I really like Baty, but he needed to hit the cover off the ball considering how well Acuna has played and all the different attributes he brings to the table. Baty much better recently and it's almost a shame that his first HR came in his last game before getting sent down, that could have done wonders for the confidence.
1. Thanks for a clearheaded assessment of the circumstances. Baty should not be surprised to have been sent down.
2. It would be very easy to take the foot of the gas going on the road and playing a "seemingly" weaker team. I hope that will not be the case.
3. It's too soon to start worrying about the next "embrassment of health riches", but at some point will we have to have the Baty discussion about a pitcher? When the time feels right, JB, I'd love to get your inisghts on the timetable and decision-making factors that Stearns and friends will have to do when Dedniel Núñez and Paul Blackburn are ready, which if progression continues should be mid-to-late May for both (Núñez perhaps sooner if he can shake off the cobwebs and get his control back).
I like to hike in the ADKs. There's always the question of what to carry in your pack. And I've learned that when hiking, you want to pack things that you hope you'll never need. The first-aid kit, the compass, the emergency matches, the extra socks, etc.
That's Paul Blackburn. Glad we have him, hope we never have to see him.
What a homestand that was! Some of the best ballpark experiences have been in the last week. The fan base is smitten with this team. Nobody had a bit of worry after the Phillies Ghost Runner scored in the top of the 10th. It’s a rare feeling when winning feels inevitable in baseball. But the Mets are building that feeling game by game. It also helps that we just own the Phillies lately. Important series here to keep the momentum going while getting Alvarez and Squirrel back into the mix. Jeff really found something last year in the 2nd half and he was strafing hits on his rehab. If he can approximate vintage McNeil, that’s a big asset.
Definitely agree that Baty was odd man out here, but definitely feel a bit for him. Seems like a great kid by all accounts and he has started showing signs in the last 10 days, including taking Wheeler into the upper tank on Wednesday. I feel like if he had another month starting, he’d find a groove. Ultimately though, Acuna clearly helps the team more off the bench and Baty just dug himself another hole at the MLB level. Looks like he may need trading to an organization with a clearer path to time. To his credit, he did play a good 2B on the fly, so maybe he comes back and sticks later in the year. Anyway, nothing but good wishes for him. Just a numbers game and he couldn’t make the case he needed to stay in the bigs for now.
Time to go win this series and hope the Cubs stay hot! LGM!
I like McLean a lot more, if that's an answer, though I see him as a late-inning reliever. I don't see enough of Sproat to figure out what the problem is, exactly. Is the fastball too straight? Or the command in the zone not sharp enough? Seems like there's still work to do.
I’m surprised that they are not doing a 50/50 split with Alvarez and Torrens. Torrens has certainly earned a starting catcher position. Hopefully Alvarez proves me wrong.
Torrens is .241/.279/.397, which is slightly better than his career numbers. He's 29. And an excellent backup.
Alvarez hit 25 HRs at age 21 and even last year when he struggled his OPS was better than Torrens is now. He has a much higher ceiling. He's my starting catcher but he can get regular rest.
Torrens should probably pitch every third game for a bit. Just to make sure Alvy is in sync; his catching hand is not swelling up like a balloon; and his stance at the plate is sound, blah, blah, blah.
A good opportunity tonight, with Senga going, to get the bullpen fully reset and rested. Hopefully only use any of Garrett, Mintor, Young today.
Butto going back-to-backs on Wednesday was notable. I don't remember if that's successfully been done before (sort of successfully, thanks to Soto's throw). They pushed him.
Coming off arm injury and a lost year, I really hope they go gentle with Kranick. I guess at some point he can go down to AAA and get some rest & recovery.
Mendoza, seemingly like every ML manager, really believes in the righty-lefty option. More than anything, that hurt Baty w/ Jeff's return. But, yes, Acuna gives the Mets weapons that the roster lacks overall. And the kid's got moxie.
Core belief: When constructing a backup roster, it is far better to have a player who does ONE THING exceptionally well than a jack-of-all-trades guy (who might be superior overall). We know what Acuna gives Mendoza off the bench. What does Baty do really well? I can't think of anything.
I don't think 29-year-old Azocar is a player you particularly worry about losing on waivers, though I guess you'd rather not. It would take 20 minutes on the phone and a modest fee to find a no-hit replacement in another organization. I mean to say: I think they figured he was more useful right now than Baty, who simply wasn't going to get ABs. We'll see him again this year and, if necessary, can flip him over the winter. Good depth piece to have. He's a groin pull away.
I personally would find it odd -- strange -- bizarre -- if the Mets ever played McNeil in CF and Acuna at 2B. "Let's go with the much slower guy who's out of position in CF!" They should get Acuna some innings out there this week; I'm sure they are working on it.
I share the same sentiment in regards to Jeff and Acuna. Why on earth would you play Jeff in CF when you have Acuna on the roster? I really would prefer it flipped. CF is a huge injury risk for a player like McNeil.
As far as Baty, I think his defense is very good at 3b. Prob better than Vientos there. Too bad he cant hit a lick.
Baty's defense at 3B has become surprisingly competent. "Very good" is a bridge too far. Better than Vientos but . . . who isn't? I think Baty's one big skill could be that he might possibly develop into a LH power bat with two pretty massive holes in his swing. I keep lowering his ceiling.
Baty had to be the one to go down for sure. If it was me - i wold not upset a winning forumla and inset either McNeil or Alverez right now. I know you dont lose your job to a injury but as far as i am concerned Alverez should be the backup.
I think there will be some sort of leash for Alvy, length to be determined. If he hits like he’s supposed to - >800 OPS, with no decline in pitcher’s results, he’s the guy. If he’s in the low 700’s, guys are stealing bases and pitchers are letting up runs, we’re gonna see more and more of Torrens, and by years end Alvy may be an afterthought.
This team is looking to win in 2025. This may be the year. They’re not gonna sacrifice that to the alter of non specific development goals for a 23 year old catcher. And there’s no shame in that. Alvarez may have a long run as an all star level catcher, and it may be from 2027-2032, right? Right now, in 2025, 29 year old Torrens may be in his prime and the better player. I seem to recall Posada watching Girardi from the bench a whole lot during the Yankee’s late 90’s run of dominance.
I generally agree with this, though I think people might be a little high on Torrens. Alvy needs to produce. I support the idea that you don't lose your job to an injury. At the same time, competitive pressure is a positive.
Great pod today. Wish it was longer. Peter had only two “guess what”s. No “god blesses”. I still haven’t heard a “god bless “ except for Blake saying it to tease Peter.
Great Pod Boys. Just a mention on Soto. Not that we do this but there is an opt out after 5 years. Is Stearns shrewd enough to get the “best” juice from the orange and let someone else pay for a couple of good years and the decline? I think it’s worth keeping an eye on. I think Pete can sustain what he’s doing. I don’t expect a batting title but he has been a .280 hitter and if he can add clutch to his game that is a dangerous player. Again. Lindor already has 3-3 hit games under his belt and if he keeps this up those MVP chants are only gonna get louder. Baty almost has an argument of staying over Vientos. No? He certainly plays a better third base. I’ll say it right now Vientos is going to cost this team games there and I pray it’s not a game 7. If Vientos doesn’t hit over another week/2 weeks does he need to go down and get right? Just because he had the one part of last year the book is out on him too. He isn’t helping this team at all. Not with the bat and I’ll hedge a guess he leads in errors but Lindor could have that distinction from the one game he had 2 and I think I’ve seen a couple more too. Torrens has done a wonderful job and Alvy coming back is good as Torrens has taken a beating back there so far this year. He is surely dinged up a bit and most likely relieved he’s getting a blow. Going to miss that cannon though. 46% of runners he throws out! Nobody is even close around the whole league. Headed to DC myself and likely a game. Need to get the wife on board. Which has been a harder sell than usual. I’m looking at Nimmo losing at bats now that McNeil is back too. He might respond to a lighter load. Let’s go Mets!
Appreciate the shout-out JB 👍🏻
I really like Baty, but he needed to hit the cover off the ball considering how well Acuna has played and all the different attributes he brings to the table. Baty much better recently and it's almost a shame that his first HR came in his last game before getting sent down, that could have done wonders for the confidence.
1. Thanks for a clearheaded assessment of the circumstances. Baty should not be surprised to have been sent down.
2. It would be very easy to take the foot of the gas going on the road and playing a "seemingly" weaker team. I hope that will not be the case.
3. It's too soon to start worrying about the next "embrassment of health riches", but at some point will we have to have the Baty discussion about a pitcher? When the time feels right, JB, I'd love to get your inisghts on the timetable and decision-making factors that Stearns and friends will have to do when Dedniel Núñez and Paul Blackburn are ready, which if progression continues should be mid-to-late May for both (Núñez perhaps sooner if he can shake off the cobwebs and get his control back).
Today I figured out my Paul Blackburn metaphor!
I like to hike in the ADKs. There's always the question of what to carry in your pack. And I've learned that when hiking, you want to pack things that you hope you'll never need. The first-aid kit, the compass, the emergency matches, the extra socks, etc.
That's Paul Blackburn. Glad we have him, hope we never have to see him.
What a homestand that was! Some of the best ballpark experiences have been in the last week. The fan base is smitten with this team. Nobody had a bit of worry after the Phillies Ghost Runner scored in the top of the 10th. It’s a rare feeling when winning feels inevitable in baseball. But the Mets are building that feeling game by game. It also helps that we just own the Phillies lately. Important series here to keep the momentum going while getting Alvarez and Squirrel back into the mix. Jeff really found something last year in the 2nd half and he was strafing hits on his rehab. If he can approximate vintage McNeil, that’s a big asset.
Definitely agree that Baty was odd man out here, but definitely feel a bit for him. Seems like a great kid by all accounts and he has started showing signs in the last 10 days, including taking Wheeler into the upper tank on Wednesday. I feel like if he had another month starting, he’d find a groove. Ultimately though, Acuna clearly helps the team more off the bench and Baty just dug himself another hole at the MLB level. Looks like he may need trading to an organization with a clearer path to time. To his credit, he did play a good 2B on the fly, so maybe he comes back and sticks later in the year. Anyway, nothing but good wishes for him. Just a numbers game and he couldn’t make the case he needed to stay in the bigs for now.
Time to go win this series and hope the Cubs stay hot! LGM!
Agreed. I am worry-free about this team. Let the organization worry. I am here to enjoy it.
Worrying is part of the fun. The analytical part.
Too many offering analysis 😉 but I can see how it could be fun. Everyone is an expert.
Are we concerned about Brandon Sproat? Just asking questions.
I like McLean a lot more, if that's an answer, though I see him as a late-inning reliever. I don't see enough of Sproat to figure out what the problem is, exactly. Is the fastball too straight? Or the command in the zone not sharp enough? Seems like there's still work to do.
I’m surprised that they are not doing a 50/50 split with Alvarez and Torrens. Torrens has certainly earned a starting catcher position. Hopefully Alvarez proves me wrong.
Torrens is .241/.279/.397, which is slightly better than his career numbers. He's 29. And an excellent backup.
Alvarez hit 25 HRs at age 21 and even last year when he struggled his OPS was better than Torrens is now. He has a much higher ceiling. He's my starting catcher but he can get regular rest.
Let's see what happens.
Torrens should probably pitch every third game for a bit. Just to make sure Alvy is in sync; his catching hand is not swelling up like a balloon; and his stance at the plate is sound, blah, blah, blah.
A good opportunity tonight, with Senga going, to get the bullpen fully reset and rested. Hopefully only use any of Garrett, Mintor, Young today.
Butto going back-to-backs on Wednesday was notable. I don't remember if that's successfully been done before (sort of successfully, thanks to Soto's throw). They pushed him.
Coming off arm injury and a lost year, I really hope they go gentle with Kranick. I guess at some point he can go down to AAA and get some rest & recovery.
Mendoza, seemingly like every ML manager, really believes in the righty-lefty option. More than anything, that hurt Baty w/ Jeff's return. But, yes, Acuna gives the Mets weapons that the roster lacks overall. And the kid's got moxie.
Core belief: When constructing a backup roster, it is far better to have a player who does ONE THING exceptionally well than a jack-of-all-trades guy (who might be superior overall). We know what Acuna gives Mendoza off the bench. What does Baty do really well? I can't think of anything.
I don't think 29-year-old Azocar is a player you particularly worry about losing on waivers, though I guess you'd rather not. It would take 20 minutes on the phone and a modest fee to find a no-hit replacement in another organization. I mean to say: I think they figured he was more useful right now than Baty, who simply wasn't going to get ABs. We'll see him again this year and, if necessary, can flip him over the winter. Good depth piece to have. He's a groin pull away.
I personally would find it odd -- strange -- bizarre -- if the Mets ever played McNeil in CF and Acuna at 2B. "Let's go with the much slower guy who's out of position in CF!" They should get Acuna some innings out there this week; I'm sure they are working on it.
I share the same sentiment in regards to Jeff and Acuna. Why on earth would you play Jeff in CF when you have Acuna on the roster? I really would prefer it flipped. CF is a huge injury risk for a player like McNeil.
As far as Baty, I think his defense is very good at 3b. Prob better than Vientos there. Too bad he cant hit a lick.
Baty's defense at 3B has become surprisingly competent. "Very good" is a bridge too far. Better than Vientos but . . . who isn't? I think Baty's one big skill could be that he might possibly develop into a LH power bat with two pretty massive holes in his swing. I keep lowering his ceiling.
Baty had to be the one to go down for sure. If it was me - i wold not upset a winning forumla and inset either McNeil or Alverez right now. I know you dont lose your job to a injury but as far as i am concerned Alverez should be the backup.
I think there will be some sort of leash for Alvy, length to be determined. If he hits like he’s supposed to - >800 OPS, with no decline in pitcher’s results, he’s the guy. If he’s in the low 700’s, guys are stealing bases and pitchers are letting up runs, we’re gonna see more and more of Torrens, and by years end Alvy may be an afterthought.
This team is looking to win in 2025. This may be the year. They’re not gonna sacrifice that to the alter of non specific development goals for a 23 year old catcher. And there’s no shame in that. Alvarez may have a long run as an all star level catcher, and it may be from 2027-2032, right? Right now, in 2025, 29 year old Torrens may be in his prime and the better player. I seem to recall Posada watching Girardi from the bench a whole lot during the Yankee’s late 90’s run of dominance.
I generally agree with this, though I think people might be a little high on Torrens. Alvy needs to produce. I support the idea that you don't lose your job to an injury. At the same time, competitive pressure is a positive.
Great pod today. Wish it was longer. Peter had only two “guess what”s. No “god blesses”. I still haven’t heard a “god bless “ except for Blake saying it to tease Peter.
Great Pod Boys. Just a mention on Soto. Not that we do this but there is an opt out after 5 years. Is Stearns shrewd enough to get the “best” juice from the orange and let someone else pay for a couple of good years and the decline? I think it’s worth keeping an eye on. I think Pete can sustain what he’s doing. I don’t expect a batting title but he has been a .280 hitter and if he can add clutch to his game that is a dangerous player. Again. Lindor already has 3-3 hit games under his belt and if he keeps this up those MVP chants are only gonna get louder. Baty almost has an argument of staying over Vientos. No? He certainly plays a better third base. I’ll say it right now Vientos is going to cost this team games there and I pray it’s not a game 7. If Vientos doesn’t hit over another week/2 weeks does he need to go down and get right? Just because he had the one part of last year the book is out on him too. He isn’t helping this team at all. Not with the bat and I’ll hedge a guess he leads in errors but Lindor could have that distinction from the one game he had 2 and I think I’ve seen a couple more too. Torrens has done a wonderful job and Alvy coming back is good as Torrens has taken a beating back there so far this year. He is surely dinged up a bit and most likely relieved he’s getting a blow. Going to miss that cannon though. 46% of runners he throws out! Nobody is even close around the whole league. Headed to DC myself and likely a game. Need to get the wife on board. Which has been a harder sell than usual. I’m looking at Nimmo losing at bats now that McNeil is back too. He might respond to a lighter load. Let’s go Mets!
Hey, how come no Giants links? They won round 1!
Ive said it like 100x, but I feel the option will not be triggered. Soto is not going to find a better deal than the one he currently has.
I agree. I was just throwing it out there as a possibility. I mean there is a clause and this is the Mets. Gotta believe anything is possible. Lol