SAVAGE VIEWS – Quarter of the Way

Hard to believe that a quarter of the season is in the books.  

As I write this, the Mets are a mediocre two games under .500.  Pre-season, I predicted we would be playoff bound and I’m not backing off – however, the bar is set very low.

There is reason for optimism as they have probably played a more difficult schedule than their competitors in the NL East.  Also, the calvary is about to arrive when the likes of Megill, Peterson and Senga rejoin the rotation.  Chistian Scott looks like a future ace.  These reinforcements plus the return of Alvarez and Drew Smith should make us a compelling team over the next four months.  

At some point, players such as Alonso, Marte, McNeil will start earning their paychecks, although there have been recent signs of life.  To sum up, an easier schedule, improved rotation and more productive at bats should carry the team to a wild-card berth.  Of course, once in the playoffs anything is possible.

If it was up to me, I would revamp the roster and move on from the chronic underachievers.  Take Starling Marte whose lackluster approach infuriates me.  I have nicknamed him “Toe Protector” Marte.  He swings at any pitch near his foot.  Too bad Gilbert is on the injured list, I would love to have him take over RF.  

I don’t remember the last time McNeil hit the ball hard. His unproductive at bats drags down the rest of the team.  He used to be difficult to strike out – no longer the case.  Hopefully, Rony Mauricio is able to rejoin the team before year’s end.

On one hand I want Alonso to be a Met for life; on the other hand, I’ve grown tired of his approach.  He is no longer a clutch hitter.  I’m conflicted as to whether he should be offered an extension.  At most, I would offer a four-year contract in the neighborhood of $140 million.  Anything beyond that would be foolish.  If he walks or gets traded Mark Vientos could be an adequate replacement.

The team’s greatest need is to sign a potent bat to power the lineup.   That would mean breaking the bank to sign Soto.  A tandem of Soto and Alonso would make for an interesting 2025.  Otherwise, let Alanso go and treat 2025 as a transition year while newcomers Gilbert, Acuna, Rameriz and Williams get incorporated into the lineup.

Recently JD Martinez hit Willson Contreas with his bat fracturing Contreras’ arm and he was awarded first base due to catcher’s interference. In my view, JD should have been called out due to batter’s interference.  JD’s right foot was outside the batter’s box making his positioning illegal.  It should be a judgment call rather than an automatic catcher’s interference.

Seems that the NY Post’s Phil Mushnick is a follower of Mack’s Mets. He’s taken up my banner of advocating for the first batter in extra innings to be walked setting up a potential double play or force out at third.

Next up are seven games against the Phillies and Marlins.  Should be an interesting week.

Ray

May 14, 2024