So....
While Mets' fans got clean, abundant coal in their stockings, the Nationals' fans got an early Christmas present with a bold trade for 1B Josh Bell.
Seems like a heist.
Bell, with Pittsburgh in 2019 and 2020, mimicked our very own Pete Alonso, with Bell compiing 116 RBIs and 77 extra base hits in 2019, but he did that in just 143 games (vs. Pete's 160), and then had an equally (to Pete's) lousy 2020.
But Bell fans less and hits for a higher average.
Neither fields nor runs well. Kind of like clones.
So, in effect, the Nationals just acquired a clone of Pete Alonso, a mighty substantial "get." And some pundits think they will now add Michael Brantley, too.
Meanwhile, the Braves went 35-25 in 2019, while the Mets went a far worse 26-34. And the Braves have already Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly, making it appear that the very good Atlanta squad may have gotten better for 2021.
The Mets, of course, have improved with the acquisition of Stroman, May and McCann, and the expected June return of Noah Syndergaard. Those 4 gets make me feel that this Mets team, were it to fill out with just average-quality additional signings, would do no better than 2019's 86-76, if that, and miss the playoffs again.
So...with the gauntlet thrown down by our adversaries, it feels like the Mets are 10 wins short of parity with the Braves...
So...what exactly will/should the Mets do from here on out to gain a competitive advantage and be at least as good as the Braves in 2021?
Fire away readers.
14 comments:
Easy, get Springer.
Springer would boost us 5 wins, easy.
Get better defense, baserunning and fundamentals. All of those changes will help improve as much as multi-millionaire free agents.
Reese, I think Cohen will want gate attractions too, and we sure do need more pitching. But defense, baserunning and fundamentals improvements will sure help too.
Happy Holidays. Sign Sugano from Japan to slot in as a #4 starter. Trade for Darvish and Kimbrell, time to use the Cohen financial might, take back a back contract to get a good one. Sign Springer. Keep overpaying to get guys on minor league deals to fill out the undermanned Syracuse roster and provide some depth.
I think our days are coming.
To be real though, would you have even been smiling if it had been the Mets that signed Smyly? Guessing he didn't make many fans list of must haves as we started the off-season. I guess some people were advocating for Charlie Morton, and he might be OK, but I'm not one for hanging the season on starters that are on the wrong side of 35.
I suspect Atlanta is not done (guessing Ozuna will re-up), and Washington may end up the winner of the Realmuto sweepstakes. Pretty sure the Mets will still be able to hold their own, especially if they listen to Reese a couple comments back.
Getting Chili Davis back on the bench might be worth 4 games in itself. As you say, Springer is probably 5.
Jeff I also want Sugano. Dervish and Kimbrel- interesting concept. Springer - agreed. And yes, we need minor leaguers who can truly compete if/when called up.
Remember 1969, good points. If Chili Davis can help Pete to relocate 2019, that will be a huge boost.
Trade for Lindor, or Correa if Cleveland is unreasonable, sign Springer, Bradley, Paxton, and Ordozzi.
Come get us...
Hey Gus .. just curious as to your opinion of what is reasonable for Lindor? And whether you think Cleveland would bite at it? I guess I have my thoughts on that, but wonder what your trade might look like. Thanks
Hey Tom,
Springer is a no brainer. Much of the rest depends upon whether Cohen is willing to exceed the CBT threshold. ($210 million this year)
If so, I would love to see Sandy sign Sugano and Kluber (the latter to a low base, incentive laden deal, sign McGee and Yates for the pen, and lastly trade for Arenado. I think a deal with Davis, Gsellman, Josh Wolf and Mark Vientos might bring Arenado with enough cash to make his annual salary palatable.
If Cohen want to stay under the tax, I could see signing only Sugano and McGee, and then trading for Luis Castillo and Eugenio Suarez. By taking Suarez, we shouldn't have to give up too much, perhaps Rosario, Davis, Gsellman and Junior Santos, maybe with a lesser prospect thrown in.
Am I hoping for too much?
Interesting thoughts Herb.
I think your deal for Arenado might be closer to 'doable', in that the Rockies might listen on that one.
I like the idea of trading for a younger team controllable pitcher like Castillo, and not tie up the $$ like the Arenado trade would, so I prefer your second trade. I do think you might be hoping a little much there that the Reds would do that one. I think they'll need more, as Suarez isn't making that much money that he is a straight salary dump. Just my thoughts.
I still think a Lindor/young pitcher trade from Cleveland would get the most bang for the buck and improve the team more while providing the flexibility of not having the long term commitment unless they want to go that way next year.
Also, I am going to start a band to begin talking about James Paxton. I was taking a deeper look at his career earlier today and really like the reward of that risk, knowing he had spinal fusion surgery last year. When healthy, he has been a terrific pitcher. I hope they are there for his throwing audition that I read was going to happen in January.
Let's do Paxton, Walker, and trade for Plesac and call their staff good!
Great ideas, fellas. Very creative and interesting
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