John From Albany – Mets Breakfast Links 1/24/2020

The Mets officially signed Luis Rojas as their new manager.  Per SNY.TV: He will be introduced today at a 3pm Press Conference. 

Per SNY.TV: "I will work tirelessly to help this team win," Rojas said in the team press release. "I believe this team and coaching staff can do special things, and I look forward to working together with everyone to reach our goals."

Per the NY Post: “Chili Davis happy to help Luis Rojas: ‘He loves the Mets’” Davis added “He is very loyal to the Mets, and we talked this offseason during the point when I was trying to get my contract done, and he at the time had his contract up and he stated that he doesn’t want to go anywhere. He wanted to stay with the Mets. And for him to get this opportunity I think is great for him and I think he will do a great job at it.”

Per MLB.com listed the 5 challenges that Rojas will face as Mets manager: 1. Straightening out Edwin Díaz; 2. Figuring out the Yoenis Céspedes situation; 3. Settling on the back end of the rotation; 4. Getting the most out of Robinson Canó; 5. Making a good impression on the media.

Mike Puma of the NY Post listed these 5 questions Luis will have to answer: 1. Is Edwin Díaz the closer, and what is the plan to get him right? 2. How will Rojas’ relationship with Robinson Cano affect his handling of the second baseman? 3. What’s the plan for the rotation? 4. Does Syndergaard get a personal catcher? 5. Is there a plan for left field? The Mets will enter spring training with J.D. Davis, Dominic Smith and potentially Yoenis Céspedes as options to play left field.

Ed Stein of The Empire Writes back said the Mets missed the Point in the Luis Rojas hire.  “The Mets keep making the same mistake by hiring men who have no Major League managing experience…To be honest, even though Rojas isn’t the right hire, he is a much better choice than Beltran. At least he has spent time managing in the minors.”

Tim Boyle of Rising Apple says that: Luis Guillorme has a chance to be a useful bat off the bench in 2020.

Tim Ryder of Metsmerized.com said that Marcus Stroman’s Cutter Became Bonafide Weapon with the Mets. “I figured out how to manipulate my cutter to make it bigger or smaller whenever I want,” Stroman tweeted. “Didn’t find that until I was with the Mets. Can’t wait to attack the zone with a steady mix!”

Yahoo Sports had Scott Boras saying that the Astros players don’t need to apologize for sign-stealing scandal. 

Call To The Pen says the Mets are looking for a reprieve on the Jed Lowrie debacle.

Clutchpoints.com had the 5 best prospects likely to debut in 2020: Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit Tigers; Joey Bart, C, SF Giants; Ryan Mountcastle, 1B/OF, Orioles; Nick Madrigal, 2B, White Sox; Alec Bohm, 3B, Phillies.

Per Yahoo Sports: “Royals star catcher Salvador Perez to become US citizen.”

MLB.com looked the most interesting “steamer” projections for 2020. This includes: “4) The most dynamic relief duo resides in Queens.  The Mets’ bullpen endured a disastrous 2019, one reason the club fell three games short of a playoff spot. But things are looking up for this group, which projects as the best in the NL. Two big reasons for the turnaround: one pitcher who struggled mightily last season, and one who barely pitched at all. Steamer sees big rebounds for both Edwin Díaz (5.59 ERA in 2019) and the newly signed Dellin Betances (limited to one game by injuries), with both ranking among the top four MLB pitchers in ERA, FIP and K/9 rate. Such a scenario would effectively shut down the late innings for opponents.”

MLB.com released their 10 ten outfield prospects for 2020.  No current minor league Mets made the list but one ex-minor leaguer did: Jarred Kelenic as #3. The article had this to say about Jarred: Highest floor: Kelenic. Kelenic does everything well, showing an advanced approach at the plate that belies his age (He’s still only 20.). With his excellent tools to go along with his innate feel to hit and outstanding defense, he’s a big league regular at the very least, one who won’t take too much longer to be ready.

Per the Spun.com: Derek Jeter’s Response To Marlins Question Is Going Viral. At the press conference to announce his Hall of Fame election Derek was asked about the Marlins losing.  He jokingly replied: “No it’s been a lot of fun losing.” He couldn’t hold back his laughter when making that comment.  He then added: “We’ve taken on quite a challenge down in Miami. We believe in the fan base and we understand that it’s going to take time. I preach patience even though I have none.”

Josh Finkelstein of Metsmerized.com noted the improvements the Marlins have made saying that the Miami Marlins won’t be a pushover in 2020.

Per the NY Daily News: A Massachusetts man filed a class-action lawsuit against Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox over the teams’ stealing of signals between pitchers and catchers of opposing teams. The suit filed Thursday in Manhattan Federal Court says the teams’ cheating cost fans money by hurting their fantasy baseball picks made through DraftKings — in which Major League Baseball is an investor.

Per the NY Daily News: Major League Baseball to sponsor US Olympic softball team. Major League Baseball is using its financial muscle to support the U.S. women’s softball team, which already is assured a spot in the Tokyo Olympics while the American men’s baseball team struggles to qualify.

Per MLB Trade Rumors:

Padres are discussing a Mookie Betts trade with the Red Sox.

Red Sox sign ex-Mets Catcher Juan Centeno to a minor league deal. 

Last night in the Dominican Republic, the Final Series continued with the Toros Del Este losing to the Tigres del Licey 6-2 (box).  The Toros Del Este saw their series lead cut to 2-1.

Jordany Valdespin played right field and went 0 for 4.

Mack’s Blast From the Past comes from January 24, 2011: “B-METS PRESS RELEASE: BACKMAN NAMED B-METS MANAGER.”

UltimateMets has the date in Mets History:

Born on this date:

• Neil Allen (1958)
• Mike Glavine (1973)

Transactions:
Texas Rangers signed Shawn Hare of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 24, 1995.

New York Mets signed free agent Graeme Lloyd on January 24, 2003.

New York Mets signed free agent Geremi Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox on January 24, 2006.

Baltimore Orioles signed Tyler Yates of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 24, 2006.

Chicago Cubs signed Cliff Floyd of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 24, 2007.

Cincinnati Reds signed Willie Harris of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 24, 2012.

Texas Rangers signed James Loney of the New York Mets as a free agent on January 24, 2017.

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