The Spring Roster Overview writeup and graphic was so helpful, insightful, and well done. When I got to the end of it and saw the 14% off Valentines Day deal my response was "heck no, I am paying full price!"
“Mechanically, that means either Ronny Mauricio or David Robertson can be placed on the 60-day IL to make room for Fujinami” - I’m assuming this is a typo and you meant David Peterson?
I see how it is, Bellone. "National League Town" puts out a podcast for the 1st time in 2 months and you "just so happen" to release an episode of your podcast. Remember that there's room in Flushing for at least two unofficial Mets' podcasts.
I enjoy the podcast. Give me 3 more episodes and I'll know which voice is which without having to think.
I'm not sure I would say I'm optimistic going into the season, but I'm looking forward to it. For whatever reason I wasn't super excited going into last season; maybe because it felt like a WS or bust season and I'm either a) not used to that or b) that kind of makes the 6-month regular season feel like a very blah experience. Whatever it was, none of that exists this season since the expectations are so much lower. I think the team has a shot at a competing for a playoff spot and we will learn a lot about a bunch of young players while we still have a good number of high level players. Get back to me in May when Senga is on the shelf, Quintana is sporting a 5 ERA and Severino is still tipping pitches. However, as of today, I'm looking forward to the season.
I thought the hard-hit stat was interesting. We've all seen it (or, I mean, many of us). He's flawed and the glove is a serious issue. However, there might be thunder in that bat. He's a 2nd round pick who had hit w/ power at every level, and at every level has initially struggled after promotion. The upside is significant and worth exploring, IMO.
We haven't seen enough. On Baty, his glove absolutely sucks. Word has always been that Vientos' glove is worse. I haven't seen that it is better, but I haven't seen much. I just don't want Vientos to get stuck with a strict DH against LHP role, because that's freaking impossible, especially for a young player full of self-doubt. You strike out twice and don't play for 4 days; you hit a homer and don't play for 4 days. No rhythm. Facing guys throwing gasoline. One of these two guys has to go -- eventually. I understand the Mets desire to delay making that difficult call. Especially now that neither has much trade value. With a team massively over the cap, the solution is via the farm, *productive* young players working at league minimum. Spend on the difference-makers, go economical elsewhere.
Baty can be at least an average third baseman. He has the arm and made occasional excellent plays but was wildly inconsistent. I think things just snowballed on him when, for the first time in his entire life, he couldn’t hit.
Not to beat a dead horse, re: the Alonso "negotiations," but both Montgomery and Bellinger -- with clear suiters, the Rangers and Cubs -- and both represented by Scott Boras -- are playing a game of chicken, waiting to see who blinks first. Very possible that a year from now the Mets & Pete will be in the same position. And to truly negotiate, a team has to be willing to walk away from a bad contract.
To be clear: I have no problem with Boras at all. He's just good at his job.
I also wonder if a dark horse team will swoop in and sign these guys. I'm not seeing it for the Mets, given their stated position, but I could live with it. Bellinger is such a radical player. Absolutely miserable for two years with the Dodgers. But the guy who played last season, wow, he'd sure help the Mets. I'd be very wary of a long-term deal. Ultimately, it is IMPOSSIBLE to intelligently comment on any of these negotiations -- to find fault with anyone -- when we don't know the terms being discussed. We do know, however, that Boras has a long history of making very high demands both in length and AAV and that, increasingly, teams are wary about length of contract.
Which is why GM Hoyer is playing hardball. Opposing teams not only have to beat Cubs offer, they have to give up a 1st round pick, too. I'm sure everyone has a financial value attached to a 1st-round pick, but it's not something you surrender without knowing that number.
The trade that dopey, lazy Sandy Alderson made with the Cubs for Baez is so maddening because, yes, there was a time when teams gave up that much for a guy in his walk year. But things have changed and now nobody (except Sandy!) gives up a 1st-round pick for a temporary guy. The folks in MLB have learned to value those picks and prospects and give up up with great reluctance.
Again: Mets could be in this same position a year from now with Pete (and some fans are losing their cool now). My hope is that at a certain point, Pete signals his agent and says, "Let's get this done, I don't need to try to squeeze the last dollar out of the organization." At the same time, I've always felt that Pete thinks he's better than he actually is. Delusional equals confidence and it's a good thing. But maybe not in negotiations.
The Spring Roster Overview writeup and graphic was so helpful, insightful, and well done. When I got to the end of it and saw the 14% off Valentines Day deal my response was "heck no, I am paying full price!"
Ha! Too kind!
Ha!
“Mechanically, that means either Ronny Mauricio or David Robertson can be placed on the 60-day IL to make room for Fujinami” - I’m assuming this is a typo and you meant David Peterson?
Ha! Yes.
I see how it is, Bellone. "National League Town" puts out a podcast for the 1st time in 2 months and you "just so happen" to release an episode of your podcast. Remember that there's room in Flushing for at least two unofficial Mets' podcasts.
https://substack.com/profile/8216685-jeff-hysen/note/c-49527138?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=4w419
Baseball is back, baby! Hope everyone has a nice Valentine's Day thinking about the Mets, excuse me, their better half...
I am very much trying to lose my baby fat like Francisco Álvarez has to get ready for the season. Look at his angular face!
Early prediction: Lindor is going to have his best season in the majors. Everyone will be watching Pete while Lindor puts up MVP numbers.
I enjoy the podcast. Give me 3 more episodes and I'll know which voice is which without having to think.
I'm not sure I would say I'm optimistic going into the season, but I'm looking forward to it. For whatever reason I wasn't super excited going into last season; maybe because it felt like a WS or bust season and I'm either a) not used to that or b) that kind of makes the 6-month regular season feel like a very blah experience. Whatever it was, none of that exists this season since the expectations are so much lower. I think the team has a shot at a competing for a playoff spot and we will learn a lot about a bunch of young players while we still have a good number of high level players. Get back to me in May when Senga is on the shelf, Quintana is sporting a 5 ERA and Severino is still tipping pitches. However, as of today, I'm looking forward to the season.
Play Vientos every freakin day!
I thought the hard-hit stat was interesting. We've all seen it (or, I mean, many of us). He's flawed and the glove is a serious issue. However, there might be thunder in that bat. He's a 2nd round pick who had hit w/ power at every level, and at every level has initially struggled after promotion. The upside is significant and worth exploring, IMO.
I dont think his glove is any worse than Baty. Take that how you may.
We haven't seen enough. On Baty, his glove absolutely sucks. Word has always been that Vientos' glove is worse. I haven't seen that it is better, but I haven't seen much. I just don't want Vientos to get stuck with a strict DH against LHP role, because that's freaking impossible, especially for a young player full of self-doubt. You strike out twice and don't play for 4 days; you hit a homer and don't play for 4 days. No rhythm. Facing guys throwing gasoline. One of these two guys has to go -- eventually. I understand the Mets desire to delay making that difficult call. Especially now that neither has much trade value. With a team massively over the cap, the solution is via the farm, *productive* young players working at league minimum. Spend on the difference-makers, go economical elsewhere.
Baty can be at least an average third baseman. He has the arm and made occasional excellent plays but was wildly inconsistent. I think things just snowballed on him when, for the first time in his entire life, he couldn’t hit.
I think Alec Bohm is the upside for Baty and a good comp.
Can you imagine if Baty actually pulls an Alec Bohm at Citi Field? The lip readers will go wild...
And if he’s hitting .210 and striking out a third of the time, how long a run do you give him?
May 15 would be reasonable.
Not to beat a dead horse, re: the Alonso "negotiations," but both Montgomery and Bellinger -- with clear suiters, the Rangers and Cubs -- and both represented by Scott Boras -- are playing a game of chicken, waiting to see who blinks first. Very possible that a year from now the Mets & Pete will be in the same position. And to truly negotiate, a team has to be willing to walk away from a bad contract.
To be clear: I have no problem with Boras at all. He's just good at his job.
I also wonder if a dark horse team will swoop in and sign these guys. I'm not seeing it for the Mets, given their stated position, but I could live with it. Bellinger is such a radical player. Absolutely miserable for two years with the Dodgers. But the guy who played last season, wow, he'd sure help the Mets. I'd be very wary of a long-term deal. Ultimately, it is IMPOSSIBLE to intelligently comment on any of these negotiations -- to find fault with anyone -- when we don't know the terms being discussed. We do know, however, that Boras has a long history of making very high demands both in length and AAV and that, increasingly, teams are wary about length of contract.
No way the Mets are giving up the QO attached penalty for Bellinger. Or Snell.
I don't see it, either.
Which is why GM Hoyer is playing hardball. Opposing teams not only have to beat Cubs offer, they have to give up a 1st round pick, too. I'm sure everyone has a financial value attached to a 1st-round pick, but it's not something you surrender without knowing that number.
The trade that dopey, lazy Sandy Alderson made with the Cubs for Baez is so maddening because, yes, there was a time when teams gave up that much for a guy in his walk year. But things have changed and now nobody (except Sandy!) gives up a 1st-round pick for a temporary guy. The folks in MLB have learned to value those picks and prospects and give up up with great reluctance.
Again: Mets could be in this same position a year from now with Pete (and some fans are losing their cool now). My hope is that at a certain point, Pete signals his agent and says, "Let's get this done, I don't need to try to squeeze the last dollar out of the organization." At the same time, I've always felt that Pete thinks he's better than he actually is. Delusional equals confidence and it's a good thing. But maybe not in negotiations.
I never, ever lose any sleep over the 40-man. Every year, tons of blog posts and hand-wringing, but I just don't think it's a problem.
I mean, on Monday we were "celebrating" that Austin Adams cleared waivers after being DFA. It happens all the time.
And if we lost him?
Shrug.