Fleeting Thoughts - The Dead Zone Edition

Also at Mack's Mets:

Good Morning, Mets' fans!

Well, we are entering the worst possible time for a baseball fan and that is what I like to call "The Dead Zone".  No, it isn't a spin off series from the Walking Dead, nor is it a new ride at Universal Studios.  Instead, it is the time period that takes place after the Winter Meetings and before the time that pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in February.

As of this morning, the first wave of Mets' players will report to Port St. Lucie in a mere 43 days, with the first Spring Training game taking place 10 days later.  I know that doesn't sound like much, but there will be very little news or player transactions taking place between now and then so it will likely feel a bit longer.

With that said, here is "The Dead Zone" edition of my semi-regular Fleeting Thoughts series;

1.  With most of 2019 now behind us, it is a time to reflect on what took place in each of our lives over the past year.  Most of us have good and bad days and our own personal "issues" that pop up from time to time that can seem daunting.  However, it likely pales in comparison to what Mack's Mets writing Reese has been through recently.  Not to get overly sappy, but I am glad that he is on the comeback trail and it is nice to see his comments popping up in a variety of articles of late.  Continue to get well, Reese.......it is great to have you back.

2.  The offseason is an interesting time of the baseball calendar. Fans' emotions can swing wildly from one day to the next depending on the various player transactions that take place. 

A perfect example is the state of the Mets' pitching staff, both starters and relievers.  One day, Zack Wheeler defects to Philadelphia and most of the reaction from Mets' land was one of dismay and outrage towards the club. Then, a few days pass and the team adds veteran starters Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha.  Suddenly, we have more pitchers then open spots in the rotation.

Or, look at the bullpen situation and how things went from dire to downright optimistic with the simple addition of Dellin Betances.  I am not sure what else may take place during the next seven weeks, but I am starting to like the Mets' chances in 2020 (health permitting, of course).

3.  Speaking of the bullpen, a lot will depend on health AND a return to statistical averages for the collection of relievers that Brodie has put together for Carlos and his coaching staff. With that said, I think the team will carry 8 relievers now that the rosters will expand to 26 total players. If that is the case, take a look at this bullpen;

Michael Wacha (long reliever, spot starter), Robert Gsellman (long reliever, spot starter), Justin Wilson (lefty reliever, set up man), Brad Brach (righty reliever, set up man), Seth Lugo (righty reliever, set up man), Dellin Betances (righty reliever/set up or closer), Jeurys Familia (righty reliever/set up or closer) and Edwin Diaz (closer).

That group has the potential to be dominant!  I think it is a little too right handed, but who do you take out in order to insert someone like Daniel Zamora or Stephen Gonsalves?  I think an upcoming trade might clear up the logjam a bit, but it is nice to have quality depth for a change.

4.  In my estimation, the Mets' roster is pretty much finished as we head into the 2020 season.  In addition to the pitching staff that I touched on previously, the offensive side of things is looking pretty good, as well.  Yes, there are still a few positions where we have an excess of players, but I don't see any major additions coming down the proverbial pike.

Perhaps, the team looks to upgrade the back up catcher position and give Wilson Ramos a bit more rest next year. Any outgoing talent (extra utility players, bullpen arms or even an excess starter), will likely be moved for prospects or straight up salary relief. In other words, the 2020 roster is starting to come into sharper focus and it is unlikely to include the popular names like Starling Marte or Nolan Arenado.

Lastly, let me be one of the first to wish each of you a safe and Happy New Year!  Oh and a taxi cab or an Uber are a whole lot cheaper then a DUI if you find yourself weighing the alternatives later this evening.

See you in 2020!