Blog Archives

Is Noah Syndergaard Ready for the 2015 Mets?

2/27/2015

I will not lie: I am ready for Syndergaard-Mania to run wild this year for the New York Metropolitans.

It’s going to happen. Ever since the 2014 Spring Training campaign, people have been clamoring for Noah Syndergaard to be a part of the Mets. People were clamoring about his firepower, combined with his youth. Hell, Terry Collins’ quote of Syndergaard’s “Hook from Hell” curve ball forced die-hard Met fans to salivate at the heir apparent coming up to the team.

However, Syndergaard did suffer through a rough season in Triple-A throughout 2014. He dealt with injuries to his right elbow and left shoulder over the first few months of his season. He went 9-7 with the Las Vegas 51’s, and although he led the Pacific Coast League with 145 strikeouts, he had a 4.60 ERA, which for a starting pitcher, is not that solid. The hype that was placed on him last season possibly caused a bit of angst and pressure on his psyche. Ultimately, Syndergaard was NOT called up in the September call-ups by Terry Collins.

Headlines came up over the past few days that Syndergaard is fueled with motivation over the fact he was “snubbed” on those call-ups. Granted, it probably did frustrate him, but it was the BEST thing for him. The Mets did not, from a marketing standpoint, want to waste his Major League debut on a meaningless September start. Plus, he might not have been mentally ready for that opportunity.

Now, he’s 22 years old, a year wiser and a year smarter. He has an aura around him yet AGAIN, but he seems like he’s living up to the pressure a tad better. Today, Adam Rubin from ESPN reported this today, on the news of Matt Harvey’s first day of pitching to batters since his Tommy John surgery…

Noah Syndergaard alternated simulating pitching innings with Matt Harvey: pic.twitter.com/HYNAB5KOFV
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 27, 2015

I think he’s ready. I don’t think Terry Collins, Dan Warthen, or the Mets coaching staff would have him work with Harvey in case he WASN’T ready for the 2015 roster. Plus, just by listening to the SNY Podcast with Syndergaard (http://metsblog.com/sny-tv-podcasts/) from a few days ago, he just has a poise about him that showcases his mental toughness. He comes off like ALL business.

Add in the fact he now has Mike Pelfrey’s #34 as his jersey number, Syndergaard has been groomed for this opportunity. He’s ready. I’m ready for the “Hook from Hell”. Is the Mets fan base ready for this 6’6 hoss that can through a 97 mile-per-hour heater?

I think we are.

Jon Harder
jon@thejonharder.com

0 Comments

Why This Is Matt den Dekker's Make-Or-Break Season

2/9/2015

2 Comments

CREDIT: ESPN.com

I will be completely honest: I was entirely against the signing of Michael Cuddyer with the New York Mets. A 2 year, $21 million deal for a man that has been injury prone over the past few seasons is mind boggling. Although Cuddyer has power, you have to worry about the injury factor.

However, it’s not the money factor when it comes down to the Cuddyer signing. With a youth based team, I totally understand the logistics behind the move. Cuddyer is a wily veteran who can help guide and lead the Mets to success. Combined with the fact that he is best friends with “the Captain”, it will definitely keep David Wright’s spirits up.

John Mayberry, Jr. was also signed in late 2014. Although I feel Mayberry will be used more to help Lucas Duda at first base when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound, he could also be slotted in to play outfield from time-to-time.

Regardless, I just genuinely believe that these decisions will limit the upward mobility of Matt den Dekker on the main roster.

Den Dekker has always had an ability to play a great defensive game in the outfield. Being drafted by the Mets in 2010, den Dekker has always stunned people with his movements and grace in the outfield. In college, he was a three time member of the SEC All-Defensive Team with the University of Florida due to his defensive play. Furthermore, his dynamic style led to one of the greatest catches in college history. Thanks to the New York Times’ Andrew Keh, I was able to find this incredible catch:

The commentators stated that it was extremely similar to Willie Mays’ basket one on September 29, 1954, as well as Jim Edmonds’ on June 10, 1997. Truthfully, I agree. It was one of the most unbelievable catches in modern times, on a major league or other level. Den Dekker has also showcased his defensive ability within the Mets organization as well. Just as Juan Lagares was out due to an injury in June of last season, den Dekker showed the world what he could do as well in the outfield, robbing a home run from Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard on June 2.

It legitimately looked academic for den Dekker. I’m not sure if it was the case, but by his facial expression, it looked easy. Bottom line, den Dekker can easily patrol the outfield on a major league level.

His bat, however, has not translated as well to the Mets on the main roster. His bat in college was incredibly solid; batting .310 in 844 AB’s with 262 hits, 33 homeruns, and 159 RBIs through 4 years of college at Florida. Throughout his 4 years in the minor leagues (including back and forth trips in 2013 and 2014), he averaged .289 in 466 at-bats with a stunning 48 homeruns (23 in Triple A alone). Yet, in 80 games in the big leagues, den Dekker is only hitting .238 in 150 AB’s, with 50 hits, 1 HR, 13 RBIs, and 25 walks. By statistic analysis alone, den Dekker is NOT performing with his bat on the MLB roster.

Although I felt (and still feel) that Eric Young, Jr. should have been kept around to bring some pop and excitement to the Mets bench, obviously the Mets see more in the “Upper Dekker”. Den Dekker has youth on his side, being only 27 years old. He’s a gritty player and is not afraid to play the field and go all out. Lastly, he has speed. Given time, he could be a serious base running threat.

According to MLB.com's Bernie Pleskoff, “den Dekker can steal bases and will get better at that craft once he gets more experience against the pitchers he is facing. His technique is good for now as he gets a good jump, but he still needs to refine his base-stealing mechanics a bit and trust his abilities.” From a professional scout, I’ll take his word for it.

CREDIT: NESN.com

The only thing TRULY holding him back from breaking through is his bat. He needs to find a way to be a more prominent threat at the plate when he does get playing time. If he finds a way to increase his batting average over .250, which he hit in 2014, and get on base to help produce run support, den Dekker might actually find his way into the 3rd outfielder’s role.

There are so many questions marks that are entering this coming season. Michael Cuddyer might be the starting left fielder as of Opening Day, but Matt den Dekker has nothing to lose. I genuinely believe that den Dekker will come out in 2015 and stun a lot of people. Even if they stack the “Dekk”, I think #6 will shine.

Spring Training can’t come soon enough.

Jon Harder
jon@thejonharder.com

Thanks to TheBaseballCube.com, Andrew Keh, and Bernie Pleskoff for their articles used to help write this blog.

2 Comments

Dillon Gee - Perfect Long Man?

2/4/2015

0 Comments

It is extremely tough to talk Mets baseball with a logical and clearheaded person nowadays. Although this IS called the Angry Mets Guy Blog, I am very level-headed and far more positive about the Mets than a lot of normal bloggers I see. In fact, I am actually very bothered by the #FreeMetsFree Kickstarter campaign to get billboards for the Wilpons to sell the franchise. I see that as a blatant rip-off of what Jet fans did to rid the world of General Manager John Idzik.

So when I actually get to talk about the Mets with some positive members of the Blue and Orange Brigade, it really makes my day. That’s why talking with the legend known as Papa Frank makes me smile and really expands my knowledge and perspective on the game.

Papa Frank is my girlfriend’s best friend’s father, so through that long and strange road we weave, I have gotten to know a man who believes strongly in the boys from Queens. As a fan since the very, I can go and have a ton of conversations regarding the Mets. Sometimes we talk about extremely under-appreciated guys like Hisanori Takahashi and Rick Aguilera; other times, I pick his mind about the days of Ed Kranepool, Tom Seaver, and the entire 1986 team. They are incredible conversations that enlighten me tenfold regarding the franchise. It legitimately reminds me of talks I had with my old man.

So when the incredible depth of young arms came up a few weeks ago, we discussed every option of who should stay and who should go. As I brought up how Dillon Gee was sought after by the Colorado Rockies, I mentioned to Papa Frank how I agreed with the possible move. I felt that Gee never had a true breakout season since coming up in 2010, plus some guys would perform better outside of the New York market and I always had that feeling that Gee would be that type of guy. Plus, a part of me still holds a small grudge from Gee not winning on Opening Day in 2014 and giving up two home runs to Bryce Harper and Adam LaRoche on August 14, 2014. Yes, Mr. Gee made me bitter.

Papa Frank disagreed. Naturally, I figured it would because Gee did have one real solid year in 2011 when he went 13-6 and started 7-0 (I did my research afterwards). However, after some solid back-and-forth on why, he laid down a rhetoric that caught me off guard:

“Dillon Gee Would Be a Perfect Long Man.”

It actually caught me off guard. After thinking about it for a minute, I, the student, asked the teacher, “Why?” His answer was simple: “His stuff is solid and simple enough to where he can come in out of the bullpen if the starter was struggling early and give a few innings out there. Also, if a spot start is needed, Gee could easily be plugged in there.”

For a few weeks, I’ve actually pondered that in my mind. Papa Frank had piqued my interest regarding this interesting theory. I tried to think of a moment where I could try and connect the dots and attempt to prove him wrong. Suddenly, something clicked in my head.

Starting with Opening Day, Gee would noticeably get tired with his starts the longer he went. Through his first few innings, Gee would be on the top of his game. As soon as the 5th and 6th innings start to come around, you would see Gee slowly start to tire and give up some walks and runs. Combining his bad injuries over his career (torn labrum in the minors during 2009, the blood clot in his artery in his right shoulder during 2012, the strained right lat during 2014), things started to piece together. It might make more sense than it originally led onto me.

Plus, add the fact that last year’s “long man”, Daisuke Matsuzaka, went back to Japan after his solid 2014, that role is open. Combined with the IMMENSE young pitching pool the Mets have on their roster, Gee would honestly THRIVE in that role. Plus, preparing to make $5.3 million next season, the Mets need a reason to maximize Gee’s utility. Papa Frank was right.

The Mets have a plethora of opportunities to make involving their starting pitching. Matt Harvey, Bartolo Colon, Zack Wheeler, Jon Niese, Mr. 2014 NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom, and Gee are all on the active big-league roster. Plus, you have Rafael Montero, Steven Matz, AND the “Hook from Hell” of Noah Syndergaard all chomping at the bit to pitch MLB Ball. What should be done?

My personal opinion, especially after talking to Papa Frank: move Niese and Syndergaard. Montero could be moved as well; if not, move him to the bullpen. Gee, with his solid 6 innings a game, would be moved to the bullpen as the long man. In emergency roles, he could start. Unlike other starters that have pitched for the Mets over the past 10 years, Gee currently has a WINNING record over his 5 years on the Blue and Orange Brigade. Being 40-34 with a 3.91 career ERA, Gee should remain on the roster. He’s solid, but the depth the Mets has would move him to the bullpen. It might actually save him on the team on top of it.

Papa Frank, thanks for a fantastic idea that led to a blog post. Thanks for all the talks thus far, and in the future. You are 100% right with your opinion: Dillon Gee would be a perfect long man. Now, to find the next great debate I could possibly win…

Jon Harder
jon@thejonharder.com

0 Comments

Bob Ojeda Will Be Missed on SNY

2/2/2015

0 Comments

Before the weekend, I read a news report that actually upset me. According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, SNY and Bob Ojeda have parted ways after six years with the network. Within the article, it states that Ojeda wanted a raise and ultimately was denied, thus results in the “amicable” departure from the TV home of the Mets.

It has been stated that former Mets Nelson Figueroa, Marlon Anderson, and good ol’ Cliff Floyd are being considered to replace Ojeda. I know for a fact that Mr. Floyd has been on MLB Network as an analyst before, so he might be a perfect person to take that role, but people are leaning towards Figueroa.

CREDIT: NYPost.com

Regardless, I will most definitely miss Bobby O in the pre and post game wrap-ups on SNY. You get a sense of realism when it comes to his broadcasting. If something stinks, he will say it. If something annoys him, Ojeda will let it out there. He tells it like it is, and has zero cares on what everyone thinks.

More so, I also feel as if another piece of greatness is leaving the SNY family. The credibility of success Bobby O has as a 1986 World Series champion will leave, and has left, an indelible mark on Mets broadcasting. Combined with Kevin Burkardt becoming a nationwide success as a football broadcaster, true talents are going elsewhere for work. Say what you will, but when people say that the Mets have the best broadcast team in TV and radio, it’s 100% true. A plethora of talent have walked in and ultimately walked out as true professionals of their craft.

I’m just a guy that hates change. I just prefer things to stay as they were. I also think Jerry Seinfeld feels the same way…

@Robbie_Dizms @AdamRubinESPN @Mets @SNYtv I'm insanely furious!!!!!!!!!
— Jerry Seinfeld (@JerrySeinfeld) January 30, 2015

Jerry, what’s the deal with SNY?

I know, I know, lame line. But I think Mr. Seinfeld feels the same as I do. Bob Ojeda was a true pro at his craft. He will be missed.

Jon Harder
jon@thejonharder.com

0 Comments

Is Noah Syndergaard Ready for the 2015 Mets?

Why This Is Matt den Dekker's Make-Or-Break Season

CREDIT: ESPN.com

CREDIT: NESN.com

Dillon Gee - Perfect Long Man?

“Dillon Gee Would Be a Perfect Long Man.”

Bob Ojeda Will Be Missed on SNY

CREDIT: NYPost.com

#AMG

Archives

Categories