I have no idea what he's up to now but Matt Harvey 100% was a "partier" earlier in his career, I can say that with knowledge 2nd hand (but someone who would never lie to me).
There aren't a lot of positions where there's such a wide range of possible outcomes. Whoever starts out of Smith or AGon could hit 7th/8th with negative value defense, rotating ABs with Flores, or either one could step up and hit in the middle of the order while also upgrading the defense. Thinner Smith is a total unknown but you don't have to go back too far to 2016 postseason when Adrian Gonzalez was hitting cleanup for the 91 win team that knocked the Nats out of the playoffs. A slight bounce back year at 35 isn't totally unthinkable, nor an emergence from a very recently graduated top prospect. Just accounting for defense, last year Mets 1B were a -10 in DRS so there's a lot of room for improvement.
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Sources: LHP Fernando Abad getting close to signing. Multiple teams involved, could get done in next few days.
"PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mexican food was Dominic Smith's vice. When Smith wanted to indulge, he would head to the nearest local spot in Southern California for a carne asada wet burrito, smothered in cheese.
That habit disappeared this winter, when the Mets' second-ranked prospect reported to Mike Barwis' team-sponsored fitness facility in Michigan for an offseason full of workouts. He traded in burritos and hamburgers for smoothies and leafy greens. By the time Smith reported to Mets camp, he had shed 24 pounds, dropping down from his high point of around 258.
"There were a lot of weekends where I wanted to sneak out and get a burger or two," Smith said. "But I really just told myself: 'Work hard. Fast food's not good for you.' Now if I eat a burger or something, I feel really sluggish. That healthy food does so much for your body, gives you energy -- and I just feel great."
Color Terry Collins impressed. The Mets manager took notice of Smith's slimmed-down figure immediately, knowing how much it figures to help him on defense. Though Smith broke out with a .302 average and 14 home runs last season at Double-A Binghamton, the Mets feel he still has room for growth if he wants to replace Lucas Duda as their starting first baseman, once Duda's contract expires in 2018."
This is from 2/27...2016.
At a younger age, it was harder for me to say no, Smith said in reference to the foods he likes. Now Im starting to pay attention and realize what I really need, as opposed to what I want.
of any defensive concerns with Smith, in fact I'd always read it was a strength, until his major league small sample last year.
Is that wrong? Am I mis-remembering?
this is from BA right before he was called up in August, so you'd figure any significant issues were uncovered.
Quote:
Smith is hefty at 6-foot, 239 pounds but moves around the bag well at first base and has soft hands that allow him to pick balls out of the dirt. His range is adequate but not great.
Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/expect-dominic-smith/#MdApzv5dHWScHi7I.99
of any defensive concerns with Smith, in fact I'd always read it was a strength, until his major league small sample last year.
Is that wrong? Am I mis-remembering?
this is from BA right before he was called up in August, so you'd figure any significant issues were uncovered.
Quote:
Smith is hefty at 6-foot, 239 pounds but moves around the bag well at first base and has soft hands that allow him to pick balls out of the dirt. His range is adequate but not great.
Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/expect-dominic-smith/#MdApzv5dHWScHi7I.99
Yup. Rep has always been good. Was awful during his MLB time. The hope is it was weight related but range is more important than arm at 1b by a long shot (he has a great arm) his range and flexibility with the big club was very, very bad. 378 innings -7 DRS, Duda 792 innings at 1b -1
239 pounds in that picture, he looks like he's 200 or less. I'm his height or slightly taller and he's thinner than me.
hopefully he keeps it off and that helps his defense and hopefully he beats out A-gone in spring training.
There is no chance he's 200 or less, he was 226 in camp last year when they were raving about how much better he looked but 250 to end 2017, they are saying he lost 20 pounds so he's probably about 230 now.
AJ Ramos talking about living with Stanton this year. Seems weird, and I know they were teammates in MIA, but this is funny.
Quote:
Matt Ehalt
Verified account @MattEhalt
3m3 minutes ago
AJ Ramos on living with Giancarlo Stanton: "We're still looking at that. We're still looking at places. We might live together. Definitely for the Subway Series I'm going to be setting some traps for him. You know, might mess up his sleep a little bit, stuff like that."
"I feel more athletic than Ive ever been, Smith told The Post on Tuesday, a few hours after showing off his pop-up slide form. In spring training, Ive always looked the part, but as far as my mobility and loosening up some hips and being more flexible, more agile as an athlete, I feel like this is the most advanced Ive been for sure in my career.
Holy cow, does he look it. The young man whom a scout once anonymously compared to Tony Gwynn, when Tony Gwynn was 40 years old said hes weighing in at 224 pounds, down about 30 pounds from the end of the 2017 season, and that seems about right. Hes far more compact and limber."
have an annual weigh-in/physical like football players do when they get to camp?
To my knowledge no but one would assume someone like Smith is on a different "program" than DeGrom etc. I mean Sandy openly talked about his weight. I mean just looking at him you can see he's much thinner, I doubt they said "get to 224 or else" but likely more of a "good job all the way down to 224" and a baseline to compare him to in 2-3 months
what am I missing that makes them appealing? Obviously losing the draft pick and international $ is a mark against them. I'd have no interest whatsoever in losing a draft pick that's comparable to the one they used last year to draft probably the most exciting prospect in the system (Vientos). I'd rather sign one of the low cost lesser guys for depth and then explore the trade market if/when injuries hit.
RE: Just read Carig's article from yesterday re: Lynn/Cobb
what am I missing that makes them appealing? Obviously losing the draft pick and international $ is a mark against them. I'd have no interest whatsoever in losing a draft pick that's comparable to the one they used last year to draft probably the most exciting prospect in the system (Vientos). I'd rather sign one of the low cost lesser guys for depth and then explore the trade market if/when injuries hit.
100% agree. #46 pick in the draft? No Thank you. Jaime Garcia type please. Even a Garcia AND a Tillman (yes he had an awful year) or a Garcia AND a Lincecum etc. It would be a rare time I'd trash them FOR spending.
Is one of the nicest kids ever in the system. With an amazing family. Always pulled for him, would love to see home come back home.
Reynolds was definitely one of my big misses. Will never forget hearing some smacks coming from a field behind me. Walk over, its reynolds crushing liners to the gals. Off a kid named Matz. Ten minutes and I became. A believer. Wish him luck in DC.
Omar looks like he found the weight that Don seems to have lost.
I feel way more optimistic than most around here. Bout scared shit with Swarzak. Hope Im as wrong about him as I consistently was about Reed.
Feeling around here the last week has definitely felt different. In hindsight, a lot of the kids felt like it would be easy to get back to the big games. Almost enlightened. Now, they seemed pissed, almost disrespected. Like theyd rather quietly prove people wrong. Quietly though. I like it.
Is one of the nicest kids ever in the system. With an amazing family. Always pulled for him, would love to see home come back home.
Reynolds was definitely one of my big misses. Will never forget hearing some smacks coming from a field behind me. Walk over, its reynolds crushing liners to the gals. Off a kid named Matz. Ten minutes and I became. A believer. Wish him luck in DC.
Omar looks like he found the weight that Don seems to have lost.
I feel way more optimistic than most around here. Bout scared shit with Swarzak. Hope Im as wrong about him as I consistently was about Reed.
Feeling around here the last week has definitely felt different. In hindsight, a lot of the kids felt like it would be easy to get back to the big games. Almost enlightened. Now, they seemed pissed, almost disrespected. Like theyd rather quietly prove people wrong. Quietly though. I like it.
Gotta be honest, adding Frazier really solidified some optimism for me. I don't love him, but he's a solid player at a position they desperately needed. I've always had some optimism that Harvey can bounce back in his contract year, and now that they have the chance to be a pretty solid defensive infield that should help the entire pitching staff. Especially compared to last year's disaster.
I liked the Swarzak signing, but I agree with you that it's somewhat worrying that he's all they did in the BP. It's usually not a good recipe to raise expectations on a 1 year wonder, hopefully he can deliver. A little worrying that the BP is once again 1 injury away from being desperately thin. At least they have a half dozen lotto tickets worth of guys who can "come out of nowhere" and possibly surprise.
in talks with Watson. I really like the off-season they have had.
Yeah I admire that they knew they had a group that has a quickly closing window and they went for it with some risky adds. Will Longoria and Mccutchen turn back the clock? Probably not. They will likely end up regretting the Longoria deal. But they are still solid players to go along with Posey, Panik, Belt and a pitching staff led by Bumgarner.
Is one of the nicest kids ever in the system. With an amazing family. Always pulled for him, would love to see home come back home.
Reynolds was definitely one of my big misses. Will never forget hearing some smacks coming from a field behind me. Walk over, its reynolds crushing liners to the gals. Off a kid named Matz. Ten minutes and I became. A believer. Wish him luck in DC.
Omar looks like he found the weight that Don seems to have lost.
I feel way more optimistic than most around here. Bout scared shit with Swarzak. Hope Im as wrong about him as I consistently was about Reed.
Feeling around here the last week has definitely felt different. In hindsight, a lot of the kids felt like it would be easy to get back to the big games. Almost enlightened. Now, they seemed pissed, almost disrespected. Like theyd rather quietly prove people wrong. Quietly though. I like it.
Gotta be honest, adding Frazier really solidified some optimism for me. I don't love him, but he's a solid player at a position they desperately needed. I've always had some optimism that Harvey can bounce back in his contract year, and now that they have the chance to be a pretty solid defensive infield that should help the entire pitching staff. Especially compared to last year's disaster.
I liked the Swarzak signing, but I agree with you that it's somewhat worrying that he's all they did in the BP. It's usually not a good recipe to raise expectations on a 1 year wonder, hopefully he can deliver. A little worrying that the BP is once again 1 injury away from being desperately thin. At least they have a half dozen lotto tickets worth of guys who can "come out of nowhere" and possibly surprise.
I believe now Matz is the rotation key, not Harvey. That lefty who can throw mid 90's following Thor and DeGrom.
If, and I know it's a huge if because he hasn't yet, Matz can be healthy and effective for a full season, that's as good a top 3 in the league (depending on Matz's potential).
Considering Harvey your #4 changes expectations IMO (maybe not for him personally, but as a fan for me it does) and then out of Wheeler, Gsellman, Lugo and Montero you need to get 28 - 32 starts out of starters 5 - 8 to be your 5th starter.
sure it never works out that way, because there will be injuries and poor performances, but truth is we haven't seen these guys healthy in so long, who knows what to expect.
Matz has never made more than 22 starts.
Harvey has never made more than 29 starts and only has two seasons over 20.
Wheeler made 32 starts one season, but has only one season more than 17 starts.
I view Harvey/Matz/Wheeler similarly and just hope 1 steps up
to be a consistent third pitcher. If I was picking which one I felt best about it would probably be Matz because he's pitched well most recently but he's never been able to stay healthy so it's close between him and Harvey. Wheeler is a distant third and unless he's dealing in the spring I'd be tempted to just keep him in extended spring training if he's outpitched by Gsellman, Lugo or Montero.
Every year most teams have somewhere between 10-12 guys who start some games over the course of the season so I'm not as specifically concerned with the back end IF they can have 3 consistent starters to lean on consistently. Would love to add a veteran to the competition like Garcia but I don't think it's make or break.
saying Mets are going to give Flores some reps in the OF this spring.
Can't hurt to try. He'll likely be a better OF than Jay Bruce just by default.
This likely wont end well. Just like trying Murphy and Duda in the outfield.
Just put the kid at 2nd base already. They just refuse to give this kid a shot. And now they are going to give him reps in the crowded outfield? Eff the Mets.
supposedly they plan on carrying 4 OF/8 RP so that's why they're
giving Flores and Reyes reps in the OF. I do agree that Flores in the OF sounds like a recipe for disaster.
They're also supposedly toying with the idea of batting Frazier leadoff. It would probably be better if they just let the winner of the CF battle between Nimmo/Lagares hit there. Both of those guys deserve a look while Conforto is out and if either are ever going to hit enough to be regulars, the leadoff spot is as good as any.
camp battle. If Cabrera or even Reyes looks like the best player, then go ahead and let them get the majority of starts on opening day. But if Wilmer looks like the best, he should be the opening day 2B period.
camp battle. If Cabrera or even Reyes looks like the best player, then go ahead and let them get the majority of starts on opening day. But if Wilmer looks like the best, he should be the opening day 2B period.
I agree. In hindsight they may even regret spending the extra few million to pickup Cabrera's option. Had they not done that perhaps they would have been able to add Kipinis. Or put the money towards bringing back Reed. Cabrera is a decent player and if he wins the job, great, but that's one spot where they have some cheap internal options.
Quote:
notice I didn't even mention his weight and everyone focused on it lol
yea but isn't that a little "water is wet"? If someone posted a pic of him with a bloody nose we know exactly where that discussion would go too.
But this is just a picture of a pitcher pitching. A bloody nose the obvious focus would be the blood. Not mentioning that would be ridiculous.
I don't see it and said as much.
.@TheRealSmith22 has arrived! 😀 #SpringTraining
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Sources: LHP Fernando Abad getting close to signing. Multiple teams involved, could get done in next few days.
This will be the third consecutive season he's come to camp thin/thinner. In-season is where we need to monitor.
"PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mexican food was Dominic Smith's vice. When Smith wanted to indulge, he would head to the nearest local spot in Southern California for a carne asada wet burrito, smothered in cheese.
That habit disappeared this winter, when the Mets' second-ranked prospect reported to Mike Barwis' team-sponsored fitness facility in Michigan for an offseason full of workouts. He traded in burritos and hamburgers for smoothies and leafy greens. By the time Smith reported to Mets camp, he had shed 24 pounds, dropping down from his high point of around 258.
"There were a lot of weekends where I wanted to sneak out and get a burger or two," Smith said. "But I really just told myself: 'Work hard. Fast food's not good for you.' Now if I eat a burger or something, I feel really sluggish. That healthy food does so much for your body, gives you energy -- and I just feel great."
Color Terry Collins impressed. The Mets manager took notice of Smith's slimmed-down figure immediately, knowing how much it figures to help him on defense. Though Smith broke out with a .302 average and 14 home runs last season at Double-A Binghamton, the Mets feel he still has room for growth if he wants to replace Lucas Duda as their starting first baseman, once Duda's contract expires in 2018."
This is from 2/27...2016.
At a younger age, it was harder for me to say no, Smith said in reference to the foods he likes. Now Im starting to pay attention and realize what I really need, as opposed to what I want.
Is that wrong? Am I mis-remembering?
this is from BA right before he was called up in August, so you'd figure any significant issues were uncovered.
Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/expect-dominic-smith/#MdApzv5dHWScHi7I.99
Is that wrong? Am I mis-remembering?
this is from BA right before he was called up in August, so you'd figure any significant issues were uncovered.
Quote:
Smith is hefty at 6-foot, 239 pounds but moves around the bag well at first base and has soft hands that allow him to pick balls out of the dirt. His range is adequate but not great.
Read more at https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/expect-dominic-smith/#MdApzv5dHWScHi7I.99
Yup. Rep has always been good. Was awful during his MLB time. The hope is it was weight related but range is more important than arm at 1b by a long shot (he has a great arm) his range and flexibility with the big club was very, very bad. 378 innings -7 DRS, Duda 792 innings at 1b -1
hopefully he keeps it off and that helps his defense and hopefully he beats out A-gone in spring training.
hopefully he keeps it off and that helps his defense and hopefully he beats out A-gone in spring training.
There is no chance he's 200 or less, he was 226 in camp last year when they were raving about how much better he looked but 250 to end 2017, they are saying he lost 20 pounds so he's probably about 230 now.
AJ Ramos talking about living with Stanton this year. Seems weird, and I know they were teammates in MIA, but this is funny.
Matt Ehalt
Verified account @MattEhalt
3m3 minutes ago
AJ Ramos on living with Giancarlo Stanton: "We're still looking at that. We're still looking at places. We might live together. Definitely for the Subway Series I'm going to be setting some traps for him. You know, might mess up his sleep a little bit, stuff like that."
"I feel more athletic than Ive ever been, Smith told The Post on Tuesday, a few hours after showing off his pop-up slide form. In spring training, Ive always looked the part, but as far as my mobility and loosening up some hips and being more flexible, more agile as an athlete, I feel like this is the most advanced Ive been for sure in my career.
Holy cow, does he look it. The young man whom a scout once anonymously compared to Tony Gwynn, when Tony Gwynn was 40 years old said hes weighing in at 224 pounds, down about 30 pounds from the end of the 2017 season, and that seems about right. Hes far more compact and limber."
and he's about 5'11 in actuality
To my knowledge no but one would assume someone like Smith is on a different "program" than DeGrom etc. I mean Sandy openly talked about his weight. I mean just looking at him you can see he's much thinner, I doubt they said "get to 224 or else" but likely more of a "good job all the way down to 224" and a baseline to compare him to in 2-3 months
Anthony DiComo
Verified account @AnthonyDiComo
12s13 seconds ago
Matt Reynolds, whom the Mets designated for assignment last week to make room for Todd Frazier, has been traded to the Nationals.
At SS.
Reynolds to Murphy, killer double play combo in the field and two Babe Ruth clones at the plate.
Quote:
Watch Matt Reynolds suddenly transform into some sort of legit MLB player now...
At SS.
Reynolds to Murphy, killer double play combo in the field and two Babe Ruth clones at the plate.
Honestly would not surprise me at all.
I'm not holding my breath on that one.
100% agree. #46 pick in the draft? No Thank you. Jaime Garcia type please. Even a Garcia AND a Tillman (yes he had an awful year) or a Garcia AND a Lincecum etc. It would be a rare time I'd trash them FOR spending.
Maybe if he reworks his swing like J Turner did
Quote:
Watch Matt Reynolds suddenly transform into some sort of legit MLB player now...
Maybe if he reworks his swing like J Turner did
What people don't seem to realize is that Turner was a big-time hitter in the minors. Hit .338 (.921 OPS) his first pro season, .307 his second
2m
Mets need a Triple-A centerfielder; are considering a reunion with Matt den Dekker.
Reynolds was definitely one of my big misses. Will never forget hearing some smacks coming from a field behind me. Walk over, its reynolds crushing liners to the gals. Off a kid named Matz. Ten minutes and I became. A believer. Wish him luck in DC.
Omar looks like he found the weight that Don seems to have lost.
I feel way more optimistic than most around here. Bout scared shit with Swarzak. Hope Im as wrong about him as I consistently was about Reed.
Feeling around here the last week has definitely felt different. In hindsight, a lot of the kids felt like it would be easy to get back to the big games. Almost enlightened. Now, they seemed pissed, almost disrespected. Like theyd rather quietly prove people wrong. Quietly though. I like it.
Isn't there some other ex-Met who can fill that role?
Alejandro de Aza?
Zack Borenstein
Kevin Kaczmarski
Peter Biondi
Champ Stuart
Wow.
Reynolds was definitely one of my big misses. Will never forget hearing some smacks coming from a field behind me. Walk over, its reynolds crushing liners to the gals. Off a kid named Matz. Ten minutes and I became. A believer. Wish him luck in DC.
Omar looks like he found the weight that Don seems to have lost.
I feel way more optimistic than most around here. Bout scared shit with Swarzak. Hope Im as wrong about him as I consistently was about Reed.
Feeling around here the last week has definitely felt different. In hindsight, a lot of the kids felt like it would be easy to get back to the big games. Almost enlightened. Now, they seemed pissed, almost disrespected. Like theyd rather quietly prove people wrong. Quietly though. I like it.
Gotta be honest, adding Frazier really solidified some optimism for me. I don't love him, but he's a solid player at a position they desperately needed. I've always had some optimism that Harvey can bounce back in his contract year, and now that they have the chance to be a pretty solid defensive infield that should help the entire pitching staff. Especially compared to last year's disaster.
I liked the Swarzak signing, but I agree with you that it's somewhat worrying that he's all they did in the BP. It's usually not a good recipe to raise expectations on a 1 year wonder, hopefully he can deliver. A little worrying that the BP is once again 1 injury away from being desperately thin. At least they have a half dozen lotto tickets worth of guys who can "come out of nowhere" and possibly surprise.
Yeah I admire that they knew they had a group that has a quickly closing window and they went for it with some risky adds. Will Longoria and Mccutchen turn back the clock? Probably not. They will likely end up regretting the Longoria deal. But they are still solid players to go along with Posey, Panik, Belt and a pitching staff led by Bumgarner.
Quote:
Is one of the nicest kids ever in the system. With an amazing family. Always pulled for him, would love to see home come back home.
Reynolds was definitely one of my big misses. Will never forget hearing some smacks coming from a field behind me. Walk over, its reynolds crushing liners to the gals. Off a kid named Matz. Ten minutes and I became. A believer. Wish him luck in DC.
Omar looks like he found the weight that Don seems to have lost.
I feel way more optimistic than most around here. Bout scared shit with Swarzak. Hope Im as wrong about him as I consistently was about Reed.
Feeling around here the last week has definitely felt different. In hindsight, a lot of the kids felt like it would be easy to get back to the big games. Almost enlightened. Now, they seemed pissed, almost disrespected. Like theyd rather quietly prove people wrong. Quietly though. I like it.
Gotta be honest, adding Frazier really solidified some optimism for me. I don't love him, but he's a solid player at a position they desperately needed. I've always had some optimism that Harvey can bounce back in his contract year, and now that they have the chance to be a pretty solid defensive infield that should help the entire pitching staff. Especially compared to last year's disaster.
I liked the Swarzak signing, but I agree with you that it's somewhat worrying that he's all they did in the BP. It's usually not a good recipe to raise expectations on a 1 year wonder, hopefully he can deliver. A little worrying that the BP is once again 1 injury away from being desperately thin. At least they have a half dozen lotto tickets worth of guys who can "come out of nowhere" and possibly surprise.
I believe now Matz is the rotation key, not Harvey. That lefty who can throw mid 90's following Thor and DeGrom.
If, and I know it's a huge if because he hasn't yet, Matz can be healthy and effective for a full season, that's as good a top 3 in the league (depending on Matz's potential).
Considering Harvey your #4 changes expectations IMO (maybe not for him personally, but as a fan for me it does) and then out of Wheeler, Gsellman, Lugo and Montero you need to get 28 - 32 starts out of starters 5 - 8 to be your 5th starter.
sure it never works out that way, because there will be injuries and poor performances, but truth is we haven't seen these guys healthy in so long, who knows what to expect.
Matz has never made more than 22 starts.
Harvey has never made more than 29 starts and only has two seasons over 20.
Wheeler made 32 starts one season, but has only one season more than 17 starts.
Every year most teams have somewhere between 10-12 guys who start some games over the course of the season so I'm not as specifically concerned with the back end IF they can have 3 consistent starters to lean on consistently. Would love to add a veteran to the competition like Garcia but I don't think it's make or break.
Can't hurt to try. He'll likely be a better OF than Jay Bruce just by default.
Can't hurt to try. He'll likely be a better OF than Jay Bruce just by default.
This likely wont end well. Just like trying Murphy and Duda in the outfield.
Just put the kid at 2nd base already. They just refuse to give this kid a shot. And now they are going to give him reps in the crowded outfield? Eff the Mets.
They're also supposedly toying with the idea of batting Frazier leadoff. It would probably be better if they just let the winner of the CF battle between Nimmo/Lagares hit there. Both of those guys deserve a look while Conforto is out and if either are ever going to hit enough to be regulars, the leadoff spot is as good as any.
I agree. In hindsight they may even regret spending the extra few million to pickup Cabrera's option. Had they not done that perhaps they would have been able to add Kipinis. Or put the money towards bringing back Reed. Cabrera is a decent player and if he wins the job, great, but that's one spot where they have some cheap internal options.