Alderson has yet to make a trade not on his terms. No panic moves, no trades to appease the fan base that he is doing something. We still have Thor Matz Herrera Plawecki and I'm fine with it
realize Familia and Mejia are about to break Mets records. They've been the best 8th/9th inning combo for the Mets in over a decade. Crazy considering they didn't even get going until months into the season.
Black, Torres, Edgin, Leatherich, and possibly Parnell being added back is all extra GRAVY.
Would really like to keep Thor and Matz, and to a lesser degree Nimmo. Can easily be talked out of Plawecki, Smith, Montero, particularly the later two. I know it is early, but the lack of power from Smith is very troubling. Is there a precedent for a successful 1B on a HR-less streak like this?
With Smith, this is just one of those things that Im going to just trust the experts for now. They all believe his bat is quick enough and he will generate power eventually. He's very small for a 1st baseman at 6' which gives me pause but Wright is about that hight and we've seen him hit 30 home runs. Its certainly possible. He's so young. Let's just wait and see what happens. Might not need him any more with THE DUDE taking over the Big Apple.
you are a tad too optimistic here and its making me uncomfortable lol.
I have a prediction that Niese is moved next year and Matz comes up as the new Lefty.
Yeah, I tend to be optimistic, but I really don't think Im that far off. I find it much more enjoyable to watch my sports looking for the good then the bad all the time. I get called a unicorn and rainbow thinker but Ive never really been wrong. I predicted 2014 we would be back to competing but Harvey's injury pushed that back a year. I thought we'd be in the 77-82 win range this year after Harvey went down. People make fun of me but I have no problem absorbing it. Only way I know how to be. Its a game and its supposed to be fun.
the piece of shit Marlins are going to get awesome right at the same time we get where we want and be a colossal pain in the ass thorn in our side once again? Its coming, everybody should just expect it. I think if the Marlins ended our season on the last day of the year ever again(extremely unlikely) Id give up baseball forever. I hate them that much.
he Mets GM pointed to the fact: “We’ve got a 20 and 15,’’ referring to the salaries of David Wright and Curtis Granderson.
He was asked: What about $20 (million), $20 (million) and $15 (million)?
Alderson, always ready with a quip about Mets’ finances, answered: “20, 20, 15 and what, 22 dwarfs?’’
This quote is complete bullshit. He was 100 % joking and those that actually followed the Rubin piece days ago know that he flat out said he'd rather add one big player then a bunch of smaller ones. He even said he would add the right player at the right time and thats what its all about. He in no way shape or form implied we can't add another big player. He was messing with the reporters.
I believe Sandy will have more money than we expect in the offseason Â
He had more money this past year to offer Drew/Balfour, which he was able to pocket (turns out luckily). That certainly indicates a payroll more in the 95M-100M range is not out of the question.
One would hope that savings this year, plus the money they saved on Ike can get re-invested next year. Colon & CY will only be around for these next 2 months (if that).
All that said, I don't know that there's a 20M player out there that's even worth acquiring when you factor in trade cost. Tulo will cost way too much in terms of prospects. Maybe Hanley if he makes it to FA? If Kemp gets dealt the Dodgers are probably kicking in enough $ to bring him into the 15M range.
Out of all the names out there Carlos Gonzalez makes the most sense. I'd want to hang on to Wheeler/Matz/Thor/DeGrom at all costs. Just about anyone else would be on the table.
but that would be a no brainer. Moving Plawecki is easy since we have d'Arnaud and Montero is pretty far down the starter list for us right now. Im guessing it takes at least another top 10 prospect though.
We're talking about a guy who a) literally has never played a full season once in his career yet, b) is hitting .232 this year and c) is a guy people are going to say "well, can he do it outside of Coors?"
I'm not sure he'd cost THAT much more than that. And if he does, I'd probably pass. Plawecki is considered our 2nd best prospect right now. Montero is just outside the top 5 at 6.
cost much more. I think part of it is that i was slightly disappointed with Montero when he was up here so i guess in my head i downgraded him (And i know thats stupid with small sample size and all that).
Im sold on d'Arnaud enough to move Plawecki. The injury stuff is a concern but i dont think it would be good use of our assets to keep both, u just have to kinda roll the dice that d'arnaud can stay healthy. Perhaps a vet upgrade as the backup C would be a smart move though.
I am ok with saying "this is our guy" going forward. He's got an .827 OPS since his recall and he's looked much better. I think he's got it going now and I think this is 100% who he is and can be (and he can still get a little better)
You have to figure that the rotation is going to be very good to outstanding. Bullpen also looks pretty set right now. If Parnell comes back OK, you could say we'd have four guys who could legitimately be considered closer types.
Out in the field, right now I think I can safely say that six of the eight starting positions are going to be filled by players who are Major League average or better.
That's a pretty good base to start from. I don't think the Mets have been this solid in a long time. Plug the hole in LF with an MLB average player or better and I think the team should be in the playoff mix.
RE: Wonder of Montero/Plawecki + gets it done for CarGo. Â
I used the comparison earlier of huge David Price trade. One of huge top lefties in the game. It took a similar package of montero/Niese, Plawecki, and Rosario.
I think a Montero/Gee and Plawecki would definitely get CarGo, based on the above. I'd prefer to hold onto Plawecki if we are getting CarGo though. Plawecki and Thor will be the two "must include" in any Tulo/Stanton type of trade talks
Catcher: I'm happy to go with TdA at this point. He seems like a good bet.
Flores: I think we have to get him at bats down the stretch. He trade value is depressed, and I dont want to try him out next year when things matter, instead of now.
Montero: A guy I'd trade since we have so many RHPs in front of him. But I suspect his trade value isnt commensurate with his minor league success. Doesnt throw super hard, and was a late bloomer. Not the type of pitcher another GM will lust for.
As for targets, I'd be much happier committing to a long term solution at SS this offseason than LF. Still think Conforto/Nimmo can competently handle LF by 2016 at least in a platoon with a vet. Though ideally Nimmo stays in center.
I haven't seen him pitch. I read the Toby Hyde article saying that once he improves his curveball he's MLB ready. I don't know how long that typically takes.
Is he a guy they are looking for 2nd half of 2015? 2016? I know it obviously depends on trades and injuries, but current projection?
assuming they trade Colon next year, the rotation is still stacked. I don't see room for him. And is he BEHIND or AHEAD of Montero? Being a lefty, it seems like a different category.
maybe they can start him in the pen in the MLB level? not for good, just until they have a spot for him. that gives them a nasty lefty coming out of the pen.
I dont think that will excite the Rockies. Plawecki would be their best C prospect, but they already have a guy in AA who could be ready next year and would rank around #10 if he was a Mets prospect. Montero doesnt necessarily fit their style -- the LOVE fireballers because balls dont break as well in Denver.
They absolutely need a LF power bat. Period. Enough with this "we can stick anyone there, given our rotation" BS. And preferably, they need to find a SS who can leadoff, so Grandy can be moved down.
A 3-4-5-6 of Wright, Grandy, (power bat LF), Duda is pretty good.
Not to beat a dead horse, but too bad they never had a SS in the farm system who can bat leadoff.
The power bat would preferably come in RF, and Grandy moves.
For all the talk about needing a power bat, I completely agree a little speed wouldn't hurt this team. A great leadoff hitter would be a very welcome addition.
They absolutely need a LF power bat. Period. Enough with this "we can stick anyone there, given our rotation" BS. And preferably, they need to find a SS who can leadoff, so Grandy can be moved down.
A 3-4-5-6 of Wright, Grandy, (power bat LF), Duda is pretty good.
Not to beat a dead horse, but too bad they never had a SS in the farm system who can bat leadoff.
Oh, wait...
See I'd agree with you if Duda didn't just come out of thin air. No doubt we need an upgrade in LF, but how is Cuddyer, a guy who has OPSed over .800 6 times not an upgrade? You guys want Murphy, Wright, Duda, Superstar hall of famer, Granderson, TDA or your not happy??? That gives us the best lineup in the NL on top of the one of the top rotations on top of one of the top bullpens.
easiest places to upgrade are obviously LF and SS because our talent there is sucky. But (according to Baseball Reference), we're exactly average in LF production at -0.2 WAR, ahead of contenders STL (-.3), LAD (-.9), WASH (-1.1), and SF (-1.5). We're 22nd overall in SS WAR (-.8), but ahead of OAK and DET (30th overall at -1.8!).
Our worst position has been Catcher, where we are 29th overall getting -1.8 WAR. Overall, our miserable outfield with the ancient Grandy, no hit Lagares, and LF blackhole of death is the 10th most productive in basevall (1.6 WAR), better than LAD, NYY, SF, DET, WASH, and STL.
No team is better than average everywhere. Oakland is bottom 3rd in 2B and SS. LAD is substandard at RP, C, LF, and CF, while LAA is behind at SP, RP, 3B, and DH. Link - ( New Window )
You can get Stanton AND Tulo. It's a dream world, but give the Rockies and Marlins 5 of our top 10 prospects each. Marlins get 1,3,5,7,9. Rockies get 2,4,6,8,10. Insert Tulo and Stanton in the lineup. Don't need a farm with this team... Instant contender. Payroll is up 40-$45mm. Call it $130mm.
Trade Colon, down to $120mm. Recoup a B or C prospect
Trade grandy for a younger (aka less expensive LF, preferably leadoff type). Save another $15mm. Down to $105mm. Our magic number we have all been targeting.
Like I said. I think CarGo is the guy to go for. I really don't think he'll cost the moon like Stanton would (although if MIA would listen to offers for him I'd certainly be making one) and I like his upside more and he's still young. He just seems like a good fit to me. Add him, find something just a little better than Tejada, get Harvey back and I'm pretty comfortable with this team going forward.
RE: Perspective of what prospects are needed to deal Â
I used the comparison earlier of huge David Price trade. One of huge top lefties in the game. It took a similar package of montero/Niese, Plawecki, and Rosario.
I think a Montero/Gee and Plawecki would definitely get CarGo, based on the above. I'd prefer to hold onto Plawecki if we are getting CarGo though. Plawecki and Thor will be the two "must include" in any Tulo/Stanton type of trade talks
Remember that Tampa really liked Nick Franklin, so it's not that easy to compare what they got to what the Mets have.
Tampa could have requested Duda (we know they tried to get him in the past) and Wheeler.
A Montero/Gee & Plawecki does not get Gonzalez, MAYBE where the Mets were to eat the majority of his remaining $$$, but still. If I'm Colorado, my starting asking price for Gonzo is Wheeler, d'Arnaud and Matz/Nimmo.
Target as well and I think it's realistic. Shecky you're dreaming bro. Stanton and Tulo?? Come on man.
I'm getting the feeling that prospects are now getting overvalued, hence the trading deadline with a lot of major leaguers being moved. However this dream trade scenario would make the mets instant contenders.
Black, Torres, Edgin, Leatherich, and possibly Parnell being added back is all extra GRAVY.
I have a prediction that Niese is moved next year and Matz comes up as the new Lefty.
With Smith, this is just one of those things that Im going to just trust the experts for now. They all believe his bat is quick enough and he will generate power eventually. He's very small for a 1st baseman at 6' which gives me pause but Wright is about that hight and we've seen him hit 30 home runs. Its certainly possible. He's so young. Let's just wait and see what happens. Might not need him any more with THE DUDE taking over the Big Apple.
I have a prediction that Niese is moved next year and Matz comes up as the new Lefty.
Yeah, I tend to be optimistic, but I really don't think Im that far off. I find it much more enjoyable to watch my sports looking for the good then the bad all the time. I get called a unicorn and rainbow thinker but Ive never really been wrong. I predicted 2014 we would be back to competing but Harvey's injury pushed that back a year. I thought we'd be in the 77-82 win range this year after Harvey went down. People make fun of me but I have no problem absorbing it. Only way I know how to be. Its a game and its supposed to be fun.
He was asked: What about $20 (million), $20 (million) and $15 (million)?
Alderson, always ready with a quip about Mets’ finances, answered: “20, 20, 15 and what, 22 dwarfs?’’
This quote is complete bullshit. He was 100 % joking and those that actually followed the Rubin piece days ago know that he flat out said he'd rather add one big player then a bunch of smaller ones. He even said he would add the right player at the right time and thats what its all about. He in no way shape or form implied we can't add another big player. He was messing with the reporters.
One would hope that savings this year, plus the money they saved on Ike can get re-invested next year. Colon & CY will only be around for these next 2 months (if that).
All that said, I don't know that there's a 20M player out there that's even worth acquiring when you factor in trade cost. Tulo will cost way too much in terms of prospects. Maybe Hanley if he makes it to FA? If Kemp gets dealt the Dodgers are probably kicking in enough $ to bring him into the 15M range.
Out of all the names out there Carlos Gonzalez makes the most sense. I'd want to hang on to Wheeler/Matz/Thor/DeGrom at all costs. Just about anyone else would be on the table.
I'm not sure he'd cost THAT much more than that. And if he does, I'd probably pass. Plawecki is considered our 2nd best prospect right now. Montero is just outside the top 5 at 6.
Im sold on d'Arnaud enough to move Plawecki. The injury stuff is a concern but i dont think it would be good use of our assets to keep both, u just have to kinda roll the dice that d'arnaud can stay healthy. Perhaps a vet upgrade as the backup C would be a smart move though.
6.2 innings, 3H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6K's
Herrera 2 for 5, up to .344 (might be best story of the summer for Mets minors, though there are many)
TJ Rivera 3 for 5, he's at a whopping .349, though he's 25
non-prospect? major league potential?
HH's favorite Matthew Bowman 7 I, 6 H, 1ER, 1 BB, 6 K's
Conforto first bad day I recall, 0 for 5, down to .367
Out in the field, right now I think I can safely say that six of the eight starting positions are going to be filled by players who are Major League average or better.
That's a pretty good base to start from. I don't think the Mets have been this solid in a long time. Plug the hole in LF with an MLB average player or better and I think the team should be in the playoff mix.
That's the exact opening offer I'd start with, and then probably be willing to add a Flores, Leathersich, or Reynolds to get it done.
If I was Colorado I'd be all over Flores - could put up really big numbers there at 2B.
It would've made sense to at least give him Wednesday's game off (day game after a night game and an off day to follow).
I think a Montero/Gee and Plawecki would definitely get CarGo, based on the above. I'd prefer to hold onto Plawecki if we are getting CarGo though. Plawecki and Thor will be the two "must include" in any Tulo/Stanton type of trade talks
Quote:
is giving him problems. He should shut it down, get it fixed, put Flores on third
It would've made sense to at least give him Wednesday's game off (day game after a night game and an off day to follow).
That would involve Collins thinking. Which is why it didn't happen. Anything obvious never seems to get done.
Flores: I think we have to get him at bats down the stretch. He trade value is depressed, and I dont want to try him out next year when things matter, instead of now.
Montero: A guy I'd trade since we have so many RHPs in front of him. But I suspect his trade value isnt commensurate with his minor league success. Doesnt throw super hard, and was a late bloomer. Not the type of pitcher another GM will lust for.
As for targets, I'd be much happier committing to a long term solution at SS this offseason than LF. Still think Conforto/Nimmo can competently handle LF by 2016 at least in a platoon with a vet. Though ideally Nimmo stays in center.
Is he a guy they are looking for 2nd half of 2015? 2016? I know it obviously depends on trades and injuries, but current projection?
assuming they trade Colon next year, the rotation is still stacked. I don't see room for him. And is he BEHIND or AHEAD of Montero? Being a lefty, it seems like a different category.
maybe they can start him in the pen in the MLB level? not for good, just until they have a spot for him. that gives them a nasty lefty coming out of the pen.
just thinking out loud here.
A 3-4-5-6 of Wright, Grandy, (power bat LF), Duda is pretty good.
Not to beat a dead horse, but too bad they never had a SS in the farm system who can bat leadoff.
Oh, wait...
For all the talk about needing a power bat, I completely agree a little speed wouldn't hurt this team. A great leadoff hitter would be a very welcome addition.
A 3-4-5-6 of Wright, Grandy, (power bat LF), Duda is pretty good.
Not to beat a dead horse, but too bad they never had a SS in the farm system who can bat leadoff.
Oh, wait...
See I'd agree with you if Duda didn't just come out of thin air. No doubt we need an upgrade in LF, but how is Cuddyer, a guy who has OPSed over .800 6 times not an upgrade? You guys want Murphy, Wright, Duda, Superstar hall of famer, Granderson, TDA or your not happy??? That gives us the best lineup in the NL on top of the one of the top rotations on top of one of the top bullpens.
Just give me better than a 36 year old Michael Cuddyer leaving Colorado.
Our worst position has been Catcher, where we are 29th overall getting -1.8 WAR. Overall, our miserable outfield with the ancient Grandy, no hit Lagares, and LF blackhole of death is the 10th most productive in basevall (1.6 WAR), better than LAD, NYY, SF, DET, WASH, and STL.
No team is better than average everywhere. Oakland is bottom 3rd in 2B and SS. LAD is substandard at RP, C, LF, and CF, while LAA is behind at SP, RP, 3B, and DH.
Link - ( New Window )
Trade Colon, down to $120mm. Recoup a B or C prospect
Trade grandy for a younger (aka less expensive LF, preferably leadoff type). Save another $15mm. Down to $105mm. Our magic number we have all been targeting.
Lineup: Leadoff LF, Murphy, Tulo, Stanton, Wright, Duda, TdA, Legares.
Rotation: Harvey, Wheeler, Niese, Gee, DeGrom
Pen: Mejia, Familia, Parnell, Black, Edgin, Torres, , Germen
He's better than what they have, and better than most UFA options.
Then you can use chips to trade for a SS. It's easier to fill an OF hole with free agency than a legit SS.
Murphy
Tulo
Wright
Duda
Morse
d'arnaud
Lagares
that's a lineup that will win with this pitching. that's a playoff team.
I think a Montero/Gee and Plawecki would definitely get CarGo, based on the above. I'd prefer to hold onto Plawecki if we are getting CarGo though. Plawecki and Thor will be the two "must include" in any Tulo/Stanton type of trade talks
Remember that Tampa really liked Nick Franklin, so it's not that easy to compare what they got to what the Mets have.
Tampa could have requested Duda (we know they tried to get him in the past) and Wheeler.
A Montero/Gee & Plawecki does not get Gonzalez, MAYBE where the Mets were to eat the majority of his remaining $$$, but still. If I'm Colorado, my starting asking price for Gonzo is Wheeler, d'Arnaud and Matz/Nimmo.
to drastically improve two positions, 1 via trade 1 via free agency, would be ideal.
I don't think signing a SS free agency would improve the team as much as trading for one.
I'm getting the feeling that prospects are now getting overvalued, hence the trading deadline with a lot of major leaguers being moved. However this dream trade scenario would make the mets instant contenders.
Dont get me wrong love the player but why change the path we have been successfull with so far.