For the first time in what seems like an eternity, the Mets are heading into the upcoming season with legitimate and justifiable confidence. The only caveat? Two pitchers that the Mets were counting on have gone down with the infamous Tommy John Surgery condition. Zack Wheeler‘s injury has already been deemed inevitable opening up the opportunity for numerous Mets prospects, but the loss of Josh Edgin has been both blown out of proportion and largely ignored. Many people have put too much emphasis on the left-handed reliever (LOOGY), while others completely dismiss the need for it. In reality, they serve a purpose for specific hitters that simply cannot hit lefties.
On Monday, it was announced that the Mets had acquired left-handed reliever Alex Torres from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Cory Mazzoni and a player to be named later. Torres is widely known around the league, but not necessarily for his pitching. Let’s look at this trade from all angles.
At this point, it certainly doesn’t take a genius to realize that this trade was to fill the void left by Edgin’s absence. After all, Edgin had a sparkling 1.32 ERA last season. In addition to that void, the Mets were already having an open tryout to find the second lefty in the bullpen- which has been a disaster. The top candidates for the job have all faltered in some way or another to the point where strikeout-machine Jack Leathersich and former workhorse Scott Rice have both been demoted. Scott Gilmartin and Dario Alvarez have both struggled this spring, which led Sandy Alderson to a bit of a panic. Thus, Torres has arrived.
Torres is widely known around the major leagues for being the only pitcher to wear the protective headgear. He has said that after witnessing Alex Cobb getting hit in the neck, it could save his life someday. Performance-wise, Torres has been able to build a reputation for retiring hitters on a regular basis. After spending his entire minor league career primarily as a starter, Joe Madden converted him to a reliever. He was successful in both 2011 and 2013 before getting sent to San Diego. His splits last season were quite impressive against both lefties and righties: .209/.275/.282 vs. righties and .256/.417/.322 vs. lefties. He is basically new version of Edgin with better splits against righties than lefties. His numbers suggest that he could stay in for full innings rather than one batter. Torres will slide in nicely with the other hard-throwers in the Mets bullpen as his average fastball velocity hovers around 94mph and a changeup that is usually around 85-86mph.
What about the Mets return for the lefty? Mazzoni has been hopelessly ignored by the Mets since his arrival in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft. He has quietly been very solid as a starter in hitting environments. He posted an ugly 4.68 ERA last season in AAA Las Vegas, but backed it up with 75 strikeouts in 77 innings. The Mets unfortunately have no immediate spot for him, unless he were to replace Carlos Torres. Many probably won’t miss him, but he could have quite the career in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park. My guesses for the PTBNL are just as good as anyone else’s, but let’s hope the player isn’t someone too special.
So what would the bullpen look like if the season opened today?
CL: Jenrry Mejia
SU: Jeurys Familia
SU: Jerry Blevins
MR: Carlos Torres
MR: Alex Torres
MR: Sean Gilmartin
LR: Rafael Montero
We’ll see if this move pays off, but it could be that Alderson has taken the correct path this time.
You always have to be mindful of the PTBNL but assuming it’s nothing to big, I like both deals. I think it balances what can be a good to very good pen and you traded assets that don’t seem to fit into your long term plans.
Sandy overpaid with just Mazzoni. That it has a PTBNL is just stupid.
The denDekker was even worse. Why would you give up 4 or so years of control for MDD for a player that is a free agent at the end of the year?
What the Mets should have done wa to trade Mayberry, send MDD down and keep Puello. Now they may lose Puello as well. Stupid but typical Mets.
Why would the Mets keep MDD when they have two younger and better left-handed outfield prospects on the way? Plus, Puello is nothing but a bust at this point.
Mr. Gomes, initially I felt the same about the den Dekker trade but agreed with the Torres trade. I am more comfortable with the den Dekker trade once I’ve learned of Blevins’ success and realizing that Alderson may have been forced to make it.
First, considering the Torres trade, Cory Mazzoni is a starting pitcher that only has two reliable pitches: a mid90’s fastball and a curve. He doesn’t have a third pitch that a starter would need to have once they turn over the lineup, and the third time through, he would get killed. So, he was ticketed for relief anyway because even Torres has that reportoire and he’s a lefty.
Now, the Blevins deal. On the surface, den Dekker is a nice young player and Blevins is a proven reliever, and you have “to give, to get”, as they say. But, what else has been going on lately?
Fred Wilpon has reappeared and made already two appearances with the on-field performers of the team; that is the manager and the players. It seems that the front office would like to get rid of Collins, as written in the new biography about Alderson and Alderson is almost in agreement. If Alderson doesn’t get Collins all the pieces he has publicly called for, it may be difficult for Alderson to convince Fred Wilpon to not pick up the option or maybe even fire him. Understand, although Alderson “hired” Collins, it was at the strong recommendation of Fred Wilpon. What would you do if your boss, who just hired you, told you that he has a preference for a manager? Further, remember at the All-Star game in 2013 when Fred Wilpon was asked if he planned on firing Collins and his response was that he’s done a great job considering what he had to work with? That is an indictment on Alderson. Therefore, I believe Alderson may need to convince Fred Wilpon that Collins has all the pieces to win, by getting him whatever he wants. And so if the team fails, it’s on Collins, not Alderson. For this reason, den Dekker had to be traded or Washington doesn’t make the trade.
A long post, but just my read into what I’m seeing.
Gus going to the press and complain is typical of Collins. Remember his I’m here to win tantrum. He can’t be blamed for the teams failures if he doesn’t have the players who can produce. really?I thought the Mets were in cost cutting/rebuilding mold for the past 4 years? The Wilppons needed a Maddon type manager who could nurture and develop the kids. Not ostracize and banish them because he wants to win now. How is that having the manager and GM both on the same page? A dysfunctional organization from top to bottom. 2015 is going to be no different.
In response to the above, lets all relize that we are now in the positon where there are logjams in the minors (middle infield, Starters and mabe outfield). Yesterday, we saw that our minors can be used if done wisely. We haven’t seen this situaton in years…………..
I like both trades. I think MDD is a fourth outfielder at best and the Mets have a solid one in Kirk. I’m not a big Mazzoni guy and the Mets are deep in right handed pitching. We now have two proven bullpen arms and more depth. That works.
I actually like what I’ve seen of Gilmartin thus far and think he’s fine as a loogy. Torres gives us another hard thrower from the other side and we didn’t give up much to get him IMO. I question the Blevins deal. Why did we need a third lefty? Why did we give up MDD? I know MDD and Newy are redundant, but as I’ve written before, you know it’s a matter of time until Cuddyer gets injured and Mayberry should never be playing every day. I suppose Campbell could always just see more OF time. Conforto and Nimmo are both a year away and I just don’t buy the hype on Puello. I fear that outfield depth could be this team’s achilles heel (along with infield defense).
i thought that was the idea when you build up your minor league system. Trade from your depth and excess parts for what a team needs now to win.
The Mets had a need for the 2015 team and it was addressed. This is what a playoff team is supposed to do. About time.
Two solid moves by Alderson to address a team need for this season.
Key words: this season.
Finally, it’s shifted to the present tense, and I’m very happy about it.
Mazzoni might become what Torres already is; the PTBN might hurt a little.
Matt den Dekker’s value is in CF; the Mets already have one of those. When the current team needs help, a club can’t keep too many players “just in case.”
One note: Kirkkkkk had a torrid start, but once pitchers started using their full arsenals, he returned to being himself. There’s a narrative that he’s figuring it out, but I doubt that’s true. He’s a number five outfielder, a mistake hitter, and that’s all.
After those two moves, the 2015 Mets stand a better chance of making the playoffs. I like the mentality.
So you envision three lefties in the pen to start the season? Collins may wet his pants.