I get what your saying, my counter argument would be, it doesn't fit with the side that says he's getting his in game orders from Sandy. There are some in this thread that say both are happening, and I find that comical.
OT: Official 2021 NY Mets Season Thread
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The first game of the Phil's rough West coast trip is in the books with an L. 4 games up on them and 5 1/2 on the Braves.
I agree that there are some that think Sandy makes all calls…myself, I think Rojas is given some directions pre game(such as pitch count and who is not available. Most likely the starting lineup. But he still has the true in game decision making.
min some cases, while I don’t like a move, I can understand them as well. Such as continuing to put May out there in critical situations. That IS what he is paid for. He also has a consistent track record of doing it. At some point, you have to believe he starts getting it done here too.
At this point though, we have a AAAA team on track for a 92 win season. I am going to enjoy it and not get worked up on small details. It is a very fun season so far.
yesrutgers01, it is without a doubt, a fun year, with a nice mix of young and old players. Despite a league leading injury list, a record of 8 games above 500, and a 4 game lead in the division is remarkable and should have plenty of credit to go around. LFGM!!!!
At times like this, I often think of what a complete fiasco it would be if fans who question every decision by managers were put in charge of the team and had to make all the decisions that they regularly second-guess in every game and what a complete flustered mess they would be during the post-game press conference being questioned about all their decisions.
I delete the original post because I expected someone to respond just like you. Perhaps, if you took a little time to look at the entire picture, you wouldn't be so dismissive. I'm looking at the situation beyond Rojas stinks, but more so at some of the decisions and why they may come back to bite him. I'll give you an example of what I'm talking about. The last 5 outings by May have been a disaster. One or two bad outings are OK, but I'm starting to get concerned by the third. Now we're at five rough outings, and Rojas still doesn't see a problem. Instead, Rojas sticks to his routine, expecting a different outcome. Most of us acknowledge Rojas is still learning, but we expect the minor mistakes not to be repeated. The starter goes 6 innings, regardless of performance, take him out and go to the bullpen. Last night was an example where Rojas could have stole an inning for the bullpen with Peterson. Peterson doesn't usually give that opportunity, but in this case, he did, and Rojas could have used it until he could correct the other problem.
The Mets will need that bullpen to be on point over the next month, but the way it's used may turn out to be the weak link due to taxing them, misusing them, etc. That is simply learning to adapt to subtle changes in the game. Don't become predictable. Sports, in general, are like chess matches. The game hinges on seeing several moves ahead and the ability to adapt to changing fortunes.
I'm not saying my view is the end-all way, but I'm simply drawing on my experience as a coach for baseball and football. If you don't think for a second the opposing team is studying the coach/staff and the players, then you fooling yourself. Other teams know Rojas lacks experience, and the better teams will test to see how he responds. There is a reason why Rojas wasn't the first choice of BVW, and even Sandy has doubts at the beginning of the season.
If Rojas or anyone is too concerned with the media, then they are in the wrong business. The media is the least of his worries. I would be more concerned with what management thinks.
On another note...Mr McCant is starting to show his 10M worth...Guy has been a machine as a hitter for the last month.
Fair take, and you backup what you are saying. But sometimes, I skip over your posts thinking that Rojas stole your lunch money as a kid and you have a grudge. Fair to criticize bad moves, but what is difficult to read is a constant drumbeat of negativity (not just you) from the same few posters for a team that is in first place by the widest margin in all divisions. And no posts giving Dom Smith props last night? That's unfortunate.
I apologize for not posting more positive things because I've been condition to look for weakness and attack it. Unfortunately, weakness is the one thing that will hold you back from championships.
My coach (Bill McCartney) said he expects you to do your job every day without fanfare. So if you want a pat on the back, ask mommy. It's part of the reason I have trouble watching games because I can't help by being critical. Always have to improve, or the next guy will pass you. I've done this my entire life, and it's hard to turn it off.
Understood. I strive (and often fail) to understand that "fan," while short for "fanatic" does not mean praise only. There is some middle ground. Rojas is still learning. I'm neutral to slightly negative on him. And this discussion is strong on Twitter too--I agree with the Anthony guy. 😉
And this guy sums up the state of the internet and message boards. It's difficult to find an in between sometimes.
I honestly don't want McNeil in the outfield. 2B or 3rd only. Don't really want JD back at third at all. Our defense in wicked good right now and one of the reasons we are winning games. JD's a hitter. Let him pinch hit.
What's with the Boston slang? 😁 What's next? Going for a ride in the ca (drop the r).
I’d put JD in a package if he doesn’t want to become the first pinch hitter off the bench. His glove cost the Mets at least 2-3 games this year and he hasn’t been missed this year.
Blame it on those Sam Adams your cousin from Boston commercials.
Personally, this isn't even up for debate. #ExtendVillar
Is/are there ferry(ies) running from Highlands or Middletown to Citi Field?
No, unfortunately no ferries from down my (our) way anymore... it looks like they discontinued it. We're planning on driving, which i've never done to Citi before. Should be ok Friday going there, we'll leave early to watch them warm up and walk around the park, but getting home on a summer friday night could be a disaster... i guess we'll see.
For anyone who's been to a game this year and driven, what's the story with parking? It looks like you can only buy gameday parking, which is fine, but was hoping i could get a specific lot parking pass in advance.
Nice win last night!
In the long run, these injuries may have been a blessing. You've learned so much more about the role so many players can have when the dog days come. LFGM!!!!
It’s not an All Star Team but this looks like a deep team if/when the starters come back.
When Nimmo comes back I think he has to platoon with Pillar. Put McNeil at 2nd and Villar at third. JD 1st off the bench. I keep Billy the Kid.
We also need to be careful...there is a fine line to dance on what we should do as our starters come back. We are loving Pillar but remember this- he is batting .250 , .291 OBP, 408 Slg and .700 OPS Nimmo career line is .262 .392 .447 .840
Villar and Davis have about the same sort of split.
With that said- it does make me wonder if having Pillar and Villar out in the field have made our Pitchers that much better. But the offense is night and day better with McNeil, Davis, Conforto in the lineup over any of the guys that have filled in for them.
Funny, that is stuck in my head, and I want to punch that guy every time I hear him (Edit- the Sam Adams cousin guy). And I'm non-violent. 🙄
For the Mets I have always been a pitching and defense guy first. I can live without Nimmo and Davis offensively since we should have enough firepower with Lindor, Smith, Polar Bear and Conforto. McNeil provides good offense and adequate D. I also love the fact Villar adds speed to the lineup which is something we have not had in quite a while. Good defense makes your pitching better.
I'm all in on Pillar/Villar. I'm open to trading Davis, Dom, etc. Just not a fan of Dom playing LF and JD defensively playing anywhere.
I would have less problem making an off season move to sign Villar for a couple of years and trade JD to get some good value back. I am a bit more hesitant in regard to Pillar. He is better D than Nimmo but........he has never really been a GOOD offensive player. Decent but less than a .300 OBP guy and not enough power to make up for that and no longer a human highlight film.
I am also inclined to try to move Dom as well. I think we could get a lot back for him as he is under control for quite a while still.
Agree other than keeping Dom since he can give Alonso some breaks with a better glove at first
I’m sure I’m going to see this reaction in October if “Stroman pitches a no hitter to win Game 7 of the World Series!!!” every happens…
“It’s all Rojas fault!!!!! Mets wouldve swept if it wasn’t for him!!!!!! He sucks!!!!! BTW, Stroman is a scumbag for being too happy and that’s disrespectful!!!”
“It’s all Rojas fault!!!!! Mets wouldve swept if it wasn’t for him!!!!!! He sucks!!!!! BTW, Stroman is a scumbag for being too happy and that’s disrespectful!!!”
Or have deGrom be the DH and shut all of those who say Othanni is better.
Eventually, Dom will be at first and Pete will be DH, maybe next year.
Also, folks shouldn't expect decisions to be made by professionals based solely on incomplete stats for just this year. Villar, Pillar, Nimmo and, to a lesser extent, Davis have long-term stats that mean much more. Career- wise, Davis's OPS is 80 points higher than Villar's, and Nimmo's is 120+ points higher than Pillar's. So Villar's and Pillar's D is going to be a hell of a lot better to justify them keeping their starting gigs. That said, since Nimmo's a lefty and Villar's a switch hitter, the Mets could try a platoon for some time, with Nimmo and Villar facing righties and Davis and Pillar facing lefties. We'll see.
When the Mets hooked up with Kevin Pillar and Jonathan Villar this past offseason, it looked like they would go into the 2021 season armed with a decent bench. Both still had starter potential on a lesser team. At worse, they could probably find a platoon job on a club with .500 aspirations.
Instead, each decided they were a fit for the new-look Mets. Pillar would fit in snuggly as the fourth outfielder and potential defensive replacement while Villar would play all over the infield and help the Mets survive any major injuries.
And that’s exactly what he has done.
Pillar has filled in admirably as a regular in the outfield for the Mets. The lengthy absence of Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto has made him an everyday player for the club. Although he dealt with his own injury, by coming back as quickly as he did, Pillar gave the club an extra morale boost.
Something lacking from last year’s ball club was a veteran who has “been around the block.” Pillar has more than been around it. He went a street over and gained even more experience than most of the players you might find on this roster.
Meanwhile, Villar has been a regular for the Mets as much as anyone. Filling in at third base for the injured J.D. Davis, Villar has not put up incredible numbers—nor has Pillar for that matter.
However, as a fill-in option, Villar has more than justified his role with this ball club. He has hit for some surprising power while also giving them a threat on the base paths. While this season may not win him a starting gig with another team in 2022, I do think he has taken more than a few steps in the right direction of where he would like his career to go.
Imagine the Mets over the last two months without Pillar or Villar. We would have seen .230 Triple-A hitters playing regularly. It would have been the end of the Mets before the season ever really got started.
Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about it. This pair of low-key moves designed for depth purposes has worked perfectly. Pillar and Villar haven’t stolen anyone’s job and I’m not about to anoint them franchise legends. The “illar” Brothers have been the buoyancy an injured club needs.
Instead, each decided they were a fit for the new-look Mets. Pillar would fit in snuggly as the fourth outfielder and potential defensive replacement while Villar would play all over the infield and help the Mets survive any major injuries.
And that’s exactly what he has done.
The “illar” Brothers have saved the Mets from a potentially disastrous start
The Mets are playing competitive baseball this year even without their best players. When those guys were in the lineup, many were already underperforming. It’s still amazing that a team with as many problems as they have had can sit in the standings where they do.Pillar has filled in admirably as a regular in the outfield for the Mets. The lengthy absence of Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto has made him an everyday player for the club. Although he dealt with his own injury, by coming back as quickly as he did, Pillar gave the club an extra morale boost.
Something lacking from last year’s ball club was a veteran who has “been around the block.” Pillar has more than been around it. He went a street over and gained even more experience than most of the players you might find on this roster.
Meanwhile, Villar has been a regular for the Mets as much as anyone. Filling in at third base for the injured J.D. Davis, Villar has not put up incredible numbers—nor has Pillar for that matter.
However, as a fill-in option, Villar has more than justified his role with this ball club. He has hit for some surprising power while also giving them a threat on the base paths. While this season may not win him a starting gig with another team in 2022, I do think he has taken more than a few steps in the right direction of where he would like his career to go.
Imagine the Mets over the last two months without Pillar or Villar. We would have seen .230 Triple-A hitters playing regularly. It would have been the end of the Mets before the season ever really got started.
Fortunately, we don’t have to worry about it. This pair of low-key moves designed for depth purposes has worked perfectly. Pillar and Villar haven’t stolen anyone’s job and I’m not about to anoint them franchise legends. The “illar” Brothers have been the buoyancy an injured club needs.
Dellin Betances (remember him?) will begin a rehab assignment this week. The big veteran righty has pitched only one game for the Mets this since before he landed on the IL—a place he has spent way too much time on since joining the club.
In a different world, the idea of Betances returning to action would have gotten Mets fans excited. However, given his poor performance last year and the uncertainty of what he can even provide, it’s not exactly thrilling.
When he is ready to return, the Mets will have a roster decision to make. Already carrying a roster that’s bullpen-heavy, I’m curious to see whose spot Betances takes. Let’s look at the candidates.
The only thing saving Barnes from losing his job has been the minor league options other relievers have. Sean Reid-Foley, for instance, outpitched him by miles. However, the team decided to keep him around.
I’m not so sure Barnes will survive Betances’ return. Everyone else is pitching well which could mean the Mets finally decide to part with their October 2020 waiver claim.
I feel Smith is a very likely candidate to get sent down in favor of Betances because he is a one-inning reliever as opposed to my final candidate, the long-man in the bullpen.
Considering the struggles of Joey Lucchesi and David Peterson, it’s pretty important to keep someone like Gsellman around. I would put him in the “unlikely category” when the team has a Barnes DFA and Smith demotion to also consider.
My final prediction: the Mets DFA Barnes and demote Smith! The bench mob, four strong at the moment, will need a fifth member eventually. When this happens, we’ll see Betances replace one and a position player take over for the other.
This may not all happen when Betances is off the IL. However, barring some kind of injury, I can’t see any other way the club goes.
In a different world, the idea of Betances returning to action would have gotten Mets fans excited. However, given his poor performance last year and the uncertainty of what he can even provide, it’s not exactly thrilling.
When he is ready to return, the Mets will have a roster decision to make. Already carrying a roster that’s bullpen-heavy, I’m curious to see whose spot Betances takes. Let’s look at the candidates.
Can Jacob Barnes survive with the Mets?
Jacob Barnes has been a DFA candidate almost from the start of the season. I’m shocked on a daily basis that he has managed to stay around as long as he has. The last guy in the bullpen, he hasn’t pitched particularly well this year and I don’t see signs of this changing.The only thing saving Barnes from losing his job has been the minor league options other relievers have. Sean Reid-Foley, for instance, outpitched him by miles. However, the team decided to keep him around.
I’m not so sure Barnes will survive Betances’ return. Everyone else is pitching well which could mean the Mets finally decide to part with their October 2020 waiver claim.
Drew Smith could unjustly lose his spot in the Mets bullpen
I’m a fan of Drew Smith and believe the team needs to continue to see what he can offer them. He has pitched well this year and has the potential to toss some more high-leverage innings as needed. Not quite as brilliant as some other relievers, his minor league options could weigh heavily in what the Mets decide to do.I feel Smith is a very likely candidate to get sent down in favor of Betances because he is a one-inning reliever as opposed to my final candidate, the long-man in the bullpen.
Would the Mets really demote Robert Gsellman when he’s pitching so well?
Robert Gsellman has been pretty awesome this year out of the bullpen. Imperfect at times, he has served them well as the long-man in relief.Considering the struggles of Joey Lucchesi and David Peterson, it’s pretty important to keep someone like Gsellman around. I would put him in the “unlikely category” when the team has a Barnes DFA and Smith demotion to also consider.
My final prediction: the Mets DFA Barnes and demote Smith! The bench mob, four strong at the moment, will need a fifth member eventually. When this happens, we’ll see Betances replace one and a position player take over for the other.
This may not all happen when Betances is off the IL. However, barring some kind of injury, I can’t see any other way the club goes.
And people (not here) wanted the Mets to trade Batty or Mauricio for that rental, LMAO!!!!!!!
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