The Mets are embarking on their last road trip of the season against three good teams – the Red Sox, Phillies and Nationals. The Mets have been playing well, but how many of these 10 road games can we expect to win? Sunday is expected to feature a matchup of Jacob deGrom and Chris Sale at Fenway Park. Who needs football?

26 comments on “Friday open thread: 9/14/18

  • Metsense

    Matt, you and I,( and certainly Name), know that September Games for non-contending teams like the Mets are meaningless and the results and stats bear less weight then when they are competing in a pennant race. That said, I have been enjoying the turnaround and looking forward to 2019. So the next 10 road trip games should build the culture of winning and therefore the Mets should win at least six of these games. I think the Mets could gauge their progress by doing that.
    In a separate tangent, MLB should address September Games and rosters. It is a farce.

    • IDRAFT

      All true, the roster situation does not fit at all in 2018. I was at both games yesterday (along with less than a thousand “buddies” for Game One) and did take particular delight in the ninth. Not the two home runs per se, but that dopey Mattingly took out his pitcher after getting the first out in the ninth.

      He got what he deserved for that.

  • Pete

    Can’t wait to see the Mets bullpen pitching in Fenway. Hopefully the Mets win on Sunday otherwise the Red Soxs sweep. Don’t be shocked to see Boston put up 10 – 15 runs in 2 of the 3 games. Sorry but the Phillies defense is worst than the Mets. The Nat’s are barely playing .500 ball. Does that constitute 2 good teams?
    I guess its subject to interpretation or sarcasm?

    • Metsense

      Pete, baseball is a funny game. If you were to break down the season into 16 game segments (10%) and your team were to just win one more game in each segment (9-7) and split the remaining two games (1-1) then you would win 91 games and probably make the playoffs. Funny, just playing a little bit better then 500 and you can make the playoffs if you are consistent.

    • MattyMets

      Pete – All 3 teams are over .500. The Nats threw in the towel and were a disappointment this year, but they certainly had the talent to be in the playoffs this year and the Phillies were in the hunt until a week ago. I guess every team looks weak when lumped together with the Red Sox who could win 110 games.

    • TexasGusCC

      Pete, the Mets are throwing Thor, Lugo -hopefully- and deGrom. They could sweep them. Lugo needs to be in the rotation.

  • Pete

    It’s the same as the saying better to be lucky than good sometimes. Health and depth play big roles in a teams success. Unfortunately the Mets have struggled mightily in both. It seems like the Cardinals year in and year out have someone ready to step into their lineup.

  • Pete

    Just for reference I would choose Oakland and Tampa Bay as good teams in the AL. Milwaukee in the NL. They made the moves the Mets should of done this past off season. But I know that’s Monday morning quarterbacking.

  • Madman

    Conforto and Matz for Realmuto? It’s a start.

    • TexasGusCC

      You know…. as a Mets fan, I would do it. The Marlins though wouldn’t. They want upper minor league talent they can control for years. It’s good value though.

    • Eraff

      MM…you’ve suggested that trade at least 10 times. I think it’s a sucky trade.

      The Marlins C Production is 21hr/87 RBI. To Date, The Mets Catchers are 17/67

      That Met Production “includes” virtually an entire month of non-MLB ab’s ny Loboton and Nido.

      You give up a potent young outfield Bat with Big Upside, and a Pitcher who is competitive (also with upside)…175-200 innings a year…..

      …You get a Catcher—a nice player at a Position that is notorious for sapping offensive Production.

      BTW…if the Marlins trade Realmuto, they’re not doing it for 2 guys who are on the cusp of arbitration. If they trade an anchor player, it will be for young, amazing, cheap talent—They’d be far more interested in Giminez and Alonzo–yes,,, Both!!!!, as in Together!!!

      You are no longer in contention to be named Mets GM! 😉

      • Chris F

        BTW…if the Marlins trade Realmuto, they’re not doing it for 2 guys who are on the cusp of arbitration. If they trade an anchor player, it will be for young, amazing, cheap talent—They’d be far more interested in Giminez and Alonzo–yes,,, Both!!!!, as in Together!!!

        ^ +1

        And truth-be-told, thats what it would take for a premier catcher.

        • TJ

          You may be right on the value, but I’m with Eraff. Realmuto is good, but the relative upgrade is not worth the cost. The Mets can get more bang for their buck and/or prospects elsewhere

      • Metsense

        Now I know why you call yourself Madman! That trade would not be a start it would be a screeching halt . Conforto has becoming a star and actually carrying the team as witnessed by the double header.
        Eraff knows what he’s talking about.

    • Mike Walczak

      No. – Machado and Grandal

  • Pete

    Gus I’m not worried about the starters. It’s the pen

  • Eraff

    Machado and Harper in Free Agency…… I thought the Yanks Stanton Move was ill advised, and it now seems to leave them sitting out the market for Both Players. I believe the Red Sox may sit it out as well.

    Machado would be a perfect fit for the Mets. I’d offer him 215 million for 5 years with an opt out after 3. 45,45,45,40,40.

    • Madman

      Mmmm, Cespedes,Wright remember how good those deals looked?

    • TexasGusCC

      Eraff, I’m sorry. I can’t… I just can’t see him getting that money…

      I would say maybe 6/$180, but when I realize there are idiots out there like the Padres that will give Eric Hosmer 7/$144, maybe there’s idiots out there that do 5/$215.

    • Mike Walczak

      Machado is 26 years old. How often do studs like Machado come on to the market at this age ? Twice – Machado and Harper.

      If the Mets are serious about winning a championship, sign him. Gary Carter was the missing piece when they got him in December of 84. Machado is that same type of piece.

    • Metsense

      If you spend that money on Machado then how can we afford a set up man and a closer. That should be the priority. Remember, Cespedes we’ll be coming back in the summer. The Mets are still winning Although the offense is flawed. They should pick up a veteran bargain during the January leftover sale for the offense.

      • Pete

        Non tender d’Arnaud. Trade Flores. Now that the team knows Wright isn’t coming back that’s 15 million the Coupons save. Opening payroll for 2019 becomes 77 million dollars and more manageable after arb hearings.
        You’ll have flexibility on the infield as well.

      • TexasGusCC

        Isn’t that their strategy every year for the offense? Besides, there aren’t really positions available except behind the plate. That is why my vote is for Wilson Ramos, and put him at clean up.

  • Pete

    The Dodgers will do what it takes to sign Machado. Especially if Kershaw opts out of his contract. Move Turner to 2nd base? What about when Seager returns to SS? The Marlins are in total rebuilding mode so I don.t think they’re looking for impact players for next year,

  • Eraff

    Gus…. the 5 year 215 weith the first 3 @45 and an opt out for Machado at the end of the third year…….

    The logic is that the player will be motivated to maximize his lifetime earnings, while guaranteeing himself huge money for 3 or 5 years. The player then gets another shot at a big deal between age 29-31

    For the signing team, it’s a huge commitment, but one that allows you to plan. The player is massively over rewarded for both FA and for taking the shorter deal.

    I believe Machado’s deal will allow him to go back to market in the 3-5 year range…and he should want that.

  • Eraff

    I believe The Mets had a very nice year with Prospect Position Players. Although we don’t get to see much of these guys, the stats at all levels show some strong lower level guys (escpecially at kingsport!), as well as some funtional thru star level guys at AA/AAA.

    I believe the Mets have a very nice stream headed their way.

    Toffey, Cheech, Alonzo, Giminez…. this is substantial talent and those guys will all play next year.

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