One key relevant factor in looking at any hitter in late July is:
How do they do from late July on?
In 2021, Jeff McNeil was struggling in late July and never exited the dreaded Funk Alley. But…
In 2018, he was called up in late July and hit great.
In 2019, he started out as a .350 slap hitter, but while the average dropped in the second half, he had a career best half season in terms of power output.
In short 2020, he started slowly but hit over .350 in September.
In 2022, he was hitting around .289 in late July, and added 40 points to win the batting title.
In 2023, through July 19, it has not been pretty, but aside from 2021, evidence is that he will do much better from here on out.
Pete?
Bad season so far.
He started poorly in short 2020, but picked it up towards season’s end.
Otherwise, he’s been PETE…until the last month or so.
He is also not a career July guy:
Career .217/.320/.454 in July.
After July, in his career, he is .259/.346/.532.
I’d sure take that from him the rest of the way. The key for him is forgetting his .203 season average, driven down in part due to a frigid start to his least favorite month:
July.
This year, though, Funk Alley started in his last 5 or so June games, and mushroomed into a 7 for 63 stretch.
Just go .259/.346/.532 the rest of the way, and things will be fine.
Oh, and stop getting hit by pitches once every 8 games. Injuries impair performance. Challenge the bums that hit you.
MARTE TO IL, VIENTOS CALLED UP
Mark’s chance, part III.
It's Vientos and Mauricio time post trade deadline because that's what would keep me watching this season!
ReplyDeleteErnest, I agree. But I don’t study the following, but how insurmountable are the Wild Card deficits? If Pete and Jeff decided to actually hit again…
ReplyDelete“The Jarred Kelenic train just kicked into its lowest gear yet. The Mariners outfielder, a former top prospect who the Mets traded in the Edwin Diaz deal, broke his left foot kicking a water cooler during a 6-3 loss to the Twins on Wednesday night and was placed on the 10-day injured list.”
ReplyDeleteWould you want him back for Mark Canha?
ReplyDeleteIn a heartbeat Reese. I also am not ready to throw in the towel Tom.
ReplyDeleteReese, I don’t know. Probably not. Kelenic got off strong in April, but has hit perhaps .230 in May, June, July, with just 4 HRs in nearly 235 at bats. Also, in that span, 90 strikeouts in 271 PAs, the truly concerning #. Just turned 24, up in the majors 920 times in his career, a lefty who hits lefties better than righties. He IS a major leaguer, but not on a contending team.
ReplyDeleteGus, the Mets remain pretty close, and if Quintana is that good and Max and JV and Senga are pitching as they have lately, I think the dial is pointing toward “give it a go for the Wild Card.”
ReplyDeleteEspecially if Pete and Jeff replace the body doubles who have been pretending to be them.
And my reply to Reese indicates that I do not want Kelenic long term as a regular member of the Mets. I would be willing to acquire and then deal him. I’d rather see Jett Williams in the outfield in 2025. Seems like our Trea Turner.
Regarding McNeil
ReplyDeleteI have always been a big fan of him. We got toknow each other in Savannah and we are still Facebook friends.
That being said, he just doesn't seem to be very happy anymore. (he also is NOT a RIGHT fielder)
This may be a classic example of someone needing a new zip code to get his game back.
Mack, all things a front office has to contemplate. In 2015, it is right about this date that the whole team ignited. Exception rather than the rule, but don’t just dump him now. Maybe this off season.
ReplyDeleteJustin Turner’s Red Sox coming in…he’s had a terrific season.
Mack, Jeff just signed a long term deal this passed winter. Was he not happy with his decision? I don’t see Jeff as being unhappy but rather see him as frustrated. He’s a perfectionist and doesn’t handle bad outcomes well. We have that in common, LOL.
ReplyDeleteTom, I would want Kelenic because I like collecting talent. Give me the talent for this two month rental and let’s see what happens.
“Justin Turner is lazy.”
ReplyDeleteI still don’t get why they just cut the guy. Not like there wasn’t room.
Lazy Turner has hit .295 with 171 HRs and 635 RBIs in just over 4,000 Post-Mets at bats.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Murphy similar.
How many of their long drives at Shea/Citi were outs, depressing their Mets numbers, so we decline to retain, and then are just so baffled why they drastically improve.
For that reason, Pete should leave if they do not bring in the fences.
Go to Philly, hit 60. Have the joy return.
Or…just move the fences in, so it plays like a neutral, or slightly hitter-friendly, park.