N.Y. Mets: Catching Hell Behind The Plate

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

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.

N.Y. Mets: Brodie Crosses Devin Mesoraco With Wild Pitch

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Hopelessly Holding Out Hope 

for Travis d'Arnaud

New York Mets: Brodie Torpedoes Devin Mesoraco's Bid For Roster Spot.

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:

🤔 https://t.co/ihZTnxzUrA

— 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.

T'was the Week Before Opening Day Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

OPENING DAY

Six More Days and a Wake Up

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

Guest:

Mets Fan Extraordinaire, Writer, 

and Fellow Rising Apple Blog Alum

Helen Silfin, @HESilf

Sixty-Three Minutes

STUFF

41 SEAVER WAY ~ SEAVER STATUE

Travis d'Arnaud ~ Devin Mesoraco ~ Tomas Nido

Pete Alonso ~ Dom Smith ~ Adeiny Hechavarria ~ J.D. Davis

Juan Lagares ~ Rajai Davis ~ Keon Broxton

Netflix Deal ~ Brodie's Winter Wonder Land

..and so much more!

N.Y. Mets: Hello Pitchers and Catchers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Truck is Unloaded;

LET SPRING TRAINING BEGIN!

PITCHERS and CATCHERS

New York Mets: Talk About an Off-Season of Upheaval ... Brodie Van Wagenen Sends Tremors Throughout Flushing.

Since being named general manager just three months ago Brodie Van Wagenen has been busy shaking, rattling, and rolling, all the while stressing winning, winning now, winning for years to come, and winning deep into the future.

That's great!  His positive energy is undeniable.  But I still have my reservations.  Because what BVW does not discuss is the other side of the proverbial coin: Mets ownership is still in debt.  As such, their finances will continue playing a prohibitive role in club operations for another two years.  Only then, by 2021, will they will be free of all debt stemming from the Madoff implosion, the aftermath, and recovery, and finally regain the financial flexibility fans are clamoring for.  I've cited in previous posts easily searched media articles/reports and links supporting this claim.  I merely bring this up for sake of injecting needed context into the conversation, nothing more.

Otherwise, as a fan who preaches success starts at the top I'm quite pleased with the sweeping changes enacted throughout the front office, scouting and development departments, and coaching staff.  I'd also be a hypocrite if I say I do not agree with BVW's plan to fortify the entire 40-man roster.  There's a very noticeable redundancy at play, with an aim to hedge against injury - something the Mets know much about.  There's also no denying that whichever potential mix of players wind up comprising this year's opening day 25-man roster, it will be an improved version over last year.

Some of BVW's transactions have been popular, others not so much.  Some acquisitions have come at the expense of several well touted, albeit low level minor league prospects.  I had a particular liking for Justin Dunn and Ross Adolf.  However, how all of this works out remains to been seen.  The Mets have won off-season's in the past.  But no team gets parades down the Canyon of Heroes for dominating the winter tabloids.

Catchers: The Position is Improved With An Agreeable Short-Term Solution.

I'm still a little dismayed over the non- acquisition of J.T. Realmuto, more so now that he's a member of the Phillies, and considering the price Philadelphia paid to acquire him.  It looks as if the Miami Marlins overplayed their hand.  However, the problem is wholly mine, for if there were one player I really wanted BVW to get in a Mets uniform this off-season, it was him.

Perchance to dream ...

Instead, the Mets enter the season with free agent catcher Wilson "the Buffalo" Ramos.  He is signed to a favorable two-year deal, which leaves only his day to day availability in question.  Wilson is averaging 108 games played over his last four season, but only 92 games over his last eight full seasons.  Health concerns aside he wields a very capable bat, able to hit for both average and power, and should provide solid protection for the middle of the line-up.  He's equally adept behind the plate, having already demonstrated himself to be a good receiver behind the plate, while sporting a .993 fielding average, and an above league average in caught stealing.

However, the re-signing of Devin Mesoraco (to a minor league contract) may prove most valuable of all.  Because although retained and signed, the future of Travis d'Arnaud in a Mets uniform remains very much in doubt.  To a far greater extent than Ramos, there is little debating that d'Arnaud's worse ability has been his unavailability.  He'll need to stay healthy for a complete season, be it in Flushing or Syracuse, before shaking the growing general perception of him.  In the meantime, Mesoraco enters camp as a non-roster invitee.  However, he has already proven to Mets fans that he is a very capable receiver behind the plate.  I'd be more than agreeable with Devin backing up Wilson Ramos on a full time basis.  Travis d'Arnaud ... not so much.


Next up: Pitchers.

N.Y. Mets: Another Holly Jolly Metsian Podcast

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A METSIAN PODCAST

with Sam, Rich, and Mike

Forty Minutes

YULE LOGS for the HOT STOVE
Wilson Ramos ~ Travis d'Arnaud
Juan Lagares ~ Gregor Blanco ~ Rajai Davis ~ AJ Pollock
All Things Brodie Van Wagenen
Bryce Harper ~ Bobby Bonilla
and so much more.

JOY to the WORLD

N.Y. Mets: New Backstop or Latest Stopgap?

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Old Trying to Catch Lightning in a Bottle Routine

New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen Walks Away From JT Realmuto Negotiations; Signs Free Agent Catcher, Wilson Ramos.

The Mets made it official on Tuesday: they sign free agent catcher Wilson Ramos for two years at $19 million.

Prior to BVW's arrival, this signing would have been deemed just another Sandy Alderson reclamation project; another purchase in the discount isle.  As such, the minimalist money approach would have reeked of the same old upholstery in ownership's wheelhouse.

There is a debate to be had as to whether this is business as usual.  After all, BVW said upon accepting the general manager's position the club previously delved into too many "if" scenarios.  Yet, Wilson Ramos represented one of the biggest "ifs" on the open market.

To his credit, BVW did not lollygag.  He negotiated with Miami to a point, then swiftly veered with conviction in another direction.  He has my attention ... ergo perception is everything.

Unfortunately (for me), JT Realmuto will not be donning a Mets uniform.  Unable to strike a deal with Miami, the Mets general manager instead keeps his major league players and minor league prospects by spending money on a transient solution to fill their catching need.  I would have been agreeable to packaging Brandon Nimmo or Amed Rosario along with a clutch of prospects in order to get this trade done, but only for Realmuto, as young well-rounded catchers of his ilk are hard to come by.  Otherwise, a deal including either Michael Conforto or Noah Syndergaard for me were non starters.

When healthy and in the line-up, Wilson Ramos is clearly the more accomplished hitter and receiver over Travis d'Arnaud.  The other available free agent option was Yasmani Grandal, whom has no fan in me, as I have no interest in a backstop whom three times led the league in passed balls, and rates below league average in caught stealing percentage.  Travis d'Arnaud also once led the National League in passed balls, and throws out runners with a mere 21% career rate of success.

Last season, Ramos slashed .306/.358/.487, with 15 home runs and 70 RBI in just 382 at-bats.  He also possesses a strong arm behind the plate demonstrated by his career 32% rate caught stealing, and reconfirmed by last year's 44% rate of success.

The outstanding issue is his availability.  If recent history is any indication, Ramos will prove no more durable than Travis d'Arnaud.  In 2009 while still in the minors, he broke a finger and pulled a hamstring.  In 2012, he tore the ACL in his right knee.  The following season, he suffered two more hamstring episodes.  In 2014 Ramos was sidelined with a broken hand.  In 2016, he again tore his ACL which kept him out of action through May of the following season.  Last year, demonstrating wear and tear, he played in 111 games, making 96 starts at catcher.

Over the last four seasons, JT Realmuto has averaged 134 games per season; Yasmani Grandal 127 games; and Ramos just 108 games per season.  Travis d'Arnaud, not including last season in which he only appeared in four games, from 2014-2017 averaged just 90 games per season.

Signing Wilson Ramos is no stopgap measure.  He is a legitimate catcher.  If he can avoid injury, he will serve the Mets pitching staff very well.  His contract expires after two seasons, when JT Realmuto is due to become a free agent.  Perhaps the Mets can revisit this situation then.

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 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.

N.Y. Mets: Callaway Era Successfully Clears Launching Pad

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Mets lead series 2-0

I - NYM 9; STL 4

II - NYM 6; STL 2

Series Finale

St. Louis Cardinals

vs.

New York Mets

FROM

Roosevelt Avenue Grounds

QUEENS

New York Mets: Up, Up, And Callaway We Go...!

So far, so good ...

A pair of victories over the St. Louis Cardinals with a chance to sweep on Easter Sunday is a fine start to any regular season - much less Mickey Callaway's first as manager of the New York Mets.  If this keeps up, Mets fans should have little problem giving off-season changes their final stamp of approval.

Two games, though, is far from trend setting.  Yet, Coach Callaway has already made things quite discussion worthy nonetheless.  Although he was mainly hired to harness this team's pitching potential, his choice of line-ups thus far have made the greatest impressions, and impact.

Game One

• Nimmo; Cespedes; Bruce; Cabrera; Frazier; Gonzalez; Plawecki; Syndergaard; Rosario.

Game Two

• Cabrera; Cespedes; Bruce; Frazier; d'Arnaud; Gonzalez; Lagares; deGrom; Rosario.

Lead-off Hitter:

Once Michael Conforto returns, both the center field and lead-off hitter situations will obviously change.  In the meantime, we knew Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares would be platooning.  Therefore, I'm not fielding any gripes about both receiving a start each despite facing two right-handed starting pitchers.  Again ... two games does not a trend make.

Nimmo started Opening Day and went 2 for 3, with a walk, and two runs scored.  On Saturday, Juan Lagares did not lead-off, but went 2 for 4 with a run scored nonetheless.  Asdrubal Cabrera went from hitting clean-up on Opening Day to the lead-off spot on Saturday, and went 3 for 5 with a double, RBI, and a run scored.  Through two games, the Mets lead-off hitters are 5 for 8 (.625) with a walk, RBI, and three runs scored.

Batting Second:

I understand why Mickey Callaway is doing it.  This is about manipulating the bottom of the order in anticipation of, and getting his most lethal hitter more at-bats and better pitches to hit, then providing maximum protection throughout the middle of the order behind him.  Coach isn't exactly breaking with conventional wisdom here.  It's been done before.  It's also an attempt at minimizing the pitcher's potential dead-spot in the line-up.  I'm just not a proponent of batting Yoenis Cespedes second.  Regardless what I think, Coach Callaway's decision is paying off.  Yoenis is 3 for 7 with three walks, a home run, three RBI, and two runs scored.

Questionable Three Strategy:

It's always been the unwritten rule that a team's best hitter bat third.  Coach Callaway has twice penciled in Jay Bruce, whom so far is 1 for 8 with two walks, an RBI, and a run scored.  In the spirit of Callaway's new ways, I would consider batting Asdrubal Cabrera third, and have Bruce clean-up.

Clean-Up Hitter:

Coach got every one's attention when he charged Asdrubal Cabrera with hitting clean-up on Opening Day.  In Cabrera's defense, he is a professional hitter, and provides more pop than Mets fans originally anticipated.  He's also been one of the Mets more clutch hitters since his arrival.  Alas he went hit-less in four at-bats.  Todd Frazier took his turn cleaning-up on Saturday, and went 1 for 3 with three RBI.

Batting Sixth:

What, me worry?  In the span of two games, Adrian Gonzalez is turning a worrisome spring training into a distant memory.  Hampered last season by a bad back while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gonzalez went 12 for 58 (.207) in Grapefruit play, with just three extra base hits and three RBI.  So far, he is 3 for 7 with two walks, a double, a run scored, and an RBI, through two games against the Cardinals.

Catcher:

We knew there would also be a platoon behind the plate this season, but thank Mickey Callaway for giving this a new spin.  It was very interesting seeing Travis d'Arnaud bat fifth.  He went 1 for 3 on Saturday, with a walk and home run.  Syndergaard prefers throwing to Kevin Plawecki.  That's no secret.  And so Plawecki started Opening Day and batted seventh, going 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and an RBI.  So far, the platooning backstops are 3 for 6, with three walks, a home run, three runs scored, and two RBI.

Batting Eighth/Ninth:

Coach Callaway has elected to bat the pitcher eighth in each of the first two games.  Let's see how long this continues.  Otherwise, the free swinging Amed Rosario is being positioned to precede the lead-off hitter and Yoenis Cespedes by batting ninth.  Until Rosario learns to be more selective at the plate, this may prove an effective ploy ... for now.  Amed went 2 for 4 in his first ever major league Opening Day, with two RBI and two runs scored.

Terrors on the Base Paths:

Mickey Callaway and third base coach Glenn Sherlock have made one thing perfectly clear.  They intend on being aggressive.  They'll attempt taking an extra base at every turn, challenge outfield arms and their opponent's ability to execute plays.

First Pitch:

The Mets top two starting pitchers seemingly launched their 2018 campaigns without a hitch.  If you look back, the most successful teams throughout history usually feature a terrible twosome that opponents dread facing.  Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom must be that for the Mets more so now than ever.  Noah started on Opening Day, allowing four earned runs on six hits, but walked none and fanned ten batters over six innings pitched for his first victory of the season.  Jacob deGrom lasted 5.2 innings in his first start, limiting the Cardinals to just one earned run on four hits and a walk, while fanning seven for his first victory.

The Firemen:

The Mets opened up on Thursday, were off on Friday, then resumed play on Saturday.  Despite a day off Callaway's utilization of the bullpen was no less curious.  The same trio which appeared on Thursday were the same three which appeared in Saturday's contest.  Coach's plan for Sunday's series finale will prove quite revealing.  Robert Gsellman seems to be embracing his new bullpen role, allowing just one hit and fanning four in 1.2 innings.  Anthony Swarzak pitched the eighth in each game, while Jeurys Familia closed out both, and earned his first save (of the four out variety).

N.Y. Mets: Amed Rosario Has Stage All To Himself

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

There's something to be said for a plan coming together, 

despite the Mets front office.

New York Mets: Let the Amed Rosario era begin.

Amed Rosario represents an instance where the Mets actually did something right.

They signed him at the age of seventeen as an international free agent in 2013, upon which Rosario promptly logged 58 games at Kingsport of the (R)-Appalachian League.  I got my first up-close view of him the following summer when he played here in Brooklyn with the Cyclones.  He would then skyrocket over the next three seasons through the ensuing levels of the Mets system.

Amed made his much anticipated MLB debut least season on August 1, 2017, at Coors Field, in which he batted seventh in the order, and went 1 for 4 with a strikeout.  He would go on finish out the season at shortstop, but exceeded rookie limits with 165 at-bats, and therefore will not be competing for the ROY award this season, which is somewhat unfortunate.

So far, this is all fairly standard stuff ...

Here's the part the Mets got right - upon completion of Amed's minor league development, they ensured the position was cleared out in preparation for his arrival at Flushing.  It sounds simple, but the Mets are well practiced in the art of ponderous transitioning.  This time, the plan was handing off the position to Rosario, and they actually followed through.

Asdrubal Cabrera was effectively vacated from the position, and made to embrace the hot corner for the remainder of the 2017 season.  Otherwise, there's no lingering stopgap veteran forcing Rosario into playing out of position; or forcing him to ride the bench; nor forcing him into wasting anymore unnecessary time at Las Vegas.  Amed will be the Opening Day shortstop for the Mets.  The position is his.  And the matter is not really open for debate.

Even then, it may behoove Rosario to plant his flag firmly early in the process.

Catcher is the only other position where the Mets have exercised complete commitment to the original plan (to what degree of success, or lack thereof, is another matter).  Point being the Mets insist on playing Michael Conforto playing out of position.  Juan Lagares and Wilmer Flores were never given fair opportunities for establish themselves.  Dom Smith has already been ostracized.  And with the emergence of Rosario, Gavin Cecchini has since been transitioning to play second, which in turn bogs him down behind a backlog of the previously eluded to stopgap and patchwork players (i.e., Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera).

All that being said, I'm excited for Amed Rosario to get his first full major league season underway in a timely manner!

• On a side note, Asdrubal is now relegated to playing second base ever since the off-season acquisition of third baseman Todd Frazier.  At first Cabrera appeared agreeable with the continuing change in developments, but suddenly changed course and expressed his displeasure.  But being that he's in the final season of a three year deal, he perhaps thought better of the matter and backtracked just as quickly, and is now back to playing good soldier again. 

The Mets are in dire need of a prototypical lead-off batter, but I'm not so sure Amed can be that guy.

So far, Amed Rosario is having an average go of it in Grapefruit League play.

He missed a few games after being hit by a pitch earlier this month.  But as of close of business Saturday, he is 8 for 30 (.267) through twelve games of Grapefruit League play with four extra base hits (against a preponderance of double-A and triple-A pitching because that's just the nature of spring training).  Amed is also sporting a suspect .313 OBP.  He has fanned five times, but has only drawn one base on balls.

In fact, Rosario has never really been one to take a free pass.

He split the 2016 season between Port St. Lucie and Binghamton, logging his most games played in one season through that point of his minor league career.  He posted an overall .374 OBP in 527 total plate appearance (which included a .392 OBP in 237 plate appearances with Binghamton), but only walked forty times all season.  He then posted a .367 OBP last year at Las Vegas despite only walking 23 times over 425 plate appearances.

Once called up by the Mets, he only drew three walks in forty games and 170 plate appearances.

At the same time, strikeouts are something Amed Rosario has managed to keep somewhat under control (comparatively speaking, that is).  He owned a .187 strikeout average over 1,775 career minor league at-bats.  If you compare that against one of the organization's greatest ever lead-off hitters in its history, Jose Reyes maintained a .122 strikeout average during his best seasons with the Mets.

Not unexpectedly, Rosario received a rude welcome from opposing major league pitchers last year.  Amed fanned 49 times in 165 at-bats for a .296 average rate.  Let's chalk that up to being a rookie, and instead circle back to his minor league trends.  Lest we forget he is still only 22-years old.

In each of Amed Rosario's five minor league seasons (with one exception), he registered incremental increases to his OBP/batting average differential:

• 2013 - OBP plus .038 over BA (R)
• 2014 - OBP plus .046 over BA (A-)
• 2015 - OBP plus .049 over BA (A+)
• 2016 - OBP plus .050 over BA (A+, AA)
• 2017 - OBP plus .039 over BA @ Las Vegas ?

None of those differentials stand out, and are far from ideal.  What this confirms, though, is that Amed Rosario's OBP is primarily bolstered by his batting average.  Which also means Ahmed is all about seeing ball, and hitting ball.  The man is a free swinger, but at least makes considerable contact.

Is he a threat on the base paths?  He stole seven bases in 46 games last year for the Mets.

Minor League highlights:

• 2013 - 19 stolen bases/120 games.
• 2016 - 13 stolen bases/105 games.
• 2017 - 19 stolen bases/94 games.

As a still unproven prospect, he's at least agreeably adept at making contact, and it's been demonstrated he will not work the count all that much (unless new hitting coach Pat Roessler successfully encourages him into making adjustments).  Therefore, I believe Amed Rosario would be a far more effective two-hitter in the batting order (as would Travis d'Arnaud if he could somehow manage to stay on the field).

In the meantime, the search for a lead-off hitter continues.

However, the era of Amed Rosario at shortstop begins now.

ICYMI:

• First Word: Year Sixteen After Doubleday 
• Five Hurlers of the Metropolis 
• On the Jason Vargas Acquisition 
• Ninth Inning Closer Need Not Apply 
• Catching Hell
• Who's On First?
• Whole Lotta Second Guessing Going On 
• Todd Frazier Restores Order At Third

Another METSian Podcast #5

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

ICYMI

First Word: Year Sixteen After Doubleday 

Five Hurlers of the Metropolis 

On the Jason Vargas Acquisition 

Ninth Inning Closer Need Not Apply 

Catching Hell

*     *     *     *     *

A METSian PODCAST 

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

SPRING TRAINING, TAKE TWO!

Rich and I taped what we thought was our regularly scheduled podcast last week, 

only to find out the show didn't record.  Hence, take two.

 

TOPICS of DISCUSSION

Injuries ~ number five starter ~ lead-off hitter

Wilmer Flores ~ firemen ~ my Travis d'Arnaud rant 

Mickey Callaway ~ Noah Syndergaard ~ Matt Harvey ~ Dan Warthen

Tom Seaver ~ Jerry Grote ~ Gary Carter

old school ~ Yoenis Cespedes ~ generation lost

and much more.

Show Time: 80 Minutes

Show Archives 1-4

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: Catching Hell

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Mets Still Waiting For Their Backstop of the Future

SPRING TRAINING

First Word: Year Sixteen After Doubleday

The Five Hurlers of the Metropolis

Jason Vargas is a Sensible Acquisition

Ninth Inning Closer Need Not Apply

New York Mets: Travis d'Arnaud still battling himself for the starting spot behind the plate.

We've been at this for five years now.

Travis d'Arnaud if far from being a novice.

He turned 29-years old earlier this month, but has yet to exceed 115 games or 400 at-bats in any season.  In fact, after his debut in 2013 Travis has only played in 362 of a possible 648 regular season games (56%) over the last four seasons.

Injuries are squarely to blame.  I hear (former Islanders goalie and present ESPN radio personality) Rick DePietro say many times an athlete's best ability is his availability.  Words never rang more true.

Travis d'Arnaud's medical chart is lengthy.

Minors:

• 2010 - herniated disk lower back
• 2012 - torn posterior cruciate ligament left knee

Majors:

• 2013 - fractured left foot
• 2014 - concussion; bone chip right elbow
• 2015 - fractured right hand; hyper-extended left elbow
• 2016 - right rotator cuff strain
• 2017 - right wrist

That's a lot of physical depreciation over a short span of time.

If nothing else, though, he has demonstrated offensive ability.  If you blend together his 2014, 2015, and 2017 seasons, he averaged 18 doubles/13 home runs/46 RBI in just 324 at bats.

But what good is that if he can't stay on the field?

Even then, offense is a secondary issue for me.  I'm a firm believer in having a supreme receiver behind the plate.  And quite frankly, his positional skills and ability to game-manage a rotation leave much to be desired.

The Mets main strength is their starting rotation.  It's a formula that has worked well for them in the past.  Therefore, I need a catcher who will be to Syndergaard, Harvey, Matz, deGrom, and Wheeler, what Jerry Grote was to Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, and Jon Matlack, and what Gary Carter was to Doc Gooden, Sid Fernandez, Ron Darling, and Rick Aguilera.  Whereas Grote and Carter actively helped their pitchers become better, today's clutch of Mets pitchers have gained their varying degrees of notoriety in spite of Travis d'Arnaud.

It's a badly kept secret that at least one Mets starting pitcher does not particularly like throwing to Travis.  Some pitchers seemed ambivalent over the years, while others appeared kindly agreeable at best.  That strikes me as problematic.

Granted, d'Arnaud has improved since leading the National League in 2014 with twelve passed balls.  But his inability to neutralize base runners can not be overlooked (unless he's hitting and producing runs).  Travis only threw out 17% of would be base-stealers last season - ten points behind the league average (27%) - and he only averages 22% for his career.  Jerry Grote, meanwhile, averaged 38 percent for his career.  At his best, he threw base runners out at a rate of 40%.  Gary Carter averaged 35% caught stealing for his career, and led the National League in caught stealing percentage three times.

Sandy Alderson has long defied one of the most fundamental team building precepts - being strong up the middle.  It has been one of my biggest gripes.  Travis is arbitration eligible through the 2019 season, so I don't expect Alderson addressing this anytime soon.

*     *     *

If a catcher can hit .260 in the major leagues, he's worth at least a discussion.  Kevin Plawecki did just that last season.  Perhaps he's finally becoming comfortable in his major league skin.  Now 27-years old, Kevin was 26 for 100 with five doubles, three home runs, and 13 RBI.  If you play along and multiply by five, that projects to 25 doubles, 15 home runs, and 65 RBI over 500 at-bats.

Like d'Arnaud, however, Plawecki only threw out runners last season at a rate of 17%.  His career rate is 23% over 158 total games.

N.Y. Mets: Spring Training Podcast

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Rising Apple Report: 

Mets Spring Training Special

STUFF

David Wright ... Terry Collins

5th Starter Spot ... Las Vegas 51s

Neil Walker ... Curtis Granderson

Problems Behind the Plate,

and other stuff.

N.Y. Mets: MetsMusings Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Talkin' Mets Baseball

with Gary Mack on 

MetsMusings.com

(episode #270)

STUFF..

The lukewarm Hot Stove

Mets outfield situation

A poor free agent pool?

The bullpen and re-signing Jerry Blevins

THIRD BASE and DAVID WRIGHT

Travis d'Arnaud/Kevin Plawecki/Rene Rivera

First Base

TJ Rivera and Brandon Nimmo

Starting Pitching and The Dark Knight

The N.L. East

N.Y. Mets: On Travis d'Arnaud

Here's my latest for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Need More Dependable Travis d'Arnaud 

in Second Half

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple.com

N.Y. Mets: RA's Memorial Day Podcast

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

Episode #133 The Rising Apple Report: 

Memorial Day Weekend Edition

I hosted, and was joined by fellow RA writer Rich Sparago.

Our guests were Gary Mac of MetsMusings.com
 and John Pielli of the Passed Ball Show

A National League round-up,
lots of Matt Harvey stuff, and Steven Matz,
what to do at first base, praise for the bullpen,
a live report from Sam while at a tavern in Cooperstown,
all starters pitchers not firing on all cylinders
while injuries mounting to positional players,
recollections of the 1986 New York Mets championship season.
and loads more stuff...!

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Mets: The Good, the Bad, and the Harvey

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

METROPOLITANS BASEBALL CLUB

First Quarter Performance Report

NEW YORK METS: Injuries and Inconsistencies Holding the Amazin's Back From Achieving Greater Gains.

Entering their 43rd game of the season on Sunday, the Mets have veered left and are well into the first corner turn of the 2016 campaign, but, already are experiencing problems to many of their key horses.

After closing to within a nose of the N.L. East leaders, the Mets recently lost 2 of 3 against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field, in turn pushing them back into the pack with Philadelphia and Miami.

Thanks to a pair of victories over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, the Mets improved to 9-11 in May, with nine games remaining in the month.  Sunday, the Mets will attempt a sweep of the Brewers, while entering the game 1 1/2 games out of first place.

The Outfield is Yielding a Mixed Crop

Yoenis Cespedes is admittedly surprised he's hit this many home runs this soon, noting he's been a notoriously better second half performer throughout his career.  That's a good thing I suppose..

After hitting an opposite field home run on Friday, then doubling in Saturday's victory over the Brewers, Michael Conforto seems to be snapping out of his first prolonged slump as a Met.

While Curtis Granderson has earned the benefit of the doubt, and has found his home run stroke of late, he is nonetheless batting below the Mendoza Line, and hitting just .134 in May.  His .292 OBP is no less problematic as the lead-off hitter.  Perhaps, drawing a pair of walks and going 1 for 3 Saturday against the Brewers is a sign of better things to come.

This Diamond is Getting Rough

Travis d'Arnaud's latest injury (apparently one with no resolution is sight), his short term future, as well as his long term future with the Mets are no more or less clear today, than they were upon his arrival from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ideally, one player's injury is another player's opportunity.  But in the case of Kevin Plawecki, he's thus far failed to show the polish the Mets anticipated from their once highly regarded college amateur draft selection.  He's been the primary catcher for the Mets since April 24th, and in 20 starts since, he's slashing .206/.341, with four doubles and one home run.

Lucas Duda is hurt with one of those injuries that makes us all shake our heads at the Mets medical staff.  I mean, sometimes you just never know with these guys.  For the record, Lucas Duda is presently experiencing a lower back ailment.  It was reported Saturday his MRI came back clean.   Otherwise, little else explains his rather inconsequential 130 at-bats this season.  He's so far slashing just .231/.297/.431, with seven home runs and 19 RBI.  But, above all, his streaky nature continues boggling the minds of Mets fans.

With regards to second base and shortstop, Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera have allowed Mets fans to repress their former situation.  By no means, though, have they achieved nirvana.
Walker's and Cabrera's play this month have cooled ... and that's putting it mildly.  After slashing .307/.337/.625 in April, Walker is presently slashing just .170/.267/.245 in May with only one double, and one home run.

To date, there's a case to be made Asdrubal Cabrera has been the most consistent Mets player this season.  While his performance dip from April into May has been less precipitous than Walker's, it has been no less noticeable.  After slashing .300/.364/.400 in April, he's presently operating at a .257/.307/.357 rate of productivity in May.  Cabrera's play at times this month even offered very brief, fleeting glimpses that somewhat confirmed less than complimentary off-season scouting reports.

Third baseman David Wright stroked a 9th inning, game winning RBI Saturday against the Brewers.   Unfortunately, there's no hiding the fact his spinal stenosis condition has compromised his game, both offensively and in the field, and particularly on throws to first.

Pen Full-o-Bulls

The strength of the 2016 New York Mets has easily been their bullpen: Hansel Robles, Addison Reed, Jerry Blevins, Jim Henderson, and Antonio Bastardo have combined to throw 83 innings, in which they've posted a combined 2.38 ERA, 1.074 WHiP, with an 11.2 K/9 average.

The closer?  Very simply, Jeurys Familia has turned himself around.  In April, he allowed 14 hits with nine strikeouts in just 12 innings pitched.  This month, he allowed just three hits and fanned seven in just 7.1 innings pitched.

The Four Hurlers of the Metropolis

With the exception of Thor, the rest of the Mets Marvels are presently performing like mere mortals at best.

Super Matz is still battling his body and lack of mound experience, while the deGrominator is still searching for his mojo.  Meanwhile, the Dark Knight continues to fall further into the abyss.

Noah Syndergaard, 23, has been nothing short of brilliant.  Still fresh from out-dueling Max Scherzer, Thor is 4-2 with a 2.19 ERA and 0.994 WHiP this season, with 65 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched.

He has now pitched the equivalent of a full season in his brief career.  In 32 combined starts, Noah owns a career 13-9 record, with a 2.97 ERA and 1.033 WHiP, and 231 strikeouts over 203.1 innings pitched.

The 800 lbs. gorilla in the locker room is no doubt Matt Harvey.   Said another way, the Real Deal is in real trouble.  After nine starts, he owns a 3-6 record, with a bloated 5.77 ERA and unsightly 1.655 WHiP.  His 8.0 K/9 average is at a career low, and he's issuing a full walk more per nine innings over last season.  Most alarming, Harvey owns a 12.1 H/9 average this season.

His last start against the Washington Nationals was particularly disturbing, not because he allowed nine runs (six earned) in only 2.2 innings pitched, but because I watched a pitcher simply going through the motions.

I've watched more strenuous efforts from coaches delivering batting practice.

Winning Cures All

Matt Harvey wants the ball again when the Mets vs. Nationals resumes again this Monday in Washington.  There's ongoing speculation the Mets might withhold him for a start, but that seems unlikely at this point.

After losing 2 of 3 against the Nationals at Citi Field, a proper response is in order.  Nothing short of a series win will satisfy.

This is not last season.  This team has expectations to fulfill.

N.Y. Mets: First Place or Bust Time in May

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

ROOSEVELT AVENUE RUMBLE

Washington Nationals

vs.

New York Mets

FROM

CITI FIELD

Queens, N.Y.

NEW YORK METS: Washington Nationals Upsetting Balance of the Universe!

Despite what you've been reading in the internet tabloids, the previous 37 games were just practice.

Sure, the Nationals jumped out to a 9-1 start, while the Mets initially stumbled out of the block with a 2-5 record.  But what happened in April, stayed in April.

It's now mid-May, and it's all good - the New York Mets are presently in fine position ... and so defense of their National League pennant starts in earnest Tuesday night at Citi Field, when the home plate umpire makes the call to Play Ball against first place Washington.

Nationals    23-15

Mets            21-16

The Nats fell short of a N.L. East flag last season, largely due to their own failings.  That's not to undermine what the Mets accomplished - not at all.  Washington made the mistake of leaving the door open, and the Mets obligingly barged on through.

That's baseball...

This season, the Nationals have so far wrought nothing less of destruction - in the establishment, in the financial market, in the record books, and then to a lesser degree, in the standings,

Bryce Harper is the main headliner for effectively telling Goose Gossage and the rest of MLB, that he's essentially had it up to his threaded eyebrows with Old School nonsense.  It's not the first time he's criticized the establishment, having previously accused MLB many times of killing itself by alienating yet another generation of youngsters with their antiquated code of unwritten rules and protocol.

I do not necessarily disagree with his latter point.  Baseball is indeed in jeopardy of losing a second consecutive generation of potentially passionate fans.  Despite increasing WiFi capabilities at ballparks, they have done little to address an increasing disconnect between players, the game, and the average fan.  Harper believes restricting players' self expression only worsens the matter.

Meanwhile, the new Dusty Baker still utilizes starting pitchers like the old Dusty Baker.

That may or may not be a good thing in terms of the Mets future, considering Scott Boars and Nationals' ownership financially polluted the market for pitchers yet again with Stephen Strasburg's new contract.  Some believe Strasburg's next injury is always just a pitch away.

On that note, Max Scherzer is still throwing no hitters, and very recently tied the MLB record by recording 20 strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers.  He is tentatively slated to start Tuesday's series opener against Noah Syndergaard.

Daniel Murphy Returns to Citi Field

And of course, there's former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy, who is proving last year's post-season offensive heroics were no fluke.  With 140 at-bats in the books to date, Daniel is slashing .400/.433/.629, with 5 home runs and 23 RBI.  You read that right - Oh Murph! is still batting .400 for the season.

Mets fans knew all along Murph could hit.  He was a doubles machine.  But they also knew his OBP would never lay too far ahead of his batting average, and this season is no different.  As for his present rate of slugging versus that during his time with the Mets ... he was a lead player during troublesome rebuilding years.  He was always a solid contributor, but his production could never be enough for those Mets.  Then throw money into the equation, and what you have now is an ex-Mets player who was once widely loved by the fan base.

There's no doubt in my mind Daniel Murphy will receive a very warm, heartfelt, and extended, standing ovation from Mets fans upon his first trip to the plate, only this time as a member of the Washington Nationals.

After which, it's game on!

New Mets second baseman Neil Walker has done much to help fans at least move on from their attachment to Daniel Murphy.  In fact, Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera have done much to make Mets fans forget how defensively inept they were up the middle.  For the most part, the two have been smooth as silk.  Cabrera, specifically, has so far proved all the scouts wrong whom counted him out last year.

The Mets new problems reside at the hot corners.  David Wright is defective and Lucas Duda has been ineffective.  Watching Wright's throws to first base are becoming distressful, if not problematic. Meanwhile, the Big Lebowski's bat has been inconsequential as ever.  His hot streaks are as unpredictable as a mid-western twister.

Then, there's the Mets battery problems.  Catcher Travis d'Arnaud's propensity for injury is just as dismaying today, as it has ever been previously.  On the mound, the Dark Knight is still yet to find his mojo, while Steven Matz is apparently breaking down ... again (although no ligament damage has been found in his elbow).

Oh, and the Mets went 4-7 on their road trip, and are presently losers of 4 in a row.

In other words, just another day in the Citi.

Let the games begin!

N.Y. Mets: The Always Something to Complain About Podcast

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

By close of business Thursday, the Mets had closed within one-half game 

of the first place Washington Nationals.

PODCAST:

Episode #131 The Rising Apple Report: 

Mets Fast Approaching Washington's Doorstep

An interesting show to say the least, with tons of obscure references:

Rich and I were joined by
Gary Mack of MetsMusings.com.

We've been humoring a young caller in recent weeks just to add a newer generation's perspective.  Funny thing is, at times he comes off sounding angrier and more grizzled than us old guys.
This week he inspired me to joyfully make repeated use of the word suck/sucks.
How liberating.

STUFF
The Dark Knight

Matt Harvey : Media :: Tom Seaver : writer Dick Young

Concerns over Travis d'Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki

Duffy Dyer and John Stearns

Somehow I pulled off referencing both Socrates and Ric Flair
in the same mind stream - really.

Wooooo!

Mike Piazza - Mike Vail - Ed Lynch
John Franco vs. Randy Meyers
Larry Bearnarth!
I defy you to recall the last time you heard him mentioned!

Terry Collins, Addison Reed, bowing at the altar of Michael Conforto,
and what to do with Wilmer Flores.

And don't forget, the original plan was bring up Dilson Herrera next year.
Is Neil Walker now altering that plan?

ICYMI

Here's my latest article for Rising Apple, 

as of 4/27/2016

Logan Verrett is Pulling His Weight 

and Earning His Stay

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple