Please use this thread to comment on any Mets-specific topic you wish.
Corey Oswalt‘s name has been mentioned several times here recently in the comments section. Among others, Wobbit made a reference that he liked him and Matty Mets came down unequivocally with the exact opposite conclusion. Oswalt has split time between the majors and minors since 2018 and frankly hadn’t pitched well enough while in the majors to deserve more opportunities than he actually received. Yet somehow this season he has 6.1 IP and 1 ER for a 1.42 ERA.
Even for that tiny sample, it’s enough to go – wow.
A big issue for Oswalt has been the gopher ball. Here are his HR/9 rates in Triple-A and the majors since 2018:
2018 AAA – 1.55
2018 MLB – 1.95
2019 AAA – 0.93
2019 MLB – 1.35
2020 MLB – 2.08
2021 AAA – 2.77
2021 MLB – 0.00
Obviously, we can’t draw any conclusions from 6.1 IP. But none of the samples listed above were particularly large. Of the seven seasons listed above, the largest sample was Triple-A in 2019, where he logged 86.2 IP. That was the year he had his best HR/9, at least before this season in the majors.
It’s tough to make the case that you deserve more MLB innings when you give up a 1.95 HR/9 in 2018 and a 2.08 rate in 2020. But we should at least consider the possibility that Oswalt’s issues have been influenced by some small sample issues along with poor pitching.
Another interesting thing with Oswalt is to track his K/BB ratios. Let’s again look at those since 2018 like we did previously with HR/9:
2018 AAA – 2.60
2018 MLB – 2.25
2019 AAA – 5.27
2019 MLB – 0.83
2020 MLB – 5.50
2021 AAA – 5.00
2021 MLB – 6.00
In 2018 his K/BB ratios were nothing special. The next year, he did great in Triple-A and horrible in the majors. Last season he had terrific results in MLB. Now in 2021, he’s been good at both levels. Now, it hasn’t even been 20 combined innings here in 2021. But in 19.1 IP total between the two levels, Oswalt has 4 BB and 21 Ks.
You keep the ball in the park and strike out five times as many guys as you walk – that’s a recipe for success.
Oswalt is a borderline major leaguer. When he was DFA no team claimed him. His 2017 AA minor league season was good but he hadn’t progressed like should’ve. He disappointed me. I think he can fit on the Mets as an useful long relief mop up man that eats 3-5 innings. His propensity to surrender the homerun eliminates him from higher pressure situations . He will have to improve in order to change my mind. This season’s improved pitching is a start and because he is pitching well, and SRF has options, Oswalt should stay on the MLB roster when Famalia returns.
Peterson is injured and will miss his July 5th start and possibly his July 10th start. The Mets shouldn’t plan on a Reliever game because they don’t have an off day until the all-star game so the bullpen won’t time to recover. I guess Oswalt will get another chance to start.
Just a feeling,just a hunch,Mets are going to get Donaldson from Twins!
Just a hunch?
Let’s look at this. JD Davis makes 2.1 million this year and goes through arbitration the next two years. Donaldson is making 23 million this year and will make 21 million each of the next two years. If I am the Mets, I’d invest the money somewhere else.
Mets can go to the playoffs this year and maybe the WS. The offense stinks. Donaldson plays third,bats right and is a perfect fit. Shouldn’t cost much in talent because of that contract. He could be the lightning in the bottle that they need.
Oswalt’s role is to replace Gsellman effectively. I think he can handle it. AS Metsense said, certainly not a high leverage guy, but he seems to have both refined his command as well as perhaps his pitch sequencing…a guy without much margin for error.
We wont be saying Oswalt will be a good option anymore after he gets blasted.
A DFA waiting to happen? I’m hoping he makes good.
I’ve never met Corey Oswalt. Maybe he’s a really nice guy. I’m sure he’s worked very hard to get here and has long dreamed of being a big league pitcher. I wish him nothing but the best. Let’s not make too much of two solid relief outings. Sometimes batters hit it right at someone or the defense makes great plays. It’s not like he came in and was unhittable and struck out 12 in six innings. On a healthy, playoff caliber roster, he would be in AAA where he belongs.
Mets need to add some arms via trade.
I always liked Oswalt… no worse than Gsellman… but indeed borderline.
I like Megill a lot… looks like a tough kid (unlike Peterson, Matz).
Tiring of Reid-Foley.
They better get Castro figured out… important piece.
Is Trevor May back to being dependable?
We need another lefty.