A Metsian Podcast 2020 Season Preview in July Special

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THE NATIONAL PASTIME RETURNS

OPENING DAY IN JULY!?

GUEST 

  Mets Beat Writer 

NEWSDAY'S TIM HEALEY

2020 COVID NEW YORK METS

SEASON PREVIEW

seventy-minutes

Week One Summer Camp Review with Arizona Mets Fan Anna Brice on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

GUEST

Transplanted Jersey Girl in Arizona, 

Mets Fan, and Friend of the Show

ANNA BRICE

seventy-six minutes

COVID Continues Hurling Curveballs and Change-Ups at MLB

Sometimes even the best laid plans go awry.  One week into Summer Camp baseball is finding this out the hard way as coronavirus still rules the day.  Confirmed cases in numerous states continue spiking; a number of players and essential personal have tested positive; while other players are opting out of this season all together.  Meanwhile back in Metsville, Yoenis Cespedes is all the rage, but Robinson Cano is no where to be found.  From the booth Keith Hernandez believes he sees shades of the 1986 Mets in this year's potential line-up.  Is he looking through orange and blue tinted glasses?  Will the team finally be sold?  A Metsian Podcast will cover all this and more in its 61st numbered episode.  Former Jersey girl, huge Mets fan, even bigger Lee Mazzilli fan, current Arizona resident, and friend of the show Anna Brice returns for another session of Metsian banter.

Squeezing Grapefruit League Baseball with Marc of MetsFansUnited on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

For love of Bob Myrick!

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

WITH GUEST

Marc AKA @NoMoreWilpons 

and @MetsFansUnited1

77 minutes

STUFF

Grapefruit League Opening Weekend

Left-Handed Pitching Dilemma

Starters ~ Bullpen 

Three Headed Catcher

JD Davis ~ Dom Smith ~ Brandon Nimmo

Steve Cohen ~ The SNY Cash Cow ~ James Dolan

Jason Bay ~ Lastings Milledge ~ Izzy ~ Jeff Reardon

Dave Cone for Mets HOF?

Happy Birthday Ron Hunt, and so much more!

BONUS OFF-TOPIC TANGENT: 

Yoenis Cespedes vs. Bo Jackson?

Yeah, we went there.

#LGM

Last Chance For Gas On Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Ya Gotta Believe,

But For How Long?

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

FEATURING

Sam and I minus Rich

@THE_SamMaxwell     @BTB_MikeII     @MetFanRich

sixty-eight minutes

STUFF

LAST TWELVE GAMES: ATL; CHI; PHI; WAS

NEXT TEN GAMES: PHI; ARZ; LAD

Pete Alonso ~ Wilson Ramos ~ Michael Conforto ~ Robinson Cano

Edwin Diaz ~ Jeurys Familia ~ Paul Seward

Noah Syndergaard ~ Steven Matz ~ Zack Wheeler

Brooklyn Cyclones ~ Edgardo Alfonzo ~ Jed Lowrie ~ Syracuse Mets

Jerry Koosman ~ Ed Lynch ~ Mickey Callaway

Ya Gotta Believe ~ and so much more!

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: Twelve Games of Resilient Dreck

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

LAST GASP AT THE FLUSHING CORRAL

PHILADELPHIA  ~  ARIZONA  ~  LOS ANGELES

If the last 12 games didn't kill them, perhaps the next stretch of ten will.  The Mets are coming home to Flushing where they'll host a return series against the Phillies.  After which they play a red hot Diamondbacks team that is 3.5 games back of the second wild card and 8-2 over their last ten.  The Mets home-stand concludes with three games against the west leading Dodgers.

To be fair, I'll trend back one month.  The Mets are 15-12 since Monday, Aug. 5, when they regain .500 with a victory over the Miami Marlins.  But the real odyssey begins promptly after sweeping the Cleveland Indians.  Even after Wednesday afternoon's YouTube victory over the Nationals, the Mets are just 4-8 over their last four series against Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington.  These were twelve head to head wild card impacting confrontations I thought would surely define the Mets season.  Throughout this stretch we witness their full repertoire of good, bad, and repulsive play.  Yet they're 4-2 over their last six and still loitering 4.5 games back of the second wild card spot with 23 games left in the season.

Then there's the matter of Tuesday's meltdown.  The Mets are on top of the free world upon arresting a 10-6 lead with five runs in the top of the ninth at Washington.  But Paul Sewald, Luis Avilan, and Edwin Diaz, ponderously give it all back surrendering seven runs in the bottom half of the frame en route to a gut wrenching 11-10 loss.

If we learned anything over these last twelve games is that when the offense is clicking they win convincingly, and when they're not they lose miserably.  Problem is they lay in a coma for six straight games until reanimating at Philadelphia.

THE DIRTY DOZEN

LAST TWELVE GAMES

4-8 (.333)

vs. ATLANTA / CHICAGO

During their six game losing streak against Atlanta and Chicago the Mets hit .224 (49 for 219); with 14 walks; 49 strikeouts; 44  LOB; and .146 (7 for 48) w/RiSP.  They hit seven home runs in six games; only two come with runners on base for ten generated runs.  The Mets average just 2.83 runs per game against the Braves and Cubs.

vs. PHILADELPHIA

Mets win two of three against Philadelphia Phillies hit .293 (29 for 99); with ten walks; 20 strikeouts; 22 LOB; and .333 (20 for 60) w/RiSP.  They hit four home runs; three come with men on base for a net eight generated runs.  The Mets average 6.3 runs per game against the Phillies.

vs. WASHINGTON

Mets win two of three against Washington Nationals hitting .318 (35 for 110); with 14 walks; 21 strikeouts; 19 LOB; and .375 (12 for 32) w/RiSP.  They hit eight home runs; four come with runners on base for a net 13 generated runs.  The Mets average 8.3 runs per game against the Nationals.

• In four wins they hit .426 (49 for 115); with 18 walks; 29 strikeouts; 35 LOB; and .333 (18 for 54) w/RiSP.
• In eight loses they hit .226 (64 for 283); with 20 walks; 61 strikeouts; 50 LOB; and .244 (21 for 86) w/RiSP.
• GRAND TOTAL 12 Games: .264 (113-428); with 38 walks; 90 strikeouts; 85 LOB; and .278 (39 for 140) w/RiSP.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND UGLY ...

The Mets single season home run king continues resetting his own bar.  On Aug. 24 against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field Pete Alonso breaks the Mets franchise record of 41 home runs formerly shared by Todd Hundley and Carlos Beltran.  By close of business Wednesday he is up to 45 home runs and counting.  Alonso has played in all but two of the Mets 139 games to date, and is presently slashing .268/.368/.591/.959, with 27 doubles, 45 home runs, and 105 runs batted in (or net 60 RBI minus home runs).  He likewise has smashed any and all Mets and MLB rookie related home run milestones in record setting time.  In fact, exactly a month ago is when he hit the first of four home runs in as many games against the Marlins and Nationals.  More than half of his 136 hits have been for extra-bases and 60% of those have gone for home runs.

Wilson Ramos' 26-game hitting streak comes to an end Wednesday afternoon at Washington.  The streak begins on Aug. 3 at Pittsburgh where Ramos goes 4 for 5 with a double, home run, and six runs batted in.  He twice extends his streak as a pinch-hitter.  During the streak he bats .430 (43 for 100) with seven doubles, three home runs, and 18 runs batted in.  For the season Wilson Ramos is slashing .295/.357/.424/.781, with 28 extra-base hits and 67 runs batted in (or net 54 RBI minus home runs which is only six less than Alonso in 92 less at-bats).

Steven Matz is 3-1 with a no decision in his last five starts with a 2.10 ERA and 1.26 WHiP, allowing just seven walks and fanning 31 through 30 innings pitched.  He has averaged 24 batters faced over six innings per start, and lowered his ERA 0.54 points over that time down to a more respectable 4.04 mark.

Michael Conforto hit his career tying 28th home run of the season on Aug. 30 at Philadelphia.  Over these crucial last 12 games he batted .276 (13 for 47), with three doubles, one home run, and four runs batted in.  In eight of those game and batted .182 (2 for 11) with RiSP.

Through the course of 55 games Jeurys Familia's ERA (5.96) has yet to dip below five all season.  He has so far yielded 49 hits and 41 walks through 49 innings pitched.  After a legitimately effective month of August, Familia in his two most recent appearances has yielded five earned runs on four hits and four walks in just 1.2 innings pitched.  On Wednesday the Mets were able to survive Familia, but Tuesday not so much.

New York Mets Bats Shy Away From National Spotlight

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

JEKYLL AND HYDE OFFENSE STRIKES AGAIN

Mets win series w/ Phillies 2-1

I - NYM 11; PHI 5

II - NYM 6; PHI 3

III - PHI 5; NYM 2

Fresh off Sunday night's ESPN prime time loss at Philadelphia, the Mets are 2-7 since sweeping the Cleveland Indians.  And now a whole nation knows it.

They're back at two games above .500, and from one moment to the next give the impression of a team either in the midst of something amazin' or a sputtering club running out of steam.  Tough to decipher; teams straddling .500 have a tendency of doing that.  That's the nature of mediocrity and hovering just above par.  And there's the rub: the Mets  players whom wield bats for a living have yet to distinguish themselves.  They continue squandering valuable opportunities sometimes seemingly without so much as a fight, instead appearing content to just fade away quietly into the night.

Like Sunday evening at Philadelphia ...

Sure we can wrangle over relievers Daniel Zamora and Jeurys Familia.  Zamora yields a lead-off hit to Bryce Harper in the bottom of the eighth.  Familia is then summoned from the bullpen and promptly walks Rhys Hoskins.  Both base runners advance on Brad Miller's sac-fly to center (and Brandon Nimmo's bad decision on the throw).  Second baseman Cesar Hernandez is intentionally walked loading the bases.  After which Familia surrenders a bases clearing double to left/center by shortstop Scott Kingery.

Game!

Of course this ruins an otherwise effective performance from Marcus Stroman.  He surrenders just two earned runs on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings.  Marcus faces 26 batters, throwing 98 pitches with 65 (66%) going for strikes. But he does not factor in the decision ... because the Mets offense is bi-polar.  Not to be confused with polar bears.

But truth be told, the Mets have been getting effective pitching ever since returning from the all-star break. Which is why I elect to keep my full focus on what has become a dysfunctional offense.  The Mets in game three against Philly post some very familiar offensive numbers that hearken back to their six game losing streak: just two runs on 4 for 19 (.138); another home run with no runners on base; and going another 0 for 3 with RiSP.

In their last seven losses the Mets are now 53 for 248 (.214), with 17 walks, and 54 strikeouts.  They're up to 48 runners LOB, and after Sunday are now 7 for 51 (.137) w/RiSP.

Compare that against their lone two victories (against the Phillies) in their last nine games.

• Game One: 12 for 39 (.308); four walks, nine strikeouts; six LOB; 4 for 10 (.400) w/RiSP; three home runs with five runners on base.
• Game Two: 13 for 41 (.317); three walks; six strikeouts; twelve LOB; 6 for 20 (.300) w/RiSP.

• TOTALS: 25 for 80 (.312), seven walks; 15 strikeouts; 18 LOB; 10 for 30 (.333) w/RiSP

So what's it gonna be?  Will the real Mets please stand up?  I sense we already know the answers to these questions.

NEXT

New York Mets @ Washington Nationals

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: Prime Time Wonders or Blunders

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SEPTEMBER MORN

69-66 (.511)

GAME THREE

New York Mets (2-0)

vs.

Philadelphia Phillies (0-2)

FROM

Pinball Bank Stadium

You asked for it; you got it; meaningful games in September!

Fred's wish come true ...

Many said it couldn't be done. Yet here they are, albeit barely alive, but feeling wild as ever with 27 games left to play in the 2019 regular season.  Even ESPN thinks there's something going on.

Or not.

The Nationals lead the wild card race over Chicago by 3.5 games.  The Cubs in turn are presently 3.5 games ahead of both the Phillies and Diamondbacks for the second wild card.  And then come the Brewers and Mets four games back of Chicago.  Right after getting swept by the Braves is when I said (podcast) the next twelve games would decide the Mets season.  After which they promptly got swept by the Cubs.  Nothing really changes, the Mets must still visit Washington then host a return series against Philadelphia which will clarify much.  However that upcoming four game series against Arizona at Citi Field suddenly looms large.

After two straight wins the Mets are poised to sweep the Phillies Sunday night at Pinball Bank Stadium.  They've accomplished in these last two games what they could not in their previous six games against Atlanta and Chicago: being productive at the plate.

vs. Phillies

• Game One: 12 for 39 (.308); four walks, nine strikeouts; six LOB; 4 for 10 (.400) w/RiSP; three home runs with five runners on base.
• Game Two: 13 for 41 (.317); three walks; six strikeouts; twelve LOB; 6 for 20 (.300) w/RiSP.

During their six game losing streak against Atlanta and Chicago the Mets go 49 for 219 (.224) at the plate, with 14 walks, and 49 strikeouts.  They leave 44 runners on base, and go 7 for 48 (.146) with runners in scoring position.  They hit seven home runs over the six games but only two come with runners on base for a net ten runs.  As a result they average just 2.83 runs per game against the Braves and Cubs.  On Friday they hit three home runs at Philadelphia with all coming with runners on base for a net eight runs.  After two games they are averaging 8.5 runs a game against the Phillies.

Go figure ...

MORE FUN WITH NUMBERS

• Michael Conforto: 125 games; slashing .264/.367/.503/.870, with 24 doubles, 28 home runs, and 80 runs batted in.  On Saturday Conforto is 2 for 3 w/RiSP.
• Bryce Harper: 130 games; slashing .257/.373/.503/.876, with 32 doubles, 29 home runs, and 97 runs batted in.  On Saturday Harper is 0 for 2 w/RiSP.

• On Saturday Wilson Ramos goes 4 for 5 with a double, two runs scored, and one run batted in.  He extends his hitting streak to 24-games.

#LFGM

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: 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.

N.Y. Mets: Unrepentant Jason Vargas Traded for Double-A Catcher

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Mets trade Jason Vargas to Phillies 

in exchange for minor league catcher Austin Bossart

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 ...

N.Y. Mets: A Buffalo Sized Problem Behind Home Plate

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

California Snoozing

Catcher Wilson Ramos is putting his full repertoire of deficiencies on full display this weekend at San Francisco.  Had he been playing in the sweltering heat presently roasting New York City, I'd perhaps be fractionally more empathetic towards his plight.  After all he carries a big frame on deteriorating knees.  But while playing in the oddly cool July weather of San Francisco Bay I'll entertain no excuse.

Two plays in particular highlight what is to date four month's worth of deteriorating skills, remarkable indifference, or just plain old ineptitude - pick your poison.  There is the tenth inning of Friday's game in which he fails to properly align himself for an inbound relay throw from left fielder Dom Smith and Todd Frazier from third.  Dom Smith's initial error not withstanding, being out of position to receive an otherwise accurate throw from Frazier turns out being the final act of the game.  During Saturday's affair he offers what has become a habitually lazy backhand stab at pitches out of the strike zone.  This latest infraction occurred on a fastball low and away.  I watched that play three times (via magic of the rewind button) and came away convinced Ramos was trying to get out of the way!  Just remember jest is embedded with little grains of truth.

With nine passed balls through 89 games played, he is now one away from tying his career high of ten set during the 2016 season.  His five fielding errors are likewise just three away from his career high of eight set during the 2013 season.  His -6 DRS (according to Fangraphs) is presently a career low.  Moreover his rate of caught stealing registers at an embarrassing 14% which is barely half of the National League (27%) average.  In fact, there so far have been 62 stolen bases on his watch - easily the highest number of his career.  The Mets are 98 games into the season with 64 left to play.  With the dog days of summer dead ahead, dare I ponder what lies ahead.

In the meantime Brodie's free agent acquisition is proving himself to be a non-conducive element towards any potential team success.  Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Jason Vargas have all intimated their preference for Tomas Nido behind the plate.  Said another way, the Mets have battery issues.  He turns 32-years old in 20 more days, and is priced reasonably well for next season at $10 million (with a club option in 2021).  Yet as the trade deadline approaches reports indicate there's nary a team in sight expressing interest in his services.

I wonder why.

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

John of MetsDaddy.com

Taryn, aGalForAllSeasons.com aka THE COOP

John aka Metstradamus of theSportsDaily.com

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!

N.Y. Mets: When Trade Deadline Strategy Meets Myth

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

One of two scenarios must first play out before the Mets make any decisions regarding this month's upcoming trade deadline.

1. They either continue playing subpar ball and end up pitching a tent at the sellers market.  
2. Or via some dramatic turnaround creep a few games above .500 and potentially become buyers.  

However, the likelihood of the latter occurring is slim to none.  They are now 13 games out of first, and way behind the Wild Card pack.  In fact, the Mets now own the National League's second worst record to date, only 5.5 games better than the moribund Marlins.  With Friday's 2-7 loss against the Phillies the Mets fall ten games under .500 (39-49) for the season.  They need to post a 14-4 (.778) record over their next 18 games in order to wake up on trade deadline day with a par 53-53 record.

Good luck with that ...

In the meantime, nothing changes.  The Mets are 2-8 over their last ten.  They are faced with their 42nd save opportunity Friday evening against the Phillies, and for the 22nd time this season blow it up like a Grucci fireworks show.  SNY booth said Mets relievers have now yielded 35 earned runs over their last 35 innings pitched.  So far they've handed the ball to 24 different relievers this season.  And therein lies the biggest reasons why the Mets find themselves toiling in the second division.

The question which begs asking: is the New York Mets 2019 season salvageable?  If they stop blowing more than half their saves, maybe.  Otherwise, my answer is an emphatic no.  This is a poorly constructed roster and the results bear this out.

Wilson Ramos, defensively speaking, is proving a liability behind the plate.  It's mid-season and Mets pitchers are lobbying in favor of Tomas Nido.  Second base is an issue because of among other things Robinson Cano's lack of production, and because an unproductive Cano prevents Jeff McNeil from settling into a regular position.  For what ever reason the position of shortstop presents Amed Rosario more problems than a math book.  The club may need to rethink Rosario all together.  Shifting him to center field is not the answer; in fact it strikes me as downright stupid.  In defense of the Mets, they could never have anticipated this level of MLB grade incompetency.  However, third base is an intriguing situation.  As @MetsDaddy2013 points out on our recent podcast due to Todd Frazier's expiring contract Cano can shift over to third providing McNeil well deserved regularity at second.

Like Keon Broxton and Rajai Davis, Carlos Gomez is the most recent outfield reinforcement to don a Mets uniform and fail.  Now Brodie Vann Wagenen seems to think Aaron Altherr, claimed off waivers in May from the San Francisco Giants, is the next potential stepping stone towards Amazin' days ahead.  In the meantime, Brandon Nimmo remains unavailable, and Juan Lagares has gone missing.

What the Mets do have going for them is Michael Conforto, whom is arguably underachieving; they have a dynamic tandem of Jeff McNeil and Pete Alonso; and a reinvested Dom Smith whom is hitting and fielding a new position with commendable efficiency.  And after Jacob deGrom the Mets feature a starting rotation of pitchers whom have yet to distinguish themselves.

The next question which begs asking is do the Mets have the organizational temerity to sell off popular assets?

Brodie Van Wagenen's options are three:

• Blow it up.
• Status quo.
• Enhance the team.

If he blows it up, he's admitting to a failed and false narrative.  Outside of playing the old player three-card-monte, the only practical way of enhancing the team involves extracting money from the Wilpons which recent history says is highly unlikely.  That leaves us with status quo.

N.Y. Mets: No Fielding, No Pitching, No Dice

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Come Get Us!

Come get the fourth best team in the N.L. East!  Because for all Brodie Van Wagenen's maneuverings that's exactly what the Mets are.  As the summer solstice nears the Mets are closer to last place than first.  The all encompassing question is why?  We know the reasons are myriad, convoluted, and in certain instances uncommonly depressing.  Allow me then to merely scratch the surface with mention of three of the more glaring inefficiencies afflicting the 2019 Mets.


I - FIELDING

• Despite handling the National League's sixth least total chances, the Mets easily lead the circuit with 54 errors.  As such they rank last in fielding percentage (.980) and second to last (.678) in defensive efficiency ratio.
• Meanwhile base runners run circles around them.  The Mets allow the most stolen bases.  Opposing base runners are successful 86% of the time.  In turn they throw out the fourth least base runners.  Wilson Ramos has thrown out just eight would be base thieves versus 54 successful attempts for a rate of 13% which is less than half than league average (27.5%).  Tomas Nido is 0 for 5 in stolen base attempts.  However equal blame falls on the starting pitchers for their woeful inability to hold runners.
• Wilson Ramos has also allowed the second most passed balls (7), and is now just three away from his career high of ten.  Ramos (4) and Nido (2) account for six errors.  Pete Alonso (5) is tied for second most errors among first basemen.  Amed Rosario (11) is tied for most errors among shortstops.  Todd Frazier (6) and J.D. Davis (4) have combined on ten errors which ties Atlanta's Josh Donaldson (10) for most errors at third base.  That's four infield positions accounting for 59.2% of Mets errors.
• To a lesser extent the outfield has only seven errors to speak of spread among five players.  Three different players have joined for seven errors at second base; Robinson Cano has committed four.

II - PITCHING

As a team Mets pitchers have thrown the second most pitches in the National League and the seventh most in baseball.  They own the National League's third worst ERA (4.67), yield the fourth most hits (656), and own the fifth worst WHiP (1.36).  Slash wise, the Mets .256 average against is fourth worst/.326 OBP sixth worst/.433 slugging sixth worst/.760 opposing OPS fifth worst.

 A) THE BULLPEN

Twenty different pitchers have manned the Mets bullpen this season.  Collectively, they've thrown roughly 252 innings - which roughly accounts for 38% of all Mets innings pitched - in which they've yielded 155 runs for a 5.53 ERA.  Of the five relief pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched only Seth Lugo owns an ERA below three.

• Jeurys Familia - 27.2 inn; 7.81 ERA.
• Drew Gagnon - 20 inn; 7.65 ERA.
• Robert Gsellman - 39.1 inn; 4.81 ERA.
• Edwin Diaz - 28.2 inn; 3.77 ERA.
• Seth Lugo - 34.1 inn; 2.36 ERA.
• Wilmer Font and the Fearful Fourteen account for 102.2 innings and a 7.22 ERA.

• The Mets have had the third most (33) save opportunities but only converted 17 for tenth most.  Said another way they're blowing 49.5% of their save opportunities.

 B) THE STARTERS

On the positive side, the starting rotation has stayed relatively injury free.  Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, and Jason Vargas, have combined to start 70 of the Mets 74 games to date.  Prior to Thursday's (terrible) start by Walter Lockett, only Justin Wilson and Wilmer Font were asked to make four spot starts.
Although Jacob deGrom hasn't necessarily picked up where he left off last year he's pitching very well nonetheless.  He seems to be battling himself more than anything, and throughout the season has appeared noticeably angry be it with himself or otherwise.  He is still the staff ace ace and the rotation stabilizer.  No issues here. 

Jason Vargas is easily the surprise performer of the season if not the Mets second best starter to date.  And there's the rub.  How is it that he should be outperforming Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, and Steven Matz?  Yet, he is doing just that with a 3.74 ERA through 12 appearances and 11 starts and a rotation best .240 batting average against. 

It's a good thing, too.  The Mets are still a team built around starting pitching.  And so far three of their top four starters have yet to fulfill expectations.

• Noah Syndergaard indeed possesses the talents of a Nordic god.  That's what makes him and his 4.55 ERA so damn frustrating.  The man lacks refinement, or more to the point, craftsmanship.  Instead, he continually looks to lower the hammer.  With 98-mph fastballs more a norm throughout baseball and no longer the exception, where then is the novelty of velocity without deception and effective situational application?  He's not fooling anyone.  Despite 93 strikeouts, he's allowed 91 hits (8.6 H/9) and eleven home runs through 95 innings.  The opposition is slashing .253/.304/.398/.703 against him.  He also leads the staff with 15 stolen bases against him.  Pencil him onto the list of team underachievers.

• Zack Wheeler is not having the type of walk season I nor perhaps he anticipated.  With health finally on his side, I predicted a great season ahead.  Through 15 starts and 94.2 innings pitched, Zack Wheeler's ERA this season has yet to dip below three.  He presently sports a staff high 4.94 ERA having yielded 14 home runs to date.  He has surrendered two home runs in a game five times.  The first time occurred in April.  The last four times have come in his last six starts.  Like Syndergaard, Wheeler isn't fooling anyone.  He is allowing more hits than innings pitched.  As such he has allowed a league high 52 earned runs.  Back in spring training Wheeler took a hard line against the Mets indicating his desire to test free agency and that his price would be firm.  The Mets publicly said they were willing to let the season play itself out and revisit the situation then.  There is much to appreciate about Zack Wheeler which will potentially make him the Mets main trading chip come deadline time ... or not.

• Steven Matz biggest problem remains between his ears.  It's all mental with this guy.  His lack of composure jumps out like a jack-in-the box.  His long ball woes are even greater than that of Wheeler's.  Matz who on average has 20 less innings pitched than Syndergaard, deGrom, and Wheeler, has surrendered a staff high 15 home runs in just 73 innings.  Matz likewise has yielded more hits than innings pitched.  After 14 starts he owns a 4.28 ERA with a rotation high 1.37 WHiP.

All this being said, Dave Eiland was relieved as pitching coach on Thursday.  Phil Regan now takes over while Rickey Bones returns for a second stint as bullpen coach.  That's fine and well, but what the Mets need is talent.  Brodie Van Wagenen can shuttle this present collection of pitchers back and forth between Syracuse and Flushing all he wants.  But nothing will change until he imports higher quality talent.  That in turn (like most things Mets) entails a discussion reserved for a future post  involving the team's COO.


III - POTHOLES and PITFALLS

The Mets are presently on an 11-game road trip.  They've already dropped two of three at Atlanta, and lost Thursday's series opener against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.  That drops their road record to 15-26 (.365) on the season.  They're also 12-13 in one run games.  Like kryptonite, the N.L. Central continues having a crippling effect on the Mets.  This has been going a few years now.  While the Mets own a 19-15 record against their division opponents, they are 5-13 against N.L. Central likes of the Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, and Cubs.  They're 7-9 against the N.L. West.

Of course this is merely the beginning.  The Mets have more problems than a math book.  For now, these are just some of the reasons why I believe the Mets presently find themselves five games under .500 through their first 75 games of the season.  My next round of reasons will include position players, Mickey Callaway, Brodie Van Wagenen, and you guessed it ... the Wilpons.  After which I'll delve into possible remedies for this sickness we call Mets baseball.

Stay tuned ...

#LGM

N.Y. Mets: No Place Like Home and in First Place

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

THEY'RE COMING HOME

Mets sweep series vs. Marlins

I - NYM 7; MIA 3

II - NYM 6; MIA 5

III - NYM 6; MIA 1

New York Mets: An Opening Day Hero's Welcome Awaits the Boys of Flushing.

Pay attention.  As I like to say, greatness is fleeting.

Jacob deGrom earned his second victory.  He's already a fifth of the way towards matching last year's win total.  In the meantime, the reigning Cy Young award winner is merely picking up where he left off.  In his final start of the 2018 season, deGrom tossed eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball, with ten strikeouts.  So far this season he has yet to yield a run through 13 innings pitched, allowing just seven hits and two walks, while authoring back-to-back games of double-digit strikeouts.  He fanned 14 Miami Marlins on Wednesday, giving him 24 for the season.

Just for kicks, deGrom connected on his first home run of the season in the third inning; a bomb launched deep into the right field seats.  It was a swing of beauty to behold.

With Wednesday's victory, the Mets wrap up their season opening road trip with a 5-1 record, having taken two of three from the Washington Nationals and sweeping the Miami Marlins.

Next stop: Opening Day at Flushing by the Bay, where a hero's welcome surely awaits deGrom and the National League leading New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday afternoon.

After making his major league debut, getting his first MLB hit, and connecting on his first MLB home run all on the road, Mets fans will finally get to greet their touted rookie "the Polar Bear" Pete Alonso.  The 24-year old package of TNT has done nothing but rake.  Management wise, slotting Pete in the two hole provides him with superior lineup protection.  The more Brandon Nimmo gets on base at a proficient rate, the less likely teams will pitch around Alonso while hitting ahead of Robinson Cano, Michael Conforto, and Wilson Ramos.  On Wednesday, he went 2 for 4, with a double and RBI.

Just for fun ...

• Alonso's first six games: 9 for 22 (409/.458/.727/1.186); four doubles; one home run; seven RBI; earning major league minimum.
• Bryce Harper's five games: 8 for 16 (.500/.652/1.188/1.840); two doubles; three home runs; five RBI; signed for $330 million over the next 13 years.

Not so fun ... the bullpen.

Along with Mickey Callaway's maneuverings, the bullpen is quickly gaining attention for the wrong reasons.  While Edwin Diaz holds up his end of the bargain with three saves through four appearances, the bullpen as a group owns a .500 ERA and 1.611 WHiP based on nine earned runs on 22 hits and seven walks through 18 innings pitched.  The main culprits being Luis Avilan; Justin Wilson; Robert Gsellman; and Seth Lugo.  The latter two obviously inspire the most concern.

In the meantime, starting pitching and offense are carrying the day.  Through the first six games, the Mets are averaging 6.1 runs on 10.1 hits and three walks per game.  They're third in the National League in hits, fourth in team batting, and sixth on OBP.  They're also fourth in runs scored, yet are 11th in home runs having hit just four.  All of which I believe validate hitting coach Chilli Davis who emphasizes situational hitting, and slashing to all fields.

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.

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.