The Los Angeles Dodgers are your 2024 World Series Champions.

On Wednesday night, MLB crowned their champs, as the Dodgers finished off the New York Yankees in five games to become World Series champions. The Yankees jumped out to an early 5-0 lead with their ace Gerrit Cole on the mound, nearly assuring them a trip back to L.A. However, a calamity of errors in the fifth inning let in five unearned runs for the Dodgers, knotting the game back up at five apiece. While the Yankees took a 6-5 lead, the Dodgers offense would scratch off another two runs in the eighth. Blake Treinen and Walker Buehler combined for 10 outs and subsequently secured a celebration in the Bronx.

Freddie Freeman took home World Series MVP after homering in the first four games of the series.

The Dodgers, who have been the class of the National League for the past decade, look to be just getting started as they will have many key pieces returning next year. Los Angeles put its money where its mouth is, dishing out over $1 billion in contracts this past offseason, now other teams will have to rebut.

While the Mets fell short, another exciting offseason should be on tap, as the Mets and the rest of MLB look to catch the Dodgers.

Let the Juan Soto rumors begin! After the Yankees loss, the superstar outfielder said he was open to signing with any team. Free agency officially begins at 9 a.m. ET today but players cannot sign with new teams until Nov. 4.

Latest Mets News

Mets VP of Scouting, Kris Gross, joined the Over-Slot MLB Draft Podcast to give insight to the Mets’ farm system happenings.

Mark Vientos wrote a Players’ Tribune article, titled “A Letter to Mets Fans.” In the message, Vientos thanked the Mets for the electricity they brought all year, mentioning how “it feels like I was born to be a New York Met.” Mark also added how he feels like something special is building in Queens.

Jon Heyman of the NY Post reported that if the Yankees can’t sign Juan Soto this offseason, then Pete Alonso, alongside some starting pitching, could be their plan of attack in free agency.

Latest MLB News

After the Dodgers’ celebration, L.A. pitcher Daniel Hudson said he’s calling it a career.

Former Mets draft pick Anthony Kay pitched seven innings of shutout ball in Game 4 of the NPB Japan Series. This outing helped tie the series between the BayStars and the SoftBank Hawks at two games apiece.

The Cincinnati Reds and MLB are mourning the loss of Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Joey Jay. He was 89 years old.

The Yankees and Major League Baseball banned the two fans who interfered with Mookie Betts from attending Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night, refunding them for their tickets. The Yankees were then able to give those tickets to Calvin Young, a 15-year-old cancer patient, and his family, per Jorge Castillo of ESPN.

Latest on MMO

A pair of interfering Yankee fans were banned from game 5.

MMO grades David Peterson‘s breakout season!

Steve Cohen is leading the Mets down a new path.

On This Date in Mets History

2015: Michael Conforto becomes the second Met to hit two home runs in a World Series game. Doing so in Game 4 of the Fall Classic, Conforto joined Gary Carter as the only two Mets to do it.

Born on This Date: Steve Trachsel (1970), Tim Byrdak (1973).

The post Morning Briefing: Happy Offseason! appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In looking at the free-agent market, the New York Mets will first consider which of their own eight they might think of bringing back.

It isn’t an impressive list, but there are several the Mets might think of returning. If they don’t bring back they can always find their replacements in the market.

The filing period begins five days after the end of the World Series. Here’s the eight:

David Aardsma: He had some decent moments coming out of the bullpen, but nothing that screams, “we gotta have him back.’’ Aardsma was 2-2 with a 4.31 ERA in 43 appearances. He allowed 53 base runners in 39.2 innings, so we’re not exactly talking about a slam-the-door reliever. Walking 19 and giving up seven homers isn’t good for such a limited time.

Tim Byrdak: He worked 4.2 innings in eight appearances because he was coming off an injury. He pitched in 72 games two years ago, but was injured in 2012. Because of his health issues, he should come relatively cheaply and might be worth offering an incentives-laden deal. If he rejects it, the Mets haven’t lost anything.

Pedro Feliciano: He is far from “Perpetual Pedro’’ but after missing the past two seasons he did find his way into 25 games. It was too small a window to measure his effectiveness. He might be worth a shot, but the Mets must ask themselves, “can we live without him?’’ Chances are they’ll answer in the affirmative.

Frank Francisco: I mention him because he’s on the list, but there’s no way the Mets want him back. Frankly, I thought the only reason they brought him up at the end of the season was in the hope of finding a trading partner.

Aaron Harang: The Mets can pick up his option and since they are two short in the rotation, he’s somebody worth considering. He started four games for the Mets, and worked six innings in three of them. Harang struck out 26 in 23 innings, so there’s some hope there. On the flip side, he also gave up five homers among his nine runs. That he gave the Mets innings is what they should look at considering he’d be a back end of the rotation starter.

LaTroy Hawkins: He’s 40 and still throws in the mid-90s. When Bobby Parnell went down he assumed the closer role and saved 13 games. Parnell is not a certainty coming off neck surgery and constructing the bullpen is a must. Frankly, I’m not sure they would get much better in the free-agent market.

Daisuke Matsuzaka: He started seven games and went 3-3 and worked into the fifth inning is all but one game. He gave the Mets 38.2 innings when they needed it desperately. GM Sandy Alderson said he was pleased with what Matsuzaka gave them. Of the eight free agents, he’s probably the most likely to come back.

Johan Santana: He wants to pitch again and Alderson said he’d keep his mind open. He’s already received a pile of money from the Mets, and unless he accepts a minor league deal, I’d be reluctant considering his health situation.

The post Mets Offseason Plan: First Things First, Considering Our Own Free Agents appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jack Leathersich or Jeff Walters?

Here’s what some of our guys had to say:

John Bernhardt:

Jeff Walters had a breakout season for the B-Mets in Binghamton. Used exclusively in the closer’s role, Walters was lights out setting single season and career save marks for Binghamton. His 38 saves also led the Eastern League and was the second highest all-time saves total in the EL. It’s not just the numbers, but Walter’s stuff and his attitude on the mound that impressed. Walters has a fastball touching 96 miles per hour and a dirty breaking pitch. He’s also a bit older having finished a four year stay in college. You would think all that might add up to an accelerated path to the majors.

Leathersich, too, was brilliant during his summer time in Binghamton. 16.9 SO/9 innings, a 1.53 ERA and a reduction in his base-on-balls percentage earned him a call up to Las Vegas. That elevation was daunting for Leathersich. The young left-hander maintained a high strikeout rate (14.6/9), but he walked one batter per inning and his ERA ballooned to a ridiculous 7.76.

It is probably more than previous performance alone that will answer this question. The health of Bobby Parnell, the development of Vic Black, will LaTroy Hawkins be re-signed, what is the status of veteran lefties like Perpetual Pedro Feliciano, Tim Byrdak and the rehabbing Scott Rice? The resolution of those mysteries will probably make the difference.

With Parnell, Black, and Hawkins all eighth and closer right- handed options and more questions centered around the left-handed status of the Met bullpen with Leathersich a possible lefty to lefty one batter option I’ll make a weak prediction Leathersich gets the first look. Verdict: Leathersich

Cole Benz:

I’m going with Jack Leathersich over Jeff Walters. The first thing I think of when looking at relievers is strikeouts. I want a guy to come in and be lights out. Leathersich had 42 more K’s than Walters did in 2013. Leathersich also has 76 more over the course of his career with one less season under his belt than Walters. I’m not too worried about Leathersich’s stats at Las Vegas. If you look at the last time he was promoted mid-season, 2012, his stats ballooned while adjusting to another level. Verdict: Leathersich

Joe D:

This one’s easy for me and even though I’m one of the biggest Jack Leathersich fans there is, I’d have to take Jeff Walters over him right now. Leathersich still needs to work on his command before he can become a force in a major league bullpen. Meanwhile, Walters has the three things you want from a shutdown reliever; velocity, control, and swagger. This kid has nerves of steel and proved his mettle in Binghamton this year, smashing their all-time saves record while leading the EL in that department. It’s tough for batters to get around on him because he has such a deceptive delivery and he comes right after you. It’s probably why he’s only allowed three home runs in the last two years. That’s a pretty remarkable feat. Verdict: Walters

Satish Ram:

This is definitely the most difficult one posed to date — so let me try to break it down. Walters has the better control and composure on the mound, while Leathersich has the better natural stuff and is left-handed. Both men have deceptive deliveries and solid mechanics, so I guess it boils down to a matter of preference. Walters might be the better pitcher right now, but Leathersich has the higher ceiling and boasts an outstanding career K/9 of 15.2. Even if he can’t cut down on the walks completely, he might be able to dominate hitters for years to come. Verdict: Leathersich

Matt Musico:

There is no doubt for me that Leathersich’s ability is greater out of these two. However, when I think of a successful reliever, I think of a couple things — one is to make hitters swing and miss, and the other is to throw the ball over the plate. It drives a manager nuts when they go to the bullpen in a tight spot, and they watch him walk the first batter they face. With the lack of control Leathersich had in Las Vegas and the wonderful year Walters put together, I think Walters has the upper hand with regard to their immediate big league future. Jack won’t be far behind Jeff, but he needs to walk less than one hitter per inning in Vegas before he gets the call. Verdict: Walters

With five writers weighing in, Jack Leathersich wins a tight battle in this week’s face-off, taking three out of the five possible votes. Who do you think will make it to the big league bullpen first? Sound off in the comment section below.

(Photo Credit: Gordon Donovan)

The post Mets Prospect Face-Off: Jack Leathersich vs. Jeff Walters appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

HALEY:  Do you have a favorite ballpark and why?

JUSTIN:  My favorite place to play is probably Camden Yards.  I came up there and the Baltimore Orioles were my first big league team so it was my home field.  It is just beautiful park and the warehouse in left field is incredible.

HALEY:  Who has the best Hot Dogs? Cincinnati Kahn’s Hot Dogs, Baltimore Esskay Hot Dog or New York Nathan’s Hot Dogs?

JUSTIN:  I actually got to try a Nathan’s hot dog last year and it was pretty good.  It lived up to the hype so I am going to have to go with Nathan’s.

HALEY:  What is your favorite restaurant in New York

JUSTIN:  In New York it would have to be STK Steakhouse, I got to meet one of the general managers there and he takes good care of me so I go in and get a big fat steak.  They also have these really good cheeseburger sliders.

HALEY:  And in Southern California?

JUSTIN:  When I am back home, I grew up going to a little Mexican Restaurant called Mi Casa and every Friday night my mom, and my dad and sister would go in there and have some extended family come in so its kind of a little tradition we have so it probably my favorite place to eat.

HALEY:  What was it like growing up in California?

JUSTIN:  Sunny!  Always had good weather.   So the best thing was getting to be outside and playing with my friends year round.  We used to ride are bikes everywhere, playing wiffelball, football, baseball, pretty active, I was always outside.

HALEY:  Who is the biggest practical joker you have ever been on a team with?

JUSTIN:  That’s a tough one.  I’ve had some good ones.  I had a pitching coach with Cincinnati Reds named Teddy Power he was pretty good. Fellow Met, Tim Byrdak as well, I wouldn’t call him a practical joker but he is full of little things that make everyone laugh.

HALEY:  Have you ever been the victim of one of his practical jokes?

JUSTIN:  Yeah I have been couple of times.  Guys putting bubble gum around the top of a cup of water and sticking it to the roof of the dug out right above my head and after about 15 seconds it falls down on top of my head.

HALEY:  Have you gotten them back?

JUSTIN:  Laughing, yeah I got him back, but I am not going to bring up how but I definitely got them back.

HALEY:  Do you have any other favorite sports besides Baseball?

JUSTIN:  Ah, I am sports fanatic I kinda like everything.  I wouldn’t call it a favorite, but I love going to Hockey games during the off-season and basketball, I’m a Lakers fan, and football.  I like the Dolphins; the last couple of years I have made a trip down to Miami to watch them.

HALEY:  Do you have any rituals or superstitions before and during a game?

JUSTIN:  Before the game I go through the same routine.  I stretch out.  I always go out 15 minutes before game time.  I always like to have a ball after I play catch and throw it to a kid in the stands.  During the game, I always take a cup of water and I only drink half of it and throw the other half out.  I never drink the full cup and I don’t know why I do it.  It’s something I’ve always done I drink half, throw out the other half and then spin the cup and try to make it land standing up

HALEY:  Other than winning the 2004 College World Series what other accomplishments are you proud of?

JUSTIN:  Playing in the major leagues.  That’s something that I’ve always dreamed of.  In 2009 when the Orioles called me up and I got to play my first game at Fenway Park.

HALEY:  Last year you played all over the infield, what is your role with the Mets so far this season.

JUSTIN:  That’s hard to say right now.  We have a couple of guys that are a little banged up right now and if they are healthy then I’ll probably end up being a role guy.  I added a first baseman’s glove to my collection, last year so hopefully I’ll get to play first base again this year, but wherever Terry (Collins) needs me to do, whatever it is, I’ll go out there and do my best.

HALEY:  How many sets of uniforms do the Mets organization gives you?  And do you wash them yourself?  

JUSTIN:  Uh let’s see.  Last year we had our pin stripes, our white home jerseys, our grey uniforms, our black uniforms, and then the blue Los Mets, so that makes five.  NO, I don’t wash them they do that for us, so I try to get them as dirty as possible since I don’t have to wash it myself (laughs).

HALEY:  What types of community service or charity work are you involved in?

JUSTIN:  Throughout the season, we go out and do lots of stuff.  We go to schools and fire departments that the Mets set up for us.  During the off season, I have a couple of little cousins that play little league and I go out and help them and work out with the kids up there.  I really have fun with them and really enjoy it.  I think they really like it too.

HALEY:  If you were not playing baseball, what else could you see yourself doing?

JUSTIN:  I don’t know.  I think the only other thing I’m decent at is tweeting, so hopefully by the time I am done playing they’ll have a professional tweeting job.

HALEY:  I read you played winter ball in the Dominican Republic in 2010 what was that like?

JUSTIN:  I loved it down there, I got called down by Ken Oberkfell who was the Mets bench coach in 2011 and he was the manager and he asked me to come play with him and I had an absolute blast.

HALEY:  Who did you play with down in the Dominican Republic?

JUSTIN:  I played with guys like Andy Dirks from the Tigers, Wilkin Castillo from the Dodgers, Marcos Mateo from the Cubs, Peter Bourjos from the Angels, there was all types of guys down there.

HALEY:  Somewhere I read you said that your father was your greatest influence.  What baseball players or coaches do you think most influenced you?

JUSTIN:  Two of the biggest influences other then my dad were my college coaches.  Coach George Horton he was the head coach at Cal State Fullerton.  I played under him for all four years and he basically taught me everything I could possibly know about the game of baseball and was super detailed about everything.  The other was his assistant coach Rick Vanderhook who is now the coach for Fullerton. He is actually like an uncle to me I grew up with him and is one of my dad’s best friends.  He gave me the opportunity as a kid to hang around Fullerton and be a batboy for the team.  I was constantly around baseball.  I have to give them a lot of credit.

HALEY:  When you were in the minors, who were some of your different roommates?

JUSTIN:  My favorite roommate in all minor league baseball was a kid named Tony Esquer. 

HALEY:  Where is he now?

JUSTIN:  He is back at home he is done playing, but I have never met or been around someone who could make me laugh so hard. He was always joking around, pulling little jokes.  We would be trying to go to sleep and he would be sneaking around messing with me trying to make me think there was a ghost in the room or something like that.  He was one of the funniest guys I have ever roomed with.

HALEY:  I have heard you are active on twitter, do you think it is a good way to interact with your fans?

JUSTIN:  Absolutely, I love being on twitter.  I have over 34,000 followers now most of them are all New York fans.  I get asked all kinds of questions every day and it is a great opportunity to interact with them.   It gives fans/followers a little more insight about what’s going on over here with the Mets and me.

HALEY:  What is your twitter name?

JUSTIN: @redturn2 

HALEY:  How did you decide on that name?

JUSTIN:  Red because of my hair, turn because my last name is Turner so I shorted it and 2 because I play second base and turn double plays, also because I wear #2.

HALEY:  What did you do this year during the off-season?

JUSTIN:  I just relaxed and took some vacations.  Mostly I relaxed and worked out to stay in shape for the new season.

HALEY:  What advice would you give to young players?

JUSTIN:  Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do it.  I was never the biggest, tallest, strongest or fastest guy but I always worked hard.  I always appreciated and loved the game.   Everyone always told me I wasn’t going to make it but if you believe in yourself, keep working and practicing you can make it.

HALEY:  Please tell all your fans how you want to be remembered?

JUSTIN:  I don’t know I just like to have fun and enjoy the game.   I play hard and respect the game.  So hopefully I can maintain that and have a long career and hopefully I am known as a class act.

* * * * * * * *

This Fan Shot was contributed by MMO reader, Haley Smilow. Have something you want to say about the Mets? Share your opinions with over 22,000 Mets fans who read this site daily. Send your Fan Shot to GetMetsmerized@aol.com. Or ask us about becoming a regular contributor.

The post MMO Fan Shot: Haley Interviews Justin Turner appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

DEEP ENOUGH… CHOO WINS IT FOR REDS…

Aaron Harang went six strong and Duda had a day, but it was not enough as the Reds edged the Amazin’s 3-2.

The Reds struck first when (future Met?????) Shin-Soo Choo hit a grounder right back up the middle to bring around Todd Frazier. Harang then issued consecutive walks, plating Ryan Hanigan and giving the Reds a 2-0 lead.

The Mets hit right back in the third when Lucas Duda plated Harang on a sac fly. Duda made himself known again in the sixth, when he smacked his fifteenth homer of the year over the right field fence.

Harang settled in after the second, allowing just one more hit through the next four frames. He was pulled after the sixth with a great line: 6 IP, 5H, 2ER, 6BB, 1K. He battled with his command, but pushed through and actually had a really solid day.

Gonzalez Germen relieved Harang and pitched two/thirds of the seventh, and Pedro Feliciano capped off the scoreless frame.

The Mets threatened in the eighth after getting the two leadoff men on, but to no avail. After David Wright K’d looking, Lucas Duda grounded into a double play and in the blink of an eye the threat was ended.

Then it was the Reds’ turn. After a two-out single by Hanigan, stolen-base machine Billy Hamilton worked his magic and was in scoring position just like that (how do you screw up a pitchout?). However, Frank Francisco got his strikeout and it was on to the ninth.

After Aroldis Chapman made quick work of the Amazins in the top, Tim Byrdak was on to shut down the Reds in the ninth. He didn’t last long. Shin-Soo Choo smacked a double to the gap, and Byrdak was done. Aardsma was on to relieve him, but on his first pitch Choo swiped third on after Travis d’Arnaud‘s questionable throw to second base.

After the bases quickly loaded up, Aardsma really bore down and the game was off to extra innings.

The Mets offered another quiet top half, and Greg Burke was on for the bottom of the tenth. After he allowed a few seeing-eye hits, his night was done as he left runners on the corners for Sean Henn.

Henn only lasted two pitches; Choo blasted a ball to left-center and the game was over. It was the Mets’ 72nd loss of the year.

The series continues tomorrow at 7:10, when Jon Niese faces off against Mike Leake.

The post Choo Gotta Be Kiddin’ Me… Mets Seeing Red After 3-2 Walkoff Loss appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Mets reliever Tim Byrdak has been known for his antics. From Little Jerry the Chicken to the spring training Hulk Hogan, the 39-year old always finds a way to keep the mood light.

Sunday at Citi Field, prior to the Amazin’s series finale and eventual 12th inning walk-off win, Byrdak was headed to the clubhouse after batting practice. As he walked down the right field line, a number of young autograph seekers beckoned his name.

Most ballplayers will either put their head down and trot into the tunnel or silently sign and depart; but not Byrdak. Approaching the dugout, Byrdak gazes upon an assembling crowd through his sunglasses with his hands on his hips.

“Alright,” said Byrdak, holding up four fingers as he leans on the railing. “I’m only going to sign four autographs. Hmmm.”

He inspects the line of 11,12,13 and 14-year olds, then pointing at each one individually.

“No, no, no, no, no and no… Okay see ya!” He says with a grin.

Byrdak then proceeds to ask each of the kids their age, then based on their age asks them trivia questions, and whoever got it correct won an autograph. Ranging from state capitals to movie references, Byrdak entertained the fans with an unorthodox and fun way of obtaining autographs.

After his “four” were up, he proceeded to sign for everyone else who was not fortunate enough to be asked a trivia question.

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When I asked if he does this every time he signs, he replied “Ah, every once in a while.”

Byrdak provided a laughter-filled experience with all involved and it was refreshing to see a major league ballplayer interact with fans in such a way.

(Photo credit: Clayton Collier)

The post Tim Byrdak Had Some Fun With Autograph Seekers Sunday appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The morrow was a bright September morn;
The earth was beautiful as if newborn;
There was nameless splendor everywhere,
That wild exhilaration in the air,
Which makes the passers in the city street
Congratulate each other as they meet.

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Good morning everyone…

A few notes as we turn the calendar page from August to September and rosters officially expand. We shouldn’t expect many moves considering most of the player that would have been promoted today, have already been with the Mets a month or longer. Joining Matt den Dekker, Travis d’Arnaud and Wilmer Flores will be lefthanded reliever Tim Byrdak and corner infielder Zach Lutz.

Byrdak has essentially been rehabbing his left shoulder ever since he had torn capsular surgery last year. He was re-signed in the offseason with the hope he would be ready by May or June, but that never happened. The lefty specialist has made 21 appearances while rehabbing for three different levels including Triple-A Las Vegas. Overall he has a 1.26 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 21.1 innings pitched.

Lutz on the other hand, is another one of those corner infielders who can get on base, but lacks the kind of power you want from someone his size. He might also be one of the slowest runners in the entire system. (Yes, slower than John Olerud) I don’t expect him to get more than 8-10 at-bats while he’s here, as the Mets’ first priority will be finding out where Josh Satin, Wilmer Flores and Lucas Duda fit it. Lutz, 27, was batting .293 with a .377 OBP, 13 home runs and 80 RBI in 399 at-bats with the 51s.

The player I’m most excited to see is righthanded reliever Vic Black, the Pirates’ prospect we received in the Byrd/Buck deal. After learning how hard this kid can throw, I hope Collins gives him plenty of work so we can all see how he may fit into our bullpen next season.

As Connor wrote earlier this week, he got his first taste as a closer last season with Altoona in the Eastern League, where he finished 38 games (including 13 saves), while posting a 1.65 ERA in 60 innings. Even more impressive were his 85 strikeouts (12.8 K/9). This season in 46.2 innings, he has a 2.51 ERA with 63 strikeouts and 17 saves.

The highly-regarded Black, was ranked 16th best prospect in the Pittsburgh system by Jonathan Mayo and 15th by John Sickels. He has an electric fastball that has been clocked at times over 100 miles per hour and a slider that can touch 90 on the gun. I’m really looking forward to this…

Speaking of relievers, the Mets have demoted Robert Carson to Triple-A Las Vegas. The lefty reliever suffered from a sever case of homer-itis during his stint in the majors, and it was apparent that he wasn’t fooling anybody. In 19.2 innings pitched, Carson allowed 21 hits including nine home runs for a whopping 8.24 ERA.

Given the abundance of quality relief options now on the Mets and taking into consideration the many more who are on the way in the minors, I don’t see Carson getting another opportunity with the Mets. I suspect he will be removed from the 40 man roster before the Rule 5 Draft and another team will give him a fresh chance.

Finally, it looks as though Bobby Parnell is done for the season. The 28 year old closer was having the best season of his career until he was felled by a herniated disc in his neck. While it has yet to be determined whether he will undergo surgery, Parnell recently told reporters that he was confident he would be able to avoid it. Either way, he should be ready for next Spring… and that’s a good thing…

Carry on…

The post September 1st… It’s That Time Of The Year Again… appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jack Leathersich is freaking unbelievable. He just struck out the side tonight in the ninth inning for Binghamton. His last nine outs have all been Ks and he now has 27 strikeouts in his last 12 innings pitched. For the season, Leathersich has 48 strikeouts in 25.1 innings pitched.

Back in January I compared him to Billy Wagner in an interview I did with him. He laughed and thought I was being too kind. Was I?

The league is batting just .167 against him.

See you later this season at Citi, Jack…. Just like I told you five months ago… 🙂

Original Post 12:00 PM

Adam Rubin hosted a chat today at 12pm EST on ESPN New York, answering fan questions on everything involving our beloved New York Mets. One question posed by a fan asked Rubin when the Mets would consider promoting hard-throwing southpaw reliever, Jack Leathersich.

The lefty is currently in Double-A with the Binghamton Mets, and is tearing up opposing hitters through 18 appearances this season. He’s 1-0 with a 1.48 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 24.1 innings pitched.

Coming into this season, it looked like the Mets were set in the left-handed reliever department, but things haven’t played out exactly how they were hoping. Veteran Scott Rice (3-3, 3.16 ERA in 30 appearances) has been doing a stellar job, but Josh Edgin (9.64 ERA in 11 games) is currently in Triple-A trying to work through his issues, and Robert Carson (9.45 ERA in nine games) hasn’t done a much better job.

Their lack of production has made the Mets thin at that position; Pedro Feliciano is still battling food poisoning, while Tim Byrdak isn’t expected to be available until at least around the All-Star break. Terry Collins has been using Rice just about every day, as he’s leading the majors in appearances. To take some of the burden off Rice’s left wing, it would make sense to have a second lefty in the ‘pen Collins has faith in using for big spots. Leathersich has been using his velocity to get strikeouts with the B-Mets, striking out 27 hitters in his last 13.1 innings pitched.

In response to the question, Rubin wouldn’t rule out seeing the southpaw eventually make his way to Flushing in 2013, as that was his prediction during spring training a couple months ago. However, he said we shouldn’t be hoping to see him at Citi Field until the organization at least promotes him to Triple-A Las Vegas first.

When do you think we’ll see Jack Leathersich in the majors?

(Photo Credit: Gordon Donovan)

The post Leathersich Now Has 48 Ks In 25.1 Innings Pitched appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Despite the incredible effort by Jeremy Hefner on Tuesday night, the Mets were unable to get just three more outs as a ninth inning meltdown capped off by a Brandon Lyon wild pitch handed the Marlins their second straight walk-off victory against the Amazin’s and their first series win of the season.

Surprisingly enough, the Mets have become quite used to the demoralizing oddity known as the walk-off wild pitch. In fact, last night was the third time in four seasons that Flushing’s Finest have allowed the game-winning run to score on a pitch to the backstop.

On May 14 of the 2010 season, Johan Santana was on the mound in a premiere matchup with then-Marlins ace Josh Johnson. Santana went seven innings allowing just one unearned run on six hits and seven strikeouts. He left for a pinch-hitter with the game tied at one. After pitching a scoreless eighth, reliever Fernando Nieve took the hill to pitch a perfect ninth to send the game into extra innings. After getting Jorge Cantu to fly to left for the first out of the tenth, Nieve walked Cody Ross and quickly allowed a Ronny Paulino single to put Ross at third. Then on the first pitch to Dan Uggla, Nieve bounced it to the plate past Rod Barajas as Ross raced home to win it for the Marlins. The walk-off wild pitch would be the first victory for the Fish in what would be a four game sweep of the Mets.

Fast forward two years to July of 2012… Jon Niese is having a heck of a game against the Nationals Ross Detwiler. They both exit after seven, Niese surrendering one run and punching out eight, Detwiler spotless, giving the Nats a 1-0 advantage. They would go up 2-0 after a Steve Lombardozzi RBI double. Comes the top of the ninth, the Mets put up a three spot to go ahead 3-2. However the lead would be short lived as Bobby Parnell would blow the save, allowing the Nats to tie it and send it to extra innings. Josh Thole doubled to drive in Daniel Murphy and give the Amazin’s their second lead in as many innings. Tim Byrdak came on to close out the tenth and after a game tying, RBI triple to the rookie sensation Bryce Harper, he walked the bases loaded and was lifted for Pedro Beato. Beato, on a 1-2 pitch to Tyler Moore, threw a breaking ball that went right past Josh Thole, allowing Ryan Zimmerman to slide home and win it for the Nats by a score of 5-4.

Then we have last night. A suddenly hot Jeremy Hefner came in to finish off a shutout, and came away with a loss as both the tying and go-ahead runs were charged to the 27-year old despite a meltdown by Brandon Lyon capped off by a wild pitch of his own that bounced off the glove of Anthony Recker and ricocheted towards the home dugout.

Before this recent stretch, the last time the Mets lost a ballgame on a walk-off wild pitch dates back all the way to 1981 when Mike Marshall let one fly at Houston. You have to go all the way back to the beginning of the Reagan administration for that one! Meanwhile all three of these most recent “wild” endings have occurred under the same commander in chief. 

Not a theme the Mets would like to continue, however with the quality–or lack there of–of arms they continue to acquire for the ‘pen, what can you expect? Sure Brandon Lyon is supposed to be a solid set-up man, however that hasn’t been the case up to this point. You get what you pay for; you get out of it what you put in. When you don’t go and add significant arms for innings seven through nine and beyond, losses such as those mentioned above are going to happen.

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Speaking as someone who was content with the idea that it took more than a season to screw this franchise up and that it will take more than a season to fix the mistakes of those that came before him, I tolerated the notion that 2014 might be the year the Mets find themselves back on the map.  So, I waited.  Waited for what, I’m not exactly sure, but I’m pretty sure I expected the framework for such a rebuild in place a mere season away from the self-imposed rebuilding deadline.  For sure, the team would need at least a season to mesh, right?  And still, I wait.

I think I’ve gotten to the point that I’m actually bored with what going on here.  Quite frankly, I don’t care what the team’s financial situation.  Furthermore, the methodical approach of Sandy Alderson seems to do nothing but make the agony of knowing there is little immediate hope on the horizon even worse.  You see there is nothing wrong with signing low risk, high reward players like Tim Byrdak to minor league contracts.  In fact, its good baseball sense.  However, these are not the signings necessary to put the chips in place for a rebuild.

To be perfectly honest, resigning David Wright and RA Dickey only maintains the organization’s current position of limbo.  These are the players that the front office should build around, but even their future is in doubt.  If we’re lucky enough to ink them to long-term deals, I fear that the players filled in around them will simply maintain the status quo.  Two months ago it was unfathomable that fifth outfielder, Andres Torres, might occupy a roster spot next season.  Now it appears borderline likely.  Simply put, scratching the bottom of the bargain bin has become tiresome.

As another spring training draws near, the blueprint for success is no clearer today than it was two years ago.  Addition by subtraction has replaced the big market mindset brought to you by Omar Minaya and Bernie Madoff.  Whether you blame poor investing, poor free agent signings, or even poor player development, the Mets schtick just seems stale at this point.  Resigning Wright and Dickey may pacify some fans, but it will be the players brought in around them that will inspire the imaginations of the masses.  They don’t have to be nine-figure players, but the Ronnie Cedenos of the world just aren’t going to get it done.

I’m bored Sandy Alderson.  Give me a reason to get excited, a reason to look forward to the future, hell.. give me a reason to come to the ballpark.  Show fans that this organization is still interested in winning.  Enough with the stopgaps.  Lets build something worth the our time..and our money.

Follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83

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