NFT: Mets talk: P & Cs

Matt Ehalt
‏
Verified account

@MattEhalt
9m9 minutes ago

Interesting quote by Brodie on the deGrom talks: "Whether or not we can ultimately agree on something or whether the timing is now or down the road, there will be no mistaking the fact he is a franchise player for us we hope can be that for years to come.�

Rich Coutinho
‏

@coutinho9

I totally agree with @GMBVW --this Met roster is a playoff team caliber group--To me it is 3rd best roster in whole NL and tops in NL East-I respect him so much for raising the bar on expectations--shows that is not afraid of lofty goals--A life lesson for us all--Aim High ALWAYS

More
Brodie on potential moves: "Right now, we're looking to be more opportunistic."

Michael Mayer
‏

@mikemayerMMO
29m29 minutes ago
More
Michael Mayer Retweeted Matt Ehalt
Nimmo
Lowrie
Cano
Ramos
Conforto
Frazier/Davis/Alonso
McNeil
Pitcher
Rosario

That is pretty solid.

NorthJersey
Link - ( New Window )

That guy needs to dial it back some...

He expects Cano to move over to 1B at the end of games on occasion defensively. That's kind of new and noteworthy, previously it seem like they'd move him around this year.

Mcneil is basically converting to be a full time OF'er. Unlike previous nym position switches this one is reasonable, though not ideal, and I think he'll be fine out there defensively because he's infinitely more athletic than Murphy/Duda. Still not sure any of the lefties are good enough defensively in center to do it every day but they protected themselves there with Broxton.

They look at the IF as 5 guys for 4 spots shuffling around all getting around 130 games - Cano, Rosario, Lowrie, Frazier, and whichever young 1B earns starts (he mentioned all 3 of Davis, Alonso, and Dom competing). I think even Brodie would take the under on Frazier big time. I like that they're going to make all the young guys earn the 1B playing time - just hope there's enough of it available, but better to have too many options than too few.

Some bizarre posturing with JDG extension talks. Still assume it happens sooner rather than later but certainly bizarre to have the guy who authored the "sign him or trade him" press release now assert that his arbitration award some how changes things.

I think he's a little overly optimistic on the pitching staff depth, but hopefully we get lucky with health for once. He says playoff team and they aren't worrying about the other teams in the division. That seems a drop myopic with the posture they took in the offseason.

People will probably roll their eyes and say "what else is knew" but this is a solid roster.

We could probably still add a backend starter to sure up the depth further there but Im pretty fine with the 1-5. There are still good players out there so maybe these guys prices start falling or a few even take a ST invite. Ervin Santana would be a pretty sweet add. Seems like BVW is already thinking along the same lines if he made a one year offer to Gio.

The lineup is deep and versatile even if there isn't that true star in the middle until Cespedes comes back. Unlike most years where if a key player or two went down in the lineup and we were f"d, I think we can withstand some injuries there this year.

The pen looks great on paper and has a multitude of upside options that should battle it out in Syracuse this year. I'd be surprised if one or two didn't emerge there.

Let's get this season started. BVW is going to stay enthusiastic IMO and will adjust and add as we go along. This is a team that should compete for the playoffs, in one form or another.

Rich Coutinho
‏

@coutinho9
Following Following @coutinho9

To me @JeffMcNeil805 is a player who is up for EVERY challenge he has ever faced--If he needs to play OF I have no doubts he will because my impression is he's a team-first guy. Getting that bat in Met lineup will create wins in a multitude of ways

Geez...

I thought so many teams were fighting for Gio that the Mets immediately folded and offered two years? That was about two weeks ago wasn�t it?

Lol

About a lineup with Wilson Ramos hitting cleanup. LOL

Cmon man.

In comment 14293825 Shecky said:

Quote:

I thought so many teams were fighting for Gio that the Mets immediately folded and offered two years? That was about two weeks ago wasn�t it? Lol

Yup. Clear smoke from Boras. I feel like over the years, Ive gotten better adept at spotting these things but I still fall for it lol.

Would be pretty sweet if the one year offer was still standing and Gio accepts.

Matz will surely take his annual trip (or two) to the DL. And though Wheeler had a great year, I'm still not sure he has put his annual DL trip(s) behind him. If one/both of those guys miss extended time, I'm not confident in any of the replacement candidates.

Same thing for the 'pen - if every one stays healthy, they should be OK.

Offense should be OK.

Nimmo
Lowrie
Cano
Conforto
Ramos
McNeil
Alonso/Frazier/Davis
Rosario

But this is a lineup that should look drastically different in the second half than in the first. Sneaky suspicion they are being overly cautious with Cespedes to temper expectations and he's back around the all star break. I also feel Alonso, McNeil and others will move up in the lineup once they are more proven later in the year.

the offseason about a universal DH being instituted into the game as soon as this year.

I think BVW built this roster in anticipation for that but it appears its going to be next.

time over the first half and picks up where he left off in 2018. When Cespedes returns, organization feels like they HAVE to keep the younger McNeil in the lineup over Lowrie and Lowrie then has to become the super sup with McNeil moving from the OF to 3B second half as a starter.

Second half:

Nimmo CF
McNeil 3B
Cano 2B
Cespedes LF
Conforto RF
Alonso 1B
Ramos C
Rosario SS

Lowrie Super Sub.

Of course nothing ever goes as planned so....

In comment 14293830 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

Nimmo Lowrie Cano Conforto Ramos McNeil Alonso/Frazier/Davis Rosario But this is a lineup that should look drastically different in the second half than in the first. Sneaky suspicion they are being overly cautious with Cespedes to temper expectations and he's back around the all star break. I also feel Alonso, McNeil and others will move up in the lineup once they are more proven later in the year.

I think Cepedes is out for 2019; the guy has only shown he comes back LATER than planned, not earlier. But if he does come back and can produce even a little bit, that's gravy...

In comment 14293837 Rory said:

Quote:

the offseason about a universal DH being instituted into the game as soon as this year. I think BVW built this roster in anticipation for that but it appears its going to be next.

It won't be installed this year. I read that if it does happen it won't happen until 2020 at the earliest.

In comment 14293839 speedywheels said:

Quote:

In comment 14293830 ZGiants98 said: Quote: Nimmo Lowrie Cano Conforto Ramos McNeil Alonso/Frazier/Davis Rosario But this is a lineup that should look drastically different in the second half than in the first. Sneaky suspicion they are being overly cautious with Cespedes to temper expectations and he's back around the all star break. I also feel Alonso, McNeil and others will move up in the lineup once they are more proven later in the year. I think Cepedes is out for 2019; the guy has only shown he comes back LATER than planned, not earlier. But if he does come back and can produce even a little bit, that's gravy...

I don't know about that. Im not a huge Cespedes fan but he did seem to play through a multitude of injuries in the past... even if at at a detriment. All Ive heard about his most recent setback is that the surgeries were a success and they removed the calcium deposits... Recovery time is supposed to be 6-8 months. He had his second surgery on October 26th so even the long end of that has him returning around d the all star break. Of course he could have setbacks and we shouldn't be counting on it or anything but Im guessing he's in minor league games in late June.

July as the target, second half... lol. So there's a pretty wide range of opinions on it.

think recovery is as easy as pie. I don't think we know how bad his heals were though.
Link - ( New Window )

Alfredo Ascalera to minor league deals.

In comment 14293862 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

think recovery is as easy as pie. I don't think we know how bad his heals were though. Link - ( New Window )

Thanks for sharing... :)

If the Mets do have any inclination that Cespedes will be back sooner than expected and this is all just them being over conservative because Ces shot his mouth off and was acting like a bit of a pussy, it would make a TON of sense why they didn't go after Machado/Harper.

earlier than expected and this roster, and this team, probably is as talented as any in the NL. Granted... big "IFs" that nobody will account for, especially Ces.

Lennon: Familia turned down closer roles to return to Mets

.

Jeff is on record saying 2nd half for Cespedes and potentially later. Where is this coming back sooner coming from? Omar said the same.

Tim Healey
@timbhealey
�
Jan 24
September: Mets have to plan for Cespedes not to play in 2019, Wilpon said.

December: Cespedes is "the ultimate trade deadline piece," BVW said.

January: Anything Cespedes does in 2019 is "gravy," Minaya said.

January:
Wilpon: "We do have a $29 million outfielder on the roster that we hope comes back sometime this year."

I missing something? The Mets themselves have said 2nd half or later. WebMD is what people are going by? lol

Anthony DiComo
Anthony DiComo
@AnthonyDiComo
�
Dec 5
The Mets expect Yoenis Cespedes to return "realistically, the second half of the season," Jeff Wilpon said on
@WFAN660
. He added that the timetable could be longer.

Doctor and hypothetically assuming the Mets might be acting conservative purposely. Not a siingle person here is arguing what �some� Mets officials have stated his timeline is.

and I'm looking forward to seeing how our guys do. Question mark guys who looked strong last year like Wheeler, Nimmo, McNeil are going to have to show last year was no fluke. Matz, Wheeler, Syndergaard have to avoid their usual trips to the DL. Let's hope Cano can get through a full year at age 36 without PEDs and be the 3 WAR player we expect him to be. Hoping that Conforto can be the all-star, fringe MVP type of 5+ WAR player that his upside has flashed.

Definitely concerned about the lack of depth in the rotation and worried that it could either keep us out of the playoffs or force us into the wild card game in a tough NL East. Still hoping that Philly or WSH don't get Harper or Machado.

Quote:

The Mets don't expect to have an idea until sometime during the season when Yoenis Cespedes will return from surgery on both heels. While watching the team's equipment truck leave for spring training Monday, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said, "I don't think we'll have an idea during spring training." Van Wagenen, Cespedes' former agent, says the Mets want to make sure "we build him up in a smart fashion, that we're not taxing him too soon. and we want to make sure that he's 100 percent healthy when he comes back, whenever that day is."

Link - ( New Window )

Chavez retires and joins the BK Mets coaching staff, Marlon Anderson becomes roving bench running coach

Travis Taijeron back with the Mets, they needed OF depth if/when Davis/Liriano/Blanco opt out.

Alfredo Escalera minor league deal, likely assigned to AA. Royals liked him a few years ago, never developed.

Ces is the personality you can�t TELLhim what to do. But he�s got an ego.

�Take your time, come back when your ready. We need you, but we will be fine without you�

Real world. He don�t play this year we save $20mm... he does, we have a cleanup hitter with Alonso behind him - that�s a lot of RH power!!!! Best way to motivate him is to tell him you love him, while checking out the girl walking past you...

In comment 14294197 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

I missing something? The Mets themselves have said 2nd half or later. WebMD is what people are going by? lol

You're not missing anything. They are being overly optimistic for no reason.

absolutely implied he will be back sooner c'mon

"I will say this...
ZGiants98 : 2/11/2019 10:43 pm : link : reply
If the Mets do have any inclination that Cespedes will be back sooner than expected and this is all just them being over conservative because Ces shot his mouth off and was acting like a bit of a pussy, it would make a TON of sense why they didn't go after Machado/Harper."

If Davis didn�t show up till tomorrow, would he be considered early or late? Good thing he didn�t take any chances...

In comment 14294208 Shecky said:

Quote:

Ces is the personality you can�t TELLhim what to do. But he�s got an ego. �Take your time, come back when your ready. We need you, but we will be fine without you� Real world. He don�t play this year we save $20mm... he does, we have a cleanup hitter with Alonso behind him - that�s a lot of RH power!!!! Best way to motivate him is to tell him you love him, while checking out the girl walking past you...

He gets paid the same money either way so if his love of the game is really a question I don't see how Juan Lagares/Broxton in CF motivate him more than acting like he doesn't exist. Instead Jeff mentioned him ad nauseum (with Cano) as to why they aren't going after Harper/Machado

In comment 14294214 Shecky said:

Quote:

If Davis didn�t show up till tomorrow, would he be considered early or late? Good thing he didn�t take any chances...

They have said Davis will not be pitching at all despite some buzz he might.

In comment 14294212 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

absolutely implied he will be back sooner c'mon "I will say this... ZGiants98 : 2/11/2019 10:43 pm : link : reply If the Mets do have any inclination that Cespedes will be back sooner than expected and this is all just them being over conservative because Ces shot his mouth off and was acting like a bit of a pussy, it would make a TON of sense why they didn't go after Machado/Harper."

You aren�t reading the entire thing statement starting off with an IF?? I was responding to She my and that doctor basically calling Cespedes a pussy.

activity in July and return to the team in something resembling mid-season form by early August take it as a huge win and don't look back.

like they hope for Davis to break camp with the club as the backup 3b/1b. I'm not so sure we see Alonso as quickly as people think. If Frazier and Lowrie are hitting and Davis does anything there doesn't seem like there would be a major rush. You don't bench a guy like Frazier if your winning and/or he's hitting.

In comment 14294221 Metnut said:

Quote:

activity in July and return to the team in something resembling mid-season form by early August take it as a huge win and don't look back.

I'm sure this is their realistic hope. They he can provide a boost over the final 50ish games playing every once and a while with 2020 being a quasi regular.

starting OF in Syracuse is older than the big club lol

Taijeron is 30, Tebow 31, Kaczmarski is 27, Rajai Davis 38, Gregor Blanco 35, Liriano 28 in June. So whomever sticks...

In comment 14294228 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

starting OF in Syracuse is older than the big club lol Taijeron is 30, Tebow 31, Kaczmarski is 27, Rajai Davis 38, Gregor Blanco 35, Liriano 28 in June. So whomever sticks...

Gun to your head. Assume Mets are a "contender" (within 2 games of a playoff spot throughout) and Tebow has a 104 wRC in AAA with awful defense. Does he get an MLB AB in 2019?

In comment 14294243 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14294228 DanMetroMan said: Quote: starting OF in Syracuse is older than the big club lol Taijeron is 30, Tebow 31, Kaczmarski is 27, Rajai Davis 38, Gregor Blanco 35, Liriano 28 in June. So whomever sticks... Gun to your head. Assume Mets are a "contender" (within 2 games of a playoff spot throughout) and Tebow has a 104 wRC in AAA with awful defense. Does he get an MLB AB in 2019?

Probably. I mean they don't care about his options (he's 31) and no knock on him we know they want the gate more than viewing him as some legit prospect. That being said for him to post a 104 wRC+ in AAA would be pretty amazing. 2018 26 hitters in the entire IL posted 104 or higher so he'd be a top 25 hitter in the league.