The Mets are not going to win 90 games this season, and that is a fact. It is mathematically impossible for the Mets to win 90 games, and the team’s elimination numbers are running low, so hope for the 2014 season is now officially lost. Luckily, the playoffs are not the only thing September baseball is for. During September, Major League rosters can expand up to 40 players on a team, which allows some of the young stars in the Mets farm system to get their first taste of playing on a Major League club. So far, the biggest name that has moved up in the Mets’ system this September is Dilson Herrera, and he has had an up and down few weeks. But there is more to look forward to than just Herrera. Fans can also look forward to seeing other prospects, possible trades, and a peek into the Mets future.
Noah Syndergaard and Kevin Plawecki are more than just AAA Las Vegas battery mates: they are the Mets top two prospects according to mlb.com. Neither of them have had a great season in the minors, but they may be ready to be brought up for their cup of tea with the Mets. There is no reason not to promote these two prospects, so it is only a matter of time before the Mets call them up. Syndergaard would be a great addition to the team’s bullpen and Plawecki would do well in the roll of backup catcher/Syndergaard’s personal catcher. And for anyone who does not think they should be brought up, think of it this way: it would only be for a few weeks, and it would save them the struggle of being brought up in the beginning of 2015.
Another thing to look forward to this September is the possibility of the Mets making a trade. Even though it is the last month of the season, the Mets can still trade players through waivers. However, the player that they trade would not be eligible to play in the post season, so some of the playoff teams may resist making trades. While this may seem like an odd idea, a trade like this would benefit both sides. Bartolo Colon is just dead weight with the Mets right now, and he could help a team who is trying to make a push to the post season get there. This includes teams such as the Dodgers, Athletics, Giants, Angels, and Orioles. On the Mets side of the trade, they would get a bundle of players and/or prospects, which would help them in the future when the team is ready to compete.
The final thing to look out for this September is a possible peek into the Mets future. Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson’s contract is ending soon, and the Mets are talking to him about a possible contract extension. As they should, Mets fans have had different reactions when hearing about this. Although the Mets have been an embarrassment since Alderson took over, he has also built up a bright future for the ball club that may allow them to compete as soon as 2015. Another move the Mets may do concerns manager Terry Collins. Collins’ contract also expires in the near future, so the Mets may want to extend his contract. Hopefully, the Mets will not extend him, as he has not done any good for the team during his tenure (and yes, I do feel the same way about Alderson).
September is a fun month for all baseball fans, whether their team is in the race or not. For teams who are in the playoff picture, September is the chance for them to make a push and end up playing in October. As for teams who are not in the playoff picture, September is a time to look into the crystal ball, and see what their future holds. For the Mets, they will be looking into the crystal ball, and hopefully making a move or two this September, so here is to a great rest of the 2014 season!
A little something, maybe its just circumstantial evidence … but I noticed that since Flores has been teamed up at SS with Herrera, Wilmer has come alive.
Not just with the bat either, with the glove as well.
A few things to keep in mind here. While I believe Thor needs to be protected on the 40 man this coming year I’m pretty sure Plawecki does not need to be added. I would certainly characterise Thor’s season as being a bit of a journey of self discovery but after a slow start Plawecki has been so hot that he has brought his AAA average up to .280 plus in recent days so he’s doing just fine.
Hererra got his first start last Friday so the “a few weeks” quote is pretty inaccurate. He’s shown a sweet swing and a few errors in the field probably because of nerves. He’s had so few at bats though It’s still a SUPER small sample size that nothing can be drawn from.
As for Colon, I wouldn’t have a problem trading him but I’d also consider trading Gee or Niese instead in the off-season since Colon has been our most consistent starter who is pitching a ton of innings and from what I hear, mentoring the young guys.
Flores has been looking a little better then advertised on D and his offense is finally starting to come around.
Neither Syndergaard nor Plawecki is going to be recalled this year. Nor is either likely to start the season with the Mets in 2015. First of all, neither is on the 40 man roster as yet (because neither has to be, as yet). Second, neither is anything approaching ready. Noah throws hard, but he hasn’t proven he can consistently get minor leaguers out, yet, let alone major leaguers. Figure mid-summer 2015 for Noah, and that’s optimistic (I’d be inclined to trade him, myself). Plawecki, you’re looking at 2016, in all likelihood. It’ll only be sooner if d’Arnaud is acknowledged as a total loss before then. Colon’s value to another team is minimal. There were no serious offers at the trade deadline (for all the rumors involving the Angels, when asked directly, their GM said he’d rather go with what he had than trade for Colon), so a September trade is unlikely. Best bet for trading Colon, now, is towards the end of spring training next year. And I wouldn’t count on getting any kind of “bundle” for him.
Actually, there was a significant piece on metsblog that indicated if anything Thor is reasonably ahead of either Wheeler or Harvey at this point – and there is every reason to bring him to Queens.
I mean, just as an example, Syndergaard has thrown 5% more innings than Wheeler, and nearly 100% more innings than Harvey, and he’s been more effective at a higher level of competition than either.
Colon won’t be traded. He has little value until the off season because he can’t be on a playoff roster after August 31st. Syndergaard and Plawecki won’t see the majors this year. Herrera and Montero will most likely the only big time prospects that we’ll see in September. I’m watching den Dekker, Flores and Herrera, as well as Duda ‘s 30th bomb, deGrom ‘ s bid for rookie of the year and d’Arnaud ‘ s continued improvement.
As “Dbarn86” said, Herrera has only been up for a few days so it remains unlikely until the end of September than anyone will have an idea of what he actually is- if then. You mentioned that Plawecki “didn’t have a great season,” but he did. On the top 10 catchers list for MLB.com he had the highest OPS for any catcher that had more than 300 AB. Regardless, while both should probably be here neither will arrive due to the AAA playoffs and the fatigue factor facing both. Colon won’t be traded until the winter meetings. As Scott said, lets watch den Dekker, Flores, Herrera, Duda, deGrom, and d’Arnaud.