The Morning Report 5.13.2015 | Alex Torres Struggling in New Role, Bullpen Weakness Exposed, Lagares Hurt, Tulowitzki Demands Trade?

David Wright Injury Tracker | Still Not Cleared for Baseball Activities

Brian Devine | Metsmerized Online-  Despite another wild outing by Alex Torres, Terry Collins doesn’t seem to be losing faith in the Mets enigmatic lefty. Collins says that he will continue to use Torres in high pressure situations.“That’s what he’s here to do,” Collins said. Torres allowed a run and walked three batters during last night’s appearance. However, he prevented further damaged by striking out Jorge Soler with the bases loaded. Collins defended his decision to allow Torres to finish the 6th inning. “Somebody’s got to pitch. I can’t go in the stands and pull somebody out.”

(Chris Soto: Alex Torres has been painfully bad since Jerry Blevins went down with his forearm fracture as he continues to pitch in uncustomary high leverage situations. In his career, Torres has mostly been a low to medium leverage guy where their isn't much pressure and he can maintain his BB rate in the 10-12% range. However in high leverage situations....he's been terrible his whole career as his BB rate skyrockets to 20-22%. Terry needs to start backing off using him in close games cause it is not helping the team.)


Craig Edwards | Fangraphs- The New York Mets have had the ideal scenario thus far, getting a lot of innings from their starters and solid production from their relievers when called upon. Innings are not the only way to overwork a bullpen. Putting extra stress on a few arms can have a negative effect, especially when those arms are the best in the pen. Using the best relievers can mask an overall bullpen deficiency, as the results look good. Pitching out of the bullpen every day can stress relievers and place too much of an emphasis on some relievers at the expense and rust of others. If a manager trusts only a few relievers, he might call on those players too often and wear them out. 

(Chris Soto: This is some good research by the Fangraphs team. The Mets are ranked 8th overall in relief appearances with zero rest due in large part to team's propensity to be in close games which requires the services of Juerys Familia. The Mets OVERALL bullpen is a severe weakness but that weakness is being masked heavily by the rotation's ability to get deep into games and then turn it over to the two most efficient arms in the pen in Carlos Torres and Familia. Outside of those two though the FIP for Gilmartin [5.08], Alex Torres [4.57], Robles [5.40], and Carlyle [5.63] are just terrible.)


Adam Rubin | ESPN New York- Gold Glove center fielder Juan Lagares has a "slight strain" in his right arm pit, manager Terry Collins said. Lagares suffered the injury last Tuesday at Citi Field, when he made a highlight-reel diving catch in left-center on a shot from Baltimore's Everth Cabrera. Lagares underwent an MRI on Tuesday in Chicago. Nothing alarming was detected, according to Collins. "There's no breaks. There's no blood clots," Collins said. "There's no real severe trauma area. It's just been bothering him. If one or two days [off] means he'll be OK, then we'll give him that."

(Chris Soto: This has been my biggest injury fear over the past few weeks. I've been saying that the only reason Kirk Nieuwenhuis is on this team is because he is the only legitimate candidate that can cover CF. Now with Lagares down for a few days, Kirk and his unproductive 37.5% K rate is going to clogged up a spot in the line-up.)


Joel Sherman | New York Post- One of the most vital moments of this season will occur between Troy Tulowitzki and his longtime agent, Paul Cohen. The two will decide whether it is time to ask Rockies management for a trade.“To say that it is not a possibility would be silly,” Cohen told The Post by phone. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why the subject will be renewed now – the Rockies are miserable again and the likelihood of being a contender any time soon is not strong.
Tulowitzki was described as frustrated with four straight losing seasons and wants out, according to two people who know him well. 

(Chris Soto: Here we go folks.....the trade rumors are going to fly around once again...Except this time rather than teams forcing the issue on the Rockies....it'll be Tulowitzski himself pushing the Rockies. This small detail could have massive effects on both his "true" availability as well as the asking price. Early thoughts is that it will require at least a Top young SP prospect, a replacement at SS, and a mid-level bat in order to acquire Tulowitzki. In my opinion...if your the Mets....your still in 1st place and you have a legitimate shot of making the playoffs....you HAVE to go get him. Offer a package of Noah Syndergaard, Gavin Cecchini, and Dominic Smith and get it done.)