Edgy MD

MILB.com is already depicting Mets AAA prospects as Chiefs.

I'm almost always down on over-investing in the bullpen, particularly in name-brandy guys. Trends just don't continue. If you sign Kimbrel now, you don't get the 26-year-old who hosed the league down with his magnificent hosey hose, you get his Mark Melancon years, and quite possibly his Melancon results. He certainly could reverse trends, but that's a lot of sauce to put down. I think the goal is to get good pitchers, keep 'em healthy, build up some redundancy, and guys emerge. Maybe Joshua Torres. Maybe Chris Flexen pulls a Lugo/Gsellman and ups his game when he moves to the pen. Maybe Jeurys Familia comes back from the dead. Probably none of those. But I say you add good pitchers, develop good pitchers, keep good pitchers healthy, and remember that the best bullpens are fluid things.

Ceetar wrote: Edgy MD wrote: I agree with regard to Kimbrel. But I think Mets history — and non-Alderson Mets history in particular — suggests a propensity to go big on big-shot, name-brand, possibly declining, possibly douchey closers. well hopefully Mets history in particular is mostly irrelevant because it'll be a new guy making the call with little to no oversight from traditional Mets sources. Is Kimbrel douchey beyond the look? Possibly.

I agree with regard to Kimbrel. But I think Mets history — and non-Alderson Mets history in particular — suggests a propensity to go big on big-shot, name-brand, possibly declining, possibly douchey closers.

lineup: Machado - 3b [fa] Grandal#- C [fa] lololol Bullpen: Kimbrel [fa] A.Ottavino [fa] LOLOLOLOL I think Kimbrel is probably the most likely big shot free agent to land in Flushing, douchey beard and all.

Yup. And sorry, I dropped out of circulation for a bit there. Here are all the trannys from early September to the end of the season. Transactions, 9/5 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction Traded To ArizonaAcquired From ArizonaPosition Group=#0000FF] Outfielder=#8000FF] Currency[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/623182/generic/180x270/623182.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/7ea27d03e38d0a33ab415dc79f7e02fc/http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p79/candikane1/money.jpg[/fimg]NamePatrick KivlehanCash MunnyDoB12/22/89$$/$$/$$B/TR/R¢/¢ Transactions, 9/8 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction Transferred From 10- To 60-Day DLReturned From Brooklyn & Activated From 10- Day DLAdded To 25-Man Roster And Promoted From Las VegasPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher[fimg=90]https://d3k2oh6evki4b7.cloudfront.net/req/201806212/images/headshots/7/7828a333_mlbam.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/461872.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/446653.jpg[/fimg]NameBobby WahlAnthony SwarzakJosé LobatonDoB3/21/929/10/8510/21/84B/TR/RR/RS/R Transactions, 9/10 Direction=#00BF40]COMINGTransactionPromoted From Las Vegas And Transferred From ManagerPosition Group=#BF0000]Temporary Associate Bench Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/tony-defrancesco-2018.jpg[/fimg]NameTony DeFrancescoDoB4/24/63B/TR/R Transactions, 9/13 Direction=#00BF40]COMINGTransactionSigned As International Amateur Minor League Free AgentPosition GroupStarting Pitcher[fimg=90]https://img.clipartxtras.com/17ae5f9b01eb205066e548317463b70c_animated-question-mark-free-download-clip-art-free-clip-art-question-mark-clipart-gif_90-135-thumbnail.png[/fimg]NameOnil LozanoDoB8/3/01B/TR/R Transactions, 9/24 DirectionGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGTransactionReleased From DSL1Released From DSL2Released From DSL2Released From DSL2Released From DSL2Position GroupStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg]NameFelix SosaDarling BaezVictor IsturizJuan MartinezMiguel MataDoB3/13/986/26/973/8/972/14/965/5/97B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RDirectionGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGTransactionReleased From AAAReleased From SS AReleased From DSL2Released From DSL1Released From DSL2Position Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mcgowan-kevin-2017-61.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/645299/t506/180x270/645299.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg]NameKevin McGowanMarbin MontijoHaniel OgandoRagui RodriguezAlexis MarquézDoB10/18/917/4/967/15/994/27/996/1/99B/TR/RR/RR/RL/LR/RDirectionGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGTransactionReleased From DSL1Released From AAReleased From A+Released From GCLReleased From DSL2Position Group=#008000] Catcher=#008000] Catcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/596048/t3705/180x270/596048.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/656269/t507/180x270/656269.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg]NameJorge MartinezTyler MooreDale BurdickDavid LozanoAlejandro MedinaDoB7/23/968/8/9310/12/955/11/984/7/00B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RDirectionGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGTransactionReleased From DSL2Released From DSL1Released From AAReleased From DSL2Released From DSL1Position Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/669950/generic/180x270/669950.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg]NameRuben MonegroWilmy ValdezGene ConeEzequiel PeñaJulio RenéDoB12/2/977/3/979/21/945/25/9911/6/97B/TR/RR/RL/LR/RR/RDirectionGOINGGOINGGOINGTransactionReleased From DSL2Released From DSL1Released From AAPosition Group=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/silhouette/180x270.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/670433/t506/180x270/670433.jpg[/fimg]NameJeison RodriguezEulises SanchezIan StromDoB1/27/983/7/9712/12/94B/TR/RR/RR/L Transactions, 9/25 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction Placed On 60-Day DLActivated From 60- Day DLPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#8000FF] Infielder[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/621098.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wright-david-2017-5.jpg[/fimg]NameEric HanholdDavid WrightDoB11/1/9312/20/82B/TR/RR/R YOUR 2018 Mets Coaching Staff Position=#BF0000] Manager=#BF0000]Bench Coach=#BF0000]Pitching Coach=#BF0000]Hitting Coach=#BF0000]Third Base Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/callaway-mickey-2017-36.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/113387.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/113782.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/roessler-pat-2017-62.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/sherlock-glenn-2017-53.jpg[/fimg]NameMickey CallawayGary DiSarcinaDave EilandPat RoesslerGlenn SherlockDoB5/13/7511/19/677/5/6612/27/597/7/58Position=#BF0000]First Base Coach=#BF0000]Bullpen Coach=#BF0000]Ass't Bat. Coach=#BF0000]Bullpen Catcher=#BF0000]Bullpen Catcher[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/110215.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/bones-ricky-2017-25.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/tom-slater.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/534948.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/430002.jpg[/fimg]NameRuben Amaro, Jr.Ricky BonesTom SlaterDave RacanielloEric LangillDoB2/12/654/7/694/6/686/3/787/7/58Position=#BF0000]Temporary Associate Bench Coach=#BF0000] Head Trainer=#BF0000] Assistant Trainer=#BF0000]Strength & Conditioning Coach=#BF0000]Strength & Conditioning Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/tony-defrancesco-2018.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/chicklo-brian.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/golia-joseph.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/mike-barwis.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/dustin-clarke-1.jpg[/fimg]NameTony DeFrancescoBrian ChickloJoseph GoliaMike BarwisDustin ClarkeDoB4/24/637/17/72??/??/??6/6/73circa 1987 YOUR 2018 New York Mets Position GroupStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/degrom-jacob-2017-48.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/543193/t561/180x270/543193.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/matz-steven-2017-32.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/621261.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/syndergaard-noah-2017-34.jpg[/fimg]NameJacob deGromDrew GagnonSteven MatzCorey OswaltNoah SyndergaardDoB6/19/886/26/905/29/919/3/938/29/92B/TL/RR/RR/LR/RL/RPrimary PositionStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#8000FF]Starting PitcherStarting PitcherOther PositionsrprprpStatus NotesHas OptionsHas OptionsHas OptionsHas OptionsPosition GroupStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/450306.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wheeler-zack-2017-45.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/641341.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/blevins-jerry-2017-39.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/gsellman-robert-2017-65.jpg[/fimg]NameJason VargasZack WheelerTyler BashlorJerry BlevinsRobert GsellmanDoB2/2/835/30/904/16/936/6/837/18/93B/TL/LL/RR/RL/LR/RPrimary PositionStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsrpspStatus NotesHas OptionsHas OptionsHas OptionsPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/lugo-seth-2017-67.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/623402.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/rhame-jacob-2017-35.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/sewald-paul-2017-51.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/622098.jpg[/fimg]NameSeth LugoTim PetersonJacob RhamePaul SewaldDrew SmithDoB11/17/892/22/913/16/935/26/909/24/93B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsspspStatus NotesHas OptionsWith Las Vegas With Las VegasHas OptionsHas OptionsPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher=#008000] Catcher=#008000] Catcher[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/461872.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/623354/generic/180x270/623354.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/446653.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/519023.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/nido-tomas-2017-70.jpg[/fimg]NameAnthony SwarzakDaniel ZamoraJosé LobatonDevin MesoracoTomás NidoDoB9/10/854/15/9310/21/846/19/884/12/94B/TR/RL/LS/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]CatcherOther Positions1b1bStatus NotesHas OptionsPosition Group=#008000] Catcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/plawecki-kevin-2017-26.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/flores-wilmer-2017-4.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/453943.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/643446.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/595373.jpg[/fimg]NameKevin PlaweckiWilmer FloresTodd FrazierJeff McNeilJack ReinheimerDoB2/26/918/6/912/12/864/8/927/19/92B/TR/RR/RR/RL/RR/RPrimary Position=#008000]Catcher=#8000FF]Third Base=#8000FF]Third Base=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]ShortstopOther Positions1bss, 2b, 1b1b3b, ss, cf2b, 3b, lfStatus NotesHas OptionsPosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/reyes-jose-2017-7.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/rosario-amed-2017-61.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/smith-dominic-2017-22.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wright-david-2017-5.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/bruce-jay-2017-19.jpg[/fimg]NameJosé ReyesAmed RosarioDominic SmithDavid WrightJay BruceDoB6/11/8311/20/956/15/9512/20/824/3/87B/TS/RR/RL/LR/RL/LPrimary Position=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Shortstop=#8000FF]First Base=#8000FF]Third Base=#0000FF]Right FieldOther Positions3b, ss, lf, cfrf1b, cfStatus NotesHas OptionsWith Las VegasOn 60- Day DLPosition Group=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/conforto-michael-2017-30.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/457706.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/nimmo-brandon-2017-9.jpg[/fimg]NameMichael ConfortoAustin JacksonBrandon NimmoDoB3/1/932/1/873/27/93B/TL/LR/RL/RPrimary Position=#0000FF]Center Field=#0000FF]Center Field=#0000FF]Left FieldOther Positionslf, rfrf, lfcf, rfStatus NotesHas Options Also on 40-Man Roster Position GroupStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/664869.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/flexen-chris-2017-64.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/montero-rafael-2017-50.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/639373/generic/180x270/639373.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/callahan-jamie-2017-43.jpg[/fimg]NameP.J. ConlonChris FlexenRafael MonteroGerson BautistaJamie CallahanDoB11/11/937/1/9410/17/905/31/958/24/94B/TL/LR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#8000FF]Starting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsrprprpStatus NotesWith Las VegasWith Las VegasOn 60-Day DLWith Las Vegas On 7-Day DL w/Las Vegas Position Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher[fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/621098.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/mejia-jenrry-2017-58.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/ramos-aj-2017-44.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://d3k2oh6evki4b7.cloudfront.net/req/201806212/images/headshots/7/7828a333_mlbam.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/darnaud-travis-2017-18.jpg[/fimg]NameEric HanholdJenrry MejiaAJ RamosBobby WahlTravis d'ArnaudDoB11/1/9310/11/899/20/863/21/925/30/90B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]CatcherOther PositionsStatus NotesOn 60-Day DLOn Rehab w/DSL 1On 60-Day DL On 60- Day DLOn 60-Day DLPosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/cecchini-gavin-2017-2.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/evans-phil-2017-72.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/641645.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/rivera-tj-2017-54.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/lagares-juan-2017-12.jpg[/fimg]NameGavin CecchiniPhillip EvansLuis GuillormeT.J. RiveraJuan LagaresDoB12/22/9310/10/929/27/9410/27/883/17/89B/TR/RR/RL/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#8000FF]Shortstop=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Second Base=#0000FF]Center FieldOther Positionsss, 3b3b, lf, 1brf, lfStatus NotesWith St. LucieOn 60-Day DLWith Las VegasOn 60- Day DLOn 60-Day DL

With the Mets top hit-maker going into quasi-retirement and the #2 guy a free agent, the top hit guy in uniform (sorta) is Wilmer Flores with 448 (40th overall). Active big leaguers ahead of him (besides Reyes) include Daniel Murphy (12th with 467), Lucas Duda (25th, 614), and (nominally) Ruben Tejada (39th, 493).

Harper signs with Philadelphia. I'm calling it.

You wanna talk Machado, I'm all ears. Bryce Harper can get lost.

It's official. That .168 average is, apparently, the worst qualifying mark ever. Davis finished the season in a 1-for-37 rut. Davis has a Bonilla of a contract and will be getting $2.8 million every year from 2023 through 2037.

Khris Davis hit .247 ... for the fourth year in a row!! CHRIS Davis, meanwhile, hit .168, and still managed to get 522 plate appearances to do it in. I know that's at least the lowest average going back to 1920. (Dan Uggla 2013 and Rob Deer 1991 each hit .179, with both going 80-for-448.) If anybody ever hit lower than Davis and qualified for the batting title, it must've been a REALLY good catcher from the Dead Ball Era.

Agreed, but (a) part of the idea is to develop him into that spot by biting the bullet a little now to get more later, and ( at least he breaks up the lefty-lefty-lefty thing, for what that's worth. And I guess © the wheels. His OBP went from .287 before the All-Star game to .305 after. So that's ... something. I mean ... -ish. His home/road splits are too embarrassing to re-publish.

It's certainly a potential issue.

Great season, ladies and gentlemen.

Technically, Mattingly isn't managing today, but yeah, that was a long time. Meanwhile, Syndergaard heading out to the mound looking for a complete-game 1-0 win on closing day. Who does he think he is? Terry Leach?

The Mets appear to have a tall blonde version of Greg Maddux going today.

Nine ballz through six innings for Syndergaard. God bless Closing Day.

Trivia question answer: Aaron Heilman.

Reyes is clocking out early today, perhaps after this, his first at-bat.

That's why I included the not-having-his-head-handed-to-him codicil.

How about third for Nimmo?

The Mets have had three periods this season. [*:2vwxuuc1]For the first third of the season, approximately, Michael Conforto was their standard leadoff hitter.[/*:m:2vwxuuc1] [*:2vwxuuc1]For the second third of the season, approximately, Brandon Nimmo was their standard leadoff hitter.[/*:m:2vwxuuc1] [*:2vwxuuc1]For the third third of the season, approximately, Amed Rosario was their standard leadoff hitter.[/*:m:2vwxuuc1][/list:o:2vwxuuc1] Somewhere in there, a guy named Jeff McNeil showed up and did impressively well, mostly out of the two hole. Who are your table setters for the start of 2019?

You're the Mets manager. It's the 162nd game of the season, and you're getting a surprising dose of offense. It's 9-4 after four innings. You feel relatively secure, but your starting pitcher has hit his pitch limit, and the game has no bearing on the standings. It's time to go your pen, and you realize that you're giving a gift to whoever you call on first. All he has to do is pitch an inning or two without getting his head handed to him, and he gets a candy-coated win. Do you: [list:17h8qj10][*:17h8qj10]Give the ball to Jacob deGrom, and give him a chance to put a cherry on top of a remarkable history-making season? or[/*:m:17h8qj10] [*:17h8qj10]Give the ball to Paul Sewald and give him the chance to get off of an awful, history-making schneid?[/*:m:17h8qj10][/list:u:17h8qj10] [fimg=350:17h8qj10]https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2018/04/22/de9f92dc-1fa7-4d53-b655-e70383179d22/thumbnail/770x433/6007e8495d7e61d6931d4caee51a7b64/usatsi-10799289-jacob-degrom-mets.jpg[/fimg:17h8qj10] [fimg=350:17h8qj10]http://content.sny.tv/assets/images/9/0/2/232530902/cuts/USATSI_10073489_glysr39d_d5xpzsav.jpg[/fimg:17h8qj10]

Crack a smile or two, Jeff.