Savage Views - Ray, The Optomist

 

SAVAGE VIEWS – RAY, THE OPTOMIST

May 18, 2023

It is always darkest before dawn.  I see mostly blue skies ahead with a few clouds on the horizon.  As I write this the Mets are scheduled to play Tampa Bay for a three-game series.  I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that they will win at least two out of three games.

The rotation is starting to take shape.  With Justin Verlander scheduled tonight, Max tomorrow and Senza on Thursday we will do just fine. Cookie may be back in the rotation by this weekend and MeGill is a decent number five.  If the team can stay healthy for the near future the Mets will start to win their share of games.

I expect their putrid offense will be bolstered by the addition of Mark Vientos and Ronny Maurcio by Memorial Day or at the very least Vientos will join the team.  He is either a prospect who can help the team or a trade chip.  He has nothing left to prove in the minors and deserves a chance to play everyday at the MLB level.  For as long as he plays ball the question will be where to play him.  

My recommendation is for him to be the regular DH with a chance to spell Alonso at first a couple of times a week.  Well, one of my predictions has come to fruition and with a bang.  Welcome Mark.

It’s hard to imagine that this team with all its talented hitters continues to struggle.  It’s up and down the lineup with continued poor success in clutch situations.  Lindor, even with his 31 RBIs, is batting around .220 – that’s simply not acceptable.  Marte is starting to heat up and is probably best utilized in the # 6 or 7 holes.  Alonso has only three doubles in 45 games – how is that even possible. 

Vogelbach keeps getting playing time despite his lack of power and production.  I think Vogie is being showcased for a trade to hopefully bolster the pen.  The same for Pham and Canha.  I think the Mets will be looking to unload one of them and my choice would be Canha.  Pham has the ability to play all OF positions and can also steal a base.  Nimmo is also another one who has hit a wall – but past experience shows that he will break out.  

McNeil perplexes me.  He’s a pure hitter who used to delight by spreading line drives across the field.  I’m sure he will figure things out soon.  I would not trade Escobar – his versatility is invaluable.

There seems to be a sizeable element calling for the Mets to bring up Sanchez.  If so, where would he play and whom would he replace.  I think we should pass on him and let him broker his way onto another team.

The bullpen is a mess with no relief in sight (pun intended].  We have some spare parts that might be attractive enough to get the team some fresh arms.   Think Vogelbach, Canha, Pham, Nido and Guillorme.

There are so many bad teams out there that there remains a path to the playoffs if we stay competitive against the good teams and starting beating up on the teams we should excel against.

Ray