Blog Roundup: 25th Anniversary of the 1986 WS

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Paul Festa

25 years ago this week, the Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox to win their last World Series title to date.  Some Mets blogs are paying homage to the anniversary.  In other news, while Metsdom is patiently waiting for the announcement of changes to Citi Field’s dimensions (due after the World Series), some details are beginning to leak out.

Blogging the past and present:

  • Mets Police has a Bill Gallo cartoon from after Game 1 of the ’86 World Series.  Hint: the goat of game 1 will be the team’s 3B coach in 2012.
  • ESPN Mets Blog is recapping each ’86 WS game this week.
  • Howard Johnson (Yes, THE Howard Johnson) posted a picture of himself with Kevin Mitchell at the 1986 reunion.  There are also some familiar faces in the background.
  • Metsblog says work has already begun on Citi Field’s outfield wall.
  • Rising Apple thinks the Mets could go after Ryan Doumit to serve as backup catcher.
  • Metstradamus holds the finals of the Hall of Hate contest.  See who the finalists are!

There you have it, the blog roundup for Tuesday.  Check back with Mets Today for more Mets news.

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2011 Analysis: Pedro Beato

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Joe Janish

Last November, I thought it made sense for the Mets to consider taking Pedro Beato in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, and was pleased when they did.

From the get-go, Beato impressed the Mets brass and eventually the fans with his cool composure, lively fastball, and above-average secondary stuff. Though his best pitch might be his sinker, using four seams and giving maximum effort allowed him to get his velocity into the 95-96 MPH range — something that managers and coaches like to see from a reliever. Beato was used frequently in the first month of the season, looking like a legit MLB pitcher, but wore down quickly, going on the DL with elbow tendinitis in early May (and shortly after a 3-inning appearance). He came back later that month but did not pitch nearly as well initially, but eventually got back into the groove, stringing together a number of good outings to close out June and then pitching very well in July. He struggled again in August and that carried through September, when his velocity dipped below 90 MPH. Beato blamed the drop to “fatigue”, explaining that pitching winter ball, then spring training, and a full MLB season without a break might be the reason. Strangely enough, Terry Collins was disappointed with this “excuse”, and ignorantly described the problem as a “dead arm”.

When it was all said and done, Beato’s season suggested promise. He was good enough to appear in 60 games, and at times showed bouts of brilliance. At worst, it looks like he can be a decent middle reliever. At best, who knows?

2012 Projection

There was talk from Collins that Beato might be better suited to a starting role, and I have to agree. While I was impressed with Beato’s bullpen work, I don’t see him as a closer, but more importantly, he looks to have the potential to throw three “plus” pitches — a hard sinker, overhand curve with good 12-6 bite, and fading change-up. As a reliever, the max-effort approach may not be suited to him; partially because I’m not sure he can be effective through 60-75 games a season doing that, but also because his four-seamer is fairly straight. Though it’s a slightly slower pitch, his sinker is effective, and if he can gain consistent command of either the curve or the change-up, he’ll have enough to be at least a back-end starter at the big-league level. The best and fastest way to gain that command is through repetition, and he can do that more effectively logging 120-150 innings as a starter than he can 50-60 as a reliever. Even if he doesn’t pan out as a starter, his sinker, four-seam fastball, and one more secondary pitch will make him a valuable asset in any bullpen — he could turn out to be an effective tweener like Ramiro Mendoza was for the Yankees in the late 1990s / early 2000s. The big decision for the Mets will be whether to let Beato develop his repertoire as a starter in AAA in 2012, or to use him again in the big club’s bullpen. It might seem like a no-brainer to have him work on his stuff in the minors, but we don’t know how badly the Mets will need relievers next spring — and often, the “now” takes precedence over the “later”.

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2011 Analysis: Manny Acosta

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Joe Janish

The roller coaster continues for Manny Acosta, whose MLB career has consistently been inconsistent.

Armed with a fastball that rides above 95 MPH with occasional tailing action and average breaking stuff, Acosta has a tool set that should translate to success in a relief role. But he is one of that strange breed of pitchers who are streaky; he can pitch well for brief periods, then falter into maddening bouts of ineptitude. Part of it could be due to mechanical issues, but insiders believe it’s more of a mental and emotional issue. In other words, Manny Acosta’s performance is directly tied to his confidence level, which is about as steady and predictable as early spring weather in Flushing.

Acosta began the season in the Buffalo Bisons bullpen but made it back to MLB in early June. His 2011 MLB season was very much like 2010 — uneven and marked by strings of strong outings that may or may not have outweighed the bad ones. His overall stats were a little worse in comparison to ’10, with his ERA jumping a half-run (2.95 to 3.45), a raised WHIP (1.21 to 1.38), and a lower strikeout rate (9.53 K/9 to 8.81). One thing he did improve was his walk rate, which was reduced from 4.1 BB/9 in 2010 to 2.9 BB/9 in 2011. But, opposing hitters took advantage of more pitches to hit, as batters hit for a higher average (.219 in ’10 to .269 in ’11), with more power (slugging percentage jumped over 100 points, from .328 to .430); batters increased their OPS against him from .636 in ’10 to .759 in ’11. Acosta allowed 9.6 hits per nine innings in 2011, compared to 6.8 in 2010. Finally, he allowed 7 of 17 inherited runners to score, or 41% — that’s bad (the league average is 30%).

2012 Projection

Overall, Manny Acosta was worse in 2011 than he was in 2010. Yet, in 2012 he could be given consideration as the Mets’ closer. Why? Because Acosta finished strong in September, gaining a win or save in 4 of his final 5 appearances of the season. The problem, of course, is that he could have merely been on another one of his streaks, brimming with confidence that fed itself over a two-week period. Can he keep up that confidence and performance next spring? It might be interesting to keep tabs on his outings (and biorhythms) as he pitches in the winter league. Personally, I don’t see him as a legitimate candidate to close over the course of 162 games. Maybe Acosta could fit into a St. Louis Cardinals-type situation, where the closer is whomever is the hot hand at the moment, but even then, what do you do with him when he’s not “hot”? His propensity to allow inherited runners to score makes it difficult to bring him into the middle of an inning, and his numbers could continue to worsen. Still, considering the paucity of arms in the Mets’ organization that can reach the upper 90s, the team doesn’t have much choice but to bring Acosta back in 2012 and give him a shot to win a job.

Read the 2010 Analysis of Manny Acosta

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2011 Analysis: Miguel Batista

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Joe Janish

Once the Mets reached September and the meaningless games part of their schedule, the pitching staff — and the rotation in particular — was worn out and losing members due to one malady or another. It might have been a good opportunity for the Mets to audition young arms who showed potential. Instead, the best they could pull from their minor league system was 40-year-old Miguel Batista.

Many factors played into this curious decision. First, there was the fact that the Mets had very few, if any, youngsters who a) showed promise; b) were close enough to MLB to consider adding to the 40-man roster; c) genuinely earned a promotion; and d) hadn’t already met their innings limit for the season. And so fans were treated to what might have been the final nine appearances of Batista’s 17-year MLB career.

As it turned out, the poet and novel writer provided workmanlike appearances — and gave the Mets a valid chance to win in all four of his starts. While it might have been nicer to see a 22-year-old flamethrower making his MLB debut in September, watching Batista retire MLB hitters purely on guile was entertaining.

Side note: Batista started the 2011 season with the Cardinals; if things had worked out differently he might still be competing right now.

2012 Projection

Though I haven’t seen anything about Batista retiring, it seemed that he was leaning that way. If he does decide to give it another year, I don’t see the Mets signing him — though, at the same time, I wouldn’t be opposed to a minor-league deal and an invite to spring training. As well as he pitched in September, there are things about that month you just can’t trust — otherwise, Pat Misch would have made 90 starts for the Mets over the past three years.

Posted in 11-12 Offseason, 2011 Mets Evaluations | Tagged | 1 Comment

Time To Let The Grown-Ups Do Their Job

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Joe Spector

NOTE: this is a guest post by Joe Spector. Please direct your comments to him.

There’s a false premise many Met fans have had since Sandy Alderson’s arrival. The idea that some Met fans have become Fred Wilpon’s de-facto personal budgeteers; primarily concerned with the man’s bottom line, as if it were “our” money over what’s best for the success of the team. It’s the typical all or nothing mentality that pits groups against groups and here in our case, Met fan versus Met fan. Why? I guess it’s Continue reading →

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Blog Roundup: Riding Out the World Series

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Paul Festa

Seeing the Cardinals back in the World Series has reopened old wounds for some Mets fans.  The optimism of 2006 came crashing down in Game 7 of the NLCS.  The subsequent collapses of 2007 and 2008 washed away what remained of the hope created that season.  Meanwhile, the anticipation of the offseason is building.

Blog time:

  • Faith and Fear in Flushing remembers the pain, and says it’s time to let it go.
  • Patrick Flood looks at how Jason Bay would have fared at Shea Stadium last year.  Bonus analysis: Yankees home runs if they played at Petco Park.
  • Daily Stache wonders if Mike Piazza should go into the Hall of Fame as a Met or a Dodger.
  • Metsmerized asks if you’re really ready to see Jose Reyes in another team’s uniform – like maybe a Phillies uniform?
  • Mets Fever says the walls could come crashing down after the World Series.
  • Ropolitans has a still from the latest Stand up to Cancer ad, showing Ron Darling standing up for “My catcher.”

Have a good weekend, and keep checking out Mets Today.

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More What Ifs in Mets Hot Tub History

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Joe Janish

This week there’s been far too much buzz about the fact that postseason superstar Nelson Cruz was once property of the Mets — only to be sent away for a “spare part” when he was a raw and slow-to-develop 19-year-old.

(Hat tip to MetsToday commenter “Mic” for inspiring this post.)

Add in the obvious connection to Rangers President Nolan Ryan (argh! Jim Friggin Fregosi!) and it’s a lamenting week of self-loathing for Mets fans, wondering what might have been had the GM at the time of whatever-bad deal-you-want-to-bring-up not been so goshdarn stupid!

Hold that thought for a moment; let the anger and remorse flow through your body. Now consider some of these other “what ifs” … Continue reading →

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The Nolan Ryan Express Still Doesn’t Stop In Flushing

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Marc Hofstatter

Over the last couple of weeks, ESPN has been running the film “Catching Hell” from their exquisite 30 for 30 series. Directed by Oscar winner, Alex Gibney, the made-for-television documentary details the story of one Steve Bartman. Bartman as many may recall has been labeled the most recent scapegoat for the Chicago Cubs championship drought after he ran interference for Cubs left fielder, Moises Alou; reaching out over the stands for a foul ball that Alou was destined to make a play on. The umpires quickly ruled it fan interference, gave Luis Castillo of the Marlins the base, thereby opening the floodgates for what became an eight run inning late in game six of the 2003 NLCS. The move as believed by many cost the Cubs their long warranted shot at the title.

In truth, curses are no stranger to baseball.  One need look no further than the 1986 World Series where the then perennial losers, the Boston Red Sox, had the New York Mets down to their last strikes, but thanks to Bill Buckner and a comedy of errors that followed, the Sox lost and had to wait nearly two more decades for their first World Series since 1918.  Inasmuch as hexes are familiar to baseball they are common in all walks of sports. The Detroit Lions have the Curse of Bobby Layne, whom after being traded in the 50s put a jinx on the team for 50 years (though based on their season thus far, perhaps it’s finally over).  There’s the Madden Curse. where If you end up on the cover of the Madden football video game, you’re all but guaranteed to go down in injury or failure (just ask Eddie George, Daunte Culpepper or Michael Vick).  The Buffalo Bills can’t seem catch a break once losing three Super Bowls in a row, and in the NHL . . .  no Canadian hockey team has won the Stanley Cup since the early 90s! Talk about futility.

. . . . and then there are the New York Mets. Yes, let’s move back to the matter at hand. This is a baseball blog after all. In December of 1971, the Metropolitans traded a promising young pitcher named Nolan Ryan to the California Angels as part of a four-player package for veteran infielder, Jim Fregosi. At the time, future Hall-of-Famer, Ryan was lacking control and simply didn’t fit in with the Mets long terms plans. This trade, as we know, is a decision that haunts them still some 40 years later.

Currently, the Mets and the San Diego Padres are the only teams in major league baseball not to throw a no-hitter. The Padres retain the luxury of having been around seven years less than the Amazin’s, but that’s not saying much for them either. So, what is it that’s our beloved Mets back? Have they even come close? The answer is: yes, they have; on too many occasions one might even say. Here’s a quick rundown on a few of the Mets “one-hitters” throughout their history of which there are 35!

June 22, 1962 – Al Jackson versus Houston Colt ‘45s

July 9, 1969 – Tom Seaver versus Chicago Cubs (again in ’70, ’71, ’72 and ’77)

April 18, 1970 – Nolan Ryan versus Philadelphia Philllies

October 1, 1982 – Terry Leach versus Philadelphia Phillies

September 7, 1984 – Dwight Gooden versus Chicago Cubs

October 8, 2000 – Bobby Jones versus San Francisco Giants (NLDS)

June 15 and August 18, 2003 – Steve Trachsel versus Anaheim Angels/Colorado Rockies

August 13, 2010 – R.A. Dickey versus Philadelphia Phillies

Every couple of years, the Mets get close to removing themselves from such an inauspicious club, but it never quite happens. Looking at the current Mets starting rotation, there is promise for them to land that elusive but well lauded pitching achievement. Both Jon Niese and R.A. Dickey have had recent one-hitters. Johan Santana, when healthy, is almost unstoppable. However, it’s hard to look at Mike Pelfrey , who may or may not be back, and Dillon Gee and go — these are our guys.

We also have to remember that a lot goes into a no-hitter. Of course, your pitcher having the night of his life is of great help. Fast pitches, strong control, and an even temper, but for every quality start by a pitcher he is still far reliant on his fielders to back him up and deliver not just the spectacular, over-the-fence grabs, but also that routine play up the middle. If Angel Pagan loses one in the sun, it’s no one’s fault but his, but that box score will record that hit and so will “one-hitter” history.

There’s no way to predict when, how, who, or where the Mets will get their very first no-no. Fifty years is a mighty long time to be without anything. Twenty-five years without a championship isn’t so fun either. On the bright side once a Mets pitcher leaves his Flushing confines he is wiped clean of the curse.; just ask Dwight Gooden, Mike Scott, Hideo Nomo, Tom Seaver and David Cone, all of whom pitched no-hitters AFTER leaving the Mets.

As for Jim Fregosi, remember him? He went on to his a solid .233 average for the two years he was with the Mets. it kind of balances things out when you consider Nolan Ryans’ 324 wins, 222 CG, 61 SHO, 5714 K and yes, 7 no-hitters.

Are the Mets cursed? On paper they are. Maybe they should just sacrifice a goat or something. Until then, follow Mets Today on Facebook for all the latest Mets updates, scoops and insight.

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