Mike Freire - Fleeting Thoughts

Good Morning from the lovely Georgia Mountains, Mets' fans!

Since I apparently do not have enough "normal" stress in my life, I have decided to add a little extra to make things interesting!  So, over the past few months, my lovely wife and I have decided to simultaneously "pull the plug" on our respective careers and give this little thing called "retirement" a try.  

But that isn't enough of a change, so we also put our house up for sale recently and as luck would have it, we received a full price offer within 48 hours and we are now going through all the administrative steps prior to the actual sale.  

AND, we are also actively looking to move to a different State and start a new chapter in our lives.

No big deal, right?  Unemployed and homeless isn't so scary (wish us luck)......no more stressful the watching the Mets play lately.  I know, enough whining about me and get on with the Mets' content already.

1. Is it just me, or does the media confuse and/or annoy you at times?  A few nights ago, the Mets and Phillies locked horns in New York with the Mets winning the ballgame 5-1.  There were several interesting story lines during the game to include the top two teams (record wise) in the division playing for first place.  

Additionally, you had Steven Matz earning some redemption by starting and pitching well for the Mets in his first appearance since his epic meltdown in Philadelphia a few days prior.  

BUT, the major media outlets chose to focus on Bryce Harper's childish antics during the game that got him tossed out in the fifth inning with very little mention of the actual baseball game itself.

What the hell?  Oh and for good measure, they also "praised" good old Bryce for the number of ejections that he has been a part of, like some badge of courage instead of what it really is (poor sportsmanship and immaturity).  He is very talented, but he is also damaged goods.  Just wait until is first prolonged slump in the "easy" media market of Philadelphia!

2.  I would be lying if I mentioned that I was not concerned about the state of our pitching staff, both at the major league level and in the upper levels of the minor leagues (i.e. depth).  

Yes, it is good news that Jake seems to have avoided serious injury and Zack Wheeler's last outing was spectacular, but there are still questions that need to be answered long term.  Which version of Jake will come back from the IL?  Which version of Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler is the real deal?  What the hell is wrong with Thor?  To Vargas or not to Vargas?

Past the current rotation, the recent replacements have been even more frightening which doesn't give the average fan much hope in the short term if there are injuries or continued sub par performances.  

Is there anyone in AA or AAA that you would feel comfortable with in that scenario?  Are guys like Flexen and Oswalt just "AAAA" types?  Should BVW look outside of the organization for a pitcher or two as the season moves along?

3.  On the topic of pitching and the myriad of questions that were laid at your feet in #2, I am still a fan of signing Dallas Keuchel sooner, as opposed to later.  Perhaps teams are waiting until after June 1st so the draft pick compensation that is attached to his free agency drops off?  

Regardless, he is a talented left-handed pitcher with playoff experience who would represent an upgrade over Jason Vargas right away.  Plus, it also helps your depth problem with Vargas moving to a bullpen role, but still available to start a game, if needed.

Plus, unless something changes, Zack Wheeler and Jason Vargas will not be on the roster next year (pending free agents).  So, your 2020 starting rotation will have two vacancies and I would like to think signing Dallas now would be cheaper than his price tag will be before the start of the 2020 season.  

That does not even touch on the vacant fifth spot in the rotation AND the lack of alternatives in the upper minor leagues.  It is bordering on a "no brainer", in my humble opinion.

4.  Lastly, can we schedule an exorcism already?  What is going on with the injuries that this team has been saddled with?  It isn't just this year, either.  A lot of elbow issues with the pitching staff and a random assortment of injuries with the position players (I am looking at you, Brandon Nimmo).  

Does the "Strength and Conditioning" program need to be looked at?  Do the players need a different diet or perhaps a better stretching program?  Call me crazy, but when a problem consistently occurs in any organization, the simplest explanation is often the most accurate.

***Oh and as a bonus item, good for you Jacob Rhame!  I enjoyed his "accidentally on purpose" series of messages that he sent to the Phillies via Rhys Hoskins last at bat on Tuesday night.  

It seems that "old school" baseball has slowly started to fade away, but when one of your pitchers stands up for his teammates, it is a return to normal if you will.  Enough of our hitters getting plunked on the hands!

Until next time, have a safe week.