I’m sure you’ll hear several times over the next week that the Mets are 0-7 against the Cubs. It’s not indicative of what will happen in the NLCS.
First off, the 1988 Mets beat the Dodgers 10 out of 11 times. Secondly, this is a completely different Mets team. Here is a breakdown of the players who have played against the Cubs this year:
Juan Lagares 1-9 with 1 BB, 1 double, 2Ks
John Mayberry, Jr. 2-12 with 2 RBI, 1 double, 2 K
Daniel Murphy 9-25 with 1 BB, 3 doubles
Michael Cuddyer 2-17 with 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 5 K
Lucas Duda 7-25 with 3 R, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 3 HBP, 1 double, 1 HR, 12 K
Wilmer Flores 4-23 with 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 double, 2 HR, 2 BB, 3 K
Kevin Plawecki 3-17 with 2 RBI, 4 K
Curtis Granderson 5-24 with 3 BBs, 2 RBI, 1 double, 6 K
Dilson Herrera 2-11 with 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Ruben Tejada 1-18 with 1 BB, 8 K
Johnny Monell 1-8 with 4 K
Kirk Nieuwenhuis 0-7 with 2 K
Anthony Recker 2-4 with 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 HR, 2 K
Darrell Ceciliani 1-7 with 3 K
Eric Campbell 0-3 with 1 BB, 1 K
Overall, the Mets had a combined 70 ABs from players not on the playoff roster. They went 9-70 against the Cubs this year. There were an additional 50 ABs from players on the playoff roster, who are either on the bench or are platoon players. Those players went 6-50. Of a total of 171 ABs, 120 of them went to players who will not be in the starting lineup in the NLCS. Therefore, how can you glean anything from these games.
As you may notice, there are no ABs from David Wright, Yoenis Cespedes, Michael Conforto, or Travis d’Arnaud. That’s half of the position players in the current Mets starting lineup. This is more than enough to turn an 0-7 deficit to a winning record.
I’m confident the Mets changes will be enough to make it to the World Series.
An unfortunate part of Mets history is Willie Mays falling down in the outfield during the 1973 World Series. It was a sign Mays was done in his last season.
Michael Cuddyer had a similar experience last night. He misplayed two potential flyball outs into doubles. He struck out on a pitch that almost bounced in the grass in front of home plate. It was an ugly game for him. Fortunately, his teammates bailed him out. He would come out in the seventh for defense. His nightmare game ended.
It also may have ended his chances to be a starting outfielder in this series. His only chance was to be the right handed bat in a LF platoon with Michael Conforto. After last night, I’m assuming Cuddyer stays on the bench against lefties, and Juan Lagares starts in center. Since Lucas Duda was in the lineup against Clayton Kershaw, he’s not sitting against lefties in the playoffs.
Cuddyer has excelled in that role. It’s where he’s needed right now. Cuddyer didn’t cost the Mets on Friday, but if he keeps getting on the field, he eventually will hurt them. However, Cuddyer is still a big asset as a PH and a mentor. He could still get some playing time in a double switch.
Cuddyer is still a big part of this team. I look forward to him getting a big pinch hit this postseason to prove it.
Sounds absurd doesn’t it? Michael Conforto has exceeded everyone’s expectations this year. He’s been a huge part of the team. However, he’s been used strictly as a platoon player. It’s probably because he’s hitting .167/.231/.167 against lefties this year, albeit in only 13 plate appearances.
Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue, but the Dodgers will be starting three lefties in the NLDS. If Clayton Kershaw starts Games 1 & 5, that means Conforto won’t start in four of the five NLDS games. I don’t think the Mets will prep Conforto for the lefties either. On clinch day, the Reds had a lefty on the mound, and Conforto was the only lefty who wasn’t in the lineup.
The question that arises is what use can Conforto be as a bench player? Even with his surprising defensive ability, he’s not a late inning defensive replacement; that’s Juan Lagares‘ job. That leaves him for pinch hitting and double switch and pinch hitting duties.
You could argue that role may be better left to Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who can play CF, or Eric Campbell, who’s right handed. Campbell is also versatile, which could be useful after the Juan Uribe injury. Both Nieuwenhuis and Campbell are also more accustomed to being bench players that sit for long stretches at a time.
However, this neglects Conforto’s limited work as a bench player. Conforto has hit .333/.429/.500 in seven plate appearances as a pinch hitter. Also, he’s just a better player than Nieuwenhuis and Campbell. When you’re selecting your playoff roster, you want your best players on the roster, even if they’re not going to play as much as they should.
However, if he’s left off the roster I’m not going to take issue. Anytime a player is potentially not going to play four out of five games, there should be a discussion whether there’s a player available who can better serve the team.
I just don’t think there is a better player than Michael Conforto.
In 1969, the Mets had a platoon at third base with the rookie left handed batter Wayne Garrett and our Magic Man Number 5 Ed Charles:
The Glider was a good major league player for the Kansas City Athletics and the New York Mets. His major league debut was the same year as the Mets first ever season. His last ever game was Game 5 of the 1969 World Series. He went out a winner.
His last year reminds me of the current Michael Conforto–Michael Cuddyer situation. The older player takes a step back to let the better, younger player shine. It helped lead the Mets to a World Series in 1969. Hopefully, the Mets will win it all again this year.
Lets Go Mets!
Clinching a playoff spot means so much to everyone related to the Mets: players, fans, coaches, and even the owners. Each fan has their story to tell, but so does the team. Here are the tales of each of the Mets:
REDEMPTION
Terry Collins: Collins managerial career was supposed to be over when he quit the Angels in 1999. Omar Minaya brought him to the Mets organization in 2010, and Sandy Alderson made him manager in 2011. He kept the team together when everyone was injured, and now, he had a team that can win. His prior teams in pennant races may have collapsed, but not this one. He’s 66 years old and finally making the playoffs as a manager.
Yoenis Cespedes: Cespedes was the guy traded last year so the A’s could win the World Series. This year the Mets traded for him so they could win the World Series. He’s rewarded the Mets faith in him.
Ruben Tejada: Tejada was supposed to be the shortstop of the future when Reyes left. Tejada never lived up to the billing and was slated to be a utility player this year. Instead, he’s had the best year of his career, and with a hot September, he now looks to be the Mets playoff SS.
FINALLY PART OF A WINNER
Daniel Murphy: Murphy first came up in 2008 to provide offense to a collapsing Mets team. The Mets found out he wasn’t an OF and thought he had no position. He worked hard to become an All Star 2B. Now, he’s the 2B of a playoff team.
Jon Niese: Like Murphy, he got his first taste of big league action during the 2008 collapse. Niese would become a solid arm and eventual Opening Day starter. Even in a down year, he’s become a Daddy and a NL East Division Champion. This may be his greatest year of all.
Bobby Parnell: Parnell has 37 saves and a one-hitter under his belt in the Mets losing seasons. He was once a big part of the future, but after Tommy John surgery, he’s part of the past. He really tried, but it just isn’t there yet (he’ll find it). If this is his last go round, he’s going out a champion as he deserves.
PROVING THEY BELONG
Lucas Duda: Duda finally won the first base competition last year over Ike Davis. He would reward the Mets faith with a 30 HR season. This year even with the struggles and the back injury, he’s hit 24 so far. The biggest being the grand slam in the division clinching game.
Travis d’Arnaud: His career started rough, and he needed to go to the minors to figure out his swing. He did, and he’s raked ever since. He’s also remained a good defensive catcher who’s an excellent pitch framer. Each of the Mets playoff appearances featured a terrific catcher. This year is no different.
THE YANKEES
Curtis Granderson: When Granderson leads off in Game One of the NLDS, he will be the first position player to appear in a Mets postseason game after first appearing in a Yankees postseason game. Granderson was a big part of the 2009 Yankees World Series team; a team who had no interest in re-signing him. He went from being a part of the Yankees to a leader and the team’s MVP.
Tyler Clippard: Strangely enough, he came to prominence in a spot start he made against the Mets as a Yankee. He was a villain as a National. Now, he’s a key component of a Mets postseason run.
Bartolo Colon: The Yankees took a chance that he would be an effective pitcher after rehabbing during a year he didn’t play baseball. The Mets gambled he could be a leader to a young pitching staff. Both gambles played off.
VETERAN LEADERSHIP
Michael Cuddyer: Cuddyer was supposed to be the missing piece offensively. Instead, he struggled and was hurt. He rebounded to be a terrific leader and bench player. He came here to win, and he did it in the regular season. Now it’s time to do it in October.
Juan Uribe: At the time the Mets traded for him, the offense was in shambles. He was a stabilizing force in the field and the locker room. He had a history or being a great locker room guy, and he hasn’t disappointed. He won in 2005 & 2010. It’s now five years later. Will the pattern continue?
Kelly Johnson: He came over with Uribe. He’s had a reputation as being able to play all over and hit anywhere in the lineup. He’s done that in the regular season, and now, he’ll get that chance to do it in the playoffs.
NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE
Michael Conforto: It took a historically bad offense, a Cuddyer injury, and a terrific AA season for the Mets to call up Conforto. When he came up, they couldn’t send him back down. He’s proven he belongs, and he’s going to be here for a long time. Now, it’s time for him to deliver in the postseason.
Wilmer Flores: In case you don’t remember, the Mets almost traded him to Milwaukee. He cried at the idea of leaving. Now that the Mets are in the playoffs, his tears are now tears of joy.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis: Kirk was having a nightmare season, was DFA’d, and shipped to the Angels. He wasn’t any better with the Angels, but the Mets picked him upon his release because their offense was that bad. He came back and was the first Met to hit three HRs at home sparking the rise to first place.
Logan Verrett: The Rangers grabbed him From the Mets in the Rule 5 draft. After four ineffective appearances, the Mets took him back and bounced him back and forth between starting and relieving. His terrific spot starts allowed the starters to get the rest needed for the playoffs.
Sean Gilmartin: He was the Mets Rule 5 pick, who was supposed to an additional lefty in the pen. The Mets grabbed two lefties right before Opening Day making his roster spot tenuous. He carved out a spot as a long man in the bullpen, and he’s outlasted all of the lefties.
Hansel Robles: The Mets were supposed to be set in the bullpen coming into the season. However, injuries, ineffectiveness, and suspensions led to him getting called up until someone better was ready. He and his quick pitching ways were so effective that he was never sent down, and now, he’s a key part of the bullpen.
Kevin Plawecki: He was the catcher of the future. The guy that was supposed to force the Mets to choose between him and d’Arnaud. He was pressed into service early with two d’Arnsud injuries. He held his own, especially defensively. He’s now going to be on the playoff roster.
Erik Goeddel: He’s had a history of arm injuries. He’s fought through them, and he’s pitched well in the bullpen when healthy. He may not have been in the original plans, but he’s pitched well when given the opportunity. Let’s see if he gets the opportunity in October.
LATE TO THE PARTY
Addison Reed: Even with all the moves, there was still a hole in the bullpen. In late August, Sandy Alderson picked up the former closer, who has been excellent. Reed has locked down the seventh inning, and he gives Mets fans comfort that the bullpen won’t be an issue in the late innings.
Eric Young, Jr.: He was a former Collins favorite and stolen base champion with the Mets. With him languishing away in AAA, the Mets traded for him to become their Dave Roberts, and he’s delivered. With an unfortunate Uribe injury, he’s quickly becoming an option for the playoff roster.
ALONG FOR THE RIDE
Dilson Herrera: He’s been labeled the 2B of the future, but he wasn’t this year. With injuries he was pressed into service too soon. He struggled to hit, but he was good defensively. He went back down to AAA, and he raked. He’s been watching the run up to the clincher, but it looks like he’ll be a big part of this in the future.
Eric Campbell: He’s earned the right to celebrate because he’s done everything he could do to stay in the majors. He made himself an emergency catcher. He plays every position except CF. He won a game with a key pinch hit. He may not be on the playoff roster, but it’s not for a lack of trying.
Eric O’Flaherty: He was supposed to be the missing piece of the bullpen. He was going to be the LOOGY. Now, he’s eating up innings so the key relievers can rest up for the playoffs. Even when it seems like someone has failed, there’s still an important role to play.
Tim Stauffer: He was really here only to provide bullpen insurance and mop up innings when Clippard had the bad back. Stauffer has done his job well.
Johnny Monell: He was probably never supposed to play, but with injuries and ineffectiveness, he got his shot. He was part of the first half team that was frustrated trying to score runs. That frustration is now gone.
PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE
Juan Lagares: There’s no denying he was much better last year. However, he’s become a late inning defensive replacement and platoon player against left handed pitching. He’s adapted to this new role without disrupting the clubhouse. He will be back and better next year. In the meantime, he will be out there for the innings that matter most this October.
Carlos Torres: He’s had the reputation as having a rubber arm, but for one day he showed he’s got wheels. He may have had a down year, but he’s always answered the call. He’s continued to be versatile. If healthy, he may be heard from again.
Anthony Recker: Even for a good defensive, poor batting average guy, Recker had a down year. His bat didn’t have the same pop it usually does. However, he’s had a good replies with Colon, and he helped him get back on track after a rough stretch.
Dario Alvarez: He came on late as a LOOGY. When the NL East was still in doubt, he got a huge strikeout of Bryce Harper. Unfortunately, he’s injured, and he won’t be back. He will be back next year.
THE YOUNG GUNS
Matt Harvey: For everything you can and will say about him, it needs to be pointed out that it started with him. He was the first arm that came up. He gave the Mets hope. He’s been terrific post Tommy John surgery. Last year, he promised Terry Collins the Mets would be here. It’s fitting he stayed out there for 6.2 innings and got the win in the clincher.
Jacob deGrom: He was originally supposed to be a reliever. He got his chance to start, and he won the Rookie of the Year Award. He then deGrominated in the All Star Game. Next stop is October.
Noah Syndergaard: He was the other part of the Dickey trade, but This year he looked like he was the key part of the trade. He’s been amazing at home. He’s stayed around 98 MPH. He’s Thortured his opponents. It’s time to do it in October.
Steven Matz: We all love the homegrown guy. We all live the local kid. Matz is both. He’s been terrific in his starts so far this year. I can’t wait to see his grandfather going nuts when Matz has his first October start.
Jeurys Familia: He came into the year as a setup man. He became the closer due to Mejia’s stupidity. He’s been dominant all year. He’s been widely considered to be the Mets MVP. He didn’t make the All Star Game, but he may be the last closer standing.
THE CAPTAIN
David Wright: There is so much to say about him. He’s the one who came up with Jose Reyes and gave Mets fans hope. In 2006, we thought the Mets were going on a long run with at least one World Series. After the 2007 and 2008 collapses, that dream died. Wright then had to face some losing seasons.
Even after the Mets refused to re-sign Reyes, he stayed. He took a hometown discount with a team on the cusp of this team getting good again. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. He rehabbed long and hard. He came back to the team, and he produced as if there was nothing wrong. He put the icing on the cake with a ninth inning homerun on the clincher.
He’s been a leader showing Thor the ropes. He’s the team captain and leader. He means a lot to the team:
"The best acquisition we got all year was David Wright” — Murph
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 26, 2015
He also means a lot to the fans. He’s our guy. It looks like he will be the great player who will be a lifelong Met. It’s why he’s the face of the franchise. It’s why we believe him when he says:
David Wright: “I bleed orange and blue. To be able to celebrate with these fans, this city, this team, is a privilege." #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 27, 2015
Wright’s getting another chance at a World Series. He probably deserves it more than anyone. I hope he gets it, not for me, but for him.
THE STORY CONTINUES
This is only the story of the regular season. It’s been a story with ups and downs. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I’m looking forward to the playoffs.
NOTE: If you think this post seems a lot like Faith and Fear in Flushing’s “Here’s to the Non-Winner’s” post, I think you’re right. Because of that, I sought the go-ahead for this post. Being the mensch he is, Greg Prince said yes. I encourage you to read his post. It’s fantastic.
In many ways, this year could not have gone worse for Michael Cuddyer. His deal with the Mets was widely panned. He got off to a terrible start. He then got injured. Basically, he was a Mets free agent acquisition.
With the emergence of Michael Conforto and the Yoenis Cespedes trade, Cuddyer’s role diminished. He became a pinch hitter and a platoon player spelling Conforto and Lucas Duda. It was quite the fall from grace for a player who was once considered the Mets key offensive acquisition. The only question remaining would be how Cuddyer would respond.
In the second half, he’s hit .350/.404/.525. As a pinch hitter, he’s hit .333/.381/.333. He’s hitting .284/.370/.358 against lefties. Basically, he’s accepted his role, and he’s excelled. It’s a good thing too because the Mets are going to need him in the NLDS with the Dodgers throwing Clayton Kershaw, Alex Wood, and Brett Anderson.
Cuddyer said he came to the Mets to win. It’s one thing to say it. It’s another to do everything you can for a team to help them win, even if it means making the most out of a diminished role. We’ve seen most players go the other way when these things happen. Not Cuddyer. He turned things around, and he’s s key part of this team.
For that, he deserves our respect.
It appears the Mets have soured on Juan Lagares. Last year, he was a Gold Glove winner, who showed some promise with the bat hitting .281/.321/.382. Using WAR, he was a top 25 player in the majors last year (12th in the NL).
This year has been much different. Lagares hasn’t been the same offensively or defensively. His UZR has slipped from 18.6 (excellent) to 2.1 (average). His arm was terrific last year, but with his injured elbow, he doesn’t seem to have the same zip on the ball. With his defense compromised, you can’t justify his declining offense. This year he has regressed to .259/.289/.362.
This is probably why the Mets tried to send him to the Brewers in the failed Carlos Gomez trade. This is the reason the Mets are playing Yoenis Cespedes out of position. It may be the reason he was the only Mets outfielder who didn’t get in the game yesterday.
In any event, he’s been reduced to a platoon player and a late inning defensive replacement. His arrow is trending down while Eric Young, Jr.‘s is trending up. He’s been a terrific pinch runner that can come in handy in the playoffs. We also shouldn’t forget he’s a Collins’ favorite.
Ultimately, what may save Lagares in the NLDS is the fact that the Dodgers starting rotation features three lefties. Collins refuses to play Michael Conforto leaving Collins to pick between Michael Cuddyer and Lagares. Cuddyer has only played in seven complete games since returning from the DL. This means the Mets need Lagares in the NLDS.
This means the Mets need Lagares to get back on track offensively and defensively.
Initially, Hansel Robles was supposed to be a stop gap when Jerry Blevins was injured. He was only supposed to be up until the Mets could find a left-handed replacement. He was only supposed to be up until Vic Black and Bobby Parnell was ready.
He was recommended by Wally Backman because he was “really throwing the ball good.” Terry Collins liked him from Spring Training because he had a good arm, and how he responded to his demotion. It’s probably why he was promoted over seemingly more logical options like Jack Leathersich and Zack Thornton.
Well, Robles has stuck. He’s shown a 94+ MPH fastball. He’s striking out a little more than one batter per inning. He’s 1.014 WHIP is pretty good. However, none of that is his trademark. His trademark is his quick pitch. A page right out of the LaTroy Hawkins handbook. There’s no stopping him, not even his catcher, Travis d’Arnaud.
Once the batter is in the box, he’s pitching. There’s nothing illegal about it, but boy dies it get the opposition hopping mad. He’s psyching out the opponents. He’s getting better.
Robles was good in the first half limiting batters to a triple slash line of .214/.287/.321. In the second half, he’s only allowed a triple slash line of .171/.236/.427. His WHIP dropped from 1.191 to 0.845. He’s gone from 7.5 K/9 to 11.8. What’s even better is he has no platoon splits. That’s not true. He had a bit of a reverse platoon split. Righties are hitting .215/.300/.430, and lefties are hitting .153/.190/.271.
If not for the Addison Reed addition, Robles would be the leading candidate for the seventh inning. Now? He’s the top guy in the pen in the sixth inning and pressure situations. He’s pretty much a lock for the postseason roster. Not too bad for a guy who was never supposed to be here and never was supposed to stick.
I’m looking forward to him quick pitching the Mets to a World Series title.
Regardless of whether I like it or not, Michael Conforto is a platoon player. Despite my problems with Terry Collins’ recent decision making, I understand his philosophy. He wants to get Michael Cuddyer‘s bat and Juan Lagares‘ glove out there. In the short term, it’s the right decision.
I also like the idea that Collins seems to be having auditions for spots on the playoff roster. There’s a delicate balance right now between these auditions, keeping players healthy, getting the team ready for October, and protecting a large six game lead. Part of getting the Mets ready for the playoffs is getting the players who will be on the playoff roster ready for what they’ll see in the playoffs.
The Mets should start with getting Conforto ABs against lefties. With Murphy and Michael Cuddyer injured, it’s a good time. Last night was a good start when Collins let Conforto face Mike Dunn. Conforto didn’t get a hit, but he also didn’t look overmatched.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Marlins may start a LHP (although there are rumblings Sunday’s starter may change). Conforto should play in one of those games. It’s a good idea because there will come a point in time in October that a team will bring in a lefty to face Conforto. If it’s late in the game or extra innings, Collins may not have the luxury of pinch hitting for him in that spot. With that being said, it’s a good time to get Conforto some ABs against lefties now.
To make room for Conforto in the lineup, the Mets could sit Curtis Granderson against a lefty. First, he isn’t hitting lefties well at all. Second, it would be good to get him a day off before a big series against the Nationals. Finally, it would be a good idea to let someone else get some reps in RF. I don’t care if it’s Conforto or the better suited Yoenis Cespedes with his strong arm. Failing to do this might’ve cost the Mets the game last night.
Overall, let’s get this team ready for what they’ll see in October. This includes letting Conforto see some lefties before the season is over.
It’s no secret the Mets have a hole in their bullpen. They need a LOOGY. With Dario Alvarez getting the call-up, the competition for the spot officially begins.
In actuality, the competition may have begun last night. With one out in the seventh, Terry Collins brought in Sean Gilmartin to face the left-handed Odubel Herrera and Ryan Howard. Herrera singled and Howard hit into a double play. If this was indeed the start of the competition, Gilmartin threw down the gauntlet.
Gilmartin has found a nice role for himself in the Mets bullpen as the long man. He has appeared in 42 games going 3-1 with a 2.17 ERA, 1.095 WHIP, and a 2.46 FIP. In sum, he’s been fantastic. I’m sure he’s been considered for the long man role in the postseason. It appears he’s being considered for the LOOGY role as well.
The problem is the Mets are potentially looking to avoid a season’s worth of data. They’re also neglecting the adage that you never trust September results. The reason I mention this Gilmartin succeeds as a long man because he doesn’t have severe platoon splits. In fact, he’s slightly worse against lefties:
- RHB .215/.288/.280
- LHB .222/.282/.310
With that said, those are good numbers against lefties. Those numbers are on par with Eric O’Flaherty‘s career numbers against lefties: .209/.272/.272. Unlike Gilmartin, O’Flaherty can’t pitch to righties. O’Flaherty gets pummeled by righties in his career to the tune of .277/.356/.392. Also unlike Gilmartin, O’Flaherty has been terrible this year and worse so with the Mets.
O’Flaherty has a 14.14 ERA with the Mets with a 2.429 WHIP and a 5.28 FIP. He’s getting pummeled this year too. Righties are hitting .413/.496/.651. He hasn’t been impressive as a LOOGY going .262/.333/.308 against lefties. If he’s on the postseason roster and the opposition pinch hits a right when he comes into the game, watch out! That’s the strength of using Gilmartin as a LOOGY. If there’s a pinch hitter, he can handle it.
However, Gilmartin’s ability to give you multiple innings cannot be ignored, and that is why, September or no September, Alvarez needs a good, hard look. He’s pitched extremely well in AAA. Lefties and righties are batting .167 off of him. Given the fact that the PCL is a hitter’s league this is all the more impressive.
So we know Alvarez has the talent. It’s now an issue of whether his talent and AAA success translates to the majors. He has a lot riding on this, as do the Mets.