SAVAGE VIEWS – A NEEDED BREAK

 SAVAGE VIEWS – A NEEDED BREAK

The timing could not be more perfect as the Mets stumble into the All-Star break. Despite uninspiring performances over the past three weeks, they are in a virtual tie with the Phillies for first place. When the team resumes action on Friday, they will have almost a full contingent of healthy players with the return of Senga, Manaea, Raley, Alvarez and Butto not far behind. Things are really looking up as we begin the stretch run.  Some thoughts.

THE MENDOZA LINE

I have an irrational dislike of Carlos Mendoza as Mets manager. The cherry on top occurred last week when Peterson was pitching an excellent game and was pulled in the eighth inning after throwing 90 pitches. Bringing in Stanek made no sense given his recent poor outings in high pressure situations. Mendoza admitted to being ready to bring in a reliever as early as the seventh inning as Peterson was in a batter-to-batter situation.

The Mets have a wealth of talented young players who seemed to have regressed under Mendoza’s guidance. It troubles me to see Baty being relegated to the bottom third of the lineup on a regular basis while the struggling Vientos is getting middle of the order reps. Mendy was lauded as a genius when Vientos had a key hit on Friday. My take is that since Mark gets a hit 12 percent of the time with a runner in scoring position, he was simply overdue.

Neither Taylor nor Acuna hit left hand pitching well. However, if a lefty starts both are in the lineup while McNeil and Baty ride the pines.

My guess is that when Alvarez does return on Friday, he will be slotted into the lower part of the lineup. I’d be pleasantly surprised if that turns out not to be the case. The Mets have been a rather lackluster team thus far and that reflects upon the laid-back attitude of Mendy.

I’m in favor of replacing Mendoza using whatever means necessary. Wonder if anyone has checked his immigration status – is he here legally?

I’d like to hear from those who believe Mendoza is the right person to lead the Mets to the promised land.

LET’S MAKE A TRADE

I do believe the Mets will make a couple of trades before the deadline. The bullpen needs a couple of reinforcements. That’s it. We do not need to overpay for someone to play center field. McNeil is more than adequate with Taylor as a solid defensive replacement. I would not mind a trade with Milwaukee getting Craig Counsell in return for Mendoza and a couple of prospects. This trade would include the Mendy watch that sends out an alert when a starter reaches 70 pitches.

I would love to see Drew Gilbert promoted to the big club. Do not understand the reasoning behind Jared Young being on the team.

STARTING PITCHING

We are in excellent shape with Senga, Peterson, Manaea, Holmes and Montas all healthy. At some stage, both Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat should be brought up should any of the five falter. Given Holmes’ inability to go past five innings, perhaps he should be returned to the pen.

Ray

July 15, 2025