With the help of the team’s explosive offensive outing, Zack Wheeler’s excellent start in Chicago yesterday afternoon led the Mets to a 10-2 win over the Cubs.

Wheeler, 29, threw 94 pitches through seven innings while allowing one run on one hit. He walked just one batter and struck out five.

Zack spoke with the media after the game about his satisfaction with the outing, rebounding from a string of poor starts against the Yankees and Braves where he let up eight runs in 11 and 2/3 innings.

“My slider was actually working for the most part today- I was able to keep them off balance. When you hit your spots, and keep them off balance, it’s a little easier to pitch.” Wheeler said. “Good game today. I was pretty happy with it.”

The righty got into some trouble early, allowing four of the Cubs’ first six batters to reach base but found a way out efficiently in his first few innings pitched. He then retired his next fifteen batters.

In the bottom of the seventh, Wheeler let up back to back singles to Wilson Contreras and Jason Heyward, and walked Carlos Gonzalez to load the bases. With Victor Garatini grounding into a double play, Contreras scored, but he was able to limit the damage to just one run by getting his next batter to lineout before being pulled for Chris Flexen in the eighth.

Wheeler now has 9 starts of at least seven innings pitched this season. That’s tied with Max Scherzer and Hyun-Jin Ryu for the most in the National League.

Saturday’s dominant start brought his record to 6-5 on the season and lowered his ERA to a 4,69. The gem led the Amazin’s to win their second consecutive game for the first time in two weeks. They won their second game at Wrigley with the possibility of taking three of four tomorrow afternoon, and will have a chance to take just their third road series of the season with Jacob deGrom facing off with Cole Hamels on the mound.

The post Zack Wheeler’s Gem Leads Mets to 10-2 Win Over Cubs appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good Morning Mets fans!!

Noah Syndergaard will kick off a three-game set against Madison Bumgarner and the Giants. The last time these pitchers matched up….. well, we don’t talk about that here. The game can be viewed on SNY and WCBS 880 at 7:10 p.m.

Latest Mets News

Major League Baseball’s 2019 amateur player draft started last night and the Mets had two selections.

• With their first pick of the draft (12th overall), the Mets selected slugging third-baseman Brett Baty. MetsMerizedOnline’s own Michael Mayer profiled the Mets’ first-round selection here.
• With their second and final selection of the night (53rd overall), the Mets picked righty Josh Wolf. MetsMerizedOnline’s own Teddy Klein analyzed the Mets’ choice here.

Stay tuned to MetsMinors.Net for the latest Mets draft news!

Ervin Santana made his organizational debut for the St. Lucie Mets last night, going five innings in an 8-4 victory.

Rob Brabford of the Athletic talked with Michael Chavis about his unintended interaction with Michael Conforto during the 2014 draft.

The Mets made a bevy of minor-league roster transactions yesterday.

Ron Darling announced that he is officially cancer-free and will return to the booth tonight.

Latest MLB News

Julio Urias will not face charges after being accused of domestic violence last night per Jorge Castillo and Richard Winton of The Los Angeles Times.

The Brewers sent promising rookie Keston Hiura down to the minor leagues after he slashed .281/.333/.531 over 17 games.

After signing a minor-league pact last week, the Cubs called up veteran Carlos Gonzalez.

According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Rays have agreed to a minor-league pact with Vidal Nuño.

Latest NL East News 

Andrew McCutchen injured himself during a rundown during last night’s Padres-Phillies contest.

Latest on MMO

Rich Coutinho remembered Mike Leible and the impact he had on his life.

Jayson Love published the fourth-ever episode of the Greener Grass podcast.

Roberto Correra looked into the options for the Mets entering the first day of the draft.

Matt Musico examined Pete Alonso‘s record-setting season.

On This Date in Mets History 

1976: Dave Kingman slammed three home runs, becoming the second-ever Met to accomplish that feat.

1998: Mets acquired Hideo Nomo and Brad Clontz in exchange for Dave Mlicki and George McMichael. A year later, Clontz’s wild pitch helped the Mets get to the postseason. What a Clontz!

Let’s Go Mets!

The post Morning Briefing: Ron Darling Returns to the Booth appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

On a day that the Mets parted ways with a moody Matt Harvey, another surgically repaired pitcher couldn’t find his rhythm on the mound.

Zack Wheeler struggled right out of the gate, gifting the Rockies five runs in the first on four base hits by Charlie Blackmon, Gerardo Parra, Nolan Arenado, and Daniel Castro. This was followed up by a sac fly from Carlos Gonzalez and a pair of doubles off the bats of Trevor Story and Ian Desmond.

“I think obviously there’s a trend there in the first inning,” Mets manager  Mickey Callaway said. “I think we have to be proactive in getting ready to go out and compete from pitch one. I think you see a lower velocity, not as crisp of stuff. So he’s got to go out there close every inning. We don’t care how deep in the game he pitches. We want the most effective innings as possible. If it’s two innings, it’s two innings. If it’s seven, it’s seven.”

After Thursday’s demoralizing 11-0 loss to Atlanta that capped a three game sweep, Cleveland transplant Callaway’s early season dream looking team has turned into a New York nightmare.

With their fourth consecutive loss, the Mets are flailing in desperate need of a lifeline from two more solid starting pitchers, an effective catcher and contributions at the plate from their future franchise outfielder, Michael Conforto.

Consistent timely hitting has morphed into men left on base or hardly out of the batter’s box. Starting pitching ends early and on the rare occasions it doesn’t, the Mets are either out of the running, or the bullpen lets it slip away.

Friday night, they made a valiant effort at a comeback down 8-2 in the eighth. Todd Frazier’s two-run blast with Yoenis Cespedes on board ignited the crowd keeping the fans from an early Citi Field exit.

Wilmer Flores came off the bench in the bottom of the ninth belting a booming double to deep center and Ahmed Rosario’s single closed the gap 8-5. Wade Davis, the ex-Royals closer who tortured the Mets in the 2015 Fall Classic, did it again, but this time, he teased them before getting the final out.

Asdrubal Cabrera, the Met who continues to be money, launched an RBI triple off of Davis’ 94 MPH four-seam fastball. Jay Bruce walked and was quickly replaced by the speedier Jose Reyes. Frazier lined a clutch base hit to left center, scoring Cabrera, sending Reyes to third. The Rockies forgot about Frazier who then stole second.

Conforto, mired in a 0-for-12 slump, with three strikeouts on the night, missed a 2-2 89 MPH cutter, and with it, an opportunity to be mauled on the field by driving in the winning runs.

“It’s just a grind that it’s the beginning of the season,” Conforto said. “That being said, I don’t think I have 80 at-bats yet, so we’re not going into panic mode yet here. I think it’s something I can work through for sure.”

In the recent string of losses, however, Callaway sees positives.

“That’s the one thing throughout this real rough patch that we’re in — and it’s rough, it’s tough — the energy’s always been there,” he said. “You’ve got guys like (Frazier,) those veteran guys, those young guys. We’re not losing our energy, that’s for sure.”

Saturday, Steven Matz will try to get the better of Chad Bettis who is riding a 1.71 ERA in five road starts this season.

The post Reeling Mets Drop Fourth Straight as Losses Pile Up appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning Mets fans! The hot stove took a little cold spell yesterday, but should start heating up with the Winter Meetings only days away.

Alex Pavlovic writes that the San Francisco Giants view the Los Angeles Dodgers as the biggest threat to their pursuit of Giancarlo Stanton.

Pavlovic also states that the Giants anticpate Stanton to decide whether or not to waive his no-trade clause by the end of the week.

Latest Mets News

Jim Callis and Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com make their predictions about who the Mets and other teams will pick in next June’s MLB Draft.

Latest MLB News 

The Boston Red Sox announced that Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis has been awarded the Tony Conigliaro Award.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors has the latest on Shohei Otani‘s negotiations.

Evan Grant reports the terms of the agreement between Mike Minor and the Texas Rangers.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Rafael Palmeiro is seriously contemplating making an MLB comeback at the age of 53.

Latest NL East News

Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post debates where A.J. Cole fits into the Nationals plans next season.

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com discusses how the Marlins could be one of the most active teams at the Winter Meetings next week.

The Atlanta Braves signed infielder Christian Colon to a minor-league deal.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com discusses the Phillies plans to supplement their young players at the Winter Meetings.

Latest on MMO

Rob Piersall debates if Cesar Hernandez is a good fit for the Mets next season.

Piersall also discusses the impact a healthy Yoenis Cespedes could have next year.

He also wrote an MMO Free Agent Profile for Carlos Gonzalez.

Lastly, he conducted an MMO Roundtable about the confidence in the Mets front office.

This Day in Mets History

1977: The Mets purchased infielder Tom Foli from the San Francisco Giants.

Birthdays: Mike Baxter turns 33.

The post Morning Briefing: Stanton Decision Could Be Coming Soon appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Carlos Gonzalez

Position: Outfield

Bats: Left – Throws: Left

Born: Oct. 17, 1985 (32)

2017 Stats: 136 G, 534 PA, 14 HR, 57 RBI, 3 SB, .262 BA, .339 OBP, .423 SLG

Advanced Stats: WAR -0.2, .162 ISO, .318 BABIP, .327 wOBA, 84 wRC+

***

Outlook:

Coming off a solid 2016 campaign where he launched 25 home runs and drove in 100 runs while hitting to a .298/.350/.505 clip in 150 games (632 plate appearances), Carlos Gonzalez wasn’t quite able to replicate that success in 2017.

The now 32-year-old started his career with the Oakland Athletics in 2008 before joining the Colorado Rockies the following season.

In 2010, the slugger made his name known, clubbing 34 home runs and driving in 117 RBI, while leading the league with 197 hits, a .336 batting average and 351 total bases. That year, he won the batting title, silver slugger award and took home a Gold Glove.

He has appeared in three All-Star Games as a member of the Rockies, making trips to the Mid-Summer Classic in 2012-13 and 2016.

Gonzalez has captured three Gold Gloves total in his career, all as a left fielder, but has since been moved to right field in recent years.

In 1,064.0 innings in right in 2017, Gonzalez had -3 defensive runs saved with a -1.7 UZR while committing three errors.

Gonzalez is also unable to hit left-handed pitching, and has been much worse away from Coors Field. Over the past three years on the road against righties, Gonzalez has hit .271/.338/.454 with a 108 wRC+.

While the Mets could use outfield help, particularly in right, Gonzalez doesn’t appear to be a solution or one the team has even considered yet this offseason, unless he can be had on a short-term, low cost type deal to help boost his value back up.

Contract:

MLB Trade Rumors has Gonzalez signing with the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year, $12 million pact. This makes sense considering he is entering the latter portion of his career and is coming off a down year. However, he hit 40 and 25 home runs, respectively, the past two seasons before this one, so on a short-term deal, a team could dole out some money and hope he returns back to the Gonzalez of old.

Recommendation:

While it wouldn’t be a terribly big investment to ink Gonzalez on a one-year pact, I think the Mets first want to try and sign an outfielder that could also slot into first base. However, if Gonzalez is without a job late in the offseason and can be had for cheaper than that MLBTR predicted $12 million price tag, maybe the Mets look into signing him with the hopes they catch lightning in a bottle. However, he is not atop their priorities list as of right now and likely won’t be unless something unforeseen happens.

The post MMO Free Agent Profile: Carlos Gonzalez, OF appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The American League all-stars defeated the National League all-stars by a score of 4-2 tonight at PETCO Park. With the win, the American League secured home field advantage in the 2016 World Series.

What you should know:

In the top of the first inning, Kris Bryant who has 25 home runs in the regular season, flashed his power by launching another home run to give the National League an early 1-0 lead.

The American League answered back in the second, with a pair of homers from Royals Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez to make it a 3-1 game.

In the third inning, the National League had runners on second and third after a single from Carlos Gonzalez and a double from Bryce Harper, but unfortunately did not score.

The American League tacked on another run in the third inning on an RBI single from Eric Hosmer. 4-1 AL.

The National League got one back in the fourth on an RBI single from Marcell Ozuna, but it would be the last run the National League would muster up, despite having a chance to tie the game back up in the eighth with the bases loaded, but Aledmys Diaz went down looking to end the frame.

The National League left ten runners on base in tonight’s game.

Neither Met Jeurys Familia or Bartolo Colon appeared in the game tonight for the National League. In fact every MLB team had someone play in the game except for the Mets.

On deck:

Baseball will resume this upcoming Friday with the Mets opening up a three game series in Philadelphia, with Jacob deGrom (5-4, 2.61) set to take on Jeremy Hellickson (6-6, 3.92 ERA). First pitch is at 7:05 PM.

The post All-Star Game Recap: American League 4, National League 2 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

As we go deeper into the offseason, there still remains several star outfielders. Whether a team wants a leadoff man, power hitter, or 5-tool player – they are available. But on December 22nd, the Mets seemingly dropped out of the saturated market when they agreed to terms with new fan favorite, Alejandro De Aza.

The signing of De Aza is reminiscent of when the Mets acquired Chris Young. They threw seven million dollars on a player with limited talent, when there were many better options available. However, this signing might be worse. Why? It is simple – this team is not a basement dwelling team anymore where this would be acceptable – we’re the defending National League champions coming off a World Series appearance.

Why did they decide to bail when Denard Span. Dexter Fowler, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, Alex Gordon, and Gerardo Parra were all still available and according to reports, their prices are all creeping down because of the glut? Not to mention trade options like Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez are also available on the trade market. Why would the team object to the notion of signing any of these guys? Any one of the players that I mentioned above would make the Mets significantly better.

Now, I understand why the Mets may not be interested in signing Gordon or Upton. Each player was extended a qualifying offer, meaning the team would have to surrender a first round pick, and additionally they would not fit well defensively in center field. But the fact that they are available helps lower the price of guys like Fowler, Cespedes, Span, and Parra – at least if you subscribe to the Law of Supply and Demand. Too many options and too few teams interested, should have been a perfect environment for the Mets.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the White Sox want to sign free agent outfielders, Alex Gordon or Yoenis Cespedes, but at no more than three years. The Mets beat writers had also reported that the Mets would also be willing to sign Cespedes at no more than three years. But after they signed De Aza, the Mets went into shutdown mode and the those same reporters all said the Mets had moved on from Cespedes and Span altogether. In fact they cancelled plans to attend his showcase this week. Word now is that he’ll only get a one-year pillow contract and re-test free agency next offseason after he wows the league in 2016.

As mentioned previously, baseball insiders and team beat reporters have all confirmed that the Mets are out of the free agent outfield market. But, how could they not be interested in any of these players if the prices continue to fall? If Cespedes ends up signing for 3-4 years at roughly $13-16 million dollars annually, would they still be happy that they had moved on from him? Or how about if Span or Parra sign for one or two years, would they still be confident in what they have, or would they be dealing with some regret?

Bottom line, the Mets should not opted out of this significant and still undefined market. I would have liked to see the Mets’ front office do their due diligence and remain in contact with each player’s agent. In my opinion, the Mets can ill-afford to deplete their farm system any further at the trade deadline as they did last year. It took years for them to build it up, it would be discouraging to see them tear it down this quickly. The Mets used to be known as the team that liked to wait for the market to develop before acting. That philosophy might have served them well this offseason, especially in assessing the outfield market.

Anyway, I thought this was a good topic of discussion. How did the Mets go from having significant interest in Span and Parra to doing an about-face a few days later and picking up a journeyman outfielder like De Aza? What were the motivating factors? Should they have waited out the market to see if they could get one of the more ideal and productive options at a better than expected price?

The post Did Mets Bail Too Soon On Outfield Market appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Metropolitans (60-52) defeated the Rockies (47-63) tonight by a final score of 4-2.

Jon Niese was hit hard at times tonight but limited the damage to just two runs through seven innings while earning the win moving him to 7-9 on the year.

The Mets didn’t manage more than a hit against Jon Gray, who was making his second big league start. Jose Reyes returned to Citi Field for the second time this season. This time, he wore purple instead of blue and promptly was picked-off in the first inning after reaching base. Welcome back Jose.

The Mets started the scoring in the 2nd inning when Travis d’Arnaud launched his first home run since returning from his most recent stint on the disabled list. It was a solo shot and a no doubter to left field. The empire struck back two innings later with who else but Carlos Gonzalez, who hit a missile to the opposite field for a two-run shot, his 26th of the year.

The Mets came close against Gray in the 5th. Jon Niese walked with two outs which was followed by an error by D.J. LeMahieu that allowed Ruben Tejada to reach as well. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position for Curtis Granderson who popped up in the infield to end the inning.

Gray was on a pitch limit so he was pulled after six and the Mets went to work agains the Rockies bullpen. They loaded the bases with two outs before the Rockies brought in the lefty veteran Boone Logan to face Granderson. Grandy worked a full-count before being hit by a hanging breaking-ball. With the bases still loaded, Daniel Murphy stepped up and didn’t waste any time, grounding a base hit through the left side past a diving Jose Reyes. That scored two more runs making it 4-2.

Tyler Clippard pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and Jeurys Familia closed the door in the 9th to earn his 31st save of the season. More importantly, Familia looked good in the 9th tonight. Since the All-Star break, Familia has yet to flash the same dominance he showcased during the first half of the year. Tonight, he was lights out (other than a few hard sliders in the dirt).

The second game of this series will be tomorrow at 7:10 p.m. and will feature Matt Harvey (10-7) against Chris Rusin (3-4).

The post 7th Inning Rally Fuels Mets 4-2 Victory In Series Opener appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets (69-75) defeated the Colorado Rockies (59-85) by a score of 3-2 tonight at Citi Field with a stunning ninth inning comeback.

What you should know:

Jon Niese went 6.2 innings for the Mets, and despite allowing eight hits, he was able to hold the Rockies to only one run. Niese left with the game tied in the seventh inning and walked away with a no decision. He struck out seven and walked one in his best start of the second half.

Lucas Duda drove in the first run for the Mets in the bottom of the first inning, doubling down the right field line to score Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

David Wright went 2-4 this evening, collecting a double and a triple, however, he failed to score each time.

The Rockies offense came off the power of two solo home runs tonight. The first off the bat of Michael Cuddyer in the top of the second, and the second from Nolan Arenado in the top of the eighth which gave the Rockies the lead in the late goings.

The Mets won the ball game in walk-off fashion, as former Mets closer LaTroy Hawkins came in to seal the deal and was promptly greeted by a Travis d’Arnaud double, a Curtis Granderson RBI triple and a Wilmer Flores sacrifice fly which won the game for New York!

The Mets have now won five of their last six games.

Thoughts:

On a night where the Mets were facing a Rockies team that’s lineup doesn’t include Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki or Justin Morneau, and a pitching staff with the highest ERA in the major leagues, the Mets offense was anemic until they got their last licks.

In what was a picture perfect ending to a mostly forgettable evening up until that point, the Mets came through when it mattered most off of their former teammate, LaTroy Hawkins. Travis d’Arnaud who has 14 hits in his last 10 games, Curtis Granderson who had a pair of home runs over the weekend in Cincinnati, and Wilmer Flores who has really come into his own recently at shortstop all combined to give the fans something to feel good about when it seemed like they were going to lose another game where they could muster up practically no offense. Hey, you know what they say, “It ain’t over until it’s over!”

Player of the Game: Curtis Granderson

Curtis came through with a clutch RBI triple in the bottom of the ninth inning which tied the game, but also set the table to be driven in for the game winner.

Final score: Mets 3, Rockies 2

Winning pitcher: Carlos Torres (7-5)
Losing pitcher: LaTroy Hawkins (3-3)

On deck:

The Mets look for the series victory tomorrow night in Queens, with Jacob deGrom (7-6, 2.79 ERA) taking on Christian Bergman (2-2, 5.23 ERA)

The post MMO Game Recap: Mets 3, Rockies 2 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Here are four types of hitters the Mets can consider trading for this offseason.

• Top Tier Stars
• Buy Low Former Stars
• Elite Prospects
• Under The Radar Players

But before we dive into available players from each category, let’s look at the trade chips the Mets have available, broken down into three groups. For this discussion, we will define “prospects” as players with under two years of major league service time.

Group A – Cost controlled starters with experience

• Jon Niese
• Dillon Gee
• Daniel Murphy

Group B – Major league ready top prospects

• Zack Wheeler
• Jacob deGrom
• Rafael Montero
• Noah Syndergaard
• Wilmer Flores

Group C – Other top prospects

• Kevin Plawecki
• Dilson Herrera
• Steven Matz
• Brandon Nimmo
• Dominic Smith
• Amed Rosario

The Mets have no shortage of pieces to work with. This organization has arguably the best combination of young players and prospects to intrigue other teams. We should also note that it is reasonable to assume that the Mets will be a better team without making any significant moves at all. There is no rule of thumb that dictates that we have to make a big trade this offseason but it is certainly worth our time to review all of our options.

Group 1 – Top Tier Stars

The two biggest names that are rumored to be available are Giancarlo Stanton and Troy Tulowitzki. Stanton is said to be available due to the Marlins non competitive nature at the moment and Loria’s unwillingness to invest his own money into the team. Tulowitzki is rumored to be unhappy with Colorado’s inability to compete and the club’s lack of direction. So what will it cost to attain each one and would they be worth the hefty haul?

Here are a few points to note on Stanton vs Tulowitzki.

• Stanton is younger and hitting his prime
• Tulowitzki is the better defender, an elite one at a premium position
• Tulowitzki has missed about 25% of games due to injury since his rookie year and will miss the rest of 2015.
• Tulowitzki has 6 years/$118 mil guaranteed on his contract spanning to his age 35 season
• Trading for Stanton will likely mean an extension starting at age 26. This could be a 10 year/$250-$300 mil deal or a short term 4 year/$120 mil deal with player opt outs.

Let’s pretend for a minute that we are in an alternate universe where the Mets are capable of taking on a large contract. From the list above, I believe the Mets would be willing to part with two players from group A, B and C as well as another one or two non top prospects for an elite player.

Before Tulowitzki’s season ending surgery, I could see the Mets willing to part with DeGrom (Colorado must be salivating at his ability to keep the ball down) and Nimmo for the elite shortstop. But with Tulo showing us another way to get on the disabled list, this thought can be classified in the “what if” section.

As for Stanton, I believe a fair return would be along the lines of Wheeler, Plawecki and Herrera. However, I expect Miami to ask for one player from group A and three or four prospects from groups B and/or C. Additionally, if Stanton gets dealt, it will not be to a team within the division. Add this thought to the “what if” section as well.

Trading for a big time slugger is one option and the Mets have more than enough trade chips to get it done. But considering all the factors necessary to make this blockbuster deal, I see next to no chance of either trade happening.

Group 2 – Buy Low Former Stars

The second type of hitter that can be acquired is a former all-star that has struggled and/or dealt with injuries in recent years but still have potential to regain their previous forms. The Dodgers have two outfielders that fit this mold, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. Despite the posing that GM Ned Colletti has done, we know that LA would be quick to move either or both. The Dodger outfield will be quite crowded in 2015 with Joc Pederson (more on him later) and Yasiel Puig slated in center and right field. Even if they go with a four man outfield rotation as they did this year, it will leave them with Crawford, Kemp, Ethier and Van Slyke (more on him later as well) fighting for two spots.

An acquisition for either Kemp or Ethier will require the Dodgers to eat at least half of their salaries. Kemp could probably fetch one player from groups A, B or C as well as a couple of lesser prospects. Ethier is probably not worth any of the players listed at this point but for a couple of lower level prospects, I would gladly take a risk with him if his cost will only be 3 years/$15 million.

A less damaged option (update* Cargo may miss the rest of the season as well) is the much talked about Carlos Gonzalez. As Connor O’Brien has pointed out already, Cargo appears to be a league average hitter away from Coors Field. His contract is not long, at 3 years/$53 million ending at his age 31 season so the package for Cargo would likely be in the range of Degrom or Montero plus a few lesser prospects. Any demand higher than this should signal Alderson to hang up the phone.

We know the risks that come with this group of players and they are available for a reason. All three can end up being nothing but a live body with a large contract. Yet, with a dearth of impact bats in the market, it is intriguing to consider picking up a .275 – 20 – 75 player for a single top prospect.

Group 3 – Elite Prospects

This is the group that is most financially realistic for the Mets to explore but for some inexplicable reason, general managers have always hesitated to exchange prospects. Hopefully, the chances of striking a deal are slightly improved when working with a new school GM such as the Chicago Cub’s Theo Epstein.

The Cubs have two major league ready shortstops in Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara. Baez is the can’t miss prospect with projected plus power and hit tools and he will be ranked higher than any prospect on the Mets list. It would likely cost Zack Wheeler or Noah Syndergaard plus another lower level top prospect to heat up conversations.

While Baez is the big prize, I would actually prefer to acquire the lead off hitter Alcantara. You can start him at short or second and reevaluate during the 2015 season as Matt Reynolds and Dilson Herrera progresses in triple A or you can use him to compete with Tejada or Flores for a position. Scouting reports indicate he has a plus arm, plus footwork and a decent glove so he has the tools to stick at short but is prone to rushing and committing errors. He has also logged time in center field and has looked solid in limited action out there. Would there be interest in Alcantara for either Murphy, Flores or Montero?

The Cubs and Mets are perfect trade partners. There are dozens of scenarios and names that can be discussed. Do the Cubs want to compete in 2015 and acquire Murphy? Would they be interested in established starters such as Niese and Gee or prospects such as Syndergaard and Montero? At the same time, I can see Theo Epstein taking a big chunk of the winter to gauge the market before deciding to trade or keep Baez. With time being a factor, it may be wiser to strike a quick deal for Alcantara as opposed to the presumed back and forth it would take to acquire Baez.

In the outfield market, there are two major league ready OF prospects that would make an impact on the Mets next season. They are Joc Pederson of the Dodgers and Oscar Taveras of the Cardinals. Both are ranked in the same elite class as Baez and unfortunately, neither of them are likely to be available. Pederson, a California native, slots right in as the true center fielder that LA has been missing while Taveras should also find himself starting everyday for the Cardinals now that Allen Craig has been traded to Boston.

Group 4 – Under The Radar Players

These are the group of players that are overlooked by most teams and turn out extremely valuable for the one that give them a chance. I only have one name to offer in this group so allow me to re-introduce a favorite of mine, first baseman/outfielder Scott Van Slyke of the LA Dodgers. The son of former Pittsburgh all-star Andy Van Slyke, Scott is a solid defender in the outfield and at first base. At 6’5″, 220 lbs, he comes with plus power and even splits against both righties and lefties.

In three seasons with the Dodgers, he has been limited to part time duty due to a crowded outfield and Adrian Gonzalez at first base. This won’t change as long as he is in LA but I believe he is as deserving of a shot to start as any player in the league. Van Slyke projects to be a .250/.350/.500 type of hitter, capable of 25 HRs a year.

Last season, I suggested Van Slyke, Dee Gordon, Jordany Valdespin and Josh Satin as names the Mets and Dodgers could discuss. While Gordon and Valdespin are no longer relevant to this year’s conversation and Van Slyke and Satin’s stocks have traveled in opposite directions, I think a package of Vic Black and Juan Centeno would get the two sides pretty close. If the Dodgers choose not to re-sign Hanley Ramirez, could they possibly entertain Van Slyke for Tejada and Centeno? This allows them to start last year’s Cuban signing, Alex Guerrero at shortstop with Tejada backing up both Guerrero and Dee Gordon.

The Mets don’t have to hand Van Slyke a starting spot but he would be a perfect option to fill in as a fourth outfielder and platoon first baseman who can earn his way to more playing time. This is one unheralded name that I believe can be a game changer for the Mets.

Baseball fans have been treated to longballs and gaudy home run totals for two decades while general managers dreamed of landing that big slugger in the middle of their lineups. But as the game changes, strategy in acquiring and maintaining players must change too. We have already seen early adopters such as the Braves adjusting to the new CBA rules by extending their younger players much earlier than past years.

I believe the next shift will be in teams replacing power with other skill sets, whether it is the ability to draw walks, hit line drives, play defense or the very underrated skill of flexibility. This is the ability to play multiple positions, to hit in different spots in the lineup and reduce the impact of the loss of a starter to injury.

The Mets are finally in a position where their foundation is set. In the past, trading for a star would have meant the need to fill in other positions or risk not having adequate depth. Our circumstances are different now, we have the personnel to absorb the loss of 4-5 players and have those slots fill right in without missing a beat. Personally, I don’t believe the Mets have to acquire a power bat and that we would be better served with a high potential lead off hitter. While I would love to see the name Tulowitzki or Stanton in our lineup, I believe the Mets are going in the right direction and will be a better team regardless whether a star is acquired.

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