NFT: Cubs at Mets Game 1. Peterson

Clean win and a big lift to get this for Peterson.

is a bad man

is no joke. Keep at me tomorrow.

Hopefully Smith gets hot. He’s better than what we’ve see from him this year so far.

we're going to need him so we dont overwork work Lugo/Loup.

Side note, Hefner has really done a incredible job and deserves some serious credit. Every pitcher is playing at a higher level. Even Familia

- Me. Yankees fan.

In comment 15286508 Rory said:

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we're going to need him so we dont overwork work Lugo/Loup. Side note, Hefner has really done a incredible job and deserves some serious credit. Every pitcher is playing at a higher level. Even Familia

I think he's just going through a rough patch and will settle back into a 3-ish ERA/FIP guy. We've been kind of spoiled from everyone being so good. But most of these guys will likely hit some rough bumps this year.

In comment 15286511 Bricktop said:

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- Me. Yankees fan.

Hahaha, oh man. You guys will find your gear the regression to the mean will be scary for that offense.

But the last two of the games in San Diego really seem to make it feel, (to me anyway) like this team can actually beat good teams without it being shocking. I actually am ok with saying the Mets are a good team - not a hot freaky team like 2016 or 2019 down the stretch but a good team, best since 2nd half of 15 after adding Cespedes, Clippafd, Uribe and Johnson.

In comment 15286513 ZGiants98 said:

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In comment 15286508 Rory said: Quote: we're going to need him so we dont overwork work Lugo/Loup. Side note, Hefner has really done a incredible job and deserves some serious credit. Every pitcher is playing at a higher level. Even Familia I think he's just going through a rough patch and will settle back into a 3-ish ERA/FIP guy. We've been kind of spoiled from everyone being so good. But most of these guys will likely hit some rough bumps this year.

I agree. As you said above his velocity was up tonight but the slide piece was just helicoptering and getting jacked.

I think he’s in the middle of adjustments. Hopefully he finishes it soonish. Good use of him tonight tho when Diaz and Loup were available. Nice to give Lugo a second day off after b2b.

Crazy to have played 10 fewer home than road. Savin* trace of the 33 in 31 is that a good amount of them are at home.

In comment 15286446 DanMetroMan said:

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OPS over 10 games isn't a real tear? He's not Tatis Jr. He's a very good offensive player and a great defensive player. I think you're expectations are beyond what is realistic. Normal Lindor is a 5ish win player. 2018 is almost certainly an outlier.

The majority of Mets fans is expecting a perennial MVP candidate who IS right there with Tatis...top 5 player in baseball was how he was billed by media so that's what is expected..and when you sign that contract, it goes with those expectations...

Right or wrong (apparently it's wrong)

Turns out he was misdiagnosed by Mets crack medical staff. Has a ligament tear not nerve damage

The ligament tears should heal on their own. His timetable is his obviously somewhat uncertain. But good
News that it is not nerve damage

Second cortisone shot last Friday.

Obviously the hand is still inflamed.

Good thing Sandy signed Villar

encouraging, especially considering the upcoming schedule.

Walker, deGrom, and Stroman going the next 3 vs. the Cubs. They should hopefully be able to take 2 out of 3 of those.

How can anyone be happy w/his production so far. His defense has been good but offensively he has been a huge disappointment. You expect more from a guy making over 30 mil/year...a lot more. I expect a difference maker and he certainly hasn't been that.

In comment 15286599 five5 said:

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How can anyone be happy w/his production so far. His defense has been good but offensively he has been a huge disappointment. You expect more from a guy making over 30 mil/year...a lot more. I expect a difference maker and he certainly hasn't been that.

Where was it suggested by ANYONE that they were happy with his overall offensive production on the season? Talk about a strawman.

In comment 15286599 five5 said:

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How can anyone be happy w/his production so far. His defense has been good but offensively he has been a huge disappointment. You expect more from a guy making over 30 mil/year...a lot more. I expect a difference maker and he certainly hasn't been that.

As Dan said earlier, he’s pacing a three win season. The value if that is what, $25-$30mm?
What’s Lindor earning this season?
Did he have a rough stretch, absolutely
But the advantage of a true five tool player, is when one, two or even three tools disappear for a while, he’s got other tools to add value.
Conversely, when an Alonso or Dom aren’t hitting….

is the defense different? who is the team's best defender?

In comment 15286606 Shecky said:

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In comment 15286599 five5 said: Quote: How can anyone be happy w/his production so far. His defense has been good but offensively he has been a huge disappointment. You expect more from a guy making over 30 mil/year...a lot more. I expect a difference maker and he certainly hasn't been that. As Dan said earlier, he’s pacing a three win season. The value if that is what, $25-$30mm? What’s Lindor earning this season? Did he have a rough stretch, absolutely But the advantage of a true five tool player, is when one, two or even three tools disappear for a while, he’s got other tools to add value. Conversely, when an Alonso or Dom aren’t hitting….

Unfortunately, defense (when not of the Edmonds/Ozzie Smith variety) is overlooked by fans, as is baserunning, leadership (take note of who is the one giving struggling P a pep talk nearly 100% of the time there are mound visits). Lindor looked awful offensively for a very decent stretch, there is no denying that but he's been much better recently and even during this stretch he was helping the team in other ways.

His exit velocity is identical to his career numbers 90.3 vs. 89.9, barrel # 6.3 vs. 6.5, sweet spot % is actually slightly up and he's having maybe his best defensive season ever if you go by OAA (+8 OAA, career high is +20), so he didn't "take it into the field with him".

so we should be happy w/his overall production so far? Bottom line...big disappointment and if you think otherwise can't help ya. His offensive #s have been trending downward the last couple of years so wouldn't expect him to be much better going forward

In comment 15286611 five5 said:

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so we should be happy w/his overall production so far? Bottom line...big disappointment and if you think otherwise can't help ya. His offensive #s have been trending downward the last couple of years so wouldn't expect him to be much better going forward

Please highlight where people are suggesting happiness with his overall offensive production on the season. "Rending downward" with 1.8 fWAR in 2020 over 60 games, so completely in line with his career line? Got it.

2017 115 wRC+
2018 132 (completely out of line with his other seasons)
2019 116
2020 102

So we are calling 2020 and a bad start to 2021 "trending downward for the last couple of seasons"? lol wow.

since 2016 109, 116, 132, 115, 102, June 2021 153. So we are now calling a roughly 100 game sample size (which includes an odd 2020) a "multi-year" decline. Cool cool.

In comment 15286611 five5 said:

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so we should be happy w/his overall production so far? Bottom line...big disappointment and if you think otherwise can't help ya. His offensive #s have been trending downward the last couple of years so wouldn't expect him to be much better going forward

Jesus. It's been two and a half months. He got off to a real rough start offensively. Then he has really gotten it going. Players sometimes take time adjusting to NY, the pressure, the media, etc. Some are slow starters. The Mets had a lot of cancellations early on, and a lot of bats started out slow.

Lindor has a track record, and has been playing quite well the past few weeks.

piece which highlights how absurd deGrom is
Link - ( New Window )

curious how high the Mets aim to add a SP. Do they take a shot giving up actual good prospects for a Marquez? Do they hope the price comes down on a Kyle Gibson? Do they try a rental like Jon Gray?

In comment 15286620 DanMetroMan said:

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curious how high the Mets aim to add a SP. Do they take a shot giving up actual good prospects for a Marquez? Do they hope the price comes down on a Kyle Gibson? Do they try a rental like Jon Gray?

What do you think a Marquez would cost? Would Vientos be enough as the headliner, or would they insist on a Mauricio? Unsure I do it for a Mauricio+. That seems like a Wilpon move, instead of paying for pitchers. I'd rather get the cheaper (prospect wise guy), and supplement by paying for SP (including Stroman and/or Thor)

In comment 15286628 KDavies said:

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In comment 15286620 DanMetroMan said: Quote: curious how high the Mets aim to add a SP. Do they take a shot giving up actual good prospects for a Marquez? Do they hope the price comes down on a Kyle Gibson? Do they try a rental like Jon Gray? What do you think a Marquez would cost? Would Vientos be enough as the headliner, or would they insist on a Mauricio? Unsure I do it for a Mauricio+. That seems like a Wilpon move, instead of paying for pitchers. I'd rather get the cheaper (prospect wise guy), and supplement by paying for SP (including Stroman and/or Thor)

Gotta believe Marquez costs Mauricio. He's signed through 2023 with a team option for 2024 and he's only 26 years old. Vientos is hitting .208 in AA, yeah he's young for the league but he strikes out a TON and at this point is no better than the Mets 4th best tradable prospect (I wouldn't even have him that high).

Mets should have just paid for Wheeler, but gave up prospects for Stroman to pay him less. I like Stroman don't get me wrong. It's water under the bridge at this point. But I would rather just keep what they have and supplement with lesser players than go big on a Marquez, and let Stroman or Thor go as a result.

has added a TON of Negro league content
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 15286635 KDavies said:

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Mets should have just paid for Wheeler, but gave up prospects for Stroman to pay him less. I like Stroman don't get me wrong. It's water under the bridge at this point. But I would rather just keep what they have and supplement with lesser players than go big on a Marquez, and let Stroman or Thor go as a result.

I don't think a Marquez is necessary (though I'd be open to moving Mauricio in the right deal). I do think they 100% need to add a SP (Scott seemingly agrees) can't assume Carrasco or Syndergaard add anything and God forbid there is an injury... as it is it looks like Nick Tropeano might soon be making a start with Szapucki struggling and Megill likely not MLB ready.

I have no issues trading a Mauricio in the right deal. But with deGrom, Stroman, Walker (and possibly Thor and/or Carrasco, there is no need for a Marquez at this point. It's overkill. I am fine with Lucchesi/Peterson right now (Lucchesi has been pitching a lot better, Peterson pitched well last night), and supplementing internally until Thor/Carrasco get back. Szapucki, SRF, Tropeano, Yamamoto when back, Eickhoff, Megill. If you need to, supplement with a cheaper arm like a Gibson.

Injuries change that, of course, but I don't see giving up a top 100 prospect for a player who may be the 4th best SP in the playoffs. Lower than that if healthy. Plus his presence would necessitate not signing a FA, as they have deGrom, Walker, Carrasco under contract next year and would only have room in the rotation to resign 1 of Stroman/Thor

and Szapucki "chose" the wrong time to start struggling.

Mauricio continues to develop, becomes the #1 SS prospect in baseball, and then we can get a big time difference maker, or a steady guy and some lottery tickets thrown in.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not sure trading Mauricio now is the best course. I think his stock will go higher, but it's certainly a risk. I agree with Dan, definitely open to trading him in the right deal.

In terms of the SP, Nick Tropeano is next man up right now, right? I would think. I wouldn't be keen on an opener until they have some days off in the schedule again.

in MLB this year, he has 6 innings of relief in 4 appearances. In AAA, he has 9.2 inning in 3 starts. Good numbers, but hasn't been stretched out. Mets definitely benefit from the 7 inning DH rule this year, as whoever they have making these extra starts likely won't be giving much more than 3 innings.

know more than me but I'm surprised they haven't given more thought to stretching out SRF. He made 6 starts for the 2019 Blue Jays, 3 of which were quality starts. They have zero SP depth, why not? Easier to find RP depth at the deadline anyway.

very pleased with the Matz deal. SRF, Y. Diaz (who looks promising), and Lee for Matz and Valdez. SRF isn't a FA until 2027.

In comment 15286671 KDavies said:

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very pleased with the Matz deal. SRF, Y. Diaz (who looks promising), and Lee for Matz and Valdez. SRF isn't a FA until 2027.

In fairness, if you're including Lee you need to also include Josh Winckowski who currently has a 2.39 era in AA for Boston

In comment 15286674 DanMetroMan said:

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In comment 15286671 KDavies said: Quote: very pleased with the Matz deal. SRF, Y. Diaz (who looks promising), and Lee for Matz and Valdez. SRF isn't a FA until 2027. In fairness, if you're including Lee you need to also include Josh Winckowski who currently has a 2.39 era in AA for Boston

I was going with the players ultimately out of the organization, and the players in. Winckowski was in and out so quick. Mets dealt Matz to the Blue Jays for Winckowski, Diaz, and SRF. Then dealt Winckowski and ultimately Valdez for Lee. I was cancelling Winckowski out on both sides.

I essentially look at the deal as ultimately Matz and Valdez for SRF, Diaz, and Lee when all is said and done.

Looking it up, it seems there were two weeks between the two deals. For some reason, I remembered them being closer

looking him up in AAA this year, he is pitching nicely. Though in 5 games, he has 1 start and 2 saves. Wonder if they are looking to convert him to relief.

In comment 15286682 KDavies said:

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looking him up in AAA this year, he is pitching nicely. Though in 5 games, he has 1 start and 2 saves. Wonder if they are looking to convert him to relief.

He just joined the Syracuse rotation after being injured.

And, assuming no set backs (don't strike me down Met Karma God!), looks like Conforto and Nimmo may/will be back in the next week to 10 days....

So, Conforto, Nimmo, Dom, Pillar and....?

Options are McKinney and Almora.

McKinney has a good glove, Almora a better glove. Gotta think McKinney gives you more stick, but he's lefty, as are Dom, Nimmo and Conforto.

Tough choice...

has a 59 OPS+ since opening day 2019 and has an option left whereas McKinney would need to be DFA'ed and likely claimed. No-brainer, McKinney.

In comment 15286668 DanMetroMan said:

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know more than me but I'm surprised they haven't given more thought to stretching out SRF. He made 6 starts for the 2019 Blue Jays, 3 of which were quality starts. They have zero SP depth, why not? Easier to find RP depth at the deadline anyway.

Maybe they feel they can package a reliever (or two) with other parts for a SP?

In comment 15286713 speedywheels said:

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In comment 15286668 DanMetroMan said: Quote: know more than me but I'm surprised they haven't given more thought to stretching out SRF. He made 6 starts for the 2019 Blue Jays, 3 of which were quality starts. They have zero SP depth, why not? Easier to find RP depth at the deadline anyway. Maybe they feel they can package a reliever (or two) with other parts for a SP?

They don't really have relievers to spare and they may or may not be the case but they need SP's NOW and it's pretty clear teams aren't in the rush to move SP's. The trade market has been completely silent to this point.

In comment 15286702 DanMetroMan said:

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has a 59 OPS+ since opening day 2019 and has an option left whereas McKinney would need to be DFA'ed and likely claimed. No-brainer, McKinney.

Not to mention that Pillar can face a lefty and the only time where you might want to bench 2 of them is against the most elite LHP and with San Diego done for the year that takes away one of the pitchers you would need that for (Blake Snell)

In comment 15286718 Mike in NY said:

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In comment 15286702 DanMetroMan said: Quote: has a 59 OPS+ since opening day 2019 and has an option left whereas McKinney would need to be DFA'ed and likely claimed. No-brainer, McKinney. Not to mention that Pillar can face a lefty and the only time where you might want to bench 2 of them is against the most elite LHP and with San Diego done for the year that takes away one of the pitchers you would need that for (Blake Snell)

Yup. Almora is probably better in CF than McKinney but late-inning defense in CF with absolutely zero offense simply isn't a huge value to the roster (especially considerin you'd almost certainly lose McKinney and can stick Almora in Syracuse), I'd go so far as to say it would be shocking if they went with Almora over McKinney barring McKinney completely tanking over the next week or 2.

lists the Mets as a fit for Charlie Blackmon. I don't see that one at all. No longer can play CF, 2 player options after this one (already 35). Unless you've completely given up on Dominic Smith, what is Blackmon doing here?

In comment 15286722 DanMetroMan said:

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lists the Mets as a fit for Charlie Blackmon. I don't see that one at all. No longer can play CF, 2 player options after this one (already 35). Unless you've completely given up on Dominic Smith, what is Blackmon doing here?

Mets need starting pitching, not Charlie Blackmon.

Hamels has begun throwing, I assume the Mets will send somebody to give him a look once he has a showcase.

In comment 15286718 Mike in NY said:

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In comment 15286702 DanMetroMan said: Quote: has a 59 OPS+ since opening day 2019 and has an option left whereas McKinney would need to be DFA'ed and likely claimed. No-brainer, McKinney. Not to mention that Pillar can face a lefty and the only time where you might want to bench 2 of them is against the most elite LHP and with San Diego done for the year that takes away one of the pitchers you would need that for (Blake Snell)

Will we pull this back up when we face Blake Snell in Game 1 of NLCS?