SAVAGE VIEWS – QUARTERLY REVIEW 2025
By all
accounts, our team has just concluded a very successful first quarter. If we
continue at the current pace, we will exceed 100 wins for the year. However, I do
have some concerns.
STARTING
PITCHING
No one could have predicted that the Mets would lead the majors in staff ERA through the initial 40+ games of the season. There are some cracks in the armor. Recently MeGill and Peterson have struggled to pitch past the fifth inning. Megill has, in the past, had trouble completing six innings. Peterson, while solid, has a tendency of allowing too many baserunners limiting his ability to go deep in games.
Expect Holmes to improve as the season progresses, while it’s hard to predict
how well Canning will do given his past record. Senga continues to look like a
genuine ace. The eventual return of Manaea may relegate Peterson to the pen. Montas,
when healthy, will allow the team to move to a six man rotation. It’s hard to
imagine a role for Blackwell going forward,
THE
BULLPEN
It’s a
yearly issue. Carlos Mendoza continues to remove starters too early, creating
an overworked pen. Stanek, Butto and lately even Kranick have been less
effective. Nunez has walked 6 of the 8 batters since his recall. Diaz was used
twice over the weekend in non-save situations which probably means he is
unavailable Monday night.
BATY
IS BACK
Baty has hit
four home runs in his last thirteen at bats with the Mets. He certainly looks
the part of a major league hitter. Of course, Mendoza, in his infinite wisdom
sat him down against a lefty yesterday. And Monday night, he’s batting eight in
the order. The relatively ineffective Vientos has seized the number five spot.
It was nice to see Mark motivated to the point where he actually drove in a runner
in scoring position.
MIDDLE
OF THE ORDER
The middle
of the order consisted of Nimmo, Vientos and Acuna is recent games. Maybe it’s
time to shake things up. Nimmo would probably be more effective as the number
two hitter following Lindor. His record as someone with a high OBP should complement
the top of the order. Baty and Alvarez should occupy the sixth and seventh
slots with McNeil and Acuna bringing up the rear. What to do when Rony Mauricio
is ready to rejoin the team. I would guess that Acuna would become a bench
player.
A
TOUGH COUPLE OF WEEKS
It’s going
to be a challenge facing the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers over the next couple
of weeks. I’d be satisfied if we can win at least 5 of those nine games.
Ray
May 13, 2025
I am more and more impressed with Acuna and his speed. He stole a key run last night.
ReplyDeleteSecond quarter of 2025? Sizzling Soto shows up. Vientos having a Renaissance.
I wouldn't change the top of the lineup until it stops producing but I would love to see a 1-2 punch of
DeleteAcuña followed by Nimmo for a three game span to see how that works
Need to make room for Mauricio.
ReplyDeleteMauricio has gone 3 singles for 21 at bats with 1 walk and 6 Ks. He is error prone in his career. There better be no rush to promote him. I want him sizzling hot first, and showing he is not Chuck Hiller in the field. Acuna is a .287 MLB hitter career-to-date, with a strong glove and super speed. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
ReplyDeleteLeave Mauricio in AAA this season and make him available to other teams come the all-star break
DeleteRay
ReplyDeleteMANAEA will return to the rotation
Who goes to AAA, the pen, or to another team in a deal?
Megill would be my guess. Pen or AAA
ReplyDeleteI think Megill has one more option left but I could be wrong here
DeleteBy the way
ReplyDeleteGoing to NYC on Friday morning to say goodbye to my older brother.
Haven't been in NYC since 1998
My Thursday and Sunday posts will run. MONDAY won't. I will then pick them back up next Thursday
Going with daughter who is greasing up my ♿️
DeleteHave a great trip to NYC, Mack, although it sounds like the circumstances aren't great.
ReplyDeleteYeah. He’s 80. Early dementia Accident Feĺl over fence broke leg, hip, concussion. One leg now two inches shorter due to surgery. Can't even walk with walker..Calls me Michael. Michael was his best friend that died a few years ago
DeleteSad
Was Managing Director for Morgan, Lewis, the 3rd largest law firm.in USA
Now sleeps 18 hours a day
There is no way that Acuna should be taken out of the lineup in favor of Mauricio.
ReplyDeleteMauricio will have to earn his way into the lineup. He should not even sniff the majors until he dominates AAA. Doesn't everyone remember how he was free falling before he got hurt. He was hitting in the 290's before ending up at .249. The league was catching up to him. BTW, he is also a worse fielder than Vientos.
Let him earn it. There is no place for him on the roster right now.
I've said this several times now. WHEN ACUNA PLAYS, THE METS WIN. When he doesn't, the Mets lose. He needs to play at least 80% of the time, Vientos, Baty and McNeil need playing time too.
There is an electricity in this lineup when he plays.
DeleteHaven't seen that since the Reyes days
Acuna is nothing more than a very good utility player. Need to find a place for Mauricio when he's ready.
ReplyDeleteWow, how can you possible say that. Other than Lindor he is the best fielder on the team. The fastest, best base runner on the team.
DeleteI'm not totally disagreeing with you, he may eventually turn into a super utility type of player, but please tell me what has Mauricio accomplished. He had 1 good month, followed by an equally bad month.
Who is he going to replace? He is a well below average fielder. He is fast, but not necessarily a good base runner.
I agree he has potential, but he needs to earn his spot on the team.
Ray
DeleteMauricio is a HORRIBLE defensive infielder, especially at third
Wen need Acuna's speed in the lineup every game. Speed kills
ReplyDeleteIf speed kills, you must be looking forward to Seri's return. Mauricio has one big advantage over Acuna. He can actually hit the ball.
ReplyDeleteMauricio. What’s the big deal? If he lights it up in SYRHACUSE we’ll get interested
ReplyDeleteRay, so far in his MLB career, Acuna has hit .287. I like that.
ReplyDeleteDo you like his 6 rbis thus far.
ReplyDelete