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Back Up The Truck?

seawolf17 Jun 01 2017 02:38 AM

So -- it's the end of May, and we're nine back of Washington and eight back in the Wild Card race. Some end-of-season-FAs that might be appealing to a contender, maybe, if we hide some lines on the back of their baseball cards: Bruce (FA) Granderson (FA) Reyes (FA) Cabrera ($2M buyout/$8.5M option) Walker (FA) Reed (FA) Duda (FA) Blevins ($1M buyout/$7M option) Salas (FA) Rene Rivera (FA) plus a bunch of arb-eligibles like Harvey/deGrom/Flores/d'Arnaud. Do you back up the truck, have a fire sale, and restock?

Benjamin Grimm Jun 01 2017 02:42 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Maybe in late July, but not now.

Frayed Knot Jun 01 2017 02:42 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Too early to decide.

themetfairy Jun 01 2017 02:57 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd keep Duda. I can live with selling the rest.

Centerfield Jun 01 2017 11:51 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Love to hear the pitch on Blevins. LEFTY AVAILABLE. ALREADY PITCHED A SEASON'S WORTH IN 4 MONTHS BUT I'M SURE HE'S GOT SOMETHING LEFT IN THE TANK. JUST DON'T TALK TO THE MFY'S ABOUT PEDRO FELICIANO. TOP 5 PROSPECT OBO.

Centerfield Jun 01 2017 11:55 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

But on a more serious note, yes, you wait until the end of July, and then you also factor in: 1. If we've had any other soul-crushing injuries 2. How are our starters looking (has Harvey bounced back? deGrom still inconsistent)? Etc. 3. Prognosis on Noah and Familia If we are within 5 games, and Noah and Familia are on the road back, I think you have to go for it. Which doesn't mean you can't still sell off a few pieces. Bruce/Granderson are expendable if the rest of the OF is healthy. And if we call up Rosario or Smith, that can mean you sell on Cabrera or Duda. I would keep Duda, but I guess the Mets have to listen to offers.

Lefty Specialist Jun 01 2017 12:07 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Too early to back up the truck, but the driver is in the cab and about to turn on the ignition. I think there'll be some takers on Reyes. He's dirt-cheap, for one thing.

MFS62 Jun 01 2017 12:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'm not sure you can deal someone on the DL(i.e.- Matz, Cespedes) , but if you want to pull the trigger now (no PTBNLs), other than Rosario and Smith, you'd have to pry Conforto, DeGrom, Wilmer and TJ from my cold, dead fingers. Everyone else is negotiable. Later

Ceetar Jun 01 2017 02:01 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

You can't punt when you are so much in control yet. But the Mets are likely to pull a big twist this year, and if the pitching can stay healthy and round out, they'll actually be pretty fine. Granderson, Bruce, Reyes, Flores, TJ Rivera, Cabrera, Walker. You could move most of these with almost no problem (Barring injury obviously) You pick up some other pieces here and there that work out, you play Lagares and Rosario and you've suddenly got a not horrible defensive team that's both scoring runs and pitching. Big roster shake up is coming without punting. the playoff team is going to barely resemble the opening day one.

d'Kong76 Jun 01 2017 03:10 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Do nothing, heal and hope. Note to self: bump this thread after 4th of July...

Methead Jun 01 2017 05:39 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Lefty Specialist wrote: Too early to back up the truck, but the driver is in the cab and about to turn on the ignition. He'll just hurt his wrist doing that. Better to wait til our minor league truck drivers have had more seasoning.

Lefty Specialist Jun 01 2017 08:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Days like today don't help with truck maintenance.

Edgy MD Jun 01 2017 08:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Centerfield wrote: Love to hear the pitch on Blevins. LEFTY AVAILABLE. ALREADY PITCHED A SEASON'S WORTH IN 4 MONTHS BUT I'M SURE HE'S GOT SOMETHING LEFT IN THE TANK. JUST DON'T TALK TO THE MFY'S ABOUT PEDRO FELICIANO. TOP 5 PROSPECT OBO. With any luck, it'll be the Yankees making the best bid.

Ashie62 Jun 01 2017 10:51 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

We should know what to do or not do by about mid-July.

Rockin' Doc Jun 02 2017 01:36 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I remember when this season looked promising. Then they actually started the season and it didn't take long for the season to start unraveling. If the team is still struggling to reach .500 at the All Star Break, then I say it's time to unload many of the veterans, assuming anyone wants them.

Ashie62 Jun 02 2017 02:31 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I agree.

RealityChuck Jun 02 2017 02:46 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

One of the scary things about that list is that it includes seven of the nine players in the opening day lineup. Even if the team wins the World Series this year, they're going to be decimated in the offseason. The only one they can definitely bring back is Cabrera, but are they willing to pay him that much with Rosario in the wings? Reyes is an interesting case. He's probably going to have to take a massive pay cut no matter where he goes, but if the Mets sign him, they're going to be giving him a big raise (from their point of view). Unless things turn around quickly, I'm seeing a fire sale.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 02 2017 03:19 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

RealityChuck wrote: Even if the team wins the World Series this year, they're going to be decimated in the offseason. I agree.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 02 2017 06:14 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Ceetar wrote: Big roster shake up is coming without punting. the playoff team is going to barely resemble the opening day one. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'm TeamCee on this. I'm not sure the playoffs actually happen, but I think a shakeup AND correction are both in the offing.

Centerfield Jun 03 2017 01:26 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Fuck this team. Trade everyone and fire Terry.

d'Kong76 Jun 03 2017 02:07 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

As hard as it is to watch games like this, I have to think they have a small run or two in them with some other teams losing to make it interesting come mid-July. What's the GB over-under on 7/15 to mail it in I guess is my question tonight... aggravated-over-current suckitude aside?

Rockin' Doc Jun 03 2017 02:40 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'm waiting for them to get to .500 for the season, before I begin worrying about potentially earning a wild card spot. It's not just that the Mets are 9 games back in the wild card standings, but there are 6 teams in front of them.

Lefty Specialist Jun 03 2017 02:47 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

(Beep.......beep.......beep.......)

Centerfield Jun 05 2017 01:56 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Lefty Specialist wrote: (Beep.......beep.......beep.......) Yeah. I get the feeling that there is going to be no turnaround. This year pretty much sucks. Of course, anything can happen, but I think I've moved on from getting frustrated that it isn't happening, to expecting nothing from this season and will be pleasantly surprised if they make a run. I wonder when this happened in other disappointing years. 1993. 2002. Probably around this time I would guess.

Ceetar Jun 05 2017 02:00 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

d'Kong76 wrote: As hard as it is to watch games like this, I have to think they have a small run or two in them with some other teams losing to make it interesting come mid-July. What's the GB over-under on 7/15 to mail it in I guess is my question tonight... aggravated-over-current suckitude aside? I'm gonna say 8.5. 6 head to head +1 game per month puts it at about 8.5. I do think this team is going to have a solid second half, but they seem to be digging themselves a nice pit where it'd have to be more than solid. Like Thor and David Wright healthy solid.

d'Kong76 Jun 05 2017 02:45 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Hard for me to imagine Wright providing all-star quality solidness and it will have to come from elsewhere. I thought Bruce was back, but fizzled...

seawolf17 Jun 05 2017 03:27 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Let 'em go, Sandy. Get something of good value for them and set the market.

Ceetar Jun 05 2017 06:53 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

d'Kong76 wrote: Hard for me to imagine Wright providing all-star quality solidness and it will have to come from elsewhere. I thought Bruce was back, but fizzled... Bruce is garbage and has always been garbage. They need to stop punting defense.

Frayed Knot Jun 05 2017 08:03 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I've had no issues with Bruce's defense. He's not been great but he's been fine.

Ceetar Jun 05 2017 08:06 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

he's poised to have the least bad season he's had since 2013 but I can't help but wonder if some of that is favorable park factors

Rockin' Doc Jun 06 2017 01:03 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Ceetar wrote: I do think this team is going to have a solid second half, but they seem to be digging themselves a nice pit where it'd have to be more than solid. Like Thor and David Wright healthy solid. I wish I could believe this team had a significant run it, but I just don't see it. if you consider the second half of the season to be 81 games, then I will say that if the Mets could go 45-36 I would be shocked. Even if they could hit that performance level, it would leave them watching the postseason. Thor may be back for the last few weeks of the season, but sadly, I believe Wright's time as a MLB player are done. I do not expect to see him play again unless it is as a ceremonial farewell appearance.

Edgy MD Jun 06 2017 01:09 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Every time the this thread pops up, a musical version of "Back up the truck" plays in my head to the tune of "Take back your mink."

d'Kong76 Jun 08 2017 02:04 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Ceetar wrote: Bruce is garbage and has always been garbage. I thought your response at the time was unnecessarily strong... he's been an all-star a couple of years. He's hit two garbage-y ding dongs this evening.

Ceetar Jun 08 2017 02:18 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

d'Kong76 wrote: Ceetar wrote: Bruce is garbage and has always been garbage. I thought your response at the time was unnecessarily strong... he's been an all-star a couple of years. He's hit two garbage-y ding dongs this evening. I may have exaggerated for effect. TRADE HIM NOW WHILE HE LOOKS GOOD. His defense though, garbage.

Centerfield Jun 17 2017 02:04 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I think we are done. It's ok I guess. We should get a lot back for guys like Bruce and Duda and Reed. Walker too if he comes back healthy. I think you play Dom Smith for 80 starts then try to re-sign Duda if he's not ready. Pick high in the draft next year.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 17 2017 11:14 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd be very wary of swapping Doodoo unless Smith is absolutely killing it. Is Smith killing it?

Edgy MD Jun 17 2017 12:11 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Smith isn't killing it, but he's hurting it very badly, at .315 / .368 / .464 // .832. Of course, that loses more than a little when it get's translated not just from AAA to MLB, but from PCL AAA to MLB. On the other hand, it's not a straight swap, as you'd be swapping but a few months of Doo. On the other other hand, do you think he brings a pick back if he gets a qualifying offer? Probably, right?

d'Kong76 Jun 17 2017 12:15 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Win the next two and they'll be 8½ back again with 94 to play. Very manageable lol...

Lefty Specialist Jun 17 2017 12:46 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Lose the next two, though, and the beeping grows too loud for Sandy to ignore.

Edgy MD Jun 17 2017 04:56 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Yeah, but I'm rooting for the wins.

d'Kong76 Jun 17 2017 06:30 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Lefty Specialist wrote: Lose the next two, though, and the beeping grows too loud for Sandy to ignore. I did type something about 12 1/2 out mid-June but backspaced to be positive.

Centerfield Jun 17 2017 09:05 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

You know, the cover derby will not be very fun this year.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 18 2017 02:47 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

You're probably right! But we're going to have to go through with it anyway. The home office has already booked a venue in Stockholm for the unveiling ceremony.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 18 2017 08:58 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: Smith isn't killing it, but he's hurting it very badly, at .315 / .368 / .464 // .832. Of course, that loses more than a little when it get's translated not just from AAA to MLB, but from PCL AAA to MLB. Also, that isolated slugging number is lower than Rosario's. And he's a big-bottomed first sacker, yes?

Edgy MD Jun 18 2017 11:37 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

All true. When it comes down to it, he's rattling the cage a lot less than Rosario. There's three possible arguments for promoting Smith: (1) You've traded Duda. (2) You've broken Duda (while your three other original starting infielders are already hurt). (3) It's September.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 18 2017 12:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: All true. When it comes down to it, he's rattling the cage a lot less than Rosario. There's three possible arguments for promoting Smith: (1) You've traded Duda. (2) You've broken Duda (while your three other original starting infielders are already hurt). (3) It's September. Look I'm not arguing for this but it would seem if you're going to remake the club by trade maybe the right guy to trade is Smith.

Frayed Knot Jun 18 2017 12:29 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

That would imply you want to be proactive about re-signing the 32 y/o Duda to a _____? year deal. Or that you'd be comfortable with handing the 1B job to Flores

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 18 2017 01:50 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Not necessarily. I'm just wary about breaking in a new 1Bman if he's not absolutely busting down the door and might not turn out to be a MLB power hitter, and thinking that if the organization is truly undergoing a major transformation as looks likely whatever the results this year, that all options are on the table. Maybe you trade Doodoo and Smith and shock the word by getting Freddy Freeman or something. Maybe Cespedes or Jay Bruce or Conforto or David F. Wright becomes a first baseman. Again I'm not arguing for any particular result but for right now I'm still skeptical of the idea Smith will represent an improvement over Doodoo or necessarily any option on the field -- and at the same time thinking that if this season is shot and you're left to consider truly transformative trades, maybe including the No. 2 prospect might be what it takes to get you someplace. (I think Doodoo is destined to be a very productive 1B/DH in Anaheim or Seattle or Oakland).

Frayed Knot Jun 18 2017 02:41 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I agree that Smith shouldn't be treated as a lock to out-shine the current incumbent. It's just that with Smith and Rosario as the in-house replacements most likely capable of stepping into a full-time job in the next year, and neither he nor Duda able to play anywhere else on the field, dealing him away would necessitate either the risky move of retaining the 32 y/o oft-injured Duda on a multi-year deal or going in a completely different direction at a time when four or five other positions are also up for grabs. That said, if Smith could say be a piece in an Adam Eaton-like trade such as the Nats pulled off this past winter (with Giolito as the anchor) where he helps net us a leadoff/CF type of guy (Eaton's busted-up knee aside) or some other position where we're weak, I certainly wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on it. Rosario, Conforto, and Céspedes, for all practical considerations, should be viewed as the only untouchables among position players at this point.

Lefty Specialist Jun 18 2017 03:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Well, we're no longer arguing about WHETHER to back up the truck, but in which direction we want it to back up. The problem is they've tanked a month too early; teams will still be evaluating if they can make a run for the next few weeks. Agreed that Rosario, Cespedes and Conforto are the only untouchables. The problem with Smith is that he tends to have a Prince Fielder body without Prince Fielder numbers. He came into camp really slimmed-down this year but I don't know if he's been successful at staying away from the buffet tables in Vegas. Smith does have the plus of good defense at first on a team with a lot of tuning forks for gloves, but you worry that if he's not slugging in the PCL, he may never do it. Even so, I think signing Duda long-term is a mistake- he's too inconsistent. Trade him if you can, because QO'ing him isn't worth the risk to get the pick. The problem with deadline trades is that you're usually dealing 'knowns' for 'unknowns'. Jay Bruce is a known quantity. You'll probably get back someone in Double-A who may be able to help you in a year or two, at least that's the hope. If Sandy truly Roto-Rooters the roster, it's going to be ugly to watch this team over the next three months (not that the last three months have been peeled grapes and chocolates). Terry's probably going to wish he still had Eric Campbell.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 20 2017 12:55 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Mike Puma in the Post suggests that the Mets who would bring back the most trade value are Reed, Blevins, Bruce, and Duda. http://nypost.com/2017/06/19/which-mets ... rade-haul/

Ceetar Jun 20 2017 01:24 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Mike Puma in the Post suggests that the Mets who would bring back the most trade value are Reed, Blevins, Bruce, and Duda. http://nypost.com/2017/06/19/which-mets ... rade-haul/ If they can get surplus value from the first three they should trade them regardless. ..but it's Mike Puma.

Centerfield Jun 20 2017 01:36 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I don't think Puma is saying that the Mets will get a lot, just that he thinks these are the players what will bring "the most". Whatever that might be. I'm thinking with so many teams out of it, the return may not be all that great. We are probably looking at a bunch of Dilson Herreras.

Ceetar Jun 20 2017 01:38 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd take what Dilson was when the Mets traded him back for all those guys probably. Granderson should fetch some stuff too.

MFS62 Jun 20 2017 01:51 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Those are the only trade-able players? Jeff will be happy to know he doesn't have to rent a semi. Later

Ceetar Jun 20 2017 01:59 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

MFS62 wrote: Those are the only trade-able players? Jeff will be happy to know he doesn't have to rent a semi. Later Literally everyone is tradeable. Let Wheeler get back on track and he'd net a pretty penny. deGrom too. That's probably unwise though. You might be able to get something for Flores. Walker and Asdrubal when they come back are always easily expendable for literally anything. Duda too though I'd like to keep him.

Edgy MD Jun 20 2017 02:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Yeah, seriously. The ones who will bring the most back in a deal are Conforto, deGrom, and maybe Rosario. What that list is really is the guys who can bring something back, among those he believes folks can stomach losing.

41Forever Jun 20 2017 03:08 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If we're not getting anything of value back, then what's benefit in trading them? I get the players who are at the end of their contracts and we would likely -- or want to -- lose at the end of the season anyway. But I don't understand why we would trade a young, under-control player like Wilmer who can be an important part of a winning team. Is it a matter of clearing roster space for someone like Rosario, or an everyday spot for Conforto?

Ceetar Jun 20 2017 03:15 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I mean, not for _nothing_ of value. you want value to trade guys but like, Flores isn't very good and is sucky on defense. But he's young enough that other teams might see something in him and give him more favorable time mostly against lefties. He can be an important part of a winning team the same way anyone can,but it represents a rather key spot to upgrade.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 20 2017 03:17 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Well, if you trade Bruce or Granderson for nothing, you at least get salary relief. Why trade Wilmer Flores? We could have said the same thing about Hubie Brooks in 1984. The best scenario for trading Wilmer is if he's part of a package that brings you a top-quality player. Blevins is the one (of the four listed by Puma) I'd be most reluctant to trade. The Mets have him under control for 2018, and they'll need as many reliable bullpen parts as they can get.

Edgy MD Jun 20 2017 03:53 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

What's the Gary Carter package in 2017? Flores, d'Arnaud, Pill, and Nimmo for Buster Posey? That seems a hair or two better than the Carter package. d'Arnaud is probably a little more likely to have a long career than Mike Fitzgerald, and Nimmo is probably still a better prospect than Winningham was. Flores isn't as established as Hubie Brooks was, but I think overall, it's a damn comparable package. Is that a deal you make this offseason with Posey signed for four more years in his 31-34 seasons?

RealityChuck Jun 20 2017 03:58 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Ceetar wrote: Duda too though I'd like to keep him. I would, too, but it's likely he'll be gone next year. The team isn't going to lock him in with a long-term commitment, especially with Dominic Smith in the wings. Unless the team is in the thick of the race -- and that's looking less and less likely -- it makes sense to trade him.

Ceetar Jun 20 2017 04:05 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

RealityChuck wrote: Ceetar wrote: Duda too though I'd like to keep him. I would, too, but it's likely he'll be gone next year. The team isn't going to lock him in with a long-term commitment, especially with Dominic Smith in the wings. Unless the team is in the thick of the race -- and that's looking less and less likely -- it makes sense to trade him. I've seen no indication either way, in fact there were rumors last year early on that they were talking about it. Smith is still a prospect and hardly a given for next year.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 20 2017 04:50 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: What's the Gary Carter package in 2017? Flores, d'Arnaud, Pill, and Nimmo for Buster Posey? That seems a hair or two better than the Carter package. d'Arnaud is probably a little more likely to have a long career than Mike Fitzgerald, and Nimmo is probably still a better prospect than Winningham was. Flores isn't as established as Hubie Brooks was, but I think overall, it's a damn comparable package. Is that a deal you make this offseason with Posey signed for four more years in his 31-34 seasons? Would the Giants make that deal, though? I don't have any idea what their needs might be, so I can't really say. I'd think, though, that they'd want someone other than Pill. Maybe a Single-A or Double-A pitcher with a higher ceiling than Pill is considered to have?

Edgy MD Jun 20 2017 04:53 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

That's what the Expos said about Floyd Youmans! I'm telling Brian Sabean what I told John McHale 33 years ago! Take it or leave it!

Benjamin Grimm Jun 20 2017 05:07 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Why did the Expos trade Carter, anyway? I'm not sure I remember. Was it that he was signed to an expensive contract that the Expos came to regret?

Edgy MD Jun 20 2017 05:18 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

He was making salary demands and the Expos were rebuilding. Beyond that, maybe they just liked the package. The question! Nobody's answering the question! What? I'm perfectly calm! GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!

cooby Jun 20 2017 06:13 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I think the only name worse than Floyd is Cloyd

Benjamin Grimm Jun 20 2017 06:22 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

What about "Hortense"?

Frayed Knot Jun 20 2017 06:27 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

[fimg=100:aj2r8y70]http://d3k2oh6evki4b7.cloudfront.net/req/201706013/images/headshots/c/c6c7d8ef_davis.jpg[/fimg:aj2r8y70] Cloyd Boyer was the least known of the three Boyer brothers having pitched in parts of five ML seasons during the 1950s. However, unlike his younger and more famous big league brothers Clete and Ken, Cloyd is still around at the age of 89

Edgy MD Jun 20 2017 10:56 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Sheesh, none of youse truck-reversers want to make a call on a potential consolidation deal.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 21 2017 01:45 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I don't give up 4 guys for an old catcher. The Carter deal worked because we already had Hernandez and Strawberry and Gooden and Fernandez etc.

Edgy MD Jun 21 2017 03:15 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Way to make a call!

bmfc1 Jun 21 2017 10:52 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

No truck is going to be backed up to CF in late July, not that it isn't warranted but for 2 reasons: Sandy can only do one thing at a time and trading some or all of Bruce, Granderson, Walker, Duda, Reed is too much work for him. He is also arrogant and some would interpret making multiple trades a sign of failure (it's not but he could see it that way). The other reason is that Jeffy, the 3rd Trump son, thinks that we only want to see "stars" (as if those are stars). I think that 2 months of Ceccini, T.J. Rivera, D. Smith, Nimmo (and dare I say it? Rosario) with an eye toward '18 would be preferable to 2 more months of this but Jeffy won't feel the same way.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 21 2017 11:20 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I don't think that take is exactly accurate.

Lefty Specialist Jun 21 2017 12:27 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

People won't come out to see this team as currently constituted, so that won't hold Sandy or Jeffy back from making trades. If Jay Bruce is on this team on August 1st, that's a major fail. We won't get anybody currently good in return. You'll get minor leaguers, who are always a crap shoot. You can only hope they pick the right ones.

MFS62 Jun 21 2017 01:32 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: That's what the Expos said about Floyd Youmans! I'm telling Brian Sabean what I told John McHale 33 years ago! Take it or leave it! I would make that deal. But I don't know who would need the crying towel more, Flores or me. Later

Lefty Specialist Jun 21 2017 02:58 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Wilmer won't cry if he's sprung from this team onto a contender. I think he got things out of his system.

Edgy MD Jun 21 2017 03:06 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Not for nothing, but there are a lot more teams in a position to sell than to buy in this fiercely uncompetitive season.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 21 2017 04:18 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Yeah, I'm beginning to think there might be value in striking first if we're trading to an NL franchise, and/or exploiting the tight AL East. Harvey to Boston. Doodoo to the MFYs, boy that hurts. Walker and Cabrera to TOR Reed to BAL I'd also consider moving Cespedes!

Edgy MD Jun 21 2017 04:49 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Cabralker sure picked a lousy time to hit the DL.

Centerfield Jun 21 2017 06:25 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Is it legal to trade someone on the DL? Cause Walker has value. Middle infielder with an .822 OPS over the last two seasons is not bad.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 21 2017 06:56 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

They say you can't trade someone on the DL, but the Mets nearly traded Zack Wheeler to the Brewers in 2015, so there's apparently some kind of loophole.

Frayed Knot Jun 21 2017 06:57 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Centerfield wrote: Is it legal to trade someone on the DL? Cause Walker has value. Middle infielder with an .822 OPS over the last two seasons is not bad. It's legal, but it's also more difficult. On the legal side you need the player to give his OK. Without it it's like very player on the DL has complete, even if temporary, no-trade immunity. But it's more the practical side of things that's the big wrench in the works. The potential trading partner doesn't know if they're getting four months of a player in prime form or two months of a compromised version of him and, because of that uncertainty, the team dealing him has to be willing to take less back since they're dealing damaged goods.

Edgy MD Jun 21 2017 07:01 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

You just have to use the PtBNL back door. Presumably the teams have a handshake understanding of what Plan B will be if the player never recovers. A DL'd Walker is a tough thing to pull the trigger on, because unlike Wheeler, any value Neil offers is short-term. And short-term, it's tough to have faith in his health.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 21 2017 07:17 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I suspect the Mets would ultimately have been better off had Walker rejected them. Hard to trade at that salary, good enough but not great, and as far as I know Cheech/TJ/Wilmo /Cabrera/Wright etc. could presumably hack his role. Though maybe if everything else that went wrong went right it wouldn't have mattered so much.

Ceetar Jun 21 2017 07:40 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I suspect the Mets would ultimately have been better off had Walker rejected them. Hard to trade at that salary, good enough but not great, and as far as I know Cheech/TJ/Wilmo /Cabrera/Wright etc. could presumably hack his role. Though maybe if everything else that went wrong went right it wouldn't have mattered so much. Nah, I mean there would've been some depth issues perhaps, but there's no real indication that they signed Walker (or Bruce) OVER doing something else. I think the Mets just got stuck in a little bit of a wedge, with a lot of average or good players with plenty of warts. They put so many eggs in the run prevention via pitching basket that when that exploded it really exposed all the other holes. It's why the Mets should trade for a pitcher. Or two. I expected, and still do, this team to be WAY different in August+. As much as this season is going bad, it could ultimately work out. It sucks to suck this bad, but it's probably better for '18-'20 to not try to milk every inch of WAR out of Cabrera and Walker and Bruce and use them to provide some long term depth. Even if they only get a few serviceable relievers or bench guys, it'll be good.

Edgy MD Jun 21 2017 08:04 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I tend to think a big part of the issues with this team is dropping two of their more expensive offseason pay packets on guys they didn't really want. That money could have gone someplace special. That they've played more or less well (when healthy) doesn't change the facts that they (1) had other guys who could handle those positions, and (2) had other targets that $$$ might have gone toward. That money could indeed have gone to that pitcher. The Wright money still can, I guess.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 21 2017 08:14 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

This is going to be a really interesting offseason. Even if 2017 had gone well, with a World Championship, it was going to be a last hurrah for this group. I think Duda is gone, unless he's willing to sign a three-year contract, which is possible. But the Mets aren't going to offer him a QO. Will the Mets be in win-now mode in 2018? Or will they take a step back and try to gear up for 2019? It would be unorthodox to try to win a pennant with three rookies in their infield (Cecchini, Smith, and Rosario), so if they're "win now" I expect they'd bring in a veteran infielder to play either second or first. They'll have money to spend, and I think they'll spend it, but on whom? I have no idea. And as I said in the Matt Harvey poll a few days ago, I think he'll be non-tendered. According to the poll results, my opinion is in the minority.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 23 2017 07:16 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

[tweet:hi2bpms2]https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/878329613197295616[/tweet:hi2bpms2]

Benjamin Grimm Jun 23 2017 07:52 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd be very surprised if they found buyers for all of those players. It will be interesting to see who goes and who stays.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 23 2017 08:17 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I think they can. Only a question of what they bring back. My $$ is on Grandy, Cabrera and Reed all playing a role for a Playoff team this year, Walker too and maybe Bruce.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 23 2017 08:24 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Joel Sherman, on Bruce and Granderson: Here are my suggestions: Make both available to the Royals and Blue Jays and ask the key piece in return be Nathan Karns (from Kansas City) and Ezequiel Carrera (from Toronto). That both of those players are currently on the DL shows how difficult the Mets’ path is. Just to make sure this is feasible, I ran the scenarios by three personnel men. No. 1: “Sadly, those are probably the best trade outcomes they will likely muster. This is not a great selling dynamic for them.” No. 2: “That all seems very reasonable to me. I kind of like it.” No. 3: “It makes sense to me. I think given the new rules of engagement with the qualifying offers, there is an advantage to jumping out front [to sell first].” http://nypost.com/2017/06/23/mets-are-o ... -can-work/

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 24 2017 06:22 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I like the idea of getting the sale sign out early. But Carrera-- a 30-y/o without great general numbers OR useful platoon splits doesn't seem like a fit (or "lefty bat on the rise"). If you're aiming Sky-ward, maybe Joe Biagini (possibly extraneous in the rotation once Aaron Sanchez returns) would be a better, but still manageable get.

A Boy Named Seo Jun 25 2017 05:03 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If we're gonna do this shit, then lets go big like the White Sox did when they traded Chris Sale and Adam Eaton and cleared out other teams' farm systems. Jacob deGrom and Wilmer Flores to Houston for 3B Alex Bregman, RHP Francis Martes, OF Kyle Tuker, and RHP David Paulino. Astros get their shot at a World Series and the Mets get a young, toolsy 3B-man and three blue-chip, ML-ready (or near-ready) prospects. Plus we're gonna need that Kyle Tucker kid when we trade Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson.

Lefty Specialist Jun 25 2017 06:49 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'm all for going big, but not Jacob deGrom big.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 25 2017 07:27 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I mean, if you're going big, that's the only one that qualifies these days. Save, like, Conforto or Cespedes or Rosario. Nobody else on this roster returns anything team-changing.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 25 2017 07:32 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I mean, if you're going big, that's the only one that qualifies these days. Save, like, Conforto or Cespedes or Rosario. Nobody else on this roster returns anything team-changing. I'd consider moving Cespedes, Wheeler, Matz, Dom Smith, maybe Conforto if the deal was explosive enough, but I'd like to keep deGrom. Obviously not all these moves will happen but yes when you're into trading, you may as well get into it.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jun 25 2017 07:48 PM Re: Back Up The Truck? Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jun 25 2017 10:05 PM

Prefer to keep Jakob? So would I. But nothing save Conforto brings you the return of a plug-and-play, under-financial-control ace. He's older, and-- being a pitcher-- FAR more volatile a commodity, injury-wise, than Conforto. He's cheaper than Cespedes (whose move would be a strict salary dump, which makes no sense with $65m coming off the books this offseason, and nobody quite as good as a healthy Ces available). And he's far, far better in a collective deadline need-area than Matz or Wheeler or anybody. 3-and-a-half years of that brings you back a blue-chipper or, like, four. Again, though, that's if you're going full measure. There are other choices. But NONE of them brings back the return of a healthy, studly, cheap DutchBoy.

Frayed Knot Jun 25 2017 09:02 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Besides, if you're going to deal away the likes of Conforto, Smith, Matz, etc. what are you looking for, young players under team control? ... that's what those guys are. You'd essentially be looking to get back guys who you hope will grow into what you gave away.

Lefty Specialist Jul 06 2017 11:28 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Nymr83 Jul 07 2017 01:09 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

are you playing for NEXT year or 3-4 years from now? with Syndergaard, deGrom, Matz, Wheeler, Lugo i just can't see blowing the whole thing up. trade away anyone who is a free agent that you dont plan to sign and/or older players but not the core. you may never assemble a staff like that again. take the chance that they stay healthy next year. Syndergaard deGRom Conforto are untouchable. Matz Wheeler Rosario Cespedes shouldnt be going anywhere either. Granderson, Walker, Cabrera, Reyes should be available to anyone who puts a decent offer out there. Bruce takes a slightly better offer and Duda a "fair value" one.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2017 07:16 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I love watching him pitch. He's our best asset at present... maybe the last, best reason to watch this team. I think that's why we have to move deGrom. He actually brings back some prime parts... and brings them back in quantity. Like, a Moncada, a prime pitching prospect, AND a couple of lottery tickets, besides. He brings back parts that CAN help next year and replenish the system, and-- if you do it right-- shifts your primary resource to an area of need with less volatility (anywhere but the mound). Plus, you're still strong pitching-wise, potentially (Thor, Matz, Harvey, Lugo/Gsellman, whoever steps up among the Conlons and Dunns and Szapuckis). I mean, move Duda and the like, too. But you're kidding yourselves if you think anything consequential comes from moving Walker or Bruce or Reed, even.

Lefty Specialist Jul 07 2017 12:19 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

The guys with expiring contracts that you trade will bring you back AA players at best. But they can be here in a year or two. Hell, the Tigers plugged Fullmer into the rotation almost immediately (with good results) from the Cespedes deal. They waited 2 seasons for Syndergaard and 1 season for d'Arnaud from the Dickey deal. That's probably typical (if they make it at all). I wouldn't expect 2018 help from these trades, but you'll have to see what kind of a wheeler-dealer Sandy is. This is probably his last go-round, so hopefully he goes out with a bang.

41Forever Jul 07 2017 12:54 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

This was a team that was supposed to be a World Series contender before being decimated by injuries. We need fine-tuning not a rebuild. It's one thing to trade off some free-agents we don't plan to re-sign. It's another to trade a centerpiece like deGrom. That would be a mistake.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 07 2017 01:37 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Yeah. I don't see a rebuild either. OTOH, "World Series Contender" ain't nothing like it used to be, at least when I was a kid. Nowadays, more than a quarter of the teams make the playoffs and if management could assemble a team that, on paper, could be expected to win 84, 85 games, hey, that's a World Series contender. Because if the projections say 84-85 wins, that team could win 88-90 games with a little luck. So maybe half the teams are World Series contenders.

Ceetar Jul 07 2017 01:57 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

You trade deGrom or Cespedes for guys that will make you better in aggregate, in places that are harder to get. I'm not sure the Mets have those holes. d'Arnaud isn't great, and is hurt, and Plawecki hasn't hit up here yet. but that's where you'd look. You could find another pitcher, even one maybe that's only 90% as good, that makes up the win difference of getting a excellent catcher and like, a few young prospects that might be useful one day. something like that. Or like a real quality CFer. You can (usually) find someone to approximate decent offense at the third spot if you've got Conforto-CF if you trade Cespedes for it. There are creative ways to go about trading just about anyone. The goal is still to win in 2018, and beyond.

Lefty Specialist Jul 07 2017 02:54 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

The thing is, I don't know if they'll ever get the 'Big Five' on the field at the same time- ever. Matz is glass. Harvey may never be the pitcher he was. Wheeler is a wild card, and still throws too many pitches. Syndergaard should be a bull, but who knows how muscle pulls will affect him? deGrom is at least the surest thing they have. If they ever were healthy and firing on all cylinders, great. Not sure we'll ever see it. Looks like the league has caught up to Lugo and Gsellman, unfortunately. Defense has killed this team as well. Rosario will help at short, but what's the plan for second and third (I'm assuming Wright is done)? It also seems like they've moved on from Lagares in center. Conforto in right, Cespedes in left and a competent CF would work. Oh, and just a league-average bullpen would help as well. All this may be too much to ask for 2018.

Ceetar Jul 07 2017 03:05 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

if we're being honest the Mets should probably trade FOR a top-flight pitcher and sign a defense-first CF and 2B.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 07 2017 03:33 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Ceetar wrote: if we're being honest the Mets should probably trade FOR a top-flight pitcher and sign a defense-first CF and 2B. A couple of relievers too. It is a another possibility that's not considered. Even though I already declared the season OVER the other day, it's hard to see a bounceback at any point if we don't make some whacky investments soon. I am not afraid of trading Dominick Smith in the right deal! I don't fear a higher payroll!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 08 2017 08:47 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Nobody likes Smith more than we do, is the problem. Hell, gents, nobody likes him as much, near as I can tell. The only guys anyone really wants are Reed (and it's a crowded market), Blevins (maybe), Rosario, Conforto, and Jakey... less'n we eat a LOT of salary. If you think you're getting a "AA player" (read: actual prospect) for, say, Neil Walker, well... your liquor is better at it's its job than mine is. A problem of similar scope: the Mets are playing just well enough to stay in the middle-class, Kazmir-for-Zambrano weird-trade zone, away from any potentially seismic draft positioning, but not nearly well enough to realistically have a shot at anything beyond one-and-done. We're in No Man's Land, in a market that'll reward early trigge-pullers (either way).

Edgy MD Jul 08 2017 02:14 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I don't worry about these things. They happen very fast. No need to decide now whether to deal out. No need to fret over whether there's a market. Some team gave up actual live arms for Kelly Johnson ... twice! Some team couldn't wait to jump at Eric O'Flaherty. Traded a sexy young arm for him. Wacky, right? That same crazy team found a buyer for Rey Sanchez in 2003, and Rey Ordóñez in the 2002 offseason. Yeah, for guys who would never make it, but teams have needs and deals emerge. Or maybe they don't. Clearly, Alderson is a guy who likes to play the market until a deal is worth his while, and would rather take his chips and go home than get a reputation as a sap. That's alright too. But Walker is pricey, you say? So was Beltran back in 2011. He's gimpy, too? Beltran again. The Mets ate some salary and made a deal. We'll see what haps.

Lefty Specialist Jul 08 2017 02:50 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd expect they'll eat salary to get a better return. The salary was a sunk cost already.

Chad Ochoseis Jul 08 2017 05:45 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If we were to move one of the core players, I would want it to be Cespedes. He's still a productive player when he's on the field, but the leg injury worries me. He's not a young 31 (if 31 is what he actually is). We may have reached or may be rapidly approaching peak Cespy productivity, and the contract can very well hamstring us (yes, pun intended) in 2019 and 2020. I could happily go with Conforto-Nimmo-Bruce for the rest of the year and possibly 2018 if we could make a trade that Cespedes would approve, that would allow us to unload at least 80% of salary (we'd still be eating about $5M/year), and that would include two top quality prospects at the AA or AAA level. That's only slightly more than what we gave up for him at the 2015 deadline, but he is signed - though pricy - through 2020. That trade may be possible now, particularly given that the AL wild card race is tight and there should be plenty of AL buyers this month.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 08 2017 05:59 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

As "signed" for multiple years at market rates isn't an asset here, Cespedes likely doesn't bring you nearly what you think he does, unless we eat a LOT of salary (and maybe not even then), which is your reason for moving him in the first place. .

Edgy MD Jul 08 2017 07:25 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Trade Deadline Debbie Downer hails from the Boogie Down Bronx. Who knew?

Lefty Specialist Jul 08 2017 07:26 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Cespedes isn't going anyplace. He has a no-trade and he was tired of shuttling from team to team, which is a big part of why he re-signed with the Mets. This is like the deGrom talk. It. Will. Not. Happen.

bmfc1 Jul 09 2017 08:26 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

It should be a garbage truck.

d'Kong76 Jul 18 2017 02:13 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Lefty Specialist Jul 19 2017 05:42 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Is it possible to back up a dumpster fire?

Edgy MD Jul 22 2017 02:03 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I tell youse, trades of almost anybody in their lineup won't make them appreciably worse, because of the depth they've built up. Certainly the walk-year guys. But if they trade Blevens and/or Reed and don't get any big-league-ready pitching coming back in a deal, a dark horse or two better step up, because the last two months could get long fast. I'm hoping that starters returning from the DL can lengthen the bullpen, but who knows when that could happen?

d'Kong76 Jul 22 2017 02:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: the last two months could get long fast. I'm there already, let's punt NOW!!!

smg58 Jul 22 2017 03:49 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

You hold out for the right deals, and if that means July 31 instead of today, fine. I think you can get part of next year's bullpen for a few of the two-month rentals (meaning AAA relievers who look promising), and that would be more than good enough. Bruce is playing well enough to bring back more than that, as is Duda (which I can't believe people don't see), and it's always a sellers market for relievers this time of year. But you don't need to do anything today.

Frayed Knot Jul 22 2017 08:29 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I think you can get part of next year's bullpen for a few of the two-month rentals (meaning AAA relievers who look promising), and that would be more than good enough. Bruce is playing well enough to bring back more than that, as is Duda (which I can't believe people don't see), and it's always a sellers market for relievers this time of year. But you don't need to do anything today. Of course Bruce was hitting just about the same last year (pre-trade) as he is right now and the buyer then was getting 1 year + 2 months of him - and all that netted the Reds was Dilson Herrera who, despite his initial promise, still hasn't cracked a big league roster since 2015 and isn't exactly tearing up AAA either, plus a low-minors arm who is struggling in the low minors. Joel Sherman suggests the Mets look across town for their bullpen replenishment needs seeing as how the Yanx now have veteran relievers stacked up like planes over LaGuardia and would be willing to part with spare parts for Mr. Duda. His WATP suggests big Lucas for * One of: Jonathan Holder / Ben Heller / JP Feyereirsen / Giovanny Gallegos * plus one of Domingo German / Ronald Herrera * plus one of Tyler Austin / Garrett Cooper * plus Rob Refsnyder The first two groups of non-household names are youngish relievers with mostly good numbers in the minors and much more limited success in limited ML innings Austin and Cooper are position players: Cooper is the 1B they just traded for and, at worst, he swings RH and could fill in the rest of this year and platoon with Dom Smith next season. Austin also is a RH-hitting 1B/OF who saw some big league time this year. Refsynder was a guy Yanx fans were making a big deal about when he hit well for his first 100 or so ABs in 2016, he also has good minor league numbers. But the more they saw of him the less they seemed to think of him and it's totally unclear what position he should (or even CAN play). A year ago he'd have been the obvious choice over the similar sized/skilled TJ Rivera, but now maybe not so much. A (highly theoretical) deal like this lacks the high-ceiling guys that fans crave when dreaming of prospect hauls, but what it lacks in that it would make up for in quantity, and maybe that's exactly what our bullpen needs going forward: a competition among five or six guys to see who can fill those slots leading up to the end of the game. If we had anyone like that now you'd figure they'd currently be on the squad but there don't seem to be any even on the horizon.

Edgy MD Jul 23 2017 12:32 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

d'Kong76 wrote: Edgy MD wrote: the last two months could get long fast. I'm there already, let's punt NOW!!! I guess my take was that they can sell at the deadline and still compete in the second half. It could be a profitable turnover without being an outright punt. But probably not very successfully if they sell Blevins and Reed and don't bring in some other relievers.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 23 2017 01:58 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If they get their timing right, Reed can depart as Familia returns, just as the Cabrera trade we'll read about this week will be seamless inasmuch as it comes as Walker returns (and Rosario arrives). I don't feel strongly one way or the other on Blevins. It's not like Smokey and Edgy are killers, but maybe you get a lefty-stopper among the guys you bring in. I think they could also move Walker and Grandyman and still put an able club on the field, more or less.

d'Kong76 Jul 23 2017 03:33 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: Edgy MD wrote: the last two months could get long fast. I'm there already, let's punt NOW!!! I guess my take was that they can sell at the deadline and still compete in the second half. It could be a profitable turnover without being an outright punt. But probably not very successfully if they sell Blevins and Reed and don't bring in some other relievers. I know, I'm just looking forward to maybe getting some future chips if things line up right. I'm past being disappointed in our 2017 so just rooting for good trades/dumps. I'll watch whether they're competitive or not anyways, it's just what I do.

Frayed Knot Jul 23 2017 09:27 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

So for the "extraordinary improvement" (or however he put it) that Sandy said he needed: the so-far 6 - 4 post-ASB record likely wasn't what he had in mind. They needed at least 7-3 and probably more like 8-2 in order to stave off a sell-off. Today was the last home game prior to the deadline. Several of the guys heading west almost certainly aren't coming back ... at least not on the same plane or with the same group.

Vic Sage Jul 24 2017 04:53 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

The notion that they'd by buyers if they went 8-2 and sellers at 6-4 or less is just an awful plan of action. Not that I disagree with your analysis, but its a terrible way to run a franchise. You can't look at this team play day in and day out and think that an 8-2 record over a 10 game span would be a good reason to "go for it." Anybody on the 40-man roster not named Conforto, deGrom, Syndegaard and Rosario should be made available, if anybody is interested.

41Forever Jul 24 2017 04:57 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd add Matz and possibly Familia to that list (assuming that people on the DL count as being on the roster).

Vic Sage Jul 24 2017 05:10 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

41Forever wrote: I'd add Matz and possibly Familia to that list (assuming that people on the DL count as being on the roster). I wouldn't. While i wouldn't give them away (i wouldn't recommend we give ANYBODY away), i wouldn't say their off-limits. Matz is wildly inconsistent, except for being consistently injured. Familia? He was erratic at his best, and hasn't been at his best for quite a while. I'd try to keep both, but wouldn't cry if they went.

Ceetar Jul 24 2017 05:14 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Thor maybe, just from a Nolan Ryan standpoint. You can trade everyone else if the return yields more value.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2017 05:18 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd trade the living shit out of Matz.

Ceetar Jul 24 2017 05:21 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I'd trade the living shit out of Matz. [url]http://thefecaltransplantfoundation.org/what-is-fecal-transplant/

batmagadanleadoff Jul 24 2017 08:41 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Ceetar wrote: You can trade everyone else if the return yields more value. You can trade everyone [crossout]else[/crossout] if the return yields more value.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 25 2017 02:56 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Mike Puma in the Post says that we can expect to see Reed and Cabrera dealt this week, but the others (Granderson, Bruce, Duda, Walker...) may stick around a little longer and, if they get dealt, it would be in a waiver deal in August. As it stands, team officials are relatively confident in finding matches that would move Addison Reed and Asdrubal Cabrera by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but there is less optimism that deals involving Jay Bruce, Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson, among others, will be consummated, according to major league sources. The full article: Mets looking at just two deadline deals and an active August

Edgy MD Jul 25 2017 02:58 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

The Cabrera deal can't possibly be telegraphed any more.

Rockin' Doc Jul 26 2017 02:37 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Vic Sage wrote: ...Anybody on the 40-man roster not named Conforto, deGrom, Syndegaard and Rosario should be made available, if anybody is interested. I agree whole heartedly with that list. I would likely add Cespedes to the list of keepers, but wouldn't be above moving him (in a block-buster type deal), but I think the likelihood of his being traded is extremely remote.

Vic Sage Jul 26 2017 02:08 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

nobody is taking cespedes at that price. with a body that is continually breaking down, WE shouldn't have taken him at that price.

MFS62 Jul 26 2017 02:23 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: The Cabrera deal can't possibly be telegraphed any more. Other than the team changing the name on the back of his uniform to "make us an offer", you're probably right. Later

Vic Sage Jul 26 2017 02:30 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

they need revenue, so maybe they just put an ad on the front of his jersey that says: "put your team's name here!"

HahnSolo Jul 26 2017 02:32 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Red Sox traded for Eduardo Nunez last night, so that might eliminate one buyer for Cabby.

bmfc1 Jul 26 2017 05:00 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Tweets say that the Cubs covet Seth Lugo and His Amazing Spin Rate. Pay up Theo, he's ours until 2023 and isn't Arbitration Eligible until 2022.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 26 2017 05:14 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I also read that the Cubs are jonesing for Rene Rivera.

Centerfield Jul 26 2017 06:00 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Lucas Duda has 17 HR's and an .879 OPS in 74 games. He's not a great defender, but is no butcher either. I find I'm sad to see him go. I know Smith might be ready, and it might be the best move in the long run, but I'm sad to see our time with Lucas come to a close. Don't really care about anyone else. Maybe Reyes, a bit. But mainly because I was hoping that we'd see Reyes and Wright start together one last time.

seawolf17 Jul 26 2017 06:12 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Centerfield wrote: I was hoping that we'd see Reyes and Wright start together one last time. I really wanted that too. But such is life.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 26 2017 06:25 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Centerfield wrote: I find I'm sad to see him go. This makes it sound as if a trade has been announced and he's officially gone. I'm not seeing anything. Has he been traded, or are you anticipating?

Edgy MD Jul 26 2017 06:34 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If Lugo was to go, the Mets would be looking for somebody just like him in return — a guy who can hold down a rotation spot until the featured starters return, who can continue in that role if the rotation doesn't reform, who can plug into the bullpen if it does. Basically, they're a team at the back end of the league's ERA rankings who can't afford to be shedding young controllable pitching that is modestly effective currently with the potential to improve or break through to increased effectiveness. As for Reyes, the plan seems to be to keep him around to continue mentoring Rosario. So I wouldn't be preparing to lose him. It's not unthinkable that he could be back in 2018.

Ceetar Jul 26 2017 06:39 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: As for Reyes, the plan seems to be to keep him around to continue mentoring Rosario. So I wouldn't be preparing to lose him. It's not unthinkable that he could be back in 2018. I mean, it should be.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 26 2017 06:50 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I'd be willing to swap Lugo. Gimme your best offer, Cubbies

Centerfield Jul 26 2017 06:58 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Centerfield wrote: I find I'm sad to see him go. This makes it sound as if a trade has been announced and he's officially gone. I'm not seeing anything. Has he been traded, or are you anticipating? Just speculation. Sorry.

Centerfield Jul 26 2017 06:59 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: If Lugo was to go, the Mets would be looking for somebody just like him in return — a guy who can hold down a rotation spot until the featured starters return, who can continue in that role if the rotation doesn't reform, who can plug into the bullpen if it does. Basically, they're a team at the back end of the league's ERA rankings who can't afford to be shedding young controllable pitching that is modestly effective currently with the potential to improve or break through to increased effectiveness. As for Reyes, the plan seems to be to keep him around to continue mentoring Rosario. So I wouldn't be preparing to lose him. It's not unthinkable that he could be back in 2018. I think I'd be ok to have Reyes as our back up SS.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 26 2017 07:53 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I wouldn't be opposed to bringing back Reyes in 2018, if they can get him for a low enough salary. I don't think it will happen, but it's in the realm of possibility.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 26 2017 07:56 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Hard to see him having a better landing place than Queens, so I'd assume Mets will try to get him as cheap as he can come. Not the worst thing to have a versatile switch-hitter with a little pop and speed in the fold.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 26 2017 08:28 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

[tweet:13npnuba]https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/890259597835079680[/tweet:13npnuba] This only makes sense to me. Grandyman has been a terrific Met and it's hard to imagine a worthy pennant push for this group without him but seeing as that's next to impossible, another team would surely like his power, OF versatility and exemplary veteran-leadershipiness for a push. The Cubs? Maybe a post-deadline dumperoo

Ceetar Jul 26 2017 08:39 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If a team is only trading him as a bench piece, it might not even be worth the bother of trading him. Never mind he's been a top 10% hitter since May 1st.

Edgy MD Jul 26 2017 09:03 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

If he's a top 10% hitter (and I'm curious where that comes from), he's a top 10% hitter that's rotting on the bench while earning beaucoup $$.

Ceetar Jul 26 2017 10:48 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: If he's a top 10% hitter (and I'm curious where that comes from), he's a top 10% hitter that's rotting on the bench while earning beaucoup $$. 331 qualified hitters, he's ranked 31st in wRC+.

Edgy MD Jul 26 2017 11:08 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Well, they may feel they have to lose somebody in the outfield/first base logjam, and he's currently the odd man out whilst earning the second-highest salary.

smg58 Jul 27 2017 03:04 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Pat Neshek just got the Phillies three prospects.

seawolf17 Jul 27 2017 01:55 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: [tweet]https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/890259597835079680[/tweet] This only makes sense to me. Grandyman has been a terrific Met and it's hard to imagine a worthy pennant push for this group without him but seeing as that's next to impossible, another team would surely like his power, OF versatility and exemplary veteran-leadershipiness for a push. The Cubs? Maybe a post-deadline dumperoo Absolutely. Grandy has exceeded every expectation I had, and I would love to see him get another shot at a ring. Maybe he'd even be wiling to come back next year.

Frayed Knot Jul 27 2017 08:27 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

smg58 wrote: Pat Neshek just got the Phillies three prospects. All very young: a 19 & 20 y/o out of Venezuela both playing in Low-A. The other is a 23 y/o former 24th round draft pick just recently promoted to High-A. The older one is said to project as a future middle reliever; a much greater range of good or bad on the other two (IF & RHP) because of their ages. Obviously worth it form the Phils viewpoint even if all they get out of it down the road is one or two role players. Probably safe to assume that a package for Reed may yield something similar, but it doesn't sound like he's going to draw anything like the monster prospects that Miller & Chapman netted last year.

dgwphotography Jul 27 2017 09:50 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

According to the MLB App - Duda has been traded to the Rays for Drew Smith On edit: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/244836726 ... d=27118122

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 28 2017 04:02 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

MORE TRAIDS Now that we got one done, I find myself wanting the bloodletting to continue with surprising zeal. Papa needs some shoe money, or a AA catching prospect-- gimme some action, Dealer Sandy!

d'Kong76 Jul 28 2017 04:09 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

I know, I've been to the Mets' Rotoworld like a half dozen times this morning.

bmfc1 Jul 28 2017 10:14 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Several tweets today about Granderson and the Brewers. If Duda got the Rays 30th ranked prospect, shouldn't Granderson get the same or more, given his sparkling personality? Baseball Prospectus has the Brewers with the 3d rated system. MLB.com had this Top 30 list in March: http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=mil

bmfc1 Jul 28 2017 10:33 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

[tweet:wjn6yx8n]https://twitter.com/MarcCarig/status/891063234844737536[/tweet:wjn6yx8n] How much could Sandy having been expecting in return?

Edgy MD Jul 29 2017 12:31 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Expecting? I dunno. But deals happen. Last year the Rangers, suddenly scared of going into the post-season without catching depth, made a deal to get Nevin Ashley on August 31. Ash hadn't even played for the Mets all year, and had a .100 career MLB batting average, but they were able to deal him off for Ka$h Konsideration$. He played three games for Round Rock and called it a career, but the Mets made a deal for him before he went. I have little doubt in the notion that there's a team (or more) out there who could use a veteran backup catcher who shows grace under pressure, pops the occasional ball into the stands, and looks good in the shower.

Lefty Specialist Jul 29 2017 12:45 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Edgy MD wrote: I have little doubt in the notion that there's a team (or more) out there who could use a veteran backup catcher who shows grace under pressure, pops the occasional ball into the stands, and looks good in the shower. Anthony Recker's already been traded.

Edgy MD Jul 29 2017 01:21 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Easy. I said good.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 29 2017 05:41 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Duda out for prospect. Ramos in for prospects. Reed out for... what? Prospects? Bench help? A Wurlitzer and a couple of mouth-harp? This parking lot needs a one-way sign in it. The trucks are getting confused.

Frayed Knot Jul 29 2017 11:35 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Trade deadline, btw, is 4 PM EDT on Monday. Deals don't always get announced by the cut-off, but since the dawning of the Age of Twitterquarius nothing should lag too long past the finish line meaning no late-night floor pacing on our day off.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 08 2017 07:32 PM Re: Back Up The Truck?

Joel Sherman in the New York Post suggests that the Brewers might be interested in Cabrera, Walker, or Granderson. Milwaukee lines up as perhaps the Mets’ last, best hope to trade veterans this month, because the Brewers have a need for both a lefty-hitting center fielder such as Curtis Granderson and a lefty-hitting second baseman, such as switch-hitters Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker. Full article: Mets have one last hope for veteran selloff

Frayed Knot Aug 29 2017 02:33 AM Re: Back Up The Truck?

The traded players since being traded: JAY BRUCE: 61 AB, .311/.391/.590 4 HR NEIL WALKER: 38 AB; .368/.467/.500 1 HR LUCAS DUDA: 84 AB; .202/.343/.488 7 HR GRANDERSON: 29 AB; .138/.342/.448; 3 HR RENE RIVERA: 1 Single in 8 AB ADDISON REED: 11 Games, 10.1 IP; 6 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 12 K All these were from before tonight's games (if any) although I know Duda has HR'd tonight so that's at least 8 for him w/TBR even with the low BA