Beware of What You Wish For

The Met's have a chance to go back to the World Series this season, though Chris Saunders discusses how the Met's should handle to workload of a season for their staring pitchers, to make another deep postseason run. 

Article by Chris Saunders

One of the merits of the Mets playing so deep into the season is that it makes for a very quick off-season. It’s crazy to imagine that spring training has already begun with some clubs already playing games against college or other minor league teams.

Even with all the hype of last year’s dream season, one does need to pump the brakes a little. Yes, Mets fans, I’m talking to ALL of you!  The only reason why the Mets even made it as far in the Fall Classic was because the rotation carried the offense for a majority of the season!   That begs the question:   How will the Mets manage workloads for their starting pitchers, all of whom threw into unchartered territory from an innings perspective in 2015?

Typically, the organization prefers its young starters to have a net increase of 30 innings over their previous full year. Due to injury, Steven Matz saw the lowest net increase from his innings count last year. Jacbo deGrom went modestly above that 30-inning preference by about eight innings, although Terry Collins suspected deGrom (who was suffering from fatigue at times in September and October) threw above his previous innings high (+37 1/3 innings).  Like deGrom, Matt Harvey also went modestly above the 30-inning preference from his previous high. Some late-season controversy arose when both Harvey and his agent questioned the hard 180-inning cap, inclusive of the postseason, as he was coming off Tommy John Surgery. Their concern was unfounded, however, when Harvey went 36 innings above that threshold.  Further evidence of not only his determination but also his heart and belief in his ability was his epic performance in Game 5 of the World Series. That doesn’t mean there can’t be ramifications. The concern from Harvey and his agent was genuine and understandable, and he threw well above expected levels despite having just had major elbow surgery the previous year. Fortunately, he is now two years removed from the procedure itself, which can only help his particular circumstance.  First and foremost, Harvey does need rest, no matter what he thinks.

Noah Syndergaard went well above the 30-inning preference, doubling his efforts  (+65 2/3) , and he only seemed to get better with each start he made down the stretch and in the postseason as well. That doesn’t mean the Mets shouldn’t tread lightly with Syndergaard. It’s worth considering that Zack Wheeler is on-track to return at around the All-Star break. Given that time frame, he should not be under an innings limit coming back from his injury.  This could possibly allow the Mets to give Syndergaard  additional rest and keep him healthy throughout his career. No matter how he looked, he endured a lot of extra mileage on both his arm and his body, thanks to his postseason workload, and that cannot be overlooked.

The coaches have assured Mets' fans that they have no reason to be worried, though. They have a plan on how to manage their pitchers not only through this winter, but in spring training as well. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Dan Warthen said the plan is to delay all of their throwing and preparation programs in spring training, and not have them throw in Grapefruit League games until later in March. “They wouldn’t miss any starts [in April], but we may wait until later in spring training for them to start throwing,” pitching coach Dan Warthen told Puma.

Having said that, they could choose to use Wheeler at times to skip starts for their other starting pitchers and insert Barolo Colon back into the rotation.  Colon will presumably be dispatched to the bullpen once Wheeler returns. That way, they can avoid using a six-man rotation, keep everyone in a routine, maintain stamina and agility, and keep everyone happy in the process. It's a tricky circumstance and one with which either the staff or the pitchers have experience. That’s not a bad thing, considering they just played in a World Series. Given the short off-season and the need for particular players to heal and be ready for the season plus be ready for another 162-game run relatively soon, it’s going to take some unconventional thinking and execution.  All this really begins now!

Beware of what you wish for, Mets fans, because while getting to the Fall Classic and reaching the World Series is expected now, remember this…there are consequences to achieving that goal!  

Comment-  Twitter- @C_Broadcaster, Facebook- Chris Saunders, Email Chrisweather16@yahoo.com

What Lies Ahead For the ‘Dark Knight?

Chris Saunders discusses what lies ahead for the Met's ace pitcher Matt Harvey.


Article by Chris Saunders

The relationship between the Mets and Matt Harvey has soured recently, as the two sides engaged in a very public battle over the starting pitcher's innings limits during the end of 2015 regular season. Although Harvey has brought up the fact of a possible contract extension, very few players under Super agent Scott Boras have ended up doing so prior to said players free agency. With that being said, one such player Angels right handed pitcher Jered Weaver signed a long term deal prior to his free agency period. When you combine all that, along with the popular belief that the Mets will not be able to afford to sign him once he hits free agency, leads some to speculate that the Mets would look to trade Harvey this coming offseason.

Jon Heyman touched on the topic prior to 2015 season ending, saying that someone with the Mets suggested that they do expect calls on Harvey, but "would not discount him one iota." Nor should they and will they! Harvey is incredibly valuable: He is one of the best pitchers in baseball and is under team control for three more years. That low cost for an ace would be attractive to other teams as well. While he is due for a raise this offseason via arbitration, he will still make far less than what he could get on the open market.

Harvey has also established that he is healthy. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, he has fared about as well as could be expected. Despite a few rough patches during the season, he has been excellent overall, sporting a 2.88 ERA and a 3.29 x FIP (Fielding independent pitching.)

Beyond Harvey, the Mets have a strong stable of starting pitching with Jacob DeGrom going from an unheralded prospect to superstar almost overnight. Behind him, product of RA Dicky trade couple season ago Noah Syndergaard looked great in his debut season at the major league level, posting a 3.31 ERA and 3.39 FIP, and in a much smaller sample. After the big two you have Steven Matz whom was healthy towards latter part of 2015 season and impressed as well. The wild card for Mets is the return of Zack Wheeler whom had TJ surgery and missed all of 2015 season. He is expected to return at some point in 2016 along with the ever aging bartolo Colon rounding out the rotation.

If the Mets do look to trade Harvey once the season is over, it shouldn't be soly based on being sick of dealing with Matt Harvey the person. It should be because trading him can help the team, and because their pitching depth can help mitigate his loss. While they would surely miss Harvey, the Mets could trade him and still have a strong starting rotation for several years.

When you considering his immense value, the conversation shifts to the potential return he could command.  Let’s assume that Harvey is made available for free agency after 2018 season. When you look at what other top scale pitching received this offseason alone other  David Price (seven years 217 Mill), Zack Greinke(32 Mill Annually) it’s only telling what Harvey could receive once it’s all said and done. That’s why when you combine Harvey's salary will be far cheaper for what an “Ace” is making in today’s market perhaps the Mets could take advantage of that and acquire someone to fill a position of need, such as shortstop. Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe suggested a package headlined by Xander Bogaerts, but in any case the Mets would probably need to be bowled over to consider making a deal.

If something can’t get done for Bogaerts why not use Harvey to get someone impactful in return for example How about Colorado outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, whom need starting pitching BADLY! What about Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain? He is a free agent after 2018 season and is a TRUE centerfielder compared to Cespedes who only has the bat not the tools. Just spitballing ideas; but it does leave one to ponder.

All things considered, if a good player is being dangled, there is no reason the Mets should not at least listen to offers for Harvey. If trading him makes the team demonstrably better, then they should do it, and if nothing materializes, they can sit back and let Harvey pitch for another three years before worrying about losing him.

So You're Saying There's a Chance?

Chris Saunders discusses the new young talent that the New York Yankees have. 

By: Chris Saunders

By the looks of the MLB Hot stove season, New York Yankees are not making any big free agent signings ahead of the 2016 season. The best available pitchers a list that includes Zack Grieinke, David Price, and Johnny Cueto- have all found new teams this offseason. As for the hitters who could help the Yankees, the available sluggers would have a hard time finding a position in the Bronx especially with every spot taken. This situation makes the signing of Justin Upton, Chris Davis, or Yoenis Cespedes none existent in New York.

However, while things might seem doom and gloom on paper, Yankees will be able to add talent to the Major League club by promoting prospects. While once considered impossible to both content and rebuild, the small market approach paid high dividends in 2015, when Luis Severino and Greg Bird became integral parts of the team by season’s end. Will there be another Bird or Severino rising through the ranks in 2016? That may be a long shot, but there are several high-level players waiting for their breaks in New York. Here are three Yankees prospects that could make a big impact next season.

1.Rob Refsnyder

At the start of the offseason, the front office seemed content with a platoon of Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley at second base. Then they traded for Starlin Castro, giving the Yankees an everyday player at the position. Although that might put a damper on Regsnyder playing second, he can play other positions as a possible Ryan Roberts Logan Forsythe mold. If Refsnyder continues putting up numbers like he did in 2015 (.302 BA, .859 OPS in 16 G) New York will find a place for his somewhere!

2.Gary Sanchez

Though his status in the Yankees system took a hit in recent years, catching prospect Gary Sanchez just turned 23 and is coming off a scintillating performance in the Arizona Fall League. Sanchez blasted 7 HR with a .982 OPS in 22 games. The power display was only one thing that impressed scouts. The young catcher’s poise behind the plate and commitment in every facet of the game garnered rave reviews. John Manuel of “Baseball America” being one of those reviewers on MLB Tonight had an interesting piece on Sanchez saying “Cut down on the receiving mistakes from ten pass balls to two, premium power/arm profiles as a backup catcher for now.” With the trade for John Ryan Murphy, Sanchez will get a chance to flash his power tools in 2016 as Brian McCann’s backup with the hopes of potentially taking over for McCann has his contract expires in a few years.

3.James Kaprielian

Former first round pick of 2015 for New York can be summed up in one word. POLISHED! According to John Manuel he spoke of Kaprielian with his praise saying that “my money I would take him as the best college starting pitcher in the 2015 draft.” When you look at guys who were drafted ahead of Kaprielian like Dillion Date (4^th overall) as well as Carson Fulmer 8^th might very well end up in the bullpen. Kaprielian while starting his career in UCLA in the bullpen for championship ULCA team and (former teammates of Gerrit Cole and Trevor Baur) he was the bonafide ace! The question with Kaprielian is the fastball velocity ranging from 88-92mph instead of his pre draft 92-94mph with ULCA. Beyond that he has great makeup and as a side note was the rock of 2014 Team USA National team. With Solid makeup, command of his off-speed pitches, of which three he can miss bats with Kaprielian has the ceiling of a number three starter. With all the rotation question marks surrounding New York, Kaprielian could receive a call sooner rather than later!            

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