SAVAGE VIEWS – THE ADDICT IS BACK

  

SAVAGE VIEWS – THE ADDICT IS BACK

I have been an addict for as long as I can remember. It started when I was around six or seven, living in Greenpoint, when I became addicted to the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Rangers. I attended my first Rangers game in 1947 when they defeated the Canadians 4-2. Not quite sure how this addiction started – it was well before we owned a TV. I did not become addicted to the New York Giants until after I left the Army in 1965. The addictions continue to this day stronger than ever.

TALENT IS NOT ENOUGH

A couple of weeks ago, A-Rod made a comment about the Yankees to the effect that they were a very talented group but simply being more talented than other teams is not enough to win games. A look at the Mets roster confirms that theory. The FAB 4 have been less than fabulous this season. To date, only Pete Alonso is playing up to expectations. There’s been a lot of criticisms of the so-called baby Mets. We tend to forget that when the Mets won seven games in a row, it was the Baby Mets that carried them.

THE MENDOZA FACTOR

To be fair, it’s hard to pin the lack of offensive production on Mendoza’s shoulders, but there has been a regression in the baby Mets. Alvarez and Baty and Maurcio have been relegated to the bottom of the batting order instead of the middle. That shows me a lack of confidence in these players. On the other hand, underperforming players continue to occupy top and middle of the lineup roles.

Speaking of confidence in your players. Imagine if Gavin Williams was pitching a no-hitter for the Mets. He never would have seen the eighth inning. The Cardinal manager not only allowed him to pitch him into the ninth but left him in after Soto’s homer.

Ryan Stanek was brought into the game last week in a critical situation and performed badly once again.

With the tying run on second, Marte was left in the game instead of having Taylor run for him.

Mendoza’s continued misuse of the bullpen has cost the Mets more than a few games.

Regardless, they will probably make the playoffs thanks to being able to qualify as a wild-card.

CHANGES ARE COMING

Even if the Mets do make the playoffs, the most optimistic of us would be surprised by a long run. Time to look forward to 2026. In order to make room for Jett Williams and Carson Benge, at least two of our fabulous players need to go. Brandon Nimmo has been a fan favorite and a good team player. It’d time for him to resurrect his career elsewhere. Pete Alonso will likely seek a contract for more money and years the Mets would be willing to pay

With the departure of Alonso the team should consider pairing Ryan Clifford and Mark Vientos to handle first base and DH. It’s safe to say that Lindor and Soto will be back in their usual spots and Alvarez is the catcher of the future. If Williams and Benge take over the two other outfield spots, that leaves second and third as question marks. I can live with McNeil at second and super utility guy with one of Baty or Maurcio as third.  I remain a fan of Baty and would make both Ronny Maurcio and Acuna available in trades. A lot depends on which of the baby Mets shines over the next six weeks.

My rotation next year would have McLean and Sproat complementing Senga, Peterson and Manaea with Holmes back to the pen. It’s too early to speculate on the makeup of the future pen, although nice to have Raley and perhaps Minter back.

Ray

August 12, 2025