Ken Rosenthal
@Ken_Rosenthal
Source: Ramos with #Mets is two-year deal, pending physical. |
Price on Realmuto was supposedly too high. For 2 years and no draft pick given up, this is a very solid move. Very impressed with how BVW has kept his FA targets pretty close to the vest.
Not a crap day at all.
I like the Ramos signing, all Mets things considered.
out of all the available options, his bat fits what this team needs for a far lower cost than the other options. They needed a RH hitter and for his career he hits .300 against lefties. Grandal and Realmuto each have slightly more power, but ramos has pretty consistently hit 15-20 hrs each of the last few years while posting strong overall numbers.
So why was Ramos cheaper? Defense and durability. He's been a negative DRS fielder each of the past 3 years. Before that he was more of a defense first player and even posted a few back to back seasons as 1 of the top pitch framers in baseball, but I guess the injuries have slowed him down.
Recently Cervelli was my preferred option but hard to not like this signing a lot. Per season money is similar, 1 extra year of Ramos, no picks or prospects given up. Good deal. Piece by piece BVW is delivering.
The obvious hole would be CF/Pollock.
At the same time, Miller + Robertson are both still out there. I know they said they are out on higher tier relievers, but if they could get either on a 2 year deal, I think the value add over a lesser middle reliever would be worth it - and they just roll with Lagares in CF (with a backup plan for when he inevitably gets hurt).
Or maybe they go for a more versatile player like Marwin who can play all over the OF and backup the IF.
Or a SP like Gio Gonzalez.
The 2 moves BVW has made since the Cano trade haven't been flashy, but they've been very shrewd. Excited to see what's next.
So happy we didnt give in to Jeter and the Marlins.
2 less if the Braves really dropped out. That's 2 rumored finalists out in as many days.
Middle of the pack according to statcast, but from what we had he seems to be an upgrade. His throw speed to 2B is 82.5mph, which compared to the guys we've watched is the same as Mesoraco, a little faster than Nido, and 5 mph faster than Plawecki. He's also faster out of the pop than both of them (slower than Nido). He's also slightly ahead of Grandal & Cervelli in both of those metrics - though well behind Realmuto who is tops at both.
2018 catcher statcast numbers - ( New Window )
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Marlins with one less suitor for Realmuto.
2 less if the Braves really dropped out. That's 2 rumored finalists out in as many days.
Yep, I hope the Braves turn their attention toward Cervelli now.
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@DevanFink
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Wilson Ramos to Mets at 2-years, $19 million is an enormous steal. Projects to be worth about $24 million in surplus value. Insane.
I didnt love the Cano deal but Im liking everything else that Brodie is doing. And is this how hes playing things (so close to the vest) then its easier to not get worked up about everything we hear.
Interested to see what the next move is going to be.
I believe they still owe 1/6 of his tender if he is dropped before spring training.
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believe TDA is dropped before ST. Hard to see the value in carrying 3 catchers, none are great defensive C's
I believe they still owe 1/6 of his tender if he is dropped before spring training.
Yup. But vs. 3 million as a 3rd catcher? I bet there hasn't been a 3rd catcher make 3 million in baseball history
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Told that Mets current plan is to go with Ramos and dArnaud at catcher. Plawecki can be had in a trade, perhaps for the lefty reliever Mets need
I have to say I am very impressed with BVW. Guy is smart
Was 45th out of 117 catchers last year according to BP. They had him as a slight positive overall.
In part of the season in 2017 he was worse, 91/111. Pre-injury in 2016 he was 6th best. 15th best in 2015.
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Also, Mets didnt want to give up international money in a Realmuto trade, among other concerns.
They were also weighing the Yankees heavy pursuit of Syndergaard, I was just told, but just that signing Ramos was easier than all that
I'd rather keep Plawecki than TDA but neither has been durable. Do either of them have options left if they want to keep all 3?
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Told that Mets current plan is to go with Ramos and dArnaud at catcher. Plawecki can be had in a trade, perhaps for the lefty reliever Mets need
Except the beat writers have been wrong way more than normal, which means maybe BVW is using them. We kept hearing Realmuto and then Grandal as the backup plan. Maybe Ramos heard that too. Hard to say for sure.
Plus, can Mets count on TDA as the backup, given his injury history? It will be interesting to see what transpires
Obviously Ramos is an injury risk, but I expect him to catch 110 - 120 games (hopefully more, but that's where I'd set the bar).
You can carry a black hole if he can be a plus defender IMO.
mets have accomplished 4 of their main goals, with only CF and a lefty reliever to go. CF is their next target. they like pollock but are said to have a couple mystery options, as well
Wonder who the mystery options could be?
I don't think any fans should be reaching any final conclusions 6 weeks into his tenure.
Not sure he's won anyone over or lost anyone yet. I wasn't happy with the Cano trade, but you can't deny the team is better today, so for that I'll be patient and see what happens.
but I haven't reached any decisions (not that it matters what I think anyway)
I'd say fans were more hesitant than not happy, but he's definitely winning me over. The hires in the FO have all been praised, he showed guts and creativity with the Diaz/Cano deal, and he's shrewdly signed 2 good players in FA to reasonable deals. Very good offseason already and hopefully a few more moves to go.
mets have accomplished 4 of their main goals, with only CF and a lefty reliever to go. CF is their next target. they like pollock but are said to have a couple mystery options, as well
Wonder who the mystery options could be?
I'm very curious about that as well. Not sure what it would take but a guy like Kevin Pillar could make sense competing with Lagares.
Sorry Shecky.
Maybe the sox kick in a few million extra to help offset taking on the 2nd year.
Or was it all just about the money?
Ken Davidoff Retweeted Ken Davidoff
The full $26 million would be realized if the #Mets exercise a team option for 2021.
James Wagner
Ramos is due $8.25M in 2019 & $9.25M in 2020. Plus $1.5M buyout for the 2021 team option of $10M, thats $19M guaranteed, per source.
And apologies for any delay or lack of credit; Im on a plane. @DaniAlvarez_16 had Ramos agreement first. @SteveGelbs is sitting across from me.
Maybe the sox kick in a few million extra to help offset taking on the 2nd year.
Right team, maybe a different proposal, maybe Plawecki, Vargas and a prospect for Jackie Bradley Jr.
Plawecki had a higher WAR than any Red Sox catcher.
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Or was it all just about the money?
I doubt it in Familia's case bc he said he consistently said he wanted to be here going back to last season, and if anything I think there was probably more question about whether or not he'd be willing to do that as a non-closer. With Ramos I think we were more the beneficiary of a saturated catching market. Realmuto, Grandal, Cervelli, Martin, Maldonado. Lot of options out there and he was clearly a middle tier option.
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Obviously our new FO is pretty familiar with Castillo's situation, Red Sox have buried him in AAA to avoid lux tax. But he's played very well there slashing .315/.355/.450 over the past couple seasons. wRC over 120 each season. 31 years old now but previous rated as a positive DRS OF'er in all 3 positions.
Maybe the sox kick in a few million extra to help offset taking on the 2nd year.
Right team, maybe a different proposal, maybe Plawecki, Vargas and a prospect for Jackie Bradley Jr.
Plawecki had a higher WAR than any Red Sox catcher.
JBJ would probably cost Wheeler or Matz - and I think there's probably some merit to that discussion for both sides. I probably wouldn't do Wheeler but I would do Matz + Plawecki.
JBJ had one outlier year, but he's mostly a pure defensive player. He's a sub-100 wRC+ player the past couple seasons (and most of his career).
0.242/0.344/0.449/0.793 deserved slash, 15.7 framing runs
JT Realmuto:
0.269/0.333/0.458/0.790 deserved slash, -0.4 framing runs
Wilson Ramos:
0.276/0.336/0.449/0.784 deserved slash, 0.3 framing runs
(per @baseballpro)
Don't know who will have the best 2019 but I do know who was cheapest to acquire. Hard to not like this move.
What they say and what they think may be two different things. They may be propping up TDA value fir a trade.
This is the smart move. What happens if they waive TDA and then Ramos or Plawecki are injured in ST and miss an extended period of time.
Pollock ad a LHRP and lets win this thing.
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mets have accomplished 4 of their main goals, with only CF and a lefty reliever to go. CF is their next target. they like pollock but are said to have a couple mystery options, as well
(...being primarily a Yankees fan), but this is a really good move by the Mets. Not a whole lotta catchers hit better than Wilson Ramos! This is just what the doctor ordered and the Mets didn't have to surrender any talent. Very solid pick up!!!
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like Plawecki is the one they will move per Martino. They want TDA to be the backup. Dangerous with 2 injury prone C's
Sorry Shecky.
Now you know why I was so effin cranky last night?!?!?
Nimmo
Cano
Conforto
Ramos
Alonso
McNeil/Frazier
Center Fielder
Nimmo
Cano
Conforto
Ramos
Alonso
McNeil/Frazier
Center Fielder
If Pollack is in CF that lineup changes quite a bit I would think.
Yes no sweat just keeping the conversation going!
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In comment 14221804 DanMetroMan said:
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like Plawecki is the one they will move per Martino. They want TDA to be the backup. Dangerous with 2 injury prone C's
Sorry Shecky.
Now you know why I was so effin cranky last night?!?!?
It was obvious to the casual poster that you were not yourself. I am glad you are back down to earth.
That's about right.
Nimmo
Cano
Conforto
Ramos
Alonso
McNeil/Frazier
Center Fielder
Team needs another bat
agreed. Really like these moves.
Just from a MLB roster standpoint, hard to say team is not dramatically improved from last year:
Out -- Blevins, Flores, Swarzak, Bruce, (likely) Plawecki
In -- Cano, Diaz, Familia, Ramos
need a LOOGY (Ollie P, maybe)? and possibly a CF -- really to me depends on how Cespedes' doctors are finding his recovery.
Cespedes' bat would just look great in this lineup with Conforto sliding to CF.
But, I recognize Cespedes can't be counted on for anything, so Pollock would be a really nice get.
Not sure if you are being serious or sarcastic. Clearly, you are plugged in and have more details than the rest of us. However, the rumors is all weve got to go on. We dont have the luxury of truly knowing if something is serious or not. Outside of what is reported and your rare extremely cryptic, vague posts.
That and decades of horrible decisions have jaded us lol.
Had to have been Marlins leaks to drum up prices elsewhere, right? This FO doesn't seem to talk a lot. Ramos and Familia came out of nowhere.
The Mets were heavily involved in trade talks for J.T. Realmuto, though ultimately didnt want to surrender significant talent off the Major League roster in a deal, Martino tweets. Names like Amed Rosario, Brandon Nimmo, and Michael Conforto had all been mentioned as possible targets for the Marlins, though Miamis desire to land more than one of these players seems to have ultimately been the Mets breaking point in talks. Martino also mentions that the Mets, Marlins, and Padres had some talks about a three-team deal that wouldve involved both Realmuto and Noah Syndergaard, with those negotiations lasting up until the end of winter meetings and perhaps beyond.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post likes the Ramos signing, calling it the right move for the Mets rather than trade young players for someone like Realmuto. The Mets can now keep Nimmo and company as potential trade chips for midseason additions, if such move are necessary. If the Mets dont end up contending, Sherman points out that Ramos himself could potentially be dealt at the deadline, as his contract doesnt represent a long-term hit for either the Mets or any possible trade suitor.
According to Heyman, the Mets were Ramos first choice this winter. The Dodgers also had interest, though only on a one-year contract, Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times tweets. The Rays and Phillies, Ramos most recent teams, didnt strongly pursue a reunion, Yahoo Sports Jeff Passan reports. Philadelphia has youngster Jorge Alfaro, of course, while Tampa Bay made another addition behind the plate in acquiring Mike Zunino from the Mariners.
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But boy am I going to miss all those hysterical Marlins rumors now. They sure were entertaining.
Not sure if you are being serious or sarcastic. Clearly, you are plugged in and have more details than the rest of us. However, the rumors is all weve got to go on. We dont have the luxury of truly knowing if something is serious or not. Outside of what is reported and your rare extremely cryptic, vague posts.
That and decades of horrible decisions have jaded us lol.
Come on Phi, some of those were hysterical!!!!
Realmuto was obvious the primary target, they loved him. And a certain someone had to be appeased. Went after him hard, Marlins were being ridiculous to work with. So Brody kept letting it out. Did so for a few reasons. Embarras the Marlins and most importantly to show somehow how up in arms the fans were getting with each rumor.
Ramos was wayyyy down the list of targets. But how often does a player sell himself to a team??? He was dying to work with this staff, and let it be known. And wanted to play in NYC. Really blew Brody away.
I wouldnt expect AJ, but who knows what will,happen. Getting Ramos so cheap really opens up so many more options...
Then add some depth around the edges with smaller trades. Maybe move Dom for an athletic CF. Sign some depth SP's for Syracuse.
Do that and it doesn't matter if Vargas is your 5th starter. Worst case you replace him with Lugo at some point. Or call up Colon from Syracuse.
For whatever reason he seemed to be undervalued the past few years even beyond the injury (and especially at the trade deadline this year) so that made me think there was something teams didn't like about him. But glad to hear that he impressed them and specifically wanted to be here.
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was always my first choice. He's not the best player of the bunch but he's good, proven and the price was right.
For whatever reason he seemed to be undervalued the past few years even beyond the injury (and especially at the trade deadline this year) so that made me think there was something teams didn't like about him. But glad to hear that he impressed them and specifically wanted to be here.
He's not very durable and his reputation calling pitches isn't the best but with Mickey/Eiland it should be less of an issue. Kidnapped in 2011. Nuts
Can't they manipulate the 40 man with DL? I'd honestly start the year with TDA on the 60 day DL and let him really ease his way back. His TJS was on april 17th last year so wouldn't it be relatively surprising for him to be at 100% before May anyway?
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reason TDA or Plawecki are gone... 4 catchers on the 40 man? No chance.
Can't they manipulate the 40 man with DL? I'd honestly start the year with TDA on the 60 day DL and let him really ease his way back. His TJS was on april 17th last year so wouldn't it be relatively surprising for him to be at 100% before May anyway?
Still would have to pay him 3 million to be the 3rd catcher. I can't see any scenario they feel that's a good use of funds.
9.5 + 1.3 million + 3 million... 13.8 million for the 3 catchers? When Nido costs 500 K? Seems like a major waste.
9.5 + 1.3 million + 3 million... 13.8 million for the 3 catchers? When Nido costs 500 K? Seems like a major waste.
Dont know details, but its give or take 8,9,10
But what's the upside? Carrying 3 catchers non of which can really play other positions to the point that adds value? None are guys you put in their late for defense. 3 million is 3 million you can put towards a guy like Pollock. 3 million in itself still can land you a bench player. He sucks but Owings just got 3 million, Mercer is going to start for Detroit got 5.25
But they have Nido to be the 3rd catcher and that doesn't even include some schlub they will surely sign for Syracuse to pair with Nido as the "4th" guy aka the Lobaton type. They also have Mazeika who didn't have a great season but has a career .815 OPS and Ali Sanchez who will be in AA and not much of hitter but likely can play MLB defense.
DO IT BRODY!
So that leaves 4 spots up for grabs, assuming Mickey goes 12 pitchers. the current contenders:
CF - we know they are evaluating the market and will likely add someone.
backup SS - they've mentioned Mcneil getting reps there. Guillorme and Cecchini are also options.
Alonso - we know he's going to be up sooner or later and move either Frazier or Mcneil to the bench.
Dom - I suspect he's traded but they shouldn't give him up for nothing.
Rivera - if he comes back healthy he's a good bat off the bench.
I wouldn't exactly consider that overwhelming depth, but there aren't any obvious major needs other than another CF.
I like Frazier as a piece for this roster and in the clubhouse. But they need to be willing to play Mcneil over him.
Teams are carrying as few as 4 bench players these days and one of those is a catcher. Not a lot of room. Cecchini, TJ Rivera, Guillorme, Smith, etc all decent options IMO...
I'd be stunned if they moved Frazier (any time soon at least). Youngish team and Frazier gets in front of the media whenever asked.
Side note remember when cerrone suggested trading 3 years of Thor for one year of boegarts. That guy is such a gem isnt he.
Steam is projecting 1.2 fWAR in 2019. Combined -24 DRS in 2018. Not a typo, an incredible -18 in CF. You don't move Nimmo to CF without adding a legit masher in RF otherwise you weaken the team. A deal for a guy like Peralta? Sure.
Obviously they need another lefty in the pen, can go into ST with only having Zamora.
Obviously they need another lefty in the pen, can go into ST with only having Zamora.
Insiders have doubts they will win a bidding war on Pollock given the money they have left. Would be nice but I wouldn't expect it. Plenty of LOOGY's available. Cedeno, Sipp, Avilan, Wilson, Miller and of course trades.
I don't think they should max themselves out for Pollock. He'd be an upgrade and if they are comfortable increasing the budget, great, but I think there are other ways to spend the money that won't require 4 years and losing a draft pick.
$15m seems a pretty safe guesstimate for what they have left to spend (including Wright $11m insurance money) - to me the biggest bang for buck would probably still be for an impact reliever around $10m AAV. Or possibly Gio Gonzalez. In CF I think the trade market for a cheaper player than Pollock may be the way to go. His bat is weak but Kevin Pillar's name has been out there - his overall WAR the past few years is almost identical to Pollock and he's only projected to make $5m in his contract year. That would seem like the type of guy you could bring back for Dom Smith to maintain flexibility to add elsewhere.
The best fit would be a Chris Taylor or Kike Hernandez type who can play CF and other positions.
JDG is obviously first in line and they've already spoken to him, do you think they have any plans to talk to Wheeler? An Eovaldi type deal would seemingly make a lot of sense for both sides.
For Thor, it would obviously make sense if they could get him on a Carrasco deal right now, but otherwise he's the 1 they could probably stand to put off until next year - though a big year would raise him towards jdg territory.
He did - but I wonder if Ramos signing so cheap changes that math a little bit. Especially if they also end up not going for Pollock and finding a CF cheap elsewhere. Regardless I kind of hope they hold off on the last FA signing until January feb because who knows what deals will be out there like Moustakas last year. Whether it's a pitcher or a position player like Pollock.
Lagares is already here but we all know it's only a matter of time before he's hurt. Pillar is basically just a cheaper Lagares. I do agree though, I'd prefer to find a younger player with more upside in a similar career stage as Dom. A pre-breakout Mallex Smith type. You'd know better than me who fits that description.
Red Sox need to shed salary and reportedly shopping Porcello, JBJ, and even Bogaerts.
I think JBJ being light hitting with significantly worse road splits he hopefully would not cost significant assets.
Eric suggested Wheeler or Matz and I wouldn't do that, but I'd do Plawecki and a prospect.
B) .254/.301/.369
One is Pillar, the other is on the Mets roster and everyone wants an upgrade over..
That's fair - and look there's a reason why Pollock would get paid 3-4x what Pillar makes. It's cause he can actually hit. But if they truly believe Cespedes could come back later this year and their budget is already close to maxed out, Pollock is probably just a shelf too high right now.
B) .254/.301/.369
One is Pillar, the other is on the Mets roster and everyone wants an upgrade over..
After adding Ramos I'd be fine with Lagares as every day CF - the question with him is durability. Need to have a backup plan.
Without looking at Pillars games played, the easy answer is reliability.
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So they can focus on trying to lock some guys up LT like Thor.
JDG is obviously first in line and they've already spoken to him, do you think they have any plans to talk to Wheeler? An Eovaldi type deal would seemingly make a lot of sense for both sides.
For Thor, it would obviously make sense if they could get him on a Carrasco deal right now, but otherwise he's the 1 they could probably stand to put off until next year - though a big year would raise him towards jdg territory.
I wouldnt bet on Wheeler LT here, but he certainly has made it clear he supposedly wants to be here.
I dont get the feeling theyve decided who they want to extend yet or not. They want players who WANT to be Mets, who are proud to be Mets, who will represent well. Byproduct of floating rumors is to see who really wants to be here. Who appreciates being here. Who the fans REALLY want here. Oh, as I mentioned, to also show a certain someone no one thinks its a good idea to say poverpay for a certain player...
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just don't see what Pillar provides that we don't already have in Lagares for "only" 3 million more and Pillar (while not costing the moon) still would cost a prospect or 2. System has already thinned out. They need either a platoon bat to go with Lagares or a legit upgrade. I'd love to take a shot on Margot but I suspect SD will deal Jankowski or Cordero instead.
Without looking at Pillars games played, the easy answer is reliability.
Reliably mediocre. You can find that for much cheaper.
If you guaranteed they were adding a guy like Gio I would do it. Otherwise the pitching is too thin. I liked Dom to the White Sox given they had only Abreu at 1b and Fry/Bummer but that door now looks closed.
Rookie maximums for at-bats (130), games pitched (30) or innings (50) in the major leagues"
If the 2 leaders are within 5% of each other, or the leader has less than 30% there will be a run-off between the top 2. If a run-off results in a tie the tiebreaker will be vote total in the previous poll, we will continue to "go back" in the polls until there is a clear leader.
*Jeff McNeil is ineligible
*Chris Flexen is ineligible
*Drew Smith is ineligible
*Tyler Bashlor is ineligible
1) Andres Gimenez (SS) AA 19/37 votes- 51%
2) Peter Alonso (1B) AAA 24/36 votes- 67%
3) Ronny Mauricio (SS) Kingsport 12/33-36%
4) Mark Vientos (3b) Kingsport 16/31-52%
5) David Peterson (LHP) A+ 21/31- 68%
6) Franklyn Kilome (RHP) AA 20/33-61%
7) Thomas Szapucki (LHP) A 18/32-56%
8) Shervyen Newton (SS) Kingsport 12/30-40%, Run-off with Anthony Kay 17/33-52%
9) Anthony Kay (LHP) AA 18/26-69%
10) Simeon Woods-Richardson (RHP) Kingsport 12/30-40%
11) Luis Santana (2B) 15/26-58%
12) Will Toffey (3B) 10/29-34%, run-off with Cecchini 15/27-56%
13) Gavin Cecchini (2b) 14/26-46%
14) Francisco Alvarez (C) 9/26-35%
15) Dez Lindsay (OF) 7/18-39%
16) Tony Dibrell (RHP) 9/23-39%
17) Jordan Humphreys (RHP) 7/21-33%, Run-off with Nido 18/24-75%
18) Ross Adolph (OF) 6/25-24%, run-off with Nido 18/25-72%
19) Adam Hill (RHP) 4/26-15%, Run-off with Nido/Crismatt 11/26-58%
20) Junior Santos (RHP) 6/28-21%, Run-off with Nido 11/20-55%
21) Tomas Nido (C) 10/23-43%
22) Luis Guillorme (SS) 9/24-38%
23) Adrian Hernandez 6/26-23%, run-off with Wahl/Cortes 8/15-53%
24) Carlos Cortes (2b) 8/21-38%
25) Steven Villines (RHP) 4/16 25%, Run-off with Thompson/Wahl 9/23-39%
26) David Thompson (3b) 8/23-35%
27) Ali Sanchez (C) 9/17-53%
28) Bobby Wahl (RHP) 11/25-44%
29) Eric Hanhold (RHP) 7/21-33%, run-off 7/20-35%
30) Luis Carpio (IF) 4/18-22%, runoff with Uriarte 9/14-64%
31) Stanley Consuegra (OF) 4/20-20%, runoff with Uriarte/Valdez 6/17-35%, advances due to more votes in previous poll
32) Juan Uriarte (C) 4/19-21%
33) Freddy Valdez (OF) 7/17-41%
34) Daniel Zamora (LHP) 3/17-18%, run-off with Montes De Oca 10/12-83%
35) Jaylen Palmer (??) 3/12-25%, run-off with Montes de Oca/Vilera 9/16-56%
36) Ryley Gilliam (RHP) 5/22-23%, run-off with Manea 8/16-50%, advances due to more votes in previous poll
37) Matt Winaker (OF) 4/22-18
I would love to take a chance on Buxton, who hasnt even scratched the surface. But there was some rally weird shit going in there last year. IMO, Worth a shot!
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still ask about Buxton but doubt the Twins are that dumb. Strikeouts are nuts but I wonder what Cave would cost? 123 wRC+ vs. righties last year
I would love to take a chance on Buxton, who hasnt even scratched the surface. But there was some rally weird shit going in there last year. IMO, Worth a shot!
Seems like some beef with the organization. You would know better than i but I've never heard any off-field negative stuff regarding Buxton just the Twins playing with his service time. Glove is still A++ and has hit in spurts.
I do think thankfully think some of last year's pickups both in the draft and via trade will help continue move the system in the right direction. I'm really intrigued to see what Toffey does this year (after shoulder surgery?). Adolph looks like he was a good find. Plus all the SP coming back from TJS.
I may be crazy, but I'm even mildly interested to see if Lindsay's fall league performance was a fluke and how Thompson/Cecchini come back from their injuries. If there's another mcneil somewhere in the system it's probably 1 of those guys.
It's right there in front of them...time to strike is now, especially with less in the farm system coming the next several years.
They haven't done it since Beltran. Time to make a run again....
Lindsay. Im done falling for him lol. Still has his believers, some see Pham lol.
Id look at Buxton as Legares with upside. Certainly would pay for the prospect Buxton WAS. He cant hit a slider. Period. But the talent is undeniable.
SEE THE METS TOP 10 MLB PROSPECTS
NOTABLE GRADUATIONS: RHP Chris Flexen (9), RHP Corey Oswalt (16), RHP Jacob Rhame (23), 2B Jeff McNeil (NR)
TRENDING: 🔼 McNeil looks like the real deal, but no other graduated prospect figures prominently
STRENGTHS: The outline of a future lineup is taking shape at the lower levels with third baseman Mark Vientos and shortstops Ronny Mauricio and Shervyen Newton all excelling in Rookie ball in 2018. First baseman Peter Alonso and shortstop Andres Gimenez will make their marks in the majors much sooner, either in 2019 or 2020. College arms Anthony Kay and David Peterson have similar ETAs.
WEAKNESSES: Much of the systems top position talent is several years away from Queens, and the top 10 is high-risk, high-reward overall. Beyond Dunn, 2018 second-round high schooler Simeon Woods-Richardson and trade pickup Franklyn Kilome, the system lacks for righthanded starters and is tilted toward relief arms overall. Then Kilome had Tommy John surgery after the season and will miss all of 2019.
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Just wish he wasn't handed a starting spot over Mcneil. Sort it out in ST and let the best guy play. Period. Unless he's barry bonds in ST they can make things even easier by starting Alonso in AAA for a month to get some momentum before introducing him to MLB pitching, which should be a plenty long evaluation period to see which of Frazier/McNeil should start at 3B from that point forward.
https://metsmerizedonline.com/
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I realize Smith's value is low, but my plan would be:
1B: Frazier
2B: Cano
SS: Rosario
3B: Mcneil
next year Frazier is gone and if McNeil holds up ok at 3B he stays there, if not, he can move to 2B, but Cano heads to 1B (unless he's good at 2B).
If McNeil is good at 3B, Gimenez moves to 2B unless he shows he's superior to Rosario in the field then Rosario moves.
Problem with Cano at such a long term is it blocks Alonso, which is fine with me. I'm trading Alonso after he tears up Syracuse this year to an AL team for to restock the farm or for a legit young starting pitcher.
Really great to hear that and have him back. During the 2 year playoff run there wasn't a player on the team more important than him. Cespedes obviously sparked the end of 2015, but then missed chunks of time in 2016. Harvey and JDG got hurt in 2016. In those 2 full seasons Familia pitched the 3rd most innings of any reliever (most of any closer) and was the 6th most valuable by fwar. He had a 2.2 ERA, 2.5 FIP, and was 2nd in baseball with 94 saves. He obviously blew the WC game in 2016 and allowed the Gordon homer, but he was also the difference beating the Dodgers in 5 games where he was perfect in 4 of them without even allowing a baserunner.
With Diaz in the fold he doesn't need to replicate that level of performance to be a good signing, but the fact that he has proven he can do that here in NY and he's still only 29 makes him a great signing.
j/k....good stuff from Familia.
I think the word he used was he "wants" him to be, but he (BVW) also gave himself an out (if it's the same story I read) and said Mickey makes the lineup decisions.
But I suspect Alonso will be in Syracuse the first couple weeks at least so the Mets keep the extra year of control. And then who knows what happens.
Saves the team a roster spot not having to bring in a middle infielder and allows them to keep a guy like TJ Rivera who has some pop coming off the bench.
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On opening day. Barring a really weak ST, I expect that to be the case.
I think the word he used was he "wants" him to be, but he (BVW) also gave himself an out (if it's the same story I read) and said Mickey makes the lineup decisions.
But I suspect Alonso will be in Syracuse the first couple weeks at least so the Mets keep the extra year of control. And then who knows what happens.
I tend to agree with this. If he hits .500 in ST with 10 homers I think he can change minds, but most likely he will start in Syracuse.
I realize Smith's value is low, but my plan would be:
1B: Frazier
2B: Cano
SS: Rosario
3B: Mcneil
next year Frazier is gone and if McNeil holds up ok at 3B he stays there, if not, he can move to 2B, but Cano heads to 1B (unless he's good at 2B).
If McNeil is good at 3B, Gimenez moves to 2B unless he shows he's superior to Rosario in the field then Rosario moves.
Problem with Cano at such a long term is it blocks Alonso, which is fine with me. I'm trading Alonso after he tears up Syracuse this year to an AL team for to restock the farm or for a legit young starting pitcher.
I would consider giving Rosario and/or Gimenez reps in CF. Gimenez would be the more likely target unless Rosario is struggling because if he struggles at first you are only impacting a minor league team
Also Sickels is live tweeting the mets system right now. His rankings so far:
1- Gimenez (B+)
2- Alonso (B+)
3- Vientos (B-/B)
4- Mauricio (B-/B)
5- SWR (B-/B)
6- Newton (B-)
7- Peterson (B-)
8- Kay (B-)
Even without Kelenic already way better than a year ago when he only had 5 guys over the C level (including Guillorme).
No indication on either one. More interesting will be Newton/Mauricio. Hard to believe one is pulled off SS so one is likely going to be "left behind" in BK.
I was comparing to last year's preseason so they didn't have Kilome/Kelenic yet and obviously before a lot of these guys had good seasons that improved their stock. Alonso, Gimenez, Vientos especially (and Sickels always tends to lean more on the production side).
1B is like the last bastion on defense. If you can't make it there, you're likely a DH.
1B is like the last bastion on defense. If you can't make it there, you're likely a DH.
If you can't play 1b you're basically not a big leaguer. You have to absolutely MASH to be a DH and stick very long. Those types have less and less value.
He definitely was not into toolsy guys who did not have matching production, unlike mlb.com. Sad to hear that he lost his website as he was always very nice to speak with and, unlike some of the other big names, would listen to opposing viewpoints rather than shoot them down.
hope they have a better contingency plan for Lagares than that but I've always liked him and it looks like he can still run and play D.
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Mets sign Rajai Davis to a minor league deal
hope they have a better contingency plan for Lagares than that but I've always liked him and it looks like he can still run and play D.
if they dont add another of they are counting on cespedes being back mid season
Maybe all teams have this issue and I just don't notice it but the Mets always seem to have guys playing out of their normal position.
Kind of like
Nimmo CF
McNeil LF
Alonso 1B
Cano 2B
Ramos C
Conforto RF
Frazier 3B
Rosario SS
Really lengthens things and splits the lefties up. Conforto may be too low but somebody is going to have to be there...
When Ces returns...
Nimmo CF
McNeil 3B
Cespedes LF
Cano 2B
Ramos C
Conforto RF
Alonso 1B
Rosario SS
Pretty deep as is. A guy like M. Gonzalez makes a ton of sense because he's flexible and can be moved around later. Do it.
Yeah it's 12 team games and you control him for an additional season.
Makes you wonder if theyre prepared to move a good young OF for a catcher. Wouldnt surprise me if theyre ready to overpay.
Playoffs?... plaaayyyyooofffffss?
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is a good signing -- post-season veteran pinch runner is now filled. :)
Playoffs?... plaaayyyyooofffffss?
Oh yeah -- hear me now, believe me later -- 2019 NL East Champs!
2 lefties in a row with Cano/Conforto 3 & 4 isn't ideal, but they don't have glaring splits and the majority of the good setup men and closers are righties anyway.
Then Ramos or Frazier can hit 5th to start the year (eventually Alonso will hopefully hit 4 or 5).
Mcneil can hit 6th.
The other of Ramos/Frazier can hit 7th.
whoever plays CF hits 8th.
I really like the way the lineup is coming together and if they get a good CF even better.
That would make a lot of sense for both sides. Tucker is a really good looking prospect. Other than Vlad jr he is probably the most intriguing guy ready to play right away.