In a recent check on some stats MLB’s site, I was reminded once again how important it is to maintain a healthy roster. On the MLB site, to qualify as a statistical leader, a player must have at least “3.1 plate appearances per team game played” or as a pitcher “1.0 innings pitched per team game played”.
How many position players from the NY Mets roster qualified in 2021 you ask?
Three – Alonso, Lindor, and Villar.
How many pitchers?
One – Stroman.
There has been a great deal written in 2021 about what
caused the Mets woes, with a huge drop in player performance for many players
versus their career averages. Of course
there are many factors, but I believe that player health was a primary
contributor.
Peak performance in MLB requires not only great skill, but also keen muscle memory honed by many, many repetitions. This is why the season starts with spring training, why players coming off IL do rehab assignments in the minors, and why broadcasters are constantly reminding viewers that a returning player is “not locked in yet”.
So it is not too
mysterious that when 36 players on a 40 man roster (that’s 90%) can’t qualify
for MLB statistical relevance, the team is not having a good year.
Earlier in the year we all lamented the number of “soft
tissue” injuries that were happening. I
still can’t wrap my head around how a hamstring kept Carrasco out of the game
for six months. Some players (Nimmo,
McNeil) came off IL only to go back on again within weeks. Only Nimmo regained his stroke.
So to those who want to blow up the Mets’ roster to get rid of all the underperforming players while their value is at an all-time low, I would suggest a little more patience. Many of these players can bounce back to the performance level we expected before the 2021 season began.
They just need a better health management approach (a top priority for
the new POBO) and a consistent set of reps to get back to performing in tune
with their skill sets. There will be
some changes made by new leadership in line with strategic plans and payroll
considerations – but the right approach is more likely evolution than
demolition.
4 comments:
I absolutely agree with you, but what is the remedy? It seems like we have an annual turnover of training staff, medical staff, or both.
Where's the solution?
Bill
First, hey bud.
In today's soft world, I don't think there is a solution (Yoda speak).
It's not the injury.
It's the soft approach to healing.
They just have to stop serving Mr Softee in the clubhouse. Only beef jerky from here on out.
Funny, in the old days, when no one worked out much, nobody got hurt much. Very odd.
Paul on Hamstring Article
I didn't follow the Carrasco leg injury much. But from experience I would say that he either tore the hamstring somewhat or tried to come back to early on it to play thus reaggravating it and prolonging his rehab of it.
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