starblazer

Though the off-season isn't complete yet(The Mets still need to add 3 players to the bench and a long reliever/starter), I've been doing some musings on the Mets off-season up to now and here's what I see...

I see a team which is going to be better than many "experts" believe, but isn't anywhere near where it needs and wants to be. I like the potential for the offense from the 2nd spot to the 6th spot. Murphy-Wright-Davis-Bay-Duda could be a productive grouping. I see a potential for 15+HRS-30+2B and 70+RBI from that group. I see Wright-Davis getting 90+ and Bay somewhere between 75-90. Murphy and Duda are unproven so expecting 60 or so may be more likely. With Torres, Thole and Tejada, I'm not expecting much from in terms of run production. I'm hoping Nieuwenhuis or another CF(Crisp?) is starting Opening Day with Torres sliding to the bench. Thole has some potential offensively, but lacks power. Tejada is there for defense and if he knocks in 45 runs that may be enough to justify him playing everyday. The Mets must add to their bench which right now only has Justin Turner and Rob Johnson. I'd love to see Ryan Theriot come in as the middle infielder and Rick Ankiel be brought in if the Mets don't trade for Eric Young or sign a CF like Crisp. Adding bench depth will be important over the next few weeks and can be crucial to this offense. Overall, I think the Mets will surprise in this area.

The pitching is loaded with question marks again. So much depends on Santana's health and Niese's growth. This rotation is so different with a healthy and effective Santana and Niese healthy and pitching up to his potential. Jon did win 11 games before missing the last month plus with an injury. He could step up and be a 15 game winner and the defacto #2 pitcher(though he's more of a #3 or #4). Johan though is huge. If he can make 30 starts and be 75% of what he was, this rotation will be much improved over 2011. Dickey is a guy who will battle, but lacks the ability to get outs if his knuckler isn't working. I don't expect him to be much more than a .500 pitcher. Pelfrey shouldn't even be here. His lack of intestinal fortitude is troubling and his abandonment of his sinker is puzzling. He doesn't have the fastball, nor change-up to get strikeouts. Mike's failure to put hitters away leads to his high pitch counts and short outings. Lastly, Dillon Gee is a battler,but sadly his end of the year performance is in my opinion more indicative of who he is rather than his blazing start. I can see him being a bust in 2012 and being sent back to AAA or the pen in long relief. The one bright spot is the improved pen. The Mets still don't have a quality closer, but Ramirez, Rauch and Francisco have power arms. I can see Rauch or Ramirez spelling a slumping or ineffective Francisco. When the year ends Ramirez may be the closer if Familia or Mejia haven't been recalled. Moving Parnell down in the pen helps. He throws hard and maybe can just focus on getting outs, not trying to impress to win the closer job. That's 4 power arms back there. That's a big improvement over 2011, which was the worst pen in MLB. While hardly shutdown, it may be an effective one if Collins and Bones(the new BP coach) handle it well.

Defensively, the Mets have made some improvements, but still have some glaring weaknesses. Davis' return helps as does Torres in CF over the dreadful Pagan. Tejada is a fine SS and while lacking Reyes' arm, he also lacks Reyes' penchant for oleing balls and day-dreaming. He's less talented, but better fundamentally and he's only 21. Bay is fine in LF. Wright is fine at 3B, but needs not to overthink on throws. The problems are C, 2B and RF. Thole regressed in 2011 and cannot catch Dickey. Johnson is a fine defensive catcher and should be Dickey's caddie in 2012 if he beats out Nickeas. Murphy is dreadful @ 2B. That's why a solid 2B is needed to backup. I really like Theriot. Duda isn't Murphy bad in RF, but he's far from smooth. Again, a guy like Ankiel would be a nice defensive replacement late in games or in double-switches. Again, they could be okay here if the depth they add is quality.

I went 4 paragraphs without talking about Reyes' leaving. I was 50-50 on his returning, but more and more I was leaning against wanting him back watching him miss much of the second half with hamstring problems, then watching him half-arse it the last month. I absolutely hated how he ended his career. Bunting is one thing, but pulling yourself in the first inning when you know it could be your last game and those fans came to see you? Totally classless and bush in my everso humble opinion. Then when Florida threw 111 million over 6 years, I knew the Mets wouldn't match and hoped they didn't even consider it. I mean in 6 years this guy will be 34 and could be another Raffi Furcal in 3-4. You going to pay this guy 18.5 million a year for that period? For what? 7 HRS-44 RBI and consistent concerns about injury and his mental state? Personally, I think Sandy didn't even want him back and was relieved when Florida went crazy. I mean bringing in the fences was an omen they were moving on and focusing on power, not speed. Why would you bring him back long-term and have another long-term deal you'd regret? Letting Reyes' go was the right thing to do. The fact Jose whined about the Mets not wanting him or calling him back shows his immaturity and selfishness. He knew what the Mets were willing to offer. He refused to talk to Sandy @ the All-Star break. IMHO, he just wanted Sandy to give him an offer he knew he'd refuse so he could turn him down. Sandy refused to play that game. Good for him. Reyes got what he wanted, money. That loving NY and wanting to retire a Met was pure BS. It was about the money. Enjoy South Beach Jose.

I already talked about the pen and a bit about Ramirez and Torres, but I loved the Pagan trade. IMHO, the Mets stole Ramon Ramirez for a player they didn't want and who quite frankly didn't do much last year. I mean 10 errors in CF? The guy can't go to his right or backhand a ball. He threw to wrong bases. Offensively, he was a mess. He got hurt, then seemed never to recover. In return, the Mets get a steady reliever who can set-up or close. They also got a very steady 4th OF who can be a spark at the top of the line-up and eventually off the bench. Good job by Sandy here. If he can pull the same magic unloading Pelfrey, then maybe this year could be salvageable.

Where does that leave this team on Jan 2nd? A team which is not complete, but even when it is, will have low expectations and most will pick to finish last. Some will make ludicrous predictions like 65 wins. Some will say worse. Personally, I see this team as a 75-85 win team. If Johan doesn't pitch, the pen falters again and/or the Mets offense falls flat, it could be 75 games. If Johan pitches 30 games, the pen is solid and the offense does well, they could win as high as 85. Of course other variables like injuries, trades(dumping or adding) could come into play which could fluctuate the numbers. I'll meet in the middle and say 80-82 as of now, but that could change with additions over the next few weeks or news on Johan's shoulder.

Lastly, I think 2012 will be much more entertaining then many fans believe. The Mets should put up better power numbers and we may see young players like Nieuwenhuis, Harvey, Familia and even Valdespin be integrated into the 25 man roster. Santana, Niese and the bullpen additions should be intriguing to watch. The development of Duda, Thole and Murphy could provide interest(or aggravation) as will perhaps the resurgence of Wright and Bay. Davis playing a whole season could be the best development of all. There are some areas of interest here. Hopefully, this team will surprise and give us a nice surprise while developing their prospects for 2013 and beyond. Then we can see Wheeler, Flores, Vaughn and others as early as 2013 and by 2014 for sure. I think this team is on the right path despite the Mets horrible and cowardly owners. Perhaps in 2012, a group of 12 angry Mets fans will sit in judgment of the crooked Wilpons and force them to pay dearly for their misappropriation of Madoff's money schemes. Then they'll be forced out as owners for ones who actually like and root for the team. They can come in and add some revenue to the organization for development at both the major league and minor league level. That was be most good.

Well there are some of my thoughts Mets fans. I hope you have a Happy New Year and we'll have a happy recap in 2012. See you soon and Let's Go Mets!

The Mets went 8-14 to close the final segment, ending 8 under @ 77-85. It was a disappointing end to a year which saw this team battle and at times overachieve, despite not having it's ace all year, it's closer for close to half the year and it's corner infielders for months at a time. There were 2 games worse than 2010, but played better ball and much harder despite that.

The Mets bullpen imploded. Parnell was ineffective and Collins never verbally or even in terms of usage, was behind him. First he gave Izzy the job, then Parnell. Instead of riding him to end the year, he gave opportunities to Acosta a journeyman who has no future as a closer or even a valuable reliever. He's a pedestrian middle reliever and that's it.  Beato tired after showing talent most of the year. Byrdak got an extension and was the most consistent reliever all year. That is sad, yet true. Izzy gave his all, but his age showed. Igarashi is rubbish and Carrasco was a huge flop. Josh Stinson showed promise, but also that he's far from ready. The pen needs to be blown up, real good. It's a reconstruction project. Sandy stated the closer will come from outside the organization. I'd love to deal for Soria, but an incentive-based deal with Brad Lidge may be the way they go. Anyway, the pen was the worst in MLB.

The Mets rotation was also a joke. Dickey pitched well, didn't get support, but often shot himself in the foot by misplaying a ball, not getting down a bunt or letting a weak-hitter beat him. Gee hit the rookie wall after a great start. 13-6 is solid and I'd take that every year from him. He's at best a back-end guy. He's gutty and battles, but he's no ace or #2. Niese got hurt, but was fading. Jon has to come to spring training in top shape and step up his game or his value will drop and he could be dealt after the season. Next year is a huge one dictating the direction of his career. He has talent, now he has to back it up with performance. Pelfrey simply was horrible. John Lackey horrible. He showed no guts, brains or any intention he plans on getting better. Abandoning his sinker was pure idiocy. He doesn't have the stuff nor pitching smarts to put batters away. That's why he has high pitch counts and barely makes it through 6. Collins explanation that foul balls were good was pure bunk. Incredibly Capuano was the Mets most consistent starter. He gave up the long ball, but also struck batters out and kept them in games. He also pitched the best game by a Mets pitcher all year. Overall, the rotation was what we knew they were, mediocre. Next year Santana's return is huge and the possibility Harvey may be ready by late spring, early summer is comforting. Capuano may return if Pelfrey in non-tendered. I hope that's so. Mike should only return if he's dealt for a CF or closer. The Mets need to add depth that can pitch @ AAA just in case.

The Mets offense did a nice job despite losing Reyes twice(1 month), Wright for 2 months and Davis for 4 months. Pluggers like Turner, Evans and even Pridie chipped in. Lucas Duda showed the most growth earning the RF job in 2012. Tejada came back from the minors and showed he can hit and do so in the clutch as well. Reyes' second half was pedestrian worrying about his contract and his hammy which in turn hampered his ability to steal and run the bases. Jose's first half was MVP worthy. The Mets OF was a joke with Bay hurt or ineffective, Pagan ineffective and a liability defensively. RF was the only productive position with both Beltran, then Duda producing. They combined for 25 HRs-106 RBI. The Mets catchers did little, both offensively and defensively, with only Nickeas standing out on the defensive side. Paulino despite looking like a monster, hit all of 2 HRS knocking in 19 runs. Thole was up-and-down hitting the same as Paulino(.268) with 3 HRS- 40 RBI. I'd be happy with a Thole-Nickeas tandem. Let that fat PED-using Paulino go. Wright had his poorest season by far, though he had only 389 at bats, which were his least since 2004, his rookie year. He started fast, got hurt, slowed down, missed 2 months, returned hot, cooled down, had an incredible week, then cooled off again. 14 HRS-61 RBI was bad enough, but the 254 average was his worst by 29 points. David is a life-time .300 hitter. Hopefully, being healthy and having a real hitter behind him(Davis) instead of a 4th OF(Pagan) will help as well. Wright looked drained the last 2 weeks. Turner hit only .260, but was the Mets best clutch hitter knocking in 50 runs. The Mets will have Davis returning and a new CF. Whether Reyes' is back or not we won't know until November at the earliest. The Mets could see Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Jordanny Valdespin battling for spots in CF and 2B/SS. The latter depends on Reyes' situation. Overall, the Mets scored enough runs, to have a winning record if the pitching would have responded. That's a good sign. Bringing in the fences should help the offense in 2012 as well.

The Mets coaching staff kept the team prepared and up beat. Collins earned his extension doing a solid job. Hudgens got the Mets to be patient and be one of the best teams in MLB @ getting on base. Hale is a terrific 3rd base coach and Mookie is a Mets icon. All should return. The Mets are bringing back Dan Warthen according to reports and that's a mistake IMO. Dan is a good coach, but I feel is better suited as a roving instructor, rather than the teams pitching voice. When your staff underachieves year-after-year, you don't deserve a return engagement. He did little to help Pelfrey, Parnell, Niese, Beato and Gee among others. Sandy didn't endorse the training staff and hopefully that means the conditioning coach and Dr.Nick Riviera(aka Ray Ramirez) will be replaced. Year-after-year the Mets injuries mount and someone has to be held accountable. They've had enough passes. It's time to pass out the pink slips.

So the 2011 year is over. The bottom line says 77-85, 4th place. Those are the facts. However, the Mets have also pared 55-65 million of payroll, added a potential ace in Zach Wheeler, found a manager with guts & heart and got a GM who is an adult with a plan which he communicates to the media and fans. Things aren't rosy, but there is some sunlight among the black clouds.

If I were appointed Commissioner of Major League Baseball, I'd make sweeping changes. The game needs some real tweaking and I wouldn't hesitate to impliment change. Here would be my changes...

1) Both leagues would have the DH - Look I hate the DH, but the minors have the DH, the independent leagues have the DH, as does college baseball. Only the NL doesn't. It's time to make the DH uniform.

2) Elimination of the All-Star game stipulation - One of the dumbest decisions ever was awarding homefield for the World Series based on an exhibition game, no one wants to play in. I'd eliminate it and simply give homefield to the team with the best record.

3) Elimination of the homeplate collision - Even before Santana's and Posey's season-ending injuries the last 2 years, I hated this rule. Home plate is the only base where you are allowed to physically run into a fielder to dislodge the ball. I'd end that. On any play where the catcher has the ball, the player must either slide or avoid the tag without any physical contact. If the catcher blocks the plate without the ball, the player is automatically safe.

4) Changing the blown save rule- I'll never understand how a pitcher can blow a save before the 9th inning. If you can't finish the inning getting the save, you haven't blown it. You've blown a hold. I'd change the BS before the 9th inning to a blown hold.

5) Changing the quality start rule - I despise this stat. How is pitching 6 innings and giving up 3 runs quality? That's a 4.50 ERA and the usage of at least 3 pitchers in your pen, if you're ahead. I'd make it 7 innings-2 runs or less. That way the ERA is 2.57 or less and 2 pitchers could finish it.

6) Shortening the season- 162 games is too long and since I'll be adding another round of playoffs(see next change), lopping off 8 games to 154 makes sense. I know less games is less revenue, but the added post-season games would ease the pain and attendance would increase in September since more teams would be in the post-season race for a playoff berth.

7) Adding a second wild-card - There is talk this may happen in 2012. However, I'd make it happen ASAP. The 2 wild-card teams in each league would play a best of 3 series. Game 1 would be @ the team with the worst record's venue, then game 2 and possibly game 3 @ the team with the best record's venue. That way each team gets at least one home game and they'd only make one trip for travel.

8) Moving up the trade deadline - I'd move it up to June 30. This way any rental player would be a 3-month rental, not just a 2-month one. This would involve more trades in late June because more teams are still have a shot for a post-season berth. A flurry of activity should occur every year. Most teams have a shot in June. By July, many don't. More moves should follow than usual.

9) Limiting September roster- I'd set it @ 30. This way a team can't call up 4-5 relievers and lengthen games. You'd have to be judicious in whom you bring up, not just willy-nilly. I might even set a limit on pitchers that can be recalled.

10) The return of the scheduled double-header - I'd schedule double-headers on Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Labor Day. This would allow for more flexibility at the end of the year for make-ups and beginning the playoffs as early as possible. I'd also make it one admission for both games. All veterans get in free as well.


So there are 10 changes I'd make. Of course more would follow, but you have to start somewhere.

The Mets went 11-9 in this segment. The Mets are 69-71 and are fighting each and every game. You really can't ask for more. This is in my opinion, the grittiest Mets team since 2000. I enjoy watching them.

First, I want to touch on the future. Lucas Duda is earning that RF job. He's showing the power, that was lacking earlier. He is also by far the best clutch hitter on this roster. Thinking about a 3-4-5 of Duda-Wright and Davis makes me pretty pumped. All 3 have power and can hit for average. The Mets could have 3 players there with 30 plus doubles, 20 plus HRS and 80 + RBI. That's comforting. Duda needs to work on his defense. That should be a focus in his off-season baseball playing. I really like this kid. He's the anti- Fernando Martinez.

Next up Ruben Tejada. Here is another kid, I really like. The kid has baseball instincts. He's a slick fielder and has a gun. He works counts deep. He goes the other way. He's also clutch. He made some big mistakes, like failing to slide @ HP in a game, but listens and learns. He's teachable. Ruben has to bulk up a little. He can drive the ball in the gaps, but doesn't come close to jerking it out of the park anywhere. To stick on a MLB team as an everyday player you have to hit an occasional HR, unless you can steal 50 bases. He doesn't have great speed, so the power has to improve. Ideally, you want him @ 2B next year, but he could be the Mets Opening Day SS. It's weird, but the more I see him play, the less I am concerned about Reyes' returning.

Lastly as the future goes, I want to discuss Bobby Parnell here. Unlike Duda and Tejada, I'm not sold on Parnell at least as the closer. He's done okay(5 saves in 6 OPS), but there have been few dominant performances there. He's had a few cheap saves(3 run leads) and has struggles in virtually every other opportunity. I don't see the confidence and trust in his stuff a closer needs. These next 20 plus games are huge for him. Personally, I'd love to see him as a set-up guy and a Brad Lidge brought in or a Soria traded for. I wouldn't give up on Bobby, but I'm just not sure where he's going.
 
The second area that I want to discuss is the pitching staff. I see it as a pedestrian one. Santana's return will help, but Niese has done nothing to show he's anything better than a decent backend starter. Gee has been a surprise, but again, he's at best a backend guy. Dickey has pitched well at times, but isn't the guy we saw in 2010. I don't consider 6 IP-3 ER "quality", though in today's accept mediocrity MLB, it is. How can a performance that equates to a 4.50 ERA and 3 more pitchers used be quality? Often that's been Dickey's line. RA is a great dude and will be here in 2012, but he's a #5 starter. That's it. That leaves one spot and there is no way on earth Pelfrey should fill it. It's time to cut bait with this underachiever. He has no out pitch and since he abandoned his sinker, he's been a pinata. He cannot get any decent hitter out up-in-the-zone. He can't put hitters away and since he's given up on letting them pound the ball into the ground, his pitch count reaches 100 by the 5th inning. He's not only ineffective, but a burden on the pen. The Mets will tender him, but then should turn around and deal him. I'd try to move him with Pagan or Murphy for Soria. KC needs a pitcher who can throw 200 IP and fairly inexpensive. Pagan or Murphy can be a regular. The Mets should throw-in Martinez just to unload him. Maybe KC can use the OF depth on their team or AAA. If they pass on Flop-mart, Valdespin may be a possibility. I see a match with KC. They don't want to pay him big money and they have Aaron Crow who can replace him. Add a starter besides Santana. That could be a return of Capuano and with Harvey starting @ AAA in 2012, the Mets may feel he's capable of replacing an injured or failing starter. There will be other options available as well. The Mets need to fumigate their pen with only Beato, Parnell and possibly Stinson returning. All 3 throw hard and Collins absolutely loves Stinson. In his short stint so far( 3 2/3 IP), he's looked good. He has good stuff. Mike Nickeas raved about him as well. Beato could set-up. Pedro just needs to be consistent. I've discussed Bobby, so I'll move on. Don't be fooled by Acosta. This guy is a journeyman who gives up HRS. 6 HRS for a non-closer is insane. Dump him. Igarashi is a joke. Izzy is 38 and wants a better contract. Pass. Thanks Izzy, but you're a middle reliever now. Brydak is okay, but unless he's cheap, adios. Herrera who they just got for TKO-Rod, may be a possibility as a lefty specialist. He has a month to show he's earned a shot in spring training to compete for a spot. The most I see is 4 spots from what we have now. Add 3 including a closer. Sandy has to hit a HR here. With a mediocre rotation, you need a strong and deep pen.
 
The third area I want to touch on is the bench. Right now, only Turner is a sure bet. In the best case scenario, he's their utility guy. I'd dump Paulino and keep Nickeas. Paulino has been a total flop. He was brought here to ravage LHP, but has only 5 RBI vs lefties all year. His defense is atrocious as well. Adios. Harris could stick as the 25th man. I think Hairston is gone. I like Scott, but unless he's been told he may get some play in CF, I don't see him wanting to waste away on the bench. Evans has hit lately, but he's really a AAAA player. He may get a shot in spring training because he can play the corners in both the INF and OF. The Mets may add a veteran middle infielder if Reyes bolts. The Mets need to have flexibility and versatility there in 2012.

Finally, I want to discuss the coaching staff. Collins has been wonderful as has Hudgens. The Mets need to replace Warthen with a younger and more adaptable coach. Warthen has done little to improve Pelfrey, Niese or Parnell. He may be best suited as a roving instructor. Promote Ricky Bones who knows most, if not all of these pitchers. Oberkfell, Hale and Mookie are doing fine. This team is in good hands. One change is needed and it needs to be done as soon as possible.

So this 20 game segment saw the Mets playing better at home, gritty every game and developing some players who will contribute in 2012. I've enjoyed watching them every game because they care about winning and do not give up. When you think about who they lost and what they have, it's amazing, they haven't sunk to the depth of Florida or Chicago. That's a tribute to them and their manager Terry Collins. Good job guys. It's getting better and 2012 is going to get even better.

The Mets traded Beltran during this segment picking up a hard-throwing young pitcher they hope will be ready by 2013 along with Matt Harvey. That would add 2 power arms to a staff with none. The Mets started off hot w/out Beltran, then faded as their pedestrian rotation continued to struggle and their bullpen continued to bleed. The result an 8-12 segment and a 5-game losing streak to end it.

The Mets rotation just can't get it done. Pelfrey stumbles virtually every start, Dickey looks more like the journeyman pitcher then the surprise of 2010, Niese is up and down, Gee has hit a wall and Capuano gives you innings, but hardly shutdown pitching. Quality starts as diluted as they are, are almost non-existent. When they do give the Mets some quality, the bullpen tends to blow it. The Mets backend is comprised of Acosta(6HRS-25 inn), Igarashi (4.98 ERA) and Carrasco(4.86 ERA). The three are not MLB quality pitchers and should all be gone next year. The 4 others are up-and-down for the most part, though have value. Parnell(3-4-4.26 ERA) has regressed after looking like he turned the corner. Many believed he might get a shot at the closer's job when they dealt Rodriguez, but didn't. Perhaps it have some effect on him mentally, because since then, he's looked ordinary. He throws hard and at times looks unhittable, but until he is consistent, he'll be what he is and that's a middle reliever with potential. Beato has also slipped(2-1-3.88ERA) from possible set-up guy, to basically a 6th or 7th inning guy at best. He's also been too inconsistent. Izzy(3-2-6SV-3.54ERA) has only one blown save since being named closer(and Turner blew that game), but also has blown up when called upon in tied games. He's one away from 300 saves and should get it, but afterwards should be setting up, giving the Mets a chance to evaluate Parnell. The Mets best reliever in this segment has been lefty-specialist Brydak(1-0-SV-3.45ERA). That's really how sad the pitching has been. Unless these guys pick it up, the slide will continue.

The offense tries its best, but with Davis out for the year, Reyes out at least another week and Murphy gone for the year, it simply has no depth left. The Mets moved Duda from RF, where they hoped to evaluate his play there for 2012, but now can only evaluate his bat. So far, his bat has been a real surprise. The power isn't there yet, but he's hitting for average and getting clutch hits to boot. Reyes' was slumping, but still a threat. Tejada battles and is patient, but simply isn't an MLB hitter yet. Turner is hurt, but still playing and it shows. Wright has tapered off and has no protection in the line-up. Bay has perked up, but has hardly been the run producer. Pagan is hitting near .250 and hasn't been nearly the player he was in 2010. Thole is getting hot and may soon just take over as the everyday catcher. Paulino has shown no power and has become a singles hitter. RF is being manned by Harris, Baxter and Hairston who are basically 3 back-up players and pinch hitters. The Mets AAA team has no one the Mets want to see here. Martinez has become such a non-factor, he was an after thought despite being "healthy." The shoulder injury to Nieuwenhuis hurt the Mets plans for the last 2 months and Kirk's first chance to prove he deserves an everyday job. He may get that chance in spring training in either RF or CF. The Mets utility guy Nick Evans is a waste. He can't play any position adequately and he's hitting .194. The Mets have given this stiff enough chances. Hopefully, they'll waive him and call up 2B/1B Josh Satin(.317) or at worst 1B Valentino Pascucci( 18HRs-82 RBI) from AAA to replace him.  The Mets offense should perk up when Reyes returns during the next segment.

The Mets look like a team that has hit the wall. All year they've had injuries to their best players. They've lost Davis, Murphy and Young for the year. Santana probably is lost as well. Wright missed 2 months and Reyes over a month with his 2 DL trips. As must as they try and gut it out, their lack of depth and talent is showing. They simply do not have the pitching to endure the injuries. They have no ace and basically five backend starters. Their BP is toxic with a few bright spots, but little that is salvageable for 2012. A BP overall should priority #2, after re-signing Reyes. The offense is missing its catalyst(Reyes), a big thumper(Davis) and it's most consistent hitter(Murphy). The bench is playing and there is little left when changes need to be made in close games. Collins hand are tied and he knows they just have to ride it out. No help is coming from the waiver wire and little from AAA.

The next 40 plus games will tell us a lot about who should even be considered for 2012. Guys like Duda, Turner, Thole, Tejada and perhaps even Baxter are playing for jobs next year in some capacity. Turner and Thole to lock down their positions, Duda to win one and Tejada and Baxter for spots on the 25 man roster. Angel Pagan and Mike Pelfrey may also be playing for a chance to remain here and not be dealt in the off-season. There is much to find out and these games will be used as a means to evaluate what is here and wanted.

Let's hope the next 20 has the Mets on the upswing. This team has played too hard and well to just fold. Playing for a winning record should be the goal. The Mets have had back-to-back losing seasons and that mentality can sink in. You'd like to build upon the finish for 2012. I think this team will, because their skipper won't let them backdown and Reyes' and Wright need to end the year strong for different reasons. I also think the players fighting for jobs will keep the team afloat. I'm hoping to write a happier segment next time.

The Mets went 9-11 in this segment. They are 50-50 for the year. That seems to be about where they should be. There is so much to discuss in this segment and that will unfold over the last 3. As with the last few, I really like what I see from one of the scrappiest Mets teams ever. Though, they're hovering around .500,this has been the most enjoyable season for me since 2006.

What I loved about this segment is the fact KO-Rod is gone. Gone is that 17.5 million dollar albatross Omar hung over the Mets in yet another boondoggle. Alderson deftly dealt him before Bora$ could get him to submit his no-trade list. I highly doubt he'd have waived the option or upgraded it for $500,000, if he stayed. The Mets will also get 2 prospects from a list the Brewers will submit. The Mets have until September to choose. They did send 5 million to the Brewers, but again, that far better than what they faced. Sandy has now rid the Mets of 3 players, few fans liked, or respected and who did little but cause harm both on-and-off the -field. Sandy could be called the "terminator" of bad signings.

In his absence, Izzy has 2 saves and a win. Parnell has stepped up as the set-up guy and he's been fantastic. He's the heir apparent to Izzy as closer and could take over next year even if Izzy returns. Beato could move up to set-up if Izzy is gone. Mejia could also be in-the-mix if he's converted to a reliever which is quite possible. The Mets could add a reliever in the Beltran deal still to come in the next segment. I'm happy with the frontend(Beato, Parnell and Izzy) of the pen as is, but would love to add depth. Brydak has been serviceable, but Acosta and Igarashi are pure dreck. Carrasco also has run out of rope. He should go back to Buffalo and start the rest of the year. They've got to go.  Bring back Dale Thayer who is 2-1 with 10 saves @ Buffalo and a 5-1 K-BB ratio(50-10) Another lefty is needed, but the off-season could produce that. Brad Holt and O'Connor could be recalled to take Igarashi and Acosta's spots. Holt has pitched well since be converted to relief. Let's see what he has over the last 2 months. At worst move him to Buffalo to close with Thayer moving up. The starters have to go deeper to avoid that horrid backend until it's addressed. Let's hope it's very soon(like Sunday!)

This segment also saw the return of David Wright and in his first game back he had 2 doubles, 2 RBI including the GW RBI in the 8th inning to break a 5-5 tie. Wright's power was missed and hopefully he'll have a strong second-half to shut up his critics who forget what an incredible offensive player he's been. I mean last year he had 29 HRS-103 RBI with no protection(Davis hit lower in the line-up much of the time). There is no way Wright should be dealt. Wright and Reyes should be the homegrown vets that help lead this team back from the dead. Davis should be the young part of that core this team is building. Hopefully Nieuwenhuis recovers from shoulder surgery and is ready to play RF/CF either in 2012 or 2013. You add in Cory Vaughn who also may be 2 years away and you may have your CF and RF for awhile. Wilmer Flores could develop into a corner OF as well replacing Bay. How cool would it be to have a team which could be ALL homegrown starters if Murphy wins the 2B job and Thole is catching? For once, this team can actually envision that.

The rotation seems to be crumbling a bit in this last segment. Niese has been a bit up-and-down and Dickey has been okay, but too often falls victim to one bad inning. Capuano has been decent in this stretch and Gee was faltering until his last start. Pelfrey has been pathetic. He's gone 6 straight starts of 6 innings or less and he's lucky he's 5-9. He's pitching his way off this team. Fortunately, the Mets may get some help. I'm not talking through a trade per se, but the return of Santana. He may pitch a rehab game next Wednesday and that would start his 30 day clock. That could set him up for a late August or early September start. Those starts are key, not due to any playoff push, but rather to evaluate where he is and for his own peace-of-mind. If he's healthy and gets 5-6 starts under his belt, management may feel confident enough to deal Pelfrey this off-season for prospects or perhaps to strengthen the pen or bench.


The offense has fallen off after that 52 run outburst. Beltran continues to up his worth and this should be the last segment where he will be mentioned as a Met. I'll add more at the end of this post in my closing. I want to focus on the return of Reyes and the incredible play of Murphy here. Reyes has come back and continues to hit. As I type this he's hitting .349 and could become the first Met ever to win a batting title and be MVP. I believe the former is much more likely, than the latter. Daniel Murphy also has been terrific. In fact, he leads the MLB in average w/RISP and 2 outs. Last I saw, he was hitting about .370 in that category. Overall, he's hitting .307 with 6 HRS-42 RBI. Those power numbers are much better @ 2B, than 1st, but the kid is clutch. If he can improve @ 2B by playing in the off-season, he may be ready to play full-time there. Justin Turner has made himself into a valuable utility guy who could fill-in admirably @ 2B or even 3rd. I can't see him playing everyday anywhere. Few others have hit in this stretch consistently. Bay has slumped again, Pagan has slumped badly (except for that big walk-off HR) and Turner seems to be slowing down as well. Thole and Paulino have been decent, but could be more productive. Paulino has pop, but seems to be simply lining singles. Thole is more of a singles hitter, but should turn on a few and drive them. He's capable of doing that. Overall,I like the platoon and would like to see it in 2012 as well. Duda has hit better for average, but the big galoot has no HRS. He should be driving the ball, but seems to be settling for singles and the occasional extra base-hit. Hopefully, when Beltran is dealt, Duda will start to rake it more. He should get a real look over the last 2 months with Nieuwenhuis out for the year and Flopmart injured again with a hip flexor(you can't make this up). Even if healthy, Martinez probably wouldn't have gotten a shot since he was only hitting .254 @ Buffalo. Duda should get a 2 month look unless a RF comes back in the deal(Dom Brown?). Hairston is a very capable back-up, if Lucas flops. The offense needs more consistency. They'll lose Beltran, but Wright and Reyes are back and hopefully Davis can come back for the last 2 months as well. We'll know by the next segment if he will.


I'm probably most impressed this year with the Mets road mark. They currently are 28-24 away from Citifield. They've had 3 consecutive winning road trips. In those trips they've not only gone 4-2, 6-4 and 4-3, but have beaten Milwaukee, Atlanta, Texas and Detroit all either first place teams in their divisions or the WC. Over that 14-9 stretch, they also split with a very surprising Bucs team and beat the Dodgers 3 of 4, something they've rarely done. They've also split the first 2 games of a 10-game road trip which will continue into the next segment. The Mets have jelled on the road and that bodes well for the rest of the year and 2012. Last year, they didn't win a road series against a NL team until August. They actually went nearly one full year before winning that series. That's a nice turnaround and something to build on. This team has become road warriors and they have won more games as of this post on the road than any team in the NL. Someone contact Hawk.

Finally, I'm going to end with my feelings and overall analysis of Beltran's stay with the Mets. I use to be a big Beltran fan when he was in KC. I always wanted the Mets to deal for him. When he came over, I was thrilled. Reyes and Wright were developing into young stars and I thought Beltran could be a big part of the core. In 2005, he was terrible putting up Lee Mazzilli numbers, more than Beltran numbers. However, from 2006-2008, he put up the numbers, I knew he could. He played a great CF and ran the bases with intelligence and saavy. However, then he missed over 170 games during the 2009-2010 season. Most was because of his knee bruise, but he also missed 5 games with the flu. I couldn't believe that one. I was a bit down on him, but still loved his game. However, when he decided to get an operation in January and there was serious doubt whether he really got the ok, I was miffed. However, I figured he'd be better when he returned in mid-April like he said he would. Well, 3 more months went by and he finally returned wearing a knee brace. That team was 48-40 when he returned. However, instead of boosting the team, he deflated it. He slumped, sulked and seem to use that brace as a crutch. I always felt he was soft, but then I saw him not just as soft, but selfish. That operation had such a profoundly negative effect on the club and he hardly seemed to care. In fact, he took the last 2 weeks off after he had the operation to avoid that. That just ticked me off more. Finally, he comes to spring training and looks like he can hardly move. What the heck did he do all off-season? He plays one game, slides into home, then takes off the remainder of the pre-season casting a pall over who will start the season in RF and if he'll ever play again full-time. To his credit, he returned and played well. However, due to the events that proceeded them, I truly felt it was just for a new contract and possibly a mid-season trade to a contender. I never felt like Beltran did it to make up for his missed time and judgments. He never played for the fans. Incredibly, through his selfishness, the Mets will reap the benefits. The best thing Beltran did over the last year+ was build up his trade value. He went from dumping his salary, to maybe lower level prospects, to perhaps a top prospect and a player. For that, I thank him. Trading him will make this a deeper and better team in 2012. Beltran was here for 6+ years. He had 3 great years and a very good 1/2 year. 2 years were a total waste and his first year was a flop. Overall, I feel he wasn't worth the contract, but this is one I won't put on Omar, because Beltran was a top player when he got him and did help this team get to one big hit from the world series. Unfortunately, Beltran failed to get that hit and the lasting image(fair or not) is him with his bat on his shoulder as the Cardinals celebrated on the Mets field. That pretty much sums up his stay here.

Below are the final grades for the 2011 NY Mets. I deleted Beltran and TKO-Rod from my mid-season grade list. I've added Evans &  Acosta. Here they are...

Offense

C- Josh Thole- C:  Josh has 3 HR-40 RBI and  hit .268. He done a decent job behind the plate, but never really got untracked.

C- Ronny Paulino- D+: Ronny numbers 2 HR- 19 RBI and .268 average were extremely disappointing. His defense was porous.

1B- Ike Davis- INC : He was on his way to a great 1st half, but has missed the last 126 games. Let's hope he's healthy in April.

1B/3B- Dan Murphy- B+: After a slow start, he caught fire. 6 HRS-49 RBI-.320 was excellent production. Too bad he missed 50 games.

2B- Justin Turner- B: He cooled off, but overall has been a godsend. 50 RBI in 117 games was solid. The Mets best clutch hitter.

2B/SS- Ruben Tejada- B-: He's played brilliantly defensively and has helped with his bat especially going deep in counts.

SS- Jose Reyes- A-:  An average second-half and he played at half speed the last month. 7 HRS-44 RBI-.337 were still solid.

3B- David Wright-C-: The INC turned to a C- with his worst offensive year by far.14 HRS-61 RBI-.254. is not acceptable.

LF- Jason Bay- C-: Poor numbers still haunt him 12 HRS-57 RBI-.245. Jason plays hard, but needs to stay healthy and produce.

CF- Angel Pagan- C-: His numbers 7 HRS- 56 RBI-.262 aren't exactly solid. Angel's defense was horrendous. He's gone.

RF- Lucas Duda: B+: 10 HRS- 50 RBI-.292 are more impressive because virtually all came in the second-half. He's the Mets new RF.

Bench: Scott Hairston-C-: 7 HRS-24 RBI-.235, are not great numbers. He was a total non-factor in the second-half. He's gone.

Bench: Willie Harris: C-: 2 HR-23 RBI-.246 is hardly great, but he is useful. Odds are he won't be back.

Bench: Jason Pridie: C-: Filled in great while Pagan was hurt, but since has done little. 4 HRS-20 RBI-.231. 5th OF at best. Gone as well.

Bench: Nick Evans: C: 4 HRS-25 RBI-.256 are hardly big numbers, but he filled in decently when Murphy went down. 50-50 that he returns


Pitching


SP- Dillon Gee: B-: faded in the 2nd half but 13-6- 4.43 ERA is solid for a rookie.. He's shown poise and grit.

SP- Jon Niese:C+: 11-11-4.40 were pedestrian numbers. He needs to stay healthy and be more consistent.

SP- Chris Capuano:C+: 11-12-4.55 are average numbers, but he pitched his heart out. He led the team with 168 K's.

SP- Mike Pelfrey:F: He was deemed the ace, but is the worst of 5. 7-13-4.74 doesn't speak of how bad and gutless he was.

SP- RA Dickey: C+: 8-13-3.28 were misleading numbers. He should have been at least .500, but didn't get run support.

RP- Bobby Parnell: D-: Overall, 4-6-3.64- 6 SV were pedestrian numbers. He blew his opportunity to win the closer job.

RP- Jason Isringhausen: B-: 3-3- 4.05- 7 SV are decent numbers. He gave 100% before his body gave out. Thanks Izzy.

RP- Pedro Beato:C-: Early on was unhittable, but too often got lit up. Overall he was 2-1-3.82-SV. Pedro may start 2012 @ AAA.

RP- Tim Brydak: B-: 2-1-3.82-SV were decent numbers. Incredibly he was the Mets most consistent reliever.

RP- Ryota Igarashi: F: 4-1-4.66 . Those numbers do not detail his incompetence on the mound. He's done. Sayonara.
 
RP- Manny Acosta: C+: 4-1-3.45- 4 SV. He ended the year strong, but is nothing more than a jorneyman middle reliever.


Coaching:


MGR- Terry Collins:A-: What can you say? His team got off to a 5-13 start and he didn't whine or make excuses. The guy kept the faith, preached unity and hard work and its paid off. Despite not having his ace, losing his best starter early on, his power-hitting corner infielders and then his MVP SS, he never made excuses nor lowered expectations. He's done a masterful job. He's used his bench well and tried to get something out of a depleted and untalented pen. He's kept himself and his team upbeat. He promised this team would play hard, play good baseball and win. He was right on 2 of 3. The lack of talent did him in the last month.Still a great job though.

Coaching staff:B: The hitting coach and base coaches have done a masterful job. This team plays smart, takes counts deep and gets clutch hits. They work counts deep and battle. They're impressive to watch. From 1-8, they make you work. Kudos to their hitting coach. The Mets finished 2nd in the NL in OB%. Warthen's pitching staff collapsed and he is partly to blame. He did a nice job in the first half, but failed to adjust in the second half. Warthen is returning, but shouldn't. The BP coach should be fired. They were the worst in MLB.


Management


GM- Sandy Alderson: B+: Overall, he's changed the culture. Sandy earns the grade just for hiring Terry Collins and dumping those 2 albatrosses Castillo and Perez. Other than that, he's made some solid moves. The signing of Capuano, the acquisition of a top minor league hurler in Zach Wheeler for FA to be Beltran and dumping TKO-Rod saving the Mets the option of 17.5 million and getting 2 players back to boot were his best moves. Young was great early on before the injury. He cost little. Emaus was a flop, but Sandy didn't hesitate(like that other GM) to trade him. That shows me a lot. He accepts his failures and is quick to correct them. Sandy has also handled the press flawlessly. He gives them the facts, some humor and no editorializing or excuses. The guy is a pro. What a difference a year makes. He has this team on the right path because he has a plan. Good job hiring DePodesta and Ricciardi to help with talent. Again, he's shown his intelligence by the company he keeps. No Bernazards or Manuels. He's a bright guy who knows how to delegate.



Team Grade:


C: Though they ended up 77-85, they've played far beyond expectations at times. They've overcome injuries that in past years would have seen the team dive into murky depths. This year they went 43-38 on the road which was an 11 game improvement over last year. However, their home mark of 34-47 was horrid. That's a 13 game deficit. The Mets hit better and were more patient. Their pitching was pathetic though. The Mets found a young stud in Duda, a versatile player in Turner and a backend starter in Gee. They failed to groom a young closer and saw Pelfrey fall off the cliff. Their attendance declined due to poor expectations and a slow start. They ended the season poorly. However, they battled, beating the Braves 2 of 3 and rallied putting up 6 runs to win a game against the eventual wild-card Cardinals in the last week plus. That showed me something. Reyes also won the club's first batting title with a .337 average. So, though far from great, it wasn't a terrible season and the Mets will pare anywhere between 55-65 million off their payroll. They also have talent in A ball which will be in Double and Triple A next year and in 2013. The reinforcements are coming and with a few shrewd moves could produce the Mets first winning season in 4 years in 2012. So all's not lost.

The Mets have become road warriors. They've won 13 of their last 19 on the road beating Milwaukee, Atlanta, Texas, Detroit and now LA in the process. In that streak their only non-series win was a 4 game split with the improving Pirates. 4 of the 6 teams they played were either in first in their division or wild-card when they played them. That's very impressive. Remember this was a team that didn't win it's first road series against a NL foe until August last year in Houston. Unbelievable, yet true.

Collins speculated on this yesterday. He stated the team has no distractions on the road and this group really gets along. He said the focus is just on baseball. He then stated he has to figure a way to get them to play like this at home. Interesting.

So why are they 26-20 on the road and 19-22 @ home? Could it be just the distractions from so-called writers asking unbelievable dumb questions and the extra PR they do? That seems a bit of a stretch. Perhaps it's the fact they press at home to get fans back in the stands. Perhaps they want to entertain and win in a way which will bring them out and get them behind the team. Maybe its the dimensions of the field. No one really knows. Last year they played well at home and poor on the road. So again, who knows?

What the Mets have to do is simply play the same way at home. The park should work to their advantage. Their pitchers should use the dimensions to their advantage. The Mets hitters have speed and hit the ball in the gaps. It's not like they're hitting tons of road HRS. They're simply getting hits in big spots, often with 2 outs. If they continue that @ Citifield, the record will improve. It's really that simple.No gimmicks are needed.

Whatever the final record( I still say 83 wins), this team has given us 80+ games of pure grit and damn good baseball. They've played the whole year w/out their ace. They've played a month + w/out their corner infielders who are their power sources. They've even gone 4-0 w/out their best player and perhaps the best player in MLB in 2011. Kudos to the players, especially guys like Turner, Murphy,  Paulino, Duda, Pridie, Gee and Tejada who weren't even on the 25 man roster on opening day. Kudos to Sandy Alderson for not overplaying his hand and bring in pros like Young, Capuano, Beato, Hairston, Harris and Paulino. All were solid and inexpensive moves. Young got hurt, but was great early on. Cappy is 8-7 and could easily be 11-4. Beato is looking like a bullpen fixture for years along with Parnell. Hairston and Harris have strengthened what was an incredibly weak bench in 2010. Paulino has been a hitting machine since his return from suspension and injury.  Also, thanks to Sandy for ridding us of the 2 albatrosses Castillo and Perez. Removing their stench has done wonders. Where are all those defenders of Castillo now? How have Turner, Murphy and Tejada done @ 2nd. The answer? They've done light years better.


Most of all we have to give it up for Terry Collins. This guy swore this team would play good baseball the right way and win. He maintained that when they were 5-13. He was upbeat and steadfast. No stupid jokes like Manuel. No blaming injuries like Jerry or Omar. No paranoia like Randolph. He was a man about their situation. He kept the faith, believed in his crew and they've responded. That's how you manage people. Collins also has used his bench and bullpen well. He's kept guys fresh. Most of all, he's been upbeat and accountable. Those are words rarely if ever used to describe Jerry, Willie and Omar. I think of idiotic, arrogant,  delusional and just plain incompetent, when looking for descriptions of them. Collins has changed the attitude and culture here. For that alone, he deserves our undying thanks. The fact he's won with this rag tag bunch is simply amazing. If not for Gibson and Hurdle also performing miracles, he'd be the leading candidate for NL manager of the YR. He may eventually win it anyway.

The Mets are 45-42. They're 26-20 on the road. That's the most road wins in the NL and 2nd most in MLB trailing only Boston and Tampa who have 27. That's unreal. Look at who is missing and remember what happened last year. It's truly a miracle. Or even better, amazin'. I like the return of that word. It's been a long road back to amazin'.