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Walker's back

Frayed Knot Aug 31 2016 07:07 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 31 2016 07:39 PM

That is, a discussion of Neil Walker's back, which is not quite the same thing as Walker is back. A "herniated disc" is the first opinion although, as always, a second will follow. Alderson calls it a "pretty routine" disc injury that is causing weakness is Walker's lower body, "but not significant enough to prevent him from playing". He goes on to dismiss rumors that it could be a career ending situation as "fabrication"; "I don't want people to become too concerned about where we are. I don't think it's as serious as it's been portrayed." sez Sandy. So, unless the second opinion proves more dire than the first by warning of further damage if he plays with his present condition, this is basically a pain management issue and Walker could be back in the lineup later this week if and when he feels up to it. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/198735808 ... n-in-2016/

Benjamin Grimm Aug 31 2016 07:21 PM Re: Walker's back

Hopefully he'll be able to play more often than not for the next month or (dare we hope?) two. I can't help wondering what impact it will have on 2017. This occurs just as talk of resigning Walker was starting to heat up. I can only imagine that this will make the Mets a lot more hesitant to do that.

Lefty Specialist Aug 31 2016 07:55 PM Re: Walker's back

Supposedly a repeat of a problem he had in 2012. That doesn't bode well for the long term.

Centerfield Aug 31 2016 07:58 PM Re: Walker's back

Certainly brings his price down a bit. Maybe he takes a QO and hits the market again demonstrating his back is healthy? I can't believe we traded Dilson still.

Edgy MD Aug 31 2016 08:01 PM Re: Walker's back

Dilson Shmillson. The Reds haven't even called him up yet.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 31 2016 08:05 PM Re: Walker's back

I felt like Walker re-signing was a longshot from the start but that was before we traded Hererra. Even then, Cecchini or Flores or Reynolds etc. could probably fake it there. Wouldn't be my top priority to bring him back.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 31 2016 08:12 PM Re: Walker's back

I'm over Dilson. I don't think second base will be a problem next year. They have a lot of options.

Ceetar Aug 31 2016 08:28 PM Re: Walker's back

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I'm over Dilson. I don't think second base will be a problem next year. They have a lot of options. yes, but a 'good' option might be nice.

Edgy MD Aug 31 2016 08:49 PM Re: Walker's back

Sheesh: [list][*]Wilmer Flores is slugging the ball all over the place, OPSing .866 in August after a .957 July. He also brings a sugary magic with him to the ballpark every time he plays. [/*:m] [*]José Reyes has been a freaking dervish and the leadoff hitter this team hasn't had since ... José Reyes. [/*:m] [*]Gavin Cecchini is a number-one draft choice hitting .330 / .391 / .454 // .845 in Las Vegas. [/*:m] [*]T.J. Rivera has hit over .300 at every level he's seen, except the big leagues where he's currently 11 points short. Give him time. Meanwhile, he's at .347 / .388 / .508 // .896 in AAA. I don't care how thin the air is or how old he is relative to the league. Guys who hit like that get paid. [/*:m] [*]Ty Kelly is playing for the same team, going .328 / .409 / .435 // .844 and he's funny. He's hit a little in the bigs too. [/*:m] [*]Phil Evans is a middle round draftee who got early round money to forego college, hitting .328 / .367 / .475 // .842 in Binghamton. He's fifth in the league in batting average. [/*:m] [*]Amed Rosario is a consensus top 20 prospect, top 10 on at least a few lists, hitting .324 / .375 / .473 // .848 at 20 years old in the Eastern League. [/*:m] [*]L.J. Mazzilli is named L.J. Mazzilli.[/*:m][/list:u] They may combine to create a ridiculous glut of talent or they may all flop. So might Herrera. But what do you want? Eggs in your beer?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 31 2016 08:49 PM Re: Walker's back

Anthony DiComo wrote: Terry Collins says imminent surgery remains an option for Neil Walker, despite Alderson's optimism. "He needs to get his strength back."

seawolf17 Aug 31 2016 08:59 PM Re: Walker's back

I had hernia surgery in 2008 and I have had ZERO major league at bats since. This does not bode well.

TransMonk Aug 31 2016 09:13 PM Re: Walker's back

Can we make a Frankenstein player out of the good portions of the backs and necks from Wright/Duda/Walker?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 01 2016 02:12 AM Re: Walker's back

sounds like its season-ending surgery for Wawa.

Frayed Knot Sep 01 2016 02:27 AM Re: Walker's back

Yup. Rubin is now reporting that NW will opt for surgery ... so ignore all that stuff at the top of the thread.

Frayed Knot Sep 01 2016 02:38 AM Re: Walker's back

So among the season starting infield: - 1B went out for the season starting on May 21 after 145 PA - 2B is now out for the remainder of the season, last played on August 27 - 3B went out for the season on May 28 - 164 PA - the starting SS missed "only" 17 games and the starting catcher was out for 50

Edgy MD Sep 01 2016 02:45 AM Re: Walker's back

Any thoughts on putting Reyes primarily at second and Flores primarily at third? I mean, I know Terry will never go for it, but would you?

Frayed Knot Sep 01 2016 02:47 AM Re: Walker's back

I think I like Wilmer better at 2nd. I don't trust his throws from 3rd ... and, yes, I realize the irony of saying this on a night where Jose made 2 errors.

Edgy MD Sep 01 2016 03:00 AM Re: Walker's back

Really? I think hands and arm is where Wilmer measures up. It's the need for speed in the middle of the diamond and nimble feet around the bag that gives me pause.

Frayed Knot Sep 01 2016 03:08 AM Re: Walker's back

WF's arm is strong enough for that side of the diamond but it's too scattered, particularly when he has to rush throws. Plus why burden Jose with his 2nd new position in two months? Basically you've got Loney, Flores, Johnson as a three-headed 1B/2B while Reyes + Cabrera + whoever [Reynolds, Cecchini?] cover the other side.

Edgy MD Sep 01 2016 03:15 AM Re: Walker's back

Frayed Knot wrote: Plus why burden Jose with his 2nd new position in two months? That indeed might be Terry's exact position. The answer I'd give is that it's not really new and there's reason to believe he'd be more effectively deployed there for the Mets.

Centerfield Sep 01 2016 04:11 AM Re: Walker's back

Jose plays SS. Cabrera plays 2nd. Both are very familiar with the position. Flores and Johnson split 3rd. Let's hope Rivera can hit.

Lefty Specialist Sep 01 2016 11:57 AM Re: Walker's back

I'm more comfortable with Wilmer at 2nd. Jose still has a gun for an arm, which I like at 3rd. Or put Wilmer at 1st and play Johnson at 2nd. But I'd leave Jose at 3rd for now, unless Cabrera's knee collapses (which could easily happen).

smg58 Sep 01 2016 01:28 PM Re: Walker's back

Gavin Cecchini might figure into the equation as well.

themetfairy Sep 01 2016 02:42 PM Re: Walker's back

smg58 wrote: Gavin Cecchini might figure into the equation as well. He might. They'll be trying him out at second base in the Arizona Fall League.

Ashie62 Sep 01 2016 05:00 PM Re: Walker's back

Any call for Amed Rosario.

Frayed Knot Sep 01 2016 05:11 PM Re: Walker's back

At this point they don't have the 40-man space for Rosario and are running out of ways to create new ones. Nor do I think they'd go to him if they did as he's still just 20 y/o with <200 ABs above A-ball.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 01 2016 05:20 PM Re: Walker's back Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 01 2016 05:23 PM

Rosario's not nearly done baking yet. Leave him in the oven, would you? Fuck, play whoever wherever. Honestly, whether it's Reyes at third/Flores at second or the other way around or Cabrera playing second while Flores plays short center with Conforto on his shoulders (NO BLOOPS DEFENSE), the infield defense is still going to be costing-dear-runs bad, innit? Now that I think about it... bring up Rosario. Guillorme and Milton Ramos, too. Put Carpio in a sling and a brace, and give him a plane ticket. We may need a bench full of defensive replacements more than hitters, don't you think?

Zvon Sep 01 2016 05:21 PM Re: Walker's back

Edgy MD wrote: Any thoughts on putting Reyes primarily at second and Flores primarily at third? I mean, I know Terry will never go for it, but would you? I agree that Wilmer's best spot might be third base (less to do). And I think that Reyes would be better at second when it comes to pivots and DPs (footwork). But I think the best set up might be Flores-3rd, Reyes-SS, Cabrera-2nd. Cabrera wanted to prove to the baseball world that he could still play some great SS. He has done that, so maybe he will be okay with that move. As far as Reyes playing the right side of the infield as well as the left, if Jose really wants to close his career with the Mets he should be prepared to play anywhere at anytime. He's one of the few that I believe can do that without a problem.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 01 2016 05:52 PM Re: Walker's back

There's just no way they're going to move 3 people. Reyes 3B Cabrera SS Flores/Johnson/Rivera 2B Flores/Loney/Johnson 1B Kelly backs up Reyes and the 2Bmen Deal with injuries if/when they arrive but don;t play to avoid them

Edgy MD Sep 01 2016 06:35 PM Re: Walker's back

No, there's no way indeed. Terry is terry-fied of moving just one. I was just flying the flag of a differing philosophy. Back to Walker. This went from he'll be back shortly to he'll be back never pretty soon, didn't it? From not particularly serious to season ending surgery. I also glean from Terry and Sandy's comments that Walker's decision wasn't particularly what the Mets were recommending.

Centerfield Sep 01 2016 10:29 PM Re: Walker's back

Terry's comments seem more in line with Neil. Sandy not so much. Can't imagine how one can think playing with a herniated disc doesn't risk further injury.

Mets Guy in Michigan Sep 02 2016 10:25 AM Re: Walker's back

Edgy MD wrote: No, there's no way indeed. Terry is terry-fied of moving just one. I was just flying the flag of a differing philosophy. Back to Walker. This went from he'll be back shortly to he'll be back never pretty soon, didn't it? From not particularly serious to season ending surgery. I also glean from Terry and Sandy's comments that Walker's decision wasn't particularly what the Mets were recommending. I think it doesn't take to much for something to be a season-ending injury in September. But surgery is always pretty scary! I liked Walker. Good pickup.

Ashie62 Sep 02 2016 12:00 PM Re: Walker's back

I am guessing Walker has played his last game as a Met. Sadly, Duda also with arbitration and back issues pending.

TransMonk Sep 02 2016 02:46 PM Re: Walker's back

Really? I'm thinking that if his back surgery and rehab is deemed successful that he would be the odds on favorite to be the starting Mets 2Bman in 2017. If not him, then who?

Frayed Knot Sep 02 2016 03:01 PM Re: Walker's back

If not him, then who? From Page 1 of this thread: [list][*]Wilmer Flores is slugging the ball all over the place, OPSing .866 in August after a .957 July. He also brings a sugary magic with him to the ballpark every time he plays.[/*:m] [*]José Reyes has been a freaking dervish and the leadoff hitter this team hasn't had since ... José Reyes.[/*:m] [*]Gavin Cecchini is a number-one draft choice hitting .330 / .391 / .454 // .845 in Las Vegas.[/*:m] [*]T.J. Rivera has hit over .300 at every level he's seen, except the big leagues where he's currently 11 points short. Give him time. Meanwhile, he's at .347 / .388 / .508 // .896 in AAA.[/*:m] [*]Ty Kelly is playing for the same team, going .328 / .409 / .435 // .844 and he's funny. He's hit a little in the bigs too.[/*:m] [*]Phil Evans is a middle round draftee who got early round money to forego college, hitting .328 / .367 / .475 // .842 in Binghamton. He's fifth in the league in batting average.[/*:m] [*]Amed Rosario is a consensus top 20 prospect, top 10 on at least a few lists, hitting .324 / .375 / .473 // .848 at 20 years old in the Eastern League.[/*:m] [*]L.J. Mazzilli[/*:m][/list:u] Also, not mentioned, Matt Reynolds. Some of these are more likely than other of course. I don't think Rosario, for instance, is playing anything other than SS and probably not until late 2017 or '18 And while I wouldn't exclude Walker (although he'll probably be looking for a L-T deal this winter) the worst move teams often make is assuming that there aren't other options, including going outside the organization just like they did for him this year.

TransMonk Sep 02 2016 04:49 PM Re: Walker's back

Just now realizing that Page 1 was about next year and not this one. *facepalm* I would still put any extra Cranebucks I had lying around on Walker for OD '17 pending a promising recovery.

smg58 Sep 06 2016 03:40 PM Re: Walker's back

themetfairy wrote: smg58 wrote: Gavin Cecchini might figure into the equation as well. He might. They'll be trying him out at second base in the Arizona Fall League. Cecchini officially got the call today. He's had issues with throwing errors at SS, and Rosario would displace him there sooner or later anyway, so I figure he'll see more action in the majors at second. But I guess time will tell.

Ashie62 Sep 06 2016 04:29 PM Re: Walker's back Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 06 2016 09:56 PM

I guess Walker took the surgery now so he can be a healthier free agent. Class move Neil.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 06 2016 04:38 PM Re: Walker's back

No matter what, he's going to be a very suspect free agent.

TransMonk Sep 06 2016 04:53 PM Re: Walker's back

I'm speculating he'd come back to the Mets on a cheap-o one year deal with an option.

Centerfield Sep 06 2016 05:35 PM Re: Walker's back

For a cheap deal he would probably prefer to go back to Pittsburgh no? It will be interesting to see if the Mets offer the QO.

Frayed Knot Sep 06 2016 05:40 PM Re: Walker's back

Neil Walker may or may not be a Met next year but, even when they're coming off back surgeries, I don't tend to see 31 y/o (31 this Saturday to be specific) middle infielders coming off 23 HR / 823 OPS seasons opting for cheap-o one year deals. P.S. the strangest stat of the year has to be Neil Walker's total of just 9 doubles. This from a guy who had averages just shy of 29/per over the previous six seasons.

Ceetar Sep 06 2016 05:48 PM Re: Walker's back

Frayed Knot wrote: P.S. the strangest stat of the year has to be Neil Walker's total of just 9 doubles. This from a guy who had averages just shy of 29/per over the previous six seasons. There's an idea, worked into xFIP for instance, that FB/HR rate is somewhat random. So Walker's HR spike is probably tied to his low double rate. Sometimes they carry over, sometimes they don't. It's something to think about when projecting Walker for next year anyway. Or perhaps there's something to the juiced ball theory this year,and guys with solid 'warning track' power that were blasting doubles are getting more and more over the wall (Daniel Murphy?)

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 06 2016 05:50 PM Re: Walker's back

I still don't what to think about Walker. Great start, long stretch of poor performance, then a strong third act accompanied by injury. Really sorta like Cabrera. I would have guessed he was trade meat and that Hererra would take over but obv that didn't happen. I wonder if the willingness to flip Hererra had something to do do with the potential usefulness of Cecchini at 2B. I like stealth prospects.

Frayed Knot Sep 06 2016 06:01 PM Re: Walker's back

Ceetar wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: P.S. the strangest stat of the year has to be Neil Walker's total of just 9 doubles. This from a guy who had averages just shy of 29/per over the previous six seasons. There's an idea, worked into xFIP for instance, that FB/HR rate is somewhat random. So Walker's HR spike is probably tied to his low double rate. Sometimes they carry over, sometimes they don't. It's something to think about when projecting Walker for next year anyway. Or perhaps there's something to the juiced ball theory this year,and guys with solid 'warning track' power that were blasting doubles are getting more and more over the wall (Daniel Murphy?) Yeah, but it's not like Walker's HR-rate is crazy high. His 23 this year merely matches his previous peak (albeit in about 85% of the ABs) while his non-HR XBHs went from averaging over 30/year to just 10 this season (9 2B + 1 3B). So while maybe a handful of his doubles became HRs, the rest simply disappeared. Quite different than Murphy's case where his increased HR clip has been in addition to his usual bushel-load of doubles as he's both leading the league in two-baggers and will likely meet or pass his previous high of 40 (has 38 now).

Ashie62 Sep 06 2016 09:57 PM Re: Walker's back

Walker pissed off Sandy. Goodbye Neil.

Edgy MD Sep 14 2016 01:15 AM Re: Walker's back

Sheesh: [list][*]Wilmer Flores is slugging the ball all over the place, OPSing .866 in August after a .957 July. He also brings a sugary magic with him to the ballpark every time he plays. [/*:m] [*]José Reyes has been a freaking dervish and the leadoff hitter this team hasn't had since ... José Reyes. [/*:m] [*]Gavin Cecchini is a number-one draft choice hitting .330 / .391 / .454 // .845 in Las Vegas. [/*:m] [*]T.J. Rivera has hit over .300 at every level he's seen, except the big leagues where he's currently 11 points short. Give him time. Meanwhile, he's at .347 / .388 / .508 // .896 in AAA. I don't care how thin the air is or how old he is relative to the league. Guys who hit like that get paid. [/*:m] [*]Ty Kelly is playing for the same team, going .328 / .409 / .435 // .844 and he's funny. He's hit a little in the bigs too. [/*:m] [*]Phil Evans is a middle round draftee who got early round money to forego college, hitting .328 / .367 / .475 // .842 in Binghamton. He's fifth in the league in batting average. [/*:m] [*]Amed Rosario is a consensus top 20 prospect, top 10 on at least a few lists, hitting .324 / .375 / .473 // .848 at 20 years old in the Eastern League. [/*:m] [*]L.J. Mazzilli is named L.J. Mazzilli.[/*:m][/list:u] They may combine to create a ridiculous glut of talent or they may all flop. So might Herrera. But what do you want? Eggs in your beer? T.J. Rivera, now adding the National League to the leagues he's hit .300 in.