SAVAGE VIEWS – STILL BREATHING

HERE I GO AGAIN!

It’s been a couple of months since my last post and I have a few thoughts I would like to share.

THE SEASON AS INTERPRETED BY RAY

Great Scott, If we can put all Bichette aside, the Mets went on a “spending Benge” during the offseason and only have Polanco, Peralta and Jr. Roberts to show for it. And let’s not forget Williams…moves that have us all feeling a bit Baty. Raley do you get so little for big bucks. At this stage we understand the need to McLean our Holmes to bring in prospects that will be Taylor made for our future. 

Mark my words, we need to do a better job of Vientos prospects than we have in the past. The next few days will be interesting as we Weaver our way through different scenarios. One positive is the expected moves will open up roster spots for Young players such as Morabito. You can bet your Alvarez that we are on the way to better things. 

After August 3^rd, the best we can hope for is to be a Thornton the sides of playoff contenders. Heyman, even well-known sports writers have little clue on ten ways to fix this team. Soto summarize, let me enjoy a Lindor milk chocolate bar and let others worry about making us competitive next year.

DEFENDING DAVID STEARNS

It seems that the majority of Mets fans would not be unhappy if Stearns was replaced. He was a well-regarded baseball executive when he was hired away from the Brewers. During his short tenure as POBO, he is doing the job he was hired to do. Some accomplishments:

·      Streamlined the front office to a more efficient operation

·      Improved the Scouting Department

·      Incorporated advanced technological systems including state of the arts pitching and batting labs

·      More attention being paid to player developmentThere have been missteps along the way including hiring of Carlos Mendoza as manager, signing Frankie Montas and dealing away some 20 prospects for questionable returns. The farm system has regressed this year but we understand that growth is not linear. My expectation is that the Mets will have a top-rated farm system next year as the team reaps the rewards of four consecutive quality drafts plus a handful of prospects acquired in trades. Pre-season we thought we had a playoff caliber team. No regrets about losing Nimmo and McNeil. In retrospect wish we had signed Alonso, although many of us balked at giving him 5 years.This year alone the team has five rookies performing at a high level. Next year we might see another two or three joining our team. And the future looks bright as lower level players mature over the next two to three years.

In my opinion Stearns is keeper and by this time next year many of those who want him replaced will be singing his praises. Don’t forget, if he is replaced it will result in setting back the timetable.

WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR

It’s been proven time and time again that the key to a strong season is pitching and defense. The starting rotation looks strong with McLean and Scott maturing and hopefully Thornton earning a role. The question remains as to who will occupy the remaining two-three slots. The guess is Tong, perhaps Manaea and a free agent or acquisition in a trade. 

The outfield is set with Soto, Ewing and Benge. The catching combo of Alvarez / Torrens is as good as any and expect Lindor and Bichette to return to career norms. Clearly the first and third base positions need to be significantly upgraded. I should mention I believe both Ewing and Benge improve markedly in year two.

To count us out will be a mistake.

Ray

August 2, 2026