn.  Injuries have again become a source of consternation.  Pitchers Anthony Swarzak, AJ Ramos, and position players Travis d'Arnaud, Juan Lagares, Frazier, Cespedes, and now Wilmer Flores, have all felt something either snap, crackle, or pop. 

In the meantime, the team's numbers speak for themselves:  

N.L. East: 4th Place

Record: 25-25 (.500)

Home Record: 12-13

Road Record:  13-12

Run Differential:  -21

Team ERA: 4.18 (10th)

HR Allowed: 60 (3rd)

Strikeouts: 477 (3rd)

Avg. Against: .251 (10th)

WHiP: 1.31 (9th)

Team Average: .240 (9th)

OBP: .316 (10th)

Slugging: .388 (11th)

Home Runs: 52 (11th)

Runs Scored: 206 (12th)

In other words, the Mets presently are an average team bordering on sub-par.  However, from a May 28th perspective the front office considers this being in the mix. 

My friend Sam says the Wilpons are in the business of selling hope.  And I'm like, the 1973 and 2015 teams rock forever, man!  We can do this.  Ya Gotta Believe!  After all, they twice went from being mediocre to making Mets history, right?

#LGM

Wink, wink, Jeff.

N.Y. Mets: The S.S. Wilpon is Losing Wind, Again

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

New York Mets: Winning the National League pennant in 2015 blew the organization off course.

... not a knee jerk reaction.  If you're a regular reader of Head-Butting Mr. Met, you know where I've always stood.

This has nothing to do with the Mets going 6-14 after starting the season with an 11-1 record, or the fact they lost six in a row heading into Cincinnati.  For the moment, I chalk that up to the ups and downs of baseball.

• The Mets take the series opener from the Reds by a 7-6 margin.

This is more about the new quagmire they've potentially created for themselves.

The Mets were still in the midst of rebuilding right up until the acquisitions of Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson, Yoenis Cespedes, et al.  I'm certainly not criticizing what transpired after the 2015 trade deadline, nor the front office's stick-to-itiveness entering the 2016 season.  But what began as an imperceptible deviation now needs correction as the Mets find themselves somewhere very distant from where they originally intended to be.

Through the draft and via acquisitions, the Mets attempted to rebuild their club around a new generation of starting pitchers: Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, and Steven Matz.  At least that was the idea.

At the time, Kevin Plawecki; Travis d'Arnaud; Wilmer Flores; Juan Lagares; Dilson Herrera; and Michael Conforto represented the up-and-coming position players.  Guys like Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo, Gavin Cecchini, Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo were poised to arrive in the next wave.

However, the 2015 team that went to the World Series still featured very familiar faces: Lucas Duda; Jeurys Familia; Daniel Murphy; Ruben Tejada; Curtis Granderson; even David Wright.  And by 2016, the rebuild effort was shelved for a win-now mentality.  Second baseman Dilson Herrera was dealt to acquire Jay Bruce whom was further surrounded by more veterans: Asdrubal Cabrera; Neil Walker; Jose Reyes; Adrian Gonzalez; James Loney; etc.

Today, the positions of left field, right field, first base, second base, and third base, are all bogged down with older players again as a result.  One or two seasoned veterans is fine, necessary even, but not five positions - not to mention an insufferable situation behind the plate.

Alderson has drafted rather curious talents through his years here as general manager.  But also conjures rather ponderous scenarios when it comes time for integrating them into the fold.  I've seen more players called up and effectively misused, than not.  Aside from Travis d'Arnaud, Amed Rosario is the only player for which the Mets effectively cleared out the position in anticipation of his arrival.  Otherwise, Michael Conforto is being forced to play out of position, while guys like Brando Nimmo, Wilmer Flores, and Juan Lagares continue going underutilized.

This condition was poignantly demonstrated recently by the visiting Atlanta Braves at Citi Field, when a young club being given time to develop together came to Flushing and swept the Mets.

Said another way, this organization needs to refocus on youth and get back to establishing a core of position players - something they failed to do the first time around.  They diligently worked on building strong pitching, but resigned themselves to patching together poorly constructed line-ups and hoping for the best.

• The position of catcher is an unmittigated mess.  In simple English, Sandy Alderson's plan behind the plate has failed.  Fans are pretty fed up with Travis d'Arnaud.  Unfortunately, his best ability has been his unavailability.  And just when it seemed Kevin Plawecki was beginning to gain momentum, he sustained an injury.  At least Plawecki is younger, and therefore still represents potential where as d'Arnaud is fast approaching the age of thirty.

• Who's on first?  Dominic Smith was utterly unprepared for his major league debut.  At least prospect Peter Alonso offers a glimmer of hope.  His arrival in Flushing could potentially come within a year.  The 23-year old is presently beating up on Eastern League pitchers.  In the meantime, the Mets hope Adrian Gonzalez holds up.

• What's on second - Dilson Herrera isn't quite living up to Cincinnati's expectations.  In fact, he hasn't participated in a major league game since 2015 with the Mets.  Otherwise, there is no other plan for second outside of transitioning Gavin Cecchini into a second baseman.

• Third base?  Todd Frazier is 32-years old.  Acquiring him was a practical move and economically made sense.  His acquisitions allowed the Mets to finally move on from David Wright (in a manner of speaking) whom has kept the position in a holding pattern.  The only player worth holding out hope for down on the farm is David Thompson, who is not having a fun go of it in his first season at Las Vegas, to date.

• With regard to outfield prospects, the Mets have nothing going on worth mentioning.

Shame ...

I entered this season believing the Mets could contend for a Wild Card.  I still believe that.  It's just that as currently constructed I feel the Mets window of opportunity is very small.

I'm merely suggesting the Mets adjust their course before they become completely lost, again.

The Greatest Start in N.Y. Mets History Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

Mickey Callaway and the New York Mets are off to their best start in the organization's fifty-six year history.  They've jumped out to a 10-1 start, and are in the midst of an eight game winning streak.  After opening the season with series victories over the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets pressed forward with series sweeps over the rival Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins.

An Off-Day METSian Podcast: Is This Real?

I hosted, joined by Rich and featured guest Greg Prince from FaithAndFearInFlushing.com

This is our first podcast of the regular season, and we damn near covered everything.
Salute to Rusty Staub ~ Team's Historic Start ~ Mickey Callaway ~ Dave Eiland
Callaway vs. Terry Collins ~ Starting Pitchers ~ Bullpen ~ All Positions Players.
1 hour; 40 minutes ~ Packed Full-o-Stuff.