I was asked to post this last night, didn't get a chance
1) Spring Training Schedule: The Mets are preparing for their upcoming spring training games, with matches scheduled against the Nationals on February 26 and the Astros on February 25.
2) Hall of Fame Ballot Newbies: Notable players such as Big Sexy, Wright and Reyes are among the new candidates on the Hall of Fame ballot.
3) MLB Awards Week: Recently, MLB Awards Week took place, with results and analysis highlighting key players and performances in the league. This includes the announcement of Acuna and Ohtani as unanimous MVPs.
4) Management and Coaching Updates: The Mets have been making significant changes in their management and coaching staff, including a new 3-year contract for their manager, Mendoza.
Current State of the Coaching Staff
The Mets are currently grappling with a bench coach vacancy, a critical role for any MLB team. This comes alongside role shifts for Eric Chavez and Jeremy Barnes, who are now sharing hitting coach duties. These changes indicate a strategic reshuffle, aiming to bolster the team's coaching effectiveness.
New Additions and Hires
The introduction of Kris Gross and Andy Green in player development and amateur scouting is a significant move. Their expertise could be pivotal in nurturing the next generation of Mets stars, ensuring a bright future for the team.
Willie Randolph's Consideration
The consideration of Willie Randolph for the bench coach position was intriguing. His connection with Carlos Mendoza and vast experience bring a wealth of knowledge, though questions about his age and ability to connect with younger players remain.
Randolph's Tenure as Mets Manager
Randolph's tenure from 2005 to 2008, including the 2006 NLCS appearance and the 2007 collapse, was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. His firing and legacy are still topics of discussion among the Mets community.
Other Candidates in the Mix
Phil Nevin and other potential candidates are also in the mix. Each brings unique strengths and perspectives, making the decision a critical one for the Mets' future success.
David Stearns' Leadership and Approach
Under David Stearns' leadership, the Mets are exploring unconventional methods and a collaborative decision-making process in staffing. This innovative approach could be a game-changer for the team.
Collaborative Decision-Making
The Mets' collaborative approach to staffing, blending experience with fresh perspectives, could set the stage for a dynamic and successful coaching team.
As a Mets fan, these developments fill me with both excitement and anticipation. The decisions made in the coming days will shape the future of our beloved team. Here's to hoping for a season of triumphs and a future as bright as the stars in Queens!
Mets' Pitching Strategy in the Wake of Cardinals' Market Moves
As a Mets fan, I've seen our share of ups and downs. The recent developments in our pitching strategy, especially in light of the Cardinals setting the market, have me both intrigued and cautiously optimistic.
The Search for Starting Pitchers
The Mets, under the leadership of David Stearns, are on a quest to fortify their rotation. With Kodai Senga and José Quintana as the only certain starters, the need for additional firepower is clear. Last season's 75-87 record is a stark reminder that to compete with the likes of the Braves and Phillies, we need to up our game. The prospect of adding a high-caliber pitcher is exciting and could be a significant step towards contention.
The Cost of Landing Starting Pitchers
The Cardinals have set a new benchmark by signing Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson for $10 million and $12 million, respectively. This move has implications for the Mets, who now face the reality of spending significantly to acquire top-tier pitchers. However, the question remains: is it wise to invest heavily in uncertain pitchers?
Comparing Pitchers and Mets' Strategic Moves
Joey Lucchesi and Tylor Megill could offer similar value to Lynn, but the Mets' eyes are on bigger prizes. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jordan Montgomery are high on our list, offering a blend of talent and potential without the hefty price tag associated with qualifying offer players like
Blake Snell and Sonny Gray.
The Mets must avoid overpaying for injury-prone pitchers, a lesson perhaps they’ve learned. Yet here comes Luis Severino...
Tyler Glasnow's Career and Potential Trade Partners
Speaking of an injury-prone pitcher… Tyler Glasnow, currently with the Tampa Bay Rays, is a hot topic in the trade rumor mill. His impressive career stats, including a 3.89 ERA and 678 strikeouts, make him an attractive target. However, his injury history, including a recent oblique injury, is a concern.
The Mets, known for their deep pockets, could be a perfect landing spot for Glasnow. The Rays and the Phillies are potential trade partners, but the complexity of trade negotiations means anything could happen.
Avoiding Risky Investments
The Mets should steer clear of unreliable options. Investing in pitchers who offer quality and reliability, especially if they command a lower salary than the likes of Lynn and Gibson, is a smarter strategy.
The Fifth Starter Conundrum
Lucchesi, while not the most glamorous option, could be a reasonable gamble as a fifth starter. The ideal scenario? Signing Yamamoto and trading for a young, controllable arm, aligning with the Cardinals' approach but tailored to our needs.
The Disappointing 2023 Season and Rebuilding
After a disappointing 2023 season, where we saw the departure of key players like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, signing a player of Yamamoto's caliber is not just desirable but necessary. His ability to electrify the mound could be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround.
The focus should be on securing Yamamoto and a young arm through trade, emphasizing smart financial decisions. His familiarity with Kodai Senga could be a significant advantage, potentially creating a formidable rotation duo.
The Pursuit of Yamamoto and Other Options
The Mets' aggressiveness in pursuing Yamamoto will be telling. If we fail to secure him, alternatives like Blake Snell (doubtful since he received a qualifying offer) and Jordan Montgomery are still on the table. However, the Mets' approach to free agency this season will be critical in shaping our future.
Mets Sign Bullpen Arm to Bolster Depth
In a strategic move, the Mets signed Cole Sulser to a minor league contract. Sulser, with a mixed performance in MLB, could become a valuable piece in the Mets' bullpen. This low-risk move shows the Mets' intent to address their bullpen issues, which was a key reason for their struggles last season.
Ronny Mauricio's Performance Review
Minor and Major League Breakdown
In the minors, Mauricio's stats were impressive: a .292 batting average, 23 homers, and 24 stolen bases over 116 games. But when he stepped up to the majors, we saw a dip - a .248 average with 2 home runs in 26 games. Despite this, his potential shines through.
Evaluating Mauricio's Future
Mauricio's journey has been a rollercoaster. Starting strong in winter ball, he faced a setback being sent down to AAA Syracuse due to Lindor's presence. However, his performance there - especially those highlight-worthy homers - was nothing short of impressive. His delayed promotion might have been a misstep by the Mets, but once he got his shot in September, boy, did he show flashes of brilliance!
Coleman Crow's Breakout Potential
Now, let's talk about Coleman Crow. This kid has skills that could make him a star, but there's a risk we might lose him in the Rule 5 draft. Keeping an eye on his development is crucial for the Mets' future strategy.
Coleman Crow, a promising Mets prospect, is at risk of being plucked from the organization due to the Rule 5 draft. His impressive performance in Double-A, including a 1.88 ERA and 31 strikeouts, makes him a valuable asset. The Mets face the challenge of balancing their roster while protecting their prospects.
LFGM
As a die-hard Mets fan and someone who's lived through the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with following this team, the latest developments in our pitching lineup have me on the edge of my seat.
From last Mets thread:
- The New York Mets are introduced Carlos Mendoza as their new manager.
- Deadline to add players to the 40-man roster.
- Some fans have expressed their opinions about potential coaching staff changes and candidates.
- Speculation about who the Mets might add to their 40-man roster.
- The Yankees are mentioned in trade discussions for players like Nick Senzel and Soto.
- The agent representing Yamamoto and Senga, Joel Wolfe, is also involved with Stanton and Diaz.
Calling on all the BBI Met threads old posters, for a good Royal Rumble of days past...
Previous Mets thread: Mets to introduce Carlos Mendoza at noon - (
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The Rangers won a WS not because they signed JDG or traded for Scherzer, but because they built SP depth that they needed when both those guys got hurt. And more importantly because they aggressively signed Corey Seager (despite the QO) who had a postseason for the ages. 12 rbis and 18 runs scored in 17 games while walking more than K'ing.
the chance to get MVP-level middle order hitters with 5-10 years of prime seasons doesn't come around often. The dodgers got betts and won a WS. Mets got Lindor and he's been key to them spending so much time in first place the prior 2 years. Rangers got Seager. Philly got Harper/JTR/Trea. Atlanta got Olsen. Yelich has similarly helped carry the Brewers over the last half decade.
Soto is younger and an arguably better offensive player than all of them because of the walk/k profile. The only argument against pursuing him aggressively is if you can get Ohtani.
Go for Soto aggressively then sign the best quality pitching depth you can find throughout the entire staff. If yamamoto wants in too great but if it's montgomery/imanaga/lugo/flaherty types that's ok too.
It might not matter, and the Mets might shy away from QO guys period. But IMO, the Mets could be more likely to sign a QO guy if their picks are say #6 and 17th in the second round vs. say 17th overall and 7th in the second round. The smaller discrepencancies in slot values in the latter scenario make it less likely they will forfeit 2nd round slot value.
With Edwin Diaz returning, we get back a top closer we didn't have last year as well as another year of experience for our younger guys.
Marte, Nimmo & Soto in the OF would be huge to take the pressure off of Lindor and Alonso to be the sole RBI producers.
I am anxiously on the edge of my seat and hope results exceed expectation!
Go Mets!
It might not matter, and the Mets might shy away from QO guys period. But IMO, the Mets could be more likely to sign a QO guy if their picks are say #6 and 17th in the second round vs. say 17th overall and 7th in the second round. The smaller discrepencancies in slot values in the latter scenario make it less likely they will forfeit 2nd round slot value.
I hear what you are saying, but end of day the penalty is comparable either way.
forfeited 2nd round slot value will be between 1.5-2m.
forfeited 5th highest pick is likely to be less than $500k.
+$1m IFA money.
last year sproat got about 1.5m and they paid 3 different IFAs $1m+. and remember they get to choose the players they don't draft/don't pay, so factoring in the ability to strategize a class around the lost pool $, for the right free agents the QO penalty is just not a big deal.
further, if it makes it easier to get good terms with a free agent you want because there's a less competitive market with other teams unwilling to pay QO free agents (like say Bassitt last year), there's actually some value recouped on a fairer contract with the FA.
Snell is probably the only QO free agent they'd be considering other than Ohtani, and if they think either is worth the $ they will cost the penalty is beyond insignificant.
Bob Nightengale
@BNightengale
The Seattle Mariners acquire catcher Seby Zavala from the Arizona Diamondbacks
Gray is 34 years old
Chapman is a solid enough player but they have ?? in Baty and Mauricio plus "near term" considerations in Acuna and Jett Williams + Jeff McNeil. Chapman is 31 in April and the Mets reportedly were not one of the reported teams who spoke to Chapman at the GM meetings
Hader has flat out said he wants to close (and he's looking for more money than Edwin Diaz)
I guess you could make the argument for Bellinger but I really don't see that happening.
Might not make a difference in whether or not they go after a Snell, but who knows.
Might not make a difference in whether or not they go after a Snell, but who knows.
right - yamamoto's age/upside makes him a very compelling choice over snell, the qo only adds to that.
if they miss on yamamoto though, montgomery vs. snell is probably next decision. if that's a close call maybe QO factors into that but i think we'd all probably agree that they need to come away with 1 of those 3 SP.
Unlikely to be “soon”. Martino reported he won’t even be meeting with teams until early December.
I figured Dan, I am holding out hope that Stearns along with Cohen's checkbook can sell Yamamoto on the vision to bring a World Series to the Mets.
I thought I was hearing Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a huge Yankees fan and Tanaka's career was a factor.
i think that sort of needs to be the plan with yamamoto, snell, montgomery.
@BaseballValues
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3m
The #Dbacks have reportedly acquired IF Eugenio Suarez ($8.2M median trade value) from the #Mariners in exchange for RHP Carlos Vargas ($1.4M) and C Seby Zavala ($0.5M).
The deal is accepted by our model as a major overpay by SEA.
Baseball Trade Values
@BaseballValues
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3m
It's hard to see this as anything other than a salary dump by Seattle. Even in a down year, Suarez was a 3-win player in 2023 by fWAR.
Zavala was DFA'd by the White Sox in September and available to any team for free. Vargas is a hard-throwing reliever with no MLB track record.
Nola's deal came in under a lot of projections even if it were slightly more lucrative and he took a home team discount, the Cardinals SP moves were reasonable, Lopez took reasonable $.
LAD, NYY, NYM, TEX are all likely to spend a lot ($50-100m) and clearly after some very big fish, but once Ohtani and Yamamoto come off the board, and perhaps Soto too, I guess we'll see how aggressive everyone remains.
135m payroll last year (spotrac), right now around 111m after Suarez.
no real big hitters on the market though maybe having just dealt their 3b, Chapman qualifies?
they already have Ray/Castillo on books so I'd doubt they add another $20m+ SP but maybe Hader to compliment Munoz?
1. He’s a lefty
2. Him and Diaz in 8th and 9th to set up and close either way would be dynamic
3. If one gets injured the other is there to close
Bullpen and an Ace is my priority
Offense. Let Mauricio Acuna Alvarez and Baty Vientos all play and develop
Said he has no coast preference either
I'm extremely grateful for the relationships I built and time I spent with the Phillies.
Can't wait for this next chapter! #LGM
As far as the immediate interest from around a dozen teams, Wolfe called it a "perfect storm" of supply and demand.
"It's what we call a perfect storm, where you have one of the finest young pitchers in the world who also is just 25 years old," he said, via Kyodo News. "It's generational. Something like this only happens once every 10 or 15 years."
:)
To be clear this was when Bauer was a FA not now
Yet there are Mets fans that still want to sign this douche??
Just for thoughts.
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Man, it’s good to see you show up around here Z
That Bat signal worked!!!
Quote:
Apparently claimed he was going to sign with NYM over LAD until “the Mets started leaking things to the press” Zack Scott says he doesn’t believe that’s the case
Yet there are Mets fans that still want to sign this douche??
Yeah, if he can help win a WS I would in a second.
Just for thoughts. Link - ( New Window )
from spotrac:
last year yankees spent $280m. (first threshold was $233m, Yankees avoid top tier "cohen tax" which started at 293m)
in 2022 they spent $253m. (threshold was $230m)
in 2021 they spent $209m. (threshold was $210m)
this year the threshold goes to $237m and the top tier is +$60m (297m).
right now spotrac projects the Yankees at $235.7m, so unless they are willing to go into the top tier, it would seem likely their budget is around $60m.
spotrac has mets at almost the same starting point ($236.9m), the difference being that Cohen was willing to spend about $50m above the top tier last year.
with the number of 40 man spots stearns cleared out, this should be a crazy offseason.
@WillSammon
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The Mets are close to hiring John Gibbons as their bench coach league sources tell me and
@Ken_Rosenthal
. Gibbons, the former Blue Jays manager, brings a lot of experience to the dugout next to Carlos Mendoza.
On April 5, 2016, after a 3–2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays ended on a questionable slide by José Bautista which was ruled as a double play, Gibbons stated, "Maybe we'll come out and wear dresses tomorrow. Maybe that's what everybody's looking for." A day later, after he received criticism for his initial comment, he said that "the world needs to lighten up a little bit".[26] On May 17, Gibbons was suspended three games by Major League Baseball for his role in a benches-clearing incident between the Blue Jays and Texas Rangers on May 15 involving Rangers infielder Rougned Odor and Blue Jays outfielder José Bautista.[27] On September 11, Gibbons was ejected for the eighth time in the 2016 season, tying the team's single-season record set by Bobby Cox; he led the major leagues in 2016.[28][29] In 2016, he was successful on a lower percentage of replay challenges than any other MLB manager with 10 or more challenges, at 38.8%.[28] The Blue Jays made the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and defeated Baltimore in the Wild Card Game to advance. In the Division Series, the Blue Jays swept the Texas Rangers in three games. Toronto was eliminated by the Cleveland Indians in the Championship Series, four games to one.[30]
On April 1, 2017, Gibbons signed a two-year extension with the Blue Jays, that also included an option for the 2020 season.[31] In 2017, he was again successful on a lower percentage of replay challenges than any other MLB manager with 10 or more challenges, at 26.7%.[32]
On September 26, 2018, it was confirmed by the Blue Jays that Gibbons would not return for the 2019 season.[33] Toronto mayor John Tory proclaimed the 26th as "John Gibbons Day" in Toronto, noting Gibbons' "tremendous contributions to the Toronto Blue Jays franchise."[34] His final game was a 9–4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.[35] The Blue Jays finished the 2018 season with a 73–89 record.[35] In 2018 he was ejected seven times, more than any other manager in the major leagues.[36] During his second stint as Blue Jays manager, he finished with a record of 488 wins and 484 losses.[12] Overall, Gibbons has a 793–789 record from both stints as Blue Jays manager.[35]
seems like his podcast was pretty popular.
pretty interesting, first hire i can recall of a former podcaster, conducting interviews. now he'll be a subject again.
That’s my guess. Left his job with the Braves to
Do the podcast, probably saw guys like Buck, Ron Washington, Bochy back in the game and decided to give it a go
@martinonyc
Mike Sarbaugh will be the Mets 3B coach, per sources.
@martinonyc
Mike Sarbaugh will be the Mets 3B coach, per sources.
Mike Sarbaugh is a good hire. Very long time member of the Indians/Guardians organization. Very well regarded. Was a mild surprise when it was announced he was leaving the organization. Spent 2015-2020 coached Francisco Lindor
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