Michael Conforto breaks out at home, prime players struggle, Philly matchup

Michael Conforto has homered in three straight games, two behind the club record of five straight contests, set by Richard Hidalgo back in 2004, when three of them came against the Yankees. Conforto hit his first two against the Phillies and then last night’s blast came against the Marlins. But Conforto’s hot hitting extends further [...]

Jason Vargas’ lousiness, Matt Harvey trade, Luis Guillorme gets the call

You know you’re off to a rough start when you allow 4 ER in 4 IP and your ERA goes down. But that’s what free agent acquisition Jason Vargas is going through right now. He’s made three starts, managed just 12.1 IP and has allowed 19 ER, which works to a 13.86 ERA. He’s allowed [...]

Matt Harvey in the bullpen, free Brandon Nimmo, Jerry Blevins’ usage

One criticism of the Mets of recent vintage is that they let the tail wag the dog, especially when it comes to Matt Harvey. So it was both surprising and encouraging to see them act decisively in sending Harvey to the bullpen, soon after he declared to the world that he was a starting pitcher. [...]

Matt Harvey and Tuesday’s pitching decisions, Facebook and pliable managers

It was great to see Matt Harvey back on the mound enjoying success Tuesday night. While he did not factor into the decision, his final line of 5 IP, 1 H, 1 BB and 5 Ks was something that everyone would sign up for given what we witnessed from him in 2017. The only complaint [...]

Steven Matz’ rebound, hot-hitting catchers, Spring Training record

Perhaps the greatest unknown entering Spring Training for the Mets this season was what the team would get from all of the starting pitchers who suffered injuries in 2017. After two Grapefruit League appearances the results were horrific for Steven Matz, an outcome even more disturbing because there was probably more reason for optimism with [...]

The 100-year-old men, Robert Gsellman’s redemption, the Juan Lagares dilemma

September means expanded rosters and the Mets have 33 guys to use as they play out the string. Which may make you wonder why we keep seeing the same lineup with guys on the wrong side of 30 again and again and again. Three of the top five players in PA in September were Jose [...]

Brandon Nimmo gets his shot, Jacob deGrom’s elite company, Terry Collins’ record

Brandon Nimmo’s 2017 hasn’t exactly gone as planned, which makes it just like the rest of his professional career to this point. When the Mets made him their first-round pick back in 2011, few thought he would still be struggling to establish himself at the major league level six years later. But injuries have plagued [...]

David Wright in the WBC, how you say d’Arnaud, Alderson’s WFAN interview

It is time for another round of the World Baseball Classic. This one is going to have a different feel for the Mets, who have been quite well-represented in previous tournaments. While all rosters have yet to be finalized, perhaps David Wright will be the only player from the major league roster to be involved [...]

Mets Notes: Unlucky Santana, 2011 v 2012, Nickeas’ defense

Another Quality Start, another no-decision for Johan Santana Wednesday night. In his last five games, Santana has five QS, a 2.51 ERA with 33 Ks in 32.1 IP and is 1-0. Santana is too big of a person to think about anything but the team, but it kills me to see the Mets consistently waste [...]

Mets Notes: Duda’s start, Thole’s AVG, Citi Field trends

Mets fans had high expectations for Lucas Duda heading into the season. He did not produce much offensively right out of the gate but in his last five starts, Duda has recorded a two-hit game three times. While his bat seems to be heating up, strikeouts have been a problem here in the early going. [...]

Mets Notes: New acquisitions, one-run games, Johan Santana

For one day everything was perfect, as the Mets beat the Braves on Opening Day, 1-0. If you are Sandy Alderson, the victory is extra sweet, as most of his offseason acquisitions played a big role in the outcome. New center fielder Andres Torres scored the game’s only run. New relievers Ramon Ramirez, Jon Rauch [...]