NFT: Mets Notes

current Michigan pitching coach Chris Fetter

current Twins Ast. pitching coach Jeremy Hefner

Also Phillies interested in Chilli Davis, Mets trying to resign but $ is an issue. Shocker

Only second Mets position player to win it, Strawberry being the other. Lets hope he helps bring the Mets a championship as Stawberry was part of only a few seasons after his winning it.

Word is Red Sox would love to trade Martinez. Mets get Martinez and you got a great 3/4 to go with your pitching staff.

Is a great hitter but he is a DH the National League don't have a DH so he is not worth the contract for the New York Mets

In comment 14676530 DRich1980 said:

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Is a great hitter but he is a DH the National League don't have a DH so he is not worth the contract for the New York Mets

So do you think BVW offers 2 top prospects or 3?

The team won 86 games and went 46-26 in the second half

Just stay the course. Try to add a bullpen guy like Pomeranz and a backup catcher that is not an automatic out like Nido

No more dealing away prospects. That was a disaster last offseason. Let the three lefties and Gimenez mature without being rushed.

With a competent manger, this team would have won 90 games, even with Diaz and Familia being awful, Thor subpar, and Lowrie, Nimmo and Cespedes all injured

really doesn't have much business being in the NL.

with pitching health last year. All their starters (considering vargas+stroman as one) made 30 starts or more.

sit tight with this team and you're probably going to be disappointed. they played with nothing to lose in the second half, I wouldn't rely on no-pressure team records.

cano is the big issue. everyone is out of position because of him. they should see if the dodgers would be interested in him for aj pollock. then you could put mcneil back at 2b, davis at 3rd, and nimmo and conforto in the corners where they belong.

In comment 14676811 cactus said:

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with pitching health last year. All their starters (considering vargas+stroman as one) made 30 starts or more. sit tight with this team and you're probably going to be disappointed. they played with nothing to lose in the second half, I wouldn't rely on no-pressure team records. cano is the big issue. everyone is out of position because of him. they should see if the dodgers would be interested in him for aj pollock. then you could put mcneil back at 2b, davis at 3rd, and nimmo and conforto in the corners where they belong.

Cano for Pollock would be a great move (even if they needed to kick in future $ or take back another salary or something). He played an awful CF last year, but I'd rather roll the dice on him than Cano.

Matthew Cerrone
@matthewcerrone
�
3h
Dellin Betances, who was hoping to sign early, is weighing multiple one-year contract offers.

He should choose Mets, it's a perfect fit.

exact type of 1 year upside gamble they should make. Overpaying him slightly on a 1 year deal makes a lot more sense than giving up prospects at the deadline for a reliever.

is from NY and just vacationed with Beltran. I'd be all for it BUT he should be viewed as a lottery ticket/extra add on not the big main piece add.

a fascinating piece about Wheeler and how he could be so much better with better pitch sequencing.. something the Mets apparently graded bottom of the league in. Mickey is gone but Ramos is still here. Something to look for going forward.

pick would be roughly 80th overall so not exactly an awesome return on a very good P.

.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14676882 DanMetroMan said:

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a fascinating piece about Wheeler and how he could be so much better with better pitch sequencing.. something the Mets apparently graded bottom of the league in. Mickey is gone but Ramos is still here. Something to look for going forward.

I really hope they find a way to keep Wheeler. Sherman projecting somewhere between 4/75m and 5/100 so im not optimistic but hopefully the QO is as toxic as it's been in previous years.

The Stroman move was so freaking stupid. It is almost as infuriating as the Cano deal. He's projected to get 12m this year in arb, they so easily could have structured Wheeler's year 1 to be similar to that. And had Kay to compete for the 5th spot. And kept SWR who will almost definitely be a better prospect than whoever they get with a sup pick.

In comment 14676882 DanMetroMan said:

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a fascinating piece about Wheeler and how he could be so much better with better pitch sequencing.. something the Mets apparently graded bottom of the league in. Mickey is gone but Ramos is still here. Something to look for going forward.

How does one grade pitch sequencing?

.

I'm not getting anywhere close to signing before the chips fall on Cole and Strasburg. Which feels like it will be a while...

In comment 14676907 Jon in NYC said:

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In comment 14676882 DanMetroMan said: Quote: a fascinating piece about Wheeler and how he could be so much better with better pitch sequencing.. something the Mets apparently graded bottom of the league in. Mickey is gone but Ramos is still here. Something to look for going forward. How does one grade pitch sequencing?

There are metrics not available to the masses. It almost certainly would be based on how successful X is vs. Y during a certain scenario.

is an older piece on pitch sequencing
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14676912 bigbluehoya said:

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I'm not getting anywhere close to signing before the chips fall on Cole and Strasburg. Which feels like it will be a while...

I doubt he has much choice in that, I'd assume the teams shopping for the top of the market won't make him offers until they know if they get or don't get Cole/SS.

"Wheeler excels at the hard work of getting ahead in the count. That�s the difficult part! When he gets there, though, he too often chooses the wrong pitch. Even if he insisted on sticking with fastballs, he could make up for it by elevating � but he doesn�t do that either. Instead, he gives batters what they want � a hittable pitch in a friendly location."
Link - ( New Window )

1. re-sign Wheeler, but not if it means not re-signing Syndergaard. If it comes down to one of those or the other it has to be Syndergaard. I'd like both, but if I had to pick one it's easy.

2. If #1 is done, then trade Stroman. Mets could use help in a number of areas, but I'd trade Stroman for either a CFer, BP arm, or even a high upside AA/AAA pitcher (plus)

3. Sign Bettances or other immediate BP help - depending what happens with #2

4. If #2 and #3 happen, move Lugo to the rotation. He's not the same pitcher he was last time in the rotation. A rotation of DeGrom, Syndergaard, Wheeler (or Stroman - depending on above), Lugo and Matz is one you can win with. Plus, should the injury occur unlike last year, you already have Lugo stretched out.

5. Sign a catcher like Grandal or one who excels at pitch framing.

6. Make the "other" catcher Syndergaard's catcher. Hopefully Beltran is better at managing shit like that than Mickey was.

7. Trade Dom Smith for JBJ and Matt Barnes. Neither are perfect players, but the Mets can have Cano backup at 1B (when he's not starting at 2B) and still have a theoretical way to get Lowrie at-bats if he's healthy.

In comment 14676920 Eric on Li said:

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In comment 14676912 bigbluehoya said: Quote: I'm not getting anywhere close to signing before the chips fall on Cole and Strasburg. Which feels like it will be a while... I doubt he has much choice in that, I'd assume the teams shopping for the top of the market won't make him offers until they know if they get or don't get Cole/SS.

exactly. which is why I'd wait rather than sign with one of the teams that is not in on Cole/Stras. More bidders once those names are gone, and better situation to max my number once those absurd numbers are inked.

In comment 14676918 DanMetroMan said:

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is an older piece on pitch sequencing Link - ( New Window )

Cool, thanks!

In comment 14676595 Vanzetti said:

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The team won 86 games and went 46-26 in the second half Just stay the course. Try to add a bullpen guy like Pomeranz and a backup catcher that is not an automatic out like Nido No more dealing away prospects. That was a disaster last offseason. Let the three lefties and Gimenez mature without being rushed. With a competent manger, this team would have won 90 games, even with Diaz and Familia being awful, Thor subpar, and Lowrie, Nimmo and Cespedes all injured

Oh yea Pomeranz, yea good idea lol

In comment 14676882 DanMetroMan said:

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a fascinating piece about Wheeler and how he could be so much better with better pitch sequencing.. something the Mets apparently graded bottom of the league in. Mickey is gone but Ramos is still here. Something to look for going forward.

I'm not as in depth on pitch sequencing but I will say if you look at Wheeler's last start in the 7th (I think it was VS Miami) he looked unhinged and locked in.

At 29 and injury issues past him, I think he's taken the next step to becoming dominant.

I bring it up again because I feel Brodie's strategy in FA last year anticipating this happening soon.

I keep hearing if approved it could be implemented almost immediately.

That would allow Cano/Ramos to move to DH.

JD/Lowrie to move to 3rd and McNeil go back to his natural position at 2b.

Also could open up trade options for Cespedes

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Mets are close to a deal to bring back Chili Davis as hitting coach

In comment 14677260 Rory said:

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Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Mets are close to a deal to bring back Chili Davis as hitting coach

I would assume Beltran had to give the stamp of approval on this, but it is good to have Chilli back. Team definitely took a better approach at the plate once he took over. I mean it was night and day with Rosario. You have to think Chilli had something to do with that.

Is it confirmed that one of the offers for Betances is from us? He'd be a great lottery ticket acquisition -- doesn't mean he should be counted on though to the exclusion of other bullpen fixes.

We also need starting pitching insurance whether or not we re-sign Wheeler. Can't anticipate a full year of literally no injuries to starting 5 again.

Depth on the entire pitching staff really needs to be the focus here this offseason, imo.

evidence the Mets have an offer out to Betances. From 19 minutes ago

"Dellin Betances is reportedly atop of Van Wagenen's list of relief pitchers. The Mets are taking a look at the former Yankees reliever, according to SNY's Andy Martino. "

SP depth is horrendous even if Wheeler returns. They have to do a better job than "Hector Santiago is a former all-star"

Two things here. Who is available in CF that is much better than Lagares? I would hope they can bring a CF who can bat. And, someone who can stay healthy which Lagares clearly has trouble doing.

With Grandal, is it true that the Mets offered him something like $20 million a year for 3 or 4 years and he passed? I�m not happy if they keep Ramos. It�s clear that he detracts from what could be very good starting pitching and if Diaz gets it back abs they sign Betances or Hudson a decent bullpen. Why fool with that?

In comment 14677296 DanMetroMan said:

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SP depth is horrendous even if Wheeler returns. They have to do a better job than "Hector Santiago is a former all-star"

Completely agree with this take. They also need to decide on whether Lugo is a starting pitcher or a reliever (and gsellman to a lesser extent). I don�t mind the lugo to rotation move. He doesn�t have the arm heath to seemingly withstand the closer role long term. But that decision either way needs to come quickly as it obviously impacts staff composition as a whole.

In comment 14677305 Samiam said:

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Two things here. Who is available in CF that is much better than Lagares? I would hope they can bring a CF who can bat. And, someone who can stay healthy which Lagares clearly has trouble doing. With Grandal, is it true that the Mets offered him something like $20 million a year for 3 or 4 years and he passed? I�m not happy if they keep Ramos. It�s clear that he detracts from what could be very good starting pitching and if Diaz gets it back abs they sign Betances or Hudson a decent bullpen. Why fool with that?

Lagares is injured again FYI

In comment 14677296 DanMetroMan said:

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SP depth is horrendous even if Wheeler returns. They have to do a better job than "Hector Santiago is a former all-star"

That's part of the reason I think serious consideration should be given to Lugo in the rotation.

Yes, he was the best bullpen arm, but let's face it this season will once again come down to a: starting pitching health and b: bullpen

last year they had A but B was an unmitigated disaster.

if they don't have A, B is irrelevant.

and I believe bullpen arms are more easily obtained than quality starting pitchers.

and don't mean to seem like a broken record, but Dunn, Kay, SWR, would all be really valuable right now.

reportedly turned down 4 years 60 from the Mets citing it to be below market rate for a top tier C. He wasn't wrong and after making 18.25 with the Brewers it seems like his gamble will have paid off. Hard to see any way he doesn't get "significantly" more than 41.75 million guaranteed (the difference).

some solid, steady (not flashy) relievers added,
a vet no5 starter who doesn't get hurt. Doesn't have to be a big time name
A 1B type defensive catcher who could start daily if needed but better suited as backup.

And I think trading Nimmo of all their players for a decent defensive CF who can adequately play everyday if needed but mostly fill in for Conforto there.

I am not for trading Davis or Conforto. And particularly think its stupid to trade McNeil.

In comment 14677478 giantsFC said:

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some solid, steady (not flashy) relievers added, a vet no5 starter who doesn't get hurt. Doesn't have to be a big time name A 1B type defensive catcher who could start daily if needed but better suited as backup. And I think trading Nimmo of all their players for a decent defensive CF who can adequately play everyday if needed but mostly fill in for Conforto there. I am not for trading Davis or Conforto. And particularly think its stupid to trade McNeil.

A vet #5 replacing Wheeler represents a lesser team than the one they put out there last season.

trade Davis to an AL team. He's a guy I'm not sure has a position, think of a better hitting Wilmer Flores. Yes, his power bat is legit, but is that really what the Mets need?

And Gimenez has been lights out in AFL and could provide any infield depth needed. If Cespedes comes back the OF is a little crowded and needs a defense first guy for 5th OFer, not another bat.

So, with Davis value is probably peak right now I'd flip him for a player at a position the Mets need more (RP, SP, C, defense first OFer)

wouldn't even bother talking about Cespedes. The usually overly optimistic Mets weren't even sure he'll play in 2020. ST is only 3 months away, you'd think they would know THAT much if he were close.

In comment 14677513 DanMetroMan said:

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wouldn't even bother talking about Cespedes. The usually overly optimistic Mets weren't even sure he'll play in 2020. ST is only 3 months away, you'd think they would know THAT much if he were close.

If they aren't going to talk about Cespedes then they should be willing to exclude his salary from payroll calculations.

I really don't think doing both (not counting on Cespedes and including his salary), but you know the Mets will.

Even without Cespedes though I'd still deal Davis.

Both citing Jed Lowrie as a reason not to pursue Rendon and then to give a cryptic quote regarding his 2020 health is peak Mets

In comment 14677513 DanMetroMan said:

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wouldn't even bother talking about Cespedes. The usually overly optimistic Mets weren't even sure he'll play in 2020. ST is only 3 months away, you'd think they would know THAT much if he were close.

There has to be some type of contract consideration being taken in account with how many games he's played vs the money owed. There could be an out clause or some type of pro-rated payment where the Mets can re-coup some money.

Maybe the Mets are encouraging him not to play and We just might not know about it.

In comment 14677532 DanMetroMan said:

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Both citing Jed Lowrie as a reason not to pursue Rendon and then to give a cryptic quote regarding his 2020 health is peak Mets

Zack Wheeler's brother "liked" me saying this on twitter... are the Mets being cheap with Zack?

Mike Puma
@NYPost_Mets
The Mets have spoken to Fredi Gonzalez about their bench coach opening. Gonzalez is expected to interview with team officials in New York after the GM Meetings. He joins Jerry Narron as a known candidate for the position.

Mike Puma
@NYPost_Mets
The Mets have spoken to Fredi Gonzalez about their bench coach opening. Gonzalez is expected to interview with team officials in New York after the GM Meetings. He joins Jerry Narron as a known candidate for the position.

first time manager replacing a first time manager
unrealistic expectations on whoever the pitching coach is to "fix" Diaz & Familia (possibly another first timer)
Wheeler gone via FA ("that's why we got Stroman")

Add in a swap for a declining forming all star like JBJ ("our metrics still rate his glove highly") and a statement of support for Cano ("we think he got on track in September and we're excited to see him back in the middle of the lineup") and it feels about right.

I'd imagine there won't be an extension for Thor. They also seemed to shut down the TC as bench coach rumors pretty quick. So all in all about the exact opposite of what I'd have preferred. The most hopeful I can be right now is they let whoever identified JDFD identify a few more targets like that and they work out.

Quote:

RE: . DanMetroMan : 4:00 pm : link : reply In comment 14677532 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Both citing Jed Lowrie as a reason not to pursue Rendon and then to give a cryptic quote regarding his 2020 health is peak Mets Zack Wheeler's brother "liked" me saying this on twitter... are the Mets being cheap with Zack?

Dan, sort of asshat here, but I know a guy that has said Wheeler wants back with the Mets, and the Mets are negoatiating with him, ,but we'll see what happens, hot market.

Also heard Betances is real possibility

and Betances would be a real nice signing.

Metsmerized Online
⚾️
@MetsMerized
�
5m
New Post: Chili Davis, Tom Slater Agree to Multi-Year Deals To Return https://metsmerizedonline.com/?p=306154 #Mets #LGM #LFGM

He is a big league CFer.

What would it cost?

In comment 14678402 Chris684 said:

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He is a big league CFer. What would it cost?

Alot

would rather make a play for Manuel Margot

Freddie Gonzalez, Ron Wotus, Jerry Narron for bench coach job.

Outside of bullpen help this is the most critical signing for me.

All candidates look to be great options.

I would prefer Ron Wotus from that list.

In comment 14678402 Chris684 said:

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He is a big league CFer. What would it cost?

Quite a bit. Great contract. His CF metrics are concerning however.

In comment 14677867 CMicks3110 said:

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Quote: RE: . DanMetroMan : 4:00 pm : link : reply In comment 14677532 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Both citing Jed Lowrie as a reason not to pursue Rendon and then to give a cryptic quote regarding his 2020 health is peak Mets Zack Wheeler's brother "liked" me saying this on twitter... are the Mets being cheap with Zack? Dan, sort of asshat here, but I know a guy that has said Wheeler wants back with the Mets, and the Mets are negoatiating with him, ,but we'll see what happens, hot market. Also heard Betances is real possibility

That may be so but his brother "liking" that says something.

In comment 14677867 CMicks3110 said:

Quote:

Quote: RE: . DanMetroMan : 4:00 pm : link : reply In comment 14677532 DanMetroMan said: Quote: Both citing Jed Lowrie as a reason not to pursue Rendon and then to give a cryptic quote regarding his 2020 health is peak Mets Zack Wheeler's brother "liked" me saying this on twitter... are the Mets being cheap with Zack? Dan, sort of asshat here, but I know a guy that has said Wheeler wants back with the Mets, and the Mets are negoatiating with him, ,but we'll see what happens, hot market. Also heard Betances is real possibility

CMicks, thanks for sharing the information

centerfielder should be Mookie Betts

hire Kapler

In comment 14677849 Eric on Li said:

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first time manager replacing a first time manager unrealistic expectations on whoever the pitching coach is to "fix" Diaz & Familia (possibly another first timer) Wheeler gone via FA ("that's why we got Stroman") Add in a swap for a declining forming all star like JBJ ("our metrics still rate his glove highly") and a statement of support for Cano ("we think he got on track in September and we're excited to see him back in the middle of the lineup") and it feels about right. I'd imagine there won't be an extension for Thor. They also seemed to shut down the TC as bench coach rumors pretty quick. So all in all about the exact opposite of what I'd have preferred. The most hopeful I can be right now is they let whoever identified JDFD identify a few more targets like that and they work out.

This post is 100% the most Mets-like outcome and expectations.

You must be a long time fan. Because as optimistic as I am initially, I also feel this will be the exact stories coming out.

overrate Wheeler. And I'll admit his seasons are strange, he seems like 2nd half is better, but overall his stats support him being a TOR pitcher, maybe not an ace or a #1, but on the Mets, as the #3, it probably doesn't get too much better in baseball.

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Michael Mayer @mikemayerMMO Zack Wheeler's ranks among qualified MLB starting pitchers over last 2 seasons: 9th - 9.0 fWAR 10th - 3.37 FIP 12th - 377.2 innings T/4th - 0.86 HR/9 6th - 21.2 Soft Hit% 3rd - 28.3 Hard Hit% 4th - 96.3 Fastball MPH 2nd - 91.1 Slider MPH 3rd - 88.5 Changeup MPH 2:14 PM � Nov 13, 2019�TweetDeck

In comment 14679040 pjcas18 said:

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overrate Wheeler. And I'll admit his seasons are strange, he seems like 2nd half is better, but overall his stats support him being a TOR pitcher, maybe not an ace or a #1, but on the Mets, as the #3, it probably doesn't get too much better in baseball. Quote: Michael Mayer @mikemayerMMO Zack Wheeler's ranks among qualified MLB starting pitchers over last 2 seasons: 9th - 9.0 fWAR 10th - 3.37 FIP 12th - 377.2 innings T/4th - 0.86 HR/9 6th - 21.2 Soft Hit% 3rd - 28.3 Hard Hit% 4th - 96.3 Fastball MPH 2nd - 91.1 Slider MPH 3rd - 88.5 Changeup MPH 2:14 PM � Nov 13, 2019�TweetDeck

And the replacement is a near 100% chance of being worse + the chance Wheeler takes another step forward. Hard to really put together an argument where the Mets are better on paper in 2020 without ZW.

he's been durable and good. He has lived up to the AJ Burnett comps we all talked about and dreamed on pretty much since the day he came here for Beltran.

There is 0 excuse for a New York team, trying to "compete", to let him walk for anything less than an exaggerated overpay.

In comment 14679063 Eric on Li said:

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he's been durable and good. He has lived up to the AJ Burnett comps we all talked about and dreamed on pretty much since the day he came here for Beltran. There is 0 excuse for a New York team, trying to "compete", to let him walk for anything less than an exaggerated overpay.

You know whatever he signs for they will act like it was either well out of their range or that they would have matched or surpassed but weren't given a chance to.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman
Joe Girardi�s Phillies deal is for about $11M over 3 years guaranteed (plus the option) so not bad but not quite what Maddon got ($12M for 3)

In comment 14679099 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

In comment 14679063 Eric on Li said: Quote: he's been durable and good. He has lived up to the AJ Burnett comps we all talked about and dreamed on pretty much since the day he came here for Beltran. There is 0 excuse for a New York team, trying to "compete", to let him walk for anything less than an exaggerated overpay. You know whatever he signs for they will act like it was either well out of their range or that they would have matched or surpassed but weren't given a chance to.

"we had our number for Zack and we think he is a tremendous player, we wish it could have worked out but that's why we got Marcus last year, who was by the way in the discussion for a Cy Young last year before we got him"

back, but I can forgive not signing him if it's because they sign Cole or Strasburg.

LOL.

Seriously, I think the Mets get a "chance to match" here and I doubt they do.

Like others I think the Stroman acquisition gave them cover for not re-signing Wheeler. Still a decent 3 man top to the rotation, but not enough.

But I will try and reserve criticism (unlike with the Cano/Diaz trade) until I see the Mets roster headed in to next year.

when you see how similar Brodie's comments about the rotation matchup with his comments last year "Hector Santiago is a former all-star, Walker Lockett and whatever that turds name is I can't recall they lost to the Rangers are both good options".

Kilome comes back strong and can be considered for a bullpen role (2nd half)?

if they decide he can't start (or they don't want him to start year 1 post TJS)

to the long man/6th starter and continue to build up the bullpen.

Jake-Thor-Wheeler-Stro-Matz-Lugo is deep and talented.

Then bring in guys like Betances, Pomeranz and Gsellman back from injury.

Noted NPB writer
@JballAllen
on Shogo Akiyama "Once a terrific defensive center fielder with an above-average arm and very good range, Akiyama�s defensive results as tracked by Delta Graphs and Win Shares show a steady decline." Where do I sign! lol

stays with the Giants

In comment 14679117 pjcas18 said:

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back, but I can forgive not signing him if it's because they sign Cole or Strasburg. But I will try and reserve criticism (unlike with the Cano/Diaz trade) until I see the Mets roster headed in to next year.

I'm going to try to do the same, and in fairness if the JDFD trade wasn't a fluke and they can find a few more guys like him that can be a great offseason even without increasing payroll. I'm just braced for what's most likely because we are already seeing the writing on the wall. Wheeler out and a bunch of low cost and flawed arms in, some possibly at the expense of prospects from a system that's already hemorrhaged a lot of depth.

If there was mutual eagerness to resign Wheeler it would have happened in August after they decided to keep him.

but Ben Cherrington rumored to be named Pirates GM.