Mack’s Morning Report – 2-24-16 – Josh Smoker, Bryce Harper, Alejando de Aza, Juan Lagares

Good morning.

Jonathan Mayo ranked the top Mets prospects and here were the top players by skill category –

      Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.

Hit: Dominic Smith (60)

Power: Wuilmer Becerra (55)

Run: Desmond Lindsay (60)

Arm: Amed Rosario (65)

Defense: Luis Guillorme (65)

Fastball: Josh Smoker (70)

Curveball: Seth Lugo (55)

Slider: Dario Alvarez (60)

Changeup: Akeel Morris (60)

Control: Gabriel Ynoa (60)

      Mack – Let’s talk Smoker.

Smoker was a first round pick (31^st overall) in the 2007 draft, out of Calhoun (GA) High School, by the Washington Nationals.

He pitched six years in the Nationals organization, producing mostly sub-par numbers (2008: A-ball – 0-4, 11.50… 2010: A-ball – 3-10, 6.50). He also fell victim to two shoulder surgeries, which limited him to pitching in only six games in 2012 and none in 2013.

The Nats cut fish before the 2013 season and Smoker relieved in 28 games for Rockford in the independent Frontier League (4.03). Again, nothing special, but the 95+ mph smoke was beginning to come back.

The Mets took a chance on him last season and it truly paid off in St. Lucie, where he went 14-G, 1.69, 0.84, 21.1-IP, 26-K, only 6-BB. Smoker finished the season in Binghamton where some of his past control problems returned (4.71- BB/9) but he also produced 26Ks in 21 innings pitched.

Smoker will pitch 2007 as a 27-year old and he still needs to work on his control, but the smoking hot fastball that has been clocked at 100 (a lefty!) will give the Mets many reasons to give this kid time to get his game completely under control.

I don’t expect to see him in Queens this year, but you never know what with injuries and all.

Did you notice the story in the NY Post by Kevin Kernan about the New York Yankees and Bryce Harper?

Harper is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2018 season and Kernan suggests that the Yankees need to save up $400mil for a package to offer Harper and his agent ($40mil a year for 10 years?). He hit .330 in 2015 and led the majors in home runs, runs, OBP, slugging percentage, and OPS.

He also is 23 years old.

This is a Yankee waiting to happen, but could this possibly be a contract worth this much? Can you imagine this guy any more arrogant than he is now?

Look, it’s three years off but do we all agree he will go to the Bronx or do you think the head case will be Hollywood bound?

Alejando de Aza arrived in camp on time. He told reporters that he had no problem with the Mets resigning Yoenis Cespedes and muddling up who is going to play where.

The good news for de Aza is that, even if he spends most of his time on the bench, he cashes as $5.75mil check while doing it.

De Aza did not have a great year in 2015 and is getting a little long in the tooth (turns 32 in April). His best day as a Met may be payday.

Speaking of outfielders out on a limb, Juan Lagares told Ken Davidoff -

“I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen. I only know I’m ready 100 percent this year. Last year, I started the season hurt. I feel good this year. Let’s see what happens.”

Mack – I didn’t know that Lagares worked out this of-season with ex-Met Jose Reyes (who I’m still not over). This comes at a time where it is reported that Reyes has worn out his welcome with Colorado Rockies management due to the domestic violence allegations being levied against him.

I happen to be one of those guys that think Lagares will get a lot of bat time this season, but it easily could be based on how well he starts off the season. Trust me, a slow start will put pressure on Terry Collins to insert de Aza in more often.

Jacob deGrom to return to mound today.

Gavin Cecchini gets cortisone shot for residual shoulder inflammation. 

Ernest Dove - LIVE From Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie. Thoughts, Pics, Analysis of Mets

Jerry Blevins, Steven Matz and Matt Harvey

Hey hey hey look who made it out to Port St. Lucie



   Yup, I made the drive to get my first glimpse of the 2016 New York Mets.  Position players are technically not supposed to arrive by today but many/all of them were here.  I had the pleasure of.....well......roaming around the back fields at Tradition Field to check out all the action and see everyone get in a quick workout.

Why didn't anyone tell me just how skinny Blevins is?

Those catchers sure do stick together, don't they?

I wouldn't have enough time in this post to describe the above picture of Terry Collins and Wally Backman (yes, Stephen, THAT Wally). I just want to say how incredible it was to watch this go down no only in this pic, but when Terry pretty much gathered the entire roster of guys who participated in the workouts to individually meet this young kid later on during the morning.

Probably the ONLY time Terry wasn't smiling ear to ear.  He was awesome to see up close and personal, interacting well with all of us fans and basically just being 'one of the guys' yapping to each other on the ball field.

Bastardo just looks like a strong dude, don't he?

Dilson Herrera fielding grounders at camp.

GROUP PIC

Wait, What? Is that a Rafael Montero sighing?

Thomas......Tom.....buddy.....I present to you......Mr. Muno

Thor was in a hurry to hit the cage.  Good thing he remembered his helmet and Ham....Bat

In case anyone was wondering, Matt Reynolds was fielding grounders at shortstop today and not helping out in the outfield during batting practice that I was aware of.

Josh Smoker is a pretty husky guy, huh?

Only makes sense for THIS to be the last pic to use on this post



  The workouts started about 9:30am-ish and ended around 12:30pm-ish.  The pitchers and catchers came out first and do their workouts.  And yes, as pictured above in this article, Mr. Montero is in the building. 

  It goes without saying that one particular to notice with the Mets pitching staff.....Ok besides the obvious, is that they are very athletic. I enjoyed watching to guys go through the motions and drills, covering first base, fielding grounders off the mound, and showing the overall athletics. 
 
Some things of note:

Mets have a few good men manning shortstop

Look, I won't over analyze the situation, especially during PRACTICE (in Allen Iverson voice), but I would like to say that Ruben Tejada looks like....well, a very solid Ruben Tejada out there (welcome back Ruben by the way). Ruben and his glove looked as fast as ever, still effortlessly fielding grounders, short hops Etc. and making it look easy.

Speaking of quick hands and great scoop, Mr. Cabrera looked pretty natural to me over there at short.  We can over analyze and get worried about range later, but the bottom line is that he sure looks sure handed to me in the field.

Matt Reynolds, again, was there at shortstop, fielding grounders and going through the motions. He also looks to have a pretty solid stroke at the plate, where many of his swings/hits sent the ball to center and opposite field

I keep forgetting how strong Juan Lagares is

Juan Lagares, even on a cold, windy and cloudy day, can torpedo a ball over the wall in batting practice.  I agree that he does look to be in great shape, he obviously only played the outfield to catch batting practice but he looks as effortless out there as he's always been, and again.......dude has power in his bat.

 Lucas........Duda........SMASH

 He seriously destroys baseballs for a living. Whenever he made solid contact on the ball during BP, it went over the fence. During the BP he mostly just pulled the crap out of the ball.

Speaking of destroying baseballs, hello Mr. Conforto

  After taking a few seconds away from watching the field David Wright was on, in walked over the other field just in time to watch Michael Conforto hit straight moon shots over the right field wall.  One literally hit a truck that was out there. This is nothing new for me to see, because I saw him hit like this naturally back in Spring 2015 and in St Lucie again in the minor leagues.  It has nothing to do with who's pitching behind the meshing on the mound, the point is that, and has always been, that Conforto knows how to utilize his great bat speed and ability to consistently make solid contact on the baseball.  Let's not be shocked if he hits 25 homers this year.

David and Grandy go the other way.................

  I just thought it was cool/interesting/fun to watch Wright and Grandy pretty much use BP to hit the ball wherever they want.  It was incredible watching David, even for a glimpse, hit those lasers, opposite field, with crazy movement. I also noticed Grandy making efforts to practice hitting balls mostly to center and left field today.

  One quick note on one of my favorite minor leaguers......

  Sooooooo I saw Dom Smith......he looked.......slimmer :)

  Some final quick tidbits

  Terry Collins had announced in the morning that deGrom was not at camp today, but was with his wife, so nobody needs to freak out over injuries, etc.  I think it's already been reported anyway today that he will back throwing tomorrow.

  Yoenis Cespedes, from what I learned today, had already met that young fan in the picture above in this post, back in Miami at the hospital last year.  Yoenis also has a ridiculous new hot race car looking automobile that he drove to practice today.  Oh, and I continue to see his friendship with Lagares, along with spending time working out next to Dilson Herrera. 

  I'm sure it obviously goes without saying, but David Wright was the first player to greet the young kid in the wheelchair on the field for one of their tributes to seeing him up close.  David, along with Granderson, where the ones who stayed after practice to sign autographs (yes, they did a good job of signing for KIDS and trying to avoid the grown men with glossy pictures, baseball cards and memorabilia)

  Frank Viola sounds like he'd be fun at parties.................

  Eric Campbell was out there, and took all his fielding practice/drills next to David at 3B

  Mighty Thor actually moaned and groaned a little to himself during his batting practice off a tee...OFF A TEE, because he didn't seem happy about not making hard enough contact......Can we just all admit we love this guy and that he needs to be a Met lifer?

  Zack Wheeler was out there today doing the exercises.  Nothing interesting to report other than being happy he's out there and will throwing upcoming.

  Mets camp invite player Ty Kelly, wearing number 55, was taking his fielding drills at 2B.

  Gsellman has an awesome beard.

  I obviously learned that Zack Thornton is still on the team and at camp.  Yay Ike Davis trade thought that made me know exactly who he is.

  BOTH of the Wilpon's were at camp today, along with J.P. Ricciardi and Sandy Alderson

All in all I enjoyed my little experience, for the first time, attending a workout of the Mets in St. Lucie.  This team is ready for a big year.  So much talent everywhere you look.  Even guys like Gsellman and Seth Lugo are here in camp, and will probably go on to have solid years in Vegas.  Montero is around.  DAVID IS OUT THERE, and Yo is being YO, doing YO things even in camp.  The atmosphere continues to be relaxed and chill in Mets universe. 

 I will be back at tradition field on March 6th for a spring training game.  Please be on the lookout for a post and pics after that game ;)

MY FAVORITE METS PLAYERS - # 4: Jake deGrom - by Tom Brennan

MY FAVORITE METS PLAYERS - # 4: Jake deGrom by Tom Brennan

Today I'm moving on to my number four favorite player on the New York Mets. As a reminder, numbers 1 through 3 were Marvel Superheroes Thor Syndergaard, Superman Cespedes, and Dark Knight Harvey.  Today?  Guns n Roses deGrom.

The deGrominator.

Jake was not highly heralded during his ascent to the big leagues, selected in just the 9th round in 2010, but after his green light for health following Tommy John surgery, he shot through the minor leagues and arrived with a flair in early 2014 in an interleague matchup with the Damn Yankees.  Jake caught everyone's attention in that game, though losing 1-0, then had a few ups and downs in his next 6 starts. Growing pains.

Since those first 7 games, though, deGrom is Koufaxian: 23-10, 291 IP, 315 K, 2.35 ERA, just 224 hits.  Smokin'.

Maybe early Tim Lincecum is a better comp, what with the flowing locks and all.  I love watching Jake when he is in a groove and just burning through line ups.  Searing fastball, great breaking pitches, Lots of movement and superior command.

Jake as a former SS can also field his position like few others, and can put bat on ball, hitting a highly respectable .200 his first two seasons.

Jake is a very smart individual and smart guys tend to find ways to improve. With a pretty potent line up and quality pen (two things in more limited supply in his first two years), no reason to believe 2016 won't be an astounding year for this Cy Young-capable gentleman.  And some World Series wins.

As good as Harvey, Syndergaard and Matz are, deGrom could easily be best of breed in 2016. Hitters, expect to be deGrominated.  Fear the Hair.

My # 4 favorite, but could easily have been my # 1. Next time, I reveal number 5.

Mack’s Morning Report – 2-23-16 – Mike Piazza, Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Off-Season Ranking, Hansel Robles

Good morning.

The Mets will have some guest instructors in camp this spring. 

Billy Bean (originally a Mets number one draft pick), John Franco, and Mike Piazza will all be there, not particularly at the same time. It’s always great for the kids to rub shoulders with some or baseball’s great ex-ballplayers and this year particularly will be nice to have Piazza around.

Zack Wheeler expects to be pitching off the mound later this week. His adjusted target date to return to the Mets rotation remains July 1^st. Remember… he was originally supposed to throw of the mound in January but he and the Mets decided to change that to a similar, more conservative plan similar to the one that Matt Harvey had. Which is fine in my book.

The Mets almost traded Wheeler twice while he’s been recovering from TJS, but all parties seem to be past that. Remember… this guy used to throw up to 97 also.

Gotham Sports Network had a cute story on pitcher Matt Harvey –

Recently, people have been up in arms over debating whether or not Matt Harvey has gotten fat. I see this as a non-issue, because if it is true that Matt Harvey really is getting a little chunky, I think that it is the best off season news we have heard so far.

Baseball pitchers are a lot like peanut butter: chunky is always better than smooth.

Mack – I’ve read a lot of story angles on Harvey but this is the first one that seems to involve peanut butter.

I don’t happen to think that Harvey has a weight problem. He’s a big guy that will probably spend a little more time in the weight room during the season rather than the winter.

I, like the writer, care more about his willingness to become a team player and help the team win a World Series ring. Trust me… he will not disagree with Terry Collins the next time Collins wants to pull him in the ninth inning in a game as important as the one was that he last pitched in.

Fangraphs Fangraphs graded all 30 teams on their off-season –

            3. New York Mets - Grade: A- The Mets had one of the weirdest off seasons of any team in baseball. After watching their defense betray them in the World Series, they doubled down on poor defenders, bringing in Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker to cover minimal ground up the middle. Once Yoenis Cespedes fell into their laps, they essentially were all-in on an offense-and-pitching strategy, and while it isn’t necessarily the way I’d prefer to build a roster, the individual moves look smart enough to call it a good winter overall. At the prices they paid for Cespedes and Walker, those deals were too good to turn down, while Cabrera is still a useful player, and he didn’t cost much either.

The team’s strength of dominant starting pitching should help alleviate some of their defensive weakness, and if the line-up hits well, the Mets will be contenders once again. Overall, you have to give the Mets positive marks for their moves this winter; they took advantage of a soft market for hitting and set themselves up for a chance to return to the World Series in 2016, and gave up nothing they’ll miss long-term to do so.

Mets – They did forget to mention the return of Bartolo Colon

Mets Daddy is a blog I occasionally read. Today they called for Hansel Robles to be named as the ‘eight inning guy’ –

      Just judging on the statistics, Robles should pitch the eighth inning. However, 31 appearances is a very small sample size to make such a judgment.  It’s even more so when you consider that you’re moving him ahead of two established relievers the Mets are paying quite well. There’s so thing else to consider, Robles has dominating stuff.

Robles repertoire includes a 96 MPH fastball, 87 MPH change, and an 88 MPH slider. Each one of these pitches became more effective as Robles learned how to incorporate the quick pitch.  That quick pitch is another reason why Robles should pitch the eighth.

Mack – I don’t expect this to happen. The Mets tend to go with experience and both Addison Reed and Antonio Bastardo fit better here.

“Welcome Back B-Mets” Dinner Set for April 6

The Binghamton Mets are pleased to announce that the annual "Welcome Back B-Mets" Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Binghamton.

Tickets are $25.00 per person. B-Mets players and mascots will arrive at 5:30 PM for the "Meet the Mets" autograph reception. Dinner will be served promptly at 7:00 PM followed by a special baseball program with team and manager introductions.

Baseball fans of all ages will have opportunities to meet the future stars of Citi Field, collect autographs and win Binghamton Mets memorabilia. The event will also feature live music performed by the Ragtime Rick Pedro.

Tickets are on sale now through the Binghamton Mets and will extend through Friday, April 1. Tickets may be purchased by calling (607) 723-METS (6387) or in person at NYSEG Stadium during normal business hours. Early purchase of tickets is encouraged as last year's event sold out. Corporate sponsorships are available for this event by contacting Lisa Shattuck in the B-Mets office.

All proceeds from this year’s event will go towards scholarships for local children to participate in the B-Mets Players Camp held in July at NYSEG Stadium. For more event information please contact Robin Alpaugh at (607) 725-4882.

An Early Look-in on College Baseball Action & MLB Draft Hopefulls

Picture courtesy of OWlAccess.com

  Earlier in the offseason I had the pleasure of speaking with and obtaining insight and insider information on the FAU baseball team from Chuck King, Managing Editor for www.FAUOwlAccess.com.

  I fully understand that Mets camp just opened (I plan on being in St Lucie on Tuesday all day to get a LIVE look in) but please allow me to write a follow up post on the FAU baseball team after the first 4 games of the year, and how the previously spotlighted players are doing.

  FAU is off to a torrid start on the year, currently sitting at 4-0 after Sunday's win over South Dakota St.  Two of their wins this year are against the #11 ranked Mississippi St. Bulldogs.  FAU is playing with heavy hearts as they have started the year without their Head Coach John McCormack, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and the team is allowing him some rest to start the season.

  I wanted to update everyone on the 3 previously spotlighted players on the team, who all project to work towards becoming MLB draft eligible and perhaps be drafted in the upcoming June draft.

  Why not lead off with the guy who leads things off for the team in the batting order:

2B Stephen Kerr Jr., 5-9, 170 R/R

FAU's starting second baseman and lead-off hitter for two seasons. Prototypical spark plug-type player. His uniform is always dirty by the third inning. Hit .307 and stole 15 bases last season. Can do a lot of things with the bat. Should be playing professionally following this season.

 Stephen continues to lead off for the OWLS this year and so far statistically is at:

3 for 19, with 4 runs scored, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, 1 stolen base, 1 Home Run and 3 RBIs (all coming off the homer)

 Next up is the FAU cleanup hitter, who has unfortunately not been cleaning up statistically during the opening 4 games this season.

OF Christian Dicks Sr., 6-0, 195 L/L

A real wild card of a player. Tremendous athlete. When he gets a hold of a pitch it goes a long way. Tied for the team lead in homers last season, but was also prone to slumps. He has the speed to run down balls in the gap, but also suffered from defensive lapses. Some thought he might be drafted last season based solely on potential – athletic left-handed power isn't easy to find. Word from fall practice was that Dicks was showing some consistency. 

Christian is currently:

 1 for 16, with 2 runs scored, 0 homers, 0 RBIs, 3 BBs and 8....8 strikeouts through 4 games.

Last but not least is the teams #3 hitter in the order.

SS CJ Chatham Jr., 6-4, 180 R/R

Possesses strong arm and surprising range for this size. Hit .355 as a sophomore and showed hints of power to come. Recently listed among Perfect Game's Top 150 MLB Draft prospects. With a strong junior season, Chatham should vault into the draft's early rounds. Might eventually become a third baseman as his body continues to mature.

 CJ Chatham, before the season began, was selected as a Louisville Slugger Preseason All American, and also named the Preseason pick for Player of the Year out of Conference USA.  So far this season, CJ is:

  7 for 18, with 4 runs scored, 3 RBI's, 1 double, 2 BB's,  and 1 K.

The above listed profiles and insight is courtesy of Chuck King.  To follow along throughout the year on the team and specific possible upcoming MLB draft hopefuls and their progress, please can an eye out for my posts, and also feel free to check out the OWL Access website.

INJURY UPDATE - SP - Jacob deGrom

Jacob deGrom did not participate in drills or throw. He has tightness in groin was held out as precaution. Expects to go tomorrow

Mack’s Morning Report – 2-22-16 – Travis d’Arnaud, Yoenis Cespedes, D1 Top 10 OF, Bartolo Colon

Good morning.

Mets manager Terry Collins speculated out loud what his lineup might look like this season through the first seven batters. It came out of his mouth like this:

1.    RF Curtis Granderson           .821-OBP

2.    3B David Wright                  .813-OBP

3.    CF Yoenis Cespedes              .941-OBP

4.    1B Lucas Duda                     .838-OBP

5.    2B Neil Walker                    .755-OBP

6.    LF Michael Conforto            .841-OBP

7.    SS Asdrubal Cabrera            .745-OBP

It seemed to me that Collins forgot to slot in catcher Travis d’Arnaud  (.825-OBP) into this lineup. I don’t see d’Arnaud as the eight hitter and he could hit as high as fifth. Your discussion needed here.

Yoenis Cespedes has arrived to the Mets camp and he did have a few choice things to say to the beat presss upon his arrival –

“That’s exactly what it is, just coming home. The chemistry was natural. Everybody just worked together.”

Mack – There’s still a couple of guys out there that haven’t reported yet (De Aja, Cabrera, Taijeron), but they will. The good news is the ‘Big Guy’ is in the house.

It seems more obvious every day that Cespedes orchestrated his return to The Big Aplle. He really loves being a Met.

Want the Mets to draft a college outfielder in the mold of Michael Conforto?

According to D1 Baseball, here are the top 10 ranked outfielders available in June’s draft:

        1       Buddy Reed, Florida        .305/.367/.433, 4 HR, 18 SB

2       Corey Ray, Louisville       .325/.389/.543, 11 HR, 34 SB

3       Bryan Reynolds, Vanderbilt       .318/.388/.462, 5 HR, 17 SB

4       Kyle Lewis, Mercer .367/.423/.677, 17 HR

5       Nick Banks, Texas A&M   .354/.450/.536, 8 HR

6       Stephen Wrenn, Georgia .324/.400/.482, 8 HR, 28 SB

7       Jake Fraley, LSU    .307/.372/.495, 2, 23 SB

8       Ryan Boldt, Nebraska      .344/.429/.408, 1 HR

9       Keston Hiura, UC Irvine   .330/.392/.520, 7 HR

10     Jeren Kendall, Vanderbilt .281/.394/.530, 8 HR, 19 SB

Mike Puma ‏@NYPost_Mets  - Terry Collins says he will probably want Juan Lagares in CF "when the game is on the line" in the late innings.

Sandy Alderson Sandy Alderson on Bartolo Colon -

                  “First and foremost, we brought him back because we thought he could contribute on the field. The downside for us is minimal because he can and is willing to perform different roles, which gives us some flexibility that you don’t typically have with someone of his ability and experience. But then secondly, the leadership that he provides in the clubhouse, the mentorship that he provides, is invaluable. I don’t even know how you estimate the impact and the value. He’s ageless. You’re not necessarily relying on pure stuff with someone like Bartolo. You’re relying on his experience, his guile, his ability to make adjustments. I’m really happy to have him back.”

Mack – I still have questions regarding whether it was the right decision to bring back Colon. We’ll just have to wait and see.