Tom Brennan: In Defense of Mets’ Defense; I Am Iron Man; Velo Matters

 

 

OH, WHAT A RELIEF STRONG DEFENSE IS!

Playing a new position is hard. Of that, there is no doubt. 

Everyone says that, and I concede to that point.

Bichette to 3rd base, Polanco to first base? Hard.

But, let’s step back and think about this for a minute.

These guys found out in January that they be expected to play these positions in April. So they have three months to learn.

Secondly, they played alongside guys in those positions for quite a long time and understand the interactional dynamics of that, so they are not coming at it like Jay. I never focused on those positions whatsoever. You understand what people do with those positions very deeply comment when you are a Professional player who’s played so many games. 

Lastly, consider this factor, as spelled out an interview byNSNY freelance writer, Colin Martin, with Freddie Peralta.

Peralta….was asked his thoughts on having four traditional shortstops playing different spots in the infield, as the Mets' 2026 lineup will consist of Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette (playing 3B), Marcus Semien (playing 2B), and Jorge Polanco (playing 1B). Although Semien has been at second base the past few seasons with Texas and Toronto, and Polanco moved from mostly SS to 2B in 2021.

"Oh my God, I don't know. I think if we are going to have that, a lot of baseballs are going to be caught everywhere," Peralta said jokingly. "Excited to see."

I think there are tons of logic to absorb here. And, if Peralta is excited, if he thinks there’s going to be a lot of baseballs caught everywhere, which really makes a lot of sense, then why should we have trepidation? Why shouldn’t we be downright excited?

Also consider this thought: time and time again, we all look at guys being potentially drafted who are short stops, and the question always comes up, will they be able to remain at shortstop? That question is asked because it’s the most demanding position in the Enfield to play. All of these guys have passed the test at shortstop. So why do we think they will have trouble mastering easier positions?

Lastly, some folks talk about Bo Bichette’s weak arm for third base. But a chart I saw recently that ranked shortstop arm strength had Bo B ranked HIGHER than a guy named Francisco (the Hamate Man) Lindor. 

How about them apples in the big apple?

Me? Put me in the “downright excited” column. I think this infield is gonna flash some leather this year that’s going to make us smile.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG LETTING YOUR GUYS PLAY IN TOURNAMENTS?

Saw this, thought of Edwin:

The leg injury Kings star Kevin Fiala suffered during the Olympics is season-ending, according to ESPN.  Fiala, playing with Switzerland, sustained the injury during the team’s loss to Canada on Friday.

No, no key players EVER get hurt in these things, clearly.

I AM IRON MAN

Last year, Alonso, Soto, Lindor, and Nimmo missed almost no games between them, averaging 159 games played.  

Baseball is grueling. David Wright was an Iron Man until he rusted out.

Now, Lindor has a balky hamate bone. Surgery zipped-zip, as I write this mid-week. 

It is great when the great players play every day, but their not resting more increases the likelihood of nagging injuries becoming worse. Because aside from Ripken and Gehrig, no one is Iron Man in baseball anymore.

I for one believe Lindor has his eyes on the Hall of Fame. He knows that huge career numbers come from extremely high levels of games played in one’s peak years. But the worn out tire has a bubble in it. It just blew out.

Hopefully, for Lindor, it will only be a “short stop” on the injured list.

But not TOO short, as he could STOP being as productive if not properly healed. 

And I would recommend not returning in cold late March/April weather.

The Mets have already lost a lot of power this last season. What if Lindor loses half of his?  

The Mets (Alvarez, Lindor) may lead the major leagues in hamate bone removals.

Lastly, this injury basically ended one Mets “prospect’s” career: 

Tim Tebow was never the same after his hamate surgery. The month prior to it, he hit .300 in the minors. His long shot bid died right there.

VELO MATTERS

Mets sign Craig Kimbrel. The now-37 year old former uber-beast has less velocity than he did several years back.

Baseball Savant showed his 2025 FB velo at 93.5. 

Several years prior, per their charts, he averaged 99. Huge difference.

See the charts:

BB Savant Yearly Charts for Kimbrel

THINGS OFTEN HAPPEN IN THREES

Saw this:

“One college baseball player had a Baylor debut for the history books — and it left him “speechless” afterward.

“Tyce Armstrong, a redshirt senior who transferred to the Bears after four seasons at UT Arlington, crushed three grand slams — tying a collegiate baseball record — and drove in 12 runs during a 15-2 win over New Mexico State on Friday.”

- Maybe he saw my advice to be aggressive like Brent Rooker.