01/02/2018 Winter League Results | Boscan K's 3 out of the Bullpen, Gustano Nunez Transfers to Venezuela and hits 1st HR of Winter, Lagares Remains on Aguilas Reserve Squad

Arizona Fall League

- Completed on November 18th

(Recap can be found here.) 

Mexican Pacific League Playoffs

- Charros de Jalisco 4 - 2 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 0 - 3 Mayos de Navojoa

- Venados de Mazatlan 3 - 4 Aguilas de Mexicali [11 innings]

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4, R, Passed Ball(1)

Venezuelan Winter League Playoffs

- Caribes de Anzoategui 6 - 5 Navegantes del Magallanes

- Aguilas de Zulia 3 - 4 Cardenales de Lara [13 innings]

• RHP Wilfredo Boscan: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K

- Tigres de Aragua 7 - 8 Leones del Caracas

• 2B Gustavo Nunez: 3 for 4, 2 R, HR(1), 3 RBI(3)

Dominican Winter League Playoffs

- Aguilas Cibaenas 2 - 4 Gigantes del Cibao
- Leones del Escogido 1 - 4 Tigres del Licey


Side Note: The Aguilas chose once again to NOT activate CF Juan Lagares. It looks as though that his addition to the roster was merely just a procedural move. On the Leones front, RHP Hansel Robles continues to remain on the active roster but has not been used in any games thus far.

Roberto Clemente Puerto Rican League

Side Note: Regular Season will start January 5th, 2018.

12/14 - 12/17 Winter League Results | Albaladejo Throws a Gem but take Loss, Boscan Battles Through 5 and Gets Win, Rasquin Disappoints in Rare Start, Montero & Lagares Added to Dominican Rosters

December 14th

Arizona Fall League
- Completed on November 18th
(Recap can be found here.) 

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 8 - 7 Yaquis de Obregon

- Tomateros de Culiacan 11 - 6 Caneros de los Mochis

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 0 - 1 Venados de Mazatlan

- Mayos de Navojoa 3 - 4 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 2, BB, 1 Runner Thrown Out

Venezuelan Winter League

- Cardenales de Lara 3 - 1 Navegantes del Magallanes

- Caribes de Anzoategui 7 - 1 Tigres de Aragua

• LHP Alberto Baldonado: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 K

- Tiburones de la Guaira 0 - 1 Aguilas del Zulia

• RHP Johnathan Albaladejo: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, Loss(5-4)

Dominican Winter League

- No Games Scheduled

December 15th

Arizona Fall League

- Completed on November 18th

(Recap can be found here.) 

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 9 - 1 Naranjeros de Hermosillo

- Yaquis de Obregon 8 - 2 Caneros de los Mochis [13 innings]

- Mayos de Navojoa 3 - 6 Tomateros de Culiacan

- Aguilas de Mexicali 0 - 1 Venados de Mazatlan [10 innings]

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 3, BB, K, 3 SB Allowed, 1 Runner Thrown Out

Venezuelan Winter League

- Tiburones de la Guaira 0 - 3 Aguilas del Zulia [Doubleheader- 7 innings]

- Tiburones de la Guaira 1 - 2 Aguilas del Zulia [Doubleheader- 7 innings]

- Bravos de Margarita 2 - 4 Cardenales de Lara
- Caribes de Anzoategui 8 - 11 Leones del Caracas

- Navegantes del Magallanes 6 - 1 Tigres de Aragua

Dominican Winter League

- Estrellas Orientales 6 - 9 Leones del Escogido
- Tigres del Licey 4 - 7 Toros del Este
- Gigantes del Cibao 6 - 5 Aguilas Cibaenas

• PH Jhoan Urena: 1 for 1

December 16th

Arizona Fall League

- Completed on November 18th
(Recap can be found here.) 

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 5 - 7 Naranjeros de Hermosillo

- Yaquis de Obregon 3 - 2 Caneros de los Mochis [12 innings]

- Mayos de Navojoa 6 - 2 Tomateros de Culiacan

- Aguilas de Mexicali 4 - 3 Venados de Mazatlan [10 innings]

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4, K, 1 SB Allowed, 1 Runner Thrown Out

Venezuelan Winter League

- Tiburones de la Guaira 1 - 13 Navegantes del Magallanes

- Cardenales de Lara 1 - 7 Leones del Caracas

• PR/2B Walter Rasquin: 0 for 2, 1 K

- Bravos de Margarita 1 - 3 Aguilas del Zulia

• RHP Wilfredo Boscan: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, Win(4-3)

- Tigres de Aragua 2 - 5 Caribes de Anzoategui

• LHP Alberto Baldonado: 0.2 IP, 1 BB, 2 K

Dominican Winter League

- Gigantes del Cibao 5 - 3 Leones del Escogido
- Tigres del Licey 4 - 3 Estrellas Orientales
- Toros del Este 5 - 4 Aguilas Cibaenas

December 17th

Arizona Fall League

- Completed on November 18th
(Recap can be found here.) 

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco vs Naranjeros de Hermosillo [PPD- Rain]
- Aguilas de Mexicali vs Venados de Mazatlan [PPD- Rain]

- Yaquis de Obregon 7 - 2 Caneros de los Mochis [Suspended due to Rain- Top 4th inning]

- Mayos de Navojoa 2 - 0 Tomateros de Culiacan

Venezuelan Winter League

- Bravos de Margarita vs Aguilas del Zulia [PPD- Rain]

- Navegantes del Magallanes 7 - 1 Cardenales de Lara

- Tigres de Aragua 1 - 8 Caribes de Anzoategui

- Leones del Caracas 4 - 11 Tiburones de la Guaira

• 2B Walter Rasquin: 0 for 4, R, 2 K
• LHP Kevin Canelon: 1.0 IP

Dominican Winter League

- Estrellas Orientales 1 - 6 Gigantes del Cibao

- Leones del Escogido 3 - 0 Toros del Este

- Aguilas Cibaenas 11 - 8 Tigres del Licey 

• CF John Mora: Defensive Replacement

Side Note: OF Juan Lagares has been added to the Aguilas Cibaenas reserves roster.
Side Note #2: RHP Rafael Montero has been added to the Toros del Este reserves roster.

Winter League Results 12.20.2015 | Jairo Suddenly Hot Again, Mejia's Saves Best Start for Final Game, Lagares' Elbow Looking Amazing

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League (Last Game Scheduled for 12/29/2015)

- Caneros de los Mochis 5 - 7 Charros de Jalisco
- Tomateros de Culiacan 3 - 5 Yaquis de Obregon
- Venados de Mazatlan 6 - 5 Mayos de Navojoa
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 5 - 1 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4

Venezuela Professional Baseball League (Last Game Scheduled for 12/29/2015)

- Caribes de Anzoategui 7 - 4 Aguilas del Zulia
- Tiburones de La Guaira 5 - 4 Navegantes del Magallanes
- Bravos de Margarita 4 - 6 Cardenales de Lara

• DH Jairo Perez: 1 for 4, R, HR(9), RBI(36) [7 game hitting streak]

- Tigres de Aragua 1 - 6 Leones del Caracas

• RF Wuilmer Becerra: 1 for 3, K

Dominican Baseball League (Last Game Scheduled for 12/21/2015)

- Tigres del Licey 1 - 2 Leones del Escogido

• RHP Jenrry Mejia: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K
• LHP Chase Huchingson: 0.1 IP

- Estrellas de Oriente 7 - 12 Toros del Este

• LHP Dario Alvarez: 1.1 IP, 1, H, 3 R [all unearned thanks to back to back fielding errors and a WP]

- Aguilas Cibaenas 3 - 2 Gigantes del Cibao

• CF Juan Lagares: 0 for 4, 2 K, 2 OF assists [Runners thrown out at home and 3rd base]

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (Last Game Scheduled for 01/04/2016)

- Gigantes de Carolina 2 - 3 Cangrejeros de Santurce
- Gigantes de Carolina 0 - 3 Cangrejeros de Santurce
- Criollos de Caguas 4 - 5 Indios de Mayaguez

• DH Johnny Monell: 1 for 3, R, BB

12.10.2015 Winter League Results | Carrillo's 3 Run HR Not Enough to Beat Mochis, Lara Pitches Well in SlugFest, Lagares Heating Up

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 1 - 2 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Yaquis de Obregon 1 - 7 Venados de Mazatlan
- Caneros de los Mochis 8 - 7 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 2 for 4, R, HR(3), 3 RBI(15,16,17), 2 K, 2 SB Allowed

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Aguilas del Zulia 1 - 13 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Caribes de Anzoategui 3 - 7  Navegantes del Magallanes

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 3 - 7 Gigantes del Cibao
- Leones del Escogido 10 - 12 Toros del Este

• RHP Rainy Lara: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 4 K

- Aguilas Cibaenas 4 - 2 Tigres del Licey

• CF Juan Lagares: 1 for 4, R, 2B, RBI(4), 2 K

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- No Games Scheduled

12.7.2015 Winter League Results | First Venezuelan RBI for Becerra, Nice Day for Lagares In Dominican League

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 2 - 8 Mayos de Navojoa

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Tigres de Aragua 4 - 10 Tiburones de La Guaira

• LF Wuilmer Becerra: 0 for 3, R, RBI(1) 

- Leones del Caracas 9 - 2 Cardenales de Lara

• DH Jairo Perez: 1 for 3, 2B, BB, K

Dominican Baseball League

- Aguilas Cibaenas 9 - 10 Tigres del Licey

• CF Juan Lagares: 2 for 5, R, RBI(2), SB(2)

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- No Games Scheduled

12.6.2015 Winter League Results | Alvarez Continues to Struggle vs Lefties, Black Throws in Back to Back Days

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Tomateros de Culiacan 3 - 7 Venados de Mazatlan
- Yaquis de Obregon 3 - 5 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Mayos de Navojoa 2 - 8 Caneros de los Mochis
- Charros de Jalisco 2 - 5 Aguilas de Mexicali

• C Xorge Carrillo: 1 for 4, R

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- No Games Scheduled.

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 10 - 5 Tigres del Licey
- Leones del Escogido 10 - 4 Aguilas Cibaenas

• CF Juan Lagares: 2 for 4, R
• RHP Victor Black: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER 

- Gigantes del Cibao 5 - 4 Toros del Este

• LHP Dario Alvarez: 0.0 IP(1 lefty batter faced), 1 H, 1 Inherited Runner Scored [vs. LHH: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K]

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Criollos de Caguas 1 - 7 Indios de Mayaguez
- Cangrejeros de Santurce 2 - 3 Gigantes de Carolina

12.3.2015 Winter League Results | Flores Fills Up the Stat Sheet in Venezuela, Lagares' Elbow Looks Just Fine, Black Back on the Mound

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Venados de Mazatlan 2 - 9 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 2 - 3 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Yaquis de Obregon 13 - 3 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 3 - 2 Mayos de Navojoa

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 3, 2 BB, K

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Leones del Caracas 0 - 5 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Bravos de Margarita 11 - 7 Navegantes del Magallanes

• 3B Wilmer Flores: 2 for 4, 3 R, 2 2B, RBI(2), BB, K

Dominican Baseball League

- Aguilas Cibaenas 4 - 11 Gigantes del Cibao

• CF Juan Lagares: 0 for 2, BB, 2 OF assists (Runners Thrown out at Home and 2nd)
• RHP Victor Black: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K

- Toros del Este 3 - 4 Estrellas de Oriente

• LHP Dario Alvarez: 0.0 IP(2 Batters Faced), 1 H, 1 BB

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- No Games Scheduled

12.2.2015 Winter League Results | Flores Goes Yard in DoubleHeader, Jeremy Hefner Looking Healthy in DR, Rough Days for Monell and Berrios in Marathon Game

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Venados de Mazatlan 0 - 4 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 0 - 1 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Yaquis de Obregon 5 - 9 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 4 - 6 Mayos de Navojoa

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 3,  K

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Leones del Caracas 1 - 7 Caribes de Anzoategui
- Tiburones de La Guaira 1 - 5 Cardenales de Lara

• DH Jairo Perez: 0 for 3, BB, K

- Bravos de Margarita 2 - 6 Navegantes del Magallanes

• 2B Wilmer Flores: 1 for 3, R, HR(1), RBI(1), K

- Bravos de Margarita 3 - 4 Navegantes del Magallanes

• 2B Wilmer Flores: 0 for 2, BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 4 - 6 Aguilas Cibaenas
- Tigres del Licey 5 - 4 Toros del Este

• CF Juan Lagares: 0 for 3, BB, K

- Gigantes del Cibao 1 - 2 Leones del Escogido

• RHP Jeremy Hefner: 4.0 IP, 4 H

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Gigantes de Carolina 1 - 2 Indios de Mayaguez

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 0 for 2, BB

- Criollos de Caguas 4 - 3 Cangrejeros de Santurce (17 Innings)

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 5, BB, 2 K
• LF Arnaldo Berrios: 1 for 6, 2 R, BB, 3 K
• RHP Jon Velasquez: 1.0 IP, 1 BB

12.1.2015 Winter League Results | 2 Hit Day for Lagares, Off Night for Lara, T.J. Rivera Continues to Hit Hit Hit

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Venados de Mazatlan 6 - 7 Charros de Jalisco
- Caneros de los Mochis 1 - 2 Naranjeros de Hermosillo
- Yaquis de Obregon 5 - 4 Tomateros de Culiacan
- Aguilas de Mexicali 2 - 3 Mayos de Navojoa

• C Xorge Carrillo: 0 for 3, BB, 2 K

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- No Games Scheduled

Dominican Baseball League

- Tigres del Licey 1 - 3 Estrellas de Oriente
- Toros del Este 5 - 4 Gigantes del Cibao
- Aguilas Cibaenas 4 - 5 Leones del Escogido

• CF Juan Lagares: 2 for 4, K, Caught Stealing(1) [Picked Off 1st]
• RHP Rainy Lara: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K 

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Gigantes de Carolina 2 - 2 Cangrejeros de Santurce (Suspended: Rain)
- Criollos de Caguas 3 - 1 Indios de Mayaguez

• C Johnny Monell: 0 for 3, BB, K
• LF Arnaldo Berrios: 0 for 4, 3 K
• 2B T.J. Rivera: 2 for 3, BB

The Morning Report 12.1.2015 | Some Trade Interest in Juan Lagares, Mejia Expected to be Tendered a Contract, Mets Lose 2 More Minor League Free Agents

Brian Devine | Metsmerized Online- Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports that the Mets have received several trade inquiries on CF Juan Lagares recently. Lagares is still owed $22.5 million over the next three years and took a major step backwards this year as he hit .259/.289/.358 with a 80 wRC+ in 465 plate appearances. He eventually lost his starting job in centerfield after the team acquired Yoenis Cespedes over the summer.

(Chris Soto: It is very unlikely that the Mets will trade Lagares, however, they absolutely should entertain offers. As good as Lagares is defensively, his bat lags way behind his defensive abilities. If he had not lost his job and qualified for batting titles....Lagares would have ranked 22nd out of 24 qualified centerfielders in OPS only ahead of Washington's Michael Taylor and San Francisco's Angel Pagan.)



Danny Abriano | Rising Apple- The non-tender deadline is Wednesday and the Mets are planning to tender a contract to RH reliever Jenrry Mejia. Mejia was suspended for 162 games this past July after his second positive test for illegal performance enhancing drugs. At the time of his suspension, Mejia had recently returned from his first suspension for illegal PED’s that he received in March. The Mets are monitoring Mejia’s performance for the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter Leaguein order to make a decision regarding whether to tender him a contract.

(Chris Soto: I've been saying it all winter long.....Since the Mets still own cost control of Mejia, there is ZERO downside to keeping him. He not going to get a raise from his 2015 salary of $2.59M; in fact, it is more likely that the Mets offer the maximum reduction allowed via arbitration and sign him for $2.076M for 2016. On top of that, since Mejia is suspended, the Mets don't even need to pay him until his suspension is complete on July 26th so he would truly only cost the Mets $692k in 2016. There is plenty of upside in him being a potential late inning addition to the bullpen that outweighs the moral desires of the fanbase to release him.)



HOT STOVE REPORT (courtesy of mlbtraderumor.com)

• In addition to C Anthony Recker signing with the Cleveland Indians yesterday, two additional Mets minor leaguers signed contracts with new teams. According to Baseball America's Matt Eddy, 1B Brandon Allen signed a minor league deal with the Cinncinnati Reds. The 29 yr old hit .273 AVG last season with 16 HR and 68 RBI for the Mets AAA Las Vegas team. 
• Mr. Eddy also updated the Baseball America MiLB free agent tracker. His update shows that 3B Josh Rodriguez has also signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. The 30 yr old Rodriguez played most of 2015 with the AA Binghamton Mets hitting .282 with 19 HR and 76 RBI.

11.29.2015 Winter League Results | Jairo Perez Continues Monster Winter, 0-fer for Lagares, T.J. Rivera Stating His Rule 5 Case, Berrios Starts and Impresses

Arizona Fall League

Completed. Final Game was November 19th

Mexican Pacific League

- Charros de Jalisco 3 - 5 Caneros de los Mochis
- Charros de Jalisco 1 - 4 Caneros de los Mochis
- Mayos de Navojoa 5 - 6 Yaquis de Obregon
- Venados de Mazatlan 4 - 3 Aguilas de Mexicali
- Naranjeros de Hermosillo 3 - 4 Tomateros de Culiacan

  

Venezuela Professional Baseball League

- Caribes de Anzoategui 4 - 2 Tiburones de La Guaira
- Leones del Caracas 3 - 8 Tigres de Aragua
- Aguilas del Zulia 3 - 0 Bravos de Margarita
- Cardenales de Lara 2 - 4 Navegantes del Magallanes

• LF Jairo Perez: 1 for 3, R, HR(8), RBI(29), BB

Dominican Baseball League

- Estrellas de Oriente 0 - 2 Gigantes del Cibao
- Leones del Escogido 6 - 1 Toros del Este
- Aguilas Cibaenas 2 - 3 Tigres del Licey

• CF Juan Lagares: 0 for 4, K

Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League

- Indios de Mayaguez 7 - 1 Cangrejeros de Santurce

• 2B T.J. Rivera: 2 for 4, R, 2B

- Gigantes de Carolina 1 - 3 Criollos de Caguas

• C Johnny Monell: 1 for 4
• LF Arnaldo Berrios: 2 for 2, R, 2B, BB

The Morning Report 11.5.2015 | Should the Mets Give Murphy a QO?, Geren Interviewing for Dodgers Position, No SPs on the Trade Block, Lagares Elbow Being Examined

Andrew Gould | Amazin Avenue- Days after falling short in the World Series, the Mets must make a pivotal off-season decision. With Friday's deadline looming, the club has not decided whether it will extend a one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer to Daniel Murphy. If Murphy declines the qualifying offer and signs with another team—and no player has accepted one since the creation of the qualifying offer—the Mets would receive a compensatory draft pick in next year's amateur draft.

(Chris Soto: I personally do not believe that Murphy's agent thinks he can get more than $15.8M per season on the open market, and because of that, there is actually a high probability that Murphy would accept the Qualifying Offer. Per research at Fangraphs, the general consensus is that Murphy could get a maximum contract of 4yrs $48M or $12M per season. It comes down to whether Murphy wants the long term security or the big dollar value. While a 1 yr deal is hardly debilitating to a team's payroll, that money could certainly be used to improve the elsewhere.)



Adam Rubin | ESPN New York- The New York Mets have invited all of their coaches to return for the 2016 season, general manager Sandy Alderson said Wednesday. First, though, bench coach Bob Geren will interview for the managerial job with the Los Angeles Dodgers. ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports the candidates also include Kirk Gibson, Bud Black, Gabe Kapler, Dave Roberts, Dave Martinez, Darrin Erstad, Ron Roenicke and Tim Wallach. Geren may not be the favorite to land the job, but he does have a relationship with Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi from their days with the Oakland Athletics. Geren managed the A’s from 2007 through 2011, compiling a 334-376 record.

(Chris Soto: You have to wonder....lets say hypothetically that Bob Geren is hired as the Dodgers new Manager. That leaves Terry's bench coach position open to be filled, anyone think that they would promote Wally Backman into that position? Me personally, I think that would be too much of a distraction at first, but eventually no one would care.....that is unless the Mets somehow struggle next season. Honestly I think you could see someone like Binghamton Mets manager Luis Natera get the call instead of Backman.)



Brian Devine | Metsmerized Online- According to Sandy Alderson, the Mets are unlikely to trade any of the team’s top young starters during the offseason. While the Mets will certainly be looking for upgrades on offense, Alderson thinks that dealing any of them will end up hurting the team unless somebody is willing to make them a great offer. “I can’t see it happening,” Alderson said Wednesday about the quartet of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz. “You never know what comes up. But I think it’s unlikely.”

(Chris Soto: Nor should he....Alderson said it perfectly in his interview yesterday. Next year, if they haven't already, the Mets Full 5 SP Rotation is going to be the envy of the entire MLB. Quite honestly, anyone of Harvey, deGrom, or Syndergaard could easily be next year's CY Young award winner. It' actually more likely that all 3 end up in the Top 5 in voting for the award. Keep the beasts intact and spend the free agency money on hitting.)



Danny Abriano | Rising Apple- Mets manager Terry Collins said on Wednesday that Juan Lagares, who has been dealing with a right elbow issue since 2014, will probably not require surgery for the injury. According to Collins, Lagares was set to be examined on Wednesday and likely be prescribed rest for the elbow. Lagares missed the end of the 2014 season due to the elbow issue and was compromised at times because of it in 2015, with some saying he altered his positioning in the outfield due to his inability to unleash throws as he’d been accustomed to.

(Chris Soto: Terry Collins doesn't exactly have the best track record in regards to projecting potential injuries. Due to the fact that he said Lagares should only need rest, probably means Lagares is heading for Tommy John Surgery. If that is the case, then it actually opens the door wide open for possible additions to the team for the CF position. Free Agent possibilities include Dexter Fowler, Colby Rasmus, Austin Jackson, or Denard Span. You could also get creative and go after athletic corner OFs and try them in CF....this list includes Alex Gordon, Gerardo Parra, Justin Upton, and Jason Heyward.)

The Morning Report 5.20.2015 | Poor Match-up for Niese, Good Murphy/Bad Murphy, Lagares Struggling, Where's Parnell's Velocity?

David Wright Injury Tracker | Took Infield in Port St. Lucie 

Andy Martino | NY Daily News- We would use this space to suggest that the Mets trade Jon Niese, but it might be too late. Beyond his two consecutive stinkers, last week in Chicago and Tuesday at Citi Field, “teams are scared of his shoulder, fair or not,” as one executive of a club once interested in Niese put it. “They missed their window to get a lot for him.” Still, the Mets should use the next few months to see if they can disprove that, and make room for the younger guns forcing their way into the rotation. Perhaps Niese’s reasonable contract would generate enough value for the Mets to fill one of their more modest needs, like bench or bullpen help. It’s worth a shot, at least.

(Chris Soto: Well that's quite the overreaction. Daily Fantasy League players were very quick to point out before the game that the current crop of Cardinals have fared EXTREMELY well against Niese so this game was not a good match-up for him to begin with. Before last night's results, the line-up the Cardinals used had a .385 AVG with a 1.028 OPS against Niese. Just forget about this one, he was destined to fail last night.)


Joe D | Metsmerized Online- It was a night of give and take for second baseman Daniel Murphy on Tuesday night. Murphy accounted for both Mets runs on a two-run homer in the fourth inning that came within inches inside the right-field foul pole. Murphy now has an amazing 22 RBI to lead the team and is on pace for roughly 100 this season. No other Met is close. However, Murphy’s exuberance soon faded when he failed to cover first base on a bunt attempt by Wacha in the sixth inning.

(Chris Soto: Murphy's gaff last night was a result of having a corner IF mentality at 2B. Murphy's first reaction was to charge to bunt to make a play at home....but the 2B's job is to cover the bag. Like we said with Flores....this is what you get with Murphy. High offensive output at a primarily weak offensive position in baseball, but poor defense. You just hope that the offense outweighs the defense which it has so far in the month of May.)


Zach Braziller | New York Post- Swing at strikes. It sounds simple. It’s a basic component for any successful hitter, a skill Juan Lagares is still trying to master. The Mets center fielder, manager Terry Collins and hitting coach Kevin Long all agreed Lagares’ recent struggles are connected to him expanding the strike zone, chasing pitches he either can’t hit or won’t do much damage with. “Maybe he’s trying too hard to command [the strike zone],” Long said. “At this point, he’s [gone] a little bit backwards, but he’ll keep working at it. He’ll get it right.” “I try to come back to the approach I was [using] before,” Lagares said. “The only thing you can control is keep working hard and try to do the best you can out there.”

(Chris Soto: Lagares is in a deep slump right now and Zach is right in referencing that he's swinging at a lot of pitches out of the strike zone. Whenever I think of Juan Lagares, I always bring myself back to when the Mets initially had Carlos Gomez. Gomez was not a highly publicized prospect coming up as he didn't have much power and was more of a speed/defense CF. When Gomez first came up to the MLB, he was swinging at 40% of the pitches outside of the strike zone and only 65% of pitches inside the zone. Surprise, surprise....Lagares' rates right now are 39% outside the zone and 66% in the zone. Gomez eventually made the adjustment an improved that in zone rate to almost 80% so it most certainly possible for Lagares to do it. Let's just hope that it doesn't take 1,500 plate appearances [3 seasons] like it took Gomez to do it.)


Adam Rubin | ESPN New York-  New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson preached patience with Bobby Parnell, whose velocity continues to sag in minor league appearances. His velocity remained in the 90-92 mph range, although “occasionally” was higher, according to Alderson. Manager Terry Collins said Parnell is having issues with control as well. “The velocity is in there, but we haven’t seen it consistently yet,” Alderson said. Parnell underwent Tommy John surgery on April 8, 2014.

(Chris Soto: We've been so spoiled by Harvey that we have forgotten that THIS is how Tommy John recipients normally progress. While Harvey had 18 months to recover and build strength, Parnell is barely over a year removed. He is likely to continue struggling until at least the summer time in my opinion so fans shouldn't expect Parnell to be of assistance until then. Now on the flip side, Victor Black has look really good in his 2nd round of rehab appearances so far. It's far more reasonable to think that Black could potentially be back before the end of this month.)

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 4.28.2015 | Pace of Play, Flores Deserves Better, Syndergaard Dominates, A New Tommy John Procedure

Pace of Play Results | Chris Soto: Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred was on the Mike and Mike in the Morning radio today and referenced that the new pace of play rules have reduced game times by an average of 8 minutes so far. I wonder if last night's Mets @ Marlins was factored into that cause boy were they flying last night. I'm sitting in the bar during my billiards match, it's only 8:15pm and I look up at the TV screen to check on the score. I needed a second set of eyes to confirm what I thought was a SNY blunder when the TV showed Top of the 6th inning already!

Bryan Zarpentine | Rant Sports- With wins in 14 of their first 19 games, it’s difficult to find things that the New York Mets could be doing differently. However, one thing that manager Terry Collins could change is to move shortstop Wilmer Flores out of the bottom of the batting order and into the middle of it. Despite a slow start to the season, Flores has persevered and found his way, catching fire over the past week and a half. At one point, he put together an eight-game hitting streak, improving his line to .276/.323/.448 three weeks into the season. Flores was a run producer throughout his time in the minors, and he is now showing signs of being just that; however, his talents are being wasted batting down in the order, often in front of the pitcher’s spot.

(Chris Soto: I agree with Bryan on both points here. A) With the Mets doing so well...it's hard to change anything that Terry Collins is doing. B) Flores DESERVES to be hitting higher in the line-up and quick frankly is a better fit in the 2 hole than Lagares is. Sure, Juan is hitting .306 so far this season....but that's on a .403 BABIP, a paltry .051 Isolated Power rate, and he's K'ing at a 22% rate. He's not going to be able to sustain that batting average if those trends last much longer. Meanwhile Flores is hitting .274 on a league average BABIP, his ISO is a strong .161 [which is 8th best amongst SS], and his K rate is ~6 points lower than Lagares' [16.4%]. As soon as Lagares begins to struggle, move than man up and drop Lagares to 7th in the order.)


Anthony DiComo | MLB.com- Making up the start he missed last Friday due to illness, Syndergaard delivered the best statistical outing of his Triple-A Las Vegas career on Monday, throwing a two-hitter with nine strikeouts in Game 1 of a doubleheader against Albuquerque. Because Minor League doubleheaders consist of two seven-inning games, Syndergaard's effort was a complete game. Monday's outing lowered his season ERA from 4.70 to 2.45. Syndergaard has struck out 16 batters with six walks in 14 2/3 innings.

(Chris Soto: That's more like Thor! Syndergaard had us worried for a bit with the late start to the season, the rumored forearm pain, Twitter exchanges, and illnesses, but he put that all to bad with his awesome start last night. The club is continuing to stay patient with him though as sadly, but fortunately, there is STILL no spot for Rafael Montero.....let alone Syndergaard. The starting rotation has just been so good from top to bottom so far this season. Just like with the Lagares/Flores argument....if it ain't broke, don't fix it.)


Mike Vorkunov | New Jersey Advance Media- Generally, pitchers who need Tommy John surgery fall into two categories: Those have partial tears of their UCL and those that have full tears. For those with full tears, like Zack Wheeler, surgery is unavoidable. But for those with partial tears, like Matt Harvey and Masahiro Tanaka, who sometimes try rest and rehab before settling for surgery, Dugas believes he has a possibly less invasive option. Dugas' solution is a surgery that uses collagen-dipped super-tape. "Strong enough to tow a car with, basically," he says. The tape is then attached to each end of the ligament and to the bone with an anchor, repairing the UCL back to where it tore off. He believes this surgery can become an alternative to full UCL reconstruction. So far, Dugas has performed this kind of surgery only 30 times over the past 20 months and not each patient has been a pitcher. They have also primarily been high school and college players. But all have returned to their same baseline performance in six months and with full range of motion.

(Chris Soto: If you have a free moment....check this article out. Doctor Dugas addresses a significant problem that is plaguing the MLB right now with the massive amount of UCL injuries. He brings up a good point, if person A has a 40% tear and person B has a 100% tear....Why are they getting the same surgery? Dr. Dugas' new approach would cut recovery times by between 50% - 66% which would have been significant for a guy like Harvey, who had to sit out the entire 2014 season for what was described as a "less than 50% tear of the UCL.")