Observations…
Verklempt…
I’m starting to have second thoughts about a reboot this off season. Reasons being…
First, and this is always the most important reason, the current 26 isn’t quitting and have put this team back into the wild card race. Players never quit. Never. It’s not in their DNA. Management are the people that put the white flag out, not the players.
And this team is showing signs that, if you don’t start trading away the veterans of this team (especially the ones that are liked and respected in the clubhouse), they just might make it to the playoffs.
Will they go all the way? Do they have that much talent? Both topics of discussion, but you simply can’t “blow up” a team that is operating this way.
My “Blow It Up” plan was highly dependent on upper level prospects either staying healthy or be operating on all cylinders. Well, Jett Williams and Drew Gilbert went down with long term injuries and Mets starters at both the top two levels… err… leveled off… and add to that there is no word on the progress of Ronny Mauricio. There is no Blow It Up plan without team controlled prospects. This is as much of a plan about finances as it is about talent.
Look… regardless of what is decided, there is a shite-load of deal money coming off the books at the end of this season. Cott Baseball says that the current 2025 Mets 26 man payroll is $141,100. That included Starlin Marte and Sean Manaea, and would lower the current 2026 26 man payroll to $103,850.
The current CBT threshold is $237mil.
You do the math.
A re-targeting to 2026 might be in order here while we all go and look for out old rally caps.
I watched the beginning of the game, and on and off thereafter. Sonny Gray looked tough in the first inning, but these Mets hitters are now Mike Tyson. DOWN GOES GRAY!
ReplyDeleteThis team is now certifiably dangerous offensively.
These are grown men playing back into contention
DeleteHave to respect that
I've noticed that the giveuppers, here and elsewhere, have quieted down considerably in the past 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteThe pitching, especially the pen, has been much improved, led by D&D (Dedniel and Diaz) and Reid-Foley. And hopefully Senga is getting close to rehab and return.
And the Braves are actually closer to us than to the Phillies.
Keep the Faith, people. YGB!
Not giveruppers
DeleteJust being realistic
Seems that the team started playing better when Alvarez returned. I think there's something to that. He is becoming the leader we all hoped he would be, in my opinion
ReplyDeleteAt least they are fun to watch once again.
ReplyDeleteWe all want the same thing, the Mets to win. The trade proposals have been stated as a plan to make this team better. Yes, they are definitely better to watch when they are winning.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are fun to watch once again. I particularly enjoyed watching them bang out multiple base hits in an inning. The enthusiasm was contageous.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this is still not a strong team mentally. If this streak brings them back into contention, the pressure will return and both the pitching and the hitting will suffer especially at home. I am pleased that they have not given up, but that was never their problem - the failures come when they try too hard.
Mets fans have a long history of emotional highs and lows. We all complain and prophesize doomsday when things go awry, then get giddy when there is a small positive surge. These last two weeks are just that - a small positive surge. This is still one of MLB's worst defenses statistically and they have a weak starting rotation.
I think that Mack's plan still holds and if I were the GM I would be shopping some of the guys that suddenly look like they regained their skills. Sell high!
I only sell if I need to make room for someone. I'm NOT suggesting this, but IF I wanted to play Baty at 3B and keep Vientos, trading Pete or JDM would create a spot.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, if we're contending for a WC spot, standing pat or buying is what I'd do.