12/21/19

Tom Brennan - FRANCISCO LINDOR? WHAT'S WRONG WITH AMED ROSARIO, ANYWAY?

source: wikipedia

Man, who the heck wouldn't want a player the caliber of Francisco Lindor?

Lindor will play next season as a 26 year old.  

Lindor, breaking into the majors at 21, has been remarkable:

He already has 130 career homers, 93 steals, and 480 runs scored.  And 40+ doubles the past 3 years, along with 3 straight slightly over .500 slugging % years.

Dang, that's good!


source: wikipedia

The Mets' SS, Amed Rosario, is almost exactly 2 years younger than Lindor.  

Seemingly, he is far short of being the player Lindor is - but wait, hold onto your britches, not so fast.

In 2019, at the age of 23, Rosario hit .287/.323/.432 - impressive.  At 23, Lindor had a split of .273/.337/.505 - slugging % aside, pretty close there.

In the second half of last season, though, the young Amed showed real growth by putting up a sizzling home and away combined 2nd half split of .319/.351/.453.

How would you like THAT from him for a full season? Oh, yeah!

His power is increasing, but likely will never match Lindor's - but who knows, Amed just might up the power going forward.  It did amp up a good bit in 2019.

Also, Rosario is very speedy - maybe he can learn to steal more, and move into SB equivalency with Lindor in that regard.

Hey, he could draw a lot closer to Lindor if he can figure out why he hits so darned much better on the road than at home. 

He hit .248 at home, but .323 on the road, in 2019. 75 point differential.

He hit just .204 at home vs. .303 on the road in 2018.  99 point differential.

Jeesh!!  Glaring home vs. away disparities.  

If Amed can substantially improve those home numbers (note: Lindor is pretty similar home and away), he might be a whole lot closer to Lindor offensively in 2020.

One area that Rosario has a clear edge over Lindor?  

Two seasons further from free agency, so he will be cheap-cheap-cheaper!

It would sure be nice to have a Francisco Lindor in 2020 - without having to deal for him - just have Amed Rosario step up his game in 2020, seems all it would take to me.

Defensively?  You tell me, dear reader.  Who is the better defensive SS?  Don't make me do all the work.




12 comments:

Mack Ade said...

I continue to be amazed of the so called "interest" the Mets have with Lindor.

It is my understanding that Brodie calls every team to look for a fit with someone they have either said was available or rumored to be available.

This is a long way away from a trade.

bill metsiac said...

I'm with you, Tom. Even if Amed doesn't continue to improve, ywo of our top prospects are SS's who could become All-Stars in a few years.
Lindor is an exciting star, but stripping the farm and the budget for him is a total non-necessity.

Mack Ade said...

Bill

Correctamundo.

SS is the only pipeline position we have in deep talent.

We don't need another one, even if it is the best in the business.

Mike Freire said...

Good work, Tom.

I think Amed's second half gets overlooked by most folks.

He is still a baby (developmentally) so imagine if he continues to get better?

The team has more pressing needs, for sure.

holmer said...

True, Lindor is better but how much better? Is he 18-20 million dollars better than Rosario? Not in my book and Rosario, at least offensively, is pretty close to Lindor already. No way do I make that trade.

Tom Brennan said...

Gentlemen, I think we all largely agree.

And, as Mike mentioned above, Amed did so well in the second half of 2019 at age 23, an age where a lot of guys still aren't even in the bigs yet, so why couldn't that become more the norm in 2020 from Amed?

I understand Lindor effuses happiness, so that is good too - but I'll try Amed for another season - thanks - and let's sign a reliever like DB.

Mac said...

Could not agree more. Yes, Lindor is better right now, but all things considered Im fine with Amed. I think the 1 piece they should trade for, if possible in Arenado. Trade: Baty, Smith, Gimenez, Peterson...is that enough for Arenado? I feel like thats a good offer.

Tom Brennan said...

Mac, I truly want to hold onto our top 5 "exciting prospects", including Bats, but Arenado in Citifield? Think Brooks Robinson +

I agree - I want Arenado.

Zozo said...

The only bad thing about Arenado is that he has an option in 2 years to become a free agent. So do you give up all that talent for a chance he decides to stay in 2 years?

bill metsiac said...

Would I LIKE Arenado? Sure!
Do we NEED Arenado? Not so sure.

As long as we're paying/playing Cano, Squirrel should be at 3B. And hopefully in a few years Baty or Vientos moves in, or one of our prizes SS's moves over. No reason to take on Arenado's contract, especially with his awful home/road splits in Colorado. Outside of Coors, he's been good, but far from great.
Pass.

Pablo Grullon said...

Lindor is great but not what we NEED right now. Amed showed growth and maturity in the 2nd half and i would rather ride things out with him and address other areas of need like CF. Would love for us to sign mookie betts as a FA after next year

Tom Brennan said...

Pablo, you are thinking just like I am thinking. Good stuff.