Edgy MD

If Céspedes has them so intimidated that they can't convince him to move to right, switching him to first seems right out. That said, you know who should really play that card? Terry should. "I'm just an old man without a real job, Yoenis, but you know what I think you should do?" That way, if Céspedes blows up at the idea, it's not like he's fighting back at the organization for an idea put on him through official channels. It's just grandpa, who is old and wise but his filter is broken and whose opinion doesn't come with any more authority than the listener gives him. That could be Terry's whole act, in fact. [list:3rfk6bnt]"I'm just an undersized old fart, Noah, but if I had a wing like yours, you're damn right I'd let the doctors look at it." "Hey, Jenrry. I found some shit in your locker that has me worried. I'm really sorry I was in there. I thought it was mine. I get like that. But hey, let's talk about this ..."[/list:u:3rfk6bnt]

Centerfield wrote: Are we supposed to consider real world options? Or just pick what position we would love an upgrade? I guess I meant the latter.

I'm not sure there is one that jumps out at me. I'd certainly jump at Altuve if he could be had. And I'd prefer second to third. OE: Brian Dozier may be the best intersection of ambition and reality.

I went for infielder, too. But I think there's plenty of depth. What there isn't is a high likelihood of any of the players in that depth chart offering All Star-level productivity.

Shaw is as work-horsey as they come, finishing first, second, first, and first, in games in the AL the last four years. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the virtue of a resilient arm gives way to the vice of a damaged arm.

If you have one chance to go big on a player, one chance to take on a high-end salary for a player likely to provide high-end value, where to you look to improve? Assume that this phat salaried big shot can come on any number of ways this winter. He can be signed with a big shot contract, he can be traded for with a big contract already in place, or he can come on board via a trade-and-sign maneuver. Let's be neutral on that question. The real question here is what position group do you want to drop a bomb on? For the sake of this exercise, the team you are working for is the 2018 Mets. [fimg=200:3470p91r]https://i.pinimg.com/474x/a3/29/3c/a3293cac992bdefed1007de92ac77cca--shea-stadium-baseball-pictures.jpg[/fimg:3470p91r] [fimg=200:3470p91r]https://i.pinimg.com/236x/da/65/cd/da65cde7ee5797e17b298474932feac9--shea-stadium-baseball-pictures.jpg[/fimg:3470p91r] [fimg=200:3470p91r]http://www.poulinmorris.com/img/environmental/Shea_Stadium_2_Alt.jpg[/fimg:3470p91r] [fimg=200:3470p91r]https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/shea-stadium-player-lights-harry-perez.jpg[/fimg:3470p91r] [fimg=200:3470p91r]http://twoguysandamap.com/art/shea_6a.jpg[/fimg:3470p91r]

THANK YOU, CARDS! and GAME FACE were my first two picks based on great photos. I wanted to go with WHO'S CRYIN' NOW! but I just couldn't bring myself to select a headline that's phrased as a question but fails to include a question mark. Come on, News! So THANKS BUT NO YANKS gets my third vote, based on the hard work it takes to tell two stories with one headline.

Yeah, I'm not sure if I'm particularly comfortable with factoring in character (or lack thereof) a player displays after his career. I mean, I'm a supporter of Curt Schilling, and he's been a public jerk since the day he retired. That said, I don't reject that line of thinking either. Isn't the argument for Buck O'Neil largely rooted in the public profile he displayed after his retirement? I wouldn't particularly blame the Hall of Fame if they tossed out Rabbit Maranville if he turned into a terrorist turncoat subsequent to his induction.

Yes, he's out of options, and therefore he seemingly has an inside track on a slot in the back end of the bullpen, except for the fact that he's done distinctly worse out of the bullpen as a big leaguer. As a reputed control pitcher who has walked 5.1 guys per nine innings over his first 192 big league innings, he kind of stands beside Matt Harvey as Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland's greatest challenges.

Odd fact about Rafael Montero from this article of odd facts: 3. There were 139 pitchers this season who generated at least 300 batted balls. The Cubs' Kyle Hendricks (3.03 ERA) posted the second-lowest average exit velocity allowed, while NL Cy Young Award runner-up Clayton Kershaw (2.31 ERA) finished with the second-lowest hard-hit rate. The same pitcher paced both of those categories -- the Mets' Rafael Montero. That's the same Montero who compiled a 5.52 ERA over 34 games (18 starts). How? The 46-point gap between his .362 wOBA allowed and his .316 expected wOBA -- based on quality of contact, strikeouts and walks -- was second largest among pitchers with 400-plus batters faced. Montero's .295 opponent average on balls hit at less than 95 mph was second highest of 135 pitchers (minimum 200 at-bats).

After their additions, the Mets have one open roster spot. Saving it for a free agent, perhaps. Like Jannis, the Mets have failed to protect Matt Pobryenko. Also like Jannis, Matt is a reclamation project set loose like a demon upon the Arizona Fall League, to the tune of a 0.00 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP. The best in men's clothing. Call The Scottsdale Scorpions, ask for Jannis. The number is 718-498-1043. 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Coach=#BF0000]Strength & Cond. Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/chicklo-brian.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/iwanow-deb.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]NameBrian ChickloDeb IwanowMike BarwisDustin ClarkeDoB7/17/72Circa 19776/6/73circa 1987 YOUR Projected 2018 New York Mets Position Group=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/degrom-jacob-2017-48.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/harvey-matt-33-2017.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/matz-steven-2017-32.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/syndergaard-noah-2017-34.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wheeler-zack-2017-45.jpg[/fimg]NameJacob deGromMatt HarveySteven MatzNoah SyndergaardZack WheelerDoB6/19/883/27/895/29/918/29/925/30/90B/TL/RR/RR/LL/RL/RPrimary Position=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting PitcherOther PositionsrpStatus Notes=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible=#FF0000]Coming Off Injury=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible =#FF0000]Coming Off Injury=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible =#FF0000]Coming Off InjuryPosition 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/blevins-jerry-2017-39.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/bradford-chasen-2017-46.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/familia-jeurys-2017-27.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/montero-rafael-2017-50.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/ramos-aj-2017-44.jpg[/fimg]NameJerry BlevinsChasen BradfordJeurys FamiliaRafael MonteroAJ RamosDoB6/6/838/5/8910/10/8910/17/909/20/86B/TL/LR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsspStatus Notes=#228B22]$7 M Option $1 M Buyout=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible=#228B22]Arbitration EligiblePosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher=#008000] Catcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/robles-hansel-2017-471.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/sewald-paul-2017-51.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/smoker-josh-2017-49.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/darnaud-travis-2017-18.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/plawecki-kevin-2017-26.jpg[/fimg]NameHansel RoblesPaul SewaldJosh SmokerTravis d'ArnaudKevin PlaweckiDoB8/13/905/26/9011/26/885/30/902/26/91B/TR/RR/RL/LR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]CatcherOther Positions1bStatus Notes=#228B22]Arbitration EligibleHas Options=#228B22]Arbitration EligiblePosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/cabrera-asdrubal-2017-13.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/cecchini-gavin-2017-2.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/flores-wilmer-2017-4.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/reynolds-matt-2017-15.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/rosario-amed-2017-61.jpg[/fimg]NameAsdrubal CabreraGavin CecchiniWilmer FloresMatt ReynoldsAmed RosarioDoB11/13/8512/22/938/6/9112/3/9011/20/95B/TS/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#8000FF]Shortstop=#8000FF]Shortstop=#8000FF]Third Base=#8000FF]Third Base=#8000FF]ShortstopOther Positionsss, 2b, 1bss, 2b, lfStatus Notes=#228B22]$8.5 M Option, $2 M BuyoutHas Options=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible =#FF0000]Coming Off InjuryHas OptionsHas OptionsPosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/smith-dominic-2017-22.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/cespedes-yoenis-2017-52.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/lagares-juan-2017-12.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/nimmo-brandon-2017-9.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/taijeron-travis-2017-28.jpg[/fimg]NameDominic SmithYoenis CéspedesJuan LagaresBrandon NimmoTravis TaijeronDoB6/15/9510/18/853/17/893/27/931/20/89B/TL/LR/RR/RL/RR/RPrimary Position=#8000FF]First Base=#0000FF]Left Field=#0000FF]Center Field=#0000FF]Center Field=#0000FF]Right FieldOther Positionscfrf, lflf, rflf, cfStatus NotesHas Options=#FF0000]Coming Off InjuryHas OptionsNot On 40-Man Roster Also on 40-Man Roster Position Group=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/flexen-chris-2017-64.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/gsellman-robert-2017-65.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/lugo-seth-2017-67.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/molina-marcos-2017-68.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/621261/t505/180x270/621261.jpg[/fimg]NameChris FlexenRobert GsellmanSeth LugoMarcos MolinaCorey OswaltDoB7/1/947/18/9311/17/893/8/959/3/93B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting Pitcher=#FF0000]Starting PitcherOther PositionsrprprprprpStatus NotesProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasProjected For BinghamtonProjected For Las VegasPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/641341/generic/180x270/641341.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][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mcgowan-kevin-2017-61.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/mejia-jenrry-2017-58.jpg[/fimg]NameTyler BashlorGuerson BatistaJamie CallahanKevin McGowanJenrry MejiaDoB4/16/935/31/958/24/9410/18/9110/11/89B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsStatus NotesProjected For BinghamtonProjected For BinghamtonProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasBANNED!Position Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/rhame-jacob-2017-35.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/nido-tomas-2017-70.jpg[/fimg]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/641645.jpg[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/rivera-tj-2017-54.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wright-david-2017-5.jpg[/fimg]NameJacob RhameTomás NidoLuis GuillormeT.J. RiveraDavid WrightDoB3/16/934/12/949/27/9410/27/8812/20/82B/T=#FF8000]Relief PitcherR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#008000]Catcher=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Third BaseOther Positions1bss, 3b3b, lf, 1bStatus NotesProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las Vegas=#FF0000]Expected To Open Season On Rehab Assignment=#FF0000]Expected To Open Season On Rehab AssignmentPosition Group=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/conforto-michael-2017-30.jpg[/fimg]NameMichael ConfortoDoB3/1/93B/TL/LPrimary Position=#0000FF]Left FieldOther Positionsrf, cfStatus Notes=#FF0000]Expected To Open Season On Rehab Assignment Also in Camp Position Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/purke-matt-2018.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/605148/t2310/180x270/605148.jpg[/fimg]NameMatt PurkeZach BorensteinDoB7/17/907/23/90B/TL/LL/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#0000FF]Left FieldOther PositionssprfStatus Notes

Dash Winningham (L) and Justin Brantley check out a gen-u-ine in-game solar eclipse.

Three straight covers with stories of Mets pitchers getting rocked in a manner that portended their season going off the rails. I'm kind of surprised GOD OF BLUNDER beat THORRIBLE.

I support his greater point, but boo.

I feel like the team has Eduardo Nuñez, except his name is Asdrubal Cabrera. Less wheels on Cabrera certainly, but I think there's a lot of redundancy in the infield, and unless the team can find somebody with a good chance to be better than any of the infielders they have now, they should invest elsewhere.

Well, you probably have to eliminate one of your ballot votes. You can only check 11 boxes, man.

Chipper lost a vote! He's down to 119%!

Benjamin Grimm wrote: It looks like not everybody is understanding the denominator thing. Chipper Jones has now been selected on 19 ballots out of a total of 14 that were cast. If you've voted, please edit your choices to include a check next to the I VOTED option. To get this request on the next page.

41Forever wrote: That's a pretty big bounce. Zach hasn't even reached the warning track, and the ball comes off his head and clears the track the fence and the bullpen, hitting eight or so feet off of the bullpen's back wall. I nearly blacked out just watching it.

Scouting reports have compared him to José Canseco! [youtube:1x6fnrpx]BUeJrjGmuZk[/youtube:1x6fnrpx]

Originally signed with the Angels and has put up some good power numbers in some high-offense western circuits, slugging .502 across 688 minor league games. Lefty-batting, righty-throwing corner outfielder who has played some (very) occasional third (six games). Highish strikeouts but a pretty good walk rate too. Mets Twitterers are already referring to him as "Zach Boringsigning," but the team was certainly a minor league outfielder or three short last September. He certainly knocks Tim Tebow down the depth chart a notch. Played for Team Israel in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, joining Met fellow Met properties past and present such as Tyler Herron, Zack Thornton, Josh Zeid, Cody Decker, Ty Kelly, and Ike F. Davis.

Eduardo Nuñez?

There's a great story told by (I think) Bill Lee about legendary USC coach Rod Dedeaux, where freshman Dave Kingman was throwing batting practice to the varsity players. He was the hardest thrower on the team, but one got away from him and he hit one of his teammates. Dedeaux flipped out and told Kingman to get the hell off the field, but after leaving the mound, Kong got in line with the hitters. A few batters later, he appears at the plate and hits the first offering 450 feet and the second further than that. He then just tossed the bat aside and started walking away. "Where the hell you going?!" Dedeaux yelled, and the misunderstood, awkward giant shrugged and said "You told me to get off your field, so I'm going. I just wanted to get a few swings before I left." And Dedeaux was all "Hold on, Son! Let's TALK about this!" I find myself alternately hoping that Ohtani is nothing like Kingman and hoping that he's everything like Kingman.

That transposition at the bridge is going to keep you in the minors, Zach.

And the stupid chrome insignia'd hat.