Peter Hyatt - Astrubel Cabera 2017 & More Fungos

Astrubel Cabrera is as hot as a hitter can get in MLB; he is scorching the ball as the Mets everyday second baseman.  The Mets, after he humiliated them publicly, went through with his Bobble-head day and Astrubel rose to the event.  

His defense, however, after a few spectacular plays, has come back to equilibrium, as will his bat, too. 

So, what was behind his public hissy fit?

What gave Astrubel Cabrera the impetus to demand to know his employer's plans regarding his employer's team and intentions?

How is it that Cabrera felt he had the power to demand a trade for the perceived insult of not discussing with him Mets' management plans for the future. 

Who is to blame?

Here is what we are hearing.  Take it or leave it. 
The Mets have no one to blame but themselves.  

Astrubel Cabrera's strut has always fallen on the side of ego and his lack of familiarity with the language of humility, and his need for attention was known before the signing.  He was said to be "done" by scouts before we signed him but he benefited greatly from the change of environment that athletes sometimes need.  

But that was yesteryear.  Today, we needlessly have two of the bottom three overall Major League shortstops in the line up at once.  

Yet, he, like Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard have all watched Yoenis Cespdes call his own shots and Mets' management quietly yield.  He is the self-appointed "El Hombre" and even dictates when, where and if he will be in the line up, just as he dictated when and where he rehabs.  As you have read here, Mets frustration with him went through the roof, but when Cespedes finally did play, he scorched the ball and the Mets into silence.  

Ces has now come back to earth and Mets were not pleased with the Astrubel Cabrera middle finger.  His hot streak is, indeed, helping his trade value while also silencing the Mets.  

Teams take wins whenever they can get them.  

Matt Harvey could show up when he wanted to; pitch when he wanted to, and even demand color coordination patterns when he wanted. "I will never apologize" Harvey said about his party life.  Recently, Sandy Alderson released the pressure value saying he could not find Harvey, you know, his rehabbing employee, so he looks for him in Page Six to find out where he is.  Alderson's passive aggressive anger is not something intelligent fans should dismiss.  He is a very intellectual man and choses his words carefully.   

Syndergaard could tell a 70+ year old to flip off and tell the Mets when and if he will undergo routine medical testing. 

How has this worked out so far?


7 of 8 wins from sub .500 teams and all is well in Fanzone of Metsie world but not so in the front office, nor in the real world.  Miracle wins are a blast (see 2015) but leadership and hard decisions win World Series (see 2015).  

By allowing Cespedes such de facto authority, the Mets have no one to blame but themselves, for the lack of leadership in the clubhouse.  They are the ones who silenced, tactfully, the ever self sacrificing David Wright, from ripping new ones to anyone who refuses to hustle.  They are the ones who not so tactfully told Terry Collins he was not permitted to speak about rehab schedules after the Ces-mess. 

They inwardly steamed over the powerful but not  bloated lower body of Cespedes after his very private off season work outs, just as they were angry over the overly ambitious "17 pounds of muscle" added by elite athlete, Noah Syndergaard in the same off season.  In a business that teeters on millions, the fear of PEDs had to bring a few sleepless nights to executives, especially as the ghost of the Mets' bullpen has continued to plague them.  

Both athletes appear to have muscular imbalances and subsequent attendant injuries.  

Ces always has had strong legs which always risk injury.  Add this to his posing, refusal to run, emergency forced to run over dropped ball, and halting, and you have an increased risk for injury.  The worst thing to add to this pre-exisisting condition for the employer is to have him do super heavy leg lifts as his trainer yells encouragement, "you're the best, baby, you're the best", as the slow, heavy powerful dark fiber muscles hypertrophy at the expense of flexibility.  

After the All Star break, Neil Walker will be back and a frustrated and somewhat demoralized Amed Rosario will continue to knock on Flushing's door.  Reyes may get on base, but should get picked off or thrown out

If Cespedes heats up, the status quo may go unchallenged. 

If he continues his mini-slump, do not be surprised if he suddenly comes up lame...again.  

Make no mistake about it:  the Mets have quality players and quality men.  Should Matz' valuable left arm stay healthy, and Zach Wheeler continue to fight his way back, they will join the user-competitive DeGrom in rolling out three quality starters a week.  

David Wright's contemplation with retirement intensifies, and it remains to be seen if he will want to stay with the Mets in player development status.  Once unthinkable, there may be some discouragement over his muting. 

Not every batter is built to work deep counts. Some are sluggers.  Recently, Ron Darling criticized the Mets' lack of first ball hitting as opposing pitchers know Alderson's mandate and are grooving that first one to get a quick advantage.  

Let's hope that this is not part of the frustration Rosario is feeling. 

Can Jay Bruce do more to show his worth, both in the clubhouse and on the field?

Brandon Nimmo is another net positive in the clubhouse.  He walks through the valley of garbage and digs a well, finding ways to make the best of what is thrown his way.  

Big Sexy is missed.  See the interview with likable Wilmer Flores in the Post.  Make no mistake, we do not need a 44 year old with a stratospheric ERA, but Bartolo Colon is a net positive in the club house.  

Travis D'Arnaud did not deserve the official scorer's e last night.  That was on Bobblehead Day 2nd baseman who got a pass from MLB on his special night. 

The Nationals. 

Might they be interested in Astrubel right now?  They are full in for this year. 

Dom Smith did not get a favorable scouting report recently, in spite of his consistent hitting and power.  

Smith is said to be a good kid who has a body predisposed to weight gain, but works really hard.  

I have not heard of a Met fan who does not think well of both Lucas Duda and Ike Davis.  It will be sad to see the Dude go.  

Kudos to the Mets for putting Conforto on the 10 Day DL to let this wrist completely heal.  Conforto is a football player who will play through injury, which is not best right now.  

Kudos, however, are shared with Brandon Nimmo and Travis D'Arnaud, who talked Michael into slowing down as he could not hold a bat.  

It makes me wonder, yet again, who is in charge in Metsville, when young players are needed for counsel.  

Let's hope Astrubel's trade value remains high long enough to pull off a deal.  

Zach Wheeler pitched a decent game last night; he is figuring it out and getting back that which a very lengthy delay took from him.  Wheeler 2018 may be what we've been waiting to see.  

Imagine:

 if Noah Syndergaard comes back strong, and with a new found sense of humility?

if Seth Lugo provides some good innings eating?

Jacob DeGrom continues?

Steven Matz remains healthy?

Dom Smith does well at First?

Amed Rosario electrifies Citifield?

Cespedes, Conforto and Bruce patrol the outfield?