9/6/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - RP - Dan Hammer

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - RP - Dan Hammer


Dan Hammer is a 28-year-old right-handed relief pitcher in the New York Mets organization (born September 10, 1997, in Philadelphia, PA; 6'2", 210 lbs; bats/throws right). 

He is currently with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets after a brief stint as a “phantom ballplayer” (on the MLB roster for a day without appearing in a game). Background and Career Path
  • Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 13th round (378th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Spent most of his career in the Orioles system (reaching Double-A Bowie), then was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the minor-league phase of the 2024/2025 Rule 5 Draft and pitched for Double-A Montgomery in 2025.
  • Signed a minor-league deal (reportedly two years) with the Mets in March 2026 as a free agent.

2026 performance -  AA/AAA: 42-G, 2-ST, 6-2, 3.58, 50.1-IP, 35-BB, 58-KPitch RepertoireHammer’s arsenal features good velocity and a standout cutter, but command has long been the limiting factor. Key elements include:

  • Four-seam fastball: Sits 95–96 mph, touches upper 90s (up to 97–97.5 mph reported in showcases and notes). Primary pitch; provides the foundation for his stuff.
  • Cutter: Around 90 mph. Highly regarded—described by Mets interim manager Andy Green as “real” and a “plus Major League pitch.” It’s a key weapon that generates swings and misses and weak contact.
  • Other pitches: Mixes in a slider and/or curveball/slurve (occasionally noted), and has added a two-seamer/sinker and a sweeper (reported as a new addition ahead of 2026). Earlier in his career he also featured a changeup. A 2026 minor-league game tracking showed four-seam, cutter, and slurve usage.
Overall profile: High-velocity, bat-missing arm (above-average miss rates) who works primarily as a reliever. Success at higher levels depends on improving strike-throwing and attacking the zone, as the pure stuff is considered major-league caliber when located. He has drawn comparisons to typical “toolsy but raw” bullpen arms the Mets and other teams often develop.As of late August 2026 he is still pitching in Triple-A for Syracuse and has not yet made an official MLB appearance. 


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Tom Brennan - TONG…Home Field Is A Hostile Work Environment, and Some Solutions

 

WHAT TO DO…WHEN DUMB FANS BOO?

FIRST THINGS FIRST…

THE MIGHTY TONG, WHO HAS BEEN GREAT IN AAA OF LATE, RETURNS ON MONDAY…AGAINST MIAMI, ON THE ROAD. 

THE GOOD THING WITH THAT ROAD GAME SCHEDULING? 

HOME FANS CANNOT BOO HIM IN A ROAD GAME. 

IT KEEPS THE IDIOT HOME FANS FROM BOOING HIM BEFORE HE EVEN COMPLETES HIS FIRST INNING OF WORK.

ME? I WILL BE CHEERING TONG TERRIFIC. WHY? HE IS TERRIFIC IS WHY.


Continuing my regular article before you, the reader, boo me…

Don’t just simply blame David Stearns.

Blame these two things as well:

1) The boo-bird-brain fans

2) Steve Cohen


The fans? They boo at Citi Field. Their own players. Way too much.

New players like Bo Bichette get booed. Early and often.

Just like Lindor was in his year one.

Just like Soto was in his year one.

All three sputtered in their first two Mets months. Blame the boo birds.

I heard Carlos Beltran was booed in his first Shea Stadium Mets game!

The players try not to talk about it too much.

But it slips out. The players mention the pressure.

One ex-Met, Carlos Delgado, who arrived at the same time, heard the Beltran booing and asked, “what the heck am I getting myself into?”

Remember when Edwin Diaz struggled at times? Mets fans KILLED him.

The fans simply are a clear and present danger to the success of this team.

David Stearns discounted the Boo Factor when he made too many off season changes.

When things went rocky, the fans got LOUD.  Always. Counterproductively.


Second:

Steve Cohen does not get off the hook. No.

He’s been a Mets fan about as long as me - since the 1960s.

He’s seen and heard the decades of booing. I realize it is lethal.

Steve seemingly discounted that, and OK’d the departure of boo-immune veterans like Alonso and imported those who had not been exposed to the dreaded Queens “Boo-vid virus.”

That’s how Mets’ annual death spirals start. 

Then, compounding matters, Uncle Steve refuses to move in Citi fences. 

Ignoring the boo factor, leaving the fences in pitcher-friendly dimensions, and the pressure it places on new players’ shoulders increases.

So, again, and oh, so predictably, the Mets hit worse at home. The other day:

.232 this year at home, .240 on the road.  That is a real “minus 8.”

The Boo Factor, plus pitcher-favoring dimensions.

Philly? .258 at their welcoming home park, .228 on the road. A “plus 30.”

Luis Robert failed?  Did he?

Was it in part Citi Field? .202 at home, .247 on the road.

Bichette? 

.244 at Citi, but .280 on the road, away from the Boo Bird Brains.

Normal fans love success.  Normal fans cheer, encourage. 

Queens fans? 

Too many morons who boo, and shoot themselves (and the team) in the foot.

They think, “Who else can I boo? How loud? How nasty?” 

Then those losers boo the home guys, and the losers go home as losers.

How many more seasons will they help sabotage?

The two solutions? Assuming the Mets aren’t moving to Omaha.

1) Think REALLY HARD about how new players will be impacted by boos.

2) Move fences in, to give home hitters a modest home field advantage.

    - 5-7, feet closer, except 8 feet closer in center would do the trick.

The better they hit….the less the idiots in the stands presumably will boo.

I say “presumably”, because the dummies who boo are as dumb as rocks.

You don’t like this article? 

Well, BOO-HOO TO YOU.

Brett Baty, BTW, missed a home run on Saturday by a skinny little fraction of an inch, when the ball hit the top of the fence and stayed in. Brett looked baffled and frustrated.

Adopt my suggestion, and it could have been 5-7 feet long gone instead. And Brett would have been flashing a very happy smile instead.


Last suggestion: Make every home game a Gag Night giveaway.

Give each fan a Mets gag. Suggest boo-ers wear them all game long.


Other “yesterday” notes…

Lindor, Soto, Bichette, and Benge (1 thru 4) were 0-17. Thanks, fellas.

Lindor is .191 over his last 15 games, in what is shaping up into his worst ever season. He will be 33 next year. One of his at bats yesterday was grounding out on a total meatball center-of-zone pitch with the bags full. Still time for him to spruce up his stats….his season ain’t over.

Soto? He has been very cold since his return without rehab. Even superstars need a little rehab?

Thornton (3-5) was very efficient…82 pitches, 59 strikes. SFG launched 4 HRs off of him, tho’. I guess the league is figuring out he likes to be efficient and throw lots of strikes? And boy, can those major leaguers make strikes disappear.

And…of, yeah…mission accomplished…another needed loss in the hunt for a bad record, leading to an unadulterated draft pick.

And…Ryan Lambert tossed a scoreless Brooklyn rehab inning, fanning two.

And…Elian Peña hitting just .161 in Brooklyn. Whether his hitting in Brooklyn-hell-for-lefties park has been a factor in that, one can only guess. Aiden Robbins .316 in his early goings in Brooklyn.

And…Pouncing Pitre homered and had two hits, and the hot D’Andre Smith added 2 hits for Syracuse, while Ronny Mo hit his 18th in 248 AAA at bats, as he most likely wishes again he hadn’t broken his hand foolishly diving into first base right after he replaced the injured Lindor. Syracuse lost to Rochester’s NFL team 14-9.

And… Jefferson Rojas homered, his 23rd, giving him 83 RBIs.

I’ve run out of “ANDS…”


RYAN TAYMAN, A HITTING CATCHER? 

2026 9th round Ryan Tayman, after Thursday’s St Lucie game?

.315/.422/.548.

NICE!


HERE IS A TANGIBLE REASON I HATE THE 28 MAN ROSTER RULE

It used to be 40 players max in September. 

Guys got called up. Lots of them. Some perhaps their only time ever.

Nowadays, just a stingy, crappy 28 man September expansion.

Guys not already on the MLB 40 man roster?

They stay stuck in the minors, absent an emergency.

One guy getting screwed by that stingy September roster rule this year?

Brian Metoyer. 

He is that 29 year old 40th rounder.

He has overcome much adversity and is having a fine year. His best.

As such, I’d really like to see Brian Metoyer called up to pitch. 

In 10 AAA post-promotion outings, he has been superior:

 Through Friday, 4-1 and a save. 1,54 ERA. WHIP under 1.00.

And, in 11.2 AAA innings,  a terrific 21 Ks. 

I used to think he was a soft tosser, but I saw that he was up in the “mid 95s” on a few pitches on Friday night. He’s got a MLB caliber mix.

His control is greatly improved.

Make the stingy 28 man rule a 30 man instead. Give guys like this a chance.





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Tom Brennan - Rod Carew on CONTACT VS. STRIKEOUTS; And a “Crazy” Off-Season Trade Idea?


Former Met JEFF MCNEIL 

Once Won a Batting Title 

With the Help of His Low Ks

Squirrels Think Strikeouts Are Nuts


When someone asked Hall of Famer Rod Carew about modern day hitting, it is safe to say, he is not a fan of fanning:

“This is on your modern day player and how hitting has changed. Oh, you know, I hate to see all the strikeouts. 

“You know, I used to get upset at myself when I struck out, and I had to, you know, lug that lumber back to the dugout, because I hated that.  

“I see guys strike out, you know, 200 times a year these days, they might get 25 home runs, but that's not beneficial to the club. 
Today? It's all about hitting the ball out of the ballpark. 

“They're taking a lot of these kids and I think that they're ruining these kids. And a lot of them are not gonna stay around in the big leagues for a long time, because they're not doing what I was capable of doing. 


“And I see it every day. You know, I've gotten to the point that I don't even watch baseball anymore, and I like baseball. 
I watch the Twins, because I still work for them. And I can give him some insight into some of the things that the kids are doing. 
You see the same things over and over. It's hard to watch.”


Me? 

I’ve written it a number of times here…the batting average of any player when they strike out is .000. Just ask Ryan Clifford.

Rod fanned roughly once every ten plate appearances in the big leagues, but he walked as many times as he fanned, and from 1973 to 1983, he fanned a lot less than once every 10 times up. He hit .350 or higher 5 times (highest .388 in 1977), 4 other seasons above .330, and 15 seasons above .300. 

Yet virtually no one today even attempts to emulate him. Maybe some guys should. Maybe many guys should.

Tony Gwynn’s career started later, but the two overlapped for years. They and Wade Boggs were three of a kind. 

Combined, the three played in 57 seasons. All 3 are in Cooperstown.

Yet virtually no one today seems to copy them.  Crazy.

The one point my brother Steven and I agree that we would want to ask him, though, is how Rod feels he would have fared against today’s steady diet of high velocity arms. Misiorowski. Hader. Chapman. Mason Miller.

Nolan Ryan did punch out Carew 29 times in 109 plate appearances, just to show that when speed is dialed up, it ain’t as easy.

My guess is it would have lopped 20 points off their career averages. 

And those averages would still be awesome.

Maybe Emilien Pitre and Mitch Voit will emulate them. Time will tell.


NEVER TOO EARLY FOR CRAZY OFF-SEASON TRADE IDEAS

Never too early to come up with crazy ideas, I always (never) say.

How about 60 HR Cal Raleigh, hitting a miserable .171 this year with 20 HRs, for Alvarez and Vientos?


 

REMEMBER JONAH TONG? THIS WAS HIM 

AFTER AN IMPRESSIVE WINNING START LAST SEPTEMBER 18


TONG RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER?

Why has Jonah Tong not yet been called up? 

On SNY, I heard that if he is on the MLB roster TWO MORE DAYS, he loses his rookie status for 2027. That’s why. Rules.

So do the Mets say, screw the rules, and just call him up next week against Miami, and just keep him in Queens, or do they just call him up for one day to start a game, and then send him right back down? 

I guess we will soon find out. Rules, rules, rules.




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9/5/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - LHSP - Nicholas Carreno

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - LHSP - Nicholas Carreno


Nicolas (or Nicholas) Carreno is a 20-year-old left-handed pitcher in the New York Mets’ minor league system, currently with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. Background
  • Full name: Nicolas Gabriel Carreno
  • Born: June 9, 2006, in Barcelona, Venezuela
  • Physical: Listed at 5'10", 155 lbs (reports note he has added some weight); bats/throws left
  • Acquisition: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent in January 2023 (reportedly for a modest bonus as an undersized LHP sitting 89-91 mph at the time). Traded to the Mets on July 30, 2024, in exchange for LHP Josh Walker.
He spent time in the Dominican Summer League with both organizations, came stateside in 2025 (mostly FCL Mets with a late promotion to Low-A St. Lucie), and broke out in 2026.2026 PerformanceHe dominated at Low-A St. Lucie (roughly 1.94 ERA over 41.2 IP with 58 strikeouts in 11 appearances/6 starts) before a mid-June promotion to High-A Brooklyn. 

2026/A+ Brooklyn:  

3-3, 4.47 in 58 innings. 66 Ks, 41 BBs.

He pitched this gem in early August:


At both levels this year, opposing batters are hitting a sad .186 vs. Carreno.
Repertoire and DeliveryCarreno throws from a slingy three-quarters arm slot with a long arm action. His arsenal is primarily a three-pitch mix (no changeup currently; an earlier attempt to develop one appears paused). Data from his Low-A time (where Statcast tracking was available) shows:

  • Four-seam fastball (~28% usage): Averages ~95 mph (tops out at 98). Around 2,500 RPM spin and ~15 inches of induced vertical break. Generates some whiffs (~29%) but can be hittable when left in the zone due to command inconsistencies.
  • Two-seam/sinker (~28% usage): Averages ~94.5 mph with more arm-side run (significant horizontal break, ~13–14 inches) and less ride than the four-seamer. Better results against hitters than the four-seamer in limited data.
  • Slider (~40–44% usage — his most-used and best pitch): Averages ~86 mph (low-80s to low-90s range) with high spin (~2,680 RPM). Features sharp, cutter-like action (modest horizontal movement of 1–5 inches). Excellent whiff rates (~44% in Low-A), strong results against hitters, and better command than his fastballs. Especially effective vs. left-handed batters.
Stuff grades from available tracking place the slider around average-to-plus (Stuff+ ~105), with the fastballs closer to average. Velocity has jumped significantly since signing.Prospect OutlookScouting reports view him as a potential high-leverage lefty reliever long-term due to his size, two-pitch (or three-pitch with limited separation) profile, and command/control issues, though he has started games effectively. 

Baseball America graded him as a 45/High in a May 2026 update (fastball 50, slider 55, control 40), noting improved strike-throwing and effectiveness vs. lefties. He has appeared in some Mets organizational prospect lists in the 25–30 range midseason. 

ETA estimates vary but often point toward 2027–2028, potentially faster if moved to the bullpen. 

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Tom Brennan - A Look Back at 2025 Tyler Rogers, Greg Soto, Ryan Helsley Trades

 

Major Leaguers Who Came to Queens…
…and Pitched Like 10 Year Olds…
…and Then Left and Went Back to Normal

The Mets thought they were making superb mid-season bullpen moves at the 2025 trade deadline for Messrs. Helsley, Soto (Greg), and Rogers.

I liked them myself.

Those moves did not work out, and that is a drastic understatement.

The trio allowed 45 total runs in 76 combined innings, about 20-25 more runs than David Stearns thought they’d allow in that many innings.

Helsley (0-3, 7.20) repeatedly choked, allowing a run per inning.

Soto (1-3, 4.50) was very hittable, with a .308 BAA.

Rogers had a 2.30 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP, but even he was 0-3.

The trio was also 0 for 5 in save opportunities.

My nuns loved report cards, and they were objective graders. 

Combined, those 3 got an F from the Sisters of No Mercy.

I mean, 1-9, and 0-5 in saves? What the heck, guys?

Stearns probably said, “WTF?”

Groping for an answer, in looking back, I have just a one-word answer:

 

QUEENS

You see: 

Helsley pre-trade in 2025 had a respectable 3.00 ERA, and was 3-1 with 21 of 26 in saves.

Soto pre-trade was not as good, at 0-2, 3.96, but brought in with the hope that he’d pitch better in a pitcher-friendly Queens park.

Rogers, pre-trade in 2025, was a superb 4-3, 1.80.

Prior to the trades, my favorite ruler-wielding nun graded them B+. 

At the risk of getting whacked with a ruler, I’d have said A-.

Then…naturally…a post-trade disaster.

This season? All three moved on.

Helsley with the Orioles was 0-4, 4.15, but was a fine 8 of 9 in saves before going on the IL with dreaded elbow discomfort.

Through Sept. 2, as I wrote this, the other two had done this:

Soto - Pittsburgh, 6-4, 3.17 with 14 saves and a .190 BAA.

Rogers - 2-2, 1.90 ERA in 64 outings.

This year, the 3 ex-Mets combined get a B+, Sister Mary Smackem said. 

I’d have said A-. Sister saw my point and didn’t whack me.

So, you, the reader, must answer two questions:

1) What caused the collective choke job by this Mets trio in late 2025?

2) What can be done to avoid future total choke jobs like this?


Go ahead. Answer.

Sister Smackem left her rulers home, so Liam Neeson says you are safe to comment.



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MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHSP - Emilio Obispo

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - RHSP - Emilio Obispo


Emilio José Obispo is a young right-handed pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization. Born August 14, 2006, in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, he is listed at 5'11", 150 lbs, and bats/throws right-handed. The Mets signed him as a free agent to a minor-league contract on May 16, 2024. He is currently 20 years old (turned 20 in mid-August 2026) and pitches for the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. Career path and performance
  • 2024 (age 17): Dominican Summer League (DSL Mets Orange) — 0-5, 3.47 ERA in 9 starts, 36.1 IP, 41 K (10.16 K/9), 12 BB (2.97 BB/9).
  • Missed essentially all of 2025 after being placed on the 60-day injured list in early May (activated in November).
  • 2026: Strong return. With Low-A St. Lucie Mets (Florida State League): 5-2, 2.03 ERA in 14 games (10 starts), 53.1 IP, 54 K (9.11 K/9), 24 BB, .216 opponent average. 
  • Promoted to High-A Brooklyn on July 28. 
He transitioned successfully to a more full-time rotation role in Low-A and has shown the ability to miss bats while limiting hard contact at times. Walk rates have been higher in 2026 than in the DSL, and command has been noted as a variable (especially in some High-A outings).Repertoire / arsenalPublic tracking (e.g., Baseball Savant game reports from his 2026 stateside debut and other appearances) shows a five-pitch mix:

  • Four-seam fastball
  • Sinker
  • Slider
  • Curveball
  • Changeup
Velocities in tracked outings have ranged from the low-80s (offspeed/breaking) up to about 97 mph on the fastball. Early reports from his Low-A debut noted the fastball sitting 93–95+ mph with a “nice breaking ball” and a solid variety of pitches overall. Observers have highlighted that he trusts his full arsenal, will throw any of his pitches in different counts, keeps the ball down in the zone at times, and attacks hitters aggressively. Multiple breaking pitches that he can land for strikes have drawn positive comments, along with the fastball velocity for his age and frame. 

Overall: 

Obispo is a developmental arm with upside as a starter or multi-inning reliever. He has shown strikeout ability, a diverse arsenal, and the ability to dominate at lower levels after returning from injury. Further refinement of command and continued physical development (he is still listed at a slight 150 lbs) will be key as he progresses. He remains a lower-profile but intriguing name in the Mets’ pitching pipeline as of late August 2026.





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9/4/26

MACK – Let’s Revisit - OF - John Smith III

 


MACK – Let’s Revisit - OF - John Smith III




John Smith III (full name: John Ceaser Smith III) is a right-handed hitting/throwing outfielder in the New York Mets organization. Basic info
  • Born: November 19, 2003 (age 22), in Brandon, Florida; hometown Apollo Beach, Florida.
  • Height/weight: 6'1", 200 lbs.
  • Drafted: 2026 MLB Draft, 19th round (overall pick 570) by the Mets out of the University of Central Florida (UCF).
  • Signed for a $50,000 bonus.
College careerHe took a multi-school path before starring at UCF as a senior in 2026:

  • High school: Lennard High School; ranked as the #13 outfielder in Florida by Perfect Game. Batted .397/.638/.603.
  • Pensacola State (junior college): Strong numbers, including a .382/.452/.688 slash with 12 HR as a sophomore in 2024.
  • South Alabama (2025 junior year): .314/.412/.466 in 49 games.
  • UCF (2026 senior year): Second Team All-Big 12. In 49 games (47 starts, all in LF): .322/.383/.574 with 12 HR, 49 RBI (team lead), 13 doubles, 65 hits, and a long on-base streak. He showed power and contact, with some standout multi-homer games.
Scouts noted raw power, bat speed, and above-average running ability. He also played in the Cape Cod League (Falmouth Commodores) in 2025.Professional career (so far)Signed July 20, 2026, and moved quickly through the system:
  • Started in the Florida Complex League (FCL Mets).
  • Promoted to Single-A St. Lucie Mets (late July). Had a strong debut with multiple homers (including his first pro homer) and showed power (exit velocities over 108 mph on some HRs).
  • Promoted to High-A Brooklyn Cyclones on August 18, 2026. He got off to a hot start there (e.g., multi-hit games, reaching base frequently).
  • As of late August 2026, overall minor-league numbers were around .305/.373/.915 OPS with 3 HR in limited action 
He’s a toolsy college senior/outfielder with power potential and speed who has advanced quickly after being a late-round pick. He’s not yet a high-profile top prospect in the system but has impressed with early pro production and rapid promotions. 

His nickname is “John John”

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Reese Kaplan -- Mets Players to Watch During September


Little by little the Mets are going to test drive some players for the 2027 season.  While you can’t draw definitive conclusions from 30 days of September play, it certainly will add a modest level of interest for awaiting the end of the highly forgettable 2026 season.

The first newcomer to see regularly should be Nick Morabito.  He’s an interesting player with excellent base running speed and modest power but did not have a memorable season in Syracuse.  A career minor league .281 hitter who has stolen as many as 59 bases in the 2024 season, his high water mark in home runs is 13 this year.  Some feel excited to have two potential stolen base kings in left and right field while others feel Morabito tops out as a different style Tyrone Taylor replacement as at best a fourth outfielder.

Recent call up Dylan Ross is viewed by many as a potential closer with elite strikeout stuff.  In 36+ innings pitched in Syracuse this year he notched 45 strikeouts.  For his minor league career he has successfully fanned 131 in 95+ innings pitched. The other shiny number is 67 hits allowed in those same 95+ IP.  Where it gets a bit questionable is on his walks allowed.  By allowing free baserunners his WHIP is an average 1.385.  With just a single inning of major league experience no one really knows which Dylan Ross will emerge this final month of the season.

The third interesting guy to watch is starting pitcher Justin Hagenman who is going to provide extra rest for Christian Scott who appears to be wearing down and the Tylor Megill clone named Robert Stock who could throw a gem or a turd without any pattern of consistency.  A look at Hagenman’s minor league numbers are interesting but puzzling.  He’s split time between relieving and starting.  He does give up many more hits than Ross, but he’s shown very good control with 503 strikeouts and just 136 walks over a log of 487+ innings pitched.  The WHIP number is therefore better than what you see from Ross.  No one is sure what will be seen from Hagenman. 

Some of the others are already making their next season cases known.  Nate Lavender is highly likely to be the first southpaw to helm the pen after the dual departures of A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley.  When he comes into games people are not reaching for their antacids.  Right hander Daniel Duarte owns a 2.19 ERA thus far for the Mets at the major league level.

Others in the pen are more work in progress.  Celebratory reliever Jefry Yan, recently returned Austin Warren and Jonathan Pintaro are all north of 4.00 with their ERAs.  Recovering reliever Dedniel Nunez is north of 5.00.  They are the ones who most need to step up during September to factor into major league play in 2027. 

Then there are the bench players like Brett Baty, Mark Vientos and others who have not established themselves for any Mets future.  

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