Cowtipper

Homey is still carrying a 0.00 ERA through 6 games and 12 1/3 innings.

Those were compensation picks. How'd you guys not get Fritz Polka???

McNeil would get a token minor leaguer I imagine, but considering his cost and age, he's not worth much to another team. He'd be a salary dump at this point, I imagine.

The grand list: 2024 Jonathan Santucci P 2023 Brandon Sproat P 2022 Blade Tidwell P 2022 Nick Morabito OF 2021 Calvin Ziegler P 2020 J.T. Ginn P 2020 Isaiah Greene OF 2019 Josh Wolf P 2018 Simeon Woods Richardson RHP 2017 Mark Vientos 3B 2016 Pete Alonso 1B 2015 Desmond Lindsay OF 2013 Andrew Church RHP 2012 *Matt Reynolds 3B 2012 Teddy Stankiewicz RHP 2011 Cory Mazzoni RHP 2009 Steven Matz LHP 2008 Javier Rodriguez OF 2007 *Scott Moviel RHP 2007 Brant Rustich RHP 2006 Kevin Mulvey RHP 2004 Matt Durkin RHP 2001 Alhaji Turay OF 2001 *Corey Ragsdale SS 2000 Matt Peterson RHP 1999 Neal Musser LHP 1999 *Jake Joseph RHP 1998 Pat Strange RHP 1997 Tyler Walker RHP 1996 Brendan Behn LHP 1995 Brett Herbison RHP 1994 Sean Johnston LHP 1994 *Matt LeCroy C 1993 Eric Ludwick RHP 1991 Bill Pulsipher LHP 1991 *Marc Kroon RHP 1990 Aaron Ledesma SS 1989 Tom Engle RHP 1988 Jeff Seale RHP 1987 *Todd Hundley C 1987 Pete Schourek LHP 1986 Fritz Polka C 1985 Scott Servais C 1984 Lorenzo Sisney C 1983 Dave Magadan 1B 1982 Floyd Youmans RHP 1981 *John Christensen OF 1980 Jay Tibbs RHP 1979 Jeff Bettendorf RHP 1977 Mookie Wilson OF 1976 Mike Scott RHP 1975 Rod Boxberger RHP 1974 Dwight Bernard RHP 1973 Jackson Todd RHP 1972 Craig Skoglund OF 1971 James Kidder 2B 1970 Gary Nevinger RHP 1969 Joe Nolan C 1968 Donald Dickerson 1B 1967 Dan Carey LHP 1966 Byron Von Hoff RHP 1965 Randolph Kohn C

I don't think McNeil or Baty are worth having around anymore. Baty is the type of guy who could get a decent reliever—though coincidentally for the first time in a million years they don't really need one at this exact moment. Many Mets prospects haven't flourished until after they left NY and I have a hunch he'll be one of them. McNeil is 33, on a quick descent downwards, post-prime, with time left on his contract, so he's more of a dog than Baty is all things considered. What can they get for him? What can the Mets snooker another team into giving up? What to do? The Mets have a carousel of top prospects. If they're willing to gamble with a .215 Baty or a likely .230-.240 McNeil, why not ditch both and keep trying new prospects until one actually fits? Inevitably at least one will.

Might be time to move this website to print-only format and pen pal correspondence.

And Al Kaline began his career 2-for-13, both singles. Mays started out 1-for-26. Your point? Baty started his career with a .215 average through 591 at-bats. Small samples are cute novelties but are largely meaningless; Baty's career is beyond "small sample" territory and is now in "established pattern" territory.

Bo Hart started his career hitting .489 through his first 45 at-bats.

Oh I'm not 12 I don't know who that is

I did some research and found a picture of his original boyhood home. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Obsteric_ultrasonograph.jpg>

Their current ERA of about 2.30 is unsustainable and will soon regress to the mean. Their low average is much more likely to stick than their low ERA as a .225 team is not unheard of in this game, but even a sub-3 ERA is, so a bump in BA is not guaranteed and likely won't compensate for the inevitable rise of the ERA. Plus, they haven't yet had their traditional slew of injuries yet, which is due to happen eventually. So they're still probably a low-90s win team.

"what do you do with Acuna and Baty" Time to stop wasting time on Baty. He's not 22 anymore. Either use him or trade him. He was twice a top-40 Baseball America prospect, so unless his fortunes change, he's already a bust.

Based on the past few games, the Mets are on pace to win every game for the rest of the year.

who

=roger_that post_id=190217 time=1745180606 user_id=128] Stanek's ERA blows up!!

Going into today, this deep into the season, the Mets team ERA was still just 2.27.

Actually before I do that, does anyone want to give 2024's second round pick a shot? I imagine someone remembers since it was just last year. https://images.sidearmdev.com/crop?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net%2Fsidearm.nextgen.sites%2Fgoduke.com%2Fimages%2F2023%2F11%2F27%2FSantucci-Jonathan_HS24.png&width=180&height=270&type=webp>

Mets optioned Kranick and brought up Hagenman. They then optioned Hagenman and brought up Kranick. The option carousel is overused these days, I hope they reform it. Anyway, Siri to the IL, Azocar up. Blackburn to Brooklyn for rehab; McNeil to Binghamton for rehab.

Close enough, it was Andrew Church. Since the rest are mostly all minor leaguers who never made the majors, do you guys just want me to dump the rest of the list here?

=roger_that post_id=190130 time=1745151369 user_id=128] I brought this up elsewhere, but it will probably die there unaddressed, so I'll paraphrase what I asked there: Assuming Manaea, Alvarex and McNeil return to the roster soon, Manaea can fill a slot in the rotation easy, of course, and some reliever goes down (but who?) and you just put Alvarez behind the plate and send Senger to AAA, but what do you do with McNeil? Specifically, what do you do with Acuna and Baty? The conventional thinking is that one of them, most likely Baty, goes to AAA, but I don't know. I'd try to find a way to keep all three at the MLB level, and go one pitcher short or maybe use Taylor as your day-in/day-out CFer and send Siri (or Azocar if Siri's not back) down to AAA. They've got two OFers now playing DH, each capable of playing in either corner OF position, and McNeil can spell Taylor in center if need be. Of course, someone will most likely get hurt between now and McNeil's return, but that's my thinking. This business of having only one available backup infielder seems a dangerous long-term strategy--when Vientos went out suddenly today, we really had to hope we wouldn't need to put Torrens or whoever in if one other infielder got hurt, ejected from the game, whatever. Eventually having only one backup infielder is going to cost the Mets a game, in my opinion. In my view, there's little need for so many relievers on the roster, given the closeness of Syracuse. Why not keep a group of pitchers on the 40-man roster with options (Kranick, Butto, Hagenman, Nunez, Warren, etc.) shuttling between NYC and Syracuse a little more often, and go with one more position player?

Today's hint: This player, born January 23, 1985, in San Diego, California, is a former right-handed relief pitcher, standing 6'6" and weighing 230 pounds. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins (46th round, 2003), Cleveland Indians (13th round, 2006), and New York Mets (2nd round, 93rd overall, 2007) from UCLA, he signed with the Mets for $373,500. A standout at Grossmont High School, this player earned CIF Division II Player of the Year honors and led his team to a championship in 2001. At UCLA, he pitched from 2004 to 2007, compiling a 9-11 record, 6.10 ERA, and 114 strikeouts over 124 innings, with a notable complete game in 2005. In the minors (2007-2010) with Mets affiliates, he pitched 135 innings across 67 games, posting a 7-6 record, 3.00 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and 1.18 WHIP. His best season was 2007, going 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA in rookie and short-season ball. Injuries, including a 2006 finger injury and a 2010 sore arm, limited his progress, and he never advanced beyond High-A St. Lucie. In 2007, he pitched in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League, recording a 5.82 ERA. this player voluntarily retired, concluding his career without reaching the majors, marked by early promise but hindered by physical setbacks. https://metsmerizedonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/UD63HwjO.jpg> And here's a poem to flesh out this hint, which has yet to be answered: This player, born October 7, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a right-handed pitcher drafted by the New York Mets in the second round (48th overall) of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft from Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada. Standing 6'2" and weighing 200 pounds, he played in the minor and independent leagues, with a career spanning 2013 to 2022. Over seven affiliated minor league seasons, he recorded a 30-33 win-loss record, a 4.83 ERA, and 308 strikeouts over 454.2 innings pitched across 87 games, 78 of which were starts. His best season was 2016, posting a 7-4 record with a 2.92 ERA across three teams. This player faced recurring injuries, landing on the 7-day injured list multiple times, including in 2019 and 2022. His career included stints with various Mets affiliates, such as the GCL Mets, Kingsport Mets, Brooklyn Cyclones, Columbia Fireflies, St. Lucie Mets, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, and Syracuse Mets, as well as a brief time with the Atlanta Braves' Gwinnett Stripers in 2022. He also played independently for the High Point Rockers in 2022, going 3-0 with a 3.27 ERA. This player was released by the St. Lucie Mets in 2020 and the Gwinnett Stripers in 2022. He briefly retired in 2018 but returned to play. His pitching stats show a 1.42 WHIP and a 2.96 strikeout-to-walk ratio in the affiliated minors, with limited batting contributions. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/d/d0ad3107_milb.jpg> He rose in the desert where the heat holds tight, Las Vegas-born, with a dream in flight. A second-round pick with the Mets' bold eye, A righty with promise, raw and spry. From high school's glow to the pro-league stage, He battled the climb, year by year, page by page. With the GCL Mets, his pro path began, A ball in his grip, a dream in his hand. He rode the road through Columbia's lights, St. Lucie sunsets, long bus rides at nights. Sometimes sharp, sometimes bruised by fate, But never one to let doubt dominate. He stepped away once—left the game behind, Searching for peace that he couldn't quite find. Then back again, the fire still there, Chasing what's fleeting, but always fair. He pitched for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, A name that echoes with minor league stories. Not fame, not riches, but a soul that stayed, Throwing through pressure that doesn't fade. Though the majors never fully called his name, There's honor in showing up for the game. And though Tebow's name he would besmirch You cannot forget ol' _____ ________.

I, frankly, was offended.

Al Shirley was a 200-strikeout guy before it was cool to be a 200-strikeout guy.

John Christensen, but close enough. Another hint: This player, born May 7, 1988, in Cleveland, Ohio, is a former right-handed starting pitcher who stood 6'9" and weighed 240 pounds. Drafted by the New York Mets in the second round (77th overall) of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, he signed instead of attending North Carolina State. Noted for his size and a fastball reaching 92-93 mph with a solid curveball, this player was a high school All-American and ranked among the Mets' top prospects from 2008 to 2010 by Baseball America (12th, 13th, and 18th, respectively). Over five minor league seasons (2007-2011) with Mets affiliates, he pitched 473.2 innings across 104 games, posting a 22-32 record, 4.60 ERA, and 333 strikeouts with a 1.50 WHIP. His best season was 2008 with the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low-A), going 9-8 with a 4.43 ERA over 120 innings. Injuries, including a 2009 knee surgery for a torn meniscus, and inconsistency hampered his progress, as he never advanced beyond High-A St. Lucie. In 2009, he pitched in the Arizona Fall League, recording a 2.45 ERA in 14.2 relief innings. this player faced setbacks, including a 50-game suspension for drug use in 2012, after which the Mets released him. He later pitched briefly in independent leagues in 2012 and 2015, struggling with an 8.16 ERA over 28.2 innings. His career ended without reaching the majors, marked by potential unfulfilled due to injuries and off-field issues. [attachment=0]Untitled.png[/attachment] And here's another poem to assist on a previously unanswered hint: This player is an American professional baseball pitcher currently in the San Francisco Giants organization. Born on September 1, 2000, in Bellaire, Texas, this player was a standout at St. Thomas High School in Houston, where he earned All-State honors and was recognized for his strong performances on the mound. Drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he signed for $2.15 million, forgoing a commitment to Texas A&M. He debuted with the GCL Mets, pitching eight innings with a 3.38 ERA before the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, this player was traded to the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) as part of the high-profile deal that sent Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco to the Mets. As a Guardians prospect, he spent time across various minor league levels, including Low-A Lynchburg and High-A Lake County, but struggled with consistency and injuries. He also pitched for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. After being released by Cleveland in May 2024, this player signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants a few days later. Despite his challenges, this player remains a developing talent with a high-velocity fastball and a promising slider. From Bellaire's sun to stadium light, A boy with fire in his arm took flight. A Western Wall prayer, a bar mitzvah vow, To chase the dream, he lives it now. A star at St. Thomas, tall and lean, With heat on the gun and a sharp-breaking seam. All-State, all heart, with a lightning streak, Striking out batters week after week. Texas A&M was in his sights, But the Mets came calling on draft night. Second round pick, fifty-third call, He signed, and let the fastball fall. Through GCL's fields he found his way, But 2020 stole the play. Then came the trade, a blockbuster name— Lindor, Carrasco joined the game. To Cleveland went the rising flame, The ninth-best prospect in the Mets' name. Hillcats, Captains—ups and downs, Learning the grind in minor league towns. A WBC nod for Israel's pride, With the Star of David on his side. He struggled some, found his control, Still chasing that starter's role. Released in spring by the Guardians' hand, But dreams don't die, they only expand. The Giants called, gave him the chance, To sharpen his edge and refine the dance. Fastball, slider, a story in spin, From Bellaire streets to battles within. Still on the path, to bridge that gulf— The fight lives on in ____ ______. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/e/e04a43ca_milb.jpg>

Matt LeCroy is correct! Another hint: This player, born April 4, 1990, in Dorado, Puerto Rico, is a former professional baseball outfielder who played in the New York Mets' minor league system from 2008 to 2011. Selected in the second round (68th overall) of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft from Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, he signed for $585,000. A right-handed batter and thrower, this player, at 6'2" and 165 pounds, was a lean, athletic prospect with speed, a strong arm, and projectable power, ranked as the Mets' #9 prospect by Baseball America post-draft in 2008. Scouts praised his bat speed, athletic frame, and graceful center field defense, likening his range to Carlos Beltran, though his long swing and tendency to lope down the basepaths were noted weaknesses. This player debuted in 2008 with the GCL Mets, batting .193 with a .495 OPS in 38 games, a modest start attributed to his youth and athletic potential. In 2009, he improved slightly, hitting .230 with a .623 OPS in the GCL, while showing plus range in center field. By February 2009, analysts like Toby Hyde ranked him #15 among Mets prospects, citing his athleticism and defensive prowess, while World of Baseball listed him as Puerto Rico's #7 prospect, noting his five-tool potential despite early struggles. His breakout came in 2010 with the Kingsport Mets, where he batted .319 with a .865 OPS, 15 doubles, four home runs, and 24 RBIs in 41 games, earning Appalachian League Player of the Week and Post-Season All-Star honors. Analysts lauded his progress, with some projecting a move to Low-A Savannah in 2011. In 2011, this player played for the Savannah Sand Gnats and Brooklyn Cyclones, batting .245 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs across 93 games. However, his season was marred by inconsistency and a possible disciplinary issue, as he was sent to extended spring training mid-season before finishing in Brooklyn. Over four minor league seasons, he played 208 games, batting .248 with a .703 OPS, 15 home runs, 50 doubles, and 110 RBIs. He also appeared in four Puerto Rican Winter League games, hitting .125. Defensively, he posted a .965 fielding percentage across 194 minor league games, primarily in the outfield. Despite early hype as a top Mets prospect, this player was released by the Brooklyn Cyclones on March 28, 2012, ending his professional career. [attachment=0]Untitled.png[/attachment] Also, here's another poem for a previously unanswered hint: This player was a right-handed outfielder who played parts of four MLB seasons between 1984 and 1988, appearing in 132 games with a .234 career batting average. Though his on-field career was modest, he played a part in two significant trades that helped shape the 1986 World Series. Originally drafted by the California Angels out of Troy High School, he opted to attend Cal State Fullerton before being selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the 1981 draft. After a strong showing in Triple-A in 1984, he debuted with the Mets later that year. Following a decline in performance in 1985, this player was included in a trade to the Boston Red Sox that brought Bobby Ojeda to New York—Ojeda would go on to play a key role in the Mets' 1986 championship. this player spent 1986 in the minors before being sent to Seattle as part of the deal that brought Dave Henderson and Spike Owen to Boston, both of whom played key postseason roles. He had brief stints with the Mariners and Twins, showing flashes of success in the minors but limited impact at the major league level. He retired after the 1989 season, having last played for the Portland Beavers. His brother, Jim, was also a professional player in the Twins' system. From Downey's sun to Titan pride, He chose the books, let scouts decide. Fullerton's fields where dreamers grow, A righty bat with power to show. He rose with grit through minor lights, A South Atlantic RBI knight. In Tidewater's tides, he made his stand, A .313 swing, a call-up planned. In ‘84 the Mets gave him the nod, A taste of the Show, a grateful applaud. Three RBIs, a spark, a glance— Not fortune's favorite, but given a chance. Yet numbers dipped in eighty-five, And soon a trade to keep dreams alive. With Schiraldi, to Boston he flew, Part of a deal the faithful still rue— Ojeda shined in the World Series fray, While he watched from Pawtucket's gray. Then Henderson came, another move, And still his bat had more to prove. In ‘87, he hit like flame, Chattanooga knew his name. But up with the M's, it didn't stick, Baseball's gods can be cruel and quick. One last stop in the Twin Cities' fold, A .263 tale quietly told. Portland's dirt, one final stand, Before he set the bat from his hand. No headlines blazed, no Cooperstown, But in every dugout, every town— He wore the game like a second skin, Win or lose, thick or thin. A ballplayer's heart, quiet and clean, Part of trades that shaped a scene. History whispered—not roared—in the wind... And it whispered the name _____ ____________. https://www.baseball-reference.com/req/202412180/images/headshots/2/204c6527_sabr.jpg>