There’s no concrete breaking news on the Mets these days, but more than a few things are racing through my mind:
- Proving they have a sense of humor, the Mets included a $50,000 bonus in Bartolo Colon‘s contract if he wins the Silver Slugger Award for the best hitter at his position. It would be great to see Colon hit a homer or even draw a walk this year, something he’s never done during his 18-year career.
- One bat I’m concerned about is Lucas Duda. He’s extremely streaky and that’s something I don’t see changing. Last season, his monthly batting averages beginning with April were .325, .276, .187, .178, .304 and .227. His monthly home run totals were 2, 7, 1, 8, 3, 6.
- As well as he performed in the leadoff spot this summer, I still prefer Curtis Granderson hitting in run-producing spots in the middle of the order, especially if they don’t land an outfield bat. Then again, they really don’t have many other options in the leadoff spot.
- David Wright’s back will continue to be an issue for the duration of his contract. He might eventually have to consider a position change. But to where? Still unclear who his primary backup will be at third. Walker and Cabrera said they were willing but it’s been a while for both. Looks like Flores and Tejada will get some PT there if needed.
- Some people think I don’t like Matt Harvey. Not true. What I don’t care for is his attitude and still think a trade might be something to seriously consider next offseason. Braves got quite a haul for Shelby Miller and he isn’t the elite pitcher Harvey is.
- This will be the season the Mets will likely choose between Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki. I don’t think they’ll keep both. Not sure how serious they are about giving TDA some playing time at first or in the outfield, but Collins continues to raise the issue.
- I’m very curious to see how Michael Conforto will produce in his first full year in the bigs. Collins has pledged that this impressive and talented young man will play everyday in 2016 and not ride the bench vs LHP. The Mets could have themselves a franchise type player here.
- Among the big four, the Mets’ starter I think will be the first to win 20 games is Jacob deGrom. I think Noah Syndergaard can toss the next Mets no-hitter. Steven Matz is going to miss a lot of bats with his hook – could win ROY this season.
Of course, I’ll go into greater depth on all of these topics in the coming days, but for now just think of this as an appetizer, or in the spirit of the season, just a stocking stuffer.
