NEW YORK (AP) — Speedy outfielder Eric Young Jr. is becoming a free agent after the New York Mets declined to offer him a contract for next season.
The team announced the move before Tuesday night's deadline.
Young, who had been eligible for arbitration, batted .229 with 30 stolen bases in 100 games this year, when his salary was $1.85 million.
He led the National League with 46 steals in 2013 and opened this season as New York's primary leadoff hitter but managed only a .299 on-base percentage and lost playing time in a crowded outfield. The switch-hitter finished with a homer and 17 RBIs in 316 plate appearances, scoring 48 runs.
The 29-year-old Young became expendable when the Mets signed free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a $21 million, two-year contract last month.
New York tendered contracts to its six other players who are eligible for arbitration: first baseman Lucas Duda, second baseman Daniel Murphy, shortstop Ruben Tejada and pitchers Dillon Gee, Jenrry Mejia and Bobby Parnell.
LOOGY more than maybe. Currently the second lefty is a guy with 1 major league inning who wasn't pitching in affiliated baseball in 2010, 2011, 2012
Sure but there's plenty of time and a million options out there. You're talking about the 7th spot in the pen. Would we be really so far off if we just re-signed Eveland?
LOOGY more than maybe. Currently the second lefty is a guy with 1 major league inning who wasn't pitching in affiliated baseball in 2010, 2011, 2012
Sure but there's plenty of time and a million options out there. You're talking about the 7th spot in the pen. Would we be really so far off if we just re-signed Eveland?
Yes but you said "maybe" while the Mets themselves have been pretty open about admitting it's an issue (apparently have contacted all but Miller) in the LH reliever market. More than a maybe given who they have. It's an issue. The bench also isn't very good at the moment. Tejada, Recker, Kirk, maybe MDD (but serve the same purpose), Campbell (far too much BBI/twitter love for his 2014, guy had a .348 BABIP with a 26.1% K rate. They should absolutely be better but they have pretty clear flaws at the moment.
I don't have complete faith in defensive metrics Â
It's essential to the teams success. The bullpen will be very good this year. We will clearly bring in another lefty. That much I am certain. Whether it's a free agent, a rule V guy, or Eveland.
A right handed power bat changes the bench from good to very good. Kirk, Ludwick, Cambell, Tejada, and Recker looks nice to me especially with the options we can draw on from AAA this year.
But we are deep this year and have significant depth. We can sustain a bunch of injuries this year and still be fine. Is it going to kill us if Kirk plays in LF over Granderson for a month? How about MDD in CF over Lagares? Lose Duda? Cuddyer can play 1st. TDA? Call up Plawecki. Wright? Slide Murphy or Flores over and call up Herrera. We didn't have these options in years past. I'm calling 88 wins right now and that's being conservative. Another deGrom breaks out and it could easily push us over.
You ARE the optimistic one aren't you? I think we are plus / minus 5 wins in either direction off of last year depending on how things break. And with the Mets, things usually break one way . . .
This has to be the hardest throwing collection of arms the Mets have ever had.
Parnell, Familia, and Parnell can all hit triple digits and generally sit in the upper 90s. Coming in after those guys, a lefty with a sweeping slider at 87 mph is going to have guys so far out in front.
LOOGYs should be fighting to get into this pen. I actually would bring back Eveland. He is still adjusting to that role but already did a decent job. I think he will get better at it. And he pairs well with the hard throwing Edgin
Leathersich likely will never succeed with the Mets. His command is horrid but what's worse is he has extreme reverse splits. No way would Terry Collins be smart enough to actually use him correctly.
RE: Mets pen/staff is a dream for a finesse lefty Â
They could improve the team significantly by adding Andrew Miller (have to offer best contract) and Jed Lowrie (2 years max). If Drew is a lot cheaper it might be a better risk/reward. Lowrie is 30, had a bad year at the plate last year but was solid with the glove and is a switch hitter with a career OPS near Murph. His defensive runs saved aren't great but he gets to balls out of his zone and ultimately he could play either infield position if they did decide to trade Murphy. Make no mistake he could be a big upgrade for this club with minimal risk as his wRC+ in a bad year was still higher than Flores (and steamer projects him to be higher this year).
Unlike the Yankees and other big market teams looking to contend, Miller is out of their price range and re: SS there may be a better alternative to Lowrie via trade. Point is simply that if they were to forgo all options and simply go into the season with what they have they would be doing this team a disservice. There are players out there who can make this team better, as it has every other year it just comes down to how much money Sandy is allowed to spend.
I don't see Lowrie as an automatic improvement on what Flores may offer. Sure Miller would be nice but we already have awesome 9th, 8th, and 7th inning options and an insurance policy in Parnell on top of that. Who's paying Miller to come in and be in the mix with 4 other guys?? Of course he'd help but teams don't operate that way. Our bullpen is borderline elite already.
just isn't going to happen. Heyman projects 4 for 32-44 based on what he's hearing. No chance the Mets are that team. Robertson already has 3 for 39 on the table so he won't be a Met either.
I don't see Lowrie as an automatic improvement on what Flores may offer. Sure Miller would be nice but we already have awesome 9th, 8th, and 7th inning options and an insurance policy in Parnell on top of that. Who's paying Miller to come in and be in the mix with 4 other guys?? Of course he'd help but teams don't operate that way. Our bullpen is borderline elite already.
c'mon this is just delusional. Andrew Miller would be BY FAR the Mets best reliever. "In the mix"? He was off the charts amazing this past year. The Mets would easily trade 2 or even all 3 of those other guys for Miller (money not the issue).
Most teams are questioning whether or not he's even a closer. And most of the pitchers you listed broke in as the year went on. Familia was one of the best relievers in baseball last year and he isn't overtaking Mejia or Parnell yet. Just sounds ridiculous that we NEED a Miller too.
Most teams are questioning whether or not he's even a closer. And most of the pitchers you listed broke in as the year went on. Familia was one of the best relievers in baseball last year and he isn't overtaking Mejia or Parnell yet. Just sounds ridiculous that we NEED a Miller too.
Questioning if he's even a closer because he's yet to do it. Not because of how good he is, c'mon man acting like Andrew Miller wouldn't be a MASSIVE addition to the pen is a joke. I know your whole thing is hyperbole but Miller is an elite MLB reliever. 14.87 K/9? Are you kidding me. The Mets would deal Familia or Mejia AND Black AND Parnell for Miller in a milisecond and not think twice if the money were the same.
not even going to debate this. For all of your arguments this one may be the most ridiculous. Saying that money shouldn't be used on a reliever is one thing but to act like Miller wouldn't be a massive upgrade/addition because of who they have is comical. Comical.
He had a career ERA of 5.33 entering 2014. Even during 2014 he was still coming in to face predominantly lefties and being used situationally. He's never been a closer so you have no idea how he'll handle. Let's not act like this is billy Wagner in his prime here. The guy had one great season
not even going to debate this. For all of your arguments this one may be the most ridiculous. Saying that money shouldn't be used on a reliever is one thing but to act like Miller wouldn't be a massive upgrade/addition because of who they have is comical. Comical.
Why you going off the rails again? I never once said he wouldn't be an upgrade. Your ADD is kicking in. I said he isn't a NEED!
He had a career ERA of 5.33 entering 2014. Even during 2014 he was still coming in to face predominantly lefties and being used situationally. He's never been a closer so you have no idea how he'll handle. Let's not act like this is billy Wagner in his prime here. The guy had one great season
Andrew Miller the past 3 seasons (which is more relevant than adding time when he was a starter don't you think? What a stupid stat to quote for your argument wow.) 163 games 2.57 era 1.05 whip, 133 innings 202 k's
not even going to debate this. For all of your arguments this one may be the most ridiculous. Saying that money shouldn't be used on a reliever is one thing but to act like Miller wouldn't be a massive upgrade/addition because of who they have is comical. Comical.
Why you going off the rails again? I never once said he wouldn't be an upgrade. Your ADD is kicking in. I said he isn't a NEED!
"In the mix" with other guys implies the guys they have are all equal to Miller does it not?
Elite bullpen? The Mets bullpen may be good but elite is a joke right now considering they were 30/30 in fWAR last year (Valverde and Farnsworth didn't pitch 500 innings to pull it all down, and 23rd in FIP. Could/should certainly be better this year but "elite" based on your dreams is silly.
Yeah I guess being absolutely dominant vs. righties in 2014 was a fluke. Weird how 22 teams have contacted his agent knowing his asking price with this knowledge.
and Farnsworth are such ridiculous red herrings that you use that it's not even funny. The Mets pen threw 1463.2 innings, those 2 threw 37.2 innings TOTAL, that's less than 3% of the bullpens total.
In a poll on MetsBlog this week, 59 percent of more than 11,100 voters said Sandy Alderson’s current roster is capable of winning 80-85 games, which is up from 45 percent two weeks ago.
Unfortunately, fewer people now feel the team can win 85-90 games, which dropped from 42 percent to 27 percent.
You are arguing with yourself. Nobody's saying Miller didn't have a great year as a setup guy. Nobody's saying he wouldn't be an upgrade. Only thing I am saying is he isn't a need. Paying a 8th inning guy off one good year closer money is ridiculous for this team with the options we have in tow.
You are arguing with yourself. Nobody's saying Miller didn't have a great year as a setup guy. Nobody's saying he wouldn't be an upgrade. Only thing I am saying is he isn't a need. Paying a 8th inning guy off one good year closer money is ridiculous for this team with the options we have in tow.
Nice argument change. Well done. Who said he was a "need"? You made the claim 1. He's the same level as the guys we have 2. Cited his career era (which means nada given the fact it's 2.57 over the last 3 seasons now that he's in the pen)
3. Cited the fact some teams don't know if he will be a good closer (which of course is based on the fact he hasn't done it before, not that his talent level vs. closing is in question).
Although your ADD must have missed it. Why are you pointing to three year stats when we've established he was strictly a LOOGY in 2012-13? You don't think pitching against strictly leftys might have helped his numbers?? Lol
Although your ADD must have missed it. Why are you pointing to three year stats when we've established he was strictly a LOOGY in 2012-13? You don't think pitching against strictly leftys might have helped his numbers?? Lol
Andrew Miller is an elite level reliever. His numbers vs. righties since moving to the bullpen are excellent. His 2014 was one for the ages (and he maybe, or even probably can't match it) but if 30 teams were asked to pick 1 reliever from the Mets or Miller... 30/30 teams would take Miller. 30/30.
money isn't an issue and the Mets can swap 2 of Black, Familia, Parnell, Mejia for Miller, your answer is no? Just to go on record.
I honestly don't know. Miller had one great year not as a closer. Is he better than Mejia or Parnell who have proven they can do it? Is he better than Familia? Yeah probably but Familia has just as much upside. We all saw how dominant he was. Bottom line is I wouldn't even consider giving Miller closer money with the options we have
ZG - I'm not picking this up for DMM, bc he's already 100% right Â
but I think one thing you consistently do is mistake being 'average' or 'above average' at something for it not being a need. To win you need be the best at something. Sometimes you need to be the best at multiple things. The goal isn't to be just good enough at something that it's not a dire need. Any team trying to win needs to aim to be the best at as many things as possible.
Adding Miller to an already good pen would give it that potential to be one of the best in the game. Yes he's somewhat of a one hit wonder, but how is that any different than crediting the Mets players who "broke out" last year as reliable? "Going into last year" Vic Black got demoted, Familia couldn't find the strike zone, Mejia was a starter who couldn't get through the 3rd time seeing an order - and of course it goes without saying none of them have even sniffed a meaningful playoff inning.
Re: Lowrie, he's not perfect but he's also 1 year removed from a better season than Murphy has ever put up, while being a better defender at a harder position. Trading for someone better is preferred, but if that's not possible he would certainly make this team better.
Sure but there's plenty of time and a million options out there. You're talking about the 7th spot in the pen. Would we be really so far off if we just re-signed Eveland?
Quote:
LOOGY more than maybe. Currently the second lefty is a guy with 1 major league inning who wasn't pitching in affiliated baseball in 2010, 2011, 2012
Sure but there's plenty of time and a million options out there. You're talking about the 7th spot in the pen. Would we be really so far off if we just re-signed Eveland?
Yes but you said "maybe" while the Mets themselves have been pretty open about admitting it's an issue (apparently have contacted all but Miller) in the LH reliever market. More than a maybe given who they have. It's an issue. The bench also isn't very good at the moment. Tejada, Recker, Kirk, maybe MDD (but serve the same purpose), Campbell (far too much BBI/twitter love for his 2014, guy had a .348 BABIP with a 26.1% K rate. They should absolutely be better but they have pretty clear flaws at the moment.
4.41 for his career vs. A 4.32 league average
Most Met fans would probably say Reyes is a better fielder but his range factor is way worse
4.12 vs 4.34!league average
Flores's range factor is dreadful
A right handed power bat changes the bench from good to very good. Kirk, Ludwick, Cambell, Tejada, and Recker looks nice to me especially with the options we can draw on from AAA this year.
Agreed.
Ramirez 4.41
Miller 3.96 (lg avg is lower in AL: 4.04)
You ARE the optimistic one aren't you? I think we are plus / minus 5 wins in either direction off of last year depending on how things break. And with the Mets, things usually break one way . . .
Parnell, Familia, and Parnell can all hit triple digits and generally sit in the upper 90s. Coming in after those guys, a lefty with a sweeping slider at 87 mph is going to have guys so far out in front.
LOOGYs should be fighting to get into this pen. I actually would bring back Eveland. He is still adjusting to that role but already did a decent job. I think he will get better at it. And he pairs well with the hard throwing Edgin
Terry loves the situational lefty. You have to give him the tools that fit with how he manages
Parnell, Familia, and Parnell can all hit triple digits and generally sit in the upper 90s.
Parnell USED TO hit triple digits. His velocity was declining. Also, I don't see Familia or Parnell on this list:
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/sports/8-mlb-pitchers-throwing-100-mph-or-faster-in-2014.html/?a=viewall
Terry loves the situational lefty. You have to give him the tools that fit with how he manages
He will. Byrdak, Rice, Eveland? Sandy has a knack for finding guys.
Quote:
This has to be the hardest throwing collection of arms the Mets have ever had.
Parnell, Familia, and Parnell can all hit triple digits and generally sit in the upper 90s.
Parnell USED TO hit triple digits. His velocity was declining. Also, I don't see Familia or Parnell on this list:
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/sports/8-mlb-pitchers-throwing-100-mph-or-faster-in-2014.html/?a=viewall
List or not I saw Familia hit 100 with my own eyes. Black sits around 98. Mejia 96.
Unlike the Yankees and other big market teams looking to contend, Miller is out of their price range and re: SS there may be a better alternative to Lowrie via trade. Point is simply that if they were to forgo all options and simply go into the season with what they have they would be doing this team a disservice. There are players out there who can make this team better, as it has every other year it just comes down to how much money Sandy is allowed to spend.
c'mon this is just delusional. Andrew Miller would be BY FAR the Mets best reliever. "In the mix"? He was off the charts amazing this past year. The Mets would easily trade 2 or even all 3 of those other guys for Miller (money not the issue).
Familia- 3.07 FIP 0.5 WAR
Mejia 3.73 FIP 0.2 WAR
Miller- 1.51 FIP, 2.3 WAR
Questioning if he's even a closer because he's yet to do it. Not because of how good he is, c'mon man acting like Andrew Miller wouldn't be a MASSIVE addition to the pen is a joke. I know your whole thing is hyperbole but Miller is an elite MLB reliever. 14.87 K/9? Are you kidding me. The Mets would deal Familia or Mejia AND Black AND Parnell for Miller in a milisecond and not think twice if the money were the same.
Why you going off the rails again? I never once said he wouldn't be an upgrade. Your ADD is kicking in. I said he isn't a NEED!
Andrew Miller the past 3 seasons (which is more relevant than adding time when he was a starter don't you think? What a stupid stat to quote for your argument wow.) 163 games 2.57 era 1.05 whip, 133 innings 202 k's
Quote:
not even going to debate this. For all of your arguments this one may be the most ridiculous. Saying that money shouldn't be used on a reliever is one thing but to act like Miller wouldn't be a massive upgrade/addition because of who they have is comical. Comical.
Why you going off the rails again? I never once said he wouldn't be an upgrade. Your ADD is kicking in. I said he isn't a NEED!
"In the mix" with other guys implies the guys they have are all equal to Miller does it not?
Elite bullpen? The Mets bullpen may be good but elite is a joke right now considering they were 30/30 in fWAR last year (Valverde and Farnsworth didn't pitch 500 innings to pull it all down, and 23rd in FIP. Could/should certainly be better this year but "elite" based on your dreams is silly.
Yeah I guess being absolutely dominant vs. righties in 2014 was a fluke. Weird how 22 teams have contacted his agent knowing his asking price with this knowledge.
vs. righties in 2014 .142/.245/.202 (36.1 innings)
9th/15 in bullpen FIP in the National League
15th/15 in the WAR in the national league
9th/15 in xFIP
6th/15 in Krate
Numbers for every team linked below
Link - ( New Window )
I'm done with this argument. Truly ridiculous.
Unfortunately, fewer people now feel the team can win 85-90 games, which dropped from 42 percent to 27 percent.
Nice argument change. Well done. Who said he was a "need"? You made the claim 1. He's the same level as the guys we have 2. Cited his career era (which means nada given the fact it's 2.57 over the last 3 seasons now that he's in the pen)
3. Cited the fact some teams don't know if he will be a good closer (which of course is based on the fact he hasn't done it before, not that his talent level vs. closing is in question).
Andrew Miller is an elite level reliever. His numbers vs. righties since moving to the bullpen are excellent. His 2014 was one for the ages (and he maybe, or even probably can't match it) but if 30 teams were asked to pick 1 reliever from the Mets or Miller... 30/30 teams would take Miller. 30/30.
I honestly don't know. Miller had one great year not as a closer. Is he better than Mejia or Parnell who have proven they can do it? Is he better than Familia? Yeah probably but Familia has just as much upside. We all saw how dominant he was. Bottom line is I wouldn't even consider giving Miller closer money with the options we have
Adding Miller to an already good pen would give it that potential to be one of the best in the game. Yes he's somewhat of a one hit wonder, but how is that any different than crediting the Mets players who "broke out" last year as reliable? "Going into last year" Vic Black got demoted, Familia couldn't find the strike zone, Mejia was a starter who couldn't get through the 3rd time seeing an order - and of course it goes without saying none of them have even sniffed a meaningful playoff inning.
Re: Lowrie, he's not perfect but he's also 1 year removed from a better season than Murphy has ever put up, while being a better defender at a harder position. Trading for someone better is preferred, but if that's not possible he would certainly make this team better.