Tom Brennan - IT'S ROSARIO AND SMITH TIME
The All Star break is upon us, and the Mets recently faltered in what was likely their last real opportunity to re-insert themselves into the playoffs race.
So any and all excuses for not calling up Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith are over, in this humble wrier's opinion.
Trades to unload Mets veterans are extremely likely and these lads will most likely make their debuts in the weeks ahead. How ready are they? Let's consider some things:
Dominic Smith - first basemen get analyzed first:
- only 2 hitless games since June 4 - reliable hitter
- has hit .333 at home, .325 away
- more power at home (.553 slug) vs. road (.459 slug)
- hits righties (.346) better than lefties (.274 in few at bats)
- best month .371 (July); worst month .313: CONSISTENT
- runners in scoring position: .284
- last year thru June 27: .259. After that: .360: he heats up.
My take? After Duda is moved this month, as I believe some team will want him, Smith can play against righties and an occasional lefty, just as Michael Conforto did when called up. His propensity to hit better as seasons wear on should allow him to be successful upon arrival. Getting out of the severe heat should help. Mets' defense improves a lot, too.
Amed Rosario:
- hot, hot, hot; 17 for last 41.
- streakier than Smith: .237 in June, .404 April, .500 July
- .350/.525 at home; .306/.430 on the road
- good speed: 16 of 22 in steals, 35 career triples
- hit much better after his 2016 promo to AA than in A ball: succeeds when challenged
- .365 hitter with RISP (better than Smith) - great!
My take? Clear out space for this guy too: he's oh-so-ready. His combo of speed, hitting, and power will be nice to see. He does well right away every time he is promoted. Getting out of the severe heat should help. Mets' defense improves.
MEMO TO METS: DO THE ABOVE; AND DO IT IN JULY.
9 comments:
but, But, BUT...whatever will they do with former All-Star Jose Reyes? Surely you can't expect them to sit him to make room for a (if you'll pardon the expression) "ROOKIE"?
Seriously, this should have been done a few months ago. No excuses.
Jose can set up a dance studio at Citifield.
It is Rosario time. Soon it will be Smith time too. Even in Sandyland.
One guy (Des Lindsay) who struggled a ton early this season and then missed a month with an injury is showing signs of living up to his 2nd round pedigree with a huge homer last night, his 7th:
The Fireflies rallied for five runs in the ninth inning on Monday and downed the RiverDogs, 5-4. Park. The largest comeback win of the season was highlighted by Desmond Lindsay's game-tying grand slam over the left-field wall.
Lindsey was simply awful through May, but in 16 games since, he is 18 for 57 (.316) with 3 doubles, a triple and 4 HRs. So there are real signs of life there.
If they're going to promote rookies (and that's still a HUGE if), then they need to test drive a manager who will use them properly.
maybe a David Wright as manager?
Speaking of AAA, 2 former Mets in Mariners AAA PCL system:
Danny Muno - .307/.399/.471 in 43 games (a lot better than Cecchini's .259/.319/.360 and Phil Evans' .246/.310/.346, dontcha think?)
Rob Whelan - 0-7, 6.58, 10 starts - on DL
It's time to trade away any veteran you can that doesn't have a future with the team and promote these two.
True, Charles
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