In the Mets’ first spring training contest against the Atlanta Braves this afternoon, we got our first look at 2016 second-round pick and first baseman Pete Alonso. The day got off to a rocky start, when Alonso dropped a low, but more than catchable throw from shortstop Amed Rosario to allow Atlanta a second baserunner with one out. Both men would score after a single and sacrifice fly,...
Our Own Rich Coutinho who serves as Met beat reporter for 98.7 FM ESPN had a chance to ask Jeff Wilpon a few pointed questions about the hiring of Brodie Van Wagenen as the team’s new General Manager. “We hired our first choice and somebody that we think is gonna be great,” Wilpon said in introducing Van Wagenen. “He’s a leader, he’s organized, he’s...
The New York Mets could have easily torn things down this season, flipping every expiring contract and player of value for a treasure trove of prospects. They did not take that route, choosing instead to hold onto most of their assets and keeping their talented group of starting pitchers intact. The Mets are 40-34 since the beginning of July, have seen dramatic increases in play from their young...
Despite the Mets beating the Phillies 9-4 on Monday night, the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention as the Cardinals defeated the Braves. The Mets have looked much better of late, and manager Mickey Callaway acknowledges the roller coaster season. He also mentioned the difficult June and how it was a prime factor in derailing the season. However, he said the team can learn from...
On Friday, New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco made some rather inflammatory statements regarding Mets captain David Wright’s attempt to return to the field after more than two years on the sideline. Wright, 35, was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a degenerative disease that, in summary, wreaks havoc on practically one’s entire body (the back bone’s connected to...
We will not see Peter Alonso in blue and orange this season. According to Mets’ co-general manager John Ricco, the Mets will not promote first base prospect Peter Alonso in 2018. “To have Pete come up and really just sit didn’t make a lot of sense,” Ricco said. “As much as we’d love to reward him for the season he had and the work he’s done, we think it’s more...
As the 2018 non-waiver trade deadline came and passed, the New York Mets’ three biggest potential trade chips — Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Zack Wheeler — weren’t asked to skip town despite hearing their names in the rumor mill for the past month-and-a-half. Then, long-time executive John Ricco said the magic phrase to explain why, saying he “fully...
New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco made some head-turning comments during his press conference Thursday afternoon (video via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). “We have to collectively look at our position players because I’ve spoken about how we feel about the pitching,” Ricco said. “But on the other side of the ball, the areas where we feel comfortable heading...
During a call with New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco this morning, MLB Network Radio was informed that the Mets are planning on calling up right-handed pitcher Bobby Wahl. One of the two players acquired from the Oakland Athletics in the deadline trade of Jeurys Familia, Wahl has seven and two-thirds big league innings to his name, but has enjoyed a breakout All-Star season...
New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco met with the team’s press corps after Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline had passed without the team making a move. From Tim Britton of The Athletic, Ricco, naturally, touched on the Mets choosing to stand pat, specifically on arguably their most sought-after asset, starting pitcher Zack Wheeler. “We had a lot of dialogue with...
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, the Mets remain in a position where they have some pieces that other teams value. Some players, like Jose Bautista and Devin Mesoraco, might be moved for small packages. One player in particular, though, could be moved for a more significant package: Zack Wheeler. John Ricco, one of the three-headed Mets GM monster, spoke very highly of Wheeler Friday...
Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports reports that New York Mets assistant general manager John Ricco has two of his former bosses, one who hired him and another who made him his de facto number-two, in his corner as the team looks to name a new GM before next season. Ricco joined the Mets in 2004 after working in the MLB Commissioner’s Office under Bud Selig. He became the team’s assistant...
