It’s Monday evening as I write this and the Mets are preparing to take on the Marlins with the hope of splitting the four game series.
Thus far, they have scored the grand sum of seven runs against the worst team in the NL. Make no mistake about it, the Marlins are a bad team but they have out hit and out pitched us.
The solution tonight is to find a way to get DJ Stewart into the lineup at the expense of sitting Mark Vientos. Now the middle of the lineup will feature the struggling Pete Alonso, JD Martinez and Stewart.
I’m a pretty old guy and have trouble remembering the last time Alonso had a meaningful game. If he was playing up to standards he would have hit north of 30 homers and 75 RBIs by now.
Clearly, he
is well off that mark and there are no signs he will be surging anytime soon.
JD Martinez is the guy I did not want us to sign. My impression is that he is a wonderful clubhouse presence and a great teammate who is no longer an impactful player. His at-bats have been difficult to watch.
He’s
been striking out at an alarming rate – around 35%, more often when runners are
in scoring position and otherwise not being productive. He had a brief spell
when he went on a tear but has cooled off over the last few weeks.
I have
difficulty understanding the continuous desire to get DJ Stewart ABs. He has
been below the Mendoza line all season long while better and more productive
players get benched in his favor. Makes no sense at all. The same holds true
for Tyrone Taylor. He’s another guy who
should be glued to the bench.
What ever
happened to the power bat of Alvarez. I can only guess that the injury to his
thumb has not fully healed. His hard hit rate has declined precipitously. On
the other hand, Jeff McNeil looks as though he is trending in the right
direction. Jeff has a history of performing better after the All-Star break.
It’s time
our pitching staff puts on their big-boy pants. Manaea and Scott failed to do
their jobs this weekend. When Scott was first called up, he impressed as a
starter who would go deep in games while keeping his OB% low. That seems to
have changed and his control has declined. Maybe, our expectations have been
too high and he’s not ready for prime time.
Everyone
agrees that our bullpen needs help. I’m worried we will overpay to bring in fresh
arms. The answer may lay within. Megill and Vasil could possibly be the two
arms that will carry the day. One way to find out.
Will we be
buyers or sellers. The next ten days will determine which direction to go.
Ray
July 23, 2024
14 comments:
I have no idea why Stewart hasn't been replaced
Worse case scenario: Mets go 2-5 these next seven games and sit at .500. What are you doing, buying or selling?
Plane from Miami arrived at 5:30 this morning after plane problem
I had mentioned in a recent post that DJ Stewart was this year's version of Daniel Vogelbach. He is a likeable guy who has had some big hits in the past, but they keep running him out there without any hitting or fielding performance to justify it. At this juncture, we need to win and it does not help to leave a productive youngster (Vientos) on the bench for a less productive player - Mark doesn't really need a rest at his age.
I still think JD Martinez is good for this team - he has helped a few players with batting tips that were worth his salary this year. Now he is a guy that needs a rest every once in awhile, especially when he is slumping. So if you need to play DJ, then give JD a rest. Not MV. enough initials, I'm done.
Last 5 games, Stewart is 3 for 7 with 4 walks. Cats do have 9 lives.
This week (Yanks, Atlanta) like pre-playoffs. Win, win, win.
Ray, JDM is the rare guy who REALLY helps his fellow hitters by being here. Hopefully he starts cooking again.
Never was in favor of his signing.
The Mets have signed Jackie Bradley Jr for Syracuse. He was playing in independent ball. Insurance?
And now Scott has a UCL sprain…
And Iglesias sits tonight.
D J, it was surprising that Bradley hit .400/.476/.727 in 40 games, even if it was for the Ducks. Hard to believe he figured something out as a hitter at age 34. Has to be insurance. I think of Cameron Maybin coming to the Mets. 1 for 28 in 2021. I don't want to see a repeat of that.
Mack, maybe they wanted to keep Stewart for the Yankees' short right field porch, if needed.
Last night, the park helped the Mets as Ben Rice hit a ball to left center with 2 out that Bader caught that would have been gone in Citifield, if it carried the same. Different game.
Manaea vs. Cole could be TOUGH tonight. But it will be interesting. The Mets are the hotter team. Perhaps the better team.
Mets are just 6.5 games behind the Yankees. Remarkable. The Mets have shaved at least 10 games off that gap since they fell to 24-35.
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