2015 Mets thread!

[JustInFudge]

Perfect trade.  Much better than handing a 34-year old who can't play effective defense $56M over 4.

It's really a great trade for both teams.  The Mets had no room for Neise.  The Pirates needed a reliable lefty.

I had no clue Walker hit 71 RBI's last year.  That's good pop from 2nd base and not drop off from Murph.  He strikes out a lot though.  So it will be interesting to see where Collins places him in the line up. For all of Murph's woes, the guy was a damn tough out at the plate. 

Anywho, he's a much better glove and not a ton off drop off in the bat.  He's cheaper and younger than Zorbist.  Perfect guy to pave the way for Herrera. 

[RutgersJetFan]

I think at this point in their careers Flores is better defensively than Cabrera and that's saying something. Cabrera towards the end of last year couldn't play the position. Cabrera surprisingly is only 30 years old but plays older. Like I said I really like the Neil Walker addition, he's legit. Cabrera though is a weird move especially since it's 2 guaranteed years. 

No he is not. Not at short.

[RutgersJetFan]

Tejada and now Flores are coming off injuries plus David Wright can not play every day- flexibility now to play guys It will be up to Collins to get the most out of everyone. Walker is a nice player liked him for awhile.

I think the Flores and Tejada things are expected to be non-issues by the time they're supposed to be in St. Lucie. Then again I'm not sure I have any faith in the Mets med staff, so who knows.

[Jetlife33]

Michael Cuddyer retires, freeing up 12.5 million in cap space. 

[Morrissey]

Michael Cuddyer retires, freeing up 12.5 million in cap space. 

do they get that 1st round pick back?

Hopefully he's not sick or something.

[RutgersJetFan]

Ah, that was a draft pick well spent.

[Scott Dierking]

Mets sign Blevins to one year, 4 million dollar deal. If he gives us what he gave us last year, minus the stupid injuries, he will be worth it

[Rangers9]

I just read an estimate in Newsday that the Mets plan on spending $110 million in 2016 which is 10 mil over opening day last year. The July acquisitions added 10 mil to the payroll. It's not a big deal really. Small change for a NYC franchise. Kind of embarrassing too when you have great starting pitching and refuse to buy significant bats. The moves they've made so far are good ones but not enough to win a pennant. 

[Scott Dierking]

I just read an estimate in Newsday that the Mets plan on spending $110 million in 2016 which is 10 mil over opening day last year. The July acquisitions added 10 mil to the payroll. It's not a big deal really. Small change for a NYC franchise. Kind of embarrassing too when you have great starting pitching and refuse to buy significant bats. The moves they've made so far are good ones but not enough to win a pennant. 

Like last year when they didn't win the pennant? 

The successful teams and most recent winners won through building teams and buying players. 

Oh, and the Mets just re-signed Colon to a new one year deal.

[RutgersJetFan]

Yeah, because if there's one thing last year proved, it's that Sandy Alderson doesn't know what he's doing.

[Rangers9]

Like last year when they didn't win the pennant? 

The successful teams and most recent winners won through building teams and buying players. 

Oh, and the Mets just re-signed Colon to a new one year deal.

They won the pennant because they had the best contact hitter in the NL on the team. Plus they made short term deals for an elite hitter (Cespedes-who carried the team) and good MLB players like Kelly Johnson and Uribe. If not they would have finished under .500. Before those deals they were last in the league in offense. So this season at 110 they won't have those players. They can't sign an impact bat with this budget. Signing Colon is ok but basically he's a mere bag of shells in terms of the big picture. And he's making 3.5 under what he got last season. What I'm saying is this budget will not get the job done. 

[RutgersJetFan]

Looks like we're holding off to see if Span or Fowler make it past this next round of FA, and still an outside chance we get Ces back on a one-year deal because of how he did himself in in the playoffs. Pretty much the same philosophical approach to the outfield that they showed the infield with respect to Dilson, no long-term commitments in order to buy us some time in seeing if Nimmo is the real deal. I would not be a fan of wasting a first rounder on Fowler though, I absolutely love him as a player and a locker room guy but the whole Cuddyer thing completely soured me on going after tendered guys. I still like Parra a lot for this club. No doubt we're paying at least one more outfielder, probably two with the money we saved not paying Zobrist.

[Scott Dierking]

They won the pennant because they had the best contact hitter in the NL on the team. Plus they made short term deals for an elite hitter (Cespedes-who carried the team) and good MLB players like Kelly Johnson and Uribe. If not they would have finished under .500. Before those deals they were last in the league in offense. So this season at 110 they won't have those players. They can't sign an impact bat with this budget. Signing Colon is ok but basically he's a mere bag of shells in terms of the big picture. And he's making 3.5 under what he got last season. What I'm saying is this budget will not get the job done. 

They should have Wright for considerably more games than last year. Conforto for a full year (and with more seasoning), will be a HUGE upgrade over production they got in left field last year. I would really rather have Walker and his consistency over Murphy. I ask, what Met hitter had a career year last year?

That, and the pitching should be even better.

What impact bat do you want?

[Rangers9]

They should have Wright for considerably more games than last year. Conforto for a full year (and with more seasoning), will be a HUGE upgrade over production they got in left field last year. I would really rather have Walker and his consistency over Murphy. I ask, what Met hitter had a career year last year?

That, and the pitching should be even better.

What impact bat do you want?

In all honesty, I'm not optimistic about Wright. He is the only player the Mets have given a big time contract and the facts are: he hasn't come close to living up to it. Walker is a good player and on a one year deal. He is a much cheaper option than Murphy who was their best hitter last season. If he has a good year he'll leave as a FA because the Mets are grooming Herrera (only because he is cheap). Again with the Wilpons it's all about money. They aren't willing to be competitive and act like a New York franchise. They operate like a small market team. Sometimes these teams luck out and win. Last year they really didn't have to spend all that much more to improve the team. They took on partial contracts: about 10 mil more did the trick.  

[GimmeShelter]

They won the pennant because they had the best contact hitter in the NL on the team. Plus they made short term deals for an elite hitter (Cespedes-who carried the team) and good MLB players like Kelly Johnson and Uribe. If not they would have finished under .500. Before those deals they were last in the league in offense. So this season at 110 they won't have those players. They can't sign an impact bat with this budget. Signing Colon is ok but basically he's a mere bag of shells in terms of the big picture. And he's making 3.5 under what he got last season. What I'm saying is this budget will not get the job done. 

Actually they also called up two of their young SP'S and  improved their pen down the stretch. They have retained Reed and resigned a lefty specialist.

Letting Murphy go for Walker and Cabrera , both veteran bats far superior to guys that they actually had hitting clean-up the first half of last season allows them to consider bench players like Johnson this winter. It's early in the off season and they do need a power bat but your implication that this is the same offense as the first half of last season is simply inaccurate.

They will hopefully have full seasons of Wright, Travis and Conforto plus an additional 15-20 HR's out of  a Walker -Cabrera combo compared to what a Tejada - Murphy middle infield combo would have supplied. All of the above equates to filling some of the offensive void in losing Cespedes.

Their SP's have another year of experience and are among , if not the best young staff in Baseball. Colon was an excellent signing when you consider how he handled the NL East and that he's simply a bridge to Wheeler's return in mid season. 

Your take is simply wrong. 

 

[Rangers9]

Actually they also called up two of their young SP'S and  improved their pen down the stretch. They have retained Reed and resigned a lefty specialist.

Letting Murphy go for Walker and Cabrera , both veteran bats far superior to guys that they actually had hitting clean-up the first half of last season allows them to consider bench players like Johnson this winter. It's early in the off season and they do need a power bat but your implication that this is the same offense as the first half of last season is simply inaccurate.

They will hopefully have full seasons of Wright, Travis and Conforto plus an additional 15-20 HR's out of  a Walker -Cabrera combo compared to what a Tejada - Murphy middle infield combo would have supplied. All of the above equates to filling some of the offensive void in losing Cespedes.

Their SP's have another year of experience and are among , if not the best young staff in Baseball. Colon was an excellent signing when you consider how he handled the NL East and that he's simply a bridge to Wheeler's return in mid season. 

Your take is simply wrong. 

 

Conforto is an unproven commodity. He could have the sophomore jinx, you never know. But he looked like an MLB player. Getting Walker and Cabrera were very good moves. It will provide better O and better D in the infield. I think they will build a better bench and hopefully re-sign Kelly Johnson and a few others like him. Sandy's philosophy before last July was to use the farm system for call ups esp position players. But the facts are: these guys couldn't hit. I'm glad to see they are going outside the organization to sign players even though it costs more money then bring up guys like Campbell. As for the bullpen moves I like them too but Blevins was out most of last year. My only point is: they aren't going to win this year with a 110 budget. They need more offense. It showed in the WS. 

[GimmeShelter]

Conforto is an unproven commodity. He could have the sophomore jinx, you never know. But he looked like an MLB player. Getting Walker and Cabrera were very good moves. It will provide better O and better D in the infield. I think they will build a better bench and hopefully re-sign Kelly Johnson and a few others like him. Sandy's philosophy before last July was to use the farm system for call ups esp position players. But the facts are: these guys couldn't hit. I'm glad to see they are going outside the organization to sign players even though it costs more money then bring up guys like Campbell. As for the bullpen moves I like them too but Blevins was out most of last year. My only point is: they aren't going to win this year with a 110 budget. They need more offense. It showed in the WS. 

I wish they would spend as well.

They handed the ball to their closer with the lead in what was it 3 or 4 games in that World Series????.....offense was not the problem. 

[Rangers9]

I wish they would spend as well.

They handed the ball to their closer with the lead in what was it 3 or 4 games in that World Series????.....offense was not the problem. 

In game 2: 1 run and 4 hits. In game 4: 3 runs and 5 hits. In game 5: 2 runs and 4 hits. All losses. Not much Mets hitting in the WS. 

[Powpow]

Conforto is an unproven commodity. He could have the sophomore jinx, you never know. But he looked like an MLB player.

Bull. Conforto is a hitter - PERIOD. His swing is damn near elite considering he hasn't even played much minor league ball. This kid is going to be a star. He is no Greg Jeffries.

[Scott Dierking]

In all honesty, I'm not optimistic about Wright. He is the only player the Mets have given a big time contract and the facts are: he hasn't come close to living up to it. Walker is a good player and on a one year deal. He is a much cheaper option than Murphy who was their best hitter last season. If he has a good year he'll leave as a FA because the Mets are grooming Herrera (only because he is cheap). Again with the Wilpons it's all about money. They aren't willing to be competitive and act like a New York franchise. They operate like a small market team. Sometimes these teams luck out and win. Last year they really didn't have to spend all that much more to improve the team. They took on partial contracts: about 10 mil more did the trick.  

Yes, the Wilpons did not go for it last year, and took the cheap way out. 

I will ask the question again, what is the FA you want signed?

[Scott Dierking]

Conforto is an unproven commodity. He could have the sophomore jinx, you never know. But he looked like an MLB player. Getting Walker and Cabrera were very good moves. It will provide better O and better D in the infield. I think they will build a better bench and hopefully re-sign Kelly Johnson and a few others like him. Sandy's philosophy before last July was to use the farm system for call ups esp position players. But the facts are: these guys couldn't hit. I'm glad to see they are going outside the organization to sign players even though it costs more money then bring up guys like Campbell. As for the bullpen moves I like them too but Blevins was out most of last year. My only point is: they aren't going to win this year with a 110 budget. They need more offense. It showed in the WS. 

What level has Conforto not hit at in his baseball life?

If you can't see that Conforto is a 20-25 HR guy, you are not watching baseball.

[Rangers9]

Conforto has 170 MLB at bats. And hit a good .270.  He doesn't swing at bad pitches and makes contact. But he's not a proven commodity yet. I would look at guys like Parra and other decent middle level offensive players. 

[Scott Dierking]

Conforto has 170 MLB at bats. And hit a good .270.  He doesn't swing at bad pitches and makes contact. But he's not a proven commodity yet. I would look at guys like Parra and other decent middle level offensive players. 

Which I believe they are. Roster construction is not done yet.

 

BUT, That is not going to make it a $125mil payroll, or whatever amount you deem a payroll must be to be a winner

[RutgersJetFan]

This is seriously turning into an actual discussion? Whether this roster can compete for a pennant or not? Really? We're really doing this?

[Rangers9]

So here are the 2015 MLB payrolls with the Mets coming in at 21st in baseball with a 101 million budget last year http://deadspin.com/2015-payrolls-and-salaries-for-every-mlb-team-1695040045. In other words we were in the bottom 10. The only teams in that strata (bottom 10) to make the playoffs were the Mets, Houston and the Pirates.  And here's an article in yesterday's Newsday http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/source-mets-bartolo-colon-close-to-finalizing-1-year-deal-1.11236511  about the signing of Colon that says basically that their 2016 budget is going to be in the neighborhood of $110 million. Way way below average. And imo not enough to get enough qualified MLB players and provide the offense this team needs to support their great starting pitchers. I'm only sure of one thing and that I have no doubts about: the Wilpons will not spend much more money than that. IMO the Mets should spend at least 150 to get the kind of a lineup they need to win 90 games and maybe take the whole thing. We won't have this kind of a pitching staff forever. Because you know ownership isn't going to pay them market. 

 

[GimmeShelter]

So here are the 2015 MLB payrolls with the Mets coming in at 21st in baseball with a 101 million budget last year http://deadspin.com/2015-payrolls-and-salaries-for-every-mlb-team-1695040045. In other words we were in the bottom 10. The only teams in that strata (bottom 10) to make the playoffs were the Mets, Houston and the Pirates.  And here's an article in yesterday's Newsday http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/source-mets-bartolo-colon-close-to-finalizing-1-year-deal-1.11236511  about the signing of Colon that says basically that their 2016 budget is going to be in the neighborhood of $110 million. Way way below average. And imo not enough to get enough qualified MLB players and provide the offense this team needs to support their great starting pitchers. I'm only sure of one thing and that I have no doubts about: the Wilpons will not spend much more money than that. IMO the Mets should spend at least 150 to get the kind of a lineup they need to win 90 games and maybe take the whole thing. We won't have this kind of a pitching staff forever. Because you know ownership isn't going to pay them market. 

 

I think you're just trolling but I'll bite.

Other than CF (vacated by Cespedes) which positions do you feel the Mets are offensively challenged at or to use your words...which ones do they not start a " qualified MLB player"......????   

Don't go off on your depth chart soap box as the roster is not finished yet and a bench that already has Flores will likely be rounded out.

BTW, while I don't like the Mets being a 110 mill a year payroll team they do have the ability to get a big bat if needed during the season simply by making one of their young stud SP's available. I think last seasons formula for success remains in place. Contend with a much better offense and pen than they had the first half of last season and then make a move for a bat if need be.

The Mets are contenders for as long as 3 of the 5 stud SP's remain healthy and on the roster.

[Scott Dierking]

No, no, no. Money wins everything. How much you spend determines where you finish. Just ask the Yankees and Dodgers

[Rangers9]

I think you're just trolling but I'll bite.

Other than CF (vacated by Cespedes) which positions do you feel the Mets are offensively challenged at or to use your words...which ones do they not start a " qualified MLB player"......????   

Don't go off on your depth chart soap box as the roster is not finished yet and a bench that already has Flores will likely be rounded out.

BTW, while I don't like the Mets being a 110 mill a year payroll team they do have the ability to get a big bat if needed during the season simply by making one of their young stud SP's available. I think last seasons formula for success remains in place. Contend with a much better offense and pen than they had the first half of last season and then make a move for a bat if need be.

The Mets are contenders for as long as 3 of the 5 stud SP's remain healthy and on the roster.

So how is this trolling when I'm just stating the obvious. And what most Mets fans believe. That the Wilpon's economics are keeping the team down. And they operate the Mets like we are a small market team. The Mets went most of last year with AAA players as their bench and often starting. There were games when they put out as many as 7 below .200 hitters starting in their lineup. At least an extra 40 million (for 2016 the average payroll per MLB team is going to be about 130) would fill out the lineup and they could purchase MLB quality hitters and relief pitchers to go into the season with. As for positions we're talking about outfielders, maybe one more infielder and relief pitchers. Why a Mets fan would be satisfied with a 110 budget when it's bottom ten I have no idea about and you represent the minority among Mets fans who hate the ownership. PS I agree with Sandy not trading one of their young starting pitchers. Although he did try to trade Wheeler. I keep these guys and either trade prospects or sign a free agent. That costs money!

[Scott Dierking]

So how is this trolling when I'm just stating the obvious. And what most Mets fans believe. That the Wilpon's economics are keeping the team down. And they operate the Mets like we are a small market team. The Mets went most of last year with AAA players as their bench and often starting. There were games when they put out as many as 7 below .200 hitters starting in their lineup. At least an extra 40 million (for 2016 the average payroll per MLB team is going to be about 130) would fill out the lineup and they could purchase MLB quality hitters and relief pitchers to go into the season with. As for positions we're talking about outfielders, maybe one more infielder and relief pitchers. Why a Mets fan would be satisfied with a 110 budget when it's bottom ten I have no idea about and you represent the minority among Mets fans who hate the ownership. PS I agree with Sandy not trading one of their young starting pitchers. Although he did try to trade Wheeler. I keep these guys and either trade prospects or sign a free agent. That costs money!

Yup.it is the teams that spend money that always win the prize.Team chemistry and sit be damned, just spend money damn it!

[Rangers9]

Yup.it is the teams that spend money that always win the prize.Team chemistry and sit be damned, just spend money damn it!

So I guess what you're saying is a bottom ten payroll for the Mets is ok. I think we have a better chance to win with at least 20 million over the 110 projection. So we can sign a bat, even Cespedes for a one year 20 mil deal. If so we'll need even more money to fill out the roster unless you want guys like Campbell on the team. btw until we got Cespedes last year we were never going to make the playoffs. 

[Scott Dierking]

So I guess what you're saying is a bottom ten payroll for the Mets is ok. I think we have a better chance to win with at least 20 million over the 110 projection. So we can sign a bat, even Cespedes for a one year 20 mil deal. If so we'll need even more money to fill out the roster unless you want guys like Campbell on the team. btw until we got Cespedes last year we were never going to make the playoffs. 

What I am saying is that the size of the payroll does not equate to the success of the team.

 

[GimmeShelter]

So how is this trolling when I'm just stating the obvious. And what most Mets fans believe. That the Wilpon's economics are keeping the team down. And they operate the Mets like we are a small market team. The Mets went most of last year with AAA players as their bench and often starting. There were games when they put out as many as 7 below .200 hitters starting in their lineup. At least an extra 40 million (for 2016 the average payroll per MLB team is going to be about 130) would fill out the lineup and they could purchase MLB quality hitters and relief pitchers to go into the season with. As for positions we're talking about outfielders, maybe one more infielder and relief pitchers. Why a Mets fan would be satisfied with a 110 budget when it's bottom ten I have no idea about and you represent the minority among Mets fans who hate the ownership. PS I agree with Sandy not trading one of their young starting pitchers. Although he did try to trade Wheeler. I keep these guys and either trade prospects or sign a free agent. That costs money!

As I've stated, I would prefer that they spend more but YOU keep harping on last seasons 1st half roster when it is crystal clear that the current roster is far  better than that version.  

Would I love it if they added Cespedes for 5-6 years at 20 mill per? Yes but I am in no position to argue with the GM who just went to the WS......a WS in which Cespedes did not exactly shine.  It's not new news that the Wilson's are not going to throw money around. You're not educating anyone.

 As fans we can just hope that Sandy gets their buy in  either for a big bat now or at the trade deadline next season. 

Again I'll ask you however, other than CF, where do the Mets field a player that is not a "qualified Major League player" per your earlier post?

[adb280z]

Bull. Conforto is a hitter - PERIOD. His swing is damn near elite considering he hasn't even played much minor league ball. This kid is going to be a star. He is no Greg Jeffries.

Everyone thought Jeffries was a hitter.  They thought he had an elite swing.  They thought he was going to be a star.

 

BTW, I think Conforto is gonna be good.

[adb280z]

Yes, the Wilpons did not go for it last year, and took the cheap way out. 

I will ask the question again, what is the FA you want signed?

Cespedes.

[RutgersJetFan]

As I've stated, I would prefer that they spend more but YOU keep harping on last seasons 1st half roster when it is crystal clear that the current roster is far  better than that version.  

Would I love it if they added Cespedes for 5-6 years at 20 mill per? Yes but I am in no position to argue with the GM who just went to the WS......a WS in which Cespedes did not exactly shine.  It's not new news that the Wilson's are not going to throw money around. You're not educating anyone.

 As fans we can just hope that Sandy gets their buy in  either for a big bat now or at the trade deadline next season. 

Again I'll ask you however, other than CF, where do the Mets field a player that is not a "qualified Major League player" per your earlier post?

Eh, this whole thing is so flawed. The Mets have a low payroll because their entire starting rotation is on rookie deals. Really not much more to it than that.