John From Albany: 10 Years Ago - Mets late comeback in L.A. falls short, 7/4/2015

Alex Torres, 2016 Topps Heritage Card

2015, the last year the Mets made the World Series.  This daily post will detail the game by game journey to the Fall Classic.  Click here for More Mets History and Calendar Classics.

Year: 2015; Game #82; Saturday;  Jul 4, NYM 3 @ LAD 4; boxscore;  WP: Greinke; LP: Harvey;  Save: Howell; Time: 3:25; DAY; Attendance: 51,252; Record: 41-41; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 4.5; L;

Curtis Granderson RF: 1 for 5; 1 K; Daniel Murphy 3B: 1 for 4; 1 run; Lucas Duda 1B: 1 for 4; 2B; 1 RBI; 1 K; Wilmer Flores 2B: 3 for 4; 1 RBI; Darrell Ceciliani LF: 0 for 3; SB; John Mayberry PH: 0 for 1; John Mayberry PH: 0 for 1; Rubén Tejada SS: 0 for 3; HBP; 1 run; 1 K; Kevin Plawecki C: 2 for 4; 2B; Matt Harvey P: 0 for 2; 1 K; Michael Cuddyer LF: 0 for 2; 1 K; Juan Lagares CF: 1 for 3; CS,SF; 1 run; 1 RBI; 1 K; Matt Harvey, L (7-6): 5 innings; 3 runs; 3 ERs; 7 hits; 1 HR; 5 walks; 4 Ks; Alex Torres: 1.1 innings; 1 run; 1 ER; 2 hits; 1 walk; Carlos Torres: 0.2 inning; no runs; 1 K; 

Dodgers built a 4-0 lead scoring 3 off Mat Harvey and another against Alex Torres.  Mets.  A Lucas Duda RBI double and a Wilmer Flores RBI single brought in the 8th made it 4-2 and in the 9th, a Juan Lagares made it 4-3 with two out and a runner on 1st but Curtis Granderson struck out to end it.

Nationals beat the Giants 9-3 to extend their lead to 4.5 games over the Mets. Mets now just a half game ahead of the 3rd place Braves.

NL East Standings - 7/4/2015

Tm	W	L	W-L%	GB	RS	RA	pythW-L%
WSN	45	36	.556	--	355	318	.550
NYM	41	41	.500	4.5	282	301	.470
ATL	40	41	.494	5.0	322	345	.468
MIA	35	47	.427	10.5	300	337	.447
PHI	27	56	.325	19.0	281	418	.326

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/4/2015.

The Morning Report 12.31.2015 | The Value of Depth vs Superstardom, Piazza Gains 0.2% In HOF Public Ballots, Alex Torres Signs With Atlanta

Andre Dobley | Metsmerized Online- In my estimation, this current Mets roster – as it is – looks like a 90-win team on paper and in conservative projections. And since there is no Bryce Harper or Max Scherzer or Giancarlo Stanton star player in there who is expected to carry the load pretty much by himself as a 6+ win caliber player, it´s a far less riskier projection than for top-heavy teams that are strongly dependent on good health to a few elite performers and whose seasons can easily be derailed. That is less likely if your strength is in quality depth – even with a lack of star power. It´s easier to replace a solid 3-win player than it is to replace an elite-level 7-win player if you have a 90-win outlook.

(Chris Soto: Andre does make a good point here. If a team has quality depth....it is significantly easier to replace a projected above average 3.0 WAR player like David Wright than it is to replace a projected superstar 7.0+WAR player like Giancarlo Stanton. The Mets 2016 season isn't going to hinge on the health of 1 or 2 guys like last year. Their are multiple swiss army knifes in Terry Collins pocket that can be utilized to fit whatever role is needed and any point in time in the season.)

Ryan Thibs | BBHOF Ballot Tracker(updated 12.31.2015)

Ken Griffey Jr. | 100%
Mike Piazza      | 90.3%
Jeff Bagwell     | 83.9%
Tim Raines       | 79.8%
_______________________________________

Trevor Hoffman | 64.5%
Curt Schilling    | 61.3%
Mike Mussina    | 56.5%
Barry Bonds      | 50.0%
Roger Clemens  | 49.2%
Edgar Martinez  | 49.2%
Alan Trammell   | 48.4%

HOT STOVE REPORT (courtesy of mlbtraderumor.com)

• The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed LHSP Scott Kazmir to a 3 yr deal worth $48M but the contract has an opt-out clause after the 1st season.
• The Mets lost another minor league free agent yesterday as LHRP Alex Torres signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. 

12.14.2015 Winter League Results | Torres Still Struggling With Command as a SP, RBI #30 for Jairo Perez

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- No Games Scheduled


Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Aguilas del Zulia 3 - 1 Navegantes del Magallanes

• LHP Alex Torres: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

- Cardenales de Lara 6 - 1 Caribes de Anzoategui

• DH Jairo Perez: 1 for 4, RBI(30)

Dominican Baseball League All-Star Game

- No Games Scheduled


Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- No Games Scheduled

11.22.2015 Winter League Results | Team USA Loses in Premier12 Championship, Becerra Makes VBL Debut, Torres Makes a Start, T.J. Rivera Sighting in Puerto Rico

USA Premier12 Baseball (Championship Game)

- Team USA 0 - 8 Team Korea

• RHP John Church: 0.1 IP

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Caneros de los Mochis 3 - 7 Yaquis de Obregon
- Mayos de Navojoa 4 - 3 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Venados de Mazatlan 4 - 6 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 12 - 3 Charros de Jalisco

• RHP Octavio Acosta: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Tiburones de La Guaira 4 - 1 Tigres de Aragua

• RF Wuilmer Becerra: 1 for 4, 2 K

- Aguilas del Zulia 7 - 15 Caribes de Anzoategui

• LHP Alex Torres: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K

- Bravos de Margarita 12 - 0 Leones del Caracas

• C Albert Cordero: 0 for 2

Wilmer Flores has received permission from the Mets to join the Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League.

— Michael Mayer (@themainemets) November 23, 2015

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 7 - 4 Gigantes del Cibao
- Leones del Escogido 9 - 0 Toros del Este

• LHP Dario Alvarez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K

Juan Lagares has officially been added to the weekly 40 man roster of the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League.

— Michael Mayer (@themainemets) November 23, 2015

Venezuela v Dominican Republic Exhibitions
- Aguilas Cibaenas 4 - 3 Cardenales de Lara

• PH Jairo Perez: 0 for 1

- Tigres del Licey 4 - 2 Navegantes del Magallanes

• RHP Jenrry Mejia: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 K

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Indios de Mayaguez 2 - 1 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• 1B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 4, RBI(1), K
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 H

- Gigantes de Carolina 3 - 4 Criollos de Caguas

• DH/C Johnny Monell: 1 for 4, 2 BB, 1 K
• PR Arnaldo Berrios: Run Scored

11.18.2015 Winter Leagues Results | Carrillo Catching Fire, Torres' Poor Venezuela Debut, Lara Gets 1st Win in DR

USA Premier12 Baseball

- No Games Scheduled 

Side Note: Team Korea defeated Team Japan early this Morning 4-3 and will move on to face the winner of tomorrow's semi-final game between Team USA vs Team Mexico.

Arizona Fall League

- Glendale Desert Dogs 6 - 8 Surprise Saguaros

- Peoria Javelinas 0 - 5 Scottsdale Scorpions

- Salt River Rafters 1 - 6 Mesa Solar Sox

• 1B Dominic Smith: 0 for 4, 2 K
• LHP Kyle Regnault: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 0 - 1 Caneros de los Mochis
- Yaquis de Obregon 2 - 4 Venados de Mazatlan
- Charros de Jalisco 1 - 3 Mayos de Navojoa

- Tomateros de Culiacan 0 - 9 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 2 for 3, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI(13, 14), K, Runner Thrown Out (Hits in 8 of his last 10 games)

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Navegantes del Magallanes 5 - 1 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Bravos de Margarita 3 - 1 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Tigres de Aragua 13 - 7 Cardenales de Lara

• LF Jairo Perez: 1 for 4, R, RBI(24)

- Leones del Caracas 6 - 1 Aguilas del Zulia

• C Albert Cordero: 1 for 3, R, RBI(4)
• LHP Alex Torres: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Gigantes del Cibao 2 - 4 Toros del Este
- Estrellas de Oriente 3 - 10 Tigres del Licey
- Leones del Escogido 3 - 2 Aguilas Cibaenas

• RHP Rainy Lara: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K, Win(1-0) 

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Gigantes de Carolina 13 - 5 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 2 BB

- Criollos de Caguas 0 - 5 Indios de Mayaguez

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 4, 2 K

The Morning Report 5.13.2015 | Alex Torres Struggling in New Role, Bullpen Weakness Exposed, Lagares Hurt, Tulowitzki Demands Trade?

David Wright Injury Tracker | Still Not Cleared for Baseball Activities

Brian Devine | Metsmerized Online-  Despite another wild outing by Alex Torres, Terry Collins doesn’t seem to be losing faith in the Mets enigmatic lefty. Collins says that he will continue to use Torres in high pressure situations.“That’s what he’s here to do,” Collins said. Torres allowed a run and walked three batters during last night’s appearance. However, he prevented further damaged by striking out Jorge Soler with the bases loaded. Collins defended his decision to allow Torres to finish the 6th inning. “Somebody’s got to pitch. I can’t go in the stands and pull somebody out.”

(Chris Soto: Alex Torres has been painfully bad since Jerry Blevins went down with his forearm fracture as he continues to pitch in uncustomary high leverage situations. In his career, Torres has mostly been a low to medium leverage guy where their isn't much pressure and he can maintain his BB rate in the 10-12% range. However in high leverage situations....he's been terrible his whole career as his BB rate skyrockets to 20-22%. Terry needs to start backing off using him in close games cause it is not helping the team.)


Craig Edwards | Fangraphs- The New York Mets have had the ideal scenario thus far, getting a lot of innings from their starters and solid production from their relievers when called upon. Innings are not the only way to overwork a bullpen. Putting extra stress on a few arms can have a negative effect, especially when those arms are the best in the pen. Using the best relievers can mask an overall bullpen deficiency, as the results look good. Pitching out of the bullpen every day can stress relievers and place too much of an emphasis on some relievers at the expense and rust of others. If a manager trusts only a few relievers, he might call on those players too often and wear them out. 

(Chris Soto: This is some good research by the Fangraphs team. The Mets are ranked 8th overall in relief appearances with zero rest due in large part to team's propensity to be in close games which requires the services of Juerys Familia. The Mets OVERALL bullpen is a severe weakness but that weakness is being masked heavily by the rotation's ability to get deep into games and then turn it over to the two most efficient arms in the pen in Carlos Torres and Familia. Outside of those two though the FIP for Gilmartin [5.08], Alex Torres [4.57], Robles [5.40], and Carlyle [5.63] are just terrible.)


Adam Rubin | ESPN New York- Gold Glove center fielder Juan Lagares has a "slight strain" in his right arm pit, manager Terry Collins said. Lagares suffered the injury last Tuesday at Citi Field, when he made a highlight-reel diving catch in left-center on a shot from Baltimore's Everth Cabrera. Lagares underwent an MRI on Tuesday in Chicago. Nothing alarming was detected, according to Collins. "There's no breaks. There's no blood clots," Collins said. "There's no real severe trauma area. It's just been bothering him. If one or two days [off] means he'll be OK, then we'll give him that."

(Chris Soto: This has been my biggest injury fear over the past few weeks. I've been saying that the only reason Kirk Nieuwenhuis is on this team is because he is the only legitimate candidate that can cover CF. Now with Lagares down for a few days, Kirk and his unproductive 37.5% K rate is going to clogged up a spot in the line-up.)


Joel Sherman | New York Post- One of the most vital moments of this season will occur between Troy Tulowitzki and his longtime agent, Paul Cohen. The two will decide whether it is time to ask Rockies management for a trade.“To say that it is not a possibility would be silly,” Cohen told The Post by phone. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why the subject will be renewed now – the Rockies are miserable again and the likelihood of being a contender any time soon is not strong.
Tulowitzki was described as frustrated with four straight losing seasons and wants out, according to two people who know him well. 

(Chris Soto: Here we go folks.....the trade rumors are going to fly around once again...Except this time rather than teams forcing the issue on the Rockies....it'll be Tulowitzski himself pushing the Rockies. This small detail could have massive effects on both his "true" availability as well as the asking price. Early thoughts is that it will require at least a Top young SP prospect, a replacement at SS, and a mid-level bat in order to acquire Tulowitzki. In my opinion...if your the Mets....your still in 1st place and you have a legitimate shot of making the playoffs....you HAVE to go get him. Offer a package of Noah Syndergaard, Gavin Cecchini, and Dominic Smith and get it done.)

The Morning Report 3.31.2015 | Gee v. Montero, Monell's Strong Spring, Mets in Win Now Mode.

Kristie Ackert | New York Daily News- A day after Dillon Gee made his case, Rafael Montero made his pitch on Monday for the fifth spot in the Mets’ rotation. The 24-year old righty tossed six scoreless innings as the Mets beat the Marlins, 7-1, at Tradition Field. Montero gave up two hits, struck out six and did not issue a walk.“That is what everybody has been telling me about him,” Terry Collins said of Montero. “Last year… we did not see the command of the stuff that we had heard about. We’ve seen it the last two times, against two very good teams.“I think we may have to make the best judgement we can make as we get toward the weekend of who it’s going to be,” Collins said.

(Chris Soto: This is turning out to be quite the battle as Dillon Gee and Montero continue to match scoreless innings. Montero's command has significantly improved year over year and it seems like he spent a significant amount of time receiving instruction on how to improve his slider. In the past, we viewed the pitch as more fringe average as a complement to his plus change-up and fastball, however, this season it's looking like a legitimate 3rd plus pitch. I still think Dillon Gee will win the #5 SP job...especially now that the Mets have shored up the left side of their bullpen without sending Gee as part of the packages.)


Peter Kerositis | nytimes.com- “...known more for his left-handed power bat than for his glove, (Johnny) Monell has impressed the Mets this spring after signing with the club as an off-season free agent and arriving as a non-roster invitee. In Grapefruit League play, Monell had converted 42 at-bats into a .357 batting average and four home runs through Sunday. “We’ve been very, very happy with what we’ve seen,” Mets Manager Terry Collins said of Monell. “Johnny has handled himself very well, and he’s going to get some more playing time this week.” 

(Herb G.: Is there a real competition between Recker and Monell for the backup catcher‘s job? It would be nice to think so. Monell has had a stellar spring, while Recker has been so-so. If Recker is the backup, it would mean that we would only have one lefty hitter on the bench, while Monell could provide a second bat from the left side, something that could definitely come in handy late in games. Monell is more than 2 years younger. Their minor league stats are fairly similar (.273/.351/.461 vs. 264/.347/.448). Although his average hovers around the Mendoza Line, Recker has much more MLB experience. He has spent 2 years with the Mets, earning the trust and respect of the pitching staff, and his defense could make a difference in a close game.)


Mike Vorkunov | nj.com- Twenty four hours ago, the Mets bullpen lay with uncertainty. They had no definitive left-handed option. No healthy pitcher for the seventh inning. And three open spots remaining. By now, that has changed. The Mets made two acquisitions Monday. They traded for left-handed pitcher Alex Torres from the Padres and lefty Jerry Blevins from the Nationals. Each is penned in for the bullpen and will add about $1.9 million to the Mets payroll. In Blevins, the Mets acquired a pitcher who has allowed just a .594 OPS to opposing left-handed hitters for his career...And in Torres, the Mets now have a left-handed pitcher who has proven capable against right-handed hitters, allowing a .540 OPS to them for his career. "These two guys present a little different profile for us," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "On the one hand we have Blevins, who is a left-on-left, and we think Alex Torres is more of a guy who can go longer. 


(Herb G.: Kudos to Alderson. These are two fantastic trades. I am not taking any credit for the Blevins trade, but I did send Sandy an email on March 17 imploring him to give Montero a legitimate shot at earning the #5 spot in the rotation and suggesting Blevins as the best candidate for a trade for a lefty reliever, with lots of supporting stats. On March 19 he actually sent me a reply, saying merely “Thank you.” I don't, for one minute, think I influenced him to make that trade, but he has surely come through on both counts. Now, it looks like we go into the season with an extremely strong bull pen, with possibly 3 lefties where days ago it looked like we might have none.)