N.Y. Islanders: Playing From Behind Becoming a Trend

 From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Series tied 2-2

I - NYI 5; FLA 4

II - FLA 3; NYI 1

III - NYI 4; FLA 3*

IV - FLA 2; NYI 1

*OVERTIME

New York Islanders: Putting the "Flat" in Flatbush ... Panthers looked quicker; send series back to Florida tied at two.

It's the ones you never see coming - like the Panthers' Alex Petrovic.

But Florida created that problem for the Islanders.  The Panthers have Flatbush heads turning on a swivel.  They're skating and moving the puck more quickly than are the Isles, and do not seem much intimidated by them either.

GAME FOUR FINAL

Panthers   2

Islanders   1

The Islanders were sluggish out of the gate in Game Four, with only 5 shots on goal through the opening period.

In the second session, mistakes cost each team.  The Panthers struck first, converting Matt Martin's tripping infraction into a 1-0 lead.  Then at the taboo 19:04 mark, Florida got whistled for an untimely tripping penalty.  John Tavares made them pay at 19:44 with his third goal of the series.

When opportunity came Petrovic's way near the blue line, he responded with the tie breaking goal at 9:25 of the third period.  He only scored two goals in 66 games this season, but he's sending this series back to Sunrise, Florida, tied at two nonetheless.

#Trending

• The Islanders and Panthers have played 12 regulation periods.  The Isles have been shut out in half of them.  The Panthers have been shut out just twice.

• The Isles have yielded the first goal in each of the four games played.  Moreover, Florida has scored the opening goal within the first five minutes of the game three times this series.

• The Isles scored three game tying goals in Game One, and another in Game Four.  They only have one go-ahead goal, scored back in Game One.

• In each of the Isles two losses, they were limited to just one goal.

N.Y. Rangers: I find their lack of shots disturbing

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

Home Ice Advantage Melts Away After Game Three Loss

Penguins lead series 2-1

I - PITT 5; NYR 2

II - NYR 4; PITT 2

III - PITT 3; NYR 1

IV- THURSDAY

NEW YORK RANGERS: Blueshirt fans have little respect for Marc Andre-Fleury to begin with ... but this inability to put shots on net against second and third string goalies is ponderous!

After going with third string goalie Jeff Zatkoff in games One and Two, the Penguins turned back to second stringer Matt Murray for Game Three at the Garden.

The Penguins and Rangers have now utilized two goalies each.

• PITT has thus far faced 82 shots on goal, made 75 saves, with 7 goals allowed.
• NYR have thus far faced 91 shots on goal, made 83 saves, with 8 goals allowed.

Do the math.

After a scoreless opening period (video review negated a Chris Kreider goal), the 2nd session started out promisingly for the Rangers when the ghost Rick Nash scored a rare playoff goal in the opening minute.

In truth, however, the Pens could have started a circus bear in net, and it would not have mattered.   The Rangers mustered little to nothing in the way of offensive threats, registering just 17 shots on goal all game, and just four in the final period.

Four...

They should have spent all of Wednesday feeling embarrassed about themselves.

After Game Three, Derek Stepan blamed (his word) stubbornness for their offensive malaise, which is a word I've been using to characterize Alain Vigneault for three seasons now.  But where my usage stems from Coach's reluctance to play Dylan McIlrath (whom was a healthy scratch.. again), and his "turn the other cheek" mentality, Stepan was referring to their failure in changing strategy against Pittsburgh's neutral zone play.

Continual stick handling into a brick wall was indeed stubborn of them - but, pretty is as pretty does.   Unfortunately, dump and chase hockey remained a foreign concept.

Moving on, penalties have been a decisive factor.  The Rangers are a mere 1 for 12 on the man advantage, meanwhile, have allowed Pittsburgh 4 goals in 13 opportunities - one in each game played and a pair in Game Three.

N.Y. Islanders: Boisterous Barclays Crowd Celebrates Historic O.T. Victory

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

The First Ever NHL Playoff Game in Brooklyn

was an O.T. Thriller!

Islanders lead series 2-1

I - NYI 5; FLA 4

II - FLA 3; NYI 1

III - NYI 4; FLA 3*

IV- WEDNESDAY

*O.T.

GAME FOUR

Florida Panthers

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

Flatbush Avenue

BROOKLYN

New York Islanders: Smells Like Team Spirit...

Chalk one up for Garth Snow ... whom was slighted last off-season for not having more prospects at the team's disposal.  His detractors argued Brock Nelson alone does not a youth injection make.

The Isles then proceeded to post their second straight 100 point season.

Just saying...

Now all of a sudden his 2013 draft choices are the latest rage.  That's when he selected defenseman Ryan Pulock with the 15th overall pick of the 1st round, and center Alan Quine in the 15th round.   This season he additionally brought in Ottawa's former 2011 2nd round selection, 23-year old center, and native New Yorker, Shane Prince.  None hadn't even appeared on the Islanders radar until late February.

But just like that, the Islanders had youth running wild in Barclays Center - but not before the Panthers took a crowd demoralizing 2-0 lead, scoring goals within the opening minutes of both the 1st and 2nd periods.

The three novices nevertheless helped keep the Islanders within striking distance of the Panthers until late in the 2nd period when the top line of Tavares-Nielsen-Okposo finally took over.

At 5:21, Ryan Pulock converted a power play to make it a 2-1 game.  However, the Isles sustained another punch in the gut when Florida scored just two short minutes later.  They regrouped, and just beyond the midway point Shane Prince cashed in a Pulock feed making it a 3-2 game.

Then at 16:12 of the 2nd, Florida got whistled for a rarely called clipping penalty.  Within a minute of the infraction Frans Nielsen netted the game tying goal off feeds from John Tavares and Kyle Okposo,

... and making the Flatbush Avenue Ice House rock like a Teen Spirit video.

However, the best for Barclays was yet to come, as they were additionally treated to their first ever playoff overtime.  The outcome officially became a thriller at the 12:31 mark when Thomas Hickey scored on assists from Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey, capping off a youth inspired comeback, and an important Game Three victory.

In the meantime, Flatbush Avenue roared.  Shortly thereafter they were having their performance commended by the players.  Both continue venturing into uncharted territory together Wednesday night in Game Four at Barclays Center.

• Suffice it to say, Brooklyn's historic first ever NHL Stanley Cup playoff game was a hit.  The place was packed to 99% capacity - obstructed seats and all.

• The Isles have solid efforts on the penalty kill to thank for their 2-1 series edge, after fending off 6 of 7 power plays through three games.  Their own power play was clicking, scoring two goals in Game Three, and going 3 for 9 to date.

• The Panthers and Islanders have now scored 10 goals apiece.  Through three games, Thomas Greiss, 30 years old, has so far faced 115 shots, made 106 saves, with 9 goals allowed for a .922 Sv% and a 2.83 GAA.

• The Islanders were correct to wear their traditional uniforms for Game Three.  The question is will they don their alternate Brooklyn black uniform for Game Four?

The Other Ghosts of Flatbush: Brooklyn Americans Hockey Club

As part of their celebrating the New York Islanders inaugural season in the Borough, the Brooklyn Historical Society recently concluded a Winter long exhibit featuring the former NHL Brooklyn Americans Hockey Club.

The New York Americans were established in 1924, two full seasons before Tex's Rangers laced up their first pair of skates.  Although both teams played in the same building (old Madison Square Garden), competitively speaking, by 1941-1942 they were leagues apart.

Ownership attempted to gain a foothold in Brooklyn, and played as such during the 1941-1942 season.  However, the outbreak of WWII (particularly Canada's initial participation) took a heavy toll on their roster which necessitated the Americans to suspend operations the following season.  When ownership applied for reinstatement in 1946, the NHL denied them in favor of retaining a balanced six team circuit, but more precisely, because the junior member Rangers claimed eminent domain.

Under head coach Art Chapman, the 1941-1942 Brooklyn Americans placed last with a 16-29-3 record in a seven team circuit.  The New York Rangers finished first in the standings, but it was the Toronto Maple Leafs whom captured the Stanley Cup that season.

British born defenseman and Brooklyn All-Star Tommy Anderson was Team Captain.  He led the Amerks with 41 points and won the 1941-1942 Hart Trophy.

Left winger Norm Larson led the team with 16 goals.

After appearing in 12 games as a rookie (1940-1941) with the New York Americans, goalie Chuck Rayner played his first full NHL season for Brooklyn.  When the team suspended operations, he went on to enjoy an eight year stint with the New York Rangers, for which he was elected to Hockey's Hall of Fame in 1973.

In truth, owner Red Dutton only moved team practice to the old Ice Palace on Eastern Parkway, and merely re-branded them as Brooklyn.  The Americans, however, continued playing their home games as tenants at Madison Square Garden.

They made a total of five playoff appearances while branded as New York.

In their last ever home game, the Brooklyn Americans defeated the eventual Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs by a 6-3 final score.  The last game in the New York/Brooklyn Americans 17-year history came two days later on March 17, 1942, in which they lost 8-3 to the Bruins in Boston.

N.Y. Islanders: Flatbush Ave Braces for Brooklyn's First Ever Stanley Cup Playoff

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Series tied 1-1

I - NYI 5; FLA 4

II - FLA 3; NYI 1

III - SUNDAY

GAME THREE

Florida Panthers

vs.

New York Islanders

FROM

Barclays Center

BROOKLYN

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: A bit of thanks for the team which brought NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs to Brooklyn...

For one season (1941-1942) the old New York Americans moved to Brooklyn.  World War II canceled their second season and essentially caused them to suspended team operations, but not without a promise from the league they'd be allowed reinstatement.  When ownership reapplied in 1946 after the war, the New York Rangers blocked them, thus ending NHL hockey in Brooklyn.

After a 73 year adjournment, the Islanders bring the first ever NHL Stanley Cup playoff game and series to Kings County.

A quest that started back in 1985 after winning four consecutive championships in Uniondale, the Islanders' Drive for Five resumes tonight, only this time along Flatbush Avenue.

The Other Ghosts of Flatbush: Brooklyn Americans Hockey Club

ICYMI

N.Y. Islanders: Five For Flatbush

If the Islanders want to get by the Panthers, 

they must slow them down!

This is a team that posted back-to-back 100 point seasons.

Don't get me wrong, the Islanders can skate along side Father Time Jaromir Jagr, and his young band of Florida sunshine.  Game Two may have been just one of those things ... after all, they peppered 37-year old Robert Luongo with 42 shots.

The Isles, however, have been playing without their own starting goalie, Jaroslav Halak.  Backup Thomas Greiss has been in net the first two games.  Since Jaroslav last played on March 8, Greiss started 11 of the Isles final 18 games, in which he posted a 4-7 record.  The Isles were outscored in those games 34-29 (including the decisive goal in shoot-outs).  Greiss' worst moment to date may have come on March 25, when the Isles fell to Tampa by a 7-4 margin.  He faced 41 shots that evening, allowing 6 goals.  In the 3rd period, he allowed a pair of even strength goals within 23 seconds of each other, and three goals overall.

After two games in Florida, the Islanders have been outscored by a slim 7-6 margin.  That's too close for comfort, and something the Islanders' forward lines must change - not necessarily Greiss, or any potential return of Halak.

That said, defensive issues have long been a point of contention for Coach Capuano and the Isles.   Look no further than Game One, when five goals barely held up.

John Tavares brought the Islanders to within a goal of Florida at the 16:27 mark of the 3rd in Game Two.  The Isles nevertheless fell short, with the emphasis being Tavares (and his line) can not carry the Islanders by himself - he/they can, but he can't ... not in the playoffs ... and not with this kind of depth.

Quick item - Brock Nelson must continue being a leading scorer for the team.

Otherwise, the Islanders strength is their depth of forward lines, from the first to their fourth units, and their overall physicality.

Lean on that.  Lean on them.  Grind the Panthers down to a crawl.  The Islanders let the Panthers skate around a bit too much in Game Two and paid a price.  Said another way, it's time to make wall paste art out of Panthers jerseys along the side boards of Barclays Center.

That falls on all four lines, but, particularly the fourth.

An early goal and big hits will go a long way towards educating an only somewhat newer Brooklyn fan base in playoff hockey etiquette, and what is expected of them tonight at Barclays Center.

To all you Long Islanders coming into Brooklyn aboard the LIRR, I hope this playoff run makes all your efforts worth while,

.....for as long as it doesn't come at the expense of Tex's Rangers - whom are incorrectly referred to as an Original Six member.  The Americans came first and got screwed.

Just saying...

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Brooklyn is in the house.

N.Y. Rangers: New York, New York, a desperate hockey town...

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

In Henrik We Fret

NEW YORK RANGERS: Henrik Lundqvist received an inadvertent stick to the eye because the Blueshirts did not, and do not, clear the crease well.

Clear out the traffic, and Henrik never gets Marc Staal's stick to the eye.  This goes hand in hand with allowing Pittsburgh to administer Lundqvist a snow shower.  It's not like we can suit up Henrik with even more equipment and pads, so the Rangers' defense had better come up with a better plan for protecting their liege.

NYR: Here We Go Again - Round One 

On that note, Alain Vigneault had defenseman Brady Skjei lace up the skates.  The man is 6'3" and listed at 215 lbs., which is fine, aside from the fact he only participated in 7 regular season games. Meanwhile, Dylan McIlrath is 6'5" and listed at 230 lbs, and played in 34 regular season games.

My question, then, is - if you were head coach, which of the two would you have started to open the playoffs?

Personally, Brady Skjei was never a consideration for me.

Alain Vigneault's aversion to Dylan McIlrath continues.

2015-2016

Stanley Cup Playoffs

GAME ONE FINAL

Rangers     2

Penguins   5

Henrik Lundqvist exited Game One after the 1st period, and is doubtful for Game Two due to swelling around his eye.  Otherwise, Henrik and the Rangers say there is no damage/injury to speak of.

The Rangers, however, were already down 1-0 when Antti Raanta took over.  Sidney Crosby then made things look too easy in giving the Pens a 2-0 lead in the 2nd.  Both Pittsburgh goals were of the taboo variety - meaning they were both scored within the final two minutes of the period.

Despite Derek Stepan's best efforts, things naturally got worse for Tex's Rangers in the 3rd.

Question #2 - What's the only type of goal worse than one scored within the last two minutes of a period?

Bingo! A short handed goal!  Scored by none other than Tom Kuhnhackl ...

Who?

It doesn't matter ... Patric Hornqvist continued turning the rest of the 3rd period into his personal showcase anyway, netting the game's first goal, then completing a hat trick with two more goals in the 3rd.

Jackie Robinson Day 2016

N.Y. Islanders: The Thrill of Victory and Agony of the Seats

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

Year One in Brooklyn

45-27-10 (100 Points)

Kings County's second ever NHL season is done.

The Borough's first ever NHL Playoffs is underway!

New York Islanders: The Brooklyn Americans were first to play in Kings County.  The former Long Islanders now bring the Borough into their first ever NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

*The 1939-1940 New York Americans qualified for the playoffs.

The Islanders first season in Brooklyn was a difficult adjustment to say the least.

I knew it would be.  

I settled on the blog title Five For Flatbush in order to capture the Islanders' quest for a 5th Stanley Cup, and to inaugurate their arrival on Flatbush Avenue.

There was a reason, however, why I initially titled this blog Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club prior to their actual move into Barclays Center.  They are here due more to circumstance, than by choice.  An overburdened Long Island (Nassau County) tax base was unnecessarily forced to vote with their wallets instead of their hearts on a new arena proposal - which could have been avoided if local gov't would have simply worked more cooperatively with Charles Wang and his originally proposed Lighthouse Project.

Looking back, the timing couldn't have been worse.  Barclays Center was never intended to host NHL hockey - nor was there a reason to even consider it.

At the time, the New Jersey Nets were still working in cooperation with the New Jersey Devils on a proposed arena in Newark.  When that plan fell apart, native Brooklynite/real estate developer Bruce Ratner purchased the Nets from motivated sellers.

Since the day Ratner announced intentions to move the Nets into a new arena to be built in Brooklyn, and even throughout the construction of Barclays Center a decade later, no one anticipated the Nets and Islanders reuniting under the same roof ever again.  The two ceased being room mates back in the late 1970's when the Nets moved from Nassau Coliseum, and into the Meadowlands Brendan Byrne Arena.  The hockey Devils then moved from Colorado to join them during the early 1980's.  

The situation left the Islanders alone - a situation very unlike that of the Knicks/Rangers, and aforementioned Nets/Devils.

Quite honestly, I have no idea how many locals are attending home games.  I know some due.   Obviously, wearing Isles gear throughout the decades has not been uncommon here, but I see more now than at any other time I can recall.  Long Islanders may very well be carrying attendance largely by themselves, though  I don't know that, but I'm sure of it.  These figures, however, speak truth...

Local Attendance:

• New York Rangers: NHL rank #18.  They averaged 18,006 per game;100% capacity.
• New Jersey Devils: NHL rank #26.  They averaged 15,073 per game; 91% capacity.
• New York Islanders: NHL rank #28.  They averaged 13,626 per game; 86% capacity.

Here's the rub - the remaining 15% of Barclays Center potential seating for hockey games are (terrible) obstructed views.  Were it for more suitable seating, their attendance would perhaps be on par with that of the Devils, if not better (relatively speaking...) considering capacity is roughly 15,000 at Barclays Center for hockey.  In fact, the Islanders ranked #25 during their last season at the Coliseum, averaging 15,334 per game, or 95% capacity.  A now competitive team playing out a swan song season played into that, but they nevertheless outpaced the Devils whom ranked #26 last season.

Therefore, the Islanders' attendance figures might actually be healthier than meets the eye, but still does nothing to help the fact Barclays is somewhat unsuitable for hockey.  The scoreboard isn't even centered on the rink, adding to the general aesthetic detraction.

Then there's the partial re-branding of the team.  What choice did Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark have?  He had to keep the traditional Long Islanders content, while at the same time entice a new local market with its own very strongly held identity.  As a result, we essentially have a team with an alter ego, donning a completely distinct alternative (or primary?) uniform designed in part to compliment the Brooklyn Nets and the reuniting of one-time arena mates.

At this point, Brett Yormark's mind is undoubtedly pinned on Sunday's first playoff game at Barclays. Only winning playoff games, building a winning atmosphere, and sustained success, make other problems (perceived or real) magically disappear.

Even then, the nuances of this whole arrangement will continue dominating any conversation unless parading a Cup down Flatbush Avenue can change more minds..,

...or one of these parties opt out in a few years.

*          *          *          *

Much like life around Brooklyn, the 2015-16 regular season itself can be summed up with a simple - damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

Four teams exceeded 100 points in the Metropolitan Division this season, led by Washington's eye popping 120 points.  The Islanders came in at an even buck, while the Blueshirts finished just a mere point better.

The Islanders arrived in Kings County replete with a genuine star performer - John Tavares.  For several seasons now, his forward line (w/ Kyle Okposos/various third skater) has routinely been the best among any formed by either of the three local hockey clubs.

2015 - 2016

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE 

PLAYOFFS

Game One Final

Islanders    5

Panthers    4

As presently formed, John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Frans Nielsen led the Islanders to a 5-4 victory in Game One of their opening round series over the Florida Panthers.

The seasoned Islanders opted to counter-punch with the feisty Panthers.

Florida opened the scoring within the first two minutes of play.  Just under five minutes later, Brock Nelson tied the game at one.  But the Panthers converted a power play at the 13:51 mark to inch ahead.  Not for long though ...  Frans Nielsen reciprocated at 16:46 with a power play goal of his own, assisted by Tavares.

One again, Florida opened the 2nd period scoring within the opening two minutes.  Flatbush then embarked on a methodical grinding down of the younger cats.  With 0:22 second left in the session, John Tavares converted feeds from line mates Okposo and Nielsen, tying the game at three.

Flatbush continued turning the tables with Kyle Okposo's early score opening the 3rd period - fed once again by Tavares.

At 6:01, Ryan Strome next scored what proved to be the difference in the game, because within another minute, Florida scored giving the Isles their eventual one goal margin of victory.

Goalie Thomas Greiss, starting in place of injured Jaroslav Halak, faced 46 shots and made 42 saves.

For the moment, home ice advantage has switched over into the Islanders hands.

Playoff hockey arrives in Brooklyn this Sunday for Game Three.

N.Y. Mets: ?Donde esta La Potencia?

Here's my latest article for 

RisingApple.com

Mets Fans Waiting For Yoenis Cespedes 

To Turn Up La Potencia

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Rangers: Here We Go Again ... Round One

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

GAME ONE

New York Rangers

vs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

FROM

An Igloo

NEW YORK RANGERS: Put your big boy pants on and play tough ... or go home.

Here's your preview...

• Welcome back.  
• Nothing has changed.  
• Thank you very much.

That's a hell of an attitude to start the playoffs with, ain't it?

That's because the same issues I had in October, and repeated through February, are pretty much what I still take issue with today.  In fact, I'm still clinging to the same gripes I held last season.

I do not believe in Alain Vigneault's system.  It's designed for the regular season, which is fine.  But come the playoffs, it reaches its limits in a short series, particularly against more physical teams.

You know exactly where I'm going with this...

Alain Vigneault had tough, physical players at his disposal when he coached the Montreal Canadiens. He also had a few physically minded players when he coached the Vancouver Canucks.  In both instances he resisted infusing physicality into his plan during the playoffs, and in each instance got dismissed as head coach.

The 2011 Canucks lost the Stanley Cup finals against the tougher, much more physical Boston Bruins.  Shortly thereafter, Vancouver stated their main reason for firing Alain Vigneault (and hiring John Tortorella) was to get tougher.  Which in turn means what?  The Rangers got softer.

Like you need reminding - the Rangers lost to the more physical and resilient Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 Cup finals in similar fashion.  Last year's elimination against the Tampa Bay Lightning I completely blame on him, and his stubbornness.  He made adjustments, but just didn't see them through.  He was determined to make his philosophy work, but just like in his previous endeavors, he came up short.

When he coaches with a backbone, he'll finally win a Cup.

To date, the results speak for themselves.

The Rangers get pushed off the puck too easily - they don't have the forwards that pound opposing defensemen, and therefore spend little time in the offensive zone.  It's mind numbing.  Defensively, they do a poor job of clearing traffic, and are generally too smallish to inflict any meaningful punishment themselves.  But, those are personnel issues.

Teams continually take their liberties against Rangers players, particularly Henrik Lundqvist, because they know the Rangers will offer no resistance, no retaliation, no nuthin'.  That's on the coach.

That said...

I'll be paying attention as to how Alain Vigneault utilizes Dylan McIlrath in the playoffs.

My issues are not solely focused on the team's lack of physicality either.

Henrik Lundqvist, is now 34-years old, yet recorded his most starts (65) since the 2010-11 season.   Under Vigneault, the Rangers have reverted back to being overly reliant on Lundqvist again - I'm talking Tom Renney dependence levels!

Lundqvist posted a .920 SV% this season, which is on par with his career.  He posted a 2.48 GAA, however, which was a career worst.  In my opinion, much of that is attributable to, yes, lack of physicality in front.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong ... but wasn't one of the reasons for hiring Vigneault to improve the power play?  I guess he's still working on that, but in the meantime the penalty kill finished 26th this season.

Just saying...

*         *          *

Lucky for Alain Vigneault, the Rangers will open the playoffs against Pittsburgh.  They've handled them before, perhaps they can do it again.

Pittsburgh plays right into Vigneault's system of skating with speed, and moving the puck quickly.   The Rangers and Pens played each other three times in March, and all were fairly fast paced affairs.

Oh yeah ... the Rangers lost all three games and were outscored by a combined 12-6 margin.

The Penguins will be without their starting goalie Marc Andre-Fleury, and forward Evgeni Malkin.

The Rangers will be without Ryan McDonagh for Game One.

I'll just see how goes and take it from there.



Points I still need to get off my chest:

• Blueliners - Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.
• If Mats Zuccarello is continually the Rangers' best forward, then they're in big trouble.

N.Y. Mets: Las Vegas 51s 2016 Preview

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

CASHMAN FIELD

Home of the Las Vegas 51s

LAS VEGAS 51's: Should the Mets continue rolling the dice in Sin City? They've been lucky so far...

The New York Mets' player development agreement with the Las Vegas 51s expires this season.  Options for both teams are clear - come Autumn they must mutually renew for two, or four years, or part ways.

How did the Mets end up in the Nevada desert in the first place?

Many fingers point directly at Omar Minaya's regime.  After the 2006 season, Norfolk served the Mets with divorce papers, thus ending a 38 year relationship.  The displaced Mets wound up in New Orleans for a brief two year fling with the Zephyrs (whom won a division title in 2007, which incidentally remains their last).  But, that felt like exile more than anything.

Omar Minaya then seemingly found the Empire State promised land when he and the Buffalo Bisons entered into a PDA in September 2009.  But within short two years, Buffalo grew displeased with Minaya, whom was dismissed as Mets general manager, and replaced by Sandy Alderson.  The new Mets general manager succeeded in extending their strained agreement with the Bisons for another two seasons, but not a day longer.  Buffalo moved on from the Mets with haste after 2012 (citing a lack of talent among other their gripes).

In fact, a major PDA reshuffling took place between MLB clubs and respective AAA affiliated members during the 2012 Open Period.  When the musical chairs stopped, Las Vegas and the Mets were the proverbial last clubs standing, which effectively forced them into an agreement together.

The clubs even renewed their PDA in 2014.

For the Mets, affiliating with Las Vegas has helped removed some sense of being AAA nomads.  And in truth, the logistical effects Mets fans initially feared over having the team's affiliate so far away from New York City have proved negligible for three full seasons now.

From a Las Vegas fan's point of view, I suppose it's been both good and hot times in the city.  I don't think locals would disagree.  Once affiliated with the Mets, the 51s won back-to-back division titles in 2013 and 2014, and came just a game short of capturing a third straight PCL South Division flag last season.

Prior to their agreement with the Mets, Las Vegas last won a division title back in 2002 when still affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  A long playoff drought then ensued throughout the remainder of their affiliation with the Dodgers, then continued through their four years (2009-2012) with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Other factors Sandy Alderson and the front office should consider nevertheless remain.

The 51s have been under new ownership since 2013, whom thus far have failed to escape outdated Cashman Field for typical reasons - municipalities and politics, financing, and

business enterprise usually tend to stymie any given process.  Specific to this case, a new stadium on the western edge of the city remains questionable, if not doubtful.   Proposed solutions with the city itself have similarly failed to gain traction.

At the risk of insulting local fan's whom may find Cashman Field more near and dear to them (than perhaps yours truly from Brooklyn), the near 35-year old complex is notoriously substandard for AAA-level baseball.  That's a wide circulating Baseball industry opinion (not necessarily mine, although I have visited Cashman Field and was simply happy to be there).

Moreover, many Mets fans, and even local media to a certain extent, continue making arid conditions and varying elevation levels within Pacific Coast League member locations a point of contention when ever the subject of Mets prospects playing in Las Vegas is broached.

I perhaps do not feel as strongly as others.  I would offer Mets pitching prospects are better served passing through Vegas under pitching coach Frank Viola's influence, and facing the challenge pitching in the PCL poses head on.  I believe strongly in a pitcher's ability to adapt, overcome, and learning art of alternative strategies.

My opinion aside, as an organizational executive Sandy Alderson must nevertheless attempt to optimize his minor league structure and operation, and strongly consider getting back into the International League.  Of course, the 2016 Open Period will dictate much of that.   But should an opportunity present itself, perhaps Sandy Alderson should seize it.

Even then, one must be fair.  No one can argue the mutual relationship, in any way, has been counterproductive.

Team Preview/Potential Reinforcements

Las Vegas 51s 2016 Roster

On the mound, the 51s feature Rafael Montero, whom at the moment, might represent the lone starting reinforcement the Mets can reasonably call upon.  Although being utilized as a starter by Wally Backman in Vegas, Montero was primarily used in the bullpen during his brief stint with the Mets last year.  His season ponderously ended prematurely last year due to what initially began as shoulder stiffness.  In 2013, he made eight starts for the Mets.  He did himself no favors this season during Grapefruit League play.

Starters Seth Lugo and Gabriel Ynoa are making their first respective touches at the AAA level.

As far as bullpen reinforcements, the graduates of Binghamton are led by prospect Jeff Walters and Paul Sewald.  Reliever Josh Smoker is a well-traveled 27-year old.  As a seven year minor league veteran, he's perhaps a bit more seasoned and could conceivably see time in Queens this season.  Zack Thornton is likewise 27-years old and a seven year minor league veteran, however, his chances of pitching off the Citi Field mound grow more remote by the day.

More familiar relievers Mets fans may see from time to time are Erik Goeddel, Dario Alvarez, certainly Sean Gilmartin, and perhaps even Chase Huchingson.

Behind the dish, the Mets recently signed Rene Rivera, and still retain Johnny Monell, whom started Las Vegas' opening game on Thursday.

The Las Vegas infield is potentially their ultimate strength.  Shortstop has been a point a contention for the New York Mets in recent seasons, and although addressed during the off-season, Gavin Cecchini appears a year closer to the big leagues after enjoying a breakout season last year with Binghamton.

Of course, all eyes will remain on the highly touted second baseman Dilson Herrera.  The infield will also feature Matt Reynolds, and a token mention to Danny Muno.

In the outfield, Brandon Nimmo, now 23-years old, is the player who'll be most scrutinized this season.  Sandy Alderson's very first amateur draft pick back in 2011 (13th overall), is entering his second season with Las Vegas.  In 32 games last season, he batted .264 with 3 home runs and a .393 OBP in 91 at-bats.  Many fans are beginning to doubt his ability, noting his underwhelming rise through the minor league levels.

N.Y. Mets: Joyous Victory and a Bundle of Nerves

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Bridging Time

OPENING DAY

Polo Grounds

1962 - 1963

Shea Stadium

1964 - 2008

Citi Field

2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014

*  2015  *

2016

NEW YORK METS: Amazin's hoist their 5th National League pennant, then deGrominate Phillies in home opener.

Nothing like winning on Opening Day ... except for maybe winning a World Series championship that is.

That's what happens when your team wins a pennant - anything less this season is going to be a bitter pill for Mets fans to swallow.

So, what better time to throw out an old baseball truism than now...

All teams will win 60 games, and lose 60 games.  The main question is what will they do with the other 42 games?

Friday's 7-2 victory over Philly kinda makes the Mets 1-0 on the season then ... kinda.

But make no mistake, the rest of the season will be riddled with anxiety, and Friday's game provided fans with their first stress test.

Jacob deGrom was lifted after the 6th inning as a not-so-precautionary measure.

How many times have you heard pitching in the cold, and lat strain in the same sentence?

My recollection says many.

And how many times have we listened to clubs downplay lat strains, only to watch said player get placed on the 2-week DL or longer?

I realize I'm most likely making something out of nothing, but, strained lats are just that way - they're freakin' ponderous!

Then there's the baby.  Yes, the baby!

Jacob deGrom and wife are expecting their new Grominator to enter this world any minute now.

Stress - how would you like pitching with that on your mind?  Remember when Jon Niese did it last year?  You know, pitching instead of being with his wife during labor? Niese said that ruined the whole second half of his 2015 season.

As if...

Jacob on the other hand experienced little trouble with the Phillies.  He faced 22 batters, allowed one earned run on 5 hits and no walks, and fanned 6 in gaining his first victory of the season.

But I digress...

You know how they say life imitates baseball and baseball imitates life?

That means it's gonna be a long stressful season indeed.

On that note, congratulations Jacob and to Mrs. deGrom in particular.  She's near labor while her husband was out with the fellas playing in dirt.

Yeah - real life - sound familiar?

Happy Opening Day everyone!

Time to get your Stress on.