Dan Stack – Mets360

September 1, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Mets miss boat not trading Bartolo Colon

Surely you were aware the New York Mets were tied to trade rumors leading up to the waiver-trade deadline, with Bartolo Colon‘s name being front and center.

With the Los Angeles Angels losing Garrett Richards for the foreseeable future, and them needing a quality, veteran arm, they needed another good arm for the stretch run. Heck, at this point of the year many playoff-hopeful teams (think Mariners, Yankees, Giants, etc.) could have also used a veteran picture for the stretch run. Thus, Colon’s value was immeasurable in the final days leading up to the deadline. But he wasn’t traded.

And the Mets blew it.

Considering the Mets are 10 games under .500 and for all intents and purposes done for the 2014 season, what value does Colon have for the Mets? The money that could have perhaps been saved and what return (granted, he wouldn’t have brought in an all-star level prospect) Colon could have produced is better than sitting idly, no?

As has been stated numerous times and ad nauseam, the Mets 2015 rotation will be deep and they could have afford to let go of Colon. The Mets already have a stable of arms that includes Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Dillon Gee, Jonathon Niese, Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero. New York could plausibly afford to trade both Colon and one of the above and still be in good shape.

Perhaps the Mets will act in the offseason. They better.

The Mets primary problem has been their hitting and has been for years. What good is hoarding pitching when you can’t maximize its appeal, while trading some of it away for good hitting. Especially when you clearly need it?

At 41, Colon is not getting younger and he doesn’t exactly fit the profile the model the Mets should be building on (which is on youth) as they head into the 2015 season. If you want to keep a veteran, I get that, but why not just keep Niese than. At least he is a lefty; the only capable lefty in the bunch until Steven Matz is ready.

Look, it’s understandable you shouldn’t just give away Colon, but if the Mets can save a few bucks, get a decent prospect and go into 2015 with a rotation of any five of the guys mentioned above, the Mets should be set to contend.

Sandy Alderson, through his warts and all, is a smart man. But, to sit by and do nothing once again, you have to question his motives. I guess some contending teams would not meet his demands regarding Colon.And maybe those demands will be met in the offseason. Mets fans will surely be waiting with baited breath to see some trade unfold.

At this point in the season, many teams are desperate and that is where Alderson should have preyed on GMs vulnerability. After all, may people predicted that Alderson would flip Colon this year. Alas, he did not pull the trigger. All that does is set up more questions than answers.

True, there is a lot to like about Colon. He’s a savvy vet who knows how to mix his pitches and is good guy in the clubhouse. However, time is not on his side and an eventual regression (if it hasn’t happened already) may come. Probably sooner than later.

Still, the Mets might have missed the boat by keeping Colon. We’ll see how Alderson addresses this situation of excess pitching this winter. He’s got a lot to make up for after another disappointing season.

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June 21, 2014June 21, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Quick Hitter: Eric Young Jr. getting right in the swing of things

While his contact skills and batting average (.231) is nothing to write home about, there is no denying the fact that Eric Young Jr. is a bonafide spark plug at the top of the Mets’ batting order.

Maybe he doesn’t get on base at the best of clips (.319 OBP) either, but Young Jr. does cause havoc when he does get on base. Even though he missed nearly three weeks of action, Young Jr.’s 17 stolen bases still rank tied for fourth in the NL.

And ever since he came off the disabled list on June 16, he has hit in five straight games, going 6-for-19 in the process. Since he has assumed the lead-off spot in the last three games, the Mets have gone 2-1, and he was very instrumental in helping stop the bleeding on Wednesday in a win over the Cardinals, going 2-for-4 with two doubles with two RBI’s and a run.

Obviously, his shortcomings will rear their ugly head sooner or later, but for a team that has trotted out Daniel Murphy, Juan Lagares, Ruben Tejada, Curtis Granderson, etc. at lead off, Young is clearly the best option the Mets have.

His meager slash line (.228/.317/.316) wont get him in the Mets’ hall of fame, but his speed and athleticism atop the Mets’ lineup seems to energize this team. Sure, a lot of players on this Mets’ team have their faults, but some of the assets that Young Jr. possesses are too hard to ignore and they somewhat overshadow his deficiencies .

When Lagares is ready to come back, Young Jr. should still stay in the lineup and atop the order. His surname namesake Chris Young is the one who should grab some pine, as that signing has proved to be misguided.

Again, the presence of Young Jr in the lineup will not make or break the Mets, but with his inclusion in the lineup, he gives the Mets their most optimal lineup.

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June 19, 2014June 19, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

What’s the value of Bartolo Colon heading forward?

It was fun watching Bartolo Colon on Wednesday afternoon.

And no, I’m not talking about him legging out a double and scoring from second base moments later when Eric Young Jr. knocked him in with his own double.

Ok, maybe I am. After all, Colon is fun to watch run the bases.

No, Wednesday was all about Colon’s mastery on the mound. After a lead-off home run by Matt Carpenter, Colon would settle in and blank the Cardinals the rest of the way while pitching eight innings and allowing just the one run on four hits (no walks). And the thing is, he could have kept going, as he only threw 86 pitches but Terry Collins did not want to, I guess you can say “overheat” Colon on a hot St. Louis day. The Mets would barely hold on to win the game, as Dana Eveland came in to record the final out of the game, getting lefty Matt Adams to ground out.

Colon is now 7-5 on the year to go with a 3.88 ERA (it was, remember, 5.84 after his May 12 start against the Yankees) and 1.20 WHIP. With Wednesday’s start, Colon now has five quality outings in his last six starts (and he would have had another if he got one more out in his June 7 start in San Francisco). In that time, he has given up just eight earned runs in 43.1 innings pitched, while allowing just 22 hits and eight walks.

Basically, Colon is starting to do what he was signed in the offseason to do and that was go deep in games, throw quality starts while stabilizing the Mets’ rotation—especially with Matt Harvey lost for the year. After a rough start, Colon is finally starting to heat up with the corresponding summer weather.

The question now remains, what will his role and value be heading forward?

With the Mets in last place in the NL East and eight games under .500, what value does Colon have with the Mets especially when for the most part they are built on youth. Obviously, the Mets will aim to keep getting better and perhaps with Dillon Gee coming back from the DL, as well as Juan Lagares, and the eventual recall of an improved Travis d’Arnaud, maybe the Mets will make a surge with a healthy, productive crew.

However, even the most optimistic Mets’ fan will tell you the playoffs are not likely within reach. With that said, maybe the Mets should do what a lot of people expected them to do when they signed Colon and that is flip him at the deadline.

With an affordable $20 million two-year contract, Colon wont be all that costly in a trade and perhaps a team in contention could use his services more than the Mets can. At 41, Colon is not one who is going to stick around for the long haul. On the other hand, and to play devil’s advocate, maybe Colon can stick around next year and join Harvey and Noah Syndergaard and make up one hell of a rotation.

However, it’s been stated here before plenty of times, but the Mets have at least eight solid staff arms ready to contribute next year in Colon, Harvey, Gee, Jonathon Niese, Zack Wheeler, Jacob deGrom, Rafael Montero and the rehabbing Jeremy Hefner. We’ve been saying it ad nauseam, but sooner or later the Mets need to trade some of their excess pitching and Colon could be at the top of the list.

It’s uncertain what kind of haul they can get for Colon, but if the Mets keep spiraling out of control and Colon cruises along, it’s something they may just have to explore. For the time being, it’s nice to see Colon get going while temporarily stopping the bleeding on Wednesday.

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June 12, 2014June 12, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Trading David Wright? What the what?

There has been talk festering throughout the Mets’ blogosphere that the Mets should admit that they are going nowhere fast, swallow their pride and trade David Wright away for prospects while he still has some value.

Wait, what? You mean trading the franchise and the effervescent face of the franchise?

Well, before we dismiss it totally, as Brian Joura pointed the other day, Wright appears headed toward his worst season with the Mets, at least when it comes to OPS. So, the thought here is sell now, while the Mets can get the most return for him before Wright really becomes a liability (both on the field and on the payroll).

However, we have to look at the bigger picture. Wright has done so much for this franchise while giving his heart and soul to this club and the last thing the franchise should do is alienate most of the fanbase and trade him away.

How soul-crushing would that be to accept?

Wright is everything you want in a player. He does his job day in and day out, never complains and above all, produces. He has been a mainstay in the Mets’ lineup for roughly a decade. You don’t reward that loyalty and undying faith by trading him.

One of the main reasons the Mets locked up Wright to a seven-year deal worth $122 million was to show they wanted to build around Wright and also appease the fanbase. After they received flak for letting Jose Reyes walk, the Mets did not want to seem they were totally giving up and masquerade as a small-market team.

True, Mets’ ownership has let us down and there is a laundry list of complaints we have legitimate gripes about, but they committed themselves to Wright, and as fans, so should we.

Look, Wright is going to decline. That is just the natural order of things, especially a player in their 30s. What the Mets have to do is start to spend, make the right trades and put a better team around Wright, so it can hide some of his liabilities. Signing Curtis Granderson was a nice start, but more must be done.

It’s only fair to Wright. Even throughout his struggles this year, and outside of Daniel Murphy having himself a fine season, Wright still has to be considered the Mets most-trusted hitter this year.

Simply put, on the list of reasons why the Mets are struggling this year, Wright is nowhere near the top of that list.

While nice in theory, trading Wright is not the solution. It would only open up the franchise for even more ridicule.

The Mets have continue building on the good pitching they have, acquire some much-need protection for Wright and let him finish his career in style.

He’s earned that much.

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June 7, 2014June 7, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Quick Hitter: When do Mets Consider Demoting Travis d’Arnaud?

After Friday night’s game in San Francisco, Mets’ catcher Travis d’Arnaud is now sporting a pathetic .180/.271/.273 slash line.

Yuck!

Ever since being the centerpiece in the trade for R.A. Dickey with the Toronto Blue Jays, we have been led to believe that d’Arnaud was one of the better, if not the best, catching prospects in baseball and that he would become a staple in the Mets lineup.

So, what gives?

Sure, injuries have slowed d’Arnaud’s development a great deal and the concussion he suffered in early May is nothing to scoff at. But, when do we objectively assess that d’Arnaud is not working out and send him down to the minors. After all, d’Arnaud has played in less than 100 games in Triple-A between the Toronto and New York organizations. So, perhaps more seasoning can do him some good since he did not spend much time in Las Vegas.

While we shouldn’t give up on d’Arnaud altogether, he simply looks over matched at the plate in the majors. After all, he has more strikeouts (25) than home runs, RBI’s and runs combined.

We have seen the Mets get decent production from Anthony Recker, and the team can certainly continue on without d’Arnaud for the time being. The Mets may give him a couple of more weeks to get it in gear. However, if he is not showing any signs of improvement prior to the all-star break, perhaps the Mets should finally send down d’Arnaud.

d’Arnaud is still young, so people should not give up hope just yet. Many players need additional time back down on the farm before really busting out. Scouts still love his talent and maybe at this moment, he is in a little over his head.

It wouldn’t be such a terrible idea to see if this approach can work with d’Arnaud. This way, maybe he can regain his confidence and come back to the majors a changed man.

If not, well the Mets will always have Kevin Plawecki to fall back on.

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June 5, 2014June 4, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Zack Wheeler starting to get it in gear

Don’t look now but it appears that Zack Wheeler is starting to nicely round into shape.

After a rocky start with some fans and media losing confidence in him, Wheeler has quieted some of his critics of late.

Although he only has two wins (2-5) on the year, Wheeler is putting up quality outing after quality of late. In his last three starts, Wheeler has recorded a quality start in each outing. In that time, Wheeler has tossed 19.2 innings while allowing just three earned runs on 12 hits and three walks and striking out 23 batters in the process.

Maybe Wheeler is finally getting it after all.

Wheeler did all in his power to win Tuesday’s game, shutting down the Chicago Cubs for 6.2 innings and giving up just two hits and two walks. He clearly deserved a better fate than a no-decision, as he simply did not get the necessary run support to claim the victory. It would doom the Mets late, as they lost in walk-off fashion falling to the Cubs, 2-1.

What has been fueling Wheeler recently is the lack of free passes he is giving up. While his 3.8 BB/9 ratio on the year is not exactly inspiring, Wheeler has issued only three walks in his last 19.2 innings. In contrast, Wheeler has struck out 23 batters in those 19.2 innings.

During this stretch, Wheeler has lowered his ERA one full point from when it was 4.89 on May 18 to where it now stands at 3.89. And for good measure, Wheeler has a 9 K/9 ratio and his FIP is a solid 3.35 on the year. So, clearly he is doing his job.

Fans who wanted another Matt Harvey were not going to get that in Wheeler. Many fans in some ways got spoiled by Harvey’s meteoric rise to stardom. Most pitchers need time to refine their mechanics and skills and Wheeler is certainly one of those type of pitchers who needed time to adjust to the speed of the game.

While Wheeler may look to have corrected a few things, Wheeler still has yet to pitch a full year in the majors, so naturally it’s normal to expect more ups and downs. Clearly, though, it looks like he is on the right track to success.

If Wheeler keeps pitching like this and can cut down on the walks, the potential he has is limitless. Let’s hope Wheeler can bottle this up and harness his tremendous upside and fully break out like we all thought he could.

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May 31, 2014May 31, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Chris Young: Hit Home Runs and We’ll be Alright

Chris Young‘s overall numbers don’t paint a rosy picture. His dropped flyball in the bottom of the 14^th inning in Friday night’s 6-5 loss to the Phillies will not endear him to Mets’ faithful either.

Life for Young has not been so great in his first year with the Mets.

A meager .205/.290/.368 slash line has many Mets’ fans down on Young. With Curtis Granderson already a drain when it comes to having a player on the team with weak contact skills in the lineup, the Mets unfortunately have another one in the lineup in Young. You add them together with Ruben Tejada and Travis d’Arnaud, the Mets basically four regulars who are hovering around the Mendoza line.

If you got that many many weak hitters, you’re going to have to make up for it in power. From their pasts, we know that both Granderson and Young are both capable of hitting 20+ home runs a year.

Young, who went deep of Phillies’ starter David Buchanan on Thursday night, has to hit for power if he wants to stay in the lineup and contribute. We all knew this about Young, who came to the Mets in the offseason for a one-year, $7.25 million-dollar deal. Looking back on it now, and with the power of hindsight, maybe the Mets moved too quickly to scoop up Young. You see, a player who was signed for a similar amount ($8 million for one year), Nelson Cruz, has been absolutely killing it, while leading the league in home runs and in second in RBI’s (49). At the time the Mets signed Young, Cruz though was holding out for a lot more money and years and there was no telling where the market was heading in November. Safe to say, the Orioles got themselves a bargain.

There is no use in crying over spilled milk, though. You have to move on and hope that Young can hit for some semblance of power, or else his job-regardless of the contract he was signed to-will be in jeopardy.

Young is probably lucky that his other namesake, Eric Young Jr. is on the disabled list. If Young Jr. was around, Chris Young would be skating on thin ice for extended playing time. It seems that Juan Lagares is back to regular playing time and Granderson, short of an epic disaster, will continue to be trotted out every day.

As it is, Young is losing time to Bobby Abreu, who go the start in right on Friday night in Philadelphia, while Granderson shifted to left field.

Simply put, Young has to get his power stroke going. He has hit as many as 32 in one year (2007) and has averaged 20.2 home runs a year ever since that breakout year. Power and perhaps a good bit of speed is Young’s saving grace. It’s time we see it put to good use.

So, if the Mets want to get any investment on Young, it behooves him to get his power stroke going or this may go down as another wasted signing, even if it was only for a year.

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May 29, 2014May 29, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

What do you know? Jenrry Mejia is thriving in the bullpen

While some in the Mets’ circle (be it fans, media, what have you) begrudgingly did not like the fact that Jenrry Mejia was taken out of the rotation and put in to the bullpen, you really can not argue with the results.

Ever since going to the bullpen on May 12 after going 3-0 with a 5.06 ERA as a starter, Mejia has been a godsend in the bullpen, while eventually working his way to become the full-time closer. In his first relief appearance he pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings against the Yankees while picking up the win in the process. It has been smooth sailing for Mejia ever since.

Since May 12 Mejia has pitched 9 1/3 innings while allowing just one run (unearned at that) on only eight hits and three walks while striking out nine batters. He has not blown any saves and is a perfect four-for-four in his chances. In his short time as closer, he already has the most saves on the team even though we are nearly two months into the season. So that should tell you how bad it’s been so far this year in the bullpen.

While Mejia does have electric stuff and a few pitches to work with, he clearly struggled in the rotation. His issue was getting through the lineup the second and-more specifically-the third time out, and almost predictably, it ended with him melting down.

Mejia may have just found his niche in the bullpen. With Bobby Parnell out for the year (and who knows how he’ll be when he comes back), and retreads like Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valverde proving to be over the hill and broken down, the Mets finally have some youth at the back end of the bullpen, which is something they sorely lacked.

Sure, his prior health issues are a concern in the bullpen, as he often has to get up and stretch himself out on a nearly daily basis. But, so far ,so good on that front.

Mejia has already pitched in both games of a doubleheader (last Sunday) while also pitching two innings to close out the Mets 4-2 victory over the Pirates on Tuesday night. There have been no issues with Mejia taking on the extra load.

With the back of the bullpen being a major weakness, Mejia has calmly eased into the role while fortifying the position tenfold. Considering the Mets have a crop of decent arms on the staff and more down on the farm (not to mention Matt Harvey coming back eventually), this move, in retrospect, made all the sense in the world.

While management has made some pretty terrible and baffling decisions, this is one move they can hang their hat on, as Mejia has found his groove in this role. Even though he expressed some trepidation about going to the bullpen, Mejia has looked awfully comfortable back there. Or is that just me?

Let’s just hope that the people in front of him do their jobs so he can have more opportunities. For now, let’s enjoy that Mejia may have found his true calling.

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May 24, 2014May 24, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Jonathon Niese: One constant for Mets

Not a lot has gone right for the Mets this season, but if there has been one constant bright spot, it has been the pitching of Jon Niese.

To be fair, Dillon Gee would get props here as well, but he unfortunately had to go on the disabled list for a short stretch (and he could be out two more starts, as he has yet to pitch off a mound). Otherwise, he was perhaps the most consistent Mets’ pitcher prior to going down with an lat injury.

However, you gotta give a lot of credit to Niese, though. As he has stayed healthy and been the true anchor in the Mets rotation. When the Mets have needed a lift, they have gotten it from Niese, as he has come through time and time again this year.

After the Mets dropped two straight to the Dodgers and looking pretty lifeless in the process, Niese came in to save the day. Niese pitched a quality outing (7 innings pitched with three runs allowd on four hits and three walks while striking out five batters), while getting enough offense and Jenrry Mejia locking it down in the ninth to pick up his third win of the season.

While the wins are not high, consider the fact that he has seven quality outings in his nine starts. In fact, he has not given up more than three runs in any of his starts and has also gone at least 5 and 2/3 innings in each start except one. He has been the definition of consistency and dependability.

Sure, he wont wow you with his stuff like Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler or a Noah Syndergaard will, but just like Gee, he just continues to get the job done.

Niese is now 3-3 on the year to go along with a 2.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. He also has 43 K’s to just 15 walks in 56 and 2/3 innings pitched. After overcoming some shoulder problems last year and elbow issues earlier in the spring, Niese is starting to really get it in gear again.

While he is no No. 1 pitcher or perhaps even a No. 2, he is a force in the middle of the rotation and he has been the rock the Mets have relied on to somewhat stay afloat. There is not telling where the Mets would be if Niese wasn’t pitching this well.

If Niese can keep this up, maybe he can be part of the all-star team in July. For now, though Mets fans should be thankful we have him around and that he is in good health.

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May 22, 2014May 22, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

How long is the leash for Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom?

After losing yet again last night, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3, the Mets find themselves once again in last place. After a decent start to the season, they were 15-11 on April 29, the Mets have lost 14 of their last 19 games and are now five games under .500, while occupying the NL East basement all to themselves.

Several factors weigh heavily into the Mets recent funk. Notably, the offense has been wretched and even worse has been the performance of the bullpen. Among the factors hindering the Mets thus far this year, starting pitching has been the least of their problems.

However, that’s not to say that the rotation hasn’t been a problem.

Who knew losing Dillon Gee would be so devastating?

At the same time the Mets shifted Jenrry Mejia to the bullpen and Gee going on the DL on May 14, the team has gone 1-6. We have documented the struggles of Bartolo Colon and Zack Wheeler enough already here. So it begs the question, are Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom ready for prime time?

Collectively, they have made four starts, and while three of those have been quality outings, they still have combined to allow 12 earned runs in 23.1 innings pitched while giving up 20 hits and 11 walks. More alarming is the six home runs they have allowed in those 23.1 innings. Between the high number of walks and home runs, it has been an inauspicious start for Montero and deGrom.

Surely, this is a small sample size and they definitely need more time to mature and grow into their roles. Besides, with Gee set to come back sometime next week, one of them is either being demoted or moved to the bullpen. It was supposed to be deGrom that was pushed to the bullpen, but aside from the home run binge on Wednesday night, he has looked the better of the two. Nevertheless, both have shown some holes in their pitching.

Most rookie pitchers will have their usual set of ups and downs and that’s ok, it’s perfectly natural. But can they be able to keep the Mets afloat while the team continues to flounder?

The Mets are on the brink of breaking down completely, and if they don’t show signs of life soon, the season may collapse from beneath them. It should be interesting to see how the team responds and how long of a leash Montero and deGrom get and what exactly their roles will be going forward. Also of note is, when do the Mets bring up the most-heralded prospect on the farm in Noah Syndergaard and make the rotation even more crowded? The Mets at some point this season will have seven quality starters (excluding Daisuke Matsuzaka and Mejia) for five spots.

Obviously, the Mets need to get back the services of Gee and fast. Maybe it will all be for naught, as the Mets may be headed for another losing season. But it should be interesting to see how long Montero and deGrom will last (not to mentioned how they’ll be used) with the Mets while they are up here.

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May 17, 2014May 16, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

Pushing the #FreeLagares campaign

There is a #FreeLagares hashtag trending on Twitter and Facebook as I speak. With each mention of this hashtag, the intensity for the Mets to free outfielder Juan Lagares from the bench is becoming increasingly noticeable and palpable.

Yet another day goes by and Lagares is still sitting, as he was on the bench again on Friday night.

Sometimes Mets’ fans can get carried away with their demands and antics, but this campaign certainly has its merit. You don’t bench an outfielder like Lagares, plain and simple.

Sure, the Mets spent some money in the offseason to acquire Curtis Granderson and Chris Young, while also having spark plug Eric Young on the roster. But, Lagares should not be the one left out in this outfield rotation. When you got a player that can play the outfield the way Lagares does, you don’t let that talent rot on the bench. You play him every day in center and just marvel at what he can do for you

It’s not like Lagars has proven to be one dimensional. After all, he does sport an impressive .296/.336/.439 slash line to go with 11 extra-base hits and 11 RBI’s in 98 at-bats. With Lagares past his hamstring issues, that sidelined him a little more than two weeks earlier in the season, it’s time to take the training wheels off and get Lagares back out there ever day.

Seriously, what’s the hold up?

While Eric Young is not the greatest hitter (.236/.326/.325), when he does get on base, though, he causes havoc. I mean, how can you ignore the 28 runs (tied for sixth in the NL) and 15 stolen bases (second in the NL)? So, it’s natural to want to have him in the lineup at leadoff and in left field, considering the damage he does on the basepaths.

Then in right field there is Granderson, who is finally coming around. While he won’t hit for average (.194), he will give you some pop and he is 7 for his last 25 with two home runs and six RBI’s. He now has five home runs and 19 RBI’s on the year. By the end of the year, you will get what you paid for in Granderson, and that is close to 25 home runs and 90 RBI’s to go along with solid outfield play.

That leaves center field down to Lagares and Chris Young.

Sure, the Mets signed Young in the offseason to a 7.25 million-dollar deal, but the primary agenda should be putting the best lineup out there every day and winning. It’s pretty evident that Lagares is the vastly superior defender, and as of now, looks like the better hitter at the moment too, seeing as though Young is only posting a mediocre .222/.285/.388 slash line. While Young has more pop in his bat, that shouldn’t constitute giving more time than Lagares. Yet, Terry Collins gives us lip service that he is benching Lagares in favor of more offense. Puh–LEASE!

The two definites in the Mets outfield should be Granderson (perhaps sitting him sometimes against real tough lefties) in right and Lagares in center, while going with the hot hand between the Young’s in left.

So, consider this an impassioned plea to the Mets’ front office and Collins: get your heads out of your you-know-what’s and finally #FreeLagares.

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May 10, 2014May 9, 2014 Dan Stack Perspectives

How long will Lucas Duda’s job be safe?

With the New York Mets calling up Wilmer Flores and toying with the idea of replacing Jenrry Mejia in the rotation, the team is certainly trying to mix things up and give the team an added boost.

Will there be any other moves? Who’s jobs are safe?

One such player who has to start pulling his weight is first baseman Lucas Duda. We can excuse him for missing Friday night’s game for feeling under the weather.

After the Mets finally traded away Ike Davis, it gave Duda the prime opportunity to seize the job and run with it. He hasn’t exactly lit it up. Since the Mets traded away Davis on April 18, Duda is 14-54 with one home run and seven RBI’s in 17 games. Overall he has a .266/.355/.425 slash line to go with four home runs and 15 RBI’s in 94 at-bats.

Granted, that’s still a small sample size, but he has not given the Mets the lift many thought he can when they decided to give up on Ike Davis. (side note, Davis is not exactly on fire with the Pirates either).

First base is usually a power position and the Mets would ideally like to get more offense from it. If Duda continues to underwhelm, eventually the Mets might make the call to bring up Allan Dykstra.

With a name like Dykstra, he’s already ahead of the curve with Mets’ fans.

Seriously, though, Dykstra has some pop in his bat and perhaps he can rejuvenate the Mets slumbering bats. In 86 at-bats with the Las Vegas 51’s, Dykstra is sporting an impressive .326/.478/.628 slash line with five home runs, 11 doubles and a team-leading 31 RBI’s.

Now, we have to take those numbers with a grain of salt considering he plays his games in the Pacific Coast League, which is a haven for hitters. But prior to arriving in Las Vegas, Dykstra did hit 21 home runs in 372 at-bats last year in Binghamton. Scouts have said that Dykstra has decent power and sooner or later the Mets might be impulsed to roll the dice on him if Duda can’t cut it.

As a lefty though, if the Mets recall Dykstra, they might put themselves in a another sticky situation like they did when they rostered both Duda and Davis. Two lefty first basemen will not cut it, since you really can’t platoon the both of them and neither will play in the outfield.

With the offense sputtering and, outside of making trades, something has to be done soon. Perhaps Duda needs more time to establish himself with Davis now gone. But if he falters, the Mets just may make another move.

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