Mack Ade – Morning Report – 10-2-13 – Mets DL, Steven Matz, Refinancing, Travis d’Arnaud

The following players were reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Bowman, RHP Luis Cessa, RHP Jake deGrom, RHP Michael Fulmer, RHP Matt Koch, RHP Luis Mateo, RHP Cory Mazzoni, RHP Dylan Owen, RHP Tyler Pill, RHP Mitch Talbot, RHP Logan Taylor, RHP Taylor Whitenton, RHP Ernesto Yanez, LHP Shane Bay, LHP John Mincone, LHP Jhonathan Torres, LHP Carlos Valdez, LHP Carlos Vazquez, 1B Joe Bonfe, 2B Reese Havens, 3B Aderlin Rodriguez, SS Chad Zurcher, OF Jorge Rivero.

Don’t you love how this works. All these guys are supposed to have some legitimate injury that keeps them off the playing field and then, low and behold, the season ends  and everybody is 100% healthy. It’s such bullshit.

 

Steven Matz. The fact that Matz was able to avoid any further arm injuries and pitch his first full season cannot be overstated. That's because the dynamic stuff from the left side that prompted the Mets to select him in the first round way back in '09 was readily apparent very early. Matz regularly touched 97 MPH with his electric fastball and made good strides with a curveball/change-up combo. Unleashing that repertoire over a full season led to spectacular numbers, including a 2.62 ERA, a .225 opponent average, and a nearly 30% strikeout rate. http://www.amazinavenue.com/2013/10/1/4788656/mets-minor-league-season-in-review

 

From MetsBlog - The Mets are beginning the process of trying to refinance roughly $250 million in bank debt, reports Josh Kosman of the New York Post. Regardless, it won’t affect the budget for player salaries in 2014, Kosman’s sources said. “The Amazin’s are in a better bargaining position with their lenders now than they were just two years ago,” and, “the value of all MLB teams has risen,” according to Kosman, who feels it is likely the team will be successful in it’s effort to refinance, which could then help increase payroll for 2015.

                Mack – This is why you don’t panic when you read about some writer/blogger tell you that this team is going into the financial crapper. The Wilpons had their financial crisis a year ago because of their investments vs. the economy, not one single investment, the Mets. The economy has returned and, with it, the value of the Wilpon portfolio. This will get them a more favorable interest rate and a longer period in which to pay off the money owed. Trust me… many business never pay off the principal on their notes. They just keep refinancing until they sell the property. The Mets financial picture is just fine. Now, we have to see if our General Manager has the stones to get us a lineup.

 

30. Travis d’Arnaud, C, New York Mets - Affiliate Team: New York Mets Age: 24 Ht/Wt: 6-2/195 Bats/Throws: R/R Drafted: 1st Round (37th overall), 2007  Travis d’Arnaud has been consistently ranked as the top catching prospect in baseball over the past couple of seasons. Despite fracturing his left foot in mid-April, d’Arnaud rebounded with a solid second half return that would include a big league promotion. Everything about d’Arnaud’s game suggested that a big league call-up was around the corner, as he possesses a compact swing that generates plus power and allows him to hit to all fields with relative ease. He has blossomed into a solid defender behind the plate and possesses a strong arm, as he projects to be a solid all-around, everyday catcher at the next level. http://baseballnewssource.com/prospects/bns-top-50-mlb-prospects-end-of-season-report-and-analysis/26685/22/

 

With the additions of Eric Young Jr., Juan Lagares and Matt Den Dekker, the Mets’ outfield defense has dramatically improved. Even with Young’s defensive weaknesses, his speed and ability to charge the ball make him mediocre at best, and Lagares looks like a perennial Glover next to him in the outfield so he’ll have protection in the gaps. There’s also still the possibility of moving Young to second base, which is his more natural position. A move to second base would allow him to continue to improve at the top of the batting order, where he’s been a valuable catalyst. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/new-york-mets-shin-soo-choo/38267#TR7pmuejp1QbXeFx.99

 

What outfield? Let's be honest: Eric Young Jr. has speed, but he's really a fourth outfielder. The Mets need to add sluggers for both corner-outfield spots, especially if the defensive-focused Lagares will be manning center field. Where are those boppers coming from? Adam Rubin - http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/78739/5-reasons-for-optimism-and-pessimism?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

Buddy3 asked –

Mack, can you see the Mets going for Choo at $16 or $17 per, Drew at $9 or 10 per and trying to sign Byrd on the cheap at 2 for $10. Byrd knows that Puello, Vaughn and Lawley are coming and the best he can get from the Mets is one full year and then a reserve role. Still leaves some money to add a veteran catcher, a few pitchers on minor league deals to supplement the rotation and bullpen. choo drew murphy wright byrd Davis/Satin TDA lagares/MDD that is not a bad lineup with our pitching

                Mack – First of all, I don’t see the Mets going over $15mil, 3-4 yrs for anyone. This is just what I think and feel at this point in the process. The Pence deal shows how crazy this is all becoming and I guess $20mil per year is going to soon become the new normal, but I see Alderson approaching this off-season knowing that he probably is never again going to have this much money to spend in one off season.

I’m sure the Mets will make an offer to Choo, but it will not be close to what he signs for. He’s a good player, but he’s going to get stupid money in a light FA market.

Drew is the kind of player you probably will see signed. Someone that will go in the $8-12 range for 2-3 years. Hopefully, you will see at least three of these kind of players.  Byrd and Beltran could be two more.

Outfield prospect wise, there are big hopes for Puello but Wilmer Flores is proving that hitting at the AAA level doesn’t mean you’re going to produce in the majors (yes I know, he was dinged). I love Lawley but he’s a long shot and you’re being very kind to Vaughn who has been a major disappointment.

I just don’t see an outfield solution this year. I would take four of your best mid-level pitching prospects and put together a three way that gets you Tulo on short. But, that’s just me…