NFT: NY Mets discussion

I haven’t been around as much, but you seem new around here. Welcome to the club and enjoy

Add Harvey. I have a sneaky suspicion he’s going to look much better today. [/quote]



God I really wanted to put his name number 1. I also have a gut feeling this is the year. But Thoracic outlet complex surgery doesn’t have the success history data. Now or never.

In comment 13845308 Shecky said:

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I haven’t been around as much, but you seem new around here. Welcome to the club and enjoy

Thanks. Saw this site on a bleacher report story. I have no idea what I’m doing w some of these post quote reply options. Bare with me. I’ll figure it out.

Have been here ten plus years and can’t figure anything out. You’ll fit right in.

In comment 13845302 Shecky said:

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Or are you towards to coast? Hop in the car and enjoy a game!!!

Would have loved to. And yes. About 60 miles. Unfortunately, the new job doesn’t allow too many off days during the week. :( I’ll be down to St. Lucie in a couple of weeks though.

on my "It's February" comment: The reason there's spring training -- even though these guys are really in training year round -- is that they do need to re-sharpen some skills and get back to team baseball activities. If they weren't sore and achy at the beginning of that, something would be weird.

I think in the old days they'd say "Ah, he's just a little sore so we're giving him the day off." Now it's plantar fasciitis or a strain -- whatever it is, we have more details. If it's still an issue in the third week of March, I'll be more worried.

Excellent command to start

With a few 95s. Nice first inning.

Looks like Z made it to the game...

is going to prove to be a very good pickup for the Braves this year. I think the chances are slim that he ends the season with the Braves, unless he is injured again, but he should get a good Low A lottery ticket or two by the deadline.

In comment 13845418 Shecky said:

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Looks like Z made it to the game...

No following the beats on Twitter, ect. Lol. A couple MMO guys are there and posting as well.

Harvey’s throwing almost entirely fastballs. Mid 90s with excellent command in the first. May have thrown some offspeed but I didn’t notice.

Alonso with some good range to his right but couldn’t come up with it.

All fastballs so they are sitting on them. And he can’t blow it past them like old Harvey did (or Thor two days ago)

Time to see those secondaries Mr Harvey ;)

Goes to the offspeed. Gets ahead. Double play. SMART. Gets ahead again with his command on next batter with four straight strikes. BARELY misses on 5th one.

I’m taking a walk - I’ll let Z take this the rest of the way.

Mike Puma
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@NYPost_Mets
Harvey apparently finished after 2 innings: One hit, one walk, one run. Lots of 95s on the radar gun.

Harvey sat at 92-94, 38 pitches, 4 swings and misses and hit 95-96 six times. DiComo saying similar and that he "topped out at 95." Britton says "fastball lived 92-94, touched higher."

We've seen Harvey throwing FBs in the low 90s before and the results have been uniformly awful.

Looks like his velocity is at least improved somewhat from spring training 2017 and that's a good sign. If he can get to 93-96 on the FB by opening day, that's good enough for him to help us if he can locate his secondaries.

Looking forward to seeing how he looks the next few times out and whether he can sustain velocity into the middle innings.

Not a bad start for Harvey - I'll take it.

He's going to be really important to our success this year.

Something close to the 2015 and before version of Matt would be huge - not expecting this. But also not expecting him to be quite as bad as he's been recently.

If we get something in the middle, but closer to the old Harvey, it'll create a big swing.

a few wild pitches for Wheeler.

Ehalt says (on Wheeler) "velocity was pretty steady 94. He was 95-97 the other day. Did top out at 96 for one pitch today"

Don’t look st the gun. And he needs to not look either. He can’t blow it by anyone anymore. He’s got to get that through his stubbornness and ego. Today was a GREAT lesson for him on transforming into a pitcher. Vargas could be huge for that reason alone.

Thor envy could be the worst thing to happen to anyone on this staff.

Anthony DiComo
✔
@AnthonyDiComo
Zack Wheeler hit 96 mph during the fourth. His ball was moving, for better and for worse. Wheeler made Freddie Freeman look silly on an 88-mph slider, striking out two. But he also allowed a run to score on consecutive wild pitches, and needed 26 pitches to record three outs.

For Borenstein!!!

Can he control his fastball/slider because those pitches were all over the place last year. 2. Can he maintain his 95/96 mph velocity into the 6th inning because if he can... thats plenty. Last year he was wiped by the 5th.

For a guy like Harvey, what happens to the velo? It's just a product of the injuries/rehab?

I remember when Harvey hit ST in 2015 after missing all of 2014, he was hitting 99 right out of the gates and it was like he was never injured at all.

The TJS didn't seem to really take anything away from him - he probably had the best first season back from TJS that I can recall off hand.

But then the TOS and other stuff - I'm guessing that's where he lost a few mph.

Wonder if he can get that back or if it's just a matter of learning to be more of a pitcher and less of a thrower (which he should obviously be doing either way)

Over a gunned 96 flat four seemer by Harvey in the 6th any day of the week.
He just needs to realize he’s got some weapons. He can blow it by a guy who isn’t expecting it. But not by a guy sitting on it.

by the bat boy

In comment 13845614 arcarsenal said:

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For a guy like Harvey, what happens to the velo? It's just a product of the injuries/rehab? I remember when Harvey hit ST in 2015 after missing all of 2014, he was hitting 99 right out of the gates and it was like he was never injured at all. The TJS didn't seem to really take anything away from him - he probably had the best first season back from TJS that I can recall off hand. But then the TOS and other stuff - I'm guessing that's where he lost a few mph. Wonder if he can get that back or if it's just a matter of learning to be more of a pitcher and less of a thrower (which he should obviously be doing either way)

total non-expert guess, but the more injuries/trauma/procedures anyone undergoes the more there's scar tissue and other stuff that limits flexibility. With that many issues needing to be corrected with his arm I'd just imagine there's some loss of the dynamic arm movement and rotation. I still have optimism that he can be a good pitcher and hit the mid 90's, but I'd be shocked if he ever gets back to the point of anyone comparing his stuff to Thor's.

Even though he went hitless I like seeing Rosario in the leadoff spot. If he can handle that role it's a big impact throughout the entire lineup. Rosario - Conforto - Cespedes is an exciting 1 - 2 - 3.

Also nice to see Nimmo homer at the top of the order. And a walk. @Shecky - how has his defense looked in CF?

Some hits for Alonso, Nido, and Cecchini. Other than Alonso there's not much expected of the position players at the upper levels so if any of those guys (Guillorme included) can surprise it would be nice. A breakout guy at C or 2B would be a big boost. Depending on the rest of the lineup, a light hit but excellent defender at either position could play.

Goes wild lol

Mets vs Astros

Steven Matz

FB: 92-94 mph (straight)
CB: 78-80 mph (no feel)
CH: 84-85 mph

After going on the DL (elbow x2) twice last season, I wanted to see how he looked. He had no swing-and-miss in his game with his breaking balls being off. There’s nothing above average in his game besides maybe his fastball velocity. He looked like a pitcher who will put up a 6 K/9, 3 BB/9 and a 1.5 HR/9.

(Not trying to be negative here, just trying to post real observations on the Mets)

not Sullivan. Another interesting point noted by Zimmerman is that even at the very beginning of spring training, most pitchers are working at their in-game velocity and any significant increases are unusual. Spring training is more about increasing workload rather gaining velocity as the season approaches.

He’s never been or will be a Legares out there, but who is right?
He looks very good. Seems to be getting some really good reads/jumps. Apparently worked hard on his defense this offseason, paying dividends. Like he keep saying something’s different, he seems very comfortable.

Not sure why Wheeler didn’t come out for a second inning yet, he was supposed to pitch 2. Only guesses for now are high count or they saw something mechanical they wanted to work on. I know it wasn’t health related, he threw after the game too.

Man, I absolutely LOVE this time of the year.

In comment 13845705 Eric on Li said:

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In comment 13845614 arcarsenal said: Quote: For a guy like Harvey, what happens to the velo? It's just a product of the injuries/rehab? I remember when Harvey hit ST in 2015 after missing all of 2014, he was hitting 99 right out of the gates and it was like he was never injured at all. The TJS didn't seem to really take anything away from him - he probably had the best first season back from TJS that I can recall off hand. But then the TOS and other stuff - I'm guessing that's where he lost a few mph. Wonder if he can get that back or if it's just a matter of learning to be more of a pitcher and less of a thrower (which he should obviously be doing either way) total non-expert guess, but the more injuries/trauma/procedures anyone undergoes the more there's scar tissue and other stuff that limits flexibility. With that many issues needing to be corrected with his arm I'd just imagine there's some loss of the dynamic arm movement and rotation. I still have optimism that he can be a good pitcher and hit the mid 90's, but I'd be shocked if he ever gets back to the point of anyone comparing his stuff to Thor's.

Yeah, that's most likely the explanation.

Every now and then, you see a guy who has his velo jump up out of nowhere. Charlie Morton did it last year - he was never a guy who was known as being a hard thrower, and then suddenly last year he was touching 97 and 98.

He literally said all he did was throw harder. The increased velo came with some really good results, too. K-rate increased quite a bit.

Probably not recommended but it always interests me when a guy in his 30's suddenly finds a few extra ticks on his FB.

In comment 13845736 Shecky said:

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He’s never been or will be a Legares out there, but who is right? He looks very good. Seems to be getting some really good reads/jumps. Apparently worked hard on his defense this offseason, paying dividends. Like he keep saying something’s different, he seems very comfortable. Not sure why Wheeler didn’t come out for a second inning yet, he was supposed to pitch 2. Only guesses for now are high count or they saw something mechanical they wanted to work on. I know it wasn’t health related, he threw after the game too. Man, I absolutely LOVE this time of the year.

They said that Wheeler threw too many pitches in his one inning so didn't come out for the second. He threw an extra 10-15 pitches on the side after he was taken out.

95. He looked like the end of the road was near a few years ago and that the contract was going to be ugly but has really re-emerged.

love to be wrong but I think Wheeler will always be a tease. I'd love for him to be a tease that somehow gave you 175+ innings for a few years however.

Yeah, Verlander has always been sort of unique - he would routinely save those 99/100 mph heaters for when he really wanted to blow one by a hitter to get a K and sit in the mid 90's most of the time otherwise.

He definitely looked like he was falling off after 2014 - he figured something out last year and has been Cy Young good again since going to HOU. Utterly dominant there.

but if Matz doesn't impress and Wheeler continues to be himself, I wonder if the door is open for Gsellmen or Montero to steal the 5th starter role out of camp (I'm assuming Vargas is safe). They each looked better than Matz or Wheeler (when adding in today) so far.

Hopefully this turns into a fun camp long battle with the guys pushing each other to be better.

In comment 13845745 arcarsenal said:

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Yeah, that's most likely the explanation. Every now and then, you see a guy who has his velo jump up out of nowhere. Charlie Morton did it last year - he was never a guy who was known as being a hard thrower, and then suddenly last year he was touching 97 and 98. He literally said all he did was throw harder. The increased velo came with some really good results, too. K-rate increased quite a bit. Probably not recommended but it always interests me when a guy in his 30's suddenly finds a few extra ticks on his FB.

That's part of what makes pitching so fascinating since physics are just impossible when a 150 pound Pedro Martinez can throw as hard as 250 pound Syndergaard. Harvey has had enough bad luck that I think (hope) he's due for a good season. Too much of a competitor and at this point i'd guess he's been through enough to lose at least some of his immaturity. Think back to when this happened and it feels like a lifetime ago.
Matt Harvey Asks New Yorkers About Matt Harvey - ( New Window )

In comment 13845736 Shecky said:

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He’s never been or will be a Legares out there, but who is right? He looks very good. Seems to be getting some really good reads/jumps. Apparently worked hard on his defense this offseason, paying dividends. Like he keep saying something’s different, he seems very comfortable.

Thanks Shecky. I'm very excited to see the Nimmo/Lagares tandem until Conforto gets healthy.

he has command of his offspeed pitches and can work "in and out," throwing off batters' timing.

I'm old enough to remember Frank Tanana as a hard thrower who became a master junkballer after arm problems. Some guys master their stuff well enough to do it. It'd be nice if Harvey could. He might come out of the whole experience a better teammate too.

He was hurt in a variety of ways and just never discussed his injuries publicly.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/01/27/justin-verlander-rediscovers-greatness/97155150/

It was a little more than that for Verlander -

The Astros are running a very progressive/analytical ship - he found some mechanical stuff that made a huge difference.

Look at the numbers he posted before he got to HOU and the numbers he posted when he was there. Huge difference.

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In Houston, Verlander found another tool to improve and modernize his game: a super high-speed camera that shows in clear frame-by-frame detail how a baseball leaves a pitcher’s hand on every pitch. The camera showed Verlander the position of his hand on his slider that needed improvement to give it more tilt. Verlander had always thrown his slider in a way that more resembled a cutter. But with the camera’s help, he began to carve off nasty sliders that bore to the back foot of lefthanded hitters. Last night the Yankees saw a Verlander nobody had ever seen before. He threw 40 sliders, the most he had ever thrown in the 404 times he pitched a big league game. Thirty-one of those 40 sliders were strikes. Verlander’s precision with elite stuff was mind-boggling. He threw 31 balls to the 32 batters he faced.

Link - ( New Window )

didn't have an offseason to prepare for 2017. The guy was in a sling. We heard when spring training started last year he wouldn't be 100% recovered until June. To be honest, I dont even know why we put him through that. He should have gone to the minors and worked his way back slowly.

I dont think he's ever going to be pumping 98s again, but assuming his conditioning is a lot better this year and he's another year removed from the surgery and presumably healthy now I think he has a shot to be solid.

He's never going to be "Thor" again but I could see him being a "Cobb" who ironically has had TOS and Tommy John also.

I'd take that to the bank and be thrilled.

In comment 13845725 Eric on Li said:

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Even though he went hitless I like seeing Rosario in the leadoff spot. If he can handle that role it's a big impact throughout the entire lineup. Rosario - Conforto - Cespedes is an exciting 1 - 2 - 3. Also nice to see Nimmo homer at the top of the order. And a walk. @Shecky - how has his defense looked in CF? Some hits for Alonso, Nido, and Cecchini. Other than Alonso there's not much expected of the position players at the upper levels so if any of those guys (Guillorme included) can surprise it would be nice. A breakout guy at C or 2B would be a big boost. Depending on the rest of the lineup, a light hit but excellent defender at either position could play.

Rosario becoming a constant force at elwdoff for a decade or so would work wonders for this team’s future success

In comment 13845757 DanMetroMan said:

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love to be wrong but I think Wheeler will always be a tease. I'd love for him to be a tease that somehow gave you 175+ innings for a few years however.

Agree about him being a tease. His control has always been more Oliver Perez than johan Santana

In comment 13845325 Shecky said:

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Have been here ten plus years and can’t figure anything out. You’ll fit right in.

Good to note I won’t be too out of place lol

In comment 13845763 Metnut said:

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but if Matz doesn't impress and Wheeler continues to be himself, I wonder if the door is open for Gsellmen or Montero to steal the 5th starter role out of camp (I'm assuming Vargas is safe). They each looked better than Matz or Wheeler (when adding in today) so far. Hopefully this turns into a fun camp long battle with the guys pushing each other to be better.

Do wheeler and matz still have options? Bc if so then It should rightfully go to gsellman or montero at first if they look better.

Lugo anyone?

Harvey & Wheeler could be in line for bullpen work if they fatigue early but start off electric every game.

Isn’t Callaway talking about 4-5 inning starts anyway?

Cespedes officially announced to be playing today.
Or do we have to wait for DeGrom news before breathing?

In comment 13846066 giantsFC said:

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In comment 13845757 DanMetroMan said: Quote: love to be wrong but I think Wheeler will always be a tease. I'd love for him to be a tease that somehow gave you 175+ innings for a few years however. Agree about him being a tease. His control has always been more Oliver Perez than johan Santana

He's always been more about "what if?" vs. actual results. Not saying it's impossible he puts it together but my guess is poor man's AJ Burnett.

The Maine man ;)