Such a great primer on the 2022 Dodgers heading in to this series, JB. Thanks for that!
Love to read about Lindor’s thoughts on how the coaching has helped this year. He seems to not want to throw last years’ coaches under the bus, but the specifics he cites make it clear he thinks they weren’t very good. The analytics crowd can dismiss the RBI all they want, but I think they are wrong. It’s not just about being in the right place at the right time. Sac flies, grounders through the hole. Those runs win games. And not everyone can do it.
I love how Buck, faced with a roomful of reporters eager to write about the road trip, totally pulled the plug on that story. One game at a time. He didn't get into the "meaning" of it, the "test" of going against the better teams, none of it. He wouldn't discuss it in those terms. Just . . . no. We got a game tomorrow and that's our focus, period. The guy is good at handling the media.
Chemistry is such an interesting issue in baseball for a variety of reasons. Foremost, its impact can't be measured. And for that reason, it's often dismissed by the SABR guys as insignificant. Which makes sense, because it's not an either/or proposition. Look at Cano. Revered in the clubhouse, "good" for the team, but couldn't hit. Give us the jerk who hits bombs. But . . . look at Carrasco. Well known as a good guy on a team. Escobar. Canha. Alonso, Nimmo, Nido, Jankowski, Guillorme, etc. Part of what the Mets have going on this season is a rock-solid "team" concept. Smith was the only guy who lobbied to leave. The other factor is that they are competitors. Bassitt, Scherzer, deGrom, Lindor. In the end, the GM made a lot of moves while giving "character" -- however you want to define it -- strong consideration. It's part of the story this season. There's a lot of guys to like in that clubhouse.
The Dodgers, Angels and Padres should all be worried that The Mets are coming to town - not thew other way for the Mets team and thier fans ! Lets Go Mets !
The Carrasco story/moment is so important for where this team is and where it's going. A good sign of the quality of team and improving quality of organization (Buck mentioned his Dad at one point, GKR recognized him for a good few minutes, etc.)
As for the Dodgers/Pads/Angels, I am most interested in two things: 1. Bullpen usage and plan of attack with Smith and Holderman facing elite lineups multiple days in a row for the first time. Bullpen use has been an Achilles' heel the last few years of this 'big road trip' in the close games.
2. Base running. Was it 2019 or 2021 when the Mets got thrown out by Bellinger and Taylor at 3B and Home at least 3, 4 times in 2 games and lost by less than 3 runs between the two games and lost the series against the Dodgers? That's been how we lost more games against them the last few years than actually getting dominated across 9 innings. We've got better base running coaches and more capable and confident players so hopefully that goes well this time.
Would have been better if Cookie gave us a couple more innings yesterday. Ottavino will likely not be available tonight (although I have less and less confidence in him anyway🤣
Such a great primer on the 2022 Dodgers heading in to this series, JB. Thanks for that!
Love to read about Lindor’s thoughts on how the coaching has helped this year. He seems to not want to throw last years’ coaches under the bus, but the specifics he cites make it clear he thinks they weren’t very good. The analytics crowd can dismiss the RBI all they want, but I think they are wrong. It’s not just about being in the right place at the right time. Sac flies, grounders through the hole. Those runs win games. And not everyone can do it.
I love how Buck, faced with a roomful of reporters eager to write about the road trip, totally pulled the plug on that story. One game at a time. He didn't get into the "meaning" of it, the "test" of going against the better teams, none of it. He wouldn't discuss it in those terms. Just . . . no. We got a game tomorrow and that's our focus, period. The guy is good at handling the media.
Chemistry is such an interesting issue in baseball for a variety of reasons. Foremost, its impact can't be measured. And for that reason, it's often dismissed by the SABR guys as insignificant. Which makes sense, because it's not an either/or proposition. Look at Cano. Revered in the clubhouse, "good" for the team, but couldn't hit. Give us the jerk who hits bombs. But . . . look at Carrasco. Well known as a good guy on a team. Escobar. Canha. Alonso, Nimmo, Nido, Jankowski, Guillorme, etc. Part of what the Mets have going on this season is a rock-solid "team" concept. Smith was the only guy who lobbied to leave. The other factor is that they are competitors. Bassitt, Scherzer, deGrom, Lindor. In the end, the GM made a lot of moves while giving "character" -- however you want to define it -- strong consideration. It's part of the story this season. There's a lot of guys to like in that clubhouse.
The Dodgers, Angels and Padres should all be worried that The Mets are coming to town - not thew other way for the Mets team and thier fans ! Lets Go Mets !
The Carrasco story/moment is so important for where this team is and where it's going. A good sign of the quality of team and improving quality of organization (Buck mentioned his Dad at one point, GKR recognized him for a good few minutes, etc.)
As for the Dodgers/Pads/Angels, I am most interested in two things: 1. Bullpen usage and plan of attack with Smith and Holderman facing elite lineups multiple days in a row for the first time. Bullpen use has been an Achilles' heel the last few years of this 'big road trip' in the close games.
2. Base running. Was it 2019 or 2021 when the Mets got thrown out by Bellinger and Taylor at 3B and Home at least 3, 4 times in 2 games and lost by less than 3 runs between the two games and lost the series against the Dodgers? That's been how we lost more games against them the last few years than actually getting dominated across 9 innings. We've got better base running coaches and more capable and confident players so hopefully that goes well this time.
Would have been better if Cookie gave us a couple more innings yesterday. Ottavino will likely not be available tonight (although I have less and less confidence in him anyway🤣
The only thing I'm worried about on this west coast trip is the late start times. I tend to fall asleep. The Mets are ready for this test #LFGM
Thanks. Is Cookie Colombian? And why use Diaz with such a big lead?
Is there any reason that szapucki isn’t listed on the Mets 40 man roster? https://www.mlb.com/mets/roster/40-man