2/26/20

John From Albany – Mets Breakfast Links 2/26/2020



In Florida yesterday, Jacob deGrom threw a simulated game, the Mets lost 9-6 to the Tigers, Tim Tebow hit a two run homer in the losing cause, J.D. Davis hurt his shoulder diving for a ball at third base (Box). Video Highlights.   

Tebow’s home run was hit well over the left center field fence.  Per the NY Post: “I feel like I am seeing the ball pretty well besides my first at-bat of the spring when I was super-aggressive,” Tebow said, referring to a strikeout Saturday. 

“After that I feel like I have been seeing it, three walks, so trying to see more pitches and the home run today, really had a chance to work that count and try to see some too. I am just trying to improve a little bit every day.”

Besides the home run from Tebow, Jarrett Parker hit a home run, Patrick Mazeika had two doubles,   Andres Gimenez, 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base, Johneshwy Fargas relieved Jake Marisnick in Center Field and went 1-1 with a stolen base and run scored and Braxton Lee went 1 for 2 with a double.

Michael Wacha started for the Mets and threw two scoreless innings.  SNY.TV had video of Wacha, Luis Rojas, and J.D. Davis talking after the game.

Mike Puma of the NY Post reported that Wacha consistently threw 94-96 mph where he had averaged 93.4 mph with his fastball last year with the Cardinals.  “The ball felt like it was coming out good,” Wacha said…“It felt like the other pitches were playing off that fastball command and overall I thought it went well.”


Zamora, Payano, and Blackman each threw scoreless innings, Zamora inducing a double play grounder after an error by Gimenez and Blackman walking two and striking out two.

Ryley Gilliam was charged with 5 runs in 2/3 of an inning including a three run homerun to Miguel Cabrera and solo shot to C.J. Cron.

Kevin Smith allowed 3 runs, two earned in an inning of work including a home run.  Adonis Uceta allowed the other run. 

Video highlights above had the play where J.D. Davis was hurt diving for the ball in the hole.  Per SNY.TV: "There was really no labrum or rotator cuff damage there, but we have an MRI tomorrow so we're going to see if anything," Davis said. "Right now, it's just stiff and a little tender, but taking it day-to-day right now."

Per the NY Post, regarding the injury manager Luis Rojas said: “He is out there playing the game the way he plays…He dives for the ball and he jams his shoulder and he feels something he’s probably never felt before.

Per the NY Post: Noah Syndergaard and Edwin Diaz are set to face the Astros in Port St. Lucie today. Justin Wilson is also among the Mets’ scheduled pitchers. The game will be broadcast on SNY.TV.

Other Mets Links:

Per Joel Sherman of the NY Post: The Mets may use Steven Matz or Michael Wacha as the 5th starter depending on which pitcher will “match up best against each specific opponent…Or the Mets would use Robert Gsellman or maybe even Seth Lugo as a one- or two-inning opener should the Mets conclude that is the best course.”

Per SNY.TV: "They told me I'm a starter, so that's what I'm here for," Michael Wacha said, basically reiterating what Steven Matz said on Sunday.

Per SNY.TV: Mets' Jacob deGrom, Yankees' Gerrit Cole are Cy Young favorites in respective leagues.

Per SNY.TV: Mets' Jacob deGrom says 'I'm ready' for Opening Day after simulated game Tuesday.

Per Kevin Kernan in the NY Post: Jacob deGrom, 31, is perfecting a backdoor slider this spring. He threw a perfect one to teammate Brandon Nimmo for a called third strike Tuesday during his two innings of work in a simulated game at Clover Park. You can see the video of Jacob throwing here.

Kyle Newman in Elite Sports NY had four college baseball players for the Mets to watch: Casey Martin, SS, Arkansas; CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State; Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia; and Hudson Haskin, CF, Tulane.

Brian Joura in Mets 360 ran down different Mets execs and players that cared or may not have cared about the Mets from M. Donald Grant to Wally Backman to Frank Francisco.

James Schapiro in Elite Sports NY had: Robinson Canó is becoming a problem for the New York Mets, while Jarred Kelenic is becoming a sad reminder of what could have been.

Michael Calascione in Rising Apple searched for the Mets Most Valuable Baseball Card.  “The 1967 Topps Tom Seaver rookie card is valued by PSA for around $7,200 for a mint 9 grade. The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card is valued by PSA for around $25,000 for a mint 9 grade.”  I think I had both clothes-pinned to the spokes of my bike. 


213 Miles from Shea did a 2020 Mets Conglomerate Projections: Brandon Nimmo – 452.75 Plate Appearances, 374.75 At Bats, 14 HR, .238 BA./ .368 OBP/ .421 SLG.

Other MLB News:

The Marlins won again beating Houston 7-4.  They are now 4-0 for Spring Training. 

Yahoo Sports: White Sox Prospect Luis Robert ropes a triple for his first hit of spring training.





AP News: Larry Walker bundle of nerves after touring Hall of Fame.

Yahoo Sports: Rob Manfred has a history of botching investigations.

NBC Sports Bay Area/Yahoo Sports: Why versatile Chad Pinder is most respected player in A's clubhouse.


Red Sox prospect quarantined amid coronavirus concerns. Taiwanese right-hander Chih-Jung Liu is being quarantined in a hotel room, as a team spokesman said the organization is using "an overabundance of caution" to guard against the virus, per The Boston Globe.

The Boston Red Sox will have to wait even longer to hear the results of MLB's ongoing investigation into the 2018 team's alleged sign-stealing. MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said Tuesday the league has concluded its interviews for the investigation.

Boston lefty Brian Johnson knows about perseverance. Selected by Boston with the 31st overall pick in the 2012 amateur draft, the left-hander was hit on the face by a line drive that Aug. 18 at Fenway Park in his fourth professional appearance, a Class A game. He sustained multiple orbital fractures.


San Jose Giants to host Mason Saunders Night on June 5. Madison Bumgarner has been competing in rodeos under the pseudonym “Mason Saunders”.




Mack’s Blast From the Past comes from 2-26-13: Mack looked at Mets International Signings including Top signing: SS Amed Rosario, Dominican Republic, $1.75 million.


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14 comments:

Tom Brennan said...

First, the bad news, and I wish that all Mets would read my articles for advice (good luck with that). Rule # 1 (I call it the Lagares Rule) is "do not dive for balls in spring training or in games where the dive is not consequential (e.g., 7 runs down).

All you can do, JD Davis, is unnecessarily hurt yourself. Luis Rojas, if you read this, we all know about playing the game hard - but smart is important too. What if JD is now hurt - how stupid would that be?

Tebow Bomb? Petew Alonso has some catching up to do.

Wacha - great news on velocity.

Kevin Smith and Ryley Gilliam did not acquit themselves well - things to work on, for sure. Maybe nerves. Maybe refining pitches or pitch location. If Jake can add a back door slider, maybe Gilliam should too.

Brian Joura said...

I have both the Seaver and Ryan RCs although neither one is graded. If they were graded, they certainly wouldn't be a 9. Perhaps a 6 or 7.

Tebow's homer got all of the publicity but did you see the shot by Parker? That was an absolute bomb. Parker was a sneaky signing. Everyone was so excited last year because they signed a bunch of old guys with name value as depth signings. Parker's a little bit younger (turned 31 in Jan) and doesn't have a ton of MLB experience but he has a .771 OPS in 397 PA in the majors. Hopefully he thrills the fans in SYR this year.

I have no desire to see Robert Gsellman or Seth Lugo used as openers for the 2020 Mets.

Mack Ade said...

I am afraid that Smith and Gilliam have proven they aren't ready for the big stage.

Ryley especially worries me. This is 2 years in a row.

Raw said...

What happened to Szapucki? Haven’t seen his name anywhere. Is he injured?

John From Albany said...

He has been throwing this Spring. Thought we had some news on him the other day. When he gets into a game, we will let you know.

Anonymous said...

Mack:

Matt Blackham is pitching well. Righty reliever. You and I were saying most of 2019 season, "Why are the Mets not giving this guy a shot here?"

His stats have been really good down in MiLB.

Anonymous said...

Tom:

You are correct about Alonso in that he isn't hitting much yet. It's true. But honestly here, are you worried? It's Alonso, man!

Anonymous said...

I read somewhere else today that (purportedly) the NY Mets are considering a four man rotation until either Matz or Wacha own the five slot. Maybe to start the season because the number of weekly games starts out slowly.

"You're kidding me."

This is the injury prone NY Mets right? I wanted a six-man rotation, just to save Mets' starter arms, since Jerry Manual was actually here.

Here's a contrarian suggestion.

Matz, Wacha, and David Peterson too in that fifth starter mix competition. Best arm wins it.

Mets probably won't like it, but I would because I get the overall feeling that David Peterson could handle it, even winning it if that were to happen. Who knows.

David hits me as a guy who steps up to whatever challenge before him, goes for it. He was very smooth his first outing here as a Met.

He is like 24 years old now if I recall correctly. Why not? Just an old fashioned traditional ST competition. It makes everyone try harder too.

Anonymous said...

JD Davis is exactly the type of "blood and guts baseball player" that every team loves to have. I used to call these players like JD "football baseball players" and I mean that too.

These players do not come around all that often. Maybe Dykstra a little bit. They play one speed, 110% and do not know any other speed really. JD is a winner man.

Blood and guts.

Anonymous said...

The NY Mets are right there now.

Will do more than just knock. You'll see. They will contend against even the very best. They only will need to play smart and stay within themselves. Stay a team first.

NYK sneak in

NYK management should have known to "go for it" in 2020. They only needed a really good center more, to add in with Mitchell Robinson. Someone big and powerful enough to bang underneath, in other words.

For 2020/21 it sounds like Tom Thibodeau could be here.

If Thibodeau comes to the Knicks, I sincerely hope that he brings along with him center Jonas Valančiūnas, because Jonas is exactly what this NYK team needs for the big bruiser role with really solid offensive game as well. This isn't here and has not been for quite sometime.

Mitchell Robinson plays at one speed too, 100 mph up and down the court like on fire because Mitchell is exceedingly quick. But he tires because he is so exceedingly active on the court, both ends.

You need a monster center to split time with Mitchell because of this. Jonas Valančiūnas would be the type center that allows you to match-up well against any other teams that have either a mobile/active center (like Mitchell Robinson) or a big bruising monster center (like Jonas Valančiūnas).

This game is all about match-ups. The NYK need to recognize this fact with their center position.

Anonymous said...

Brian:

I concur with you on not using Gsellman or Lugo starting here. The Mets have guys I simply like better starting. Guys like even David Peterson because we have not had a dominant lefty starter here for sometime, probably since Steven Matz first season when he was more electric.

Anonymous said...

With Nimmo down at current.

Not a lot of information out about his condition, and so I just wish him the very best since I am a huge fan of Brandon's.

Knowing Brandon as a NYM, he'll be back out there very soon diving for line drives and stealing bags. That is Brandon.

I don't think the NYM will need to go out and get anyway else. They have a couple of players here already that can handle the center field position until Brandon gets back.

With Yoenis Cespedes running pretty darn well again, maybe he could play fill-in center field, with Dominic Smith getting in starting game time in left field.

The Mets are stacked with good players.

(Get well and get ack back soon Mr. Nimmo!)

Anonymous said...

NYM

Staying healthy (this season) will again be exceptionally important. 2019 was the first season that the starting rotation stayed optimally healthy that I can recall seeing.

I really like what I am seeing with new manager Luis Rojas.

He has a nice cool professionalism that seems pervasive and pretty much an innate quality to him. The best leaders have this quality, because leading is almost always bred and not schooled.

I have seen many corporate lower to mid-managers sent to managerial school hoping to ready them for a larger managerial leadership role within the firm. Most of the time, it does not workout so well for that person. The lower to mid-manager eventually reverts back to how he was doing things prior to the managerial schooling that he was sent for.

Luis Rojas here as the NYM skipper will be such a good thing to see.

Anonymous said...

Mets fans believing in this 2020 team.

This is after all the New York Mets. New York. To me and as a diehard fan, usually New York means we want and expect the very best players always right now. It does not matter the cost or the price involved, we deserve this. Right?

I think that New York did use to mean this. But look at all the New York area sports teams right now. Look where most normally place lately come their season ending.

So what went wrong Mr. Kazoo?

Honestly, it is not that simple a thing to understand sometimes, there are different components to this. Or is it simple? The best I can say here, is that despite the game changing somewhat in each and every one of these sport really, each of these New York teams in every sport (to me) kind of got away from their own winning game plan that had brought to them success.

New people came in to replace the older leaders retiring (or being let go in some cases) to run things, and they did not necessarily have the same experience nor vision to make it all workout with "their own new direction", and in so doing they did not allow the older and more successful game plan to remain relevant and intact.

A good example here might be the New York Football Giants. To me the playbook for them was pretty much written awhile back, by two guys named Young and Parcells. Sure, in the first decade of 2000 the New York Giants did very well under Eli Manning's leadership, their team was once again made solid. But that did not seem to last very long.

With every team that Bill Parcells went to after the New York Giants, he brought along with him, to that team, the same basic playbook that he had used here with the Giants. Only the players names on jerseys were different. Same strategy and player personnel approach.

What about these current New York Knicks?

Same thing really. The Knicks were best in theie 1969/70 season. Their players were very talented skillset wise, but also they were above average court intelligence wise, one even a Rhodes Scholar. But the whole thing began with defense, rebound positioning, second and third shot attempts (if needed) and a never say die attitude, believe it or not. Muscle and intelligence being a very formidable coupling in all sports.

Today, the Knicks sort of lack a little bit of both of these ingredients needed to become true Champions. They have some younger players here right now, that are talented but unable to progress themselves (as they should) simply because they do not possess NBA game vision or court intelligence. And sadly, they may not ever either. The talent is absolutely there, but NBA level smartness and court vision simply is not.

The New York Mets.

When I look at this 2020 Mets team, I see everything there in place to become true Champions at some near point. Talent, team chemistry, a GM who is very attentive to what is needed and also best for the team to win, and now a manager who has like eight seasons of MiLB managerial experience, knows these players, has a game plan, and a very talented team to get it all done.

Sometimes on great sports teams, the great players mainly come from outside the organization, just like the 1986 team did at least offensively, aside from the great homegrown Darryl Strawberry. But this 2020 Mets team is much different because the majority of their outstanding offensive players have come from within their own organization, drafted, groomed, and made ready all within the Mets' own system aside from a very few. And half their pitching staff as well, is the same way.

To me, I'll go with that and see what happens. I just have a feeling on this 2020 season's New York Mets team. And man, I like it! Time always being the judge, we'll see. There is something about them. LGM!