Should we be talking about a Big Sexy reunion?

[Guest 41Forever]

The Pioneer Press in the Twin Cities is reporting that Bartolo and the Mets have had conversations about a reunion.

According to the story, Colon wants six wins to pass Dennis Martinez and become the Latin American pitcher with the most victories, then would retire.

I don’t know how much Bartolo has in the tank and we seem to have an abundance of decent starting pitching. And we’re losing people from the 40-man roster that we’d rather keep.

Don’t know about this one.

[Edgy MD]

I think, somewhere in the rumors, it has been said that he'd be willing to take a minor league deal.

[Centerfield]

Minor league deal means not giving up a roster spot right? I guess it's a "no downside" move, and one that I'd like in a vacuum. Everyone loves Bartolo.

But if the Mets spin this as "rotation insurance" or "bolstering the starting pitching" it's a big problem. I can see the spin now. "We started by saying we needed a Bartolo Colon-type. What better way to meet that need than to sign Bartolo himself."

More than anything else, the starting pitching demonstrates the payroll constraints. A team serious about contending for a championship would be talking to Arrieta or Darvish if they just had the pitching performance the Mets had. Because of the return of Jake and Noah, I guess Lance Lynn or Cobb would be ok. But to add Colon or nothing falls way short.

[Benjamin Grimm]

And the whole "six wins and then he retires" thing seems too gimmicky, if true. (I'm skeptical about that.) If the team is trying to get a post-season slot, why give a spot to someone who, in theory, might retire in July?

[Ceetar]

Maybe, if he'll take a minor league deal and won't force the roster crunch unless we needed him, there's some value in a mop-up type 2-3 IP reliever for spots. He could bogart some wins that way too, he definitely has a better shot getting wins as a reliever, as long as you could convince him of that.

[nymr83]

He is welcome to a minor league deal and a spring invite. Barring a bunch of injuries, he shouldn't see the big league roster at all.

[metirish]

Been there , done that, thank you for the memories. These reunions rarely work out good, and at his age?

[Edgy MD]

If the team thinks he could help, and he only costs a minor league contract, I'm all for it. Considering his style, I'd imagine he'd be pretty vulnerable to a double-digit ERA if he got a Vegas assignment, and if that's the case, no promotion will come.

If he does somehow get signed and manage to pitch his way onto the roster and perform effectively, I certainly wouldn't take that second hand report as a statement of intent to retire after six wins. If he did that while the team was pursuing something, and he was their best asset to help them pursue it, he'd go into retirement looking like a real turd.

[smg58]

Edgy MD wrote: If the team thinks he could help, and he only costs a minor league contract, I'm all for it. Considering his style, I'd imagine he'd be pretty vulnerable to a double-digit ERA if he got a Vegas assignment, and if that's the case, no promotion will come. If he does somehow get signed and manage to pitch his way onto the roster and perform effectively, I certainly wouldn't take that second hand report as a statement of intent to retire after six wins. If he did that while the team was pursuing something, and he was their best asset to help them pursue it, he'd go into retirement looking like a real turd.

Presumably he'd retire after the season if he got at least six wins (or if it became clear that he can no longer pitch at a level that would make six major league wins possible). But what do I know?

I'd have no problem with a minor league, zero expectations deal. But the key phrase in that sentence is "zero expectations."

FWIW, he'd be a great pickup for the Long Island Ducks.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Minor league deal is fine with me. With the rate that Met pitchers get hobbled,
one more big-sexy body in the corral can't hurt. Him getting his six wins would
be exciting and all, but not so sure it's in the cards. When it's all done, I hope to
see him in some kind of coaching/instructional role for the organization.

[Edgy MD]

"And that's ball four, and P.J. Conlon looks a little rattled. That's an unusually high three walks for him already in this game and we're only in the fourth inning. And here comes Colón. Manager Mickey Callaway has sent his pitching coach out to settle down the young pitcher. There he goes. Remember, there's a clock on how long a pitching coach's trip can last this year. Bartolo has just crossed the foul line. No warning will come from the ump; the clock just buzzes and you're done. Colón is just now reaching the mound, and has just enough time to wave at Conlon before he is forced to turn around head right back to the dugout."

[Zvon]

Centerfield wrote: Minor league deal means not giving up a roster spot right? I guess it's a "no downside" move, and one that I'd like in a vacuum. Everyone loves Bartolo. But if the Mets spin this as "rotation insurance" or "bolstering the starting pitching" it's a big problem. I can see the spin now. "We started by saying we needed a Bartolo Colon-type. What better way to meet that need than to sign Bartolo himself." More than anything else, the starting pitching demonstrates the payroll constraints. A team serious about contending for a championship would be talking to Arrieta or Darvish if they just had the pitching performance the Mets had. Because of the return of Jake and Noah, I guess Lance Lynn or Cobb would be ok. But to add Colon or nothing falls way short.

I haven't even read the rest yet but, yea, totally this^

[Zvon]

"And that's ball four, and P.J. Conlon looks a little rattled. That's an unusually high three walks for him already in this game and we're only in the fourth inning. And here comes Colón. Manager Mickey Callaway has sent his pitching coach out to settle down the young pitcher. There he goes. Remember, there's a clock on how long a pitching coach's trip can last this year. Bartolo has just crossed the foul line. No warning will come from the ump; the clock just buzzes and you're done. Colón is just now reaching the mound, and has just enough time to wave at Conlon before he is forced to turn around head right back to the dugout."

lol.

Yikes, and I agree with 99% of what u guyz say in this thread. This is an exceptional day.

But it's early yet.

Made by demand (

[seawolf17]

As others have said, I'd be happy to bring him on a minor league deal with no promises. But if we're counting on Bartolo to provide major innings for this team, we're even more broken than we think.

[Centerfield]

Wait, let me clarify. We are not relying on him for rotation insurance. That would be silly. Bartolo will be our primary right-handed pinch hitter. His athleticism allows him to field a variety of positions and I think we can agree that the power swing speaks for itself...

[Ceetar]

It's somewhat tedious to ascribe off-hand quote from a 'source' as a part of a plan instigated by the Wilpons.

[Guest d'Kong76]

I dunno, if I was a billionaire I'd surely be having better hair days than Jeff does.

[Benjamin Grimm]

d'Kong76 wrote: I dunno, if I was a billionaire I'd surely be having better hair days than Jeff does.

[Guest d'Kong76]

To Shea!

[Zvon]

Centerfield wrote: Wait, let me clarify. We are not relying on him for rotation insurance. That would be silly. Bartolo will be our primary right-handed pinch hitter. His athleticism allows him to field a variety of positions and I think we can agree that the power swing speaks for itself...

LOL!
Saving that image for a futurememe!

[Frayed Knot]

As far as I can tell, the basis for this whole "rumor" stems from some off-hand remarks given to the Pioneer Press by Twins hurler Ervin Santana.
[u:29rghps1]HE[/u:29rghps1] mentioned Colon and the Mets but it's not apparent that either Colon or the Mets have yet to mention each other.

* and the Mets now claim to be surprised by the mentioned and deny even thinking about it

[Zvon]

I dunno, if I was a billionaire I'd surely be having better hair days than Jeff does.

I saw Trump live at a golf course where I worked the grounds crew back in the mid 1990's in Galloway township. They'd had an annual LPGA tourney there back then (maybe still do). Beautiful freakin course and VERY expensive. I could golf there free twice a week, a major reason I took the job that summer. I haven't golfed in many a moon but, by God, I love golfing. All that green grass and fresh air. I was a serious golfer, but when working I was like Bill Murray in Caddyshack.

Trump: In shorts, tee, and a baseball cap (not close enough to see if it was actually for baseball-it was light blue, so probably not- I doubt very much that it said MAKE AMERICA GREAT on it). No traces of orange whatsoever. He looked like the pastiest, plump white man that I had ever seen in my life. When I saw him he was heading to the woods to retrieve his golf ball. On foot. No cart. Maybe 2 or 3 people with him. No Big entourage.

If you have read about all the celebs/players/etc. that I have met over the years, and in some cases talked with or even just shaken hands with, you will agree that I am the Forrest Gump of the CPF.

And I'm sure that I've posted about some because this board is all about me.

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

I would rather the Mets sign Bartolo as a roving pitching instructor and future pitching coach than as an actual pitcher at this point. Always enjoyed watching him. He seems like a fun guy and a great teammate, but I think his time as an actual viable pitcher are done.

[Centerfield]

Kristie Ackert says no Colon.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-not-talking-colon-shouldn-bring-sexy-back-article-1.3772046

Source reiterates the party line that the starting pitching is just fine.

Mets starters ranked 27th out of 30 teams. This is supposed to be the strength of the rotation.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I partially agree. Colon is not the answer to the Mets rotation problems, but thinking things are "just fine" is way too optimistic. With luck, it could turn out that way, but importing another pitching option would help the odds.

[Ceetar]

Centerfield wrote: Kristie Ackert says no Colon. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-not-talking-colon-shouldn-bring-sexy-back-article-1.3772046 Source reiterates the party line that the starting pitching is just fine. Mets starters ranked 27th out of 30 teams. This is supposed to be the strength of the rotation.

good news, 2017 is not 2018 and pitchers won't exactly replicate those results.

especially Thor.

and the 'party line' has always been that the Mets would like a reliable veteran arm.

[Guest 41Forever]

Frayed Knot wrote: As far as I can tell, the basis for this whole "rumor" stems from some off-hand remarks given to the Pioneer Press by Twins hurler Ervin Santana. HE mentioned Colon and the Mets but it's not apparent that either Colon or the Mets have yet to mention each other. * and the Mets now claim to be surprised by the mentioned and deny even thinking about it

The value here is that it was sourced, rather than the typical "according to a person close to the Mets" nonsense that we normally get from sportswriters. Sourcing allowed us to see where the information was coming from and make our own judgement as to its accuracy.

[MFS62]

Ceetar wrote: and the 'party line' has always been that the Mets would like a reliable veteran arm.

I have a reliable veteran arm.
I think they'd prefer one that can get batters out.

Later

[Centerfield]

I know I have the burden of proof here when I say that certain members of the media are compromised, but (for me at least) it's hard not to read that article without getting this impression.

But this is a Mets team that needs a resurrection of its own pitchers more than a good human interest story this season. The Mets need the starters they already have on the roster to stay healthy and productive. Could they use a veteran starter, considering they have no idea what they will be getting from Steven Matz (coming back from elbow surgery) and Matt Harvey (who struggled last season coming back from 2016 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery)? In an ideal offseason, sure. But considering their limited budget, a veteran starter is way down on the priority list.

The use of that wording makes her intent unmistakable. People only use that when they are implying that something is a bonus, not a necessity.

How are you feeling Frank?

Great! Could I stand to lose a few pounds? In an ideal world, sure! But I got no complaints!

How are things are work Billy?

All good. Could I use a raise? Ideally, sure! But it ain't happening with my company. What are you gonna do?

Judging from that conversation, Frank is in pretty good shape, and Billy's job is pretty decent. But the Mets, who were ranked 27th in starter ERA, are in the bottom 10% of their field. That means Frank is grossly out of shape, and Billy is badly underpaid.

See, the reason that I ask Frank, is that I'm looking at your chart. Your BMI is in the 90th percentile. It's more than just a few pounds, you have to start an aggressive program of diet and exercise.

I'll tell you what you're going to do Billy, you're going to fire up that resume and get your name out there because your company is not paying you to industry standard.

It doesn't help that planted within the quoted text, there is a link to another Ackert column:

Tim Tebow adds needed entertainment value to Mets big-league camp

[Guest 41Forever]

But the Mets, who were ranked 27th in starter ERA, are in the bottom 10% of their field. That means Frank is grossly out of shape, and Billy is badly underpaid. See, the reason that I ask Frank, is that I'm looking at your chart. Your BMI is in the 90th percentile. It's more than just a few pounds, you have to start an aggressive program of diet and exercise. I'll tell you what you're going to do Billy, you're going to fire up that resume and get your name out there because your company is not paying you to industry standard. It doesn't help that planted within the quoted text, there is a link to another Ackert column: Kristie Ackert wrote: Tim Tebow adds needed entertainment value to Mets big-league camp

Yeah but, they were ranked 27th in starter ERA because all but one of the starters spent significant time on the DL and we had to trot Adam Wilk, Tommy Milone, and others in the long-gone club out there. The season was (hopefully) an aberration based on the the many injuries. A rotation with a relatively healthy deGrom, Syndergaard, Matz, Harvey and Wheeler is nowhere near 27th in ERA. You're applying last year's struggles to this year's rotation.

And her statement about Tebow is insulting to him. He's not there for entertainment.