MIGHTY MARK VIENTOS
The Book of Romans, Chapter 12, verse 7, tells us to "give respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due". So, here goes, regarding 3 guys who were not on the Mets' Opening Day roster in 2024, but rather down in Syracuse:
It wasn't Mark Vientos' fault the Mets sent him down to AAA for 6 weeks after spring training, it was management's. You follow orders.
What has Vientos done, majors, minors and playoffs this year? A lot.
143 games, 27 doubles, 33 HRs, 103 RBIs.
Not too shabby, huh? And 2 of those RBIs came on a huge opposite field single yesterday, a sign of true maturity.
Jose Butto? I had some doubts due to his HR rate in the minors through 2023. He allowed 17 in 91 IP in AAA in 2023, then came up and pitched BETTER in the majors, like any bulldog will.
He was great (not to overstate things) yesterday in game 1, in a game where Edwin and Phil were not showing up on the field no way, no how.
And can I just say it?
A brilliant regular season in 2024, 7-3, 2.55, 74 IP, 1.06 WHIP.
He has turned me from a doubter to a shouter: But-to, But-to, But-to!
And....let's not forget...the Mets started out 0-5 this year, not hitting a lick. The start for season game # 6 went to Jose Butto, and he twirled 6 brilliant, one run innings, and the Mets rallied for 3 runs in the 9th to win it 2-1, to improve to on the season to 1-5, and possibly avoid a major tailspin. Butto gets kudos.
Jose Iglesias? Oh My Goodness, dude!
It just hit me - he led the major leagues in batting at .337.
Bobby Witt hit .332. It wasn't Jose's fault that he lacked the at bats needed to qualify for the title. You see, David Stearns made a mistake by sending him to the minors after spring training (Stearns made a rare mistake and is not perfect, no one alive today is, with the possible exception of Mack) - but I think I will keep Stearns anyway if you readers agree....I will take your silence as a yes. I'll keep Iglesias too.
That key, game-tying infield hit from Iglesias to the first baseman was a thing of beauty. Jose hit the ball, came out of the blocks like Carl Lewis, and then the head-first slide to beat the pitcher to the bag. Wow. Dude is almost 35, plays like he is 25. (Career .283 in 4,040 at bats, too. And a terrific 3.1 WAR in half a season with the Mets. I'll stop now).
Oh, he did SIGN Iglesias...you can't call him up if tou don't first sign him.
Give them honor, folks. The Mets are not in the playoffs without them.
12 comments:
I'm not moving Butto out of the pen. Would give him a hefty raise and build a pen around him and Diaz
Mack, right - don't mess with success.
I saw one of those great, random clips on Facebook, the Mets' Sept 10, 1985 game against the Cards, where Foster and the pitcher alternated stepping off and stepping out for at least 90 seconds. Pitcher hit Foster with first pitch, benches cleared, no ejections. With Hernandez, Strawberry and Foster on, Hojo hit a grand slam and Shea rocked.
Hojo was 24. He was mediocre in 1984, 1985, and 1986, then at age 26 through 30, he had 5 excellent years. Which made me think of Vientos, who is 24. And how much better he might be at age 26 thru 30, if he follows a similar pattern.
I think I agree with you about Butto. I like the idea of long relievers that can throw at least 2 innings, sometimes 3.
As Tom also noted, Butto has also pitched some excellent starts. I could be convinced without much trouble to switch Butto and Megill. I thing Megill actually would be better in the pen. As good as Butto in the pen? Who knows, but better for two innings than starting and asking for six.
I guess it is about time to eat my words or fall on my sword about Mark Vientos. I was never a big fan of his because of his defensive shortcomings and his high strikeout rates. I thought both would be exposed in a big way on the Major League diamond, but he came through big this year and continues into October! Let's hope the HoJo comparison is on point.
Tom and Mack,
How much credit does Stearns get for the make-up of the Brewers club? I honestly never followed the team or Stearns' career with them. Do you see him following the same path in putting together the future Mets team? Thoughts from any of the posters?
Those three have been very pleasant surprises. LuisAngel Acuna seems to be another one, though he only has a few games under his MLB belt so far. Makes you wonder what they have that dozens of others with better AAA statistics don't, because none of them were the ones everyone wanted to call up immediately.
I wanted Mark up all along, but I confess even though Iglesias had a very solid MLB career, I did know him well enough to realize he is not a 34 year old fader. He’s much greater.
That could happen, but Butto has been an anchor in a bullpen in flux. I’d like to see him stay right there for 2025.
Tom greater than a fader I agree! Tyrone Taylor should be on the list as well solid #4 outfielder and though the hitting faded Torrens filled in well for Alvy.
Also an addition to the Mets HOF Gary (great name by the way) Cohen's call from 0 and 5 to OMG beautiful.
Gary, Taylor has been Taylor-made for this team. And let's hope Cohen has at least one more OMG left in him.
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