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@ByJamesWagner In addition to filling head athletic trainer position, Sandy Alderson said Mets will add two new positions to medical/training staff, including a so-called high performance point person focused on training, recovery, health data, etc. |
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Mike Puma& #8207;Verified account @NYPost_Mets Alderson speaking with media. Lists bullpen, second base and another power bat as important. Backing away from starting pitcher somewhat. |
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Mike Puma& #8207;Verified account @NYPost_Mets Mets would like a 1B/OF type says the GM. But Lagares is also "figuring into" the Mets' plans. |
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Mike Puma& #8207;Verified account @NYPost_Mets Frank Viola will be the pitching coach at Double-A Binghamton. |
Obviously return is everything here and the Mets would almost definitely be selling low, but depending on he return I'd be very tempted to cut ties.
Obviously return is everything here and the Mets would almost definitely be selling low, but depending on he return I'd be very tempted to cut ties.
That's interesting - i'd have no issue with it but I can't imagine anyone is offering anything that interesting. But maybe?
Puts some background to the trade deadline when they acquired 47 relief pitchers.
14m14 minutes ago
There are a few teams interested in trading for Matt Harvey
However, according to Martino, the Mets are more inclined to keep Harvey, who will enter next year a full season removed from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Also, Martino adds, "They point to a late-season uptick in velocity as another reason for hopefulness," and, "believe he will be especially motivated to work hard to prepare for his last season under team control.".....
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like Smith but realistically it's problematic to go through growing pains for a non-elite prospect at an important offensive position like 1B.
Explain if you can
like Smith but realistically it's problematic to go through growing pains for a non-elite prospect at an important offensive position like 1B.
Explain if you can
like Smith but realistically it's problematic to go through growing pains for a non-elite prospect at an important offensive position like 1B.
Explain if you can
Not going to answer for Eric, but it's been pretty public since the off-season began that the Mets are looking for at least a fall-back plan at 1B if not a plan A.
Will Dom Smith have to win the first base job in spring training? "He didn't win it in September, let's put it that way," Alderson said.
Count me as one who doesn't want Dee Gordon. His game is completely predicated on speed, and he turns 30 at the beginning of the next season. I would like someone who fit more into the long term plans, even though I acknowledge 30 isn't ancient for baseball. I also don't see 2B as an extraordinary need. I like Wilmer to play there, and I think Rivera is decent enough there as well, and the Mets could have Luis Guillorme manning that position for the long term starting relatively soon. Right now I'd really just like Lance Lynn and Wade Davis on this team. I don't think we need much else. I'm also a Lagares/Nimmo platoon guy, and a Conforto for RF guy.
I'm with you though, I'd pencil Flores in at 2B and look to use valuable resources elsewhere.
Since the day he got to Queens, the Mets have dicked Flores around, I wouldn't expect it to end now.
It seems like they have Cabrera penciled in at 3B and Flores as "super sub" but I'd do it the other way round or try and trade droobs.
like Smith but realistically it's problematic to go through growing pains for a non-elite prospect at an important offensive position like 1B.
Explain if you can
Smith struggled offensively last year. 1B is an enormously important offensive position. To go into next year with him penciled in at 1B and unlikely to be able to hit in the middle of the order would leave a big hole in the lineup needing to be filled by a player at a position where it's a lot harder to find offensive players as good as normal 1B. Sandy says they need a power bat, it's a lot harder to find that in CF or 2B than 1B.
Also while Smith is a well regarded prospect, even those bullish on him haven't seemed to think he's a future all star or top player at his position. He could exceed expectations but it seems unlikely that he's the next Paul Goldschmidt or Joey Votto.
I like Smith, I expect them to keep him. Just looking at the FA list I think Carlos Santana is the best fit offensively for what's needed (within the Mets expected budget) and he plays the same position - Smith's spot on the roster shouldn't be carved in stone if they want to compete next year.
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I was just putting in my .02. Which isn't even worth .02.
I'm with you though, I'd pencil Flores in at 2B and look to use valuable resources elsewhere.
Since the day he got to Queens, the Mets have dicked Flores around, I wouldn't expect it to end now.
It seems like they have Cabrera penciled in at 3B and Flores as "super sub" but I'd do it the other way round or try and trade droobs.
I agree - I wouldn't be opposed to Flores at 2nd. He's been dicked around and that always seemed like the best fit to hide his defense. Doing that would kind of necessitate spending on a pretty big upgrade somewhere else though - like Cain in CF (which sounds unlikely based on the Lagares mention) or 1B (as discussed re: Smith).
Not sure how sandy doesnt seem starting pitching as a massive problem. SMH
Bringing back Reed wouldnt be bad. Shaw doesnt excite me
@MarcCarig
For Mets, this offseason is about:
1. Bullpen help.
2. Second base.
3. Rightfield/First Baseman.
4. Fixing the starting pitching they have now, whether through better conditioning or more efficient usage (avoiding third time thru for most, etc.)
Re: 2B (also said Reyes could be back and Walker likely won't)
@MarcCarig
Dont know who they are targeting but certainly Dozier is a name that has been out there. Gordon, too, but it doesnt sound like theyre thinking along those lines.
Just spitballing, but I think Scooter Gennett type could be a guy the Mets target. Some versatility there, not as expensive as others.
re: Lagares
@MarcCarig
Like I said, I think theyre open to just rolling with Lagares even if he doesnt hit.
Important point re: their approach and Conforto. If they think they need a power bat because of his uncertainty it would seem their targets are either at 1B or 2B.
Alderson said today Mets will target players based on uncertainty with Conforto. They know he may not be ready to start the year, hence desire to find middle of the order bat.
He also said he could see them bringing back Bruce.
Plus, Sandys record signing free agents is incredibly poor. So I think we should hope for a few short term deals for guys to fill in holes. I think they have to wait out the market and look for bargains at the end
Not sure how sandy doesnt seem starting pitching as a massive problem. SMH
I think re: SP the challenge is two-fold.
1. Very underwhelming players (Lance Lynn) are going to get more money than we have in the budget.
2. Those same underwhelming guys could easily get beat out of a spot by Matz, Harvey, Gsellman, Wheeler, Montero or Lugo.
I can see why he'd rather spend the money strengthening the lineup/BP and just take whatever SP is leftover in Jan/Feb on cheaper deals. Should we do a pool for when they sign Colon?
Plus, Sandys record signing free agents is incredibly poor. So I think we should hope for a few short term deals for guys to fill in holes. I think they have to wait out the market and look for bargains at the end
Not entirely true. I think it's very likely they'll go after at least 1 FA in the range of what they paid Granderson and what they tried to pay Zobrist (4/$60m) and trade for a 2B similar to when they acquired Walker. Also sounds like they're serious about the BP for once, but I'll believe that when I see it.
I agree that it would be very surprising to see them do anything bold.
I could see him coming back ona one or two year deal
Would obviously be a very short term move, but I wouldn't mind rolling the dice on Kinsler at 2B if the price is right. Only on the hook for 1 year $10M and has scored 90 runs 4 years in a row. 1 year removed from a near 6 WAR season.
Also Carig has Sandy making some pretty direct comments about Smith's conditioning.
@MarcCarig
Dominics going to have to be careful about his conditioning, certainly in the next few years if not throughout his career.
Sandy Alderson on Dom Smith
Would love to see him in Flushing
Bullpen by numbers
Doesnt mean anything yet, but Familia is at oeaceand looks ABSOLUTELY fantastic.
May as well dig up some old controversy and throw out a new tidbit. To the point, Sandy flat out told Ces that if wants to play golf, feel free to play golf. And that if he has an injury related to golf, his contract will be voided...
Bullpen by numbers
Doesnt mean anything yet, but Familia is at oeaceand looks ABSOLUTELY fantastic.
May as well dig up some old controversy and throw out a new tidbit. To the point, Sandy flat out told Ces that if wants to play golf, feel free to play golf. And that if he has an injury related to golf, his contract will be voided...
I think that's exactly the right way to handle Ces/golf (or any other player). Any thoughts on the offseason Shecky? I know you thought there would be more changes than there were last year, is this the year it happens?
I also think we add a SP but somebody like Dickey or CC late ala Colon in 2015.
The thing we have to remember about guys like Bruce is that it really doesn't make sense to commit large amounts of money and guaranteed years to these guys since they are available for SOOO cheap. Look at the price the Mets got for Bruce last year in the middle of a career year. Why would you pay bigtime guaranteed money when bat first no defense OFs are otherwise so cheap. Let's not bid against ourselves.
Would obviously be a very short term move, but I wouldn't mind rolling the dice on Kinsler at 2B if the price is right. Only on the hook for 1 year $10M and has scored 90 runs 4 years in a row. 1 year removed from a near 6 WAR season.
Also Carig has Sandy making some pretty direct comments about Smith's conditioning.
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Marc CarigVerified account
@MarcCarig
Dominics going to have to be careful about his conditioning, certainly in the next few years if not throughout his career.
Sandy Alderson on Dom Smith
I remember the good old days when people acted like me commenting on Dom Smith's weight was me being some sort of hater... the good old days before people actually got a chance to see his physique.
The thing we have to remember about guys like Bruce is that it really doesn't make sense to commit large amounts of money and guaranteed years to these guys since they are available for SOOO cheap. Look at the price the Mets got for Bruce last year in the middle of a career year. Why would you pay bigtime guaranteed money when bat first no defense OFs are otherwise so cheap. Let's not bid against ourselves.
Good luck with that. Bruce is reportedly looking for years over AAV (as he should be). 1 year would be absolutely stunning.
Santana wouldn't be a bad signing. I feel like Smith's upside is most likely average MLB starter (who knows though, he's still young and his power looks to be developing) so I'm fine with upgrading there, but I'd rather add someone like Moustakos. I like his age and think he's hitting his prime years. It's been a while since we've been settled at 3B. Sign Moustakos and you can probably also sign Duda as a backup option for 1B (I bet Duda gets one year deal at $10M or less). If they do sign Bruce, he better be willing to work at 1B considering how horrible he is in the OF.
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Good luck with that. Bruce is reportedly looking for years over AAV (as he should be). 1 year would be absolutely stunning.
Then maybe Mets should pass. Dave Cameron projects him to get 2/yr $32M which IMO is still a bit high but I wouldn't completely HATE it for NYM.
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makes me think it's unlikely unless his market is as cold as it was last offseason and he has to settle for a 1 or 2 year deal (which could be). Not saying it's impossible, but I suspect they will have higher targets. He also didn't seem to love the lockerroom here. But who knows if that's truth or just rumor.
Would obviously be a very short term move, but I wouldn't mind rolling the dice on Kinsler at 2B if the price is right. Only on the hook for 1 year $10M and has scored 90 runs 4 years in a row. 1 year removed from a near 6 WAR season.
Also Carig has Sandy making some pretty direct comments about Smith's conditioning.
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Marc CarigVerified account
@MarcCarig
Dominics going to have to be careful about his conditioning, certainly in the next few years if not throughout his career.
Sandy Alderson on Dom Smith
I remember the good old days when people acted like me commenting on Dom Smith's weight was me being some sort of hater... the good old days before people actually got a chance to see his physique.
to be fair to me (LOL) I never said his physique wasn't an issue, I simply said he could be in the Mo Vaughn/Prince Fielder style of 1B and not Jon Olerud (from a body type standpoint).
I was impressed with Smith's power - which most people also said wasn't going to develop, but if fielding is going to be an issue and it's purely his weight causing it, he has no choice but to lose weight (and keep it off) or lose his career.
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In comment 13691686 Metnut said:
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Good luck with that. Bruce is reportedly looking for years over AAV (as he should be). 1 year would be absolutely stunning.
Then maybe Mets should pass. Dave Cameron projects him to get 2/yr $32M which IMO is still a bit high but I wouldn't completely HATE it for NYM.
I saw a tweet yesterday saying they thought Bruce could get a 5 -year deal. I thought Bruce was a pleasant surprise last year, but holy shit stay away from that deal.
I admit Bruce has more versatility and is already proven to be able to play here as opposed to someone like Santana, but I'd prefer a more well rounded hitter. In comparison Santana strikes out less than just about anyone we have had since Murphy. He'd be our most consistent OBP guy since prime David Wright. And you can basically pencil him in for 20+ homers and 85+ rbis.
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In comment 13691690 DanMetroMan said:
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In comment 13691686 Metnut said:
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Good luck with that. Bruce is reportedly looking for years over AAV (as he should be). 1 year would be absolutely stunning.
Then maybe Mets should pass. Dave Cameron projects him to get 2/yr $32M which IMO is still a bit high but I wouldn't completely HATE it for NYM.
I saw a tweet yesterday saying they thought Bruce could get a 5 -year deal. I thought Bruce was a pleasant surprise last year, but holy shit stay away from that deal.
I'd be very surprised if he gets 5 years unless he settles for a reasonably low AAV but anything less than 2-3 would be stunning. The market is never hot for Bruce but 1 year is what guys coming off bad years end up with.
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Marc CarigVerified account
@MarcCarig
Dominics going to have to be careful about his conditioning, certainly in the next few years if not throughout his career.
Sandy Alderson on Dom Smith
I remember the good old days when people acted like me commenting on Dom Smith's weight was me being some sort of hater... the good old days before people actually got a chance to see his physique.
It was more the lazy comments regurgitated by some than the out of shape. But I think wed all happily go back to the good old days of a winning org with a great minor league system just a few years ago :(
power is power, I wasn't praising it as anything other than people said "Smith will never be a power buy, 15 - 20 HR's max" and in an admittedly small sample he was on pace for 30.
I had no other commentary about it being positive or negative.
he's shorter than i thought too, he looks shorter than 6'.
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issue with praising Smith's power is it came at the expense of his other hitting "positives" so we don't yet know if he can do both concurrently. I'm not saying he can't be he basically sold out for power. K-rate was 26.8 at the MLB level (double his AA rate). Also, GG defense my ass. Maybe that was his projection coming out of HS but... uh no.
power is power, I wasn't praising it as anything other than people said "Smith will never be a power buy, 15 - 20 HR's max" and in an admittedly small sample he was on pace for 30.
I had no other commentary about it being positive or negative.
he's shorter than i thought too, he looks shorter than 6'.
Not looking to have a big debate but totally disagree on the first point. Power is only relevant if you can tap into it while giving quality ab's. What good is 25+ homers if the other 550 ab's aren't quality? Again, it was his first taste so I'm not saying he can't do them both concurrently but he was bad in September, 3 homers while showing better ab's would have been a far better sign.
Completely agree, he did not look at all like the polished hitter and top defender as advertised. There are going to be growing pains with him. That's why I'd sign a 1B and use Smith as a trade chip, whether it's for a good young pitcher or an every day player with some term on a reasonable contract.
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issue with praising Smith's power is it came at the expense of his other hitting "positives" so we don't yet know if he can do both concurrently. I'm not saying he can't be he basically sold out for power. K-rate was 26.8 at the MLB level (double his AA rate). Also, GG defense my ass. Maybe that was his projection coming out of HS but... uh no.
Completely agree, he did not look at all like the polished hitter and top defender as advertised. There are going to be growing pains with him. That's why I'd sign a 1B and use Smith as a trade chip, whether it's for a good young pitcher or an every day player with some term on a reasonable contract.
He may yet be an MLB all-star one day. I'm far from closing the book on him but I'm actually happy/surprised to see the Mets acknowledging he did NOT look ready to be an asset to open 2018. Can't go into 2018 with Smith penciled in given what we saw. He's a good prospect, he's not viewed as a can't miss/special talent that you just roll the dice on. Rosario showed warts as well BUT he's a SS and graded above average at the position. So if worst case in 2018 is he's a glove with some speed and the bat takes some time, so be it. 1b not so much.
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In comment 13691705 DanMetroMan said:
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issue with praising Smith's power is it came at the expense of his other hitting "positives" so we don't yet know if he can do both concurrently. I'm not saying he can't be he basically sold out for power. K-rate was 26.8 at the MLB level (double his AA rate). Also, GG defense my ass. Maybe that was his projection coming out of HS but... uh no.
power is power, I wasn't praising it as anything other than people said "Smith will never be a power buy, 15 - 20 HR's max" and in an admittedly small sample he was on pace for 30.
I had no other commentary about it being positive or negative.
he's shorter than i thought too, he looks shorter than 6'.
Not looking to have a big debate but totally disagree on the first point. Power is only relevant if you can tap into it while giving quality ab's. What good is 25+ homers if the other 550 ab's aren't quality? Again, it was his first taste so I'm not saying he can't do them both concurrently but he was bad in September, 3 homers while showing better ab's would have been a far better sign.
You're missing my point. I'm not debating the quality of his offense - I made no commentary on that, people, you included, said Smith doesn't project to have much HR power.
He (in a SSS, but not really small b/w AAA/MLB) proved that wrong. HR power is a tool measurable in and of itself.
Period.
He was on pace for 30 MLB HR's and actually hit 25 HR's between AAA and MLB
(I'd be shocked if they land Minor, and Morrow wants to stay in LA but Shaw makes a lot of sense given his Callaway ties).
but as an extreme case (admittedly very extreme) let's say "people" generally had that view of Smith. He's a line drive hitter, a doubles guy, may hit 15 HR's, 20 on a good year.
If the then hits 60 HR's but strikes out 300 times and bats around .100.
Would people then say "see I told you he had no power"
anyway, point is moot, I get what you're saying.
Some of his HR's were absolutely crushed though and that RF porch probably got in his head too (though I think he even had a couple oppos).
I liked Dom's September though (at the plate at least) a lot better than August.