Use this thread to comment on any Mets-specific topic you wish.
The bullpen has had a few rough outings lately but the great majority of times has come through with flying colors. Earlier, we talked about the need for good teams to have multiple reliable relievers, preferably at least four with an ERA+ over 100. Here are the Mets relievers with at least 10 IP and an ERA+ of 100 or more:
Miguel Castro – 29.2 IP, 128
Edwin Diaz – 28 IP, 135
Trevor May – 26.2 IP, 105
Robert Gsellman – 26.2 IP, 105
Aaron Loup – 22.2 IP, 246
Jeurys Familia – 22.1 IP, 108
Drew Smith – 15.2 IP, 114
Seth Lugo has yet to reach double digit innings but will soon add his name to the list. So, even with two of these guys now on the IL, the Mets have six average or better relievers to call upon in the late innings. If only the starters would quit getting hurt and give the team six or more innings per game, life would be good. You know, on those days when the offense gets more than two hits…
Brian, et.al., when Lucchesi added a change-up to his arsenal, he became dominant. Is there any reason to think the change-up contributed to his UCL tear? (Does a change-up put a lot of stress on an elbow?)
James, according to a NY Times study from a few years ago that involved respected scientists and researchers, no pitch puts more strain on the elbow than a fastball, especially for guys who throw 90+.
Thanks. I thought curveballs did, which is why Little Leaguers were encouraged not to throw that many, but that was something I heard quite a few decades ago.
It occurred to me recently that a potentially major reason that MLB is losing fans is that kids can’t watch for free. You can’t follow your town’s team without paying extra. When I was a boy, I could watch the Mets on Channel 9, but no more.
James, it seems the number of Mets games on NY channel 11 (used to be 9) dwindles every year. I place more blame on MLB for not having more day or early evening games. Last World Series, the games all started at 9. It’s more things like that and not making a day at the park affordable that turn kids off. They also do a terrible job marketing their stars. Mike Trout should be as big as LeBron and Brady. Kids should be talking about Guerrero and Tatis like they do Steph Curry and Damian Lillard. The draft should be an event like it is in the NFL and NBA. Instead of paying attention to the next generation of baseball fans, MLB is busy obsessing over pine tar and spin rates and shaving seconds off the game with the automatic intentional walk. MattyMets rant over.
I agree, MattyMets.
I wonder what it take to trade for Jose Barrios who has one year remaining on his contract.
James, what I’ve been hearing is that Minnesota considers him part of their future, along with Buxton and a few others. They’ll unload some veterans for sure, but I think it would take too much to pry away Berrios.
This feels like a special year. Looking forward to the trade deadline.
I saw his name mentioned in an article online about possible trades at the deadline, so that’s why I asked. I appreciate all your responses.
9-7? Not likely. 7-9,take it? 2-5 means even that is a stretch the way this team is hitting! Conforto, McNeil, Pete, Dom, Lindor, two or three have to start hitting. When is Nimmo due back?
A public service message for the Mallex Smith fans that are not members of his family, he signed a minor league deal with the Reds. No Rick Porcello signings to report on…
Hard to understand exactly why Porcello is still out there. I understand he has his pride and the offers may not be to his liking or possibly going to the minors, but would he rather sit out? I don’t really like him, but he’s better than Bartolo Colon, and Colon is next of the Mets call list, LOL.
Just thinking,maybe it’s time to bat Lindor in a different spot. Analytics seem to think your best hitter should bat second. Maybe bat him fifth or try him at lead off. The two hole 60 games in doesn’t seem to be working. It’s kind of like Cano in his first year.
Both McNeil and Conforto showed up tonight, which might have helped Lindor relax and get good contact. The number 2 guy just has to be a high contact guy, and for much of this year the ball missed his barrel.
But certain a good game or two will quiet the Lindor critics, and if the team scores some runs, Lindor will be there to stay.
I want to point out that Pillar hits three balls a game on the nose. He’s earned at least a full-time platoon with Nimmo or Smith… might be our most consistent offensive player this season.
OK, I answered a bunch of questions on here, but before you think I’m “some kinda know-it-all,” there’s something I don’t know and hope someone on here can clue me in. Players like Corey Oswalt who’ve been up and down several times, I’m pretty sure they don’t earn the league minimum, but do they earn a prorated portion while on the big league club? Or are they paid at some other rate?
Pro-rate, unless they have a split-contract or even a MLB contract like McWilliams had.