With Harvey Promoted To Mets, Will Wheeler Replace Him In Buffalo?

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• Stick July 21, 2012 at 10:29 pm

  every pitcher has an off game occasionally. It happens. learn, adjust and move on.

  And Mejia is so far from being an option to call up for a start now, might as well be talking about a guy like Pill in low A ball!
• Brian July 21, 2012 at 10:41 pm

  There goes that theory, lol. If he gets rattled like that in the minors imagine having to face Matt Kemp, Bryce Harper or Ryan Braun.
• Ernest July 21, 2012 at 10:44 pm

  Well, there goes that idea. Now what? Do we really have to watch batista and hefner get rocked every 5th day while replacing santana and gee?
• Tommy2cat July 21, 2012 at 11:52 pm

  Not a big deal. Every pitcher has an off day. You’re never as bad as your worst day and never as good as your best. Mets are smart to allow him to develop under Wally at this time.

  Seriously, best time to bring him up is in September when the rosters normally expand, to keep the expectations in check and not to heap too much on this young lad. He needs to focus on stuff like his plant leg, staying back, staying closed, good stride, keeping the ball down, etc…

  Sometimes, AA and AAA pitchers will be asked to emphasize certain pitches that they’re trying to develop. On those occasions, the results are not always indicative of the pitcher’s development. Tonight may’ve been one of those instances.

  As far as the parent ball club is concerned, I’m glad we’re losing so that we’re not duped into believing that we’re buyers as we approach the trading deadline. WE ARE NOT BUYERS! We’re not even sellers, for that matter. We are in recovery from years of fiscal and organizational mismanagement that damn-near left the Wilpons bankrupt and our minor and major league franchises bereft of young talent.

  Frankly, Sandy recently dropped the ball in allowing the Indians to claim Vinnie Rottino off waivers, particularly when we are at a deficit for quality right-handed bats. And I don’t care how good Met brass thinks Mike Nickeas is behind the plate. With a bat in his hand, he’s as proficient as someone trying to drink coffee with a fork. No excuse not to have Rob Johnson on the major league roster.

  So there!
  • Fonzie13 July 22, 2012 at 3:08 am

    Tom2cat, I agree with just about your entire post here except for one point you made.

    “Sometimes, AA and AAA pitchers will be asked to emphasize certain pitches that they’re trying to develop. On those occasions, the results are not always indicative of the pitcher’s development. Tonight may’ve been one of those instances”

    I watched Harvey’s start tonight and I assure you this wasn’t the case. Matt again could not only not command his secondry pitches, he couldn’t locate his fatball. He fell behind almost everybody 2-0, 3-1 and got hammered. He’s now walking 4 per 9 IP and each level he has moved up his walk rate has risen and his strikeout rate although still very good, has decreased. He still has work to do.
    • Tommy2cat July 22, 2012 at 8:18 am

      Fonzie – Thanks for the update – just reinforces point that Harvey needs more time to work to do.

      Hey, nice Bobblehead, Dude!
  • Amazin July 22, 2012 at 3:58 am

    There’s a real Met fan, beloved by the Wilpons and Alderson. A REAL MET FAN ADMITS THAT HE’S HAPPY THE METS ARE LOSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Tommy!!!!!!!! Tell those fake Met fans that winning is bad and losing is great!!!!!!! I bet you hope the Mets never suffer through long runs of first place finishes like the Phils and Braves did. All it does is ruin the fan base right!!!!!!!!!!
    • Tommy2cat July 22, 2012 at 8:37 am

      Now, now – let’s no let our anger get the best of us.

      If you can recall back in 2004, the Mets had something of a faux hot streak. We had bested the Yankees in the subway series and had not properly gauged the capability of the team, which led, of course, to the infamous Kazmir-Zambrano deal.

      Currently, our roster, indeed our organization, is lopsided with left-handed hitters. Wright can’t do it by himself. And while Tejada contributes beyond expectations, Hairston is one-dimensional, Bay & Nickeas are simply useless, as is Torres from the right side. Our minor league system is truly bereft of any legitimate right-handed hitting prospects in AA and AAA. Maybe Zack Lutz. That’s why Alderson’s oversight on Rottino was more critical than first meets the eye.

      There’s a few good right-handed hitting outfield prospects out there: Giants CF Gary Brown and Blue Jays OF Jake Marisnick, to name a couple. We have the chips to acquire these players, but must proceed intelligently. Let’s hope Murphy stays hot.

      To think we are better than we are, to think we are buyers rather than sellers, is foolish. So, if it takes a losing streak to reinforce this wisdom, then so be it, lest we once again dupe ourselves into wishing, hoping and believing that we are better than we are, do not learn from our history and repeat the mistakes the Front Office made 8 years ago.

      Yeah, so without bringing our vaulted bullpen into this conversation, I’m glad we’ve had this recent losing streak. I’d rather focus on adding to and developing the Zach Wheelers, Brandon Nimmos & Matt Harveys within our organization, than deplete what little we have for the sake of a failed attempt at an elusive Wild Card slot.

      Verstehen Sie Das?
      • Fonzie13 July 22, 2012 at 8:27 pm

        Again Tom2cat I agree with almost everything here, except being glad we had this losing streak. I agree it puts into proper perspective just how far away we are from being the type of team that goes on a Philly, Atl, Yankee type of run, It sucks to see the team wipe away all the good that came out of the first half. Instead of feeling good about the rotation going forward, question marks have re-appeared.

        The rest of the team I felt was flawed all along. Too many one dimensional players at the ML level and upper levels of the minors. The defense is deplorable at too many key positions and as you pointed out, too top heavy from the left side, having no ability to hit LHP at all.

        I won’t even get into the disgrace we call a bullpen. This team needs a lot of help. Still!
        • Tommy2cat July 23, 2012 at 1:06 am

          Thanks Fonzie – I don’t WANT a losing streak. Its just that the Met Brass historically has been so susceptible to believing the team is better than it really is, I was very concerned they would do something rash as we move toward the trading deadline.

          My expectations for this season were very limited so, given the wonderful performances we’ve been treated to this year by Wright, Santana & Dickey, I kind of feel like we’re playing with house money. I just don’t want the Front Office to do anything stupid on the basis of an incorrect assumption that we’re better than we really are.

          No – this team is flawed and has a ways to go before each position is manned by capable ball players, the line-up is balanced from both sides of the plate with power and speed, the starting rotation is healthy and deep and the bull pen bursting with hungry young flamethrowers with an ax to grind. We are none of that right now – and to me, that is totally unacceptable.

          So, if it takes a losing streak to assist the Wilpons & Co. to this realization, so be it. Sometimes, life in pitches inside whether in baseball in the form of a losing streak or in our daily walk when $hit happens, but it does so for a reason. Let’s hope Sandy & his henchmen are wise enough to be patient and continue to recruit young talent and move it to the ML level. Their handling of Ike Davis earlier this year suggests they have the acumen. But I don’t wanna hear anything about buying nuthin’ no nevermind, Homes.

          
• Mitch July 22, 2012 at 7:37 am

  “Harvey hit 98 mph on the radar gun according to beat writer and Buffalo Bisons broadcaster Ben Wagner, but while velocity like that is nice, you have to command it and compliment it with quality secondary pitches to be successful. Velocity alone is no guarantee of success. Just ask Bobby Parnell.”
  Couldn’t have said it better myself. This has been my argument about Harvey for awhile. He has great velocity and that is going to get minor league hitters out. The last time I saw him pitch was last Monday against the Mud Hens and he was leaving his fastball up and it had zero movement – it was flat – big leaguers are going to abuse that. Regardless, with a 98mph fastball he will be in the show eventually…I’m just not sold this guy is the savior yet.
  • Fonzie13 July 22, 2012 at 8:32 pm

    Neither am I Mitch. He has future closer written all over him. Not only does he need to develope his changeup he still needs to better command the pitches he already has. The old number one and the duece.
• Metsie July 22, 2012 at 12:21 pm

  This is what happens when you play emotional chicken with your kids…

  We are so concerned about ruining him by bringing him up no one ever stopped to think you can just as easily ruin him by jerking him around and playing with his head by all this public debate by the FO that he might be brought up he might not, he’s ready he’s not.

  He pitched a pretty good game on audition night, wasn’t spectacular but thats what happens when you make a big deal about one start and tell the guy his MLB fate hangs in the balance!

  Then to say nope he isn’t ready what is that player going to do?

  CHANGE what got him that far in the first place in hopes of changing thier minds…

  This front office needs to stop debating every decision in the open, stop leaking ideas to gauge fan reaction, start MAKING decisions and sticking with them instead of the two weeks of hand wringing they seem to do on every decision they eventually DON’T MAKE!

  If they don’t want to rush Harvey then fine MAKE A TRADE!
  DO SOMETHING HERE NERO!
  • Fonzie13 July 22, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    I’d say Santana being put on the DL threw a monkeywrench into the plans, turning the not ready into ready. Don’t ya think?.
    • Metsie July 22, 2012 at 8:53 pm

      No Bautista changed thier mind!
      • Fonzie13 July 22, 2012 at 11:44 pm

        1A and1B
        • Metsie July 23, 2012 at 11:22 am

          If Santana was the cause they wouldn’t have put him on the Taxi Squad.

          This is just another audition but not for us more likely for the rest of the MLB in preperation for a trade.
• LA Mets Fan July 22, 2012 at 7:16 pm

  LMAO!!!
• Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 7:19 pm

  Hahahaha! Craig can’t help but laugh at the Youtube video choice. Nicely done. Can you imagine this as Harvey’s walk up music to the plate? LoL!
• Old Backstop July 22, 2012 at 7:30 pm

  Oh boy, this is going to be fun. It’s going to be a zoo on the internet on Thursday. Can’t wait.
• oleosmirf July 22, 2012 at 7:38 pm

  Just curious, why do they need to activate him 2 games before he is actually needed? Isn’t it a better to keep that other person on the roster since it’s not like Harvey will be used Tuesday or Wednesday…
  • Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    It might have to do with how long he can be on Taxi squad. According to Rubin “Placing Harvey on “taxi squad” Mon. and activating Tues. allows him to throw bullpen w/ Dan Warthen, be with team. Not just show & go Thurs.”

    There may be a 48 hour time limit with how long a player can be on Taxi squad before having to either be activated or sent down.
    • Steve From Norfolk July 23, 2012 at 10:36 am

      24 hour limit on the taxi squad
  • Metsie July 22, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    They need to prep him for the gameplan vs Batters and remember they are going on the road after the Nats so might as well take him with them.
• jdon July 22, 2012 at 7:55 pm

  I am sure that he will be fine. Sure he will get his knocks. All rookies do. I am actually more excited about Wheeler. I have seen Harvey pitch a few times and his stuff does not knock me out. That does not mean he will not be a fine pitcher. I have seen Wheeer throw about 10 pitches, and he just seems to have that electric something. His pitches have zing. We will have to wait til next year for him, though.
• Liz July 22, 2012 at 7:56 pm

  Sorry, dumb question.

  Is there a rule that you have to announce your projected starter to the other team in advance?

  Because I dont know why you would let the D’backs know he’s pitching against them so soon unless we have to. Otherwise isn’t it more advantageous to just activate him on Wednesday night and let him pitch on Thursday to catch them off guard?
  • Brian July 22, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    Not dumb at all. There is no rule. Sometimes a team may not have decided on a starter until the day of the game. The Mets could have waited to make this announcement on Wednesday, but maybe they felt it would create some buzz and sell some extra tickets for the last 3 games of this homestand.
  • Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    There is very little gained over Arizona by the Mets not announcing this. The D-Backs know that barring a trade there is a limited list of choices and they would prep accordingly for them. As far as tickets I don’t see how announcing Harvey will pitch in Arizona will sell tickets the next 3 games. Maybe if he was pitching Wednesday at home but Thursday at Arizona I don’t see it.
    • Brian July 22, 2012 at 8:23 pm

      I meant in the context that the Mets have lost 9 of their last 10 and gloom is setting in. Maybe this creates some positive buzz
      • Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 8:25 pm

        It’s possible I guess Brian. I just personally don’t see it.
        • Brian July 22, 2012 at 8:35 pm

          Well speaking for just me and my wife, we were kind of bummed after this game. After dinner when I came here and read this I called out to her and we were both kind of jazzed by it. I hope he can come up and win 7-8 games for us.
          • Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 8:40 pm

            “I hope he can come up and win 7-8 games for us.”

            Right there with you on this.
• Matt July 22, 2012 at 8:16 pm

  As long as Mets fans temper their expectations. This guy has the stuff of a number 3. That’s a good pitcher, but he’s not an ace. Wheeler might be an ace.
• jerseymet July 22, 2012 at 8:37 pm

  The 2014 Met’s roster takes another step foward.
• gary s. July 22, 2012 at 8:46 pm

  If he turns out to be a Mike Pelfrey clone and is not very good, what does that do to the great things that are supposed to happen in 2013 and 2014.I think that’s why SA didn’t want to start him now.If he pitches like crap, SA will be exposed as another liar in the Mets FO.
• Gina July 22, 2012 at 9:18 pm

  Oh my that video,lol, How funny and appropriate. I’m really surprised Harvey is coming up in July. I dont think a 3.68 ERA and 1.38 is not very dominating at all and he walks a lot of batters. Alderson has said for over a year that Harvey wouldn’t be rushed. I think he’s being called up out of desperation, just like how Pelfrey and Niese were called up. I think he blinked.
  • Amazin July 22, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Gina, How many lies does it take for one to stop treating this guy like a false god????
  • Steve From Norfolk July 23, 2012 at 10:44 am

    I think the Wilpons are behind this. I want to see Harvey too, but not bacause we ran out of pitching. Maybe they figure that since most of the rest of AAA team that has potential is already up here, Harvey might as well get used to playing with them.
• Pauly NYM! July 22, 2012 at 11:08 pm

  HARVEY!!! man there is nothing to say but finally and good luck Harvey. I liked this guy ever since we drafted him. Can this be the second coming of Doc Gooden? or dare I say…Tom “The Franchise” Seaver? =o Let me not get ahead of myself. Nevertheless, Go give the snakes hell !!! LETS GO METS!!!!!!!
• Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 11:16 pm

  @MattHarvey43

  Thank you everyone for the support! Such an amazing feeling. Heading to the airport and NYC early in the morning.
  https://twitter.com/MattHarvey43/status/227239806944559104
• Pauly NYM! July 22, 2012 at 11:21 pm

  One quick question. Harvey wears 43 but so does Dickey. I wonder what number will he use now unless Dickey gives him 43. So many questions in so little time? Man hearing WFAN announce this and with the Oakland sweep makes this day better even though our Mets loss today. In my eyes, the glass is half full. LETS GO METS!!!! SO EXCITED!!!
  • Mr North Jersey July 22, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    The A’s just went 5-1 at home vs the Yanks & Rangers and have gone on a 25-9 run after falling 9 games below .500. Pretty impressive. You have to think though that they will hold on to Balfour the rest of the season at this point.
• julio July 23, 2012 at 1:52 am

  spin is awsome need more play time