This season has been a horror show for the Mets, who entered the campaign with designs on a playoff berth but have stumbled to a 39-48 record thus far. With the July 31 trade deadline just over three weeks away, the Brodie Van Wagenen-led club looks like a surefire seller. However, the Mets have told other teams they’re still in wait-and-see mode when it comes to the deadline, Buster Olney of ESPN tweets.
The Mets have shown no real life since a decent early start to the season. As lousy as they’ve been over the past couple months, though, the Mets still aren’t completely dead in the National League playoff race. While New York is 12 1/2 games back of Atlanta in the NL East, it’s a more manageable 6 1/2 out of a wild-card spot. That’s not an insurmountable total with three months remaining on the schedule. However, as the NL’s second-worst team, it’s going to be a massive challenge for the Mets to hop over 10 clubs with superior records in order to earn a playoff spot.
The greater likelihood is the Mets will indeed wind up selling off select veterans by the end of the month. Doing so would enable the team to somewhat improve a farm system that’s lacking – especially after the Mets traded top 100 prospects Jarred Kelenic and Justin Dunn to the Mariners in a winter deal for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz. Three months into the season, the disappointing performances of Cano and Diaz are among the reasons the Mets are in this unfavorable position.
There are two obvious trade chips on the Mets in right-hander Zack Wheeler and third baseman Todd Frazier, both impending free agents. Multiple teams have already shown interest in Wheeler, arguably the best rental starter who could change hands this month. Lefty Jason Vargas has perhaps pitched his way onto starter-needy teams’ radars, meanwhile, and there has been speculation about the Mets trying to move catcher Wilson Ramos. They may have buyers’ remorse in the first season of Ramos’ two-year, $19MM contract.
PeeWeeGaskins
Those contending Mets. Lel.
deweybelongsinthehall
I’m in the minority but their farm is only “lacking” in the pitching department. Every day players have recently done well and my guess is players that were stuck behind McNeil, Alonso, Smith et al. will do fine if given an opportunity. Cano can’t be moved but they should give others a shot and rid the roster of Frazier, Hechevarria, Legares and even Conforto. By including.Conforto whose value is not as great as fans might think, they might though get a prospect back that could help in the future. Maybe even package some with Wheeler or Thor to create a package like the Yankees got from the White Sox a few years back. Any return will be a gamble as none of the above will bring a stud back in return. Sorry Mets fans but that includes the pitchers. Thor is so inconsistent that he may be favorably compared to former Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly. Great power arm but with it he brings a lot of frustrations. Favorably compared but compared nonetheless. In the past, I never would have even thought of the two as a comparison.
floridapinstripes
You need to brush up on your trades.
Yanks didn’t get prospects from the white Sox.
Yanks sent Rutherford, Clarkin,clippard and Polo for Todd Frazier, Robertson and Kahnle. You must be thinking of Miller and Chapman trades
deweybelongsinthehall
You misread my post. They got multiple valuable but not superstar players in one trade for prospects not counting Clippard. Regardless of how it worked out for Chicago, they got prospects back.
Seaver rules
U keep Degrom, Alonso, McNeil. Why move Conforto, Thor n Diaz. There still under control. Next summer trade Thor because he will be pitching for a new contract (the size of Degrom) and the Mets won’t pay him.
Seaver rules
Send Ramos and Frazier to Padres for Hunter Renfroe and Kirby Yates. Padres have been looking to unload both. Send Wheeler and Lagares to Twins for their top catching prospect n a AA Pitching prospect.
rizdakc99
Lol
yankees2016rebuild
I remember when some people said the Mets robbed the Mariners. How is that working out guys. Cano is done only their to collect that huge paycheck. Diaz might bounce back but I bet he misses Safeco field. And for a pitcher to do worst going from the AL to the NL not a good sign. Hey at least you guys got those amazing aces right. If they could ever last a full season with out getting hurt.
SalaryCapMyth
Diaz isnt the only AL pitcher that was really good in thw AL but then turned into a Dumpster fire in the NL. Jose Quintana for thr Cubs and more recently Chris Archer.
24TheKid
How would a closer benefit from going from the AL to the NL?
Oxford Karma
Guys haven’t seen him as much. A reliever switching leagues should always be an advantage to the reliever.
Polish Hammer
They haven’t seen him and have no book on him means he hasn’t seen them and has no book on them either. Easier for hitters to research one pitcher or one pitcher to study the 100s of hitters he now has to face?
myaccount
He pitched under 175 innings in the AL. Hardly would say he had a book on hitters.
Polish Hammer
And 8 innings of 162 game schedule to sit in the pen and discuss hitters with the other relievers. Several seasons in the AL, regardless of IP, and I’m sure he’s done advance scouting with video to know what he was gonna face on most nights.
jim stem
And this once again falls on the coaching staff, lack of preparation, pitch selection, etc. Nobody ever doubts the talent, so where should the blame fall? The manager, the pitching coach? How about the failure of the players to prepare and execute? Honestly, I watch nearly every Mets’ game and never see a pitcher shake off the catcher. What I do see is terrible pitch selection, not enough change ups and even worse execution. Even deGrom is routinely missing his targets. Too much emphasis on radar guns and not enough on ‘strike one’, mixing up speeds or pitching inside. It’s just bad.
Oxford Karma
It’s not the same as seeing a pitcher. Pitchers have the initial advantage. That why teams are reluctant to let a guy face a lineup a third time, or why teams don’t use a guy repeatedly against a division team in spring training.
yobulldoggie
Thank you for this intelligent and reasoned comment.
jleve618
I’d say it’s harder, gonna see a pinch hitter at every opportunity.
deweybelongsinthehall
It’s likely more the ball than the park. It has to get fixed as otherwise a pitcher or batter could get significantly hurt. Eckersley on a recent Sox telecast said it’s like a golf ball today. He used to move the ball’s skin rubbing it for a grip. The only skin that will move today is your own (paraphrasing what was said).
jdgoat
Relievers don’t face pitchers, so that switching leagues comment isn’t really relevant.
rct
Who said that the Mets robbed the Mariners? It was known from the start that the Mets paid a premium.
DarkSide830
i figured it was a win for NYM, even if it was a stupid time to make a win-now trade. i didn’t think Dunn and Kelenac were as good as they were hyped up to be, but also figured Diaz wouldnt struggle this much, and i doubt anyone thought Bruce and Swarzak would (arguably) outpreform Cano.
fits65
Hey dark…the point of the stupidity of the trade is that this will be cano’s best year with the Mets. He has been on a slide which will continue to accelerate so performance becomes more costly day by day.
DarkSide830
hey, if you predicted him to be exactly this bad, good for you. but for the sake of the Mets contending chances in 2019, it made sense to believe he would be much better then the aforementioned two
JoeBrady
i didn’t think Dunn and Kelenac were as good as they were hyped up to be
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Why not?
SalaryCapMyth
Dunn is listed as the 67th top prospect and Kellenic as 24th by pipeline so I would say ypu were wrong in deciding that they were hyped to much meaning that even from the perspective of fove months ago the Mets paid a premium.
DarkSide830
Dunn is a solid pitching prospect, but i wouldnt say he’s all that special. As for Kelenac, he’s certianly a good outfield prospect, but an outfielder that far from the majors who really hadnt been tested yet for arguably the second best reliever in baseball isnt outlandish at all.
DarkSide830
Kelenic was not ranked in the top 50 at the start of the season, and according to to most commenters here prospect rankings mean nothing. im willing to accept it was a high price, but i think its a reasonable bet to say the jury is still out on wether or not either of the two will pan out. Dunn has been okay at best in AA and Kelenic hasnt even gotten there yet. as for Diaz, hindsight would say he hasnt been worth it this year, but at the time just about any team with a need at the back end of a pen would have paid a similar price.
nvmets
Mets “ROBBED” the Mariners? I sure didn’t see a whole lot of those opinions going around.
The trade only made sense for the Mets if they were going all in. And in typical Mets fashion, they didn’t. The rest of the offseason consisted of second or third tier acquisitions. So here we are.
And aces lasting full seasons ain’t the problem with this team. They’ve blown 21 saves, pacing for the most in the history of baseball. Reverse just half of the losses that have come from those BS and they’re a few games above .500, in second WC position.
carlos15
It’s always ironic to read a post that’s sarcastic yet riddled with grammar issues.
of9376
I will say that I hated the Cano trade but I went into the season with hope that he could produce for two seasons. Boy was I wrong. Age has really caught up to him. Slow and powerless.
Mets are in a really bad spot with Cano as they couldn’t trade him even if they ate most of his contract. This contract is going to kill this franchise for the next three years.
yankees2016rebuild
Mets o Mets I still remember you guys saying you had a dynasty team after losing that world series the best pitching ever. What happened…
slash78
They went back to being the Mets.
rct
Yet again, who said this? No one.
jleve618
I thought everyone said that. All the closet mets fans. It was a big deal.
DarkSide830
im not gonna say i remember hearing it, but it sounds plenty plausible.
fits65
They disappeared in mid May and have been noticeable this holiday weekend wearing green helmets.
Those on here that are still defending it are in deep denial and desperately in need of therapy.
padnastikador
Todd Frazier to the Rangers. 3B has been a weak spot without Beltre.
ryanw-2
Stop pondering and sell. You don’t want to be the Tigers.
PeeWeeGaskins
Tigers are in the early stages of a rebuild, not trading Top 100 guys for Robinson Cano.
64' Yanks
The Mets are snaked bit….maybe they should consult with their investment banker Bernie Madoff.
fits65
That was over ten years ago…proof how inept the Wilpon’s are that they can’t right their finances after milking Mets fans for a decade.
JoeBrady
That was over ten years ago…proof how inept the Wilpon’s are that they can’t right their finances after milking Mets fans for a decade.
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That seems to be a problem in NY when rich dads give their sons a sports team for their birthday. At least they didn’t Dolanize the team.
CharlieH
Yet.
joedirte4life
Everyone said during the offseason that the Mets should have rebuilt and sell off assets like Wheeler and Syndergaard. But Van Wagenen sold Wilpon a bill of goods and made him think they could contend. So they spend big on Ramos and made that backbreaking trade for Cano and giving away their top prospect in Jarred Kelenic for Diaz who isn’t playing at the nearly impossible level he did last year.
So now the Mets have added a lot of dead money gutted the farm system and are still in 4th place. Thor and Wheeler have lost a lot of value and if it wasnt for Alonso they would have nothing to really cheer for.
SalaryCapMyth
The way I heard the story the Wilpons were looking for a GM who felt like the Mets could win and not have to rebuild.
bencole
Yeah Salcapmyth has it right per reports
fits65
Then the Wilpon’s were successful in finding what they were looking for.
JoeBrady
“Everyone said during the offseason that the Mets should have rebuilt and sell off assets like Wheeler and Syndergaard. ”
I couldn’t disagree more. They had the rotation to be one of the best teams in BB. With a market as big as NY, they badly needed to add salary, not tank. Their mistake, imvho, was trying to gt a little cheap, and trading prospect(s) for what they needed, instead of simply buying it on the open market.
And a lot of bad execution. Signing Lowrie for $10M, to back up McNeil, who himself is a backup, was a waste of money. Trading for a 36 y.o. Cano, just after getting busted for PEDs, was a mistake.
All these moves worked out worse than they should have, but the NYMs should’ve been adding salary years ago.
inkstainedscribe
Every account I’ve read says the Wilpons have no money to add salary because they lost just about everything to Madoff. They’re apparently having to operate the team on a cash-and-carry basis. TV money has to be keeping them afloat now.
Small sample size, but BVW (like Dave Stewart before him) suggests former agents may be lousy running front offices because they can’t get past their own BS about how valuable players really are.
The Mets should demand high returns but sell, sell, sell and plan to compete again after restocking the farm.
steelerbravenation
I don’t know where you read what you read but from what I hear living here in NY is that there is a strong sense they actually profited off the Madoff scheme.
The Mets problem is the money owed for their new stadium. Just look at the insurance money collected by the Wilson’s for Cespedas & Wright and that money not reinvested into the team. That just shows you how cheap they are.
steelerbravenation
Brodie messed up
LaMeiu > Lowrie
Ottovino > Familia
Grandal > Ramos
Also you can’t have a team full of corner OFers & 3rd baseman.
Also continuing to bat Cano 3rd
fits65
Hey joe-the Mets HOF rotation was a one year blip in 2015 season. Since then rarely have two been good in the same season. So these misdescriptions only sound good.
JoeBrady
Hey joe-the Mets HOF rotation was a one year blip in 2015 season. Since then rarely have two been good in the same season. So these misdescriptions only sound good.
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2018 ERAs
1.70
3.31
3.03
3.77
5.77
Vargas was the only weak link, and he’s pitched well.
king beas
JoeBrady did you just call McNeil a backup?
JoeBrady
Sure, the way it was set up. It was going to be Alonso-Cano-Rosario-Frazier, with McNeil backing up everywhere on the diamond.
RUMadd
That rotation everyone keeps talking about just can’t seem to get it together other than de Grom. After several years of watching these guys, I’m really starting to appreciate something I heard Davey Johnson say this spring on a radio interview: player makeup counts more than talent. I thought at the time he just sounded like an old curmudgeon who was romanticizing the past. But at this point, I think you can say that Wheeler, Thor, and Matz all lack the makeup to be dominating pitchers. You have to look at makeup as just as important as talent. To me it looks they suffer from pure immaturity. Will they ever grow up? Who knows, but most of us are way tired of waiting.
DarkSide830
spending on Ramos was not a bad idea. its not like he was blocking anyone of value, and would, if healthy, be a good trade chip.
imissjoebuzas
I agree. His catching skills are not the best, but put a runner in scoring position and he seems to be able to focus and drive him home. Bases empty, meh.
beerman
I agree. Ramos has been a solid pickup. You compare him to other catchers he’s right up there with RBI’s. He for sure has not been the reason the Mets are a disaster. What is really frustrating is when they put out the offensive lineup like they did all Phillies series they have a formidable lineup from 1-8. I mean even the pitchers are hitting. Then the bullpen comes into play or The starting staff just finds a way to be mediocre. This bullpen is a complete embarrassment. No lead is ever safe. I mean Degrom feels like he has to throw 9 innings every time.
beerman
McNeil has been amazing. That dude can fall out of bed into 3 hits in a game. And the part that pisses me off is that McNeil and Alonso and Degrom seem like the only players that are still playing with heart. I know there is moments from other players that play with it. But for the most part them 3 is the only ones I see it every game they play. Cano could careless if the Mets are winning or losing. And for the love of all that is holy can we please just get rid of Familia!! I literally turn the tv off when he comes in. As bad as the Cano pick up is Familia is equally terrible. He can come in with a 7 run lead and still make it a nail brighter. Disaster!
CharlieH
McNeil, too.
24TheKid
The Mets are just what the Mariners would be had they chosen not to rebuild. So maybe the hate on Jerry Dipoto should stop a little.
SalaryCapMyth
I think DiPoto had a lot of guts to make the decision to rebuild. A skin deep evaluation may have lead everyone to think that the Mariners are just a small step away from competing but then you have no reason to believe Cano or Diaz would have been better with the Mariners.
Paxton has been completely mediocre for the Yankees, Haniger is injured, Segura has been okay leaving really only Nelson Cruz who is still humming right along. He couldnt have carried the team that far though. Had DiPoto not rebuilt there is no way they wouldnt still be under 500.
joedirte4life
Yea they should have traded Haniger. And they could have gotten a better return than the Marlins did for JTR.
SalaryCapMyth
Diaz is just the latest example of why teams shouldn’t invest heavily in one relief pitcher. They are just to volatile.
Bunselpower
I’ve said it before but a reliever is just a failed starter. Either durability, stamina, stuff, or repertoire keeps them from being successful multiple times through the order. It’s just a matter of time until they lose it, Some guys don’t for a long time, but eventually the league catches up. Look at the postseason performance of closers when teams see them a few times in a row.
DarkSide830
the difference here is that Diaz isnt just any relief pitcher. he was probably the second best RP im baseball last year and was just 24. he has been pretty strong in his previous seasons too. its fair to point to volatility, but Diaz’s stuff and prior track record were pretty darn good. add in the fact that he has plenty of control left, and its easy to bet on a bounceback. yes relievers are volatile, but at the same time look at plenty of teams in recent years and tell me they wouldnt have wanted a guy like what Diaz was known to be to open the season. maybe he has a down year this season, but he could very well make up for it next year. (when the Mets may actually have a chance to contend) who knows, maybe its the Ramos effect the rest of the staff is feeling.
SalaryCapMyth
Diaz record isnt as spotless as you think. His 2017 production isnt so dominant. His 3.27 ERA is pretty close to average for a relief pitcher and his 4.02 FIP is pointing to some amount of fortune.
There are examples of relievers that have had long periods of success but predicting that after just 1 season of real dominance is hazardous.
Boogaloo
I hope the Mets win 8 of their next 12.
Theyll still be 5 under and thinking about actual trading prospects.
Clueless organization
JoeBrady
I hope the Mets win 8 of their next 12.
Theyll still be 5 under and thinking about actual trading prospects.
Clueless organization
.——————————————–
If the RS tank, and I figure that is about 50/50, the NYMs are the second team I’d call after the Padres. They need a RH CF. Then convince Wagener that Betts can be re-signed, become the face of the NYMs, etc….
fits65
Doubtful prediction.
TradeAcuna
The Mets need to rebuild and trade Degrom to the Braves for Drew Waters, Kyle Wright, and Johan Camargo.
Questionable_Source
The Braves aren’t the Mets. For DeGrom, a 31 year old pitcher whose ERA has nearly doubled from last season and is owed $128.5M over the next 4 years, the Braves might give up Kolby Allard, Alex Jackson, and a player to be named later.
phenomenalajs
It’s not hard to double your ERA and still be the ace when your ERA was 1.70 last year. DeGrom isn’t going anywhere.
Rex Block
DeGrom isn’t going anywhere.
– – – – – –
And that’s the problem. Mets are far removed from 2015 and really have no realistic chance at improving on this season. The Canó deal was brutal, not as bad as Bobby Bonilla, but a step in the wrong direction. Freshman manager should have been talking about a three-year retooling / rehab plan, not a win-now promise. As part of that, DeGrom and Syndergaard should have been salable assets.
fits65
That’s what happens when you hire a commission sales guy to be GM and all he knows about is making players sound more attractive than they are.
This guy knows nothing about running an organization, scouting, player development or the next dozen qualities needed.
He did have a handsome, confident look in the camera.
phenomenalajs
That one is not happening. They are not selling off deGrom. As bad as they’ve been, they’re not going to blow up the future of the team. Their record could easily be reversed had their bullpen not blown 20+ saves this season (not all on Diaz; it’s any lead after the 6th). Even getting half of those back would’ve had them in striking distance of Atlanta.
I do expect them to try to move their expiring contracts to get something for them. Wheeler and Frazier will probably be moved. Vargas’s play has improved greatly, but his foolish behavior in reaction to that reporter may have made most starter needy teams think twice. Lagares likely won’t draw interest. The younger players I could see them being open to move are Dom Smith and Amed Rosario since current and future stars are or will be ahead of them on the depth chart. All three all-stars will stay put.
phenomenalajs
The one I could see them trading to Atlanta is Wheeler since that’s his hometown team. He might be open to signing there long term.
imissjoebuzas
Rosario should go. Not sure if anyone would value him, but i have had enough of his game.
Oxford Karma
The Mets should sell anyone that a team wants besides McNeil, Alonso, & deGrom.
fits65
Those are the only attractive players Oxford.
mlb1225
So Thor, Confroto, Wheeler, Diaz, Lugo, Vargas, and Dom Smith aren’t interesting at all?
Rich Hill’s Elbow
Diaz would be a good fit for Twins, but how much would he cost??
king beas
Royce Lewis or Alex kierloff
its_happening
Pondering?
Oh right, the Mets decided to contend this year despite all the warning signs. They had a chance to fleece a team dealing DeGrom. Syndergaard still had appeal. Wheeler would have garnered a nice return.
Nope, gotta go trade for a fading mid-30’s second baseman with a PED pop last season. Nope, gotta go hire DeGrom’s agent to run the Mets. No conflict whatsoever. Hand deliver an extension to his former employer and everyone wins. Except Mets fan.
A team that could have been ready to compete in 2020 will now have to wait much longer. This situation is a total mess.
phenomenalajs
It is and it isn’t a mess, at least long term. When you’ve blown over 20 saves from leads in the 7th inning on, that means you easily could have flipped the script with competent coaching and bullpen play.
its_happening
It’s more than just blown saves. 21 blown opportunities is the norm for teams with a bad bullpen or just bad teams in-general.
Boston’s blow 18. Atlanta 16. Nationals 17. San Diego 16. Jokeland 16. It’s more than the bullpen issues and coaching.
The mess is something I didn’t say; to allow the agent of a current player to be the GM means there is a story there, and it’s not good for the Mets. Huge conflict of interest and MLB shouldn’t have allowed it.
fits65
You are right, Reaper—MLB should not have allowed if. Just like the MLB should not have allowed the Wilpon’s to continue to own the club after the Madoff failure.
The universal solution is staring everyone in the face. It’s time for NL baseball fans in NYC to take control and boycott the Mets.
No tickets, no SNY.
its_happening
That includes no tv watching.
fits65
Are you giving any more money to the Wilpon’s Reaper, or are you joining the boycott?
its_happening
I’m not a Mets fan Fits. Since I’ve never been to Citi Field or Shea I’d say I’ve contributed what they’ve earned.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Anyone who thinks the Mets don’t need to rebuild, and rebuild now, is drinking too much of Brady’s Kool-Aid. Their biggest problem is guys like Wheeler and Thor aren’t gonna fetch as much now as they might have in this past off-season. They should get whatever they can for guys like Frazier, Ramos, Lagares (Yuck!) and a few others. Mets are stuck with Cano. Bad move by Brady, there.
I could see next year’s outfield lining up with D. Smith, Nimmo and Conforto. Got Alonso at 1B and McNeill and Rosario at 2B and SS, respectively. Let Nido be the primary catcher. What he can’t do with the bat he makes up for with game calling, pitch framing and defense.
That leaves an empty spot at 3B, but 3B, save for Wright in his prime, has been a black hole for the Mets since Day 1 of their existence. But Mets aren’t making the playoffs this year, so play the youngsters you have; trade off the vets and get ready for 2020.
imissjoebuzas
Please take Rosario off of the Mets hands.
JoeBrady
Anyone who thinks the Mets don’t need to rebuild, and rebuild now, is drinking too much of Brady’s Kool-Aid.
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Brady’s not a NYM fan. But with a good rotation (#4 in 2018, virtually tied for #2), you don’t dismantle that rotation, especially in NYC. Like it or not, mega-markets demand a lot of spending.
bravesfan
One of the things that kinda suck about being in the east in recent years, is the teams that are terrible and good trade partners seem to always be in that division. So the braves have this uphill battle to start to make any deal happen. Miami for example demands a kings ransom for every possible trade we inquire about, but this outside the division the basically give away there superstars for free
fabulous61
@bravesfan, a reliable sports source in Atlanta said a few days ago that the Marlins have said they would take 2 Braves pitchers out of Wilson, Gohara and Ynoa for Caleb Smith. I would tell them they can have Wilson and Ynoa for Smith and hang on to Gohara at least through spring training next year. If Gohara can get healthy he has the potential to be probably a #2 or #3 starter but Wilson I don’t think would ever be above a 4 and I’m not sure about Ynoa’s potential yet. It was also said here on trade rumors last week the Marlins said all of their young starters are available and Yamamota looked awesome last night and has in 5 of 5 starts.
BrodiesHairisGreezy!
#1 Priority – DUMP THE LOSER MATZ. He stinks up this rotation year after year. They need to get rid of as many Losers off their roster as soon as possible. Unfortunately I see no indication BVW is the person to do it correctly.
Basebal101
Matz is a loser? Is he in trouble legally or did he beat a woman tha I missed? No, he’s a major league ball player. I’m curious what you’ve done with your life that’s SO superior to Matz that he’s that far beneath you???
Rich Hill’s Elbow
Sure, the Mets probably should deal Matz at some point, but not anytime soon; his stock is too low for what he’s capable of. How does next season’s deadline sound??
chicagofan1978
If they are “losers” why would anyone want them?
slider32
Time for the Mets to go in a different direction, time to rebuild. Trading deGrom and Thor would help, I would put them both out there now and see what they can get. The Mets also have the problem of being compared to the Yanks,
fits65
Hey Slider. You ignored the major Mets’ problem; the Wilpon’s ownership. Nothing will change until they fold their cards and stop bluffing that they care about the team or the fans.
They have been robbing fans for decades.
slider32
Alonso and McNeil are great to watch, but Cespedes puts a bad taste in your mouth.
Seaver rules
We already traded the “The Franchise” and Doc Gooden ruined his Met career. They should have had a babysitter for him. That’s besides the point. Never trade Degrom! BVW gets 1 more year to try being a GM but he can make a strong move now. Fire Callaway during the All Star break and bring in Girardi.
lucienbel
Since the Mets post season run they’ve been saying “we’re going to go for it again this season” and then by mid season an article like this always comes along. They should have sold a while back imo. None of the starting pitching is getting any younger. And they’ve never shown a willingness to spend or make a trade that makes you go “oh, that’s a great add, he’s really going to help this team”. No. They bargain bin shop and make puzzling trades. Even if the Cano trade was centered around Diaz, did anyone really believe they were on bullpen piece away from making it?
The Mets need to operate more like a small market team since they aren’t willing to spend the money to supplement good players in at positions of need. Even if they aren’t a small market team. Which makes me believe they should have sold a year or two ago.
Jonthunder
Brodie for baseballs.
fba0017
Mets get what they deserve hiring an agent as the GM. They won’t contend until he is out.
DDD09
I am the expert. No more need for discussion! Here’s the deal with the Mets.
They are not yet out of this thing, but, yes, they need a small miracle and some breaks.
Offense: there is enough offense here to compete, but, it needs to be augmented with a “Donn Clendenon” type of outfield bat. (Do you like the reference to 1969?!) If Cano doesn’t wake up FAST, he’s got to sit. I don’t care how much money he’s making. (Could we find a team foolish enough to take him off our hands?) McNeil needs to be at second and the new bat goes in outfield. There is not much else we can do.
Pitching: trying to keep this brief…I am PRAYING the return of Familia, Wilson and Avilan at least calms the situation in the bullpen. But, they must be healthy. It’s paper thin out there. The Mets didn’t do enough in the off season to strengthen the pen. If they could pick up an arm later this month, they should. The starters are the starters. They have underachieved, but most teams would love to have our starting pitching problem.
So, I think the Mets can climb back in this because if you look at the teams ahead of them in the wild card (everyone except the Marlins), almost all of them are vulnerable in ways not dissimilar to the Mets. Sorry, the Mets are better than the Giants, Reds and Pirates. The Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Padres do not scare me. NEITHER DO THE PHILLIES, NATIONALS OR CUBS. Remember when the Nationals were eleven games under .500 earlier this year? They are four games over now and leading the wild card pack. If they can, we can.
If they crap out, and I am wrong: they should trade Frazier and maybe Vargas. As for Wheeler, they should only trade him if they are going to get a couple of can’t miss prospects who are close to major league ready. I would also make that trade with the idea of resigning Wheeler in the off season. Our starting pitching isn’t perfect, but, I’d rather have it than not in 2020.
lowtalker1
He is preller 2.0
lowtalker1
lol
You should have sold in the offseason
of9376
Not sure how the Ramos signing equates to buyers remorse. He’s in the top 5 at his position in average, OPS, SLG, OBP and RBI. His defense is not great but he’s always been somewhat limited in that category.
He would be a good fit on an AL team as he could also slot in as a DH.
tman81346
theres nothing to ponder..team stinks. get rid of the gaebage!!!!!
dark vengeance
The Mets should trade degroom to the Yankees or another high bidder that would guarantee his sixth year. From the Yankees they could ask for Florial, and Frazier, a near ready starter or two and a lottery player or two. The Yankees would be crazy not to do it. They would finally have the ace they haven’t had in a long time and would match up against any team and in my opinion even overtake the Dodgers chances of winning the WS this year and years to come.
Think degroom, Severino, Paxton, Tanaka, CC, Happ, German. All of a sudden that’s a formidable staff. Even if Sevy doesn’t make it back this year.
dark vengeance
Plus degroom would stop being wasted on the Mets moving across town not so bad. Family probably doesn’t need to move. The Mets improve with players like Florial and Frazier giving them a real centerfielder and left fielder. Plus two good pitching prospects and a lottery ticket or two. Crazy for both teams not to do it.