Times Are A Changing 

How about some better rules to manage a roster, to see if we can prevent these shenanigans in the future? First off, Major League Baseball has been using a 40-man roster since time immemorial, actually on and off since 1921 (and also once in a while from 1910-1920) based on war and rival league squabbling.

Back then active rosters were officially set at 25, but way fewer players played in a season in 1921 than they do now. For example, the Brooklyn Robins only used 12 pitchers all season, and only eight threw more than 40 innings. They used only 18 position players, and only 14 of them had more than 50 at-bats.

Things are different now. The whole idea of a 40-player roster is archaic, and a whole new negotiated system to manage the roster would be wise. Rosters have gotten larger, the players are bigger and stronger, and pitchers are used as carefully as fine china.

The Proposition

With that being said, increasing the “reserve roster” (as it was once called) to 45 and in addition increasing the active roster from 26 to 28 until September (when then we propose it goes up to 32) would help alleviate a lot of these concerns. To help the hypothetical proposal not be too unrealistic, a stipulation that only 21 players are available to play in each game makes a lot of sense.

Billy Eppler. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

To expand on this potential stipulation; a team’s other four starters will be inactive, along with three other players. That could be relievers or position players in any combination, as long as there are no more than seven pitchers active for a game. With up to six relief pitchers available each game, teams with be rewarded for having starters who can go deep, and relievers who can pitch multiple innings. There will also be an extra position player or two, which gives managers many more strategic options.

Teams would also be rewarded for drafting/signing and developing two-way players. The Mets have one in their system named Nolan McLean.

Potential other adjustments that now make sense with the above propositions; no extra player for double-headers, no three-batter rule for pitchers. Specifically, the three-batter rule, with the addition of a pitch clock and with the above gives managers more players to chose from, does not make sense to have any longer.

The Positive And Negatives

The end goal(s) in suggesting these changes is to prevent abuse of the roster and injured list rules, but more importantly, to keep players healthier and available. This while having more roster continuity, and prevent losing border-line players, who then have to be replaced with (generally) lesser players.

Any new idea has to be created with the potential pitfalls in mind. In this scenario, the downside for owners is that they would have to pay a little more for the active roster and extra 45-player roster players. However, there is upside for them as well. Specifically, decreased roster churn, better team performance, fewer injuries.

As for the players, the downsides are fewer minor league call-up opportunities. However, on the flip side, there should be more money, more opportunity for players to get chances to play, as well as fewer injuries.

Final Thoughts 

It unfortunately is not as easy as the above may make it seem. Of course, other rules and agreements would have to be adjusted to accommodate these changes. However, like several other issues in baseball over the years, the current construction of roster limitations and rule construction is well behind where the game is at today. The above would help bring the game fully into the 21st century.

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The MLB investigation concluded that the pattern of conduct was at Eppler’s sole direction and without any involvement of the club and ownership or superiors. A statement by Commissioner Rob Manfred said Eppler was guilty of “the deliberate fabrication of injuries; and the associated submission of documentation for the purposes of securing multiple improper injured list placements during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.”

MLB considers the matter closed.

“I cooperated fully and transparently with MLB’s investigation, and I accept their decision,” Eppler told Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The Mets issued a statement: “The Mets have been informed of the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s investigation. With Billy Eppler’s resignation on October 5, 2023, and with David Stearns leading the Baseball Operations team, the Mets consider the matter closed and will have no further comment.”

Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports reported that a handful of players she spoke to said that “every team does it” and they were both interested and confused why the league only looked at Eppler.

Eppler, 48, was named Mets general manager in November 2021 and resigned last October when the investigation went public. He was the Angels GM from 2015-2020 and assistant GM for the Yankees from 2012-2014.

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Paul Sewald. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

After dropping game one of the World Series in walk-off fashion, the resilient Diamondbacks managed to secure a commanding 9-1 victory in Game 2 against the Texas Rangers Saturday night. This thanks to seven strong innings pitched by starter Merrill Kelly and an impressive 16-hit performance from their lineup.

Arizona’s win ties this best-of-seven series at one game each, as it now heads to the desert for Games 3-5.

Latest Mets News

Before game 1 of the World Series, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred discussed the ongoing investigation into Billy Eppler’s misuse of the injured list and the Mets, emphasizing the importance of preserving the game’s integrity. Eppler had resigned as the general manager on October 5 but was expected to work in the Mets’ front office for the 2024 season. Manfred stated that the investigation will be completed by the end of 2023.

Latest MLB News

Ketel Marte singled in a run during game 2 of the World Series and it was one for the history books. Marte’s remarkable postseason hitting streak, spanning 18 games, originates from 2017 and has officially become the lengthiest in MLB history.

On Saturday, Nippon Ham Fighters pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa expressed his plan to explore signing with a major league team this offseason through the posting system. Uwasawa, a 29-year-old right-hander, had a strong 2023 season with a 9-9 record and a 2.96 ERA in 24 games, leading the Pacific League in innings pitched. Throughout his nine-year career, all with the Fighters, he’s achieved a 70-62 record with a 3.19 ERA in 173 games.

Latest On MMO

Chris Bello graded Mets’ reliever Brooks Raley via a report card for the 2023 season.

Jack Markowski analyzes the upcoming NPB pitchers from Japan who are looking to make the jump to the major leagues next season.

On This Date In Mets History

1969: On this date 43 years ago, Tom Seaver learned he had won the Cy Young Award with 23 of 24 first-place votes, becoming the first New York Met to receive this prestigious accolade. Seaver’s exceptional season included 25 wins, a record-setting quarter of the Miracle Mets’ 100 regular season victories, and he came within a hair’s breadth of leading the league in ERA, narrowly trailing Juan Marichal by a tenth of a run.

Birthdays:

• Ender Inciarte (33)
• Dana Eveland (40)
• Karim Garcia (48)
• R.A. Dickey (49)

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Manfred stated that the investigation into Eppler’s alleged misuse of the injured list questioned the integrity of the game and that Major League Baseball always prioritizes cleaning up the game.

“Whenever we have a complaint about an issue that arguably affects the integrity of the competition, it kind of goes high on our priority list,” Manfred said. “It doesn’t seem quite the same as some of the other issues we’ve had, I’m not revisiting that, but it is significant and we are going to follow up on it.”

Eppler resigned on October 5 from his position as general manager. He was originally going to stay in the Mets’ front office and work under David Stearns for the 2024 season. Manfred told reporters before Game 1 that the investigation would conclude before the end of 2023.

Eppler’s alleged use of the phantom IL, while against MLB rules, has been widely used across MLB for a while. AJ Pierzynski recently admitted on the Foul Territory Podcast the Braves put him on the IL for a fake injury while playing in 2016.

RULE CHANGES

Manfred discussed potential rule changes moving forward with the media before Game 1 as well. One of the changes MLB has discussed was amending the playoff format to benefit the top-seeded teams. Manfred, however, said he liked the current format.

“My own view on this is that our teams play really hard all year long to get into the playoffs,” Manfred said, “But one of the greatest things about the playoffs in baseball is, anybody can win. I don’t think what happened this year is all that out of line with history.”

The other change Manfred discussed was lowering the maximum amount of pitchers on a roster from 13 to 12. Manfred stated that the original lowering of roster space for pitchers hasn’t had the “desired effect” and the league wants to encourage teams to push their starting pitchers further into games.

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Major League Baseball announced the 2024 draft lottery odds Wednesday night, and the Mets came in at 4.3%, the seventh-highest odds in all of MLB. This is the second rendition of the MLB draft lottery following the latest edition of the collective bargaining agreement, where the two sides agreed that the top six picks of the draft will be based on the lottery system. Outside of the top six picks, the seventh through 18th picks will be in reverse standings orders for the remaining teams.

However, if the Mets do not get a top six pick, their 2024 first-round draft selection will move back ten spots, a result of exceeding the surcharge tax threshold with their player payroll for 2023. The Yankees and Padres, who also did not make the playoffs, are in the same boat as the Mets as they also went over the threshold. If these teams do get rewarded a top six lottery pick, their second highest pick will be moved back ten places. 

The 2024 MLB Draft lottery will take place at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee on December 5. 

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

Andy Martino of SNY reported the club received permission to interview Craig Counsell for the managerial opening yesterday. He noted that the Brewers would initially deny said permission and have clubs wait until October 31, when Counsell’s contract officially expires, but they have changed course. However, Martino also reported that both Counsell and the Mets are expected to explore all other available options. This is in line with the report from Will Sammon of The Athletic that the Guardians have requested permission to interview Counsell. 

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Billy Eppler’s former “special assistant,” Steve Martone, has been let go by the club—Martone, who was with Eppler in Los Angeles. 

Jeremy Hefner, the Mets’ current pitching coach, has been receiving interest from other clubs, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. However, Hefner told team officials that he would wait to see if he fits into the Mets’ plans before considering other jobs. Hefner is under contract with the Mets for the 2024 season. 

Gary Cohen was named a finalist for the Hall of Fame‘s 2024 Ford C. Crick Award for the second consecutive year. Cohen is one of ten finalists among names like Joe Buck and Duane Kuiper; the winner will be inducted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Hall of Fame. 

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets would have fired former general manager Billy Eppler if he didn’t resign. For a more in-depth look into Sherman’s report, click here.

Latest MLB News

Following the Houston Astros’ loss to the Texas Rangers in Game 7 of the ALCS on Monday night, there were many reports that Astros manager Dusty Baker planned to retire. However, on Wednesday, Baker made it official as he told Bob Nightengale of USA Today that he informed Astros owner Tim Crane that he is retiring as manager of the club. The Astros have set up a press conference for Baker to formally announce his decision at noon ET on Thursday at Minute Maid Park. 

The San Francisco Giants are the first team to hire their new manager this off-season, as they officially named and introduced Bob Melvin as their manager yesterday. Melvin will manage his third different team in four years, leaving San Diego just two seasons following his departure from Oakland after a decade stint with the club. In addition, Giants chairman Greg Johnson announced that Melvin’s agreement is through 2026, and the team would extend general manager Farhan Zaidi through 2026 as well. 

The Padres managerial search will now pick up with the departure of Bob Melvin, as Dennis Lin and Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reported that Mike Shildt will interview for the job on Thursday. The former Cardinals manager is not the only interview San Diego has lined up, as Padres bench coach Ryan Flaherty has an interview scheduled for Friday. 

The Boston Red Sox announced they hired former Chicago Cubs executive Craig Breslow as their chief baseball operator. Breslow, who pitched for the Red Sox in parts of five seasons, is taking over for Chaim Bloom, who only led Boston to one playoff appearance in his four years at the helm. 

Sean Casey, who was brought in as the Yankees hitting coach midway through the 2023 season, announced on his podcast that he will not return for the 2024 season. When talking about it on “The Mayor’s Office” podcast, Casey mentioned how he probably could have if he wanted to but would not due to family reasons. 

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News announced that the Rangers will start Nathan Eovaldi in game one of the World Series on Friday night. Eovaldi will be matching up against the Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen. 

The Atlanta Braves announced that relief pitcher Pierce Johnson signed a two-year agreement, with a club option for 2026. After acquiring him from Colorado in late July, Johnson pitched to a 0.76 ERA in 24 regular season games and made three scoreless appearances in the NLDS. 

Latest on MMO

Following a series of moves this past week, Michael Mayer gave an update on the current state of the Mets 40-man roster.

Andrew Tripaldi documented how the Mets will have some competition in the Craig Counsell sweepstakes. 

Reports have been circulating that the Yankees and Padres have had talks about a Juan Soto trade; Andrew Tripaldi looked into it.

On This Date in Mets History

1998: The Mets sign Mike Piazza to a seven-year deal with a total value of $91 million, which then was the richest contract in the history of baseball. Piazza was an all-star for all but one of the seven following years and led the Mets to their first World Series appearance since winning it all in 1986. 

Birthdays: Dominic Leone (32), Jaime Cerda (45)

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MLB was tipped off about Eppler’s alleged actions via an anonymous letter. 

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Eppler may meet for the first time with MLB concerning these allegations as early as this week.

Commissioner Rob Manfred has to receive a final report from his investigative unit before issuing penalties, including suspensions, fines, and potential loss of draft picks.

Eppler, the Mets, and MLB have refused comment on the investigation thus far.

Wait, there is more.

The New York Post reports Eppler was going to be fired by the Mets if he did not resign as general manager.  David Stearns was not made aware of the Eppler investigation before his October 2 introductory press conference, but the team surmised that it would be best if Stearns commenced his tenure without this distraction. 

Eppler is being paid for the remaining two years of his contract that he signed with the Mets in November of 2021.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

While there has never been a roster with two Japanese ace pitchers on a team, there’s a reason behind that. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, it’s because “of the importance of seniority in Japan’s hierarchal culture.” However, after representing team Japan in the World Baseball Clinic, Yamamoto feels more welcome to the idea of signing with a team with another Japanese pitcher. Cue Kodai Senga.

Senga reportedly “made it vocal to Mets management that he wants Yamamoto to be a Met.” He came to New York with the expectation of winning and believes the addition of Yamamoto will put them over the edge with an elite rotation and threatening one-two punch. Sammon also noted that, like Senga last season, “Yamamoto covets the opportunity to play in a large market.”

However, former GM Billy Eppler, known for signing Senga, Shohei Ohtani when he was with the Angels and Masahiro Tanaka for the Yankees, is no longer part of the puzzle. Going into the offseason, many assumed he would be the link and vital piece and putting together a presentation to persuade Yamamoto as he did with the other players he signed. On the contrary, insiders don’t even know the level of interest new president of baseball operations David Stearns has in Yamamoto.

Stearns never took a trip to Japan like so many others did to watch him play, and instead will rely on video, which he’s built his career around. Also, without Eppler, the Mets can rely on Senga as an example of how well he’s acclimated to life in the United States. Sammon pointed out that Yamamoto will go somewhere where “he will feel comfortable quickly,” and Senga’s quick success can be a guide, Eppler or not.

There will be stiff competition for Yamamoto, no question about it. The Mets, however, might just check all the boxes he’s looking for at the end of the day.

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James Click. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

According to Bob Nightingale of the USA Today, there are two candidates emerging for the New York Mets next general manager job. The two names mentioned in the report published Sunday are former Philadelphia Phillies’ general manager Matt Klentak and former Houston Astros’ general manager James Click.

Klentak served as the Phillies’ general manager from 2015 through 2020 before he stepped down from the position. Over that time, the Phillies logged five below-.500 seasons and one .500 season. Granted, when he took over, the Phillies were mired in a deep rebuild and Klentak helped improve the team’s record virtually every year during his reign.

Prior to the Phillies, the 43-year-old worked in the Colorado Rockies baseball operations department, in Major League Baseball’s labor relations department, with the Baltimore Orioles as director of baseball operations, and then was hired in 2011 to be the assistant general manger for the Los Angeles Angels.

As for James Click, he currently works with the Toronto Blue Jays in a vice president role. Previously, he was the Houston Astros’ general manager from 2020 until 2022. During his tenure, the Astros appeared in two World Series, wining the Fall Classic in 2022. Prior to that, he was with the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization for years, before becoming vice president of baseball operations in 2017.

With the hiring of president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets are now reportedly in the market for a general manager to work under Stearns. Former Mets’ general manager Billy Eppler was believed set to fulfill that role, however, in recent days he resigned from the position.

Also, mentioned in Nightingale’s article, former Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon is reportedly saying he would love to manage the Mets. Maddon, now 69 years old, has spent 19 years in the league as manger. He won the World Series as manager of the Cubs in 2016. He was let go by the Angels during the 2022 season. At the time of his firing the team had a 27-29 record.

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Michael Schmidt and Ken Belson of the New York Times recently co-wrote that an anonymous source wrote a letter to the commissioner’s office stating Eppler had put at least one player on the injured list despite the player being healthy.

Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin of New York Post

Eppler recently resigned as the Mets’ GM in shocking fashion as he and David Stearns were supposed to work together in the Mets’ front office. Belson and Schmidt, however, point out that the commissioner’s office received the letter a couple of weeks ago.

While this news was reported yesterday, Belson and Schmidt uncovered another layer to the Eppler dilemma. According to the two, the letter sent to the commissioner’s office also accused Eppler of more wrongdoing during his tenure as the Mets’ GM.

“The letter, which the commissioner’s office received in the past two weeks, included other accusations about Mr. Eppler’s conduct as general manager,” Schmidt and Belson wrote. “According to one of the people familiar with the matter, although it’s unclear what those were. The commissioner’s office in New York, which is leading the investigation, plans to look into those as well.”

As the New York Times points out, the other accusations, as well as the original misuse of the injured list, are unproven and up in the air.

Schmidt and Belson did report that Cohen has been cooperative with MLB and aiding their ongoing investigation. In that report, however, Schmidt and Belson made it seem as if the investigation was in full force.

“Investigators plan to cast their nets wide and seek cellphone data, text messages, emails, and medical records as they try to determine what happened and who knew about it. They also plan to talk to players, front office personnel, and training and medical staff, the people said.”

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The New York Post reports that Billy Eppler resigned as New York Mets GM because he didn’t want to be a distraction to the organization as Major League Baseball investigates for improper use of the injured list.

The Post reports that Eppler has not yet talked to MLB officials.

Original Post – Oct. 5, 16:29

The New York Mets announced on Thursday night that general manager Billy Eppler has resigned as the teams GM. “I wanted David to have a clean slate and that meant me stepping down,” Eppler said in a statement.

Billy Eppler. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

“We accepted Billy’s resignation today as he decided it is in everyone’s best interest to fully hand over the leadership of Baseball Operations to David Stearns,” Steve Cohen said.

The Mets introduced David Stearns as the first president of baseball operations in team history on Monday.

Eppler’s time with the Mets, while short, was influential. In his first offseason, Eppler signed cornerstone players in Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, and Adam Ottavino, and traded for Chris Bassitt, who finished the 2022 season with a 3.42 ERA in 181 2/3 innings pitched.

The most monumental move of the 2021-2022 offseason, however, was the signing of Max Scherzer. The signing of the former two-time Cy Young award winner was a key moment in franchise history and forever changed the narrative about the New York Mets organization.

While the 2022 season didn’t end like Mets fans had hoped, the team still won 101 games and made the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

After losing in the National League Wild Card round in 2022, Eppler doubled down the next offseason. He signed the reigning American League Cy Young winner Justin Verlander to a two-year, $86.7 million deal, along with the Japanese phenom Kodai Senga and former All-Star José Quintana to bolster the rotation.

Eppler also re-signed key core players in the 2022-2023 offseason. Brandon Nimmo returned on an eight-year, $162 million deal and Edwin Díaz returned on a five-year, $102 million deal after having a historic season in 2022.

Unfortunately for Eppler and the Mets, the 2023 season became a complete disaster. Díaz injured himself in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and didn’t throw a pitch for the Mets in 2023. Verlander and Quintana both missed the beginning of the season, with the latter missing the entire first half.

These injuries were too large for the Mets to overcome. The team floated around .500 for the majority of the first half and eventually were decimated by a 7-19 June. These circumstances led to a shift in approach by Eppler and the front office, and by the time July came around, the team entered into sell mode.

The first move Eppler made marked the beginning of a controversial deadline for the Mets. David Robertson was shipped off to the Marlins first for Marco Vargas and Ronald Hernández, two minor leaguers in low-A ball.

This trade led to Scherzer openly questioning Eppler, who stated he had to “have a talk” with him and Steve Cohen about the direction of the organization. The talk, of course, resulted in Scherzer being traded to the Rangers for Luisangel Acuña.

After shipping away Scherzer, Verlander was next. Eppler sent him back to the Astros on the day of the trade deadline and in return, received the Astros’ number one overall prospect Drew Gilbert, and number fourth overall Ryan Clifford.

The trades of Scherzer and Verlander sparked more controversy after Scherzer publicly spoke about his discussion with Eppler and Cohen post-trade. Scherzer reported that Eppler told him 2024 would be a “transitional” year and that the team wouldn’t compete until 2025 or 2026.

Despite 2023 being a failed season, Eppler’s trade deadline improved the Mets farm system. His trade returns included four new top 10 organizational prospects (MLB.com), including Gilbert and Acuña, who are both top 100 prospects in the majors. 

Eppler also made smaller moves that proved to be fruitful. He traded Dominic Leone, who the Mets had acquired off waivers, for Jeremiah Jackson, who posted an .801 OPS with seven homers in 37 at-bats with the Mets. The Angels also sent over Coleman Crow and Landon Marceaux for Escobar earlier in the season. Escobar slashed .219/.259/.303 after the trade while Crow had a 1.88 ERA in Double-A before he had Tommy John Surgery in the summer with the Mets.

Eppler has added top talent in his two drafts with the Mets. Over the last two years, he has drafted Jett Williams, Kevin Parada, Blade Tidwell, Brandon Sproat, Tyler Stuart, Colin Houck, Jacob Reimer, and Paul Gervase, among other many talented names. With these moves, along with stellar drafting in later rounds, Eppler improved the Mets’ farm system from 20th overall (2021) to 11th by mid-season (2023) (MLB.com).

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