It’s almost
73 years since I was at the Polo Grounds when Bobby Thomson hit “the shot heard
round the world”. One of the most disappointing
days of my young life. Today the improbable happened and the Mets have made the
playoffs.
Back on
December 13, 2023 I made my way too early predictions on the 2024 season. I said we would make the playoffs and contend
with the Braves for the title. I thought the Braves would suffer significant injuries
with underperforming pitching. I did not
see the Phillies running away from the pack.
I predicated
that Lindor would have a MVP caliber year and he has. His home run in the first
game was one of the most clutch hits I’ve seen in my 62 years of following this
team. I claimed that the revamped pitching staff would keep us competitive in
most games and the return of Diaz would solidify the bullpen.
I was way
off base with Alonso and he did not come close to meeting my expectations although
I was close with his BA .242 vs .240 actual. I expected major contributions
from the “baby Mets” and that did not happen. Mauricio got hurt and Baty did
not perform. And it’s only recently that Alvarez looks like the baby bull that
he is.
I suggested
that the Mets manager would be a candidate to be named Manager of the Year. Carlos
Mendoza probably won’t win the award, but he should be under serious
consideration. Nearly everyone thought this would be a transition year and the
team would be fortunate to break even. I thought they would win more than 89
wins.
I did not
believe the Mets will be able to sign Alonso because of his extravagant demands
and should focus instead their attention on bringing either Soto or Guerrero on
board for ’25. I saw McNeil returning next year as a super-utility player. My opinion here has not changed.
I wondered
where Acuna would fit on this team next year. Looks as though that question has
been answered.
Subsequently, in my March 15th post, I reiterated that the Mets are playoff bound with the return of Diaz worth at least 6-8 additional wins over 2023. I liked the selection of Mendoza as manager and the stability to the front office with the Stearns hire.
I thought that the Senga injury would turn out to be a
blessing in disguise and Megill would have a chance to shine. No one could have
predicted that Senga would miss the entire season.
I did not
anticipate that we would sign JD Martinez and demote Vientos to the minors. I
always thought the JD signing was short sighted but fortunately Vientos was
recalled to have a solid season.
It would be
pretty cool if we can move on to the next playoff level.
Ray
October 1,
2024
Pretty good success with the predictions! The utility player bucket is getting crowded for next year. McNeil, Iglesias, and Taylor all can play multiple positions with McNeil capable of both OF and IF. Not only has Acuna solidified a roster spot next year, but I think Jett Williams will challenge for a spot making it even more crowded.
ReplyDeleteI don't expect Iggy back. Too much money and a multi will be thrown at him
DeleteRay, good job. I know, somewhere deep down, that you predicted the Mets would win the World Series and Senga would close out the final win. We forget, looking at Vientos' numbers, that he did not join the Mets until mid-May, and still had 27 HRs and 71 RBIs.
ReplyDeleteAlonso and Martinez are not participants on this team anymore
ReplyDeleteI expect JD to retire.
I wonder if the Mets will offer Pete a QO
If Pete accepted his QO, could he then not be a trade prospect to a team such as the Cubs for a prospect and maybe even some International money. That would compare favorably to the late round choice they would receive if he did not accept his QC. Just thinking out of the box. We need more legitimate prospects in the minors.
DeleteMack, a QO for Pete seems the right move. But, of course, he will hit 10 HRs in the post season, so there is that.
ReplyDeleteListening to yesterday's game, it was said that Megill was pleased to have been sent down as it helped him refine his repertoire, especially more reliance on the two-seam. I thought he was good yesterday: a few infield hits, the two HRs barely made it out. I pencil him in as my # 5 starter in 2025. Or, if they load up on free agent pitching, as your 6th. These days, being the 6th means you will throw well over 100+ innings, because someone (or more than one) will get hurt. I think his best pitching lies ahead.
ReplyDeleteI too have Megill as my 2025 SP5
DeleteSenga SP2
Peterson SP3
And...Megill had to learn something about himself in the pressure cooker.
ReplyDeleteLast comment and I will stop: I cannot believe the Mets passed in the draft on Harris, Strider, and Schwellenbach. The latter was another genius pick by Atlanta. He has great stuff, and if I had to pick between him and Megill, it wouldn't be Megill. Not to criticize Megill, but Schwellenbach looks like future All Star caliber. The Mets? When they could have selected Mr. Schwell, they drafted Tidwell, whose 2024 in AAA was brutal. I have no confidence that Tidwell will ever be another Schwellenbach.
ReplyDeleteTidwell according to most draft experts was the right pick
DeleteYes, Tidwell struggled at AAA, just as most of our young pitchers did. Maybe it was robot pitchers, maybe it was nerves, maybe there's another reason, but it was more than just him. Don't give up.
DeleteYou live a liftime for a game like y/day and whatever follows now is gravy. For me its Soto and pick one from Burnes or Fried revamp the BP and we need a legitimate DH and lets kick ass next year remembering of course the Bravos will get the wounded back.
ReplyDeleteMegill deserves a lot of credit for yesterday's success. His numbers were just OK, but good enough to keep the game close enough for the late-inning heroics.
ReplyDeleteBut the big factor was that he spared us from having to use Sevy in Game 2. Had Sevy pitched, all 3 of our scheduled SPs for the WC series would have to work on 3 days rest, making our chances much worse.
Thanks, Tyloror!
Tylor.
ReplyDeleteBill, there is always 2025 for Tidwell to rebound, but it isn't that Schwellenbach is successful....he has great stuff. Somehow, the Braves see these gems in the 3rd, 4th rounds that we bypass. I hear what Mack is saying about what the "experts" say. But I think the real experts have been in the Atlanta scouting system and front office.
ReplyDeleteThe Brewers have been very successful as well inn scouting and developing players, and the guy who has been atop their organization is now in Queens, where he has replaced key men in the scouting department.
DeleteOur International signings and drafts will reflect his philosophy and expertise.
Ray, I remember 1961 Maris/Mantle, but I was not around for the Bobby Thompson shot
ReplyDeleteI was around for Thomson's HR. I was a month shy of my 11th birthday, and got home from school just in time to watch from the 8th inning on.
DeleteLindor helped balance the karma yesterday.
Tom, I have the sad memories.
ReplyDeleteI was coming home from High School and riding the Q36 bus from the subway when the 1969 World Series ended. I should have skipped school that day. Missed the end by 15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteTom, I cut my midterm in college to go to the parade in 1986. Certainly, I knew it was a moment that I didn’t know when I’d see again, but of course, I would have to drop the course because of that. Still have the picture!
ReplyDelete