NFT: Mets at Marlins Game 4 Harvey Day

Las Vegas 51s (5-5) 4, Sacramento River Cats (5-4) 1 Box Score

Gavin Cecchini 2B: 1 for 4, Run, K
Matt Reynolds LF: 2 for 4, 2 Runs,
Amed Rosario SS: 1 for 3, Run, RBI, 2 K
Dominic Smith 1B: 0 for 3, BB, K
Reynolds continues his hot hitting but he is still striking out a considerable amount. He has also continued to play left field prominently and recorded his second OF assist. After a slow start, Cecchini appears to have come around while playing solid defense at second base. Smith has managed to get on base in all but one game this season.

RHP Wilfredo Boscan (0-0, 0.00 ERA): 4 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Kevin McGowan (1-0, 1.29 ERA): 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K
RHP Ben Rowen (0-0, 16.62 ERA): 1 IP, H, K
RHP Cory Burns (0-0, 5.40 ERA): 0.2 IP, H, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Paul Sewald (0-0, 2.70 ERA): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, K
The pitching was very impressive for the 51s, especially given that it was in Las Vegas. As a staff, they combined to strike out 12. McGowan recorded the win last night while Sewald picked up the save. Rowen bounced back with a scoreless inning after struggling his last few times out.

Erie Seawolves (6-3) 5, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (4-5) 1 Box Score

Luis Guillorme SS: 2 for 4
L.J. Mazzilli 2B: 1 for 4, K
Matt Oberste 1B: 2 for 3, Run, 2B, BB, K
David Thompson 3B: 0 for 3, RBI
Not much offense for Binghamton in last night’s loss. Luis Guillorme continues hitting and has recorded a hit in 8 of the first 9 games this season. He is hitting .424/.500/.515 so far this season. Top catching prospect, Tomas Nido, has struggled thus far for Binghamton. His current slash line is .174/.240/.304.

RHP Casey Delgado (0-2, 10.13 ERA): 3 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
LHP Ben Griset (1-0, 3.86 ERA): 3 IP, H, 3 BB
RHP Scarlyn Reyes (0-0, 0.00 ERA): 1 IP
RHP Tim Peterson (0-0, 0.00 ERA): 1 IP, H
RHP Corey Taylor (0-1, 5.40 ERA): 1 IP, 2 K
Delgado has struggled in his two starts thus far. He is still looking to gain his footing in AA after struggling in his stint last season. Taylor had a solid outing after giving up runs in his previous two.

St. Lucie Mets (5-5) 9, Florida Fire Frogs 5 Box Score

Wuilmer Becerra DH: 0 for 5, 3 K
Jhoan Urena 3B: 3 for 4, 3 Runs, 2B, HR, RBI
J.C. Rodriguez SS: 3 for 4, 3 Runs, 1 2B, 3 RBI
Jeffrey Diehl LF: 2 for 3, Run, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
Wuilmer Becerra went hitless for the first time all season. He also struck out three times for the St. Lucie Mets. Jhoan Urena is now slashing .342/.419/.500 following his big game Saturday.

RHP Nabil Crismatt (1-0, 2.25 ERA): 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Jeurys Familia (0-0, 0.00 ERA): 1 IP, K
RHP Johnny Magliozzi (0-0, 3.86 ERA): 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 K
Crismatt was very impressive over 6 innings yesterday after a great 2016 campaign. Familia began his rehab last night and only required 8 pitches, 6 of which were strikes, to set aside his opponents. He is eligible to return this Thursday.

Columbia Fireflies (7-3) 1, Augusta GreenJackets (2-8) 0 Box Score

Desmond Lindsay CF: 0 for 3, K
Dash Winningham 1B: 1 for 4, Run, 2 K
Tim Tebow LF: 0 for 3, RBI
The offense only manufactured only one run on four hits in this game. This is the second game in a row they only had four hits. Desmond Lindsay left early for Columbia after getting hit high by a pitch.

RHP Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 0.00 ERA): 7.2 IP, 4 H, 5 K
RHP Cameron Griffin (0-0, 2.08 ERA): 1.1 IP, K
Merandy Gonzalez was masterful for the Fireflies. He only threw 91 pitches over his 7.2 innings scoreless innings. He has yet to allow a run this season. Griffin finished up the game and recorded the save.

Boscan could be a backend starter depth right now. He keeps owning AAA.

Wow, you took what Dan does so well, and added a twist with the commentary, very well done!!!!

In comment 13430185 Shecky said:

Quote:

Wow, you took what Dan does so well, and added a twist with the commentary, very well done!!!!

I cant take credit Shecky. Although I am still a writer on MMO and am doing game recaps this minor league recap isn't mine. I was only sharing since Dan doesn't normally do minor league stuff on the weekend and thought others might like to know what happened yesterday.

Noah, Jacob, and Harvey pitch

still be the last team I'd want the Mets to face in a game that means anything.

continually take no hitters into the 5th and 6th innings. Our offense is still so inconsistent and maddening. Hopefully we can get a few across the plate.

And Reyes needs to sit. For like a week.

lol. They are FLAT. Nice to see Harvey pitch well against a good lineup though.

I watch this game and I ask why the hell is Granderson playing and then I remember Collins is our manager. My one through 3 pitchers each have an era under 3 and after nine starts they have two wins between them all while I am leading the league in HR's. That is difficult to do!

who they are. A very inconsistent offense. And I fear that their shortcomings on offense will be amplified by this moronic philosophy about hitting everything in the air.

Any team can look like mashers at Citizens Bank Park. We are about to be swept in four games by the Marlins and their unimpressive pitching staff. That says it all.

We won game 1. The last two games went down to the wire and we fought hard to come back and take the lead last night before Collins let the air out of our sails. It's still early in the season and many of our players arent hitting yet. I thought we had warmed up in Philly but some guys are still lost (cough... cough... Reyes).

We had a long 14 inning affair (that we won) and last night we had the game won and we were left shocked and dejected after we blew it. Partying or not, Im not surprised they are flat today.

impressive performance...

sucks. Going to get no hit by garbage

However, we went through this same back and forth last year.

"It's still early"
"Players can't stay cold forever"
"Wait for the weather to get warmer"

I'm not so much bashing the team but just realistic on who they are. Low AVG, low OPB and a manager who is anti every strategy that creates offense. Thus, we need to rely on the homerun...which sucks.

They will get hot eventually. Win a bunch of games, and then the bats will disappear for a long stretch. I was really hoping to see some change to invoke some more consistency but no such luck. What are you going to do?

Their starting pitchers will ensure that they are over .500 but they will be fighting their offense all season.

with the pitching we have all you need to do is put the bat on the ball. Instead we have a coach who preaches pull and upper cut swings. You can tell in the broadcasts Keith can't stand the approach. Yet another way coaching brings this team down.

and just disappeared for a game or two Id agree more but that's not the case right now. A bunch of guys just aren't there yet. April is a weird month. They have sayings about it. lol. It takes a little bit for guys to get in a rhythm.

I also think we seem to magnify shutouts and act like they only happen to us. It happens. To every team. The best offenses in baseball get shutout, sometimes multiple times a month. We scored 4 runs last night, even with guys not performing up to their standards. We'll be fine.

and our offense is so f'ing frustrating.

everyone is dreaming the Mets never gave away, who Long is 100% responsible for turning into an MVP candidate, is Daniel Murphy. Sandy's first 4 drafts, he went for high contact, high average guys in the first round with not much pop (Conforto being the exception but he was thought to be more a 20 HR guy at first).

I dont think there is a certain style per se. Its the players we got and most of them are good, they just happen to be power hitters.

when the team isn't playing well. We crushed April last season. Wasn't an issue last year.

Yes, I know the Mets will be fine. They will be in the mix for the wild card, possibly the division. Again, I'm just talking about how this team is built, nothing else. I was just hoping to see some changes early on but no indication of that yet. Which is fine. At least I know what we have.

Reyes is absolutely killing this team. TC trotting him out there every day is mind boggling.

.

Id love somebody to point out a lineup they'd prefer we emulate. I'd be happy to keep tabs on that lineup and point out how often they struggle or get shutout in a season.

In comment 13430334 PhiPsi125 said:

Quote:

.

Shit, he did. Don't know how I missed that one.

Way to go Cabrera!! Lol, baseball is a funny game.

baby! My BBI just crashed. lol

!!

Every game has been crazy. Those effing Marlins.

In comment 13430336 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

Id love somebody to point out a lineup they'd prefer we emulate. I'd be happy to keep tabs on that lineup and point out how often they struggle or get shutout in a season.

Listen, I don't think we are far off from each other but you have to admit that this team is a bit streakier than most other teams, right? We are totally feast or famine...there's no secret about that and our results last year confirm it. But again, nobody is exactly running away with anything so far so nothing to get crazy about. But this also isn't the type of team that will be able to rattle off an 8 or 10 game winning streak either. At least, I dont think so.

better off next year WITHOUT Reyes, Granderson and Duda.

In comment 13430346 PhiPsi125 said:

Quote:

In comment 13430336 ZGiants98 said: Quote: Id love somebody to point out a lineup they'd prefer we emulate. I'd be happy to keep tabs on that lineup and point out how often they struggle or get shutout in a season. Listen, I don't think we are far off from each other but you have to admit that this team is a bit streakier than most other teams, right? We are totally feast or famine...there's no secret about that and our results last year confirm it. But again, nobody is exactly running away with anything so far so nothing to get crazy about. But this also isn't the type of team that will be able to rattle off an 8 or 10 game winning streak either. At least, I dont think so.

I think we can and will if we can stay healthy but I appreciate your stance. Ideally not everyone is hot or cold at once when we get into the summer months. It's all good though.

Stanton
Ozuna
Gordon
Realmuto
Yelich

This team is no slouch. We did not take advantage of their bad starting pitching at all. Later in the game we are at such a disadvantage.

out!

Crazy.

I have a radical idea to fill the black hole in the lineup that is Jose Reyes. They could just start Wilmer Flores at 3b everyday and see what happens ....

Ha ha ha ha ha ha. Sorry, what was I thinking. Obviously the Mets should look to reacquire Ruben Tejada.

CES DROOBS

OUT

they had second and third with 1 out

it took two near perfect throws to get him out

sick of the Marlins. Get the hell out of here. On to the next series

lame

Fuck the Marlins. Get the hell out of Miami.

In comment 13430353 CMicks3110 said:

Quote:

Stanton Ozuna Gordon Realmuto Yelich This team is no slouch. We did not take advantage of their bad starting pitching at all. Later in the game we are at such a disadvantage.

No doubt, but a good offense should tee off on their pitching. We've had ONE big inning in four games against this team and that was a 16 inning game. And you can't complain about the cold weather in Miami.

I hate the Marlins.

Reed has given up the first career HR to Brock Stassi and J.T. Biddle

has been trash this series. The starters give great efforts and get hung out to dry.

you can see they are not close to getting going. Both need to see the bench and lots of it.

instead of Granderson.

We have no one to play 3B.

Thankfully there's only a few games left without him, hopefully at that point guys will be able to get some rest and slot into their more comfortable roles.

I'm also hopeful those who don't appreciate that he's 1 of the top closers in the game will now realize how central he's been to this team's success and that he's basically as close to perfect as relievers get. He's appeared in 154 games the past 2 years, saved 94 of them, and lost just 6 - it's not hard to make the case that he's the most irreplaceable player on this team. His absence has probably cost this team 2 or 3 wins already.

The bullpen is not thin with Familia....

they lost basically to 3 walk-offs in a row. Tons of bullpen usage early on as I think Collins is trying to be careful with the SP out of the starting gate and thus relying heavily on the BP. He needs to trust some other guys too in the middle innings.

Familia being out cost us 2 wins already. If you even remotely follow WAR at all you know that a closer is worth maybe 2 wins total for the entire season. And that's the absolute best of the best them. There are so many other factors involved. We have not had the lead in the 9th and blown a game yet since he's been out. Has the losses been on the hitters not hitting, our manager not managing, good players not performing, the wrong players not performing, or just damn good performances from our opponent. We will never know. Wake me when Reed blows a game in the 9th with a lead and MAYBE we'll talk (Familia blows games too).

In comment 13430839 sshin05 said:

Quote:

they lost basically to 3 walk-offs in a row. Tons of bullpen usage early on as I think Collins is trying to be careful with the SP out of the starting gate and thus relying heavily on the BP. He needs to trust some other guys too in the middle innings.

He certainly hasn't trusted Smoker enough who was great today again. He should have been getting more late inning work earlier. Either way, it's still only what 11 games? The bullpen is definitely overworked and two guys who have been great let up some runs over the last two days but nobody's going to be perfect all year. We need a day off tomorrow. Everybody needs some rest.

Edgin, Montero, and Gilmartin need to be gone but they shouldn't be part of our 7 anyway. 2 of those 3 will be gone by Thursday.

in every game. Just couldn't close the deal, its baseball, sometimes these things happen. Also, TC is trying to figure out the team and whats the best configuration. Monday is a badly needed day off.

In comment 13430845 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

In comment 13430839 sshin05 said: Quote: they lost basically to 3 walk-offs in a row. Tons of bullpen usage early on as I think Collins is trying to be careful with the SP out of the starting gate and thus relying heavily on the BP. He needs to trust some other guys too in the middle innings. He certainly hasn't trusted Smoker enough who was great today again. He should have been getting more late inning work earlier. Either way, it's still only what 11 games? The bullpen is definitely overworked and two guys who have been great let up some runs over the last two days but nobody's going to be perfect all year. We need a day off tomorrow. Everybody needs some rest. Edgin, Montero, and Gilmartin need to be gone but they shouldn't be part of our 7 anyway. 2 of those 3 will be gone by Thursday.

I'm not sure they have a guy like Buddy Carlyle or Carlos Torres or even a Jim Henderson, guys who can look good for a number of consecutive outings.

In comment 13430847 sshin05 said:

Quote:

in every game. Just couldn't close the deal, its baseball, sometimes these things happen. Also, TC is trying to figure out the team and whats the best configuration. Monday is a badly needed day off.

Of course. It's super early. The team isnt fully hitting yet. I dont like the lineup configuration. Our rotation has been good for the most part and so has the pen. Im hearing Sandy was pissed after last night's game. Some of the beats have mentioned it and Im hearing rumbles on MMO they are having a staff meeting tomorrow. Could be a mini shake-up with lineup or something but who knows.

It was number 2 in baseball last year and actually looks improved...

We have...

Jeurys Familia (top 3-4 closer in baseball the last couple of seasons)
Addison Reed- In conversation for best SU man in baseball last year
Fernando Salas -solid middle reliever /closing experience/has been great as a Met
Josh Smoker - Former first round pick with great stuff who dominated in the minors with us who has performed in Vegas and is now performing in the majors
Jerry Blevins- Best LOOGY in baseball
Hansel Robles - Top 50 reliever in baseball. Can be up and down but is just as good as a "Blanton" and is ten years younger and throws hard

That's 6 guys. Add a long man or Sewald or whoever. No reason the pen should be anything but excellent this season and looking at the rotation/lineup our annual tradeline addition is likely ANOTHER reliever.

is by going out and signing another fantastic, proven closer and this seems to be what we come back to over and over again. We have the solid vet middle relief thing taken care of (Blevins/Salas), we have the upside guys that throw hard part taken care of (Smoker/Robles) and we have the two dominant guys at the backend you want (Reed/Familia). I still think we have a couple interesting guys in AAA too (Sewald, McGowan, Rosebloom). So what can we add that we don't already have?

The answer is a dominant closer. That's what people want. They want a three headed monster because the Yankees did it. It's just not realistic. Holland would have been nice but was he really coming here to be our 7th inning guy? I doubt it.

Papelbon

. We gotta do better this week against the Nats

believe after winning that Thursday night game that we'd lose all the games with Thor, DeGrom and Harvey starting. Marlins aren't a bad team and played really hard. All 4 games were entertaining and played hard so I'll tip my cap to that team.

We know our lineup is hot and cold, but it's still tough to take the offense struggling so much against mediocre pitching. I know the numbers aren't there (terrible actually in 2017) and I'm a Flores homer but he's getting together nice ABs and getting good contact off of RHP. It's not time to give up on Reyes yet, but let's not give up on Flores vs RHP yet either.

Then TC better play more Conforto, who is just the third or fourth best bat at the moment (Ces Bruce TDA).

You no doubt would like to get Conforto, Flores, and others involved more but it's also way too early to give up on Reyes, Granderson, and others.

Familia will be back. Rotation, Lineup, and Pen should all be close to full strength for once (I get guys are cold though).

for the Mets ponying up the cash for a lights out back of the pen arm (like Chapman) had nothing to do with the Yankees.

it's just a general approach for shortening games with reliable arms. Giving guys roles and having other reliable options if someone is not available.

Look at last year, the two biggest deadline acquisitions were Chapman and Miller, and where did the Cubs and Indians end up?

I think it's a different way of approaching games, made necessary by today's pitchers and injuries and limits and roles, and the way the game is managed.

And Chapman was available for cash.

I also suggested lesser options like Papelbon or trading for Robertson. Which I believe would help the current pen, especially in the playoffs.

and I still think it's something the Mets should do.

Can they win without doing it? Probably, but I think it would help their chances.

So they could have three closers. The only team with the "three closer philosophy" failed miserably and traded off their closers. That said, I think I was on a bit of a rant last night. Everyone's allowed an opinion. Wasn't trying to attack anyone.

In comment 13431192 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

You no doubt would like to get Conforto, Flores, and others involved more but it's also way too early to give up on Reyes, Granderson, and others.

The Conforto thing really bugs me for some reason. Granderson has had a nice career. And he's done well for the Mets. But at this point, Conforto is the better player in the field and at the plate, and I don't think it's particularly close. Conforto will struggle also, but we need to let the kid play and figure it out.

Granderson is an older player that really shouldn't be your starting option. I'm not saying he needs to be benched, but he certainly should be losing ABs to Conforto at this point.

Reyes is just a turd. He should take a page out of Dee Gordon's and Christian Yelichs playbook and swing for hits, not HRs. Just make contact and get on base. That's your game. Not trying to hit 500 foot HRs.

Would have given a contract to Chapman if they had two of the top 6 relievers in the game last year already (Reed/Familia). We already have one of the best closers in baseball. Sounds great in theory but I have serious doubts a single team would entertain something like that. Why not trade for Kershaw and Sale too? Let's gut the system for Goldy and make Duda an awesome pinch hitter. Lots of things make the team better. Doesn't mean they are realistic.

I think he's a set up guy who has closed before. Like Salas.

and the names can be interchangeable.

Both the Cubs and Indians had closers (with varying degrees of success/competence), but it's the approach, more than the names.

I mean if you had Chapman, Familia, and Reed at the back of your pen, how can anyone argue it's a bad thing?

And with Familia's playoff profile I'd like a guy like Chapman back there too even if someone isn't thrilled with being an 8th inning guy vs closer.

In comment 13431224 PhiPsi125 said:

Quote:

In comment 13431192 ZGiants98 said: Quote: You no doubt would like to get Conforto, Flores, and others involved more but it's also way too early to give up on Reyes, Granderson, and others. The Conforto thing really bugs me for some reason. Granderson has had a nice career. And he's done well for the Mets. But at this point, Conforto is the better player in the field and at the plate, and I don't think it's particularly close. Conforto will struggle also, but we need to let the kid play and figure it out. Granderson is an older player that really shouldn't be your starting option. I'm not saying he needs to be benched, but he certainly should be losing ABs to Conforto at this point. Reyes is just a turd. He should take a page out of Dee Gordon's and Christian Yelichs playbook and swing for hits, not HRs. Just make contact and get on base. That's your game. Not trying to hit 500 foot HRs.

Yeah I don't know what the solution is. I had hoped Granderson would be slowly phased out this year and Bruce might be traded eventually. I kind of wanted Conforto to take over RF with maybe Nimmo getting some time with Lagares in CF and all over. I was hoping TJ might get more of a chance and maybe somebody like Cheech would too eventually. I know you probably grimace every time I say it but I really think it's too early right now. Need to let things play out a little more.

In comment 13431229 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think he's a set up guy who has closed before. Like Salas. and the names can be interchangeable. Both the Cubs and Indians had closers (with varying degrees of success/competence), but it's the approach, more than the names. I mean if you had Chapman, Familia, and Reed at the back of your pen, how can anyone argue it's a bad thing? And with Familia's playoff profile I'd like a guy like Chapman back there too even if someone isn't thrilled with being an 8th inning guy vs closer.

Well that's your weird perception then. He was a 100% a closer before coming to the Mets and is now a better pitcher than he ever was. He has over 100 saves and was one of the best relievers in baseball last year. He's also 4 times the pitcher Salas is (who is really just a solid middle relief vet).

It is if people still don't believe Reed is legit. If you think last year was a complete fluke and he's going to turn into a pumpkin then I can get on board with why you would want somebody else. You can't look at what he did last year statistically though and not admit he was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. He did work with Warthen and has been pretty much lights out since he got here now though (almost 2 years). I see no reason for him to slow down (he's still young-ish) but you never know.

weird.

He lost his closer job in Arizona and was acquired by a Mets team (for a bag of balls) that already had a closer and had a whopping 2 saves with the Mets before having to fill in for a suspended Familia.

whatever, not going to discuss this any more with you.

(If that's who he is now) he would be a perfectly fine closer on 25 teams out of 30. I already cited his work with Warthen as one of the reasons he is better now then he ever was. The fact that he was a already a good closer with the White Sox for multiple years before going to the Diamondbacks and having an off year is an added bonus.

absolutely right. For me, it's more about ability and production and putting the best product on the field. And I believe that Conforto will offer more that what Granderson will give at this point in his career. And while he hasn't been a disaster in the field, he is definitely limited in his ability at his age. And that's very easy to see. This is no slight on Curtis. He's 36 years old. Lots of tread on those tires.

That being said, Curtis will likely get hot at some point. But overall, Conforto is best for the team. If Curtis is a great a teammate and overall dude as everyone says, I doubt he would make waves.

I think Conforto's floor is probably what Bruce or Granderson will give this year. I'm that high on him. They are all probably not far off from each other though. Best thing would be to trade off a piece or two and get a decent return to maximize value. Or maybe somebody gets hurt making it moot? Who knows. Feel bad for Michael though.

for Joe Kelly. Red Sox near the bottom in HR's (that won't last) and Bruce has a swing tailor made for Fenway.

Plus he can DH.

In comment 13431408 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

for Joe Kelly. Red Sox near the bottom in HR's (that won't last) and Bruce has a swing tailor made for Fenway. Plus he can DH.

Do you actually know what happened to Kelly last year? I don't watch the Red Sox that much. His walks seemed to skyrocket uncharacteristically?

In comment 13431436 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

In comment 13431408 pjcas18 said: Quote: for Joe Kelly. Red Sox near the bottom in HR's (that won't last) and Bruce has a swing tailor made for Fenway. Plus he can DH. Do you actually know what happened to Kelly last year? I don't watch the Red Sox that much. His walks seemed to skyrocket uncharacteristically?

No, but he was used out of the pen for the first time in his major league career, so maybe there was an adjustment.

He's been effective so far this year in SSS, but not missing bats. Velocity seems to be there so far.

Kelly is a guy IMO with the kind of stuff (like Reed) who Warthen can "cure".

In comment 13431464 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13431436 ZGiants98 said: Quote: In comment 13431408 pjcas18 said: Quote: for Joe Kelly. Red Sox near the bottom in HR's (that won't last) and Bruce has a swing tailor made for Fenway. Plus he can DH. Do you actually know what happened to Kelly last year? I don't watch the Red Sox that much. His walks seemed to skyrocket uncharacteristically? No, but he was used out of the pen for the first time in his major league career, so maybe there was an adjustment. He's been effective so far this year in SSS, but not missing bats. Velocity seems to be there so far. Kelly is a guy IMO with the kind of stuff (like Reed) who Warthen can "cure".

Sorry, not first time in his career out of the pen, first time in a few years.

.

@MattEhalt

Seth Lugo will begin his throwing program tomorrow after two weeks of rest, per a source. Will start from 60 feet.

I no longer want Lugo in AAA pitching a ton of innings in AAA. I think he should replace Montero/Gilmartin on the team as the long man.

Familia
Reed
Salas
Smoker
Blevins
Robles
Lugo