Matthew Cerrone
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In an effort to look at the overall team, in advance of the off season, I assigned an overall letter grade to each major grouping on the team. If there is anything to be learned from this, it’s that the Mets likely overachieved this season, which will make getting back to the World Series difficult in 2016. They clearly need work in the field and in their lineup, while the pitching staff is just fine…
Sandy Alderson: He did a very good job. It’s hard to know whether a deal could have been made sooner than it was. But, the fact is, whether luck, strategy or just great timing, he was able to make a handful of deals that made an impact. Yoenis Cespedes was incredible for two months, Tyler Clippard stabilized the bullpen, and Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe helped round out the roster. The bulk of the roster originated under Omar Minaya. However, Alderson chose wisely, developed them and filled in around them when the time was right… and they got to a World Series.
Terry Collins: In June, his team never came apart. And, that’s saying a lot, given just how few runs they were scoring. He not only kept them together, he kept them focused and motivated. He did an outstanding job handling his pitching staff, media and instructions from the front office on when to pitch guys, when to skip them, when to hold them back and when to let them roar. He gained the trust and respect of his veterans. And, last, but not least, he got his team to a postseason, after making bold statements about their potential last winter.
Starting Pitchers: Jacob DeGrom returned from winning the NL Rookie of the Year to have a very good season. There was a stretch through the summer when he was brilliant. All things considered, Matt Harvey had an outstanding first season back from Tommy John surgery, finishing with a 2.71 ERA in 29 starts, which is significantly better than I expected. Noah Syndergaard‘s 166 strikeouts should get him a look in the Rookie of the Year voting. I don’t think he’ll win it, but it speaks to the type of addition he was to an already-strong rotation. Steven Matz labored in the postseason, but he was terrific in his first five regular season starts. The question for him will be whether he can stay healthy for a full season. Bartolo Colon reached cult status at the start of the season. Then, at 42-years-old, he tossed 31 innings without allowing a run, after which he became an asset in their postseason bullpen. Jon Niese struggled all season. He ended with a 4.13 ERA, and there was a late-season stretch were he was brutal. That said, he looked terrific in the bullpen during October, which is something he may need to do again in 2016 after Zack Wheeler returns from injury.
Bullpen: Jeurys Familia was amazing. He was everything people expected he could be, and more. Of course, the door for him to be a closer opened sooner than expected, when Jenrry Mejia injured himself then got suspended twice for PED use. Simultaneously, Bobby Parnell could never get his season on track as well. Yet, Familia cruised. He hit a rough spot during the summer, picked up a new pitch and then dominated until his last few appearances of the season. The rest of the bullpen was OK. Tyler Clippard was great at first, but had a 7.11 ERA in his final 10 appearances. Acquired from the D-Backs, Addison Reed was a steal. He did not allow a run in his first 15 appearances and remained surprisingly strong in the postseason. I wasn’t pleasantly surprised by Erik Goeddel, who had a 1.96 ERA in 22 appearances. I also think Logan Verrett can be a valuable long reliever. Hansel Robles, Sean Gilmartin and Carlos Torres had their moments. And, the less said about Eric O’Flaherty the better.
Catchers: Travis d’Arnaud was very good… when he was on the field. And, that’s the issue, he is clearly a guy that will get aches, pains and, occasionally, major injuries. He’s a catcher, so it’s to be expected, but he goes down more than most. Nevertheless, when he’s in there, he hits, pulls in strikes and the pitchers really like him. His primary back-up, rookie Kevin Plawecki, hit just .219 in 233 at-bats. The Mets see him as a No. 1, but I’m not sold. Lastly, thanks for the memories, Anthony Recker.
Infielders: The Mets had the second-most expensive infield in baseball, according to SpotRac. Obviously, the lynchpin is David Wright. There is no way to rate his season, because he missed 85% of it recovering from a major spinal issue. Then, he was mostly quiet in the postseason. I know Lucas Duda hit 27 home runs, but I’m less impressed when the bulk of them come during three weeks. I’ll take less power for more consistency, if the Mets decide to go that way next season. Again, as always, Daniel Murphy was fantastic. The man always hits and rarely strikes out. He showed an increase in pop this season, as well. Of course, with the good comes Murphy’s bad, such as ill-timed base-running, botched double plays and stabbing at grounders he should play off his body. Wilmer Flores had a very good season, especially considering how he was questioned all spring and then nearly traded in July. Ruben Tejada had a nice year and again showed he has a role as a back-up, middle infielder. Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson did’t produce a ton at the plate, but their presence alone created a much needed order on the roster.
Outfielders: Curtis Granderson was outstanding. He adjusted to become one of the most productive and powerful leadoff hitters in the game. He had the season the Mets likely envisioned when they signed him. On the other hand, Michael Cuddyer was a mess. In his defense, he was asked to play more than expected. But, when he did, he was soft. Juan Lagares was not himself. He looked hurt, his elbow clearly is a problem. He’s fighting and getting by, but the Mets need more from him next season. Michael Conforto is going to be everyone’s favorite player next season when he hits 20 HR and bats .300 in his first full season. The kid is awesome. Cespedes was an aberration during August and September. It was like Jose Reyes and Mike Piazza morphed in to one batter. That said, he was nowhere to be found in the postseason. In fact, he hurt more than he helped.
from Metsblog http://ift.tt/1XQ4YfM
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