From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
FEATURED GUEST
sixty-one minutes
RESILIENCY
#LFGM
Showing posts with label Tomas Nido. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tomas Nido. Show all posts
Friday, May 21, 2021
Monday, March 15, 2021
A Metsian Podcast: Just Basking in the Florida Sunshine w/ Guest, Baseball Author Brian Wright
From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
w/ SAM, RICH & MIKE
GUEST
seventy-seven minutes
#LGM
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Unrepentant Jason Vargas Traded for Double-A Catcher
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
Apology accepted ... See you tomorrow, Jason?
I had no particular use for Vargas. He had no fan in me. So no harm done on this end as far as I'm concerned. At least the beat reporters are safe now. In fact I'm surprised the Mets got back a warm body in exchange - a catcher no less.
Truth be told he should fit in well with the Phillies; wink. So just what exactly are the Mets getting in catcher Austin Bossart?
Don't hold your breath ...
At 26-years old Austin is a minor league career .261 hitter with a .695 OPS. With (AA)-Reading this season Bossart is slashing a mere .195/.303/.335, with just 14 extra-base hits, and 28 RBI through 63 games and an even 200 at-bats. His forte is apparently behind the plate. He owns a career .990 fielding average through 246 minor league games and over 2,000 innings played. Through five seasons he's thrown out would-be base thieves with a 41% rate of success. This season with Reading he is down to a 35% rate of success - a representative number nonetheless.
I've stated my opinions regarding the catching situation very clearly. I'm not happy about it. To review, Wilson Ramos is beyond demonstrating his liabilities behind the plate. Rather he confirms them on a nightly basis. I'd be remiss if I didn't congratulate the man for tying his career high of ten passed balls in 48 fewer starts (122 starts in 2016). While the league averages a 27% rate of caught stealing, Ramos still lags far behind with a rate of 15% caught stealing. A career high 64 base thefts have occurred on his watch. Tomas Nido, poor guy, owns a 9% rate of caught stealing. A whopping 84 stolen bases have occurred under both their watch.
I want first and foremost a supreme defender behind the plate; an agile fellow who fields his position well; and whom features a strong and accurate arm. I want a superior receiver, someone practiced in the art of forming symbiotic relationships between pitcher and catcher; someone pitchers can trust with pitches out of the zone. I want an on-field coach behind the mask, and a bully, and a friend, and brother, sometimes all at once. Offensive capabilities interest me not. Let other positions carry the load. I need a Jerry Grote type and the Mets need a more conductive battery.
In the meantime the Mets have a very transient situation on their hands. Marcus Stroman is in, and Jason Vargas is out. Stroman is clearly an improvement over Vargas. If only that were the end of this conversation. Be that as it may Stroman's place in the rotation hierarchy is not yet determinable as the Mets seem obsessed with trading Noah Syndergaard.
To be continued ...
I had no particular use for Vargas. He had no fan in me. So no harm done on this end as far as I'm concerned. At least the beat reporters are safe now. In fact I'm surprised the Mets got back a warm body in exchange - a catcher no less.
Truth be told he should fit in well with the Phillies; wink. So just what exactly are the Mets getting in catcher Austin Bossart?
Don't hold your breath ...
At 26-years old Austin is a minor league career .261 hitter with a .695 OPS. With (AA)-Reading this season Bossart is slashing a mere .195/.303/.335, with just 14 extra-base hits, and 28 RBI through 63 games and an even 200 at-bats. His forte is apparently behind the plate. He owns a career .990 fielding average through 246 minor league games and over 2,000 innings played. Through five seasons he's thrown out would-be base thieves with a 41% rate of success. This season with Reading he is down to a 35% rate of success - a representative number nonetheless.
I've stated my opinions regarding the catching situation very clearly. I'm not happy about it. To review, Wilson Ramos is beyond demonstrating his liabilities behind the plate. Rather he confirms them on a nightly basis. I'd be remiss if I didn't congratulate the man for tying his career high of ten passed balls in 48 fewer starts (122 starts in 2016). While the league averages a 27% rate of caught stealing, Ramos still lags far behind with a rate of 15% caught stealing. A career high 64 base thefts have occurred on his watch. Tomas Nido, poor guy, owns a 9% rate of caught stealing. A whopping 84 stolen bases have occurred under both their watch.
I want first and foremost a supreme defender behind the plate; an agile fellow who fields his position well; and whom features a strong and accurate arm. I want a superior receiver, someone practiced in the art of forming symbiotic relationships between pitcher and catcher; someone pitchers can trust with pitches out of the zone. I want an on-field coach behind the mask, and a bully, and a friend, and brother, sometimes all at once. Offensive capabilities interest me not. Let other positions carry the load. I need a Jerry Grote type and the Mets need a more conductive battery.
In the meantime the Mets have a very transient situation on their hands. Marcus Stroman is in, and Jason Vargas is out. Stroman is clearly an improvement over Vargas. If only that were the end of this conversation. Be that as it may Stroman's place in the rotation hierarchy is not yet determinable as the Mets seem obsessed with trading Noah Syndergaard.
To be continued ...
Friday, July 12, 2019
PODCAST: The Metsian Mid-Summer Round Table Extravaganza
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
2019 ALL-STAR BREAK
A METSIAN PODCAST
with SAM, RICH, and MIKE
PRESENT
The Metsian Mid-Summer Classic Round Table Extravaganza
ALL-STAR LINE-UP
128 minutes
STUFF
The 90th ALL-STAR Game
Jacob deGrom ~ Pete Alonso Jeff McNeil
Favorite All-Star Moments ~ Home Run Derby
The Passing of Jim Bouton, author of Ball Four
The Mets First Half ~ Everyone Hates Wilson Ramos
Brodie Van Freakin' Wagenen ~ Trade Deadline Strategy
Trade Chips and Dips ~ Confidence in Front Office or Lack Thereof
The Dreaded Bullpen ~ Who is Blowing What ~ Syndergaard as Closer
Brodie Van Freakin' Wagenen ~ Joey the Bear ~ Rants ~ and so much more!
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Catching Hell Behind The Plate
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen DFA's Once Prized Minor League Acquisition Travis d'Arnaud.
One thing the Mets can never be accused of is treating Travis d'Arnaud unfairly. His spot behind the plate after each and every one of his ongoing injuries was always there awaiting his return. In fact, I believe the Mets have been exceedingly patient with their once prized acquisition. Considering they've been at this since 2013, I'll even go so far as saying the Mets went above and beyond in their efforts at placing him in a position to succeed.
But the time had ultimately come to part ways, and not just because BVW signed free agent Wilson Ramos. Unfortunately, d'Arnaud's body continues to fail him. Fluke injuries are one thing but his chronic string of bad luck is something more ponderous. In the end his inability to stay on the field due to an unfortunate propensity for injury just proved too problematic for both him and the Mets - this year included.
When healthy he demonstrated much promise with a bat throughout his career. Although going 2 for 23 in ten games this season perhaps helped seal his fate. Travis d'Arnaud defenders will also point out his ability to frame pitches - something of which I believe is wholly inconsequential when pitchers would just rather not pitch to him. Truth be told, he was already a defensive liability. More so if his throwing ability hasn't been satisfactorily restored after Tommy John surgery.
Devin Mesoraco last season earned his way into the staff's graces through his receiving skills, not for an ability to influence umpires with snapshots. Pitchers need confidence in their catchers. They want supreme receivers - someone they can trust with a purposeful pitch in the dirt. None of which accurately describe d'Arnaud. His lazy backhand stabs at errant pitches absolutely infuriate me. Moreover, all one had to do was count how many times pitchers shook him off to know he lacked sync with a majority of the starting staff.
Both media and a large pocket of fans have long lobbied for his release. Yet, the club to their credit afforded him one last opportunity, and he failed the test - key word being, afforded. They signed him for $3.52 million this past off-season, and fans nor the media understand why. For a team with more money problems than the MTA, they essentially set fire to $3.52 million dollars that could have otherwise been better spent. Their mishandling of Devin Mesoraco (IMO) only exasperates the matter.
Yeah, they blew it ...
But let's also keep things in context. This is a low kiloton event, comparatively speaking. After all, we're haranguing over a backup catcher. I do not believe Travis d'Arnaud is being scapegoated like some in the media are portraying. The Mets are merely eliminating a liability from behind the plate, and in doing so improving the Mets 25-man roster and their pitching staff's level of comfort.
I have no qualms moving forward with Tomas Nido, or even welcoming back Rene Rivera. Both are quality receivers, something I prioritize over hitting where it concerns backstops.
Travis d'Arnaud's Biggest Liability Was His Unavailability
New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen DFA's Once Prized Minor League Acquisition Travis d'Arnaud.
One thing the Mets can never be accused of is treating Travis d'Arnaud unfairly. His spot behind the plate after each and every one of his ongoing injuries was always there awaiting his return. In fact, I believe the Mets have been exceedingly patient with their once prized acquisition. Considering they've been at this since 2013, I'll even go so far as saying the Mets went above and beyond in their efforts at placing him in a position to succeed.
But the time had ultimately come to part ways, and not just because BVW signed free agent Wilson Ramos. Unfortunately, d'Arnaud's body continues to fail him. Fluke injuries are one thing but his chronic string of bad luck is something more ponderous. In the end his inability to stay on the field due to an unfortunate propensity for injury just proved too problematic for both him and the Mets - this year included.
When healthy he demonstrated much promise with a bat throughout his career. Although going 2 for 23 in ten games this season perhaps helped seal his fate. Travis d'Arnaud defenders will also point out his ability to frame pitches - something of which I believe is wholly inconsequential when pitchers would just rather not pitch to him. Truth be told, he was already a defensive liability. More so if his throwing ability hasn't been satisfactorily restored after Tommy John surgery.
Devin Mesoraco last season earned his way into the staff's graces through his receiving skills, not for an ability to influence umpires with snapshots. Pitchers need confidence in their catchers. They want supreme receivers - someone they can trust with a purposeful pitch in the dirt. None of which accurately describe d'Arnaud. His lazy backhand stabs at errant pitches absolutely infuriate me. Moreover, all one had to do was count how many times pitchers shook him off to know he lacked sync with a majority of the starting staff.
Both media and a large pocket of fans have long lobbied for his release. Yet, the club to their credit afforded him one last opportunity, and he failed the test - key word being, afforded. They signed him for $3.52 million this past off-season, and fans nor the media understand why. For a team with more money problems than the MTA, they essentially set fire to $3.52 million dollars that could have otherwise been better spent. Their mishandling of Devin Mesoraco (IMO) only exasperates the matter.
Yeah, they blew it ...
But let's also keep things in context. This is a low kiloton event, comparatively speaking. After all, we're haranguing over a backup catcher. I do not believe Travis d'Arnaud is being scapegoated like some in the media are portraying. The Mets are merely eliminating a liability from behind the plate, and in doing so improving the Mets 25-man roster and their pitching staff's level of comfort.
I have no qualms moving forward with Tomas Nido, or even welcoming back Rene Rivera. Both are quality receivers, something I prioritize over hitting where it concerns backstops.
Monday, March 25, 2019
N.Y. Mets: Brodie Crosses Devin Mesoraco With Wild Pitch
From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET
New York Mets: Brodie Torpedoes Devin Mesoraco's Bid For Roster Spot.
It was Brodie who wooed him back, and Brodie who laid out a clear path for Devin Mesoraco's potential return to Queens. Mets fans were certainly happy to have him back in the fold. He had already earned the respect of Mets pitchers last season. In fact, Jacob deGrom raves about him. Therefore starting the upcoming regular season with a Wilson Ramos/Devin Mesoraco tandem seemed like a natural.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the ball park. Brodie screwed him out of a job.
Now I'm being made to believe the chronically injured Travis d'Arnaud offers more upside than Devin Mesoraco. At least that's what I'm hearing ... that they would rather carry a habitually unavailable d'Arnaud on the 25-man roster, whom by the way is still not yet fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. Sticking with him is not exactly changing culture; it's not striving for different results; nor is it moving in a new direction. Sticking with TDA is more like spinning wheels in the mud. So when does enough finally become enough?
Next thing I know, Tweet happens:
And just like that, Tomas Nido is suddenly the man. Granted both he and Travis d'Arnaud are on the 40-man roster which also makes Mesoraco odd man out. But, really, who saw this coming? I accidentally foreshadowed this very turn of events on our most recent PODCAST. In truth, however, we (our panel) were all very much in agreement over Mesoraco being the best option for backing up Wilson Ramos.
Hopelessly Holding Out Hope
for Travis d'Arnaud
The New York Mets elected to omit Devin Mesoraco from their 25-man roster,
according to Newsday. Displeased with the front office's decision, Mesoraco left the team on Saturday rather report to minor league camp. The problem stems from an upward mobility clause built into his contract. However, Mesoraco does not have an opt-out clause. Because he is indeed under minor league contract, the Mets must either release him, or place him on the restricted list.
It was Brodie who wooed him back, and Brodie who laid out a clear path for Devin Mesoraco's potential return to Queens. Mets fans were certainly happy to have him back in the fold. He had already earned the respect of Mets pitchers last season. In fact, Jacob deGrom raves about him. Therefore starting the upcoming regular season with a Wilson Ramos/Devin Mesoraco tandem seemed like a natural.
But a funny thing happened on the way to the ball park. Brodie screwed him out of a job.
Now I'm being made to believe the chronically injured Travis d'Arnaud offers more upside than Devin Mesoraco. At least that's what I'm hearing ... that they would rather carry a habitually unavailable d'Arnaud on the 25-man roster, whom by the way is still not yet fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. Sticking with him is not exactly changing culture; it's not striving for different results; nor is it moving in a new direction. Sticking with TDA is more like spinning wheels in the mud. So when does enough finally become enough?
Next thing I know, Tweet happens:
— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) March 23, 2019
And just like that, Tomas Nido is suddenly the man. Granted both he and Travis d'Arnaud are on the 40-man roster which also makes Mesoraco odd man out. But, really, who saw this coming? I accidentally foreshadowed this very turn of events on our most recent PODCAST. In truth, however, we (our panel) were all very much in agreement over Mesoraco being the best option for backing up Wilson Ramos.
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