Sometime, trying to figure out from Mets players’ pre-season performance who will then do bad or good during the real season can be like driving through a fog.
But the season is over, the fog has cleared, so, c’mon, man, let's take a look back.
It was truly a bizarre season, preceded by a bizarre spring training taking place in February to mid-March...and also in July, which is not exactly springtime.
Given that scenario, which Mets hitters gave a real hint of what they'd do in the season?
"Good indicator."
And who didn't?
"Non-indicator"
Let's take a quick look in that regard in this article at the hitters.
PETE ALONSO - good indicator.
Prior to his weak 2020 season, he was just 11 for 45 with 2 doubles, no HRs, and no walks in pre-season. Recall that in Spring Training 2019, he was a total beast who blasted his way onto the team, and then blasted his way to an MLB rookie HR record. I guess, after his weak pre-season, we should have been concerned.
WILSON RAMOS - good indicator.
He was just 6 for 31 with one HR, 3 RBIs, and 1 walk. Perhaps early signs of decline that we hope were not indicative. But were.
BRANDON NIMMO - good indicator.
The man that I nickname "OBP .400" had - you guessed it - a .400 OBP in pre-season. Some guys love getting on base.
The next guy? Seemingly not so much.
AMED ROSARIO - good indicator.
His .194 average and .237 OBP in the spring was eerily predictive of his July and August starting out the regular season. His .272 season on base % gave him lots of time to socially distance in the dugout.
JEFF MCNEIL - good indicator.
He hit .400 pre-season. While he had a few slumps in 2020, for the stretches when he hit well, he hit .400. Some dudes just plain hit.
JD DAVIS - good indicator.
His .263 pre-season was followed by a .247 season. He hit .263 or higher the whole season, until a late season slump.
ROBINSON CANO - inconclusive indicator.
He missed most of pre-season # 2 in July, and ended up just a fairly decent 7 for 26 with 3 doubles in total pre-season action. The great hitters know how to get prepared, though, and he hit great while he was healthy during the season.
DOMINIC SMITH - total non-indicator.
He hit just .097 in pre-season, but was the Mets' best hitter during the irregular regular season. Dom, great strategy, I am all in favor of saving up all your hits for the regular season.
MICHAEL CONFORTO - non-indicator.
He was just 7 for 31 with 1 HR and 1 RBI pre-season, but had a terrific 2020 when it counted.
ANDRES GIMENEZ - semi-good-indicator.
He wasn't bad pre-season with 6 for 28 hitting, but he Also walked 3 times, and had 2 doubles and a HR, an indicator of his modest 2020 regular season power to come.
LUIS GUILLORME - non-indicator.
His pre-season 4 for 26 with 1 walk and 9 Ks was totally inferior to his great (but limited time-wise) 2020 regular season performance. Like Dom Smith, a hugely pleasant surprise after his poor pre-season.
JOHNESHWY FARGAS - non-indicator.
He hit .276 with a double, triple, and homer in pre-season, with 6 steals. Seemed promising, but... He never got a call up.
So, there were some warning signs, but it is hard to know ahead of opening day which pre-season struggles would become real concerns (Alonso, Ramos) and which would not (Smith, Guillorme).
Anyway...
Soon: A look at the pitching.
3 comments:
A very interesting post from Steady Tommy
Before I first cursed, Mack, I like almost everyone was a precursor.
Kidding aside, I believe Pete will roar back in 2021. Because he will have strong preparation. He was struggling from the onset.
If you had a pitcher who was coming off a legendary second season, would you offer up young Pete Alonso for him with Dom Smith becoming your first baseman?
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