John From Albany – Mets Breakfast Links 12/24/2019

Reflections on Baseball asked what is stopping Fred Wilpon going out with a bang? “Mets fans will never revere Fred Wilpon, but he has at least the chance to score one for the home team – by ensuring he puts the best Mets team on the field in 2020 and beyond – no matter what it takes. Why isn’t he doing it?”

Rising Apple said that Mets are roughly $350 million in debt In addition, “Cohen would still be considered a “limited partner” even if he has 75% to 79% control of the Mets, as the Wilpons will still be the team’s official CEO and COO up until the end of the 2024 season. This stipulation is stated in the deal’s details itself.”  As Yogi and Mack's Mets' Dave Rubin both say “It ain't over till it's over.”

SNY.TV had “The way too early Mets 26-man roster prediction for the 2020 MLB season”.

SNY.TV’s John Harper picked the best Mets team of the last decade.

Amazing Avenue had the best Mets Pitching seasons of the last decade.

FYI, if you haven’t caught Faith and Fear in Flushing’s top 100 Mets of the Decade, you need to. Today, they had Jake at #1.

Empire Sports Media says that Michael Conforto is under appreciated.

Metsmerized had the ZiPS projections for the 2020 Mets.

Metsmerized looked at J.D. Davis’ second half tear.

Rising Apple had the three Mets most likely to be traded by opening day: Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo, and Jed Lowrie.

Rising Apple says the Mets may never see Seth Lugo’s potential as a starting pitcher.

And Also Rising Apple aired some grievances celebrating Mets Festivus.

Notes from the SALLY previewed the 2020 Columbia Fireflies.Very detailed list of players including Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Matt Allen, Jake Magnum, and more.  Looks like they will have a good team this year.

MiLB.com had 19 truths from the 2019 season. Lots of interesting tidbits from different teams minor leagues.  Only Mets tidbit was that it made sense to play Pete Alonso on Opening day.  Plus there’s video of Jarred Kelenic hitting a homer.

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Marlins will sign Francisco Cervelli.

Indians to sign Cesar Hernandez.

Yankees traded Chance Adams to the Royals for a minor league shortstop.

In a story that is a little out there, Rich Hill and his wife were arrested as part of trying to bring an oversized bag into the Patriots-Bills game this past Saturday.  “Caitlin Hill was booked on disorderly conduct and trespassing, but Rich Hill allegedly attempted to stop the authorities from taking her away in a police transport vehicle. As a result, he was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.”

Mets Baseball cards like they ought to be had this Christmas Greeting card from 12/25/2018.  Think it still applies. 

Mack’s Mets blast from the past comes from December 2011: Mack Looks at back end deals.  

In the Puerto Rican Winter League last night:

Tomas Nido caught for Criollos de Caguas going 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI. in the 3-2 Criollos loss (box). In 5 games this winter, Tomas is 4 for 18 for a .222 Avg, 2 RBI, 5 Ks as he builds up at-bats this winter. 

The Dominican League took a day off from the playoffs on Monday.  On Sunday, no current Mets players appeared. 

One Ex-Met that stood out on Sunday was Raul Valdes who pitched 6.1 innings for the Toros del Este in a 4-3 Toros loss (box).  Raul gave up just one run on 6 hits and 3 walks and 3 Ks. Raul has pitched well this winter going 5-2 with a 2.52 ERA in 10 games, 61 innings pitched, 22 walks, 30 Ks. In 2019, he pitched in the Mexican league where he went 2-2 with a 6.26 ERA in 6 game starts. 

UltimateMets has this date in Mets History:

Born on this date:

• Frank Taveras (1949)
• Matt Ginter (1977)

Transactions:

San Diego Padres signed Eric Gunderson of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 24, 1993.

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