Before we get to game 2, how about that finish to game 1!!! WOW! Bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, nobody on, down 3-2, Conforto and Frazier go back to back bombs to win it! So awesome.
Game 2:
RHP Jeff Brigham vs Vargas
Lineups yet to be announced.
#LGM...How about a 14-3 finish to get to .500! I know, crazy talk, but let's get crazy.
I don't think anyone is naive enough to believe the Mets would spend to bring in Harper/Machado, or that they'd even want to come here in the first place. But they can't do what they did in the first half of Sandy's tenure when they literally sat out entire offseasons. They also can't do what they did in the 2nd half of Sandy's tenure where they made bad moves in the offseason like Cuddyer/Bruce but that's another story.
If that means Machado/Harper the Mets should do it. Of course I know they won't.
I'm not saying be the Yankees, but I remember before the 2009 season, my father, a diehard Yankees fan and I, talking about free agency. He told me, watch, the Yankees will sign CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. I said no f-ing way the Yankees sign all 3. One maybe two possible, not all 3.
What did the Yankees do? They filled holes and signed all 3.
I don't want the Mets to do that per se, but part of the benefits of being a supposed big market teams are a) you can compete for the high $$$ free agents and b) if you go after one and it doesn't work out or doesn't work out the whole length of the contract it shouldn't cripple you as a franchise.
the Mets have so many low dollar contracts right now, they should be taking advantage of it and adding the best free agents to augment their home grown core.
they're not doing that. Vargas, Bruce and Frazier are examples of "half-assing" it. Swarzak is half-assing it. AJ Ramos was stupid and half-assing it.
Cespedes was a calculated risk that I'm fine with and the insurance should help.
The Mets want to fix shit, sign Harper, Kimbrel and Morton.
LOVE Senzel. I can't think of a realistic offer that we could make for him that wouldn't gut us though.
with the caveat that prospect for prospect trades rarely happen, how would you feel about Kelenic for Senzel? Or are thinking more along the lines of Matz for Senzel? Either is interesting but with gimenez rosario, mcneil alonso not sure where they see him in that mix. Reds have him listed as an OF so I guess that would be an option?
I wouldnt think a prospect for prospect deal would be desired by either club, to be honest. I think reds would want Wheeler, if they can extend him. We would want Senzel. No clue if either side would make that deal - I would.
But Id push those talks hard. Starting yesterday. Lay the groundwork, get it done. Who knows, you talk the reds into believing theyre ready enough and maybe they buy the bullshit. And decide to keep Senzel but arent patient enough for India. You get an India for a Matz/Flores/Dom package and you laugh your ass off while getting the commish office on the line...
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Nick Senzel
with the caveat that prospect for prospect trades rarely happen, how would you feel about Kelenic for Senzel? Or are thinking more along the lines of Matz for Senzel? Either is interesting but with gimenez rosario, mcneil alonso not sure where they see him in that mix. Reds have him listed as an OF so I guess that would be an option?
I think that they would ask for at least for something like Giminez and Kelenic or Kay for Senzel. He's a top 10 prospect in baseball who's already raked at AA and AAA. He's MLB ready.
I'd seriously consider offering Giminez and Kelenic/Kay for him but not sure if Reds would even go for it. He could be our 3B for the next decade plus.
I wouldnt think a prospect for prospect deal would be desired by either club, to be honest. I think reds would want Wheeler, if they can extend him. We would want Senzel. No clue if either side would make that deal - I would.
But Id push those talks hard. Starting yesterday. Lay the groundwork, get it done. Who knows, you talk the reds into believing theyre ready enough and maybe they buy the bullshit. And decide to keep Senzel but arent patient enough for India. You get an India for a Matz/Flores/Dom package and you laugh your ass off while getting the commish office on the line...
I like the idea of controlling a young 3B to grow with Alonso, Gimenez, and the rest of our young lineup but its fristrating because by the time these guys are all peaking and in their primes the rotation will be long gone. Cant we ever have both units peaking at once? :(
If that means Machado/Harper the Mets should do it. Of course I know they won't.
I'm not saying be the Yankees, but I remember before the 2009 season, my father, a diehard Yankees fan and I, talking about free agency. He told me, watch, the Yankees will sign CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. I said no f-ing way the Yankees sign all 3. One maybe two possible, not all 3.
What did the Yankees do? They filled holes and signed all 3.
I don't want the Mets to do that per se, but part of the benefits of being a supposed big market teams are a) you can compete for the high $$$ free agents and b) if you go after one and it doesn't work out or doesn't work out the whole length of the contract it shouldn't cripple you as a franchise.
the Mets have so many low dollar contracts right now, they should be taking advantage of it and adding the best free agents to augment their home grown core.
they're not doing that. Vargas, Bruce and Frazier are examples of "half-assing" it. Swarzak is half-assing it. AJ Ramos was stupid and half-assing it.
Cespedes was a calculated risk that I'm fine with and the insurance should help.
The Mets want to fix shit, sign Harper, Kimbrel and Morton.
I agree with almost all of this, other than to say I can understand passing on giving Harper the mega contract he will likely cost. Completely agree about the guys they half-assed it with needlessly, but I'd probably focus on the tier between those 2 categories of half ass and mega contracts. Recent offseason examples like Cain, Yelich, Ozuna, Chapman, Zobrist etc. All star level players who are well rounded and well paid, but don't require $100-200m.
A swap for Melancon seems like an absolute no brained for both sides and even almost fits dollar wise to the penny
Wouldnt like it, but King Felix swaps can even see. He seems cooked, but you can always hope for a CC type rebirth for one year or a move to the pen clicks. Unlikely.
Bruce plus salary (Vargas, Lagares, etc?) for Jordan Zimmerman flyer
Bruce plus for Pradowould be a really interesting option for Mets. Not sure how to make it fit for Marlins? Throw in a bunch of C prospect arms, Dom etc? Have to throw in cash regardless.
A swap for Melancon seems like an absolute no brained for both sides and even almost fits dollar wise to the penny
Wouldnt like it, but King Felix swaps can even see. He seems cooked, but you can always hope for a CC type rebirth for one year or a move to the pen clicks. Unlikely.
Bruce plus salary (Vargas, Lagares, etc?) for Jordan Zimmerman flyer
Bruce plus for Pradowould be a really interesting option for Mets. Not sure how to make it fit for Marlins? Throw in a bunch of C prospect arms, Dom etc? Have to throw in cash regardless.
I'd be thrilled to get Prado for bench or Zimmerman for depth for Bruce. THRILLED. Those are the exact types of deals the Mets should be angling for around him. No issues with Melancon either, just can't be all they do in the BP.
Mets need a 3B for the future. Period. End of story. Rosario (and maybe eventually Vientos ) are the fallbacks as of today. Senzel fills that. Its a great fit for both clubs. Dont mean it happens. But it could and should (at least in my meaningless humble opinion)
Lastly, the timing is perfect for the Mets. Senzel stock wont be lower unless he gets 300ABs and fails miserably in his debut.
Free agents "only" cost $$$. So to me if your core is strong (which is where it has to start) you can supplement with free agents.
I'd have a limit to how high I'd go on Harper. $400M (on a 10 year deal like I've heard rumored is not in my plans - I'd do that for Trout, but not Harper), but 10 years $330M with an opt out after 5, I'd do something like that. If that or something in that area doesn't get it done, in no way would I feel like The Met are being cheap.
Harper and Machado are young proven super stars. those players make sense to over-spend for IMO.
Instead of adding Bruce, Frazier, and Swarzak for $33M, add one Harper for $33M and I bet your team is better with filling in the other two roles with lesser cost players.
Bruce, Vargas for Zimmerman and maybe some cash. Done
Wheeler for Senzel. Done
Give or take a couple bucks, thats virtually salary neutral.
Sign Douche Harper for all I care with some of Wrights savings
Rosario
Nimmo
Harper
Alonso
Conforto
McNeil
Senzel
Plaw
I like that balance. A lot
And it cost about $15mm more than current salary
Its young
Its fun
Kept farm 100% intact
McNeil is fine at 2nd, but a problem if Alanso is next to him instead ofDom lol
Reality is, or expectTion/hope is Rosario is at 3B one day. He seems to move to his left incredibly well, to his right meh. Gimenez is much more natural
Real world. With young guys, never count on anything. Some will surprise to the upside, some to the downside. Some will be inconsistent have a five year plan, but be ready to make changes day to day.
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Brothers Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. have now been declared free agents by #MLB.
Victor Victor is widely considered the top overall talent on this year's international class.
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I personally dont like Wheeeler, made that known openly around here. So if you can move him at what I assume is peak value and get what I consider an amazing talent at a low in Senzel I dont view that as punting for 2019. Personally. I really, REALLY like the balance of that lineup thrown up above.
DeGrom/Thor as a 1-2 in the playoffs, with a good offense and good defense. I like my chances A LOT better in 2019. And love my chances moving past that as well. Just an opinion.
If 2019 went the direction of 18 and 17. Sure, youve always got that option I dont exactly put wheeler in the same school, yet alone the same class as DeGrom. But certainly, if next years sucks balls, move him too
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Then it sounds like your punting on 2019 and focusing more on 2021, 2022 and fielding all offers for guys whos contracts are close to expiring. Not sure thats a bad plan long term... not sure how fans would feel about it.
I personally dont like Wheeeler, made that known openly around here. So if you can move him at what I assume is peak value and get what I consider an amazing talent at a low in Senzel I dont view that as punting for 2019. Personally. I really, REALLY like the balance of that lineup thrown up above.
DeGrom/Thor as a 1-2 in the playoffs, with a good offense and good defense. I like my chances A LOT better in 2019. And love my chances moving past that as well. Just an opinion.
Unless you dont love his attitude, I dont know whats not to like with Wheeler. This isnt a fluke. He has legitimately arrived. Hes an ace. I also credit him for all the work he put in over the last few years battling back from injury, rebuilding his delivery.... my God the guy was injecting himself in the stomach all offseason with shots to build up strength wasnt he?? He may be entitled a bit but he also appears to love being a Met. Id reward a guy like that rather than look to get rid of him. I do like Senzel though. Id like to get him without offering Wheelz.
What's wrong with Gregory Guerrero? LOL.
I wouldnt think a prospect for prospect deal would be desired by either club, to be honest. I think reds would want Wheeler, if they can extend him. We would want Senzel. No clue if either side would make that deal - I would.
But Id push those talks hard. Starting yesterday. Lay the groundwork, get it done. Who knows, you talk the reds into believing theyre ready enough and maybe they buy the bullshit. And decide to keep Senzel but arent patient enough for India. You get an India for a Matz/Flores/Dom package and you laugh your ass off while getting the commish office on the line...
Why won't Senzel help in 2019? He finished in AAA where he had an .887 OPS and a 149 wRC+
Suarez might be the most underrated player in baseball. He is a legit stud 3B and they signed him to a ridiculously team friendly extension that will pay him well below market value. If they get some pitching help that team will be very dangerous in the near future.
Suarez might be the most underrated player in baseball. He is a legit stud 3B and they signed him to a ridiculously team friendly extension that will pay him well below market value. If they get some pitching help that team will be very dangerous in the near future.
They need SP. we have it
We need a future 3b. They have it
Oh. And the Reds really want Wheeler ;)
Free agents "only" cost $$$. So to me if your core is strong (which is where it has to start) you can supplement with free agents.
I'd have a limit to how high I'd go on Harper. $400M (on a 10 year deal like I've heard rumored is not in my plans - I'd do that for Trout, but not Harper), but 10 years $330M with an opt out after 5, I'd do something like that. If that or something in that area doesn't get it done, in no way would I feel like The Met are being cheap.
Harper and Machado are young proven super stars. those players make sense to over-spend for IMO.
Instead of adding Bruce, Frazier, and Swarzak for $33M, add one Harper for $33M and I bet your team is better with filling in the other two roles with lesser cost players.
I get it - all things equal I'd prefer the FA route but they aren't, especially this year where there are really 2 good position player FA (who likely won't want to come here) and then a bunch of meh. Grandal is intriguing and I'd be on board with adding him via FA.
I thought Cain was a worthy risk via FA last year over giving up assets for Yelich/Ozuna despite his age but there's not really a comparable FA option out there this year. Definitely not at an open position of need like CF. Maybe AJ Pollock. That's where I see it more likely that the type of upgrade they need may need to come via trade. I'd be intrigued with a creative move along the lines of Shecky's idea with the Reds as well. I just don't think Harper or Machado are realistic, but who knows lightning struck with Beltran.
If Yelich were available this offseason instead of last (he's not) and he could be had for say Kelenic or Mauricio and 1 of our 4 main pitching prospects and a few other lesser pieces, I think we'd have to consider it. I don't know if anyone as good as Yelich will be available this year but I'd have my ears open to look for really good young players whose careers are still ascending anywhere they are avail. They are generally rarely available.
what if we throw in another top prospect ready to break into the big leagues, OF Dom Smith? ;)
If Yelich were available this offseason instead of last (he's not) and he could be had for say Kelenic or Mauricio and 1 of our 4 main pitching prospects and a few other lesser pieces, I think we'd have to consider it. I don't know if anyone as good as Yelich will be available this year but I'd have my ears open to look for really good young players whose careers are still ascending anywhere they are avail. They are generally rarely available.
It's silly (no disrespect) to compare any Marlins deal to anything a normal team would do. Everyone was trashing the Marlins returns (Ozuna deal was laughable given his contract). That being said Brinson at the time = Gimenez EASILY if not more highly thought of and Harrison was roughly in the Alonso range.
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good as Wheeler has been, 6 years of Senzel blows away walk year Zack Wheeler. The Mets make that deal without thinking twice.
what if we throw in another top prospect ready to break into the big leagues, OF Dom Smith? ;)
I know you're kidding but Gimenez/Alonso don't even fit the Reds roster so it's extremely hard to see a trade beyond as I said a blockbuster involving Thor.
He's not. Senzel for Zack Wheeler is laughable in the Mets favor. A bad team trading a top 15 prospect for 1 year of Zack Wheeler? c'mon. It's absurd.
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Hinting to real discussions. Could be wrong.
He's not. Senzel for Zack Wheeler is laughable in the Mets favor. A bad team trading a top 15 prospect for 1 year of Zack Wheeler? c'mon. It's absurd.
No it would involve other players obviously... not commenting on it further though... Obviously I have no idea.
yeah I could see a deal done contingent upon Wheeler signing an extension and a prospect thrown in.
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Despite his amazing contract and supposedly half of MLB trying to deal for him, Milwaukee didn't pay an astronomical price for him. I'm by no means an expert, but other than Brinson (whose prospect star was already fading somewhat) the only notable player they got back is Monte Harrison who is generally ranked between 50-100 on most lists. He's a 23 year old OF in AA who posted a .715 OPS this year.
If Yelich were available this offseason instead of last (he's not) and he could be had for say Kelenic or Mauricio and 1 of our 4 main pitching prospects and a few other lesser pieces, I think we'd have to consider it. I don't know if anyone as good as Yelich will be available this year but I'd have my ears open to look for really good young players whose careers are still ascending anywhere they are avail. They are generally rarely available.
It's silly (no disrespect) to compare any Marlins deal to anything a normal team would do. Everyone was trashing the Marlins returns (Ozuna deal was laughable given his contract). That being said Brinson at the time = Gimenez EASILY if not more highly thought of and Harrison was roughly in the Alonso range.
Respectfully I don't think it's accurate to say everyone trashed it. See below for Law's review last year, as the headline indicates he was positive on it for the Marlins. By a quick search Sickels was positive about it as well, so I don't think it was such an outlier opinion, but I'm half going by memory.
Not disagreeing that Brinson/Harrisson values may have been closer to Gimenez/Alonso. I'd imagine different orgs could have different thoughts on preference especially considering their individual positional depth. Some writers prefer Kelenic to Alonso/Gimenez so I'm not going to begin to guess how anyone who matters would value anyone specificly. My general point is simply that more often than not the expectation in all sports that any great player is going to demand a haul of the top 3 or 4 assets the other team has and yet more often than not teams seem able to hang on to the few guys they truly value most. The Karlsson trade for Ottawa is a very recent example of that. Even the Sale trade that's the gold standard quoted whenever an opposing fanbase brings up Degrom. Forgetting the Kopech injury, Moncada hasn't exactly lit the world on fire. So for someone like Yelich I would be willing to pay a fair price if the other team is shopping that player even if it means giving up 1 of our top handful of prospects. My own personal preference would be to steer clear of Gimenez or Alonso, but depending on who we are talking about trading for I'd even consider dealing them.
Law: Marlins finally get it right with prospects in Yelich trade - ( New Window )