John From Albany: 10 Years Ago - Bartolo's Back Flip Game Shutout, 9/5/2015

Bartolo Colon, 2015 Topps Stadium Card

2015, the last year the Mets made the World Series.  This daily post will detail the game by game journey to the Fall Classic.  Click here for More Mets History and Calendar Classics.

Year: 2015; Game #135; Saturday;  Sep 5, NYM 7 @ MIA; 0; boxscore;  WP: Colon; LP: Hand; Time: 02:30; NIGHT; Attendance: 23,135; Record: 75-60; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 5.0; W;  

Juan Lagares CF : 2 for 5; HR; 1 run; 2 RBIs; David Wright 3B : 2 for 4; 1 run; 1 walk; Yoenis Céspedes LF: 1 for 4; 2 runs; 1 walk; Juan Uribe 2B : 0 for 3; 2 walks; 1 K; Rubén Tejada SS : 0 for 0; Travis d'Arnaud C : 2 for 4; HR; 1 run; 4 RBIs; Wilmer Flores SS-2B : 1 for 4; HR; 1 run; 1 RBI; Eric Campbell 1B : 1 for 3; CS,HBP; Eric Young Jr. RF : 0 for 3; HBP; 1 run; Bartolo Colón P : 0 for 3; SH; 2 Ks; Bartolo Colón, W (13-11): 9 innings; no runs; 9 hits; 2 Ks; 

The Back-Flip Game - despite the Mets jumping out to a 7-0 lead after with 4 i the 1st and 3 in the 2nd, all anyone will remember from this game is the amazing play that Bartolo Colon made in the 6th.

National Pastime.com: Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon, extending his streak to 22 consecutive scoreless innings, shuts out Miami, 7-0. The 42-year-old Dominican hurler’s performance will be best remembered for his behind-the-back flip, throwing out Justin Bour in the sixth inning of the Marlins Park contest.

NY Post:  "D’Arnaud’s three-run blast in the first inning got the Mets started and Wilmer Flores homered on Brad Hand’s next pitch to give the Mets a 4-0 lead. Juan Lagares hit a two-run homer in the second before d’Arnaud delivered an RBI single that put the Mets ahead 7-0. From that point it was easy work for Colon."

Bartolo's Complete Game Shutout was part of his team leading 194.2 innings pitched in 2015.  Bartolo's 42 year old season sometimes gets overlooked with the talented young pitching the Mets had assembled that year.  

Nationals beat the Braves 8-2 to stay 5 games back of the Mets.

NL East Standings 9/5/2015

Tm	W	L	W-L%	GB	RS	RA	pythW-L%
NYM	75	60	.556	--	562	502	.551
WSN	70	65	.519	5.0	592	541	.541
MIA	56	80	.412	19.5	505	564	.450
ATL	54	82	.397	21.5	484	657	.364
PHI	53	83	.390	22.5	527	699	.374

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/5/2015.

ANGRY MIKE - Nolan McLean Pitching Arsenal: SUPER GROK ANALYSIS

 

ANGRY MIKE

Nolan McLean has won his first 4 starts in decisive fashion, exhibiting poise, a tactical approach, and a lethal pitching arsenal rarely seen from a rookie pitcher, let alone veteran pitchers. Using A.I. we’ve compiled data on how McLean’s pitching arsenal stacks up with other top starting pitchers.

3 Categories of Graphics for comparing 5 of McLean’s pitches:

A. Compared to other Top Starting Pitchers

B. Compared to other Top Prospects

C. Compared to other Highly Rated Pitches

CURVEBALL 

Key Insights

• Spin and Movement: McLean’s 3,279 rpm and 18.4” horizontal break exceed most (e.g., Cole’s 8.9”, Cease’s 3.2”), resembling a slurve with elite spin; IVB (13.1”) provides solid drop but less than Cease’s (15.6”).
• Velocity: Low-80s aligns with Cole/Burnes/Skubal but trails Skenes’ harder version, aiding deception via fastball contrast.
• Effectiveness: Whiff rate (41.7%) and BA against (.091) are elite, outperforming most despite small sample; high active spin contributes to movement sharpness.
• Style Differences: McLean’s has massive sweep and drop (high active spin); others like Cole emphasize curve depth, Skenes velocity with less break. Low usage for some (e.g., Skubal 2.5%) indicates secondary role.

Nolan McLean’s curveball is thrown at 80.0 mph with 3,279 rpm spin, 18.4 inches of horizontal break (glove-side), 13.1 inches of induced vertical break, 96% active spin, 41.7% whiff rate, 18.2% usage, and .091 batting average against in 2025. It earns a 70 scouting grade and 125 Stuff+ (95th percentile MLB), marking it as elite based on scouting reports and debut performance. 

SLIDER

Nolan McLean, features a sweeper-style slider as a primary out pitch. It averaged 84 mph with 18” glove-side HB and 2” IVB, usage 25%, 38% whiff rate, and .180 BA against, generating chases with its sharp horizontal sweep. Overall, McLean’s slider compares favorably in raw stuff to top starters, potentially elite if command improves in his young career.

Key Insights

• Spin and Movement: McLean’s 2,995 rpm and 15.8” sweep exceed most starters (e.g., Sale’s 10.2”, Cease’s minimal break). This resembles elite reliever sweepers but is rare among starters for sustained use.
• Velocity: Mid-80s aligns with Gray/Sale but slower than Cease/Skubal’s harder versions, aiding deception via fastball contrast.
• Effectiveness: Whiff rate (25%) is solid but lower than Cease/Sale’s, possibly due to early MLB sample; high Stuff+ suggests potential growth.
• Style Differences: McLean’s is a pure sweeper (high horizontal, low vertical); others like Cease use gyro-style (bullet spin, less break but high whiffs via velocity). Sale’s slower slider relies on drop for outs.

4-Seam Fastball

McLean’s fastball sits mid-90s with peaks at 98 mph, from a low three-quarters slot (5.1 ft release). This flat approach deceives despite average spin (2200-2400 RPM). Added arm-side run (10-15 inches) improves effectiveness. Vs. MLB elites like Skenes (higher velo/spin), it’s deceptive but lacks premium IVB (16-18 inches). Strength: Slot deception. Weakness: Average IVB.

Key Insights

• Spin and Movement: McLean’s 2,293 rpm and 15.1” ride are solid but below elite levels (e.g., Cease’s 16.5”, Skenes’ high run at 14.4” but low ride). This suits a starter role but lacks the raw dominance of harder throwers.
• Velocity: Mid-90s aligns with Burnes/Sale but trails Cease/Skubal/Skenes, aiding tunneling with offspeed pitches.
• Effectiveness: Whiff rate (25%) and BA against (.225) are average; higher IVB suggests potential for more swings-and-misses if located up in the zone.
• Style Differences: McLean’s has modest run and good ride (high active spin); others like Skenes emphasize run from low release, Cease velocity and ride. Sale’s relies on ride from low slot.

2-SEAM FASTBALL

Key Insights

• Velocity: McLean’s 94.6 mph is competitive, slightly below Burnes/Wheeler but above Webb. Reports indicate he touches 98 mph, suggesting upside.
• Movement: His 16.1” HB matches top-tier run (e.g., Wheeler’s 17.6”), while 2.5” IVB shows elite sink (only Webb has more drop at 0.3”). This profile excels at ground balls, similar to Valdez/Webb.
• Usage and Effectiveness: Lower usage than Valdez/Webb but higher than Burnes/Wheeler. Whiff rate is modest, but low BA against (.136) outperforms all, indicating weak contact. Burnes uses it sparingly as a setup pitch.
• Overall: McLean’s sinker compares favorably in velo and movement to these aces, with better suppression of hits than groundball specialists like Webb/Valdez. As a rookie, it has star potential if paired with his elite spin on breaking balls.

CHANGEUP

Key Insights

• Spin and Movement: McLean’s 1,950 rpm and 12.5” fade align with Burnes/Skubal, but trail elite faders like Skubal’s 15.4”; IVB (5.2”) provides solid drop, similar to Cease’s (6.0”).
• Velocity: Mid-80s matches Tong/Skubal but slower than Skenes’ 90.5 mph version, aiding tunneling with his fastball.
• Effectiveness: Whiff rate (28%) and BA against (.220) are solid, comparable to Burnes but below Skubal/Tong’s elite marks; moderate usage suggests secondary role.
• Style Differences: McLean’s has good fade and drop (solid active spin); others like Skubal emphasize massive run with low spin for deception, Skenes velocity. Low usage for Cole (4%) indicates tertiary pitch.

As you can clearly tell from the data, McLean is in rare company, featuring at least 5 pitches that will grade out as plus, and multiple pitches that will grade out as PLUS-PLUS!

The best part about this young hurler is he was a RELIEVER in college, tallying a total of 57 innings across 3 seasons, that needs to be highlighted because it shows his mutant-power ability to develop one of the best pitching arsenals in the M.L.B. literally in 1.5 years since being drafted. 

Nothing more exciting than seeing a future “ACE” establish himself, sit back and enjoy the show…

ANGRY MIKE THINK TANK INITIATIVES

 

Tom Brennan - Various Interesting Tidbits of the Mets Kind

TOM'S TOTALLY TASTY TIDBITS

 

“DID ANYONE SEE THAT GUY? WHERE’D HE GO?”

 

Remember Alex Ramirez?  

Recent former can’t-miss prospect?

At age 22, he was summarily released from AA Binghamton in late June.

He hasn’t played since. (No, whiffle ball in his back yard doesn’t count).

Once a top 10 Mets prospect, he stole 62 of 76 bases in 178 games in 2024 and 2025.  And still got tossed into the dumpster?

What happened to this spindly, speedy guy?  

There must be a real story somewhere that I haven’t heard.

But we do know one thing: he sure didn’t turn into Manny Ramirez.

He is not even following in the path of 50 year old Alex Ramirez.

The elder Ramirez played in the majors for a few years, briefly did somewhat well, then smartly went to Japan, where he had 7,252 at bats, smacked 380 HRs, hit .301, and had 1,269 RBIs. So smart.

MEGILL THE NOT-SO-THRILLING

His last 2 rehab starts, not so thrilling, even if he “got his work in”:

8 innings, 10 hits, 6 walks, 6 runs.  

(Tuesday start, 3 runs - all surrendered in the fifth inning, of course).

He is still far better than 34 year old Kevin Herget.  Get Megill up here.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR?

Nolan McLean is 4-0, 1.37. Four to 5 more starts to come.  

If he goes 9-0, can he be NL Rookie of the Year?

REBOUNDING

One thing you want to see from your prospects is the ability to bounce back. After 3 straight excellent AA starts, on August 27, Jon Santucci allowed 5 runs in 4.1 IP.  Ouch. How would he respond?

On Tuesday, 6 innings, one run, no walks, 6 Ks.  

Superb. He is 9-4.

JIMENEZ TIME

In St Lucie’s win on Tuesday, the Mets’ Jonathan Jimenez gave up a HR to Enrique Jimenez, but the Mets’ Antonio Jimenez responded with 2 RBIs.

Tough to keep THAT scorecard straight.

A SWITCH FOR MITCH

Mitch Voit was temporarily inactivated, hoping to get his bat activated.

It sure worked. He flipped the switch. Heck, he tore the switch off the wall.

On Tuesday, he hit his first pro HR, went 3 for 3 with 2 walks, stole 4 bases, scored 4, and drove in 3. What a game, huh?

Even Luke Voit was no doubt impressed. 

Great work, Mitch.

By the way, 85 career PAs, 15 steals in 15 tries. Wow.

Great glove for him so far, too.  

15 games at SS, 2nd, and 3rd, and just 2 errors.

BEST METS MINOR LEAGUE HITTER?

AJ Ewing is hitting a sick .386 in his first 19 minors games in AA. 

OVERALL? 69 of 78 in steals, .322, with a .415 OBP?  

One could EASILY make the case for AJ as numero uno. 

Better year than Jett.

Jett is hitting 65 points lower this year, at .268. “Just” 33 steals.

You could do worse than having AJ Ewing as a September call up.

Of course, that won’t happen. 

When it comes to hitters, you see, VETERANS-R-US.

SAME OLD SIRI

In Tuesday’s rehab game, he batted 5 times: one hit, 4Ks.

Siri in the post-season, career?  3 for 26, no walks, 9 Ks.

Do NOT call him up.

Of course, Cedric Mullins in the post-season is 3-19, no walks.  Ugh.

May I suggest Ewing for the playoffs? Can’t do worse.

FINALLY, METS LOSE…

Bullpen was Bullspit once again. Soto, the G Man, stunk. Helsley meanwhile remained an International Man of Mystery. If you release Helsley, Philly will pick him up and he’ll surrender no more runs this season and in the playoffs.

Time is running short in Metsville. And that’s no bull.

Senga should fall on his sword and accept a demotion, and call up Megill.

Sproat, too.

AAA: Alvarez grand slam. “Look, Ma, no hands!”

AA: Wenninger shaky, but fanned 7 in 4 IP.  

JT Schwartz has gone from frigid to hot.  .158 on July 10.  .206 now.

The last AA guy to go from frigid to scalding, Kevin Parada, got promoted to AAA. His debut? 1 for 4 and a walk.

The 4 Mets minors teams are a combined 83 games above .500.

Young hitting talent will arrive in 2026 in Queens.

NOW…YOU READERS…

GO BACK TO ROOT-ROOT-ROOTING FOR THE HOME TEAM.

IF THEY DON’T WIN, IT’S THE PITCHING.

Me, personally?  If the Mets falter, and the hitting is prodigious, I am much less unhappy than if the Mets did something more historical for them: good pitching, but miserable hitting. Of course, we all want both great hitting AND great pitching.  

But, if only one component is working, give me HITTING.

IN THAT REGARD, THANK YOU JUAN SOTO AND PETE ALONSO.

Paul Articulates - Mullin' it over

I wrote a prior article “The elephants’ graveyard” where I talked about how many years the Mets lacked a center fielder who could play both offense and defense.  On a team with so many resources, including the highest paid right fielder ever, how can it be that the Mets cannot land a center fielder that can contribute with a bat in hand?

It continues to bother me, so I sat down to write this piece, which was going to be called, “Mullins, it’s over” to make it very clear that it was a bad choice to trade for Cedric Mullins at the deadline this year.  The numbers are pretty ugly – a 0.188 batting average and a .591 OPS in his first month with the team are cringe-worthy, and the defense has not been worthy of any highlight reels either.  We gave up three pitching prospects for this, and even though none were in the top 10, it still seems like a bad return on investment.  Even worse, the guy who Mullins replaced as the regular center fielder was Tyrone Taylor, who has put up similar offensive numbers (.218/.277/.315) and has superior defensive skills.

But a funny thing happened when I turned to the stat sheets to find a center fielder that I really wanted to start for the Mets.  I couldn’t find one.  To be clear, I wasn’t looking for the best of the current bunch, I was looking for someone like Carlos Beltran or Tommie Agee.  It appears that the Mets are not the only ones who are struggling to find a star to patrol the middle outfield.  Now before everyone begins to protest, I know that there are guys out there that are better than what we have – Pete Crow-Armstrong started the season on a tear, but he has since fizzled to a .250 batting average.  Byron Buxton was a name during the trade rush but Minnesota refused to give him up – he is probably one of the better ones out there but would come at an exuberant price.  Michael Harris was a shooting star – he has never matched the offensive output of his first season and his first half this year made you wonder if he would be playing MLB anymore.  Oneil Cruz is batting .202.  Even Julio Rodriguez has an OPS below .800.

Lots of names, lots of stats – I won’t bore you with more because I think you get my drift.  The more I mulled it over, the more I realized that Stearns couldn’t go out and obtain another Beltran, so he opted for a stop-gap until the prospects in the system got MLB-ready.  Why spend a fortune on the middling bunch out there when you can grow your own?  We have guys like Nick Morabito, Jett Williams, and Carson Benge moving up through the system with great promise, but it was too early to put that burden on them.

So for now, I will stop trying to run Cedric Mullins out of town.  He serves a purpose, although I think a healthy Tyrone Taylor is a better option.  I will bide my time dreaming of someone like Benge or Williams making everyone forget the initials PCA.  Let’s take a look at the three prospects that will vie for the job.

Nick Morabito was a second round pick by the Mets out of Gonzaga high school in Washington DC.  This pick (#75 overall) was a compensation pick awarded to the Mets when Noah Syndergaard signed with the Angels.  Nick played rookie ball in his draft year, and then shot up to AA by the beginning of this season.  In his minors career, Morabito has hit .292/.380/.392 and has mastered each level on his way to AA.   Last year he was named the Mets’ minor league player of the year after compiling a .312/.403/.398 line between low A St. Lucie and high A Brooklyn.  In the current season with the AA Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Morabito is hitting .274 with 43 stolen bases, 50 RBI, and 60 runs scored in 108 games.  

Jett Williams was the Mets’ 2022 first round pick out of Rockwall-Heath high school in Texas.  He signed with a $3.9M bonus, and has lived up to all the accolades since then.  A wrist injury during the 2024 season caused him to have some surgery and miss most of the season, but he has charged back this year, moving up to AAA early in the year.  Williams has shown the ability to play multiple positions with a current concentration on shortstop and center field.  Like Morabito, Williams is a speedy base-runner, compiling 89 stolen bases in his minor league career despite losing almost a season to the wrist injury.

Carson Benge was also a first-rounder for the Mets, in the 2024 draft.  He signed for $4M and debuted for the St. Lucie Mets, where he hit .273 in 15 games.  By this season, Benge was assigned to high-A Brooklyn where he hit .302 in 60 games.  By June, he was moved to the AA Binghamton where he hit .317 in 32 games, and now has been moved to AAA Syracuse.  The other thing that you should know is that Benge is capable of pitching as well.  He was originally a two-way player, but the Mets have focused him on the outfield for now.  I thought it was worthy of note since the Mets have developed another two-way player out of Oklahoma State named Nolan McLean.

So after Mullin’ it over, I have decided to use some patience and wait to see what develops in the Mets’ system rather than clamoring for an expensive and immediate change to the roster.