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Play Zimmo in CF

Centerfield Sep 08 2017 06:17 PM

I think they should try playing Zimmo in CF. From what I've seen, it doesn't seem like he's a big league centerfielder, but you have to try right? We know what we have in Lagares. He can't hit for shit. Let's see if Zimmo can handle CF. The power he showed last night was impressive. You start thinking that if he can develop a little pop, while maintaining that OBP, he could be something. But then I saw he hit only 4 HR's in LV. Head scratcher.

Edgy MD Sep 08 2017 06:26 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I agree. If the Mets accept my application to manage next season, I open the season with Nimmo and Lageres platooning between Céspedes and Conforto, and adjust from there. Obviously that becomes a more workable deployment if I get a good look at how he plays center now. He looks like a better athlete than Conforto to my eyes, if not necessarily a more skilled outfielder. That second part can change!

Vic Sage Sep 08 2017 07:34 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Edgy MD wrote: I agree. If the Mets accept my application to manage next season, I open the season with Nimmo and Lageres platooning between Céspedes and Conforto, and adjust from there. Obviously that becomes a more workable deployment if I get a good look at how he plays center now. He looks like a better athlete than Conforto to my eyes, if not necessarily a more skilled outfielder. That second part can change! that's exactly the way i'd do it, too. Nimmo looks like an ideal #2 hitter... LHed, patient enough to take pitches and let a leadoff hitter steal, runs ok, decent BA, great OB. Minimal power does less harm there, too.

Centerfield Sep 08 2017 08:20 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

All of these plans being predicated on his ability to play a decent CF. Which we should be finding out about RIGHT NOW!!!!

Chad Ochoseis Sep 08 2017 08:46 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I always thought that Zimmo in CF was Plan A for the future and Conforto was there only as a stopgap. Conforto's fine, but from what I've seen, he was a corner OF playing out of position. I haven't been watching enough lately to get a sense for Nimmo's fielding abilities, but he definitely seems to have the tools. We know what Lagares can do (go get 'em in CF and hit a soft .275); now is the time to experiment with Nimmo.

Ashie62 Sep 09 2017 02:09 AM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I'm in.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 09 2017 01:10 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

In this September of data collection? By all means. But to my mind, Nimmo seems like he couldt be a serviceable defensive CF... just not a good one. He's someone you could play there, but not someone who could be anything like a defensive asset... and his bat doesn't seem worth that liability in center. Honestly, I'd be fine with Lagares in between Ces and Conforto.

Edgy MD Sep 09 2017 03:42 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

That's why you use both, man. Nimmo against righties and Lagares against lefties and in late innings, perhaps with Nimmo sliding over to a corner to cover Céspedes. As long as folks stay healthy, it'll be brilliant. Brilliant!

Rockin' Doc Sep 10 2017 01:27 AM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Edgy MD wrote: That's why you use both, man. Nimmo against righties and Lagares against lefties and in late innings, perhaps with Nimmo sliding over to a corner to cover Céspedes. As long as folks stay healthy, it'll be brilliant. I would like to give the Edgy Plan a try.

Centerfield Sep 13 2017 01:33 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I don't get this at all. You sit Nimmo against the lefty because, well, I don't know. But then you play Aoki? I really see no use to having Aoki out there at all. If left to me, I would: 1. Play Zimmo in CF. Reyes in LF (let's see if he can play out there at all) and Lagares in RF. If you want to throw Taijeron in once in a while and rest Jose, that's ok with me. 2. Play Cheech every day at 2B 3. Play Evans at 3B. Let's see what the kid can do. 4. Free the 'Weck! Give 2/3 of all starts to Kevin. Throw Nido out there a few times. 5. Pitch Gsellman out of the pen. Let's try it now and see how he reacts. 6. Cut Aoki. Seems like a good guy and a useful piece to have around and all, but he serves to confuse Terry. No way he should be getting this many AB's.

sharpie Sep 13 2017 01:52 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

After these two Cubs games the Mets don't play any team that are competing for playoff spots. I think Terry will try to put the team he thinks is most likely to win games out there for the Cubs.

Edgy MD Sep 13 2017 02:00 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Aoki is, as of today, not only (at least) the the team's third-best outfielder, but he's the leading candidate for the fifth outfield slot on opening day 2018. Let Aoki live!

Nymr83 Sep 13 2017 04:52 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

yeah, the problem isn't Aoki's presence on the roster - he'd be a great 5th OF for a contender next year - the problem is hia overuse by a team that should be seeing what it has with younger players. this is on Terry.

smg58 Sep 13 2017 05:54 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I would happily make the argument that giving Nimmo the chance to face lefties is preferable to giving serious playing time to Travis Taijeron. Given that it has been a while since Lagares played full time, though, I would like to see that he can handle it for an extended stretch without breaking down. Nimmo's goal is to show the Mets he would make a better fourth outhfielder in 2018 than Aoki. The Mets could also use another righthanded outfielder, but he's not on the roster right now.

seawolf17 Sep 13 2017 06:17 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Gotta figure out what you've got for next year. You've got 17 games left or whatever: The infield should be Smith/Cecchini/Reynolds(Rosario)/Evans(Flores), with Reyes and Cabrera getting maybe 6-8 more starts each wherever. Your outfield should be Nimmo/Lagares/Taijeron, with Reyes spotted out there a half-dozen times or so. Rotate the three catchers so you get Nido and Plawecki at least 3-5 starts each. You know what you've got in Cabrera and Aoki.

Frayed Knot Sep 13 2017 09:14 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I'm not sure there's much to be gained by a Reyes in the OF experiment going forward. His hitting (85 OPS+) is barely acceptable as a reserve infielder at this point - and next year he's not necessarily available as a minimum wage player anymore.

Chad Ochoseis Sep 13 2017 09:28 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

But a 115 OPS+ in the second half, over what's now a non-trivial sample size, with pop, switch-hitting skills, the ability to mentor an up and coming star, and some Metly sentimental value. I wouldn't break the bank for him in 2018, but if it turns out to be a choice between paying him $2M for a year and paying some generic bench player like Aoki $1.5M, give me Jose. If he can demonstrate some competence in the outfield, even better. And what better time than now to test those skills?

Edgy MD Sep 13 2017 10:36 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I hear you, but I think that's a ticket that Terry crumpled up the last time he saw Reyes in the outfield.

Frayed Knot Sep 13 2017 10:38 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I don't see this as an either/or between Reyes & Aoki as they're hardly interchangeable parts. The thought about Reyes to the OF was to see if he could play CF as a counterpart to Lagares. But if Nimmo is going to be that guy then that leaves corner OF and Reyes there doesn't do much for me. Even if we assume that his second half stats are closer to reality than the first (my assumption would be to split the difference and call it more like 100) that's certainly acceptable (at the right price) for an all-purpose infielder who can still run a bit and play SS if needed, not so much for a fill-in corner OF. Chad Ochoseis wrote: If he can demonstrate some competence in the outfield, even better. And what better time than now to test those skills? Spring Training

Centerfield Sep 14 2017 01:23 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

If he's in spring training you've already signed him. Test him there now before making the commitment.

Frayed Knot Sep 14 2017 01:34 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

If you're going to sign Reyes for next year it's going to be with the intention of using him as an all-purpose IF/backup SS. If he can also be an occasional sub in the OF that would be a (very minor) bonus but I can't possibly see that as his primary job nor do I have any faith that the final 20-some games are going to answer the question about whether he can or can't.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 14 2017 01:38 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

My hunch right now is that either Cabrera or Reyes will return next year, but that it's unlikely that both will. I think Cabrera is more likely.

Centerfield Sep 14 2017 02:58 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Frayed Knot wrote: If you're going to sign Reyes for next year it's going to be with the intention of using him as an all-purpose IF/backup SS. If he can also be an occasional sub in the OF that would be a (very minor) bonus but I can't possibly see that as his primary job nor do I have any faith that the final 20-some games are going to answer the question about whether he can or can't. Sure, it would never be his primary job (do utility players have a "primary" job?) but it would be nice to know if he has that skill set or if he's lost out there. If you're choosing between Cabrera and Reyes maybe that's a factor that you throw in. In any case, there's no harm in trying it. You aren't going to learn any more about Reyes's ability to play SS, or Aoki's ability to play OF. I don't think the final 20 games will give you a definitive answer about his OF skills, but it certainly sheds light. I think a great way to see if he can play OF in Major League games is to watch him play OF in major league games.

Centerfield Sep 26 2017 03:18 AM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Nimmo. .826 OPS. For real?

Edgy MD Sep 26 2017 04:38 AM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Yeah, he's for real. He could do better at situational hitting, but that's eggs-in-your-beer stuff. He's probably the team's best hitter right now. And with Granderson in LA, he's the only one left that's respecting the value of a walk. But he should be leading off.

Lefty Specialist Sep 26 2017 01:53 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Zimmo won't have a place in LF if Cespy comes back and he won't have a place in RF if Conforto comes back. He's not the greatest CF in the limited time I've seen him there, but of course comparing him to Lagares is almost unfair. The Mets have a lot of pieces that almost fit. Nimmo. Lagares. Flores. Rivera. They're good but flawed players in one way or another. And they don't quite fit smoothly to make a complete team.

Edgy MD Sep 26 2017 02:57 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

You're right. Of course, that's why God made platoons. Two guys can help round off each other's rough edges.

Frayed Knot Sep 26 2017 03:39 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

The biggest problem with Nimmo to date is that he's selective at the plate to a fault sometimes. At this point I've lost rack of how many times he's tossed the bat aside on a 3-2 pitch ready to head to 1st only to be called out on a borderline -- or sometimes not so borderline -- pitch. It's not a fatal flaw, or at least it shouldn't be as he gains more experience and learns that you can't always let those pitches go with runners on base while thinking that a walk is the best possible outcome. With Conforto quite likely not ready to start the season there should be plenty of opportunity for both him and Lagares to get regular playing time as they are now. How this all works out once Conforto comes back remains to be seen, but I'm perfectly comfortable with a Nimmo/Lagares platoon in CF and there will always be the inevitable injuries, days-off, and other opportunities for both to get playing time if and when they earn it.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 26 2017 03:59 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I'm virtually certain that the Mets will acquire an outfielder from outside the organization this winter. Who fits into what role will be a bit clearer once that happens.

Edgy MD Sep 26 2017 04:31 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I'm not as certain. At least, not necessarily a starter.

Centerfield Sep 27 2017 01:38 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

Now up to .836! How did this guy put up such shit numbers in LV? Maybe he was hurt? Had a nice year there last year. Wouldn't it be something if this guy were real. I think if nothing else, this takes the pressure off the Mets in the event Conforto is not ready to go on Opening Day. Not sure he's a starter yet, but really promising looking kid. Great eye, flashes of power, big frame so you think the power would develop. Can run and play the field adequately.

Vic Sage Sep 27 2017 04:15 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I like Nimmo's game and he's an ideal platoon partner for Lagares. Smith and Rosario have shown me enough to anticipate their further development. Is Plawecki for real? If so, he can take the majority of ABs from the oft-injured and inconsistent d'Arnaud. Aoki has shown enough to be a useful LH bat and 5th Ofer off the bench, and Reyes has enough left to be a low-cost utility player. Cabrera would be adequate (for the price) at either 2b or 3b. To me, though, the real issue is whether to let Flores get a shot as the full-time 2bman or bring in a FA with a legit power bat, at either 2b or 3b (with either Cabrera or Flores taking the other slot). Oh, and a #3 SPer (preferably a LHP) that can give us 180-200 decent innings would be nice (ie, essential), and a backup closer/set up guy, too. projected, based on current 40-man roster: 1) Rosario -ss 2) Nimmo* -cf 3) Conforto* -rf 4) Cespedes -lf 5) Cabrera# -3b 6) Flores - 2b 7) D.Smith* -1b 8) d'Arnaud - C [u:3vnsaa6r]bench:[/u:3vnsaa6r] 1) Plawecki - c 2) Lagares - of 3) Aoki* - of 4) Reyes# - mi/ut 5) TJ Rivera - ci/ut [u:3vnsaa6r]rotation:[/u:3vnsaa6r] 1) DeGrom 2) Syndegaard 3) Harvey 4) Harvey / Matz* / Wheeler 5) Harvey / Matz* / Wheeler / Lugo / Gsellman / Montero [u:3vnsaa6r]bullpen:[/u:3vnsaa6r] 1) Familia [CL] 2) Ramos [RH set up] 3) Blevins* [LH set up] 4) Sewald / Bradford [RH MI] 5) Smoker* [LH MI] 6) Sewald / Bradford / Robles / Goeddel / Callahan / McGowan / Rhame [MI/long] 7) Wheeler / Lugo / Gsellman / Montero / Flexen / Milone* / Pill* / Molina [long/spot-starter]

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 27 2017 04:57 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

I think they could use an outside pitcher and will definitely bring in 1 or 2. I think I can prepare an open-the-vaults argument to go after Otani.

Ceetar Sep 27 2017 05:57 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I think they could use an outside pitcher and will definitely bring in 1 or 2. I think I can prepare an open-the-vaults argument to go after Otani. and there are rumors he wants to play with Darvish. So get him too.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Sep 27 2017 10:29 PM Re: Play Zimmo in CF

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I think they could use an outside pitcher and will definitely bring in 1 or 2. I think I can prepare an open-the-vaults argument to go after Otani. Well, but will Met management? It's rhetorical. No. The answer is no.