NFT: Mets talk 2/19

6 weeks almost all, if not all against NL East opponents Fernando Salas will be the 8th inning guy as of today, assuming Familia is suspended. If that doesn't concern you, don't know what to tell you, it concerns me.

Age is almost irrelevant in the bullpen. 32 for a bullpen pitcher is not old.

It's why as a fallback I'd check into Papelbon, he's 36 and until 2016 had consistently good stats.

points to Conforto's hot April and then his cold streak but completely ignores that after he was recalled from Vegas late in the year he had a wRC+ in the 120s in August and Septemeber??

if they wanted to add $10M+ to the payroll and improve the BP they could have signed Brad Ziegler - who had just as good of a year last year - for no compensation and less $. A bunch of us advocated for that move and agree with you the BP needs another late inning option, but dealing 1 of our 2 position player prospects with legitimate all star potential for middle of the road closer makes no sense. An elite closer with years of control, maybe.

I wanted to sign Chapman.

It has nothing to do with the Yankees as ZG kept saying it had to do with looking at the shift in playoff teams starting with the Royals whose starters seemed to average 6 innings or less to the Indians and Cubs who both had closers and decent pens, but went and gave up hard core prospects to acquire closers at the deadline to shorten games.

I fear it could be this teams fatal flaw relying on players like Sewald who was available to anyone in Rule V or Smoker who hopefully a late bloomer or recent re-adds like Salas, who cleared waivers, and/or Blevins.

In comment 13365792 pjcas18 said:

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6 weeks almost all, if not all against NL East opponents Fernando Salas will be the 8th inning guy as of today, assuming Familia is suspended. If that doesn't concern you, don't know what to tell you, it concerns me. Age is almost irrelevant in the bullpen. 32 for a bullpen pitcher is not old. It's why as a fallback I'd check into Papelbon, he's 36 and until 2016 had consistently good stats.

Where are you getting 6 weeks from? I still believe it will be 30 days. You're talking about 7-8 save chances max. Salas is a former closer and we are playing mostly scrub teams in April. It's not like we are going up against the Cubs and Dodgers every day. We do have two series with the Nationals but you're talking 6 games.

Nobody is relying on Sewald. He was mentioned as one out of a million upside options who had very nice peripherals in Vegas. He's not even in the pen and wont be for some time.

not 30 days. and "at least" 30 games.

I figured 30 games would be about 6 weeks with the staggered off-days in April (6 games per week = 5 normal weeks, plus allow an extra week for season starting staggered off-days).

In comment 13365799 ZGiants98 said:

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Nobody is relying on Sewald. He was mentioned as one out of a million upside options who had very nice peripherals in Vegas. He's not even in the pen and wont be for some time.

Sorry, I'm just quoting your own words...

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The pen is already very good ZGiants98 : 12:56 pm : link : reply But we dont even know where Wheeler is headed yet. Lugo might be used in the pen... On a postseason roster (which seems to be the concern) these guys will be there regardless and possibly even another starter. We have upside options in Smoker and Sewald. .......

So that only extends out a few days. I mentioned Sewald as an upside option as an example. That's a far cry from saying the Mets are relying on him.

May 5th (opener against the Marlins) and we play the Braves again in early May.

In comment 13365797 pjcas18 said:

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I wanted to sign Chapman. It has nothing to do with the Yankees as ZG kept saying it had to do with looking at the shift in playoff teams starting with the Royals whose starters seemed to average 6 innings or less to the Indians and Cubs who both had closers and decent pens, but went and gave up hard core prospects to acquire closers at the deadline to shorten games. I fear it could be this teams fatal flaw relying on players like Sewald who was available to anyone in Rule V or Smoker who hopefully a late bloomer or recent re-adds like Salas, who cleared waivers, and/or Blevins.

I agree with this and I would have been in on Chapman too (and Robertson/Miller/Greggerson 2 years ago) - but there are a lot of guys we can deal at the deadline for BP reinforcements without having to deal Conforto. He and Rosario are unique in our system in that they have the chance to be all star everyday guys for 5-10 years and they are obviously cost controlled assets. You don't give up players like that for middle of the road closers. We got Clippard for far less 2 years ago, and at the time he had 17 saves and a 2 era. Dealing for a reliever is not Conforto or bust.

that I do not think the pen is "very good" without Familia. In fact I think it's a liability.

And after the past two post-seasons I'd also like to have another reliable option to Reed and Familia.

we're going around and around now.

I am concerned about the pen, you feel like things will just shake out and work themseleves out. I'd give up significant assets, like the Indians and Cubs did to shore up the bullpen, you would not.

You might be right. I might be right.

I hope you're right.

Let's leave it at that.

I do seem to think you contradict yourself a little in regards to the Familia situation. You seem to say repeatedly that in the postseason huge arms are important (I agree with this) but you point to the Familia's suspension in April as if it's relevant or related to the postseason. Familia will be in the pen in the postseason, as will Wheeler, Gsellman, Lugo, and possibly Matz and others if we are at full strength.

Game not days, just to clarify. Otherwise SP would miss 1-2 games with a 10 "day" suspension.

In comment 13365834 DanMetroMan said:

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Game not days, just to clarify. Otherwise SP would miss 1-2 games with a 10 "day" suspension.

Yeah I tried to clarify for PJ explaining 30 games would bring us to May 5th. I just worded it poorly.

In comment 13365829 ZGiants98 said:

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I do seem to think you contradict yourself a little in regards to the Familia situation. You seem to say repeatedly that in the postseason huge arms are important (I agree with this) but you point to the Familia's suspension in April as if it's relevant or related to the postseason. Familia will be in the pen in the postseason, as will Wheeler, Gsellman, Lugo, and possibly Matz and others if we are at full strength.

I don't think I contradicted anything. I believe:

a) the bullpen without Familia during his likely suspension is a liability and the majority of those games if not all are against NL East teams. Hate to lose those games b/c of the pen.

b) in the post-season I would love to follow the model of the Royals, Cubs, and Indians, and some teams before them and be able to shorten games with shut-down bullpen arms innings 7 - 9.

so because of a and b I'd acquire a proven late inning bullpen arm.

There are any number of options who can wind up in the pen in the post-season, but it would make me a little nervous putting a guy out there in a pressure situation when he hasn't been used in that situation and is used to the pressure. History has examples of players succeeding in this capacity, but probably as many failures.

And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little concerned with Familia in the post-season after the two post-seasons.

In comment 13365837 ZGiants98 said:

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In comment 13365834 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Game not days, just to clarify. Otherwise SP would miss 1-2 games with a 10 "day" suspension. Yeah I tried to clarify for PJ explaining 30 games would bring us to May 5th. I just worded it poorly.

Cool. Wasn't trying to prove anyone wrong. Just was noting its games which is part of the season "36 or less" is signfifksnt. Excuse if he gets 37 or more without some sort of waiver from MLB he would lose a year of service and be a FA one year later which would obviously be great for the Mets but sort of unfair for the player

In comment 13365837 ZGiants98 said:

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In comment 13365834 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Game not days, just to clarify. Otherwise SP would miss 1-2 games with a 10 "day" suspension. Yeah I tried to clarify for PJ explaining 30 games would bring us to May 5th. I just worded it poorly.

I said 6 weeks, because I knew it was games not days. and the "at least" used with most of the speculation.

That is a completely different animal. He was one of the best closers in baseball last year and a top 7 reliever overall. It's concerning that he has blown games in both the 2015 and 2016 postseasons now but you're still only talking about a handful of games. What option do we have at this point? Do we give up on a dominant closer with filthy stuff because we are nervous about a few games sample? I don't know what the answer is there but I think it's way too early to cut bait on a cost-controlled top 5 closer and go in a different direction.

At least we are getting warmer on what the real issue was with the pen in the postseason the last two years. It wasn't the roster configuration IMO.

In comment 13365847 pjcas18 said:

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In comment 13365837 ZGiants98 said: Quote: In comment 13365834 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Game not days, just to clarify. Otherwise SP would miss 1-2 games with a 10 "day" suspension. Yeah I tried to clarify for PJ explaining 30 games would bring us to May 5th. I just worded it poorly. I said 6 weeks, because I knew it was games not days. and the "at least" used with most of the speculation.

Right, but if we are going on 30 games it's nowhere near 6 weeks. The season starts on April 3rd and the suspension would be over on May 5th.

In comment 13365854 ZGiants98 said:

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In comment 13365847 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 13365837 ZGiants98 said: Quote: In comment 13365834 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Game not days, just to clarify. Otherwise SP would miss 1-2 games with a 10 "day" suspension. Yeah I tried to clarify for PJ explaining 30 games would bring us to May 5th. I just worded it poorly. I said 6 weeks, because I knew it was games not days. and the "at least" used with most of the speculation. Right, but if we are going on 30 games it's nowhere near 6 weeks. The season starts on April 3rd and the suspension would be over on May 5th.

You know that's about 5 weeks right (4 in April and 1 in May)? No need to be so pedantic. 5 weeks min ("at least 30 games") without considering any snowouts, rainouts, etc. is pretty damn close to 6 weeks and that's "at least" you assume not at least but "at most".

we've reached brick wall territory here.

Mets pitcher Ben Rowen was �basically unhittable� off the mound today in Port St. Lucie, according to Abbey Mastracco on Twitter. Though he has tallied only 11.2 Major League innings, the submariner has gone 25-10 with a 1.85 ERA and 1.022 WHIP in the Minor Leagues since 2010. This could end up being another low-risk high-reward signing by Sandy Alderson that ends up having a high reward.

Jeurys Familia is back in camp, and Mike Puma of the New York Post tweeted that regarding the MLB investigation Familia said, �We�ll see what happens � we have to wait.� Nobody is being particularly cooperative in the investigation and MLB has been stymied to this point. Familia is coming off a huge season for the Mets, becoming the first Mets reliever to lead the majors in saves with 51. He became the 13th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 50-save plateau and his 51 saves are tied for the ninth-most in major league history.

If he is suspended to start the season, however, Matt Ehalt of The Record tweeted that if the season were to start today, Fernando Salas would be the 8th inning man in front of Addison Reed. Depending on how the spring goes that could change, with other options such as Jerry Blevins or Hansel Robles.

Lastly, MMO�s own Michael Mayer tweeted that outfield prospect Wuilmer Becerra said his arm feels great after July shoulder surgery. Beccera came to New York in the R.A. Dickey trade that also netted Travis d�Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard, a trade that will surely be remembered as one of the best in Mets history.

and Ty Kelly both needing roster spots before the season starts. (I know it's extremely early) but there goes your Gilmartin/Montero buffer most likely.

In comment 13365852 ZGiants98 said:

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That is a completely different animal. He was one of the best closers in baseball last year and a top 7 reliever overall. It's concerning that he has blown games in both the 2015 and 2016 postseasons now but you're still only talking about a handful of games. What option do we have at this point? Do we give up on a dominant closer with filthy stuff because we are nervous about a few games sample? I don't know what the answer is there but I think it's way too early to cut bait on a cost-controlled top 5 closer and go in a different direction. At least we are getting warmer on what the real issue was with the pen in the postseason the last two years. It wasn't the roster configuration IMO.

I'd just like to have options and shorten the game. It was one key aspect to the Royals, along with patience, timely hitting, and defense, but the bullpen played a major part.

Same with Cubs and Indians.

My problem with Familia is I don't want Terry to be compelled to overuse him or have to use him on traditional spots. I'd love reliable bullpen flexibility. I feel like with Familia less is more. Keeps hitters off-balance and uncomfortable.

Goeddel and Edgin as dumps and keep the SP depth in Vegas? There will be some surprises in spring this year. Looking forward to seeing how it shakes out.

I'd like to see him dumped. Him being out of options very likely could send Smoker back to Vegas where he has nothing left to prove IMO. Then again, maybe the Mets go with 3 lefties in April while Familia is out but I doubt it. One of Wheeler/Lugo might be in the pen... somebody like Rowan could surprise.

not seeing this anywhere else but a guy from NYFS tweeted

"NYMets945 ‏@nymets945 2m2 minutes ago
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Mets are favorites to sign switch-hitting shortstop Ronny Mauricio and speedy Dominican center fielder Adrian Hernandez for north of $1m" not sure who he is citing and "favorites" doesn't mean a ton in IFA stuff without "verbal agreement" attached but I'll take it. Mauricio sounds intriguing.

Becerra told Ed Delany of MMN on Monday that his shoulder feels great and that he hasn�t had any problems yet in his rehab.

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeyman 6m6 minutes ago
Braves are among teams considering Kelly Johnson. Off nice year, he's still seeking an MLB deal.

Jon HeymanVerified account ‏@JonHeyman 6m6 minutes ago
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Sources: Nats are closing in on a deal for free agent catcher Matt Wieters

Joel Sherman ‏@Joelsherman1 13s14 seconds ago
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As @JonHeyman 1st reported I am told Wieters close with #Nationals. I hear 2-yr deal with an option

I wanted Wieters, now watch them get Robertson too.

In comment 13366324 DanMetroMan said:

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Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeyman 6m6 minutes ago Braves are among teams considering Kelly Johnson. Off nice year, he's still seeking an MLB deal.

they're probably picking the Mets prospect they'll get at the deadline as we speak.

"There were definitely a lot of weekends where I wanted to sneak out and get a burger or two," Smith told Newsday. "I just kind of really thought to myself and really just told myself to work hard. Fast food's not good for you. Now, if I eat a burger or something, I'll feel very sluggish. I just want to feel good. That healthy food just does so much for your body. It gives you energy. I just feel great."

The difference in his body compared to last year is obvious.

"It's funny -- when I look at myself in the mirror, I can't really tell the difference," he said. "But when I look at pictures, I just can't even believe that I was that big."

Although his body paid the price for a 130-game season, Smith batted .302/.367/.457 with a career-high 14 homers and 91 RBIs, the third-highest total in the Eastern League. The increase in power was something the Mets eventually expected to see from Smith, who admitted that showcasing his slugging prowess took on a higher priority in 2016.

"It really took me until this past year to get my swing in tune with my body and learn how to be a solid run-producer," Smith told MiLB.com. "It's like a game of chess: you pick your spots to do damage with the long ball. I wanted to develop and drive balls all over the field but also play the cat-and-mouse game of picking spots to do maximum damage; in the past, I didn't do that. I'm looking to drive the ball with authority in certain situations as opposed to just getting a hit."


Per @milb.com the Mets are at worst top 20 in position prospects (Only 21-30 have been revealed) #Mets

I don't expect him to hit 25 or 30 homers, but his walk rates, k rates and slugging % are all very similar to Eric Hosmer. I'd sign for that outcome right now.

But he's nothing more than a league average bat at best at this point. Also one of the worst pitch framers in baseball. I would have liked him as TDA's backup though.

surprised the Mets didn't do more in regard to his weight gain previously. 65 pounds is a lot to gain for a professional athlete and pretty clearly he was eating very poorly.

But almost certainly a downgrade from 2016 Wilson Ramos who had a fantastic season for them.

like the guy from NYFS took some "editorial liberties" with that tweet. Badler actually said

"Another switch-hitting shortstop, Ronny Mauricio, has been tied to the Mets, who are also the favorites to land speedy Dominican center fielder Adrian Hernandez for north of $1 million."

So they aren't "favorites" for Mauricio, just one of the teams tied to him.

Chelsea JanesVerified account ‏@chelsea_janes 20m20 minutes ago
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Nationals have deal with Matt Wieters. $10 million this year with an option that would pay him $11 million next. $5 mil deferred through '21

looks absolutely awful. I'd guess 25 pounds below his playing weight. Gaunt face, very sad to look at.

Mauricio shows up on Jesse Sanchez top IFA's for 7/2, Hernandez is not
Players to watch for July 2, 2017
Diowill Burgos, OF, Dominican Republic
Stir Candelario, OF, Dominican Republic
Johnny David, OF, Dominican Republic
Larry Ernesto, OF, Dominican Republic
Luis Feliz, SS, Dominican Republic
Daniel Flores, C, Venezuela
Wander Franco, SS, Dominican Republic
Luis Garcia, SS, Dominican Republic
Leonardo Jimenez, SS, Panama
Jelfry Marte, SS, Dominican Republic
Ronny Mauricio, SS, Dominican Republic
Juan Querecuto, INF, Venezuela
Juan Pie, OF, Dominican Republic
Alberto Rodriguez, OF, Dominican Republic
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Dominican Republic
Yorlis Rodriguez, INF, Cuba

.

In comment 13366649 CMicks3110 said:

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Have you SEEN David Wright? Everyone has commented on it.

Kelly Johnson over Ty Kelly?

.

chemmes ‏@chemmes 1h1 hour ago
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@EvanRobertsWFAN Is it me or did David Wright drop a lot of weight?

James Skywalker ‏@MidnightBashem 60m60 minutes ago
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David Wright looks like he weighs 150 lbs


Matt Swensson ‏@matttswensson 1h1 hour ago
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@Mets @ynscspds David Wright looks like he hasn't eaten in 17 weeks.

In comment 13366661 spike said:

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Kelly Johnson over Ty Kelly?

because we need to send the Braves a fringy prospect for him. You know how this works.

In comment 13366661 spike said:

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Kelly Johnson over Ty Kelly?

Kelly Johnson would cost $$, Ty Kelly doesn't.

I don't trust them