The Mack Report - Ernest Dove, Prediction on Improved OPS, Denyi Reyes, Mets Outfielders, Layonel Ovalles

 

Ernest Dove, Prediction on Improved OPS, Denyi Reyes, Mets Outfielders, Layonel Ovalles

 

 Ernest Dove joined Mack’s Mets “back in the day” He stayed with us until he left when I first retired. After a stint on MetsMinors.com he started his own pod cast, became a regular on Mets Twitter, and rejoined us around a year ago. 

Have a day, Ernest. I’m sure rubbing elbows with Mr. Axelrod on opening day was your biggest Mets friggin moment. 

I’m proud to have him as a writer as well as a good friend.

 

 Tim Britton and Will Sammon - Mets predictions - 

Which Mets hitter will outperform his 2022 OPS? 

Britton: Brandon Nimmo (.800). Nimmo’s 2022 might have been his best all-around season, given his improvement in center field defensively and his ability to stay on the field for 151 games. But while he was quite good at the plate, he’s been better in the recent past, twice running his OPS above .880. The path isn’t even that complex for Nimmo: He just needs to get on base closer to his career track record than he did last season in posting a career-worst .367 OBP. 

Sammon: Tomás Nido (.600). Will Nido’s impressive spring training translate to gaudy statistics during the regular season? His track record (career .580 OPS) says no. But Nido remains a sneaky pick to outperform some offensive numbers — even if not by a whole lot. He has worked with hitting coach Jeremy Barnes since the winter on some adjustments that helped him unlock a bit more power. Also, he doesn’t lack motivation, with the Mets bringing in Omar Narváez and with prospect Francisco Álvarez lingering on the 40-man roster. 

Mack - my guess here remains Francisco Lindor. 

 

Denyi Reyes cracked the opening day Syracuse roster. 

The 26-year old right handed starter was 2014 international sign, by the Red Sox, out of the D.R. 

He has pitched in parts of seven minor league seasons, for Boston and Baltimore, with a combined 45-28, 3.29-ERA, 3.3% walk rate. The Mets signed him as a free agent on 11-23-22. 

His only MLB experience was last season for the Orioles:  0.2-WAR,0-0, 2.35 

Mack - could be a steal… won’t become a free agent until 2029.

  

Tim Britton and Will Sammon - 40 Mets, 40 observations: What camp taught us about every guy on the roster - 

Outfielders 

Mark Canha: Always in impressive physical shape, Canha switched up his workout routine in an effort to produce more power. Typically a slow starter in the spring, his zero home runs shouldn’t be considered alarming. Canha’s hope is that his regimen translates to more home runs and doubles, and it was a good sign that he was lifting the ball in the air with authority toward the end of spring. In addition to left field, Canha saw action at center field and first base, two areas where he might provide some depth in case of injuries. 

Starling Marte: Despite coming off double groin surgery in the winter, Marte routinely hit balls hard, producing a .924 OPS in 36 plate appearances in Grapefruit League action. Marte said he feels healthy and could look to steal more bases (he stole 18 last year after leading MLB with 47 a year earlier). Defensively, Marte said he prefers things to look the way they did last year with him staying in right field and not occasionally moving to center field at all. 

Brandon Nimmo: After a deliberately slow build-up toward playing games in an effort to preserve his health, Nimmo suffered low-grade sprains to both his knee and ankle because of an awkward slide into second base. However, he returned to the lineup about a week later and seems on track to be ready for Opening Day. 

Tommy Pham: One thing rival executives wondered about Pham was how he’d take to a part-time role. However, Pham said he’s embraced the idea of staying ready, being prepared and having open communication with the coaching staff. Pham played some games in center field, where he looked OK tracking balls. He should also see some at-bats at DH against lefties without Darin Ruf around. 

Tim Locastro: Though not yet technically on the 40-man roster, a major-league source confirmed that Locastro would make the team. Locastro demonstrated his elite speed — six stolen bases without getting caught — and an ability to play all three outfield spots. With the Mets, he showed he should fit right in; he racked up six HBPs in just 54 plate appearances. 

Mack - This is it, fans. Jeff McNeil if there is an injury and no one until 2024 (Alex Ramirez). 

Pray for health here. 

 

Joe DeMayo - Mets' updated Top 20 prospects for 2023 MLB season -

18. RHP Layonel Ovalles

Ovalles is one of my breakout candidates for this year. He struggled upon being promoted to Low-A St. Lucie, but the stuff is really intriguing. He has a fastball that will touch 97 mph with spin rates in the 2,700 rpm range, which gives hope that it can be a true plus pitch. His slider gets a lot of swings and misses, but he needs development with his curve and changeup. He bounced between starting and relief in 2022, but the Mets plan to push him as a starter in 2023. If he can really begin to refine his stuff, he could be someone  who jumps up this list next year. 

MLB ETA: 2025 

Mack - Layonel will start this season in the Lucy rotation. We’ll keep an eye out.