Mets fans?

[Gugny]

https://www.espn.com/mlb/schedule/_/date/20221007

 

Friday - 8:07pm ET

Saturday - 7:37pm ET

Sunday - 7:37pm ET

[SinceThe70s]

3 hours ago, Gugny said:

https://www.espn.com/mlb/schedule/_/date/20221007

 

Friday - 8:07pm ET

Saturday - 7:37pm ET

Sunday - 7:37pm ET

 

Good news for me. I'll probably just miss the first few innings of games 2 and 3.

 

Have a great time at the Bills game!

[Gugny]

Just now, SinceThe70s said:

 

Good news for me. I'll probably just miss the first few innings of games 2 and 3.

 

Have a great time at the Bills game!

 

Thanks, man!!!  Looks like Squirrel has the batting championship locked.  I think Freeman needed to go 4-4 today and right now he's 2-3 with one more AB coming.  

[Gugny]

1 hour ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Good news for me. I'll probably just miss the first few innings of games 2 and 3.

 

Have a great time at the Bills game!

 

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

 

Thanks, man!!!  Looks like Squirrel has the batting championship locked.  I think Freeman needed to go 4-4 today and right now he's 2-3 with one more AB coming.  

 

It's official.  Squirrel is the MLB Batting Champion!!

[ExWNYer]

5 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

 

It's official.  Squirrel is the MLB Batting Champion!!

 

Yep, Freeman ended up 3-4 (.325) and Squirrel sat (.326) until the 9th when he came in defensively for Lidor so that Frankie could take a bow and get a standing ovation from the Citi Field crowd.

 

Looks like this will be the Mets pitching rotation vs the Padres:

 

Game 1: Scherzer.
Game 2: Bassitt if the Mets win Game 1, deGrom, if the Mets lose Game 1. 
Game 3: deGrom or Bassitt (see above), if Game 3 is necessary

 

Scherzer needs to be lights out because Yu Darvish owns the Mets. He's 5-0 lifetime with a 2.56 ERA and 9.9 Ks/9 IP. If the Mets can win Games 1 & 2, that sets them up to start deGrom for Game 1 against the Dodgers. That would be huge.

[SinceThe70s]

12 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

 

Yep, Freeman ended up 3-4 (.325) and Squirrel sat (.326) until the 9th when he came in defensively for Lidor so that Frankie could take a bow and get a standing ovation from the Citi Field crowd.

 

Looks like this will be the Mets pitching rotation vs the Padres:

 

Game 1: Scherzer.
Game 2: Bassitt if the Mets win Game 1, deGrom, if the Mets lose Game 1. 
Game 3: deGrom or Bassitt (see above), if Game 3 is necessary

 

Scherzer needs to be lights out because Yu Darvish owns the Mets. He's 5-0 lifetime with a 2.56 ERA and 9.9 Ks/9 IP. If the Mets can win Games 1 & 2, that sets them up to start deGrom for Game 1 against the Dodgers. That would be huge.

 

I heard that in addition to Game 1, it also would set DeGrom up for Game 5 against the Dodgers. Max would go game 2 and possibly be available to relieve in Game 5.

[ExWNYer]

Wow, there are no words for what a complete and utter shite show Game 1 was. 'Bad Max' Scherzer reared his ugly head...again. This was like the Atlanta series redux. Nightmare personified. And, even more depressing, they could get swept away at home tomorrow in what could very well be deGrom's last game ever in a Met uni. <sigh>

[Another Fan]

9 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

Wow, there are no words for what a complete and utter shite show Game 1 was. 'Bad Max' Scherzer reared his ugly head...again. This was like the Atlanta series redux. Nightmare personified. And, even more depressing, they could get swept away at home tomorrow in what could very well be deGrom's last game ever in a Met uni. <sigh>

I'm not one for booing athletes but if I was at the game Mad Max would of heard some from me.  For $43 million a year that was pathetic.  If he actually was pitching hurt shame on him for still going out there and not thinking of the team first.

 

While yeah Max frustrated me, Escobar has been the only offense.  Lindor is another player whose not looking too good now 

[Another Fan]

Good win.  DeGrom wasn't perfect but did what he had too.  

 

Buck has been great but some of his logic last night made me shake my head:

 

Why is Canha bating ahead of McNeil?

I know they got bailed out but it seemed he wanted Diaz to do a 3 inning save?  

[ExWNYer]

What a disgrace Game 3 was...one freaking hit. 'The Big 3' were an abject failure in the last Atlanta series and the Wild Card series. This team was supposed to be built on its starting pitching but they all came up small when it mattered. Despite winning 101 games...the 2nd most in franchise history...choking away the division and then the WC series at home makes this season an epic fail, IMO.

 

There was a lot of fun along the way but, ultimately, it left a bitter taste...a familiar taste like every other Met failure over the years. So close but always farther away than it seemed. They have spent more time in 1st Place over the last two years than any other team in baseball and have absolutely nothing to show for it. No World Series appearances...no division titles...no playoff series wins...nothing. This franchise and, more importantly, its fans...just can't have nice things.

 

There will be a lot of turnover and change coming this off season which is why this one stings so much. Next year will be, if not a rebuild, a major retool at least and this division looks like it will run thru Atlanta for the next decade at least. It's been a long, exhausting baseball season and I am done until the 'Hot Stove' starts up again. I will probably peek at the World Series for a few minutes here and there but I have no interest in watching the Dodgers, Phillies, or Braves and especially not the Skanks from the Bronx. It was fun boys, just not fun enough.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

 

[SinceThe70s]

15 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

What a disgrace Game 3 was...one freaking hit. 'The Big 3' were an abject failure in the last Atlanta series and the Wild Card series. This team was supposed to be built on its starting pitching but they all came up small when it mattered. Despite winning 101 games...the 2nd most in franchise history...choking away the division and then the WC series at home makes this season an epic fail, IMO.

 

There was a lot of fun along the way but, ultimately, it left a bitter taste...a familiar taste like every other Met failure over the years. So close but always farther away than it seemed. They have spent more time in 1st Place over the last two years than any other team in baseball and have absolutely nothing to show for it. No World Series appearances...no division titles...no playoff series wins...nothing. This franchise and, more importantly, its fans...just can't have nice things.

 

There will be a lot of turnover and change coming this off season which is why this one stings so much. Next year will be, if not a rebuild, a major retool at least and this division looks like it will run thru Atlanta for the next decade at least. It's been a long, exhausting baseball season and I am done until the 'Hot Stove' starts up again. I will probably peek at the World Series for a few minutes here and there but I have no interest in watching the Dodgers, Phillies, or Braves and especially not the Skanks from the Bronx. It was fun boys, just not fun enough.

 

GO BILLS!!!

 

Well put. It was a collective failure that started right after the Dodgers series. I kept hoping they'd snap out of the funk but it never happened. Biggest disappoint for me was Jake and Max down the stretch. 

 

Hard to reconcile the team we watched this past month vs. the team earlier this year when Nimmo seemed to open every game with a 10 pitch walk or HBP, Pete was crushing, Max was dealing ane the trumpets for Diaz were an event. 

 

It will be interesting to see if Jake walks. Nothing I've heard from him makes me think he wants to stay. I think the infield will  stay intact next year - with the Mets hoping that Baty becomes the starter at 3rd.  They need an upgrade in the OF. Canha is a solid player but not a star. I like Nimmo but he really isn't a CFer. Mets could move Marte back to CF if they don't bring Nimmo back. Seems obvious they'll move on from McCann and go into next year with Nido/Alvarez - also hoping that Alvarez becomes the #1.  I expect at least 2 of the 5 starters to not be back. Bullpen is always a merry-go-round - especially with Diaz being a free agent.

 

[ExWNYer]

deGrom is as good as gone, IMO. He is a southern guy and I don't think he was ever really a fan of playing in NYC. Just cryptic little things he has said over the last year or so lead me to believe he's gone unless Cohen absolutely makes him "an offer he can't refuse." My fear is that he signs with Atlanta and miraculously never gets injured again, sailing into the HOF as a Brave.

 

I also think it's a pipe dream for any Met fan who actually thinks Judge is coming to Flushing. I have a feeling he either goes to the Giants who want to make a splash and have the money to do so or he stays with the Skanks.

 

I'd love for Nimmo to stay but I'm not sure that happens either. If Alvarez is not handed the catching job out of Spring Training, and Nido is no more than the backup  catcher, and McCann't is not bought out/DFA'd then Eppler should be fired on the spot. McCann't was a $40 million misfire and should be nowhere near this organization next year. Worst acquisition since Jason Bay, IMO, and that is saying something.

 

Atlanta is positioned for sustained success and the 'The Mets' are heading back to being 'The Mess' once again. Get this farm system on par with the best and buy to fill in where needed. I'm tired of overpriced, under-performing short-term 'fixes'.

 

LGM

Edited October 11, 2022 by ExWNYer

[SinceThe70s]

6 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

deGrom is as good as gone, IMO. He is a southern guy and I don't think he was ever really a fan of playing in NYC. Just cryptic little things he has said over the last year or so lead me to believe he's gone unless Cohen absolutely makes him "an offer he can't refuse." My fear is that he signs with Atlanta and miraculously never gets injured again, sailing into the HOF as a Brave.

 

I also think it's a pipe dream for any Met fan who actually thinks Judge is coming to Flushing. I have a feeling he either goes to the Giants who want to make a splash and have the money to do so or he stays with the Skanks.

 

I'd love for Nimmo to stay but I'm not sure that happens either. If Alvarez is not handed the catching job out of Spring Training, and Nido is no more than the backup  catcher, and McCann't is not bought out/DFA'd then Eppler should be fired on the spot. McCann't was a $40 million misfire and should be nowhere near this organization next year. Worst acquisition since Jason Bay, IMO, and that is saying something.

 

Atlanta is positioned for sustained success and the 'The Mets' are heading back to being 'The Mess' once again. Get this farm system on par with the best and buy to fill in where needed. I'm tired of overpriced, under-performing short-term 'fixes'.

 

LGM

 

DeGrom: Cohen has already made it clear that he won't be out-bidded - but I think you're right that Jake will go elsewhere - Braves would be a nightmare.

 

Judge: If he doesn't stay with the Yankees the Giants are a natural. Unless Cohen opens up the checkbook. That would be more likely if Jake walks IMO

 

Appreciate your thoughts and comments but comparing Bay to McCann is off the mark. Both were mistakes, one was far more detrimental and costly. McCann's contract won't hold back Cohen's Mets like Bay's did for Wilpon's Mets.

 

As to the farm system: teams like the Braves and Cardinals do a better job than us. Wish I knew why.

[ExWNYer]

2 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

DeGrom: Cohen has already made it clear that he won't be out-bidded - but I think you're right that Jake will go elsewhere - Braves would be a nightmare.

 

Judge: If he doesn't stay with the Yankees the Giants are a natural. Unless Cohen opens up the checkbook. That would be more likely if Jake walks IMO

 

Appreciate your thoughts and comments but comparing Bay to McCann is off the mark. Both were mistakes, one was far more detrimental and costly. McCann's contract won't hold back Cohen's Mets like Bay's did for Wilpon's Mets.

 

As to the farm system: teams like the Braves and Cardinals do a better job than us. Wish I knew why.

 

I have no doubt Cohen would be willing to outbid anyone for deGrom. The issue to me is that deGrom does not want to stay. I guess we will see soon enough.

 

McCann't certainly didn't/won't hamstring Cohen's Mets financially like Bay did the Coupons' Mets. My point was not about the money, it was about the complete bust factor and bad fit. He is on par with Bay and and an over-the-hill George Foster, IMO. I know Foster was more a PR move for a moribund franchise trying to put fannies in the seats but he was awful as was Bay and as is McCann't. Comparisons aside, I don't ever want to see him in a Met uni ever again. Out, out damn spot!

[Gugny]

10 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

DeGrom: Cohen has already made it clear that he won't be out-bidded - but I think you're right that Jake will go elsewhere - Braves would be a nightmare.

 

Judge: If he doesn't stay with the Yankees the Giants are a natural. Unless Cohen opens up the checkbook. That would be more likely if Jake walks IMO

 

Appreciate your thoughts and comments but comparing Bay to McCann is off the mark. Both were mistakes, one was far more detrimental and costly. McCann's contract won't hold back Cohen's Mets like Bay's did for Wilpon's Mets.

 

As to the farm system: teams like the Braves and Cardinals do a better job than us. Wish I knew why.

 

10 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

 

I have no doubt Cohen would be willing to outbid anyone for deGrom. The issue to me is that deGrom does not want to stay. I guess we will see soon enough.

 

McCann't certainly didn't/won't hamstring Cohen's Mets financially like Bay did the Coupons' Mets. My point was not about the money, it was about the complete bust factor and bad fit. He is on par with Bay and and an over-the-hill George Foster, IMO. I know Foster was more a PR move for a moribund franchise trying to put fannies in the seats but he was awful as was Bay and as is McCann't. Comparisons aside, I don't ever want to see him in a Met uni ever again. Out, out damn spot!

 

I think keeping Diaz should be a priority.  Definitely a priority over keeping deGrom.  I don't trust that deGrom will ever be available for "most" of any season.  The best ability is availability.  This season hinged on the health of Scherzer and deGrom and neither stayed healthy.

 

Huge kudos to Showalter, Walker, Bassitt and Carrasco for keeping the Mets in first place for a huge chunk of the season without having the two "aces," on any consistent basis.

 

I think overpaying deGrom would be a mistake.  Period.

 

McCann is a bum.  We are all in agreement, there.

 

Not calling up Alvarez sooner was a costly mistake.  He absolutely should be handed the number one C spot, without hesitation.

 

I am confident that Eppler and Cohen will make good, positive moves/non-moves in the offseason and I am excited for 2023.

[ExWNYer]

11 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

 

I think keeping Diaz should be a priority.  Definitely a priority over keeping deGrom.  I don't trust that deGrom will ever be available for "most" of any season.  The best ability is availability.  This season hinged on the health of Scherzer and deGrom and neither stayed healthy.

 

Huge kudos to Showalter, Walker, Bassitt and Carrasco for keeping the Mets in first place for a huge chunk of the season without having the two "aces," on any consistent basis.

 

I think overpaying deGrom would be a mistake.  Period.

 

McCann is a bum.  We are all in agreement, there.

 

Not calling up Alvarez sooner was a costly mistake.  He absolutely should be handed the number one C spot, without hesitation.

 

I am confident that Eppler and Cohen will make good, positive moves/non-moves in the offseason and I am excited for 2023.

 

I agree with most of this, Gug, especially that keeping Diaz should be a priority. Hard to believe that only a year or so ago we may have been singing a different tune. If deGrom walks, they need to allocate those would be funds wisely. There will be holes all over the roster...starting pitching, relief pitching, and bats. They need some reliable sticks with power who can hit in the clutch and they have to properly address the DH position. Hopefully, Vientos is up to that challenge but that remains to be seen. There will be a lot of "hoping"...Vientos at DH, Baty at 3rd, Alvarez behind the dish plus new faces trying to fit in and mesh cohesively.

 

I generally like Buck but he made a lot of head scratching moves with the bullpen, IMO, and he stubbornly (and inexplicably) stuck by Darin Ruf. Speaking of Ruf, it was criminal to surrender four assets, no matter what level, for someone like him. And the trade deadline didn't yield enough to sustain the team down the stretch. That is squarely on Eppler. I'm still not sold on him and the jury is still out in my eyes. He's going to have to show me more. I'm glad Sandy Alderson is finally stepping away, too. He was underwhelming over the years when it came to assembling a bullpen and his record of GM hires and attempted hires before he stumbled upon Eppler was abysmal. His managerial choices prior to Buck were also embarrassingly bad. They have to hire a really good President of Baseball Operations, as well. That's almost as high on my list of needs as the players.

[Gugny]

18 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

 

I agree with most of this, Gug, especially that keeping Diaz should be a priority. Hard to believe that only a year or so ago we may have been singing a different tune. If deGrom walks, they need to allocate those would be funds wisely. There will be holes all over the roster...starting pitching, relief pitching, and bats. They need some reliable sticks with power who can hit in the clutch and they have to properly address the DH position. Hopefully, Vientos is up to that challenge but that remains to be seen. There will be a lot of "hoping"...Vientos at DH, Baty at 3rd, Alvarez behind the dish plus new faces trying to fit in and mesh cohesively.

 

I generally like Buck but he made a lot of head scratching moves with the bullpen, IMO, and he stubbornly (and inexplicably) stuck by Darin Ruf. Speaking of Ruf, it was criminal to surrender four assets, no matter what level, for someone like him. And the trade deadline didn't yield enough to sustain the team down the stretch. That is squarely on Eppler. I'm still not sold on him and the jury is still out in my eyes. He's going to have to show me more. I'm glad Sandy Alderson is finally stepping away, too. He was underwhelming over the years when it came to assembling a bullpen and his record of GM hires and attempted hires before he stumbled upon Eppler was abysmal. His managerial choices prior to Buck were also embarrassingly bad. They have to hire a really good President of Baseball Operations, as well. That's almost as high on my list of needs as the players.

 

I cannot, and will not, disagree with ANYTHING you said.  Perfectly stated.

[SinceThe70s]

Can't believe I was rooting for the Philles, now they can go !@#$ themselves!

 

It's been fun seeing ex Mets on the remaining playoff teams. Sewald, Kelenic, Montero, Rosario, Jimenez, D'Arnaud, Wheeler, Thor...did I miss anyone?

[Gugny]

On 10/15/2022 at 7:38 PM, SinceThe70s said:

Can't believe I was rooting for the Philles, now they can go !@#$ themselves!

 

It's been fun seeing ex Mets on the remaining playoff teams. Sewald, Kelenic, Montero, Rosario, Jimenez, D'Arnaud, Wheeler, Thor...did I miss anyone?

 

It was fun to watch Rosario.  Bummed they couldn't finish the Yankees off.  

 

Wheeler had himself a night last night.  I am all-in on the Phillies.  I had no problem rooting for the Padres against the Dodgers.  But I really, really, really can't stand Machado.  I'm not a huge fan of Schwarber and/or Harper ... but they're not dirty bastards like Machado is.

 

I also can't stand the Astros, but I'm definitely rooting for them to take the Yankees down.

[SinceThe70s]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

It was fun to watch Rosario.  Bummed they couldn't finish the Yankees off.  

 

Wheeler had himself a night last night.  I am all-in on the Phillies.  I had no problem rooting for the Padres against the Dodgers.  But I really, really, really can't stand Machado.  I'm not a huge fan of Schwarber and/or Harper ... but they're not dirty bastards like Machado is.

 

I also can't stand the Astros, but I'm definitely rooting for them to take the Yankees down.

 

My pecking order is Padres, Astros, Phillies, Yankees. But I don't have a soft spot in my heart for any of them - it's more about who I can't stand the least.

[SinceThe70s]

 

@Gugny Hung with an old friend (Mets fan) the other night and went through my WS pecking order - he flip-flopped Yankees and Phillies. Hmm.

[SinceThe70s]

 

Cohen wasting no time with Diaz:

 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34966621/sources-edwin-diaz-mets-agree-5-year-102-million-deal

 

[SinceThe70s]

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Showalter wins Manager of the Year "becoming just the third person to win a fourth award and the first to win with four different franchises"

 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35035742/mets-buck-showalter-named-nl-manager-year

 

Off the top of my head I'm not sure who is more deserving but given what we saw from the team after the Dodgers series I would not have given it to Buck.

[Gugny]

2 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Showalter wins Manager of the Year "becoming just the third person to win a fourth award and the first to win with four different franchises"

 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35035742/mets-buck-showalter-named-nl-manager-year

 

Off the top of my head I'm not sure who is more deserving but given what we saw from the team after the Dodgers series I would not have given it to Buck.

 

I would have been pissed if he hadn't won.  He did a great job getting this team to triple digit wins in a season that each of his two aces missed significant time, not to mention injuries to other key players like Marte.  They played great, disciplined, fundamental baseball until the end.  Been a while since we could say that.

[SinceThe70s]

7 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

I would have been pissed if he hadn't won.  He did a great job getting this team to triple digit wins in a season that each of his two aces missed significant time, not to mention injuries to other key players like Marte.  They played great, disciplined, fundamental baseball until the end.  Been a while since we could say that.

 

Disagree, I don't even have to look past the NL East to find someone more deserving. Phillies manager took over a team that was left for dead under a respected manager and not only made the post season but had a deep run. I like Buck and don't want anyone else to manage the Mets but 101 wins or not I  can't overlook what happened in the last month of the season - it was more Randolph-esque than manager of the year imo.

[Gugny]

3 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

Disagree, I don't even have to look past the NL East to find someone more deserving. Phillies manager took over a team that was left for dead under a respected manager and not only made the post season but had a deep run. I like Buck and don't want anyone else to manage the Mets but 101 wins or not I  can't overlook what happened in the last month of the season - it was more Randolph-esque than manager of the year imo.

 

Believe me ... the collapse didn't set well with me, either.  Normally, I'd tend to pin it on the Manager, too.  But in this case, I have a hard time doing that.  Too many injuries and key players hitting slumps.  He threw his best players out there and they didn't perform.  Add in that he had arguably the WORST DH situation in baseball with Vogelbach and Ruf ... and it's just really difficult for me to pin it on him.

 

The one thing I WILL say, since you mentioned Randolph, is that in hindsight - Alonso and Lindor played too many regular season games.  That was, indeed, Willie-esque.  

[SinceThe70s]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Believe me ... the collapse didn't set well with me, either.  Normally, I'd tend to pin it on the Manager, too.  But in this case, I have a hard time doing that.  Too many injuries and key players hitting slumps.  He threw his best players out there and they didn't perform.  Add in that he had arguably the WORST DH situation in baseball with Vogelbach and Ruf ... and it's just really difficult for me to pin it on him.

 

The one thing I WILL say, since you mentioned Randolph, is that in hindsight - Alonso and Lindor played too many regular season games.  That was, indeed, Willie-esque.  

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting all the blame on Buck, but he doesn't get a pass - you are absolutely right about Alonso and Lindor.

[ExWNYer]

On 11/15/2022 at 8:39 PM, SinceThe70s said:

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

Showalter wins Manager of the Year "becoming just the third person to win a fourth award and the first to win with four different franchises"

 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35035742/mets-buck-showalter-named-nl-manager-year

 

Off the top of my head I'm not sure who is more deserving but given what we saw from the team after the Dodgers series I would not have given it to Buck.

 

@SinceThe70s @Gugny @Another Fan

 

Gentlemen (and Gugs...j/k),

 

Sorry for not responding sooner. The 15th was my 25th wedding anniversary and the Mrs. and I were in the Cayman Islands all week. We flew back Friday and were due to drive up to Jamestown to see my aunt & uncle and attend the Browns game but 'Mother Nature' had other ideas. For months, I had been lamenting that these two trips were not reversed and it turns out that I was indeed, Nostra-dumb-ass. In any event, Buck...

 

I have no problem that he won manager of the year, even if it felt hollow to many of us Met fans. It is, after all, a regular season award and Snitker was coming off of a World Series championship (ugh) and Roberts manages the Dodgers...the modern day George Steinbrenner Yankees...so I think Buck deserved it despite the team's meltdown over the last week of the season. The Mets were 77-85 in 2021 and Buck came in and not only led them to 101 victories...the organization's most since 1988...but he also changed the culture in that clubhouse for the better, akin to what McDermott did for the Bills. Although I did not do cartwheels over the announcement, I was happy for him and it's cool that he was the first in team history to garner the honor. At least it's a real thing and not as pathetic as this...

 

 

(You are a buffoon and complete jackass, Irsay)

 

Regarding free agency, how do all of you feel about the possible pursuit of Verlander? Personally, I would rather take a chance on an iffy 34 year old deGrom, assuming he wants to be in NY, but I would be okay (not thrilled) with Verlander. He is a decent 'Plan B', IMO. It makes me nervous thinking about Scherzer & Verlander at the top of the rotation at their advanced ages. Given the history of the Mets, I have no doubt that one or both will be shelved at some point(s) during the season. And then they would need to be on point for a post season run (I'm looking at you and 'arm fatigue', Scherzer). What I would really love to see is Carlos Rodon in a Mets uni. A very good and much needed lefty who will just have turned 30 when the season starts. I'm also intrigued by Japanese League pitcher Kodai Senga who will also just have turned 30 at the start of this season. If nothing else, I think he could fit as a late inning bullpen guy.

 

Looks like Nimmo is going to have plenty of suitors since the OF market is thin outside of Judge and him. I would love to have him back but I'm not so sure it's going to happen. That said, this team also desperately needs power in the lineup to realistically have a shot at a WS title but I'm not sure where that might materialize. They are not serious players for Judge, IMO, and they can't count on Baty &/or Alvarez being world beaters out of the box (if they even make the team out of Spring Training). Atlanta & Philly have boppers up and down the lineup and the Mets do not. That should be a priority in Queens, as well. There are a ton of holes to fill on this team (no bullpen outside of Diaz) and this should be a really active off season. Here's to hoping Eppler and his cronies get it right. LFGM!!!

 

I hope you all have a great, happy, and safe Thanksgiving! 🦃 

 

BTW, I love these baseball discussions with you guys involving our beloved Mets. I haven't been posting on the main football boards much as I find a lot of the content annoying. Even when this team is winning, the trolls are out in full force. I have no problem with people criticizing or pointing out things that need correcting but the incessant negativity over every little thing is becoming more and more prevalent. Even victory Monday feels like the team has just lost. Anyway, just my two cents. To each his or her own.

 

Peace, friends.

Edited November 22, 2022 by ExWNYer

[SinceThe70s]

10 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

 

@SinceThe70s @Gugny @Another Fan

 

Gentlemen (and Gugs...j/k),

 

Sorry for not responding sooner. The 15th was my 25th wedding anniversary and the Mrs. and I were in the Cayman Islands all week. We flew back Friday and were due to drive up to Jamestown to see my aunt & uncle and attend the Browns game but 'Mother Nature' had other ideas. For months, I had been lamenting that these two trips were not reversed and it turns out that I was indeed, Nostra-dumb-ass. In any event, Buck...

 

I have no problem that he won manager of the year, even if it felt hollow to many of us Met fans. It is, after all, a regular season award and Snitker was coming off of a World Series championship (ugh) and Roberts manages the Dodgers...the modern day George Steinbrenner Yankees...so I think Buck deserved it despite the team's meltdown over the last week of the season. The Mets were 77-85 in 2021 and Buck came in and not only led them to 101 victories...the organization's most since 1988...but he also changed the culture in that clubhouse for the better, akin to what McDermott did for the Bills. Although I did not do cartwheels over the announcement, I was happy for him and it's cool that he was the first in team history to garner the honor. At least it's a real thing and not as pathetic as this...

 

 

(You are a buffoon and complete jackass, Irsay)

 

Regarding free agency, how do all of you feel about the possible pursuit of Verlander? Personally, I would rather take a chance on an iffy 34 year old deGrom, assuming he wants to be in NY, but I would be okay (not thrilled) with Verlander. He is a decent 'Plan B', IMO. It makes me nervous thinking about Scherzer & Verlander at the top of the rotation at their advanced ages. Given the history of the Mets, I have no doubt that one or both will be shelved at some point(s) during the season. And then they would need to be on point for a post season run (I'm looking at you and 'arm fatigue', Scherzer). What I would really love to see is Carlos Rodon in a Mets uni. A very good and much needed lefty who will just have turned 30 when the season starts. I'm also intrigued by Japanese League pitcher Kodai Senga who will also just have turned 30 at the start of this season. If nothing else, I think he could fit as a late inning bullpen guy.

 

Looks like Nimmo is going to have plenty of suitors since the OF market is thin outside of Judge and him. I would love to have him back but I'm not so sure it's going to happen. That said, this team also desperately needs power in the lineup to realistically have a shot at a WS title but I'm not sure where that might materialize. They are not serious players for Judge, IMO, and they can't count on Baty &/or Alvarez being world beaters out of the box (if they even make the team out of Spring Training). Atlanta & Philly have boppers up and down the lineup and the Mets do not. That should be a priority in Queens, as well. There are a ton of holes to fill on this team (no bullpen outside of Diaz) and this should be a really active off season. Here's to hoping Eppler and his cronies get it right. LFGM!!!

 

I hope you all have a great, happy, and safe Thanksgiving! 🦃 

 

BTW, I love these baseball discussions with you guys involving our beloved Mets. I haven't been posting on the main football boards much as I find a lot of the content annoying. Even when this team is winning, the trolls are out in full force. I have no problem with people criticizing or pointing out things that need correcting but the incessant negativity over every little thing is becoming more and more prevalent. Even victory Monday feels like the team has just lost. Anyway, just my two cents. To each his or her own.

 

Peace, friends.

 

So much to comment on here, I'll hit on a few:

 

Congrats to you and your wife, hope you both had a great time in the Caymans!

 

I'd prefer Jake over Verlander mostly cuz he's home grown. But going into next season with Max and either Jake or Verlander presents the same well-founded concerns we had going into last year. My bigger concern about Jake is that he signs with someone like the Braves or Yankees. If it's not the Mets just sign with the Rangers and fade off into oblivion. 

 

100% agreed on Rodon.  

 

Have a happy thanksgiving!

[ExWNYer]

2 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

So much to comment on here, I'll hit on a few:

 

Congrats to you and your wife, hope you both had a great time in the Caymans!

 

I'd prefer Jake over Verlander mostly cuz he's home grown. But going into next season with Max and either Jake or Verlander presents the same well-founded concerns we had going into last year. My bigger concern about Jake is that he signs with someone like the Braves or Yankees. If it's not the Mets just sign with the Rangers and fade off into oblivion. 

 

100% agreed on Rodon.  

 

Have a happy thanksgiving!

 

Thanks so much. We loved the Caymans. Had never been but would definitely go back. I agree with everything you said. I want deGrom to stay but, if he leaves, I want it to be out of the NL entirely. The Rangers, as rumored, would be fine. Anyone in the AL but the Skanks would be fine. Whatever happens, I want a sustained winner and a fun club to root for every year. Happy Thanksgiving. 

[SinceThe70s]

33 minutes ago, ExWNYer said:

 

Thanks so much. We loved the Caymans. Had never been but would definitely go back. I agree with everything you said. I want deGrom to stay but, if he leaves, I want it to be out of the NL entirely. The Rangers, as rumored, would be fine. Anyone in the AL but the Skanks would be fine. Whatever happens, I want a sustained winner and a fun club to root for every year. Happy Thanksgiving. 

 

I feel like I have that with the Bills!  Have had that with my hockey team (Islanders) the past few years as well and with Cohen around I feel good the Mets are headed in that direction. Good times! (but I still want a championship from someone)

[ExWNYer]

11 minutes ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

I feel like I have that with the Bills!  Have had that with my hockey team (Islanders) the past few years as well and with Cohen around I feel good the Mets are headed in that direction. Good times! (but I still want a championship from someone)

 

The bolded for sure. The Bills would be choice number one for me but I need a title from one of my faves. I'm also a long-suffering Sabres fan. Since their inception 1970, my teams are 0-2 in Stanley Cups, 0-4 in Super Bowls, and 1-3 in World Series. 1-9 in fifty plus years of fandom is beyond cruel. Throw in the fact that my NBA team was stolen as a kid (Buffalo Braves) and it's been a brutal run. I must have been a real POS in a former life <sigh>

[Another Fan]

On 11/22/2022 at 12:06 PM, ExWNYer said:

 

@SinceThe70s @Gugny @Another Fan

 

Gentlemen (and Gugs...j/k),

 

Sorry for not responding sooner. The 15th was my 25th wedding anniversary and the Mrs. and I were in the Cayman Islands all week. We flew back Friday and were due to drive up to Jamestown to see my aunt & uncle and attend the Browns game but 'Mother Nature' had other ideas. For months, I had been lamenting that these two trips were not reversed and it turns out that I was indeed, Nostra-dumb-ass. In any event, Buck...

 

I have no problem that he won manager of the year, even if it felt hollow to many of us Met fans. It is, after all, a regular season award and Snitker was coming off of a World Series championship (ugh) and Roberts manages the Dodgers...the modern day George Steinbrenner Yankees...so I think Buck deserved it despite the team's meltdown over the last week of the season. The Mets were 77-85 in 2021 and Buck came in and not only led them to 101 victories...the organization's most since 1988...but he also changed the culture in that clubhouse for the better, akin to what McDermott did for the Bills. Although I did not do cartwheels over the announcement, I was happy for him and it's cool that he was the first in team history to garner the honor. At least it's a real thing and not as pathetic as this...

 

 

(You are a buffoon and complete jackass, Irsay)

 

Regarding free agency, how do all of you feel about the possible pursuit of Verlander? Personally, I would rather take a chance on an iffy 34 year old deGrom, assuming he wants to be in NY, but I would be okay (not thrilled) with Verlander. He is a decent 'Plan B', IMO. It makes me nervous thinking about Scherzer & Verlander at the top of the rotation at their advanced ages. Given the history of the Mets, I have no doubt that one or both will be shelved at some point(s) during the season. And then they would need to be on point for a post season run (I'm looking at you and 'arm fatigue', Scherzer). What I would really love to see is Carlos Rodon in a Mets uni. A very good and much needed lefty who will just have turned 30 when the season starts. I'm also intrigued by Japanese League pitcher Kodai Senga who will also just have turned 30 at the start of this season. If nothing else, I think he could fit as a late inning bullpen guy.

 

Looks like Nimmo is going to have plenty of suitors since the OF market is thin outside of Judge and him. I would love to have him back but I'm not so sure it's going to happen. That said, this team also desperately needs power in the lineup to realistically have a shot at a WS title but I'm not sure where that might materialize. They are not serious players for Judge, IMO, and they can't count on Baty &/or Alvarez being world beaters out of the box (if they even make the team out of Spring Training). Atlanta & Philly have boppers up and down the lineup and the Mets do not. That should be a priority in Queens, as well. There are a ton of holes to fill on this team (no bullpen outside of Diaz) and this should be a really active off season. Here's to hoping Eppler and his cronies get it right. LFGM!!!

 

I hope you all have a great, happy, and safe Thanksgiving! 🦃 

 

BTW, I love these baseball discussions with you guys involving our beloved Mets. I haven't been posting on the main football boards much as I find a lot of the content annoying. Even when this team is winning, the trolls are out in full force. I have no problem with people criticizing or pointing out things that need correcting but the incessant negativity over every little thing is becoming more and more prevalent. Even victory Monday feels like the team has just lost. Anyway, just my two cents. To each his or her own.

 

Peace, friends.

You pretty much said it all.

 

Only thing I would stress is if they go after high priced free agents make sure they can handle the playoffs.  I mean to me Scherzer was an epic fail and that’s inexcusable when you pay someone over 40 million a year.

 

 

More of high priced flops like that the Mets will really be the joke of the league.   I mean just throwing it out there 

[SinceThe70s]

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

DeGrom's gone! I have mixed emotions on this one. Just felt like he didn't want to be here even though I wanted him back. He had a chance to cement a legacy next to Seaver and that's a big disappointment for me. At the same time, if he signed a 5 year deal with the Mets I would have been terrified. 

 

In the end I'm fine with this since he went to a team that idgaf about. Dodgers, Braves or Yankees would have been horrific.

 

Now as @ExWNYer suggested - go get Rodon. 

[Gugny]

4 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

@Gugny @ExWNYer @Another Fan

 

DeGrom's gone! I have mixed emotions on this one. Just felt like he didn't want to be here even though I wanted him back. He had a chance to cement a legacy next to Seaver and that's a big disappointment for me. At the same time, if he signed a 5 year deal with the Mets I would have been terrified. 

 

In the end I'm fine with this since he went to a team that idgaf about. Dodgers, Braves or Yankees would have been horrific.

 

Now as @ExWNYer suggested - go get Rodon. 

 

My reaction when I heard the news was, "F*CK!"  But that is all sentimental.  He grew up a Met and has earned a first ballot induction into the HOF.  He's been nothing but a pure professional during his entire career and I've enjoyed every day of his tenure.

 

But it's a business and the Mets letting someone else overpay him was the right thing to do.  

 

It's his last big contract and I don't begrudge him one bit.  I'm glad he's in the AL and I hope he kicks ass.

 

But with Scherzer in the rotation, it's time to get younger around him.  It'll be a win-win for the Mets and for Jake.

[SinceThe70s]

6 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

My reaction when I heard the news was, "F*CK!"  But that is all sentimental.  He grew up a Met and has earned a first ballot induction into the HOF.  He's been nothing but a pure professional during his entire career and I've enjoyed every day of his tenure.

 

But it's a business and the Mets letting someone else overpay him was the right thing to do.  

 

It's his last big contract and I don't begrudge him one bit.  I'm glad he's in the AL and I hope he kicks ass.

 

But with Scherzer in the rotation, it's time to get younger around him.  It'll be a win-win for the Mets and for Jake.

 

The only thing I can refute here is that I saw one report saying the Mets weren't given a chance to match. If true he just wanted out of NY - which is his prerogative. Over the summer Cohen made a comment that if Jake left  it wouldn't be due to money - maybe he knew then that Jake was a goner.

 

Oh well, onward and  upward.

[Another Fan]

2 hours ago, SinceThe70s said:

 

The only thing I can refute here is that I saw one report saying the Mets weren't given a chance to match. If true he just wanted out of NY - which is his prerogative. Over the summer Cohen made a comment that if Jake left  it wouldn't be due to money - maybe he knew then that Jake was a goner.

 

Oh well, onward and  upward.

 

Yeah not familiar at all with Texas Rangers baseball and looked them up.  They were 68-94 last season, not exactly setting the league on fire.

 

My point is yeah parts of me wonder now if he didn't really like playing for the Mets/New York or what not.  Maybe he wouldn't have gotten that much money from the Mets but he's still playing on a team now that will likely be in contention or at least for an owner that seems to want to win.  It's like when Strawberry was telling Judge to re-sign with the Yankees....  all other cities even LA or pretty boring to play in next to New York.

 

Honestly, it reminds me of Mike Hampton signing with the Rockies a little.

 

 

 

But he was a great pitcher here and one of the few Mets down the stretch last year I was satisfied with.  I'm just a little perplexed what he was thinking.

 

 

Whatever

[ExWNYer]

6 hours ago, Another Fan said:

 

Yeah not familiar at all with Texas Rangers baseball and looked them up.  They were 68-94 last season, not exactly setting the league on fire.

 

My point is yeah parts of me wonder now if he didn't really like playing for the Mets/New York or what not.  Maybe he wouldn't have gotten that much money from the Mets but he's still playing on a team now that will likely be in contention or at least for an owner that seems to want to win.  It's like when Strawberry was telling Judge to re-sign with the Yankees....  all other cities even LA or pretty boring to play in next to New York.

 

Honestly, it reminds me of Mike Hampton signing with the Rockies a little.

 

But he was a great pitcher here and one of the few Mets down the stretch last year I was satisfied with.  I'm just a little perplexed what he was thinking.

 

 

Whatever

 

@Gugny @SinceThe70s

 

Regarding the bolded:

 

1) He's a southern guy and I don't think he was very enamored with the bright lights of NYC and the enormous media presence.

2) No state income taxes.

3) Supposedly wanted a place with lots of land to raise his kids (see #1 above).

4) Nobody else was likely giving him 4 years let alone the 5 years he got.

 

All that said, I was surprised that he accepted an annual AAV of $37 million ($185 million for 5 years). Speculation was that he wanted Scherzer-type money. I'd be willing to bet that the Mets would have given him 2 years at slightly more than Scherzer but I guess we'll never know. My first reaction when I saw the numbers was, "That's all he got?" and was pretty indifferent about him leaving which surprised me. I was like "Oh, well" and matter-of-factly told my younger son (also a diehard Met fan), "deGrom just signed with Texas". He pretty much had the same reaction as me. I think we were both kind of expecting it and had he been healthy this whole time, it would have been much more devastating like losing Seaver. I wish him well and am glad he's with a team that is 'out of sight, out of mind'. He may stay healthy and slay it with the Rangers but that's how it goes. I'm tired of watching seemingly every high dollar Met signing turn out to be a tire fire. Time to turn the page and, honestly, when I heard that he never even gave the Mets a chance to match, I knew it was good that he left because his heart was obviously not in NY. Unhappy, oft-injured, and highly paid is a recipe for disaster. Sucks to lose a homegrown lifer but that's the impersonal, business side of sports. Get to work on this Swiss cheese lineup, Eppler.

 

FYI, I don't know much about the Texas Rangers either but I do have one semi-connection. I personally know the #25 prospect in their organization, RHP Zak Kent. I haven't seen him since he was a kid in high school but used to see him at family events. I did see him pitch once in Richmond against my alma mater, VCU, when he was at VMI (Virginia Military Institute). He is my wife's brother's nephew (by marriage). Connection = My wife > my wife's brother > his wife > his wife's sister's son. Confused yet? Convoluted, I know. lol 

 

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/rangers/

 

[Gugny]

16 hours ago, ExWNYer said:

 

@Gugny @SinceThe70s

 

Regarding the bolded:

 

1) He's a southern guy and I don't think he was very enamored with the bright lights of NYC and the enormous media presence.

2) No state income taxes.

3) Supposedly wanted a place with lots of land to raise his kids (see #1 above).

4) Nobody else was likely giving him 4 years let alone the 5 years he got.

 

All that said, I was surprised that he accepted an annual AAV of $37 million ($185 million for 5 years). Speculation was that he wanted Scherzer-type money. I'd be willing to bet that the Mets would have given him 2 years at slightly more than Scherzer but I guess we'll never know. My first reaction when I saw the numbers was, "That's all he got?" and was pretty indifferent about him leaving which surprised me. I was like "Oh, well" and matter-of-factly told my younger son (also a diehard Met fan), "deGrom just signed with Texas". He pretty much had the same reaction as me. I think we were both kind of expecting it and had he been healthy this whole time, it would have been much more devastating like losing Seaver. I wish him well and am glad he's with a team that is 'out of sight, out of mind'. He may stay healthy and slay it with the Rangers but that's how it goes. I'm tired of watching seemingly every high dollar Met signing turn out to be a tire fire. Time to turn the page and, honestly, when I heard that he never even gave the Mets a chance to match, I knew it was good that he left because his heart was obviously not in NY. Unhappy, oft-injured, and highly paid is a recipe for disaster. Sucks to lose a homegrown lifer but that's the impersonal, business side of sports. Get to work on this Swiss cheese lineup, Eppler.

 

FYI, I don't know much about the Texas Rangers either but I do have one semi-connection. I personally know the #25 prospect in their organization, RHP Zak Kent. I haven't seen him since he was a kid in high school but used to see him at family events. I did see him pitch once in Richmond against my alma mater, VCU, when he was at VMI (Virginia Military Institute). He is my wife's brother's nephew (by marriage). Connection = My wife > my wife's brother > his wife > his wife's sister's son. Confused yet? Convoluted, I know. lol 

 

 

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/rangers/

 

From what I understand, the income tax piece brings it very close to Scherzer money. 
 

Consecutive injury-shortened seasons also likely played a role in less money, too. 
 

Five years is insane. What the Rangers did is exactly what I didn’t want the Mets to do. I love Jake, but my main concern has not just been “injuries,” but the fact that it seemed like every injury was different. 
 

I’ve always thought that his build could never support him throwing 100+ MPH for any sustained period of time. 
 

When he’s healthy, he’s nearly unhittable. But the fact of the matter is that he’s only healthy for 50% of the season. 
 

I do agree that he likely wanted out of New York (city, not team), but this was a pure money move in the end, and I don’t begrudge him for that. It’s a business. 
 

It’s a shame, but I get it. Mets will be a better team for this. Rangers will, too, but how much?  If - in all of 2023 - the Rangers win more than a dozen of his starts, I will be shocked. 
 

Cohen did the right thing by doing nothing.