Edgy MD

I didn't mean to suggest that you were fervently doing something. I was saying that the way he's covered asks us to fervently come down one side or another, for the silliest of reasons. I just think he's another among hundreds of ballplayers in the Mets minor leagues.

Well, it's certainly more interesting to me. Heck, a huge number of ballplayers are Christians, and any number of them would give testimony if asked. The way this gets covered — with the implicit idea that the viability of faith flies or dies on the shoulders of this one galoot — is absurd. Like the broader culture wars it's a part of, it's a losing game for everybody. But a stupid controversy draws ratings, because somehow we're being increasingly conditioned that we must come down fervently on Side A or Side B of selected TV-created issues.

As noted, almost all free agents can be described as past their prime. Perhaps once every three years does the one guy at the top of the market (this seems to be the limit) hit free agency with his best seasons as likely to be ahead of him as behind him. I mean, folks can define this however they like, but unless we have a workable and agreed-upon definition of words like "elite" and "prime," none of it gets anywhere. Who qualifies this off-season? J.D. Martinez? Shohei Otani?

Mex17 wrote: How about this? -Big time closer money on Reed or Wade Davis. -Moderate 3rd/4th starter money on either Alex Cobb, Jason Vargas, Andrew Cashner, Jhoulys Chacin, or, yeah I'm saying it, C.C. Sabathia (he might be miffed at the Yankees for them firing Girardi). -High end bench money on Howie Kendrick. No, yes, no? They need at least one outfielder at some level. And my yes is tempered by the idea that C.C. Sabathia is going to sign with the Mets out os solidarity with Joe Girardi. He's going to sign with the Mets if they offer $100 more than another team. Also, I'm kind of looking for a better class of starter, which might be more workable in that I'm looking for a lesser class of reliever.

Tim Tebow, celebrated Highsman winner and failed NFL quarterback switching to baseball in his late 20s, is a much more interesting story than continuing the ESPN use of him as a flashpoint in the culture wars. Gotta have faith indeed.

Bobby Higginson.

Ryan Howard.

A minor family crisis among Mets Roster Central staff has prevented updates, so it's time to catch up. Worth noting: 1) The Mets just took that small tradition of situating a rookie manager with a veteran riding sidesaddle and threw it out the window. Also, as bmfc noted, neither has National League experience as a player or coach. Something to watch. 2) They seem to have again built a staff without a catcher on it, an unusual omission on most teams, but pretty common with recent Mets teams. So much so that in recent years they've retained a non-staff catching instructor. 3) Still to be hired for the coaching staff are at least one trainer, probably two, and probably an assistant batting coach. Despite the chatter in the other thread, the ABC doesn't count against the dugout limit, because for the Mets (and most teams, I imagine) the ABC is situated at the batting cage during the game, working with players who want take cuts between innings. 4) Assuming for the moment that Conforto isn't expected to be ready on opening day, the team is down to three outfielders. I'm including Taijeron on the projected roster, because it's highly unlikely that they break camp with three outfielders, but considering they've already removed him from the roster, his presence is clearly not part of Plan A. So while the Mets plans remain shrouded in mystery, they're almost certainly going to be adding big league outfield talent during the offseason. Transactions, 10/25 DirectionGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGGOINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Removed From Roster, Outrighted To Las Vegas=#FFFFFF]Removed From Roster, Outrighted To Las Vegas=#FFFFFF]Removed From Roster, Outrighted To Las Vegas=#FFFFFF]Removed From Roster, Outrighted To Las Vegas=#FFFFFF]Removed From Roster, Outrighted To Las VegasPosition GroupStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/pill-tyler-2017-56.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/goeddel-erik-2017-62.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/595943/t505/180x270/595943.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/becerra-wuilmer-2017-60.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/taijeron-travis-2017-28.jpg[/fimg]NameTyler PillErik GoeddelPhillip EvansWuilmer BecerraTravis TaijeronDoB5/29/9012/20/8810/10/9210/1/941/20/89Direction=#00BF40]COMING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Added To Projected Roster=#FFFFFF]Added To Projected RosterPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/bradford-chasen-2017-46.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/smoker-josh-2017-49.jpg[/fimg]NameChasen BradfordJosh SmokerDoB8/5/8911/26/88 Transactions, 10/26 DirectionGOINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Removed From Roster, Opted For Free AgencyPosition GroupStarting Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/milone-tommy-2017-29.jpg[/fimg]NameTommy MiloneDoB2/16/87 Transactions, 10/30 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Released=#FFFFFF]Added To Projected RosterPosition Group=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aoki-norichika-2017-11.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/taijeron-travis-2017-28.jpg[/fimg]NameNorichika AokiTravis TaijeronDoB1/5/821/20/89 Transactions, 11/1 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Announced To Be Not Returning=#FFFFFF]Added To Projected StaffPosition Group=#BF0000]Bench Coach=#BF0000]Bench Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/scott-dick-2017-23.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/pedro-lopez.jpg[/fimg]NameDick ScottPedro LopezDoB7/19/623/29/69 Transactions, 11/1 DirectionGOINGGOING=#FFFFFF]NEUTRAL=#FFFFFF]NEUTRAL=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF] Announced To Be Not Returning=#FFFFFF]Removed From Proected Staff=#FFFFFF]Transferred From Assistant Batting Coach=#FFFFFF]Transferred From Projected Pitching Coach=#FFFFFF] Hired Away From Kansas CityPosition Group=#BF0000] Hitting Coach=#BF0000]Bullpen Coach=#BF0000] Hitting Coach=#BF0000]Bullpen Coach=#BF0000]Pitching Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/long-kevin-2017-57.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/ellis-ryan-2017-60.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/bones-ricky-2017-25.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/113782.jpg[/fimg]NameKevin LongRyan EllisPat RoesslerRicky BonesDave EilandDoB12/30/667/19/7812/27/594/7/697/5/66Direction=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Added To Projected StaffPosition Group=#BF0000]Ass't Batting Coach[fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/val-pascucci.jpg[/fimg]NameVal PascucciDoB11/17/78 Transactions, 11/2 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Hired Away By Boston=#FFFFFF]Hired Away From BostonPosition Group=#BF0000] First Base Coach=#BF0000] First Base Coach[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/goodwin-tom-2017-22.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/110215.jpg[/fimg]NameTom GoodwinRuben Amaro, Jr.DoB7/27/682/12/65 Transactions, 11/5 DirectionGOING=#00BF40]COMINGTransaction=#FFFFFF]Removed From Proected Staff=#FFFFFF]Hired Away From BostonPosition Group=#BF0000]Bench Coach=#BF0000]Bench Coach[fimg=90]https://metsinpeace.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/pedro-lopez.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/images/coaches/mugshots/113387.jpg[/fimg]NamePedro LopezGary DiSarcinaDoB3/29/6911/19/67 Your Projected 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 Callaway #36Gary DiSarcinaDave EilandPat RoesslerGlenn SherlockDoB5/13/7511/19/677/5/6612/27/597/7/58Position=#BF0000] First Base Coach=#BF0000]Bullpen Coach=#BF0000]Ass't Batting 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/2016/04/val-pascucci.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 BonesVal PascucciDave RacanielloEric Langill #78DoB2/12/654/7/6911/17/786/3/787/7/58Position=#BF0000]Head Trainer=#BF0000]Assistant Trainer=#BF0000]Strength & Cond. 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 GroupStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting 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 PositionStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherOther PositionsrpStatus Notes=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible=#228B22]Arbitration EligibleComing Off Injury=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible Coming Off Injury=#228B22]Arbitration Eligible 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 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 OptionsComing Off InjuryHas OptionsNot On 40-Man Roster Also on 40-Man Roster Position GroupStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief 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]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/callahan-jamie-2017-43.jpg[/fimg]NameChris FlexenRobert GsellmanSeth LugoMarcos MolinaJamie CallahanDoB7/1/947/18/9311/17/893/8/958/24/94B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary PositionStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsrprprprpStatus NotesProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher=#8000FF] Infielder[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][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][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/rivera-tj-2017-54.jpg[/fimg]NameKevin McGowanJenrry MejiaJacob RhameTomás NidoT.J. RiveraDoB10/18/9110/11/893/16/934/12/9410/27/88B/TR/RR/R=#FF8000]Relief PitcherR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#8000FF]Second BaseOther Positions1b3b, lf, 1bStatus NotesProjected For Las VegasBANNED!Projected For Las VegasProjected For Las VegasExpected To Open Season On Rehab AssignmentPosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/wright-david-2017-5.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/conforto-michael-2017-30.jpg[/fimg]NameDavid WrightMichael ConfortoDoB12/20/823/1/93B/TR/RL/LPrimary Position=#8000FF]Third Base=#0000FF]Left FieldOther Positionsrf, cfStatus NotesExpected To Open Season On Rehab AssignmentExpected To Open Season On Rehab AssignmentPosition GroupNameDoBB/TPrimary PositionOther PositionsStatus Notes Major League Free Agents Position GroupStarting Pitcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/milone-tommy-2017-29.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/430637.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/reyes-jose-2017-7.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/aoki-norichika-2017-11.jpg[/fimg]NameTommy MiloneKelly Johnson #55José ReyesNorichika AokiDoB2/16/872/22/826/11/831/5/82B/TL/LL/RS/RL/RPrimary PositionStarting PitcherAX50:AX62=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Third Base=#0000FF]Left FieldOther Positionsrp3b, lf, 1b, rf, ssssrf, cfStatus Notes Minor League Free Agents 2017 High Level=#00BF00]MLB=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAAPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher[fimg=90]https://metsrostercentral.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/edgin-josh-2017-66.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/452293.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/444444/generic/180x270/444444.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/518444.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/517448/t431/180x270/517448.jpg[/fimg]NameJosh Edgin #66Jonathan Albaladejo #53Mitch Atkins #39Blake Beaven #48Wilfredo Boscan #41DoB12/17/8610/30/8210/1/851/17/8910/26/89B/TR/LR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief PitcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Starting Pitcher=#8000FF]Starting PitcherOther PositionsrprprprpStatus Notes2017 High Level=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAAPosition GroupStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/518764/generic/180x270/518764.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/606716/t505/180x270/606716.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/593604/t505/180x270/593604.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/451132/t505/180x270/451132.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/452733/generic/180x270/452733.jpg[/fimg]NameDonovan Hand #51Luis (Angel) Mateo #54Alberto Baldonado #24Cory Burns #30Tom Gorzelanny #40DoB4/20/863/22/902/1/9310/9/877/12/82B/TR/RR/RL/LR/RR/LPrimary Position=#8000FF]Starting PitcherStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther PositionsrprpStatus Notes2017 High Level=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAAPosition Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher=#008000] Catcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/594985/generic/180x270/594985.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/474599/generic/180x270/474599.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/608096/generic/180x270/608096.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/518530/generic/180x270/518530.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/571712/generic/180x270/571712.jpg[/fimg]NameBen Rowen #46Neil Wagner #17Beck Wheeler #47Xorge Carrrillo #44Jeff Glenn #4DoB11/15/881/1/8412/13/884/12/899/22/91B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]CatcherOther Positionssp1bStatus Notes2017 High Level=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAA=#0040FF]AAAPosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder=#0000FF] Outfielder=#0000FF] Outfielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/572804/t505/180x270/572804.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/545353/t505/180x270/545353.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/446044/t556/180x270/446044.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/606323/t505/180x270/606323.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/501983.jpg[/fimg]NameCody Decker #6Jio Mier #11Josh Rodriguez #7Victor Cruzado #24Travis SniderDoB1/17/878/26/9012/18/846/30/922/2/88B/TR/RR/RR/RS/RL/LPrimary Position=#8000FF]First Base=#8000FF]Shortstop=#8000FF]Third Base=#8000FF]Left Field=#0000FF]Right FieldOther Positionslf, c, rf2b, 3blf, ss, 2b, 1b, rf, cfrf, cflf, cf, 1b rpStatus Notes2017 High LevelAAAAAAAAAAPosition GroupStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF] Infielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/595263/t505/180x270/595263.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/453268/generic/180x270/453268.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/595231/t505/180x270/595231.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/images/players/head_shot/516631.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/606322/t505/180x270/606322.jpg[/fimg]NameMickey Jannis #4Daniel Bard #51Ben Griset #28Gustavo Nuñez #10J.C. Rodriguez #12DoB12/16/876/25/853/12/922/8/889/3/92B/TR/RR/RL/LS/RS/RPrimary Position=#8000FF]Starting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#8000FF]Shorstop=#8000FF]Second BaseOther Positionsrpsp2b, 3b, lfss, 3b, lfStatus Notes2017 High LevelAA=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+Position Group=#0000FF] OutfielderStarting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/607741/t505/180x270/607741.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/622503/t507/180x270/622503.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/621213/t507/180x270/621213.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/600870/t507/180x270/600870.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/607654/t507/180x270/607654.jpg[/fimg]NameKevin Taylor #9Nabil Crismatt #33Justin Brantley #4Kevin Canelon #30Craig Missigman #26DoB7/13/9112/16/873/5/911/16/948/5/93B/TL/RR/RR/RL/LR/RPrimary Position=#8000FF]Left Field=#8000FF]Starting Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief PitcherOther Positions1b, 3b, 2brpspspStatus Notes2017 High Level=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+=#FFFF00]A+Position Group=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] Catcher=#008000] Catcher=#8000FF] Infielder=#8000FF]Infielder[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/624575/t507/180x270/624575.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/622511/t3705/180x270/622511.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/600937/t506/180x270/600937.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/621554/generic/180x270/621554.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/595210/generic/180x270/595210.jpg[/fimg]NameJoshua Torres #51José Garcia #38Victor Moscote #15Leon Byrd #35J.J. Franco #35DoB4/26/9411/3/945/10/942/27/942/2/92B/TR/RL/RR/RS/RR/RPrimary Position=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#008000]Catcher=#8000FF]Second Base=#8000FF]Second BaseOther Positionssp1b, 3b, 2bss, cf, lf, rf, 3b3b, lf, rpStatus Notes2017 High Level=#FFFF00]A+=#8000BF]A=#8000BF]A=#FFBFFF]SS A+=#FFBFFF]SS A+Position Group=#0000FF] Outfielder=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] CatcherStarting PitcherStarting Pitcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/606967/t507/180x270/606967.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/670946/generic/180x270/670946.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/600958/t3705/180x270/600958.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/625559/t506/180x270/625559.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.edentonsteamers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Gunner-Kines.png[/fimg]NameJeff Diehl #45Matt Pobereyko #32Natanel Ramos #16José Geraldo #46Gunnar Kines #38DoB9/30/9312/24/916/19/937/14/957/25/93B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RL/LPrimary Position=#0000FF]Right Field=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]Catcher=#8000FF]Starting Pitcher=#8000FF]Starting PitcherOther Positions1b, lf, 3brprpStatus Notes2017 High Level=#FFFF00]A+=#FFBFFF]SS A=#FFBFFF]SS A=#80BF40]RkDid Not AppearPosition Group=#8000FF] Infielder=#00FFFF]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000] CatcherStarting Pitcher[fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/622557/t506/180x270/622557.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/601971/t506/180x270/601971.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/642503/t506/180x270/642503.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/665130/generic/180x270/665130.jpg[/fimg][fimg=90]http://www.milb.com/images/606187/t506/180x270/606187.jpg[/fimg]NameJosé Maria #24Pedro Perez #28Ronald Sanchez #30Matthew Foley #98Audry German #17DoB11/30/948/31/949/20/934/15/945/16/97B/TR/RR/RR/RR/RR/RPrimary Position=#008000]First Base=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#FF8000]Relief Pitcher=#008000]CatcherStarting PitcherOther Positionsc, lfsp1b, lf, rfStatus Notes

I dunno (about the '85 Cardinals). Terry Pendleton was purty bad in 1985, and really never was particularly good through most of his early career until he suddenly became an MVP upon joining the Braves. Tom Ñieto was pretty weak for them too, but at least he caught. Although he and Darrell Porter shared the catching. Darrell had the stick and Ñieto the glove. They were a team with half a lineup most nights.

Mex17 wrote: You think that Dozier might be available because he is going into his walk year. Can you tell me that you have seen a reputable report that the Twins are actually going to put him on the block? I'm just trying to go with stuff that is actually in the ether, and there have been reports that Jeter wants to slash the Miami payroll and moving Gordon is part of that plan. No, he wrote that he'd call the Twins and inquire. And here's Carl Pohlad waxing philosophically on what it would take to move Brian Dozier. Ether. It's in it.

THAT'S brain thinkin'!

I think maybe he means, you "guys" will "like" this.

He didn't like being moved because the team hadn't picked up his option. He had offered to move earlier in the season in exchange for his option being picked up. The Mets didn't jump at this offer because, among other reasons, it's not a player's place to use his positioning as a bargain chip. But once they declined, and then decided to move him anyhow, he took that as a betrayal of what he saw as an implicit understanding that, because they refused his offer, he wouldn't have to move. He felt slighted. Understandable, but wrong. He moved, he played more or less effectively, and his option got picked up anyhow. Seems like his little hissy is now a moot point. I can't imagine too much ill will is festering between him and his teammates.

He didn't trade the team away. He traded players who were in the final year of their contract. And they got a lot of players, in addition to a little cash.

A handgun might also help. But that proposal was both Wild and Assed.

Mex17 wrote: Edgy MD wrote: You're kind of hijacking the fish/bicycle analogy from Irina Dunn, and breaking it. It's circular logic to say you can't judge Gordon based on his not slugging well because he doesn't slug well. Sure I can. Do you judge Tom Brady based upon his inability to rush from the pocket the way that Vick used to? I don't follow football.

Yeah, but the same logic has kept any number of teams from getting the last two ineffable seasons. There be more in there. There's reason to believe there are. I'd sure rather have Joey Votto at 35 than Dee Gordon at 30. He just had 7.5 bWAR at 33. I can't imagine more than a handful of firstbaseman have ever done that without drugs. Gehrig and Foxx, probably, but not many others. (Not that I have much of a clue whether Votto is using drugz.)

You're kind of hijacking the fish/bicycle analogy from Irina Dunn, and breaking it. It's circular logic to say you can't judge Gordon based on his not slugging well because he doesn't slug well. Sure I can.

He's been predicted to decline through the last two years I've been his groupie, and he's only gotten better. And his skills are an old guy's skills, so I don't see them declining as much as others do as he becomes an actual old guy. Beyond that, $25 million six years from now — after Trout and Harper and Kershaw have made serious bank — won't be as much as it was six years ago. Talent costs munny, and he's got talent. The contract is not backloaded, and that's good. So what's your winter 2018 proposal? Wild-assed or realistic? I dunno. I'm philosophically against trading, but on the other hand, I think fans get caught up in doing their imaginary shopping to restrict themselves only to the free agent list, when there is a world of deals to be had, and so folks get overly fixated on a Shin-Soo Choo here or a Mike Moutakas there. I'm very confused as to who can reasonably be expected to be 100% next season. But if Conforto is expected to be healthy than I regard highly an outfield of him and Céspedes on the corners and Nimmo and Lagares up the middle (if Céspedes is healthy too). The fifth outfielder would probably be someone like Aoki or maybe Hairston. Righthanded or a switchie, available to play center in a pinch. Best off the bench but with starting experience. Then the team can shop for an infielder of great on-basiness (David Freese?) and an effective pitcher with high-ish innings totals and hopefully a healthy arm and mindset (Darvish?). If they want to go after a big fish, that would be great, but I'd certainly want it to be a guy whose on-base tool is a significant asset. Votto? Trout? Altuve? I think they probably have the leverage to make a blockbuster acquisition, if the fit is right. I wouldn't want another corner outfielder. Altuve would be the best fit in the world for this team, but nothing less than the store would move him now. So, I'm not sure. The Mets led the National League in home runs but were eleventh in OBP. Shopping for offense begins there. Syndergaard, Evans, and Flexie for Altuve. How's that for wild-assed?

Centerfield wrote: Edgy MD wrote: Didn't you propose a Votto trade with Dominic Smith as the centerpiece? Mets take on the monster salary. I'd be all over that. Yeah, it's just not as attractive as it was two years ago. Looks like last year's proposal was Duda, Smith, Molina, and Goeddel. By the way, that's a great post LWFS ended that thread with.

Did they keep Kingman? Mike Phillips?

I agree with Bucket's post about the bullpen above. I'd supprot bring in a reputedly reliable vet for stability purposes, but I think getting quality of quantity is the idea. So many of the 2015 deadline deals were selling off AA and A+ arms that might have been the emergency responders this season. That was a talent gap in the system. Now the 2017 selloff largely reversed that pattern and filled in the high minors with a lot of reliev-y resources. Offensively, where I think they failed in planning last year (apart from getting hurt and hurt) is that they had four starting corner outfielders in an outfield that had two corners. That seemed like a misallocation of resources to me*, even as injuries shaved off the redundncy. I like J.D. Martinez a lot, but now that the team is again down to two corner outfielders, spending big on Martinez seems to be again over-reinforcing an area that is a strength. But if the Mets don't think Conforto or Céspedes will be particularly healthy, that is less of a concern. I've spent two seasons arguing that they Mets should target an on-base machine like Votto intead of the hitters whose value is wrapped up in slugging. That's been fruitless, but I'd sure like an infielder with a high OBP. * This was partially the result of a couple of failed bets. When they picked up Bruce's option and a market didn't appear for him, and when Neil Walker accepted arbitration, the team's discretionary budget was largely and accidentally committed to two areas that weren't obvious needs.

Dom Smith will likely be the starter. I'm not banking on that though. Preston Wilson and Carlos Gomez and Scott Kazmir have certainly demonstrated that top prospects may make it though the minors as Mets and still get traded just as they've ripened on the vine. The team may feel like two young comers in the lineup is one too many.

I wasn't suggesting going with Lagares, so much as going with Nimmo and Lagares helping out against lefties and coming on for defense.

Coach challenge trade!