The Mack Report - Bard, Robertson, Curtiss, Ruf, Hartwig

Bard, Robertson, Curtiss, Ruf, Hartwig

 

Jim Bowden: Mets have trade options to find new closer after Edwin Díaz’s injury -

1. Daniel Bard, RHP, Rockies

Age: 37

HT: 6-4 WT: 215

WAR: 3.8 W-L: 6-4 ERA: 1.79 SV: 34

G: 57 GF: 48 IP: 60 1/3 SO: 69 BB: 25 WHIP: 0.994 

The Rockies are picked by most to finish in last place again so there is little reason for them to keep a 37-year-old closer. Daniel Bard had a tremendous 2022 season, recording career-high velocities on his fastball, which averaged 98 mph, and his slider, which averaged 88 mph. Bard’s fastball spin rate and fastball velocity each ranked in the 97th percentile. His xERA/xwOBA was in the 95th percentile, and his Barrell% was in the 89th percentile. He posted a 1.59 ERA on the road and a 1.97 ERA at home, a close split given the Coors Field factor. Bard is signed through 2024 on a two-year, $19 million deal. 

Mack - This is a good series by Bowden and we will feature the other relievers he targeted in our next five Mack Reports. 

 

Edwin Diaz injury: 3 immediate backup plans for Mets at closer -

3. David Robertson could be an Edwin Diaz injury replacement for the Mets 

David Robertson has been around since 2008, most recently saving 20 games for the Cubs and Phillies last season. After signing a one-year, $10M free agent deal with the Mets in the offseason, Robertson looked to be the de facto setup man for Díaz heading into 2023. 

With 157 saves to his credit over a 14-year career, he has the experience to close out games on the big stage in New York. Especially when you consider he spent his first seven seasons with the Yankees and saved 39 games in his final season in the Bronx. 

The soon-to-be 38-year-old won’t be as dominant as Díaz (but then who is?). Although he had a solid strikeout rate of 30.7 percent last season, he also had a 13.3 percent walk rate. While that is still more walks than his career mark of 10 percent, it may not be the type of tight, ninth-inning performance manager Buck Showalter will want to see on a regular basis. 

While FanGraphs’ Roster Resource currently has Robertson listed as the Mets’ closer, time will tell if he can lock down the job or if the team opts to go with the next candidate. 

Mack - I have a funny feeling that the signing of Robertson is going to be one of the great off-season moves made this year. 

 

2023 Mets King of Spring Training, update #2 -

John Curtiss - 0.00 ERA, 0.25 WHIP, 8 Ks in 4 IP

Not even on the list of candidates last week, Curtiss now leads the team in strikeouts—not just among relievers, but among all Mets pitchers. Curtiss started in place of Kodai Senga on Saturday and pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. He also has not walked a single batter in his four innings of work; he has allowed just one baserunner all spring. While some other arms on the fringes of the roster have faltered, Curtiss’ star has risen and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in the Opening Day bullpen. 

Mack - I believe that Curtiss is a lock for the opening day pen, especially after the the Diaz injury.

 

4 NY Mets who should already be on the trade block -

1. NY Mets DH Darin Ruf should already be on the trade block

The New York Mets should already be fielding calls for designated hitter Darin Ruf. The Mets are covered all over the infield with position players to spare, and already have Daniel Vogelbach occupying the DH spot. 

Sure, Ruf could rebound after a 2022 season that saw him hit just .204, but New York has plenty of players who could step into the role that is carved out for Ruf in 2023. 

Ruf is little more than right-handed hitting designated hitter that will find his way into the lineup against left-handed pitchers. The aforementioned Vogelbach will ride the pine when a southpaw is on the bump, allowing Ruf to take his hacks. 

But the Mets have so many other players who could fill this role. Tommy Pham and Francisco Alvarez are both right-handed bats, as is Mark Vientos. 

Darin Ruf has a very affordable contract and could be a platoon option elsewhere as a designated hitter or corner infielder. Why Ruf is still on the team is rather puzzling, but Billy Epler should already be attempting to move on from the former San Francisco Giants infielder. 

Nope, it makes zero sense to keep Ronny Mauricio withering away in the minor leagues when he could be dealt to a rebuilding team in need of shortstop depth. Don’t call the Cincinnati Reds, as I’m pretty sure they’ve got a dozen shortstop prospects already. 

Mack - Right now, the only reason I can see the Mets keeping this guy would be because he can play backup first base, but so can Mark Vientos, so your pick here… Ruf or Vientos. 

 

https://theathletic.com/4245052/2023/02/24/mets-bullpen-candidates/?source=user-shared-article -

Grant Hartwig (25)

Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent, July 2021

Status: Not on the 40-man roster but with options.

Repertoire: Sinker, slider, changeup, cutter

2022: 1.75 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 56 2/3 minor-league innings across Single A, High A, Double A and Triple A 

Yeah, guys usually don’t start their season in Single A and finish it a step away from the majors; Hartwig was the system’s fastest-rising pitcher in 2022, and it wasn’t particularly close. Undrafted out of Miami (Ohio), the right-hander has built his repertoire on the back of a wipeout slider that he plays off a sinker with unusual run to his armside. He credited his ascent during his first full season to the incorporation of analytical data on how best to use his mix. 

“It’s playing it east and west and throwing it out of the same tunnel and just trying to play games with the hitters and make them pick,” Hartwig said. “They’re going to look similar halfway, and then they have to make a decision.” 

Hartwig’s offseason goal was to add a cutter to enhance his chances against left-handed batters. 

Mack - As of 3-17, Hartwig has thrown only two innings in Spring Training. This is nowhere near what is needed to secure an opening day pen slot.