J.D. Martinez is a worthwhile boom or bust candidate

Yesterday the Athletic’s Jim Bowden published one of his trademark articles (subscription required) wherein he ranks a thing, and in this case that thing is the quality of all 30 MLB teams' opening day lineups. Somewhat surprisingly, the Mets are slotted in at 14th behind the likes of the Cubs, Reds, and Padres even with [...]

State’s big men dominate Texas Tech in opening-round upset

Making a mockery of those who thought they would be tired after playing five games in five days … checks notes … despite four days of rest, No, 11 N.C. State ran away from No. 6 Texas Tech, 80-67, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the Pack’s first NCAA tourney win [...]

Who gets the last three spots on the Mets’ Opening Day roster?

With a week before the start of the regular season, the Mets apparently have three spots on their Opening Day roster up for grabs. There are two reliever openings and one bench spot available. The good news is that there are several good options for the back of the bullpen. The not-so-hot news is that [...]

Mets managers from Stengel to Mendoza and everyone in between

In their the inaugural season, the Mets ownership selected Casey Stengel to be their first manager.  Stengel’s MLB playing time spanned from 1912-1925 where he was a .284 career hitter with what would have calculated in today’s terms to a .766 OPS and a more than acceptable OPS+ of 120.  He managed from 1949 to [...]

Sean Manaea’s transformation is key to Mets’ rotation this season

This offseason was unlike any other in the Steve Cohen era of Mets baseball, noted more for the team’s austerity on the free agent market than the previous few years. There are myriad factors for that, but even with some very good players still available, the team seems willing to stand pat with the group [...]

Jose Butto should be in the rotation over Adrian Houser

In December, the Mets acquired Adrian Houser and Tyrone Taylor from the Brewers for an injured minor league pitcher. The Brewers were looking to cut salary and the Mets took advantage, bringing in two players for their Opening Day roster. At the time of the trade up thru today, the thought has been that Houser [...]

Wolfpack takes down Tar Heels to capture their 11th ACC Championship

For the first time since I was a student there in 1987, N.C. State won the ACC Championship with an 84-76 win over No. 1 North Carolina Saturday night. The win guarantees State a spot in the NCAA Tournament and triggers a two-year extension for coach Kevin Keatts, who came into the tournament on the [...]