Grand Central Mets

With the Mets' season over, the forums stayed lively with discussions on the NLCS, ALCS, and other baseball topics. This week's Forum Friday highlights five threads, including analysis of the Dodgers-Brewers NLCS, the Rays-Guardians ALCS, the story of "Front Row Amy," a comparison of potential World Series teams, and talk about off-season managerial moves. Are you exhausted by algorithmic internet "discussion"? Tired of seeing posts that are meant only to anger you, bait you into a response, or find yet another way to extract your personal data? Come join the conversation on the human-moderated Grand Central Mets forums, where you can talk Mets baseball without the constant barrage of misinformation, hot takes, and loudmouths. Joining is free: create an account at diamondcentric.net, then use that same login here to comment. NLCS IST - Dodgers & Brewers Discussed the NLCS between the Dodgers and Brewers, focusing on Game One's low-scoring nature, the performance of starters Tarik Skubal and Jacob Misioroski, and the Brewers' strong bullpen. Posters noted the Brewers' recent dominance over the Mets, with some expressing mixed feelings about rooting for them. The discussion also touched on Ohtani's struggles and concerns about Dodgers manager Pat Murphy's bullpen strategy. Most agreed the Brewers had a strong chance, though some remained skeptical about their long-term prospects. Tampa/Cleveland ALCS IST Members discussed the ALCS between the Rays and Guardians, comparing the announcing teams and critiquing the Rays' handling of commercials. Topics included Cedric Mullins' home run, Cole Sulser's performance, and the Guardians' late-season turnaround. Some noted the Rays' low attendance and ticket pricing issues, while others highlighted Chase DeLauter's rookie performance and the impact of a pitchcom volume issue. Most agreed the series was compelling, though opinions varied on the teams' strengths and weaknesses. Front Row Amy A discussion about "Front Row Amy," a dedicated Pirates fan known for her visible presence at games, sparked by her recent national attention and merchandise. Posts referenced her long-term attendance, scorekeeping, and the bobbleheads featuring her image. Some fans questioned the focus on her appearance, while others celebrated her as a local celebrity. The conversation also included comparisons to other sports members and lighthearted jokes about her look. Most agreed on her dedication, though opinions varied on the emphasis placed on her image. The Final Four A forum thread sparked by a post comparing the Dodgers, Guardians, Rays, and Brewers in the World Series, focusing on their histories and the significance of the Guardians' name change. Posts referenced the Brewers' 1982 loss to the Cardinals, the Guardians' long championship drought, and the Rays' two losses. Discussion split on the Guardians' name change, with some calling it shameful and others defending its historical context. Hired and Fired this off-season Discussed recent managerial hires and firings, focusing on Don Mattingly joining the Phillies and the Yankees' failed pursuit of him. Posts mentioned Alex Cora's refusal to manage again this year and his $7.25M contract with the Astros. Regulars compared Mattingly to Wally Backman, noting his persistent association with the Yankees despite never getting the job. The conversation also included nostalgia for legendary managers like Sparky Anderson and Dusty Baker, with many expressing confusion over current managers like Torey Lovullo and Tony Vitello. It's another great day to be a Mets fan at Grand Central Mets! View full article

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers top 2027 prospects like Luis Rojas and Jake Santucci, the passing of coach Guy Conti, and key offseason questions involving Steve Cohen, Bo Bichette, and potential free agent targets. Keep an eye on these 3 Mets prospects for 2027 (MLB.com). Notes three Mets prospects to watch in 2027, including Luis Rojas (Mets No. 1 prospect, MLB No. 68), who hit 15 home runs and had an .800 OPS at Double-A Knoxville before improving further at Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse; pitcher Jake Santucci, who had a 2. Guy Conti, longtime Mets coach, dead at 84 (New York Post $$$). Notes the death of Guy Conti, a longtime Mets coach and adviser who helped develop Pedro Martínez, including teaching him English and the changeup, and who worked with the Dodgers and Mets from the 1990s through the 2000s. These are the Mets’ biggest offseason questions (New York Daily News $$$). Notes the Mets' biggest offseason questions, including whether they'll hire a general manager, if Bo Bichette will opt out, pursuit of Tarik Skubal, rotation depth, solidifying first base, and Kodai Senga's role. Key names include Steve Cohen, David Stearns, Billy Eppler, Bo Bichette, Tarik Skubal, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Kodai Senga.

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis from around the internet. The pieces cover David Stearns' pitching decisions, the impact of a salary cap, the 2026 team's struggles, Nate Lavender and Kodai Senga's performances, and lessons from the Braves' contracts. How David Stearns’ pitching choices have defined his bumpy Mets tenure — and what could be next (New York Post $$$). Argues that David Stearns' early success in acquiring Luis Severino and Sean Manaea was a key factor in the Mets' NLCS run, but his subsequent struggles in the pitching market have contributed to the team's playoff drought since 2021. How would a salary cap hamstring the Mets? What kind of team can they build at different budgets? (The Athletic $$$). Projects how a salary cap would limit the Mets' ability to build a competitive team, noting their current preference for aggressive, short-term deals. Don’t blame NY Mets hitting or pitching for 2026 shortcomings, condemn them both (Rising Apple). Argues that both the 2026 Mets' hitting and pitching were equally responsible for their poor performance, noting they scored 699 runs while allowing 731, ranked 20th in runs scored and 17th in runs allowed, and showed inconsistent improvement throughout the season. 2026 Report Card: Nate Lavender, RP (Metsmerized Online). Notes the 2026 performance of Nate Lavender, who made his MLB debut in August 2026, posting a 1.66 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and 21 2/3 innings, and was graded an "A" for his effective relief work and resilience after multiple injuries and a Rule 5 draft stint. 2026 Report Card: Kodai Senga, P (Metsmerized Online). Notes the poor 2026 performance of Kodai Senga as a starter, including a 10.08 ERA in 27 2/3 innings, but highlights his improved results as a closer with 8 saves in 9 opportunities and a 5.34 xERA. These Braves contracts are proof the NY Mets need to be careful about early extensions (Rising Apple). Argues that the New York Mets should avoid early extensions for young players like Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, and A.J. Ewing, citing the Atlanta Braves' problematic deals with Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, and Sean Murphy, which were undermined by injuries and poor performance.

With no games this week, the forums remained active as members discussed a range of topics. This week's Forum Friday highlights three threads: one on Roger Clemens receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, another on the 2027 Mets roster, and a discussion comparing Aroldis Chapman's physical changes over the years. Are you exhausted by algorithmic internet "discussion"? Tired of seeing posts that are meant only to anger you, bait you into a response, or find yet another way to extract your personal data? Come join the conversation on the human-moderated Grand Central Mets forums, where you can talk Mets baseball without the constant barrage of misinformation, hot takes, and loudmouths. Joining is free: create an account at diamondcentric.net, then use that same login here to comment. Mets Roster Central 2027 Members discussed the 2027 Mets roster, focusing on the team's reliance on young players and lack of major offseason moves. Commenters noted the potential of rookies and the uncertain future of released minor-leaguers like Simon Juan. There was debate over the platoon potential of Brett Baty and Mark Vientos, with some arguing their combined .745 OPS could be useful but others criticizing their defensive weaknesses. Some suggested a 75-win projection, while others expressed optimism about adding key players to build a competitive team. You Can't Spell "Aroldis" without "ARod" A thread comparing Aroldis Chapman's 2009 and 2026 appearances sparked discussion about his physical changes and potential PED use. Commenters debated whether his build was due to natural growth or performance-enhancing drugs, citing his free-agent signings and MLB drug testing policies. Some questioned why teams didn’t test him during free agency, while others emphasized that PED testing is not standard in free-agent physicals. Most agreed that concluding PED use based solely on photos is unreliable, though some expressed skepticism about the league’s oversight. Presidential Medal of Freedom Discusses Roger Clemens receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with commenters expressing mixed reactions. Some criticized Clemens' past, referencing allegations and his association with Trump, while others questioned the honor's validity. A detailed reply corrected claims about Clemens' Hall of Fame status and hit-by-pitch statistics. Most members agreed the decision was controversial, with some suggesting it reflected political connections rather than athletic achievement. It's another great day to be a Mets fan at Grand Central Mets! View full article

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis from around the internet. The roundup covers arbitration projections for players like Cionel Pérez and Francisco Alvarez, offseason questions including potential ace acquisitions and infield decisions, Bruin Agbayani's Arizona Fall League journey, Carson Benge's Rookie of the Year case, the Mets' payroll situation, and the Brooklyn Cyclones' 2026 season review. New York Mets Arbitration Projections and Tender Decisions (Just Baseball). Notes the Mets' arbitration projections and tender decisions for several players, including projecting a $300K raise for Cionel Pérez, no raise for Tyler Megill and Reed Garrett, and a $1.85M raise for Francisco Alvarez, with predictions on whether each player will be tendered or non-tendered. Five big questions that will define Mets' offseason (MLB.com). Notes five key questions for the Mets' offseason, including whether they'll acquire an ace, if Bo Bichette will opt in, which bullpen arms will make the team, who will start on the right side of the infield, and if Carson Benge will win NL Rookie of the Year, citing players like Freddy Peralta, Tarik Skubal,. Like father, like son: Bruin Agbayani's journey toward Queens stops in the Arizona Fall League (MLB.com). Notes the journey of Bruin Agbayani, son of former Met Benny Agbayani, as he joins the Arizona Fall League, highlighting his 28th-ranked status, 19 years old, and challenges after a shoulder injury limited him to 10 games in 2025. Mets' Carson Benge played his way into a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate (Newsday $$$). Argues that Carson Benge has made a legitimate case for Rookie of the Year despite initial odds, citing his 4.3 wins above replacement, superior defense, and improved batting performance (.282 average, 118 OPS+), compared to Sal Stewart’s 2.0 WAR and 117 OPS+. Mets offseason payroll breakdown: Where does New York stand before transformative winter? (The Athletic $$$). Notes the Mets' current payroll situation heading into 2027, highlighting financial uncertainty in baseball and examining where the team stands before a potentially transformative offseason. 2026 Minor League Season Review: Brooklyn Cyclones (Amazin' Avenue). Notes the 2026 Brooklyn Cyclones' poor performance, finishing below .500 in both halves of the season for the first time since 2022, with John Bay as team MVP and Daviel Hurtado earning the CY Young award, highlighting their struggles and standout players.

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Mets prospect Cole Mathis, Bo Bichette's 2025 season, David Stearns' front office changes, recent pitcher performances, Mets no-hit games, and a unique 1965 pitching performance by Rob Gardner. Latest pivot takes promising Mets prospect Mathis to Arizona Fall League (MLB.com). Notes the trade of Mets prospect Cole Mathis to Arizona Fall League, highlighting his transition from pitcher to hitter, his 28.6% line-drive rate, and his .860 OPS in 25 games at High-A this season. MMO Report Card: Bo Bichette, 3B (Metsmerized Online). Notes Bo Bichette's 2025 season with the Mets, including his .260/.312/.390 batting line, 18 HR, 1.9 fWAR, and defensive performance at third base, while citing Francisco Lindor's belief in his improvement and his $42 million player option for 2027. How Has The Mets’ Front Office Grown Under David Stearns? (Metsmerized Online). Notes how David Stearns' Mets front office remains a mix of pre- and post-hire personnel, with player development and amateur/international scouting seeing the most changes, while pro scouting and player personnel retain more continuity, citing figures like Eric Jagers, Andy Green, and Kris Gross. Mets Player Performance Meter: Pitchers, September 14-27 (Amazin' Avenue). Notes the performance of Mets pitchers from September 14-27, highlighting young pitchers like Jefry Yan and Jack Weisenburger, the struggles of Xzavion Curry, the impact of injuries to Robert Stock and Daniel Duarte, and the late-season contributions of Dedniel Núñez, Jonah Tong, and Devin Williams. 4 of the 8 times the NY Mets were no-hit came under the same circumstance (Rising Apple). Notes that four of the eight times the New York Mets were no-hit occurred during doubleheaders, including games against the Phillies in 1964, the Expos in 1972, the Giants in 1975, and the Nationals in 2015 with Max Scherzer. This Day in NY Mets History: The most unique starting pitcher performance (Rising Apple). Looks back at a 1965 Mets game where Rob Gardner pitched 15 innings in a 0-0 tie against the Phillies, a Mets record that stood due to the game being replayed later but his stats still counting.

Here is some of the latest Mets analysis from around the internet. The pieces focus on David Stearns' plans for improvement, the team's struggles and potential, questions about the offseason, and the development of players like Bo Bichette, A.J. Ewing, and Carson Benge. Stearns hopes to build upon 'really encouraging signs' as he looks ahead to '27 (MLB.com). Notes that Mets' president of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledges the team's poor 74-88 season but sees encouraging signs in the final two months, plans to strengthen the rotation without adding an ace, and intends to address first-base production and the infield. Laura Albanese: Mets' David Stearns has failed, but he'll have another chance to avoid becoming a complete failure (Newsday $$$). Argues that Mets' president of baseball operations David Stearns has faced significant criticism for his decisions, including not re-signing Pete Alonso, and acknowledges his failures while expressing determination to improve, citing the need for better production from first and second base, roster flexibility, and selective free-agent pursuits. 5 questions facing the Mets heading into the offseason (Newsday $$$). Notes five key questions for the Mets heading into the offseason, including Bo Bichette's decision, David Stearns' ability to learn from mistakes, the future of the starting pitching, addressing first base needs, and the development of young players like A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge. David Stearns’ offseason of Mets change backfired — his first clues on plans to fix it (New York Post). Notes that David Stearns acknowledges the Mets' 74-win season was negatively impacted by excessive changes, including a new coaching staff and roster overhaul, and outlines plans to focus on developing starting pitchers and improving infield depth. Grading the Mets' 2026 season: Players, Andy Green, and the front office (SNY). Looks back at the Mets' 2026 season, evaluating player performance, manager Andy Green's impact, and front office decisions, citing key moments and statistics from the year. Tight-knit Mets see plenty to build on in 2027 despite last-place finish: ‘This is a family’ (New York Post). Notes that despite finishing last in the NL East, the 2026 Mets showed improvement after the trade deadline, with manager Andy Green emphasizing team culture and resilience, and players like Bo Bichette and A.J. Ewing highlighting a growing sense of unity and belief in the team's potential.