NFT: ⚾Mets vs. Phillies NLDS thread⚾ Game 1 – 4:08 pm EDT start ⚾

In comment 16641319 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

what do you think happens with Matt Allan? I thought for sure he'd be in the AFL. So without pitching in a real game in this decade, they won't likely add him to the 40-man right? Do you think someone claims him? Not something I'm terribly worried about right now, but also would hate to lose him for nothing after all this time.

PJ,
It would be pretty unusual for him to be poached but unusual does occasionally happen (see Noah Song). I wouldn’t expect it but who knows?

SS Jett Williams: 1-for-5, 2B, RBI
RF Drew Gilbert: 1-for-5, 2B, RBI
3B Jacob Reimer: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Saul Garcia 1 inning 1 hit 0 runs 0 walks 1 k (Wilmer Flores’s cousin AND teammates in the AFL with his other cousin…. Wilmer Flores (ex-Met Wilmer Flores brother)

In comment 16641311 Metnut said:

Quote:

but anyone else hoping for an LAD comeback? That SD team looks like a nightmare to play.

I picked the Padres before the post season play began. They have a winning record against the Dodgers and have been hot all of September. Looks to me like the best teams are in the NL.

In comment 16641311 Metnut said:

Quote:

but anyone else hoping for an LAD comeback? That SD team looks like a nightmare to play.

The Padres are the best team still playing now.

In comment 16641341 Gruber said:

Quote:

In comment 16641311 Metnut said: Quote: but anyone else hoping for an LAD comeback? That SD team looks like a nightmare to play. I picked the Padres before the post season play began. They have a winning record against the Dodgers and have been hot all of September. Looks to me like the best teams are in the NL.

The NL Pennant winner will win the WS this year.

That's a huge blow for them.

going to pitch for LAD in the bullpen game?

Might provide a Senga-like spark.

but first, I seem to have lost my touch and forgot how to post a photo from my phone. Could use a refresher....

But yesterday was absolutely insane, park holds 42,800 and there wasn't even standing room in the place. It was at full capacity and everyone had an orange towel to whip around.

Introductions were so fun, something I've always wanted to see and it didn't disappoint. I loved how they showed McNeil, Raley, Drew Smith too despite being hurt. Also, and you guys know I'm a big fan.....the round of applause Jeremy Hefner got was noticeable. People agree.

I can not explain how impactfull it was for Alonso to hit the HR in the 2nd, it absolutely set off not just the fans but the Mets players in the dug out too. It also immediately affected the Phillies composure, they made a lot of errors in the field after that.

Manaea was fkn dialed in man, his arm angle was the talk of the town. Cool moment was well before the introductions/game, when he came out to warm up in the bullpen.... he gave the entire right side of the stadium a few fist pumps and took off his hat as he jogged by. We absolutely went bezerk.

if you didn't know, Lindor's walk up song is "my girl" by the temptations and it has become a new sing along chant across the stadium, so learn the lyrics. As well as Jose Jose Jose but now for Inglesias.

If you haven't seen the tyrone Taylor throw to gun down Alec Bohm you need to, he barehands it off the wall and throws a dart to Lindor who is perfectly positioned to effortlessly make the tag

Rhys Stanek has won this crowd over, we treated him like a closer. He is so jacked up, runs hard out to the mound when he gets called in. His emotion at the end was pure fury.

Citified has a really fun way to hype the crowd when a pitcher exits from the opposing team, whole stadium goes dark and purple lights come on, you get a dramatic loud rift across the speakers and the jumbo tron shows the 7 train arriving to pick you up, the message conveyed is "time to go bro", everyone puts their cellphone up with the light on. Really wild vibe.

Last, the pregame party with the 7 line dancers, Mr. Mrs Met and decent DJ was fun but the post game party was wild.

So many other cool parts to share. If you can get there tonight its absolutely worth it

*

In comment 16641373 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

going to pitch for LAD in the bullpen game? Might provide a Senga-like spark.

Ohtani is not pitching in the playoffs

is not having the year he did in 2022 and really hasn't been that pitcher since even though this year he was pretty good, but to win the Wheeler and Nola games is not what I would have expected.

but because the Mets did, they have a shot to close it out before Wheeler can take the mound again. I hope they do.

looked absolutely dominant (like you'd expect a true ace to look). Nola is obviously very good (would gladly take him on the Mets) but Wheeler is next level. Can't think of many (if any) starts where a starter looked more impressive vs. the Mets this season.

staying in Japan, I had my eyes on him for the Mets this off-season. 1.09 era this season out of the bullpen.

who are as good as any 3 in a batting order can be when healthy but with freeman not performing they lose a lot.

their bullpen has been under invested all season. still cant believe they didnt sign hader.

padres are a great team. selfishly rooting for them so i can get to a game. very good team though, very similar to mets just a better bp thanks to preller's aggressive deadline and maybe slightly less power, slightly less defense. arraez bad enough they moved him to 1b, cronenworth also rates poorly at 2b, machado's numbers have regressed at 3b too. would be a great series.

mets sp may have a slight edge with shiny ears needing tjs.

in a must-win road game on 3 days rest? Would give them a chance to throw a bullpen game in Game 5 which they'd at least be home for.

In comment 16641418 Metnut said:

Quote:

in a must-win road game on 3 days rest? Would give them a chance to throw a bullpen game in Game 5 which they'd at least be home for.

Suarez remains the starter but Wheeler is available out of the bullpen.

NEW YORK — Rob Thomson was asked after a 7-2 Game 3 loss if Zack Wheeler could be available out of the bullpen for the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Mets.

His response was a rather obvious one considering the Phillies are facing elimination, but interesting nonetheless.

"I think everybody is available tomorrow," Thomson said.

During Monday's workout day media session, Thomson was asked whether the Phillies would stick with Ranger Suárez — who had a 5.65 ERA after the All-Star Break — as their starting pitcher for Game 4, regardless of Game 3's outcome. He said they would. That's not a legally binding answer, but there's no indication from the manager that having Wheeler start on three day's rest, after throwing 111 pitches in Game 1, is a consideration.

However, it's possible a situation could arise where the Phillies would want to use Wheeler for an inning out of the bullpen. Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm, Carlos Estévez, Orion Kerkering, José Ruiz and José Alvarado have all struggled at times during this NLDS.

In comment 16641414 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

looked absolutely dominant (like you'd expect a true ace to look). Nola is obviously very good (would gladly take him on the Mets) but Wheeler is next level. Can't think of many (if any) starts where a starter looked more impressive vs. the Mets this season.

by the old definition wheeler is really the last ace in the NL. sale the only other if he'd have stayed healthy and were still in. skenes too but obviously didnt make playoffs.

the FG cy points looks weighted similar to the gut level impression, the mets faced 2 of the top 10 with PHI and would do so again with SD, but obviously nobody on level of wheeler. none on LAD. Sanchez (and nola for that matter) are good but nowhere near wheeler. the mets starters are on their level.

haven't watched every inning of every game for every matchup but Wheeler was the more impressive/dominant I've seen. 97-99 up in the zone, swings and misses all day.

In comment 16641433 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

haven't watched every inning of every game for every matchup but Wheeler was the more impressive/dominant I've seen. 97-99 up in the zone, swings and misses all day.

his g1 was not only the best pitcher in the game, but the best in the game at his best. i think they said he hit his highest velo of the season?

Suarez good career #'s vs. the Mets. 3.52 era and this season dominant. 2.30 era over 3 starts .

the other ump auditor had it as the worst game of the postseason to that point.

Umpire Auditor
@UmpireAuditor
·
Oct 5
Umpire Andy Fletcher (ranked 73rd of 90 umpires) called the worst game of the playoffs so far, missing 16 calls in Mets Phillies NLDS Game 1.

Of those 16 bad calls, 11 went against the Mets.

bullpen is unbelievable. I hope/assume Stearns aspires to build something similar.

1 inning 4 FB's 99, 1 98. Suarez touched 101 twice, over 100 a couple other pitches, Tanner Scott also touching 99. Was wild to see

read on Manaea
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16641448 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

1 inning 4 FB's 99, 1 98. Suarez touched 101 twice, over 100 a couple other pitches, Tanner Scott also touching 99. Was wild to see

They were lights out to end that game last night. Dodgers will be feeling the pressure to get to Cease.

SS class is horrid. Luckily the Mets don't need one! BA has DeJong and Newman the #4 and #5 best available SS's... yeesh

In comment 16641448 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

1 inning 4 FB's 99, 1 98. Suarez touched 101 twice, over 100 a couple other pitches, Tanner Scott also touching 99. Was wild to see

Scott is very high on my offseason wishlist. Basically pitched like a lefty version of Diaz this year.

Him or puk at deadline would have been perfect.

Admittedly I didn't follow the Brewers bullpen too closely this season so I was confused as to how a guy who looked as impressive as Nick Mears posted an era near 6....poor guy had a .360 BABIP, 3.39 FIP. It wouldn't surprise me to see him close for MIL at some point. His Savant page is a sea of red. They got him from Colorado for "nothing".

still hit bombs but k-rate spiked to 28% and only hit .240 with a .284 obp so a 744 ops/85 rc.

mets dont have anyone comparable to him at AAA so not sure what that return could have been but id have been aggressive with a package of stuff. FG has him 12th in the Miami org at 40+ grade. Baro and Vargas are both graded comparably in met system, wouldn't have been happy to give either one up but where we are now id have gladly done it.

having said that if we get by PHI, at least SDP is a very right handed lineup so not having a tough lefty is less of an issue. and i guess DP is an option for that role if they need him these next 2 games.

In comment 16641496 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

Admittedly I didn't follow the Brewers bullpen too closely this season so I was confused as to how a guy who looked as impressive as Nick Mears posted an era near 6....poor guy had a .360 BABIP, 3.39 FIP. It wouldn't surprise me to see him close for MIL at some point. His Savant page is a sea of red. They got him from Colorado for "nothing".

based on stearns performance here and how milwaukee has operated for years presumably with his same principles, he definitely seems to know what to look for under the hood to find underrated pitchers. getting maton/stanek for nothing in a hot deadline marketplace then seeing them adjust so well is pretty remarkable.

knocking Stearns but it's actually pretty wild how few of the RP's they brought in to open the season actually ended up helping. I would hope they add a few "givens" or "proven" arms. I've been doing some light research on some lower level arms I'd target but I sure as hell wouldn't mind adding a guy like Yimi Garcia.

Michel Otanez, Edwin Uceta and Anthony Banda had big seasons so sometimes these guys float around the league for a bit but the Mets didn't really "nail" the "take a flier on" RP types this off-season despite how many they brought in.

Dae Sung Koo... the Man, The Myth, The Legend
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16641499 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

still hit bombs but k-rate spiked to 28% and only hit .240 with a .284 obp so a 744 ops/85 rc. mets dont have anyone comparable to him at AAA so not sure what that return could have been but id have been aggressive with a package of stuff. FG has him 12th in the Miami org at 40+ grade. Baro and Vargas are both graded comparably in met system, wouldn't have been happy to give either one up but where we are now id have gladly done it. having said that if we get by PHI, at least SDP is a very right handed lineup so not having a tough lefty is less of an issue. and i guess DP is an option for that role if they need him these next 2 games.

Pipeline has him #4 in Miami's system and the #9 1b prospect in baseball FWIW

"With raw power and exit velocities that rank among the best in the Minors, De Los Santos offers huge power potential thanks to his bat speed and strength but won't come close to fully tapping into it unless he can tone down his approach. Arizona tried to simplify his load and give him more time to make better swing decisions, yet despite his improved performance, he still chased way too many pitches and produced too many ground balls. Even with his flaws, he led the Minors in homers (28), total bases (217) and RBIs (84) at the time of the trade.

De Los Santos played mostly third base in his first three pro seasons but lacks the tools to stay there. With below-average speed and quickness, average arm strength and a history of erratic play at the hot corner, he'll likely wind up at first base. He has spent the majority of his time at first in 2024, but Miami's current roster construction may mean his first big league opportunity comes at third."

Clifford didn't make Pipeline's top 10 1b prospects for context.

In comment 16641508 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

knocking Stearns but it's actually pretty wild how few of the RP's they brought in to open the season actually ended up helping. I would hope they add a few "givens" or "proven" arms. I've been doing some light research on some lower level arms I'd target but I sure as hell wouldn't mind adding a guy like Yimi Garcia.

between the lines lopez ended up solid. diekman sucked. tonkin ended up useful. otto was mediocre at best. raley got hurt.

mixed bag that probably nets out to league average results, definitely not as good as his returns everywhere else.

the only argument id make for him is a lot of the other guys who were available last offseason also tanked so im not sure there was any good path available. peralta, nerris, obviously stanek/maton pre-trade. even hader had a down year for him.

fangraphs has moved to a pay format.


By becoming a FanGraphs member you support our mission to provide baseball analysis by helping fund thousands of articles and our growing database of stats.
Membership Includes:

Ad-free browsing
Access to dark and classic site modes
One-click data exports
Optional removal of photos on the homepage

Support and help grow our:

Tools, graphs, and database of stats
Over 400 articles per month
13 full-time staff members
Over 15 contributors

Ad Free Monthly Membership
$10/month
Ad Free Yearly Membership
$60/year
Ad Free 3-Year Membership
$150/3-years

I'm a bWAR fan now, instead of fWAR.

In comment 16641522 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

In comment 16641508 DanMetroMan said: Quote: knocking Stearns but it's actually pretty wild how few of the RP's they brought in to open the season actually ended up helping. I would hope they add a few "givens" or "proven" arms. I've been doing some light research on some lower level arms I'd target but I sure as hell wouldn't mind adding a guy like Yimi Garcia. between the lines lopez ended up solid. diekman sucked. tonkin ended up useful. otto was mediocre at best. raley got hurt. mixed bag that probably nets out to league average results, definitely not as good as his returns everywhere else. the only argument id make for him is a lot of the other guys who were available last offseason also tanked so im not sure there was any good path available. peralta, nerris, obviously stanek/maton pre-trade. even hader had a down year for him.

Full list of RPers added before the deadline moves

Yohan Ramirez, Michael Tonkin, Jorge Lopez, Cole Sulser, Max Kranick, Kyle Crick, Austin Adams, Adam Ottavino, Yacksel Rios, Adrian Houser, Cam Robinson, Chad Smith, Jake Diekman, Danny Young, Matt Festa, Ty Adcock, Shintaro Fujinami, Andre Scrubb

I'd argue considering Stearns reputation, the returns were overall pretty crappy. No real diamonds in the rough types and even Brazoban/Zuber (attempted by low types) have been poor. Again, I'm not crapping on David Stearns, rather I'm saying finding good RP is easier said than done and I would hope they spend a little more (money/talent) on some actual "good" RP's in the off-season

In comment 16641520 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

In comment 16641499 Eric on Li said: Quote: still hit bombs but k-rate spiked to 28% and only hit .240 with a .284 obp so a 744 ops/85 rc. mets dont have anyone comparable to him at AAA so not sure what that return could have been but id have been aggressive with a package of stuff. FG has him 12th in the Miami org at 40+ grade. Baro and Vargas are both graded comparably in met system, wouldn't have been happy to give either one up but where we are now id have gladly done it. having said that if we get by PHI, at least SDP is a very right handed lineup so not having a tough lefty is less of an issue. and i guess DP is an option for that role if they need him these next 2 games. Pipeline has him #4 in Miami's system and the #9 1b prospect in baseball FWIW "With raw power and exit velocities that rank among the best in the Minors, De Los Santos offers huge power potential thanks to his bat speed and strength but won't come close to fully tapping into it unless he can tone down his approach. Arizona tried to simplify his load and give him more time to make better swing decisions, yet despite his improved performance, he still chased way too many pitches and produced too many ground balls. Even with his flaws, he led the Minors in homers (28), total bases (217) and RBIs (84) at the time of the trade. De Los Santos played mostly third base in his first three pro seasons but lacks the tools to stay there. With below-average speed and quickness, average arm strength and a history of erratic play at the hot corner, he'll likely wind up at first base. He has spent the majority of his time at first in 2024, but Miami's current roster construction may mean his first big league opportunity comes at third."

seems like an overrate based on a good half season. he was still a returned rule v 6 months ago for a reason.

first base only with big swing/miss and low walk rate is about as difficult of a profile as a player can have to outperform. its age 21/22 vientos but a walk rate lower than half and having had worse age 19/20 seasons that got him rule v'd. dont totally remember where we had vientos ranking in the org those years (back half top 10?) but im pretty sure he wasn't on any top 10 or top 100 lists.

fan of TJstats but I don't know what to think of his system grading Manaea so poor last night.

In comment 16641524 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

fangraphs has moved to a pay format. By becoming a FanGraphs member you support our mission to provide baseball analysis by helping fund thousands of articles and our growing database of stats. Membership Includes: Ad-free browsing Access to dark and classic site modes One-click data exports Optional removal of photos on the homepage Support and help grow our: Tools, graphs, and database of stats Over 400 articles per month 13 full-time staff members Over 15 contributors Ad Free Monthly Membership $10/month Ad Free Yearly Membership $60/year Ad Free 3-Year Membership $150/3-years

they've been struggling for a while. kind of surprised they went this long to be honest.

In comment 16641536 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

In comment 16641520 DanMetroMan said: Quote: In comment 16641499 Eric on Li said: Quote: still hit bombs but k-rate spiked to 28% and only hit .240 with a .284 obp so a 744 ops/85 rc. mets dont have anyone comparable to him at AAA so not sure what that return could have been but id have been aggressive with a package of stuff. FG has him 12th in the Miami org at 40+ grade. Baro and Vargas are both graded comparably in met system, wouldn't have been happy to give either one up but where we are now id have gladly done it. having said that if we get by PHI, at least SDP is a very right handed lineup so not having a tough lefty is less of an issue. and i guess DP is an option for that role if they need him these next 2 games. Pipeline has him #4 in Miami's system and the #9 1b prospect in baseball FWIW "With raw power and exit velocities that rank among the best in the Minors, De Los Santos offers huge power potential thanks to his bat speed and strength but won't come close to fully tapping into it unless he can tone down his approach. Arizona tried to simplify his load and give him more time to make better swing decisions, yet despite his improved performance, he still chased way too many pitches and produced too many ground balls. Even with his flaws, he led the Minors in homers (28), total bases (217) and RBIs (84) at the time of the trade. De Los Santos played mostly third base in his first three pro seasons but lacks the tools to stay there. With below-average speed and quickness, average arm strength and a history of erratic play at the hot corner, he'll likely wind up at first base. He has spent the majority of his time at first in 2024, but Miami's current roster construction may mean his first big league opportunity comes at third." seems like an overrate based on a good half season. he was still a returned rule v 6 months ago for a reason. first base only with big swing/miss and low walk rate is about as difficult of a profile as a player can have to outperform. its age 21/22 vientos but a walk rate lower than half and having had worse age 19/20 seasons that got him rule v'd. dont totally remember where we had vientos ranking in the org those years (back half top 10?) but im pretty sure he wasn't on any top 10 or top 100 lists.

Vientos was never really a 1b (11 career appearances headed into 2022) but Pipeline had him ranked similarly to De Los Santos (#9 3b prospect in baseball prior to the 2022 season

1
Photo headshot of Brett Baty
Brett Baty
3B/OF
New York Mets Logo
New York Mets

MLB
24 L R
2
Photo headshot of Josh Jung
Josh Jung
3B
Texas Rangers Logo
Texas Rangers

MLB
26 R R
3
Photo headshot of Jordan Walker
Jordan Walker
OF/3B
St. Louis Cardinals Logo
St. Louis Cardinals

MLB
22 R R
4
Photo headshot of Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz
SS/3B
Cincinnati Reds Logo
Cincinnati Reds

MLB
22 S R
5
Photo headshot of Miguel Vargas
Miguel Vargas
3B/OF/1B
Chicago White Sox Logo
Chicago White Sox

MLB
24 R R
6
Photo headshot of Jose Miranda
Jose Miranda
3B/2B/1B
Minnesota Twins Logo
Minnesota Twins

MLB
26 R R
7
Photo headshot of Curtis Mead
Curtis Mead
3B/2B
Tampa Bay Rays Logo
Tampa Bay Rays

MLB
23 R R
8
Photo headshot of Nolan Jones
Nolan Jones
OF/3B
Colorado Rockies Logo
Colorado Rockies

MLB
26 L R
9
Photo headshot of Mark Vientos
Mark Vientos
3B/1B
New York Mets Logo
New York Mets

MLB
24 R R
10
Photo headshot of Elehuris Montero
Elehuris Montero
3B/1B
Colorado Rockies Logo
Colorado Rockies

AAA
26 R R

Mead interestingly enough was traded by the Phillies to land Christopher Sanchez, ended up being quite a deal for them so far despite the fact Mead was a consensus top 50-75 prospect in baseball coming into the season.

Quintana signed with the Mets 4/26/2006, over 18 years ago!

In comment 16641535 DanMetroMan said:

Quote:

Full list of RPers added before the deadline moves Yohan Ramirez, Michael Tonkin, Jorge Lopez, Cole Sulser, Max Kranick, Kyle Crick, Austin Adams, Adam Ottavino, Yacksel Rios, Adrian Houser, Cam Robinson, Chad Smith, Jake Diekman, Danny Young, Matt Festa, Ty Adcock, Shintaro Fujinami, Andre Scrubb I'd argue considering Stearns reputation, the returns were overall pretty crappy. No real diamonds in the rough types and even Brazoban/Zuber (attempted by low types) have been poor. Again, I'm not crapping on David Stearns, rather I'm saying finding good RP is easier said than done and I would hope they spend a little more (money/talent) on some actual "good" RP's in the off-season

totally agree with the bold. the only curve id grade stearns on that helps him somewhat is that i dont think there were very many "good" ones to come out of last year's FA class they could have paid for. the hicks/lopez deals obviously look really good but as sp. martinez mostly started too.

Starting Lineups for both clubs today.
.
.
.

Probable Starting Pitcher Matchups for today in Flushing against the Phillthies & after tomorrow in Philly (if necessary).
.
.
.
#LFGM!
.
.
.
Notes:
-Today’s game will be televised on FS1 & so will the game on after tomorrow (if necessary).
-The weather forecast for today's game at Citi Field is fine again. Click HERE to keep updated & see the Hourly AccuWeather Reports from there.
-The Mets have a record of 13-2 in their last 15 home games, including yesterday’s victory. If they win again today, the Mets will advance to the NLCS for the first time in nine years and they’d also be the first Mets team to clinch anything at Citi Field since it opened back in 2009. They would play the winner of the Dodgers-Padres series (the Padres are up 2 games to 1 with the next game in San Diego tonight). Games 1 & 2 of the NLCS would be in California one way or the other if the Mets advance. Any way you slice it, the NLCS is scheduled to start on Sunday. Let’s hope the Mets punch their ticket to it tonight and send the Phillies home, thereby avoiding a 5th game and gaining some much-needed rest for their pitching staff.

-Click HERE to see the list of the Mets’ roster transactions so far in October.
-Click HERE to see the Mets' 26-man active playoff roster for this series.
-The Mets' 4-man bench for today’s game will consist of Torrens (R), Bader (R), Acuña (R), & Winker (L).

most of the bigger contracts for RPers went to RPers who started or mostly started. Hicks, Lopez, Martinez and some to players who either got hurt or were signed knowing they were hurt (Hendriks/Stephenson). It's not as if smaller contracts/trades/signings above complete fliers didn't work out for teams. Heck, even Justin Slaten who they oddly picked rule 5 and then traded.

They reportedly TRIED to sign Chapman, but then didn't sign anybody anywhere near his ilk when he picked Pittsburgh. Junis (another guy being discussed in connection with them) signed for 1 year 7, pitched 67 innings 2.69 era. Kirby Yates was an absolute monster and signed for 4.5 per. There is a mid-tier below "top" names and some of what they brought in. Guys like Yimi Garcia who I mentioned above)