Hey guys, sorry for the long absence. I will be doing a
weekly post every Tuesday and will try to contribute in any other way I can.
These are just some of my thoughts on the Amazin’s from the week and what is in
store. Here are my two cents.
- · Robin Ventura makes his return to Flushing today and it will be interesting to see the crowd reaction. Ventura obviously had a short stay with the Mets, only playing three years with the team, but he produced so many great moments during his tenure as a Met. I will never forget the Grand Slam single and hope that the fans at tonight’s game give him the ovation he deserves.
- · Many people have been debating over the promotion of Zack Wheeler. I just don’t understand what the rush is. Sure, you may say there is nothing to lose, but in reality the only thing the Mets would lose is an extra year of control over the potential ace Dollars and cents matter to Sandy Alderson, no matter what he says about spending money in the coming years. It is about the smart-money play. We can wait until after the Super 2 deadline and so can Wheeler. Let him keep improving and gaining confidence. He will become a big summer draw for the Mets and will become the second most exciting thing about the team after Matt Harvey.
- · Speaking of call-ups, this team needs a shot in the arm. Frank Francisco will be up soon to take over the 8th inning job and should help improve the bullpen. However, why not bring up Jack Leathersich? This guy is absolutely destroying in AA and I know Mack has been very adamant about this move as well. He is an exciting talent and can immediately help this team. I don’t think he needs the extra seasoning in Vegas. This kid needs to bring the heat to Citi Field and give us a good trio in the bullpen to assist Francisco and Bobby Parnell.
- · Poor Ike Davis. There isn’t much to say other than he is completely lost at the dish. It must have been tough for him to stomach being pinch hit for by Justin Turner during the Braves series. He took it in stride, but yeesh. First base should be an open competition right now. I don’t think you demote him right now, but you need to put the nine guys who are producing the most. Platoon him for no, let him find his stroke against right handers and hope it sticks. If that doesn’t work, well, who knows what his future with the team will be.
Have any questions or comments you want me to
talk about next Tuesday? Email me at mattsilva07@yahoo.com
Why is bringing up a supremely talented, 23-year-old pitcher described as "rushing" him?
ReplyDeleteDo you really think he lacks confidence? Seriously? And you think he will gain that missing confidence by pitching the AAA guys?
Everybody so worried about saving Fred Wilpon money, meanwhile the fans continue to lose interest and lose heart.
Was his April encouraging in any way? No. Does performing well in any league build confidence? Of course. I think you run under the assumption that just because he is talented and has shown a confidence and desire to perform as a Met, that means he can't be shaken. Wrong. Anyone can lose confidence. Unless you know him to run beyond the general psyche of human beings. Money will come, but why not be a little frugal? His promotion isn't going to save this ballclub. And people lost interest and heart LONG before Zack Wheeler was even a part of the system. Times will change.
ReplyDeleteZack Wheeler will be called up when he stops walking people.
ReplyDeleteWhile I get what you say in your article, I must admit I'm scratching my head over your response to J Preller above. Me, as a fan knows any player can be "shaken" at any time. That's part of competitive sports.
ReplyDeleteI think the question is, when is a ballplayer ready and when is a ballplayer ready but the owners are holding him back looking to save a buck down the road?
Personally, as a fan, I'd like to see him in the majors now. See what he can do. It's a disservice to the fans to play the future contract game.
IB:
ReplyDeleteMy 2 cents...
These decisions are made by team officials and this is something Wilpon would easily order being done regardless if the player was "ready".
Also, there is nothing he can do to save this season (yes, I know it is only May). The team will make the right decision financially, especially with a player they plan on using for many more "under control" years.
Well lets hope their decision is the right one. Too many opportunities to improve this team have been left in the dust. Some for good reasons, others for not so good reasons.
ReplyDeleteBut, I'll try to keep that faith best I can.
IB, I think the point is that, yes he may be ready in our eyes but is he really ready? Yes he has two good starts. The team wants him to walk fewer batters. he can refine his control in Vegas and still keep his extra year of control. I think in this case, we want him to just be ready, but there is no reason to jump any gun, Talent-wise or financially. It just happens to go hand in hand in this case. To me, the outfield is more of a disservice to the fans than how we are handling the farm system.
ReplyDeleteIB:
ReplyDeleteYou want faith?
Pray that dD learns to stop striking out and the Mets draft Wilson.
BTW...
ReplyDeleteTHIS is what a great article is all about.
Intelligent writing and as intelligent responses.