A Quick Look - 3B - Michael Chavis - Sprayberry (GA) HS

          Michael Chavis

7-2-13 - 2014 Top 100 High School Prospects - 36. Michael Chavis- 3B, Sprayberry (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/ 

8-2-13 –  Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12  - 3B Michael Chavis can absolutely mash... Also runs a sub 6.7 60 and has a 90+ mph arm across the infield

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 4. Michael Chavis – 3B, Sprayberry (GA) HS - Chavis stood out in a big way at ECP. Ball comes off differently off his bat. Runs a sub 6.7 60 and has a cannon for an arm. Top of the class player. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/ 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 37. Michael Chavis, 3B, Sprayberry HS (GA) - Yet another Georgia kid, the 5’-11” right-hander is one of the best hitters in the 2014 MLB draft. He has also shown some incredible power and won the home run derby at the PG Classic — his last a bomb that ended up in the trees over the left field wall. He runs a 6.68/60 and has the hands, arm and instincts to play shortstop. Should hear his name a lot in the next year. Committed to Clemson. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 6.Michael Chavis – 3B, Sprayberry (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 42. Michael Chavis, 3b, Sprayberry HS, Marietta, Ga.: Five-foot-11 gamer offers all-around skills with plus bat speed, contact ability and above-average raw power to go with above-average wheels and arm. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Michael Chavis (2014 IF, Team Rawlings) - His offensive tools have been apparent on the national stage over the past two years, and while his raw power is impressive, Chavis' hit tool is robust enough to give scouts confidence that the power will play. His improvement in the run and throw departments is remarkable, having gone from a likely future left fielder to being a legitimate 2B/3B prospect, which raises his draft stock considerably. His on-field leadership was evident as well during Jupiter, and it washes with the praise for his makeup that consistently comes from those who know him well. Of course, the thing that most scouts will come away from Jupiter remembering about Chavis was his home run that smashed the windshield of a car parked behind the fence in left center of Field 5 on the Cardinals' George Kissell Quad. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 23. Michael Chavis, 3B, Sprayberry HS (GA) - The 5’-11” right-hander is one of the better hitters in the 2014 MLB draft. He has also shown some incredible power and won the home run derby at the PG Classic — his last a bomb that ended up in the trees over the left field wall. He runs a 6.68/60 and has the hands, arm and instincts to to stick at third. Should hear his name a lot in the next year. Committed to Clemson. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 39. Kansas City Royals — Michael Chavis, 3B, Sprayberry HS (GA) - The 5’-11” right-hander is one of the better hitters in the 2014 MLB draft. He has also shown some incredible power and won the home run derby at the PG Classic — his last a bomb that ended up in the trees over the left field wall. He runs a 6.68/60 and has the hands, arm and instincts to to stick at third. Should hear his name a lot in the next year. Committed to Clemson. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

1-30-14 - Michael Chavis | 3B/2B/OF | Sprayberry (Marietta, GA) | Commit: Clemson  Height/Weight: 5-foot-10/195 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 10m  Chavis hits. That’s the simplest description of the Clemson commit's profile. He utilizes a short and explosive swing that produces regular loud contact and allows him to both turn on velocity and let pitches travel on the outer half. The lack of load can lead to an abrupt entry into the swing and inconsistent barrel delivery—something that could potentially be exposed by more advanced pitching, even if it leads to more soft contact than empty swings. Those issues have yet to surface, however, and the core of the profile remains Chavis’ ability to put barrel to ball on a consistent basis. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22705#.UurW2-Hoi5s.twitter

Draft 14 – A.J. Vanegas, Tyler Beede, Kyle Freeland, Josh Morgan, Jeren Kendall

2-10-14 - Stanford righthander A.J. Vanegas, may be the most-talented player in this year’s senior class—and actually enrolled in college with more acclaim than Appel did a year earlier after turning down a seventh-round offer from the San Diego Padres that approached $2 million. But Vanegas’ career at Stanford has been wracked by inconsistency and injury. He worked in only nine innings as a junior while battling back from off-season back surgery and also contracting mononucleosis. Predictably, he slipped to the 19th round of last year’s draft and never seriously entertained signing with the Oakland A’s. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9404

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 05   Tyler Beede        RHP        Vanderbil  -  Beede continues to dominate even in conference play, and the command continues to be impressive, especially when you consider how poor it was last year. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/ 

2-5-14 - Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville - The southpaw was extremely impressive at the Cape Cod League, posting a 2.25 ERA and 48 K/4 BB over 40 innings. He seemed to get better as the season went on, and his last start was his best outing — he allowed three hits over seven shutout innings while striking out 10 to no walks. His slider is already a plus pitch, and his fastball can touch 96 mph and sits in the 91-94 mph range. His change-up is still developing, and there is some effort in his delivery, but with his size (6’-4”, 185 pounds) and athleticism, there is a lot to like as a possible number-two starter. Projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick, he would have to show a lot this year to be considered at four. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 68. Boston Red Sox — Josh Morgan, SS, Orange Lutheran HS (CA) - A quick-twitch athlete, Morgan is a 6′-0″, 185 pound right-hander with great actions at shortstop. he has worked extremely hard to remain at the premium position, including dropping 10 pounds to become more fluid in the field. He also gained more speed in doing so. At the plate, he makes consistent, hard contact to all fields. One of those kids who just gets better every time out. Committed to UCLA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 34 Jeren Kendall OF L/R 5-9 171 Holmen (Wisc.) HS Vanderbilt http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

March 31st 2014 -- Nats 9, Mets 7 (10 innings)

Opening day at Citi Field, Ian Desmond broke a 5 all tie in the top of the 10^th inning on a sac-fly to center and Anthony Rendon followed with a 3 run homer as the Nationals scored 4 runs in the top of the 10^th as they down the Mets in their home and season opener 9-7. The Mets got off to a fast start with some first inning thunder when Andrew Brown starting in left for an ailing Chris Young clubbed a 3 run homer off Stephen Strausburg.  Dillon Gee started for the Mets. The Mets got to Strausburg early. In the first Legares singled and advanced to third on a David Wright single, then Brown, launched a bomb into the left field stands to start the 2014 season with a bang.  In the top of the 2^nd Adam LaRoche crushed a two run homer that landed near the Shea Bridge to make it 3-2.  Eric Young Jr. had a sac fly in the bottom of the 3^rd scoring Travis d’Arnaud to make it 4-2 Mets. After the LaRoche homer, Gee dominated, retiring the next 15 Nationals until Bryce Harper reached on an infield hit in the 7^th.  But then Gee tired. With 2 out and 2 on Gee yielded an opposite field double to Anthony Rendon to make it 4-3.  Carlos Torres came on in relief and walked Nate Mclouth to load the bases, Terry Collins immediately brought in Scott Rice to face Denard Span. Rice walked Span on 4 pitches to tie the game at 4. New Met Jose Valverde came in struck out Ryan Zimmerman on a 3-2 pitch with the bases juiced to end the threat. Valverde stood out in his Met debut, facing 4 Nationals, retiring them all and striking out 3. Juan Lagares led off the bottom of the 8 ^th inning with a solo home run off Tyler Clippard giving the Mets a brief 5-4 lead, which Bobby Parnell yielded in the top of the 9^th blowing his first save opportunity of the year. In the top of the 10^th . Familia got hammered giving up all 2 runs in the 10th as did John Lannon. Familia gets the loss falling to 0-1. Rookie Aaron Barrett picks up his 1^st ML win. Gee in getting the no decision went 6 2/3, he allowed just 4 hits, 3 runs he walked 2 and struck out 5.  While the Mets got to Strasburg early, but after the 2^nd inning he found his stuff and went on to go 6, he allowed 5  hits all 4 runs he walked 2 and struck out 10 also earning a no decision. Legares went 2 for 5 with the homer and an rbi and two walks, David Wright went 3 for 5 with a homer and two rbi. Wright homered in the bottom of the 10^th to make the game close. The Amazins start 2014 at 0-1. Game two in on Wednesday night at 7:05 pm. Bartolo Colon makes his Met debut, Southpaw Gio Gonzales goes for the Nationals

Big League Futures - Mock

	Carlos Rodon	LHP	North Carolina State
2		Tyler Kolek	RHP	Shepherd (TX)
3		Jeff Hoffman	RHP	East Carolina
4		Tyler Beede	RHP	Vanderbilt
5		Brady Aiken	LHP	Cathedral Catholic (CA)
6		Alex Jackson	C/OF	Rancho Bernardo (CA)
7		Michael Gettys	OF	Gainesville (GA)
8		Trea Turner	SS	North Carolina State
9		Nick Gordon	SS	Olympia (FL)
10		Jacob Gatewood	SS	Clovis (CA)

http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2014/03/25/blfs-2014-mock-draft-v-1/

Through The Fence - Mock v 6.0

1. Houston Astros — Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)

I wanted to put Tyler Kolek here, but considering a prep right-hander has never gone first-overall in the MLB draft, I have to go with Jackson, the best prep bat in the draft and a lesser risk than an arm. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, the right-hander has explosive bat speed and tremendous raw power. I saw him at Wrigley last summer and the ball really does sound different coming off his bat. Whether he stays behind the plate or ends up in the outfield, his bat is what really makes him special and he has an advanced approach at the plate. Through his first seven games, he has gone 11-for-23 with three home runs and four walks to just one strikeout. Committed to Oregon.

2. Miami Marlins — Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State

Rodon may not be dominating the way many expected, and his stuff and command may not be as crisp as it has been in the past, but he still features a plus/plus slider, a plus fastball and adds a change-up and cutter. At 6’-3” and 240 pounds, he is a proven workhorse with top-of-the-rotation stuff whose delivery looks the same on pitch one as it does on pitch 130. His track record won’t allow him to fall too far, and he could still end up the best player taken from this draft down the line.

3. Chicago White Sox — Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral catholic HS (CA)

The White Sox don’t have a strong history when it comes to selecting prep arms in the first round. You have to go back to 2001 when they selected RHP Kris Honel out of Providence HS (IL) with the 16th overall pick as the last time they took one. Aiken has been rocketing up draft boards, and the White Sox have had scouts at his games recently. At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, the southpaw is the most polished prep pitcher in the 2014 MLB draft and has been sitting 92-94 mph with his fastball as of late. He adds two potential plus off-speed pitches, and with his easy delivery, there is still a lot of upside left. He has 20 K/2 BB over his first 8.2 innings this season. Committed to UCLA.

4. Chicago Cubs — Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

The last two starts haven’t exactly been stellar for Beede, although he has faced some tough competition in Kentucky and Mississippi State. While the command hasn’t been that sharp lately, he still has frontline stuff with a mid-90s fastball, a plus curveball and a change-up that freezes hitters when on. Through seven starts, he has a 2.48 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 46 K/14 BB over 40 innings. Tyler Kolek would be tempting here if he was still on the board but I like the track record and overall stuff of Beede better.

5. Minnesota Twins — Tyler Kolek, RHP, Sheppard HS (TX)

Kolek has been doing exactly what he should be doing against the competition — destroying them. Over 22.1 innings, the 6’-5”, 240 pound right-hander has 48 K/1 BB and has allowed just two measly hits. He has touched 102 mph and adds a slider that shows plus potential. His change-up is still developing because, well, he doesn’t need it right now as he can just blow away his peers with the fastball. As I mentioned above, he could go first-overall, but the track record just isn’t there for me to feel confident about it.

6. Seattle Mariners — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina

Hoffman bounced back nicely against UMBC on Friday, striking out six to one walk over seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits. It’s been an inconsistent year for him but he has continued to show top-of-the-rotation stuff with one of the easiest deliveries around and four quality pitches highlighted by a mid-90s heater. Over seven starts, he has a 3.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 45 K/18 BB over 45 innings. He could easily go in the top-five based on his stuff alone.

7. Philadelphia Phillies — Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco

Zimmer is playing like the best college bat in the 2014 MLB draft, and his size, athleticism and canon arm give him the edge over anyone else in college. The 6’-5” left-handed hitter is hitting .427/.476/.719 over 23 games with seven doubles, six home runs and 11 stolen bases for the Dons. The power has shown up in a big way this year, and aside from a long swing that can create some miss, there isn’t much to nitpick about him. He could stick at center field but is probably headed for right field where his arm and bat would play well.

8. Colorado Rockies — Nick Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia HS (FL)

Maybe the best shortstop prospect in the 2014 MLB draft, Gordon added some muscle during the offseason and the results are showing up in games. Over 19 games, he is hitting .468/.632/.872 with six doubles, two triples, three home runs and 14 stolen bases. He has also drawn 16 walks to just two strikeouts, continuing to show his ability to put bat on ball. His plus arm, athleticism and instincts will allow him to stick at a premium position. He hits from the left side and the added pop in his bat gives him all the tools in the bag. Committed to Florida State.

9. Toronto Blue Jays — Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State

Turner here would be a steal, in my opinion. Over his last fives games, he has hit four home runs, showing pop that many questioned up until a week ago. He has, however, been striking out at a higher clip, substituting his incredible ability to make contact for power. His game is better when he slaps the ball to all fields and uses his plus/plus speed to wreak havoc on the base paths, but it’s nice to see he has the power in him when he needs it. Defensively, he has all the tools to remain at shortstop and is still new to the position as he mainly played third base his freshman year. Over 23 games this season, he is hitting .315/.387/.478 with three doubles, four home runs, seven stolen bases and 12 walks to nine strikeouts.

Jacob Gatewood’s raw power may be the best in the 2014 MLB draft.

10. New York Mets — Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA)

Nathan Rode over at Prep Baseball Report recently noted that Gatewood has shortened his swing. It shouldn’t effect his power because he has some of the easiest raw power around and hit a near 500-ft home run a couple of weeks ago. It will, however, help with the swing-and-miss to his game. The 6’-5” right-hander has enormous potential due to his size, power, plus arm and athleticism. Will most likely end up at third base and he projects well there. Committed to USC.

Read more at http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-6-0-top-41-picks/42145#kXLdBfcU0vfHp750.99



http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-6-0-top-41-picks/42145

Craig Mitchell -- The Mets Six Secret Weapons

Sometimes when you look for answers they are right in front of you and you don’t see them. The Mets have several players on this year’s roster that are answers to questions that are being asked, yet none of them commonly come up in the conversation.  I call them “Secret Weapons” what they are is undervalued and under the radar. The Mets have several players on and in competition for this year’s roster that qualify.  Here is who I believe they are…

JOSH SATIN – Fie you say? Satin while definitely on the minds of experts and fans is a definitely a secret weapon. Back in January when the Mets non-tendered Justin Turner, the fan base went nuts. Turner was seen as the Mets super-sub. Someone you could plug into any hole at any time. Turner could start at all the infield positions and in a pinch could survive an inning or two in the outfield.   Now the reason why Turner was let go was twofold.  1) Turner was notorious for only hustling part of the time and 2) Satin provides the same needs at a cheaper price.  Most fans think that Satin is the insurance at 1^st base. While that is true, he is now and will never be the Mets first choice to anchor the position. The reason Turner is now on the Dodgers is because with Satin under their control and cheaper, Turner was expendable. Satin is also a more reliable glove and a better hitter. The Mets have even gotten Satin familiar with playing some outfield in a pinch. The only position Satin couldn’t handle (except in a true emergency) is short. Satin is secret weapon # 6.

ERIC YOUNG JR. – Again, Eric Young can be one of those players who become more valuable to the Mets for the variety of roles he can fill. Naming EY as a starter in Left field and penciling him in for 150 games in left would not be the most efficient use of this talented and versatile player. I can see EY playing 150 games, but I can see him splitting his time at all three outfield spots, Second base and recently it has speculated that he may get a turn occasionally at short. Young has the speed and the glove to cover all the positions and when the dog days of summer come, Young can add a spark to the top of the Mets lineup filling an array of roles while spotting other players with a day off.  Eric Young is definitely secret weapon #5.

JEURYS FAMILIA – Familia has been threatening to breakout for several years now. Many believe this is the year. Familia is most likely to make the team in the bullpen, but don’t let that fool you. He can and is able to serve many needs. Being around veteran players such as Jose Valverde and John Lannan can only make Familia better. Familia is not only middle to long relief with a 94 to 97 mph fastball, he is insurance for the rotation and as a possible setup man or closer. Most of the experts believe Familia when on can be almost unhittable. We’ve seen that in all the different levels he’s played. If Familia starts throwing darts out of the bullpen and maintains his control, look for him to quickly become one of Terry Collins main go to men in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th innings. And also earn heavy consideration if Bobby Parnell were to falter or go down with an injury.  Also, if Daisuke Matsuzaka or Jenrry Mejia doesn’t live up to their promise, Familia can be stretched out and become a formidable 5^th starter.  That promise and that versatility make Familia secret weapon # 4.

ANTHONY RECKER – Anthony Recker has shown he belongs. He’s a terrific receiver and while not batting for a high average last year he proved key and came up with big hits when needed.  Last year in 151 at bats Recker hit .215 but produced 6 homers and 19 rbi and had a .990 fielding percentage at the plate. This spring Recker has locked himself in to a roster spot batting .324 with a team leading 3 homers and he’s driven in 9 rbi.  While not exactly a secret Recker is insurance in case highly touted starter Travis d’Arnaud continues to be injury prone or can step in if d’Arnaud continues to struggle at the plate in the majors.  Recker gives the Mets security a key position. Recker can provide pop and is a capable receiver for the Met arms if need be.  He’s definitely under the radar and is secret weapon # 3.

ANDREW BROWN – Brown keeps proving time and time again that he deserves playing time.  He’s shown big time pop and gives the Mets a right handed power presence off their bench and can be a valuable pinch hitter or a right handed hitting corner outfielder against a tough lefty.  In 2013, Brown came up big several times in the last two months of the season when the Mets were besieged by injury. Overall he batted only .224 but clubbed 7 homers and drove in 24.  This spring in 50 ab’s he’s batting .280 with 2 homers and 11 rbi. He proved he can be a substantial weapon off the bench highlighted with his pinch hit 3 run homer on August 11^th against the Diamondbacks.  He provides ample defense and has an above average arm and he too slips under the radar and could very well be the difference maker in several key games in 2014.  Anthony Brown is secret weapon # 2

DILLON GEE – He still flies under the radar because while he really turned a corner in 2013, I believe he is going to have an all-star season in 2014. Gee has always shown flashes of putting it all together. The blood clot in his shoulder in 2012 derailed his development. After a shaky start to 2013 Gee turned masterful in the second half. After the all-star break last year Gee was lights out throwing 88 1/3 innings with a 2.74 era. His 5-4 record doesn’t come close to representing how good he pitched.  In spring, he showed that he’s getting even better.  Gee had a 1.08 era for the spring including 5 shutout/no hit innings in his last start before opening day.  Gee has the stuff and is peaking at the right time to take Harvey’s place as opening day pitcher this year. It’s totally not outrageous to expect for Gee to win at least 15 games in 2014 with a little luck and some timely hitting he would win even more. That makes Gee, the Mets secret weapon # 1.

The 2014 season is here. We’ll see how all this pans out.  Shortstop and First base continue to be the big question marks…if it all comes together…..who knows right?

Game Thread: Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets.

#OpeningDay lineup: @EYJr - 4, @JuanLagares2 - 8, Wright 5, @CGrand3 - 9, Brown - 7, @IkeD29 - 3, @TdArnaud - 2, Tejada 6, @DillonGee35 - 1
— New York Mets (@Mets) March 31, 2014

Murphy will not start #OpeningDay due to the birth of his child. Chris Young is also out of the lineup due to flu.

— New York Mets (@Mets) March 31, 2014

RT @AckertNYDN: David Wright and Ike Davis both look like they are battling the flu. #mets

— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) March 31, 2014

2B Eric Young Jr.

CF Juan Lagares

3B David Wright

RF Curtis Granderson

LF Andrew Brown

1B Ike Davis

C Travis d'Arnaud

SS Ruben Tejada

SP Dillon Gee

Mack - Opening Day

So, here it is again... a Mets opening day.

This is my 53rd. 

The opening day lineup was:

CF Richie Ashburn
SS Felix Mantilla
2B Charlie Neal
LF Frank Thomas
RF Gus Bell
1B Gil Hodges
3B Don Zimmer
C Hobie Landrith
P Roger Craig

The first was special. The Mets lost 4-3 but hope was born. 

Frank Thomas homered in the sixth inning and singled home another run.

Most runs scored on an opening day... 4-8-69: Montreal beat the Mets 11-10.

Worse loss... 4-17-84... Montreal 10, Mets 0 and 3-31-03: Cubs 15-2

Best win... actually last year vs. San Diego on 4-1-13: 11-2 Mets

Overall, the Mets are 32-20 on opening day with the best record against St. Louis (7-2) and Philadelphia (7-1).

Overall, the Mets are 2-50 in winning it all (1969, 1986)... 

They lost in the World Series two more times... 1973 and 2000...

And they lost in the NLCS three times... 1988, 1999, and 2006...

That's making the playoffs 7 times in 52 years, or, put it a different way... 7-45.

This year, it's one day before opening day and we don't even know what the opening day lineup is going to be...

The team went into the off-season with a glaring need at shortstop... which still hasn't been addressed.

In addition, the Mets were supposed to solidify who would be the starting first baseman. As of today, that's still a crap shoot.

Two of the Mets best starting pitchers have been assigned to the minors so the team doesn't have to pay them more in their last year before they fly the coop and go to work for someone willing to pay them what they are worth.

In the minors, a majority of the best players that should be playing at the AAA level, have been assigned one level down at the AA level, to make room for a bunch of players that have already failed at the MLB level.

And the bullpen... put it this way... the team has a manager that doesn't like to keep his starters in past the sixth inning, regardless of pitch count or who's winning the game, yet no time or money seems to be spent in signing or developing the relievers needed to close out the victory.

Folks, I write about the New York Mets. This is what I chose to do after prematurely retiring from my field of expertise. I don't do this for the money. In fact, this site hasn't had a sponsor in over two years. I do it because I love to write and I grew up a fan of the Mets.

Am I a fan now? Well, to be honest, you can't be one and be an effective writer. You can only go down one road at a time and I left being a fan behind.

The nanosecond after you do this, the Mets begin to come off as a team that is not only dysfunctional in their decision making, but also marginal in talent. 

Operation wise, Newsday printed out the income being generated for the past five years and, in one word, it's dismal:

REVENUE	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009
Retained seats*	$41,870.486	$43,977,037	$50,515,652	$64,454,784	$99,331,174
Advertising	$44,453,255	$44,151,422	$46,052,606	$47,953,712	$46,983,931
Concessions	$10,708,816	$11,373,728	$10,193,556	$13,613,475	$15,169,783
Parking	$6,911,838	$7,483,119	$7,274,281	$8,719,429	$11,053,417
Luxury suites	$8,932,903	$8,668,516	$7,744,900	$5,783,901	$3,755,457
Other	$6,363,669	$5,821,645	$5,134,413	$3,440,356	$4,102,459
Total	$119,240,967	$121,475,467	$126,915,408	$143,965,657	$180,396,221

 http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-ballpark-revenues-drop-for-the-fourth-straight-year-1.7546323

An excellent job has been done to retain the levels of advertising revenue and monies received for luxury suites has actually skyrocketed, but it's the simple sales of baseball tickers and items that come along with them (concessions, parking) that have created the operating to be a losing entity.

But enough of that...

Let's go back to that bullpen management.

We seem to go through this same scenario every year. The Mets do an effective job of playing the first six innings of each game, only to lose the majority of games they were once either leading or tied when their starters were in the game. 

Nothing changed this spring training and a perfect example would be how the last two games vs. Toronto played out. The Mets starters made a writer proud to be associated with this team, only to be followed by ineffective pitching out of the pen.

This wouldn't have had the same result if the offense put, oh, let's say, eight runs each game on the board, but that's not going to happen either.

So, it's on to my 53rd Mets opening day. The odds say the Mets will win this one, but the past end results temper any dreams of playoff games, no less the World Series.

We'll keep trying to make sense of all this here at Mack's Mets so you can concentrate on rooting for your favorite team.

You better put your seat belts on though... this might be a bumpy ride.