From 2015-2019, Francisco Lindor was considered one of the top players in the game, a two-way star shortstop. In that span, he posted a 119 OPS+ over 3,244 PA, with a single-season high of 132 in 2018, when he slugged 38 HR. To many, it feels like Lindor has been a disappointment this year so far. Yet, he has a 119 OPS+. It’s just a little tougher to recognize the value of what he’s doing at the plate with the depressed offensive levels we’ve witnessed so far in 2022. Even with a slow start defensively, Lindor is on pace for a 5-fWAR season.
My hope is that Lindor has an extra gear that he can show us. But it’s wise to keep in mind that only one Mets SS in team history has ever recorded a 5-fWAR season, that being Jose Reyes, who turned the trick four times. Reyes’ lowest BABIP total when he turned in a 5-fWAR season was .302 and Lindor has a .269 mark so far this season. Some positive regression towards his lifetime .291 BABIP, combined with improved defensive play the rest of the year could mean Lindor becomes the first Mets shortstop ever to post a 6.0 fWAR.
I still can’t get over Diaz’ blown save Tuesday night. The team killed itself to come back and take the lead after the pitching staff gave up 8 runs, and yet after the game Diaz’ post game presser was sort of “oh well”. He said: “I didn’t do my job tonight”, but it was how he said it. He didn’t look saddened or upset, but kind of a small smile with a ‘oh well, that’s how it goes’ demeanor. I guess I was hoping for a bit more disappointment that comes from passion and the result of knowing you just blew a game that your offense killed itself to get back into. This wasn’t simply blowing a lead, like 2-1, this was a game your team was down big and came back twice, and you blew it, and he showed no regret openly anyway.
Buck Showalter said recently that Diaz doesn’t get too low or too high. He maintains an even keel which allows him to go out and do his job. Maybe that’s what you were seeing instead of indifference. Just a thought…
I wasn’t looking to have him be beside himself, but, at least get rid of the half grin…
Maybe if Lindor played in California, with their baseballs… Did you hear on the broadcast what the Phillies were saying about the ball in California? Did you notice the offense in games played in Cali? Check the box scores.
It is a very good point that we don’t recognize what he is doing at the plate because of the depressed offensive level we are witnessing in 2022. Lindor should be the starting shortstop for the NL. He leads in RC+ and second in fWAR. Swanson, Turner and Adames are his competitors . Maybe Mets fans, myself included, should be thankful for Lindor and ease up on him.
Met fans ease up? LOLLLLLLLLL! Is there such a thing?
Thanks for the stats Metsense, I never realized that. Honestly, the only complaint I had about Lindor were the strikeouts, and he has been much better this year. The whole team has been.
I’m not a big fan of the All-Star Game but when your your team has deserving player then you should support them.
SS Lindor: 1st in wRC+ and R, 2nd in fWAR, HR, OBP, OPS and RBI
LF McNeil: 1st in fWAR, AVG, OBP, OPS and wRC+,2nd in RBI and SLG
2B McNeil 1st in AVG and OBP 2nd in OPS, RBI and wRC+
CF Nimmo: 1st in fWAR, R, AVG, OBP, OPS and wRC+, 2nd in SLG and Def
These three players are the best player at their positions, SS, LF and CF and McNeil is the 2nd best player at 2B.
No Pete?
After the last five day, maybe, but I was talking about the best at their position.
Goldschmidt is the best. Freeman is slightly better than Alsonso but Pete is hot and could pass him. Remember though, the Rockies have to have a representative so Crone is it likely representative. In the three other Mets are the best in their positions; LF, CF and SS.
I saw that Donaldson apologized to Jackie Robinson’s family today? What I want to know is ‘Why? Anderson referred to himself as the next Jackie Robinson, according to a recent news article, which was a totally asinine statement. Jackie Robinson was a courageous and accomplished player whose significance was enormous. Tim Anderson had no business comparing himself to the Great Jackie Robinson. It seems to me entirely appropriate that Donaldson mocked Anderson’s claim. I can’t see how that showed any disrespect to Robinson, only justifiable disrespect to Anderson. So why is he being humiliated in the press? I have an opinion, but I’ll leave keep it to myself for a while.
Earlier today I was wondering how the Mets were going to handle things with their bullpen being taxed. We just got the answer — Adonis Medina to the majors and Dominic Smith to Syracuse.
Well, Dom did want to go to a team where he could play everyday.
But, yes, I noticed they were short in the pen on a Williams start day.
The Mets will either score a lot tonight or Buck will wave the white flag.