2013 Mets First-Round Pick's Road to the Big Leagues

2013 Mets first-round draft pick Dominic Smith

As the end of September comes around, the Mets find themselves playing meaningless games in the final month for the fifth straight season.  While it has been a disappointing season, there is light at the end of the tunnel for this team.  The foundation for the future of this organization is bright with lots of young talent on its way in the coming years.      

Friday night, the Mets announced their 2013 Sterling Award winners at Citi Field before the game.  The Sterling Award is emblematic of the Most Valuable Player for each of the organization’s nine minor league affiliates.  Rafael Montero and Noah Syndergaard highlighted the winners for triple-A and double-A, respectively.  Another young Mets prospect that shined this season though is one that won’t be able to go out and get a beer to celebrate.  The Mets 2013 first-round draft pick Dominic Smith is just 18 years old and he took home the Sterling Award for the Gulf Coast League Mets.

Smith got the chance to take batting practice before Friday’s game at Citi Field before the Mets fell to the Brewers 4-2 for the second straight night.  The whole experience is still hitting the 18-year-old first baseman. 

“It’s surreal.  It’s like a dream come true, honestly.  It feels great.  The field is beautiful.  You’re hanging around big league guys.  You’re already getting a taste of the next level.”

The 11^th overall pick in this season’s First-Year Player Draft hit .287 with three home runs, 22 RBI, and had a .384 on-base percentage for the GCL Mets.  It was a major adjustment for Smith from his days in high school just a few months ago. 

“The toughest thing was playing everyday.  It’s tough, but you never really understand it until you play and being a 17-year-old kid, you hear people say all the time, oh let’s go play baseball every day.  If we offer you a contract would you sign and play everyday, you would be like hell yea!  Baseball is fun, but it’s really a job and it’s tough and plays a big toll on your body.”

While Smith had an impressive first season in the minors, he knows there’s plenty of work still ahead of him as the offseason has officially begun.

“It’s a lot of things I need to work on.  It’s a ton.  You’re never perfect.  I’m nowhere near perfect or where I feel I should be, especially after my first year.  There’s a ton to work on and I can’t wait to get to the offseason so I can work on those things and advance my game.”

The first baseman earned a late season promotion to Kingsport, where he had four doubles in six at-bats over three games.  The Los Angeles, CA native finished the season with a combined .301 (52-173) batting average, good for seventh in the organization.  The big league club could have an opening at first base soon, but Smith isn’t ready to think about that just yet. 

“When I’m ready they’ll bring me up.  I just take it one day at a time.  I don’t really look at the future aspect as a couple years.  I try to play hard and advance my game and try to show them to make the next step.”

The 6-0, 180-pound West Coast kid got a little taste of what’s to come playing on the East Coast in New York.  So far, Smith likes what he sees in the city that never sleeps.

“New York is beautiful.  It’s a beautiful city.  The fans are awesome and amazing.  Best fans in baseball and arguably all of sports.  They really love their Mets and they love their players.  They know their players inside and out.  It’s really a great position I’m in. 

The Mets first round pick has shown promise and will look to take the next step in the minor leagues next season when he will get a full season under his belt.  Smith said he models his game in the field after Mark Teixeira and at the plate after Robinson Cano and Carlos Gonzalez.  That’s some big shoes to live up to, but the left-handed hitting first baseman is ready for the offseason ahead as he tries to work his way up to the New York Mets one day. 

“A few months back, I was at high school with my friends and now I’m in a big league park wearing an awesome uniform and being drafted by a major league team and getting to play for them and hopefully one day get to be in this position where I can wake up everyday and come to this beautiful ballpark.”

You can hear my entire interview with Dominic Smith here:

https://soundcloud.com/jakebrownespn/interview-with-mets-1st-round

Mets Have Found Their Aces in Wheeler and Harvey

The New York Mets 2013 season hasn't been pretty by any means, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.  That light shined bright Tuesday in Atlanta when the Mets saw their young phenoms Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler dominate in a sweep of a doubleheader over their NL East rival Braves.

Harvey started game one and continued his excellence he has shown all season long striking out 13 in seven innings.  The 24-year-old carried a no hitter into the seventh inning before allowing his first hit.  Harvey finally got some run support from his anemic offense as he improved to 6-1 on the season.  It was his first win since May 17th.  Harvey has been the Mets ace all season and one of the favorites to start the All Star Game at Citi Field in July.

While Harvey has been the Mets number one guy, the Amazins found out that Wheeler looks ready to be "1a."  The only Mets player ever to be born in the 90's made his MLB debut in the second game of the doubleheader after watching Harvey's tremendous effort earlier in the afternoon.  Wheeler would not back down in front of the bright lights and in front of his family and friends.  The 23-year-old's hometown is just minutes away from Turner Field in Smyrna, Georgia.  Oh boy, was he ready to go.  After some butterflies in the first inning where he walked two batters, Wheeler cruised the rest of the way.  The young stud tossed six shutout innings, giving up four hits, while striking out seven and walking five batters.  Wheeler had some filthy stuff working his fastball up to 98 MPH and mixing it with a nasty curveball and slider.

For once, the Mets organization got it right.  GM Sandy Alderson dealt Carlos Beltran at the trade deadline in 2011 to the Giants, and it looks like the Mets got back a pitcher that could be at the top of the rotation for years to come.  Wheeler received a lot of hype and at least for one start, he definitely lived up to it.  Finally, Mets fans have something to look forward to at least twice a week this season.  It seemed like "Harvey Day" was one of the only days of the week the Mets would usually pick up a win, but now they get Harvey Day and "Wheeler Day."

Wheeler's ability provides plenty of hope for Mets fans who have been hopeless for years.  Now, the Mets have the pieces to build around and it's time they bring in some bats to give their two studs some run support.  This organization cannot put Harvey and Wheeler out every five days and continue to not put runs on the board.  Alderson has made it clear that this offseason he will be bringing in proven bats to make this team a winner...something they have not done since 2008.  It's been all dark days at Citi Field since the gorgeous building opened in 2009, but it seems like the lights will be shining soon enough thanks to the Mets dynamic duo at the top of their rotation.

Mets Finally Send Ike Down...but What's Next?

This past weekend at Citi Field was more of the same for the 23-35 Mets.  It was an embarrassing display of baseball against the worst team in baseball and one of the worst in the history of baseball.  After Friday night's game was rained out, the Mets would lose a 20-inning affair (that I sat through) Saturday by a 2-1 score, and then Sunday they would blow a 4-1 lead and lose 8-4 in 10 innings.  Eight of the Marlins 18 wins this season have come against the Mets.

Yes, the New York Mets have lost eight times to the abysmal 18-44 Marlins.  That was the last straw.

Finally, Sandy Alderson decided enough was enough and made a couple of moves that had to be made.   The long awaited demotion of Ike Davis finally arrived after the game Sunday as he was sent down to triple-A Las Vegas.  Mike Baxter and Robert Carson were also sent down.

For Ike, it has been another disastrous start, but this time he has showed no signs of turning it around as he did last year.  Davis is hitting just .161 on the season with just five home runs and 16 RBI. He has struck out a ridiculous 66 times in 186 at bats.  That's an average of more than one time every three at bats.  The demotion was long overdue, but two more losses to the Marlins marked the end for Ike.  He will work out his troubles in triple-A Las Vegas and until he shows some significant improvement, he won't be back in Queens anytime soon.

Baxter also has been struggling in his limited playing time this season.  He's hitting just .212 with zero homers and four RBI in 85 at bats.  Don't expect Baxter to be back anytime soon either as he was not given much of a chance from the start.

Carson should have never been here in the first place.  The southpaw out of the bullpen has been completely overmatched since being called up to Queens.  Carson has been atrocious in 2013 in 18 innings giving up 18 runs, good for a whopping 8.50 ERA.  He has also given up eight home runs this season, which is good for third most on the team.  Carson shouldn't hear his name on the big league roster again in 2013, unless it's for September call ups.

So the Mets are now 23-35 and sitting in fourth place in the NL East, already 13.5 games behind the first place Atlanta Braves.  The question for this team is...what's next?  Well it's time Alderson and Terry Collins realize that if this team is in a rebuilding process, it's time to start players that are going to be a part of the future.  Yes, even if they are not major league ready, it's time to let them play.  What does the team have to lose at this point?  They are 13.5 games out of first place and are in no way, shape, or form going to be in a pennant race in 2013.  Saturday, the Mets finally designated Rick Ankiel for assignment.  Yesterday, they finally sent down Ike, along with Baxter and Carson.  That's a start.  Now it's time to see pieces of the future play.  So who are these pieces?

First of all, it looks like Zach Wheeler will finally get his time to shine.  Wheeler is set to make his major league debut in a doubleheader next Tuesday the 18th in Atlanta.  Coincidentally, Matt Harvey will start the second game of the doubleheader.  The future of the Mets pitching staff will be seen together on the same day, which will definitely be exciting for the fans.  Wheeler won't be the savior though.  The Mets are in desperate need of some bats.  We all know the Mets have Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard as well as Rafael Montero to look forward to in the rotation, but what about on offense.

Highly coveted catching prospect Travis D'Arnaud is on his way back as he begins to rehab and work his way back from a foot injury.  D'Arnaud was the big piece of the R.A. Dickey trade and the Mets are hoping that he can be this team's catcher for years to come.  Expect D'Arnaud to be called up to Queens sometime after the All Star break.  Wilmer Flores is another guy in the minors that needs to be called up this season.  The Mets need to move Flores to shortstop, because Daniel Murphy should stay the everyday second baseman.  Ruben Tejada has not earned the starting shortstop role, and should not return as the starter when he is back from the disabled list.  If Ike Davis can turn it around, the Mets infield in the last two months of the season and possibly for years to come come should be D'Arnaud, Davis, Murphy, Flores, and David Wright.  That could turn out to be a pretty solid infield for years to come.

The question marks once again remains in the outfield.  Lucas Duda is not expected to be a piece of this team's future and Alderson has made that clear.  He has been unable to win anyone over with his mediocre power bat.  Duda is hitting just .228 with 10 home runs and 20 RBI in 193 at bats this season.    The Mets don't have much help in the minors either in the outfield.  Their only potential outfielder in the future right now looks like Brandon Nimmo, but he is only with single-A Savannah right now.  Nimmo has been impressive so far hitting .316, but has just one home run and 18 RBI in 136 at bats.  Luckily, the Mets have around $30 million coming off the books in the offseason.  That means they will have some cap space to add a free agent outfielder, and possibly make a trade for another before the trade deadline in July.

What I expect the Mets to do is make a trade for Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier before the trade deadline.  While everyone wants Carlos Gonzalez or Giancarlo Stanton, that will cost the Mets too much and would force them to likely give away Wheeler or D'Arnaud or both.  Ethier would cost the Mets less prospects, and they can likely get the Dodgers to pay half of Ethier's five-year, $85 million contract.  While Ethier has struggled this season, a change of scenery could be good for him.  The Mets will then look to sign a free agent outfielder in the offseason.  Atop the list will likely be Shin-Soo Choo, Nelson Cruz, or Jacoby Ellsbury.  Those are the three games to keep an eye on that the Mets will likely make a move for.  Look for the Mets to sign one of those three free agents as well as make a trade for an outfielder this July as they will have a little bit of spending room this offseason.

It's going to be a rough season and it's been hard to watch the 2013 Mets thus far.  If Alderson can make the right moves with the money coming off the books, and some of the highly coveted prospects as in Wheeler, D'Arnaud, and Flores can pan out, the Mets are not too far away.  This team could be a winning one within the next two years.  If not, say goodbye to Alderson and Collins.

Mets Fans Relishing in Sweep of Yankees

It may only be two months into the season, but the Mets sweep over the Yankees is easily the highlight of the 2013 season.  Chants of "sweep" and "Let's Go Mets" were heard in full force last night at Yankee Stadium in the 9th inning as the Mets completed a four-game, two-stadium season sweep over their crosstown rival Yankees for the first time since the Subway Series began in 2000.

Mets fans made their presence felt last night in the Bronx in what was one of the quietest Subway Series games ever.  Yankees fans were nonexistent in their home park last night.  The 44,207 fans in attendance were silent until late where Mets fans took over.  While it was just another game for the Yankees and their fans, it was more of a pennant race atmosphere for the Mets and their fans.  The Yankees have dominated the Mets in Subway Series play with the Mets only winning two season series in the first 16 years of the rivalry.  The Yankees were 54-36 in those 16 years against the Mets in the regular season, also including a 4-1 series win in the 2000 World Series.

The overlooked, 4th place Mets squad took care of business this week in Queens and in the Bronx.  Their pitching was dominant getting terrific outings from Jon Niese, Matt Harvey, Jeremy Hefner, and Dillon Gee.  Gee recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts last night and Harvey had 10 Tuesday night in the Mets comeback walk-off victory.  While the Yankees were playing without many of their big names in Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, Kevin Youkilis, and Alex Rodriguez, it still marked a very impressive week for a Mets team that had been struggling mightily.  This Mets team has zero expectations this season as they are in a rebuilding process, hoping for some young prospects to pan out for them soon in Zach Wheeler and Travis D'Arnaud.

While bitter Yankees fans will continue to say they don't care about this series, Mets fans have New York bragging rights.  Mets fans are fully aware that this team is rebuilding and will likely not be in the playoffs in 2013, and maybe even 2014.  This team is showing some heart and is giving the fans something to look forward to as they try and turn it around.  After a 17-29 start, the Mets have now won five straight games as they head to Miami to face the last place Marlins, who are in far worse shape than the Mets with a 13-41 start to the season.  Mets fans deserve to relish in this sweep.  In a rebuilding season, any stretch of wins, especially against the rival Yankees, is definitely something to smile about.  The Mets have some big division games coming up where they can work their way back to .500.  Terry Collins squad can make the dog days of summer in Queens a little more enjoyable as Wheeler and D'Arnaud will soon be on their way as the Mets continue to get younger and build a winning team for the future.

Mets Say Sayonara to Sandman in Memorable Fashion

Coming into this week's Subway Series matchup, the talk around New York was how the annual Mets-Yankees matchup has lost its flare.  Oh boy was that wrong.

Tuesday night in Queens was the most memorable game of the 2013 season thus far.  There were enough story lines after Tuesday's ulti-Met classic to write a short novel.  After being shutout for the first eight innings, the Mets bats came alive in the 9th scoring two runs capped off by a Lucas Duda walk-off single to give the Amazins a 2-1 victory.  They scored two runs on three hits off the greatest closer in the history of baseball, Mariano Rivera.  All of that happened with Rivera failing to record an out.  History was made as it was the first blown save for the "Sandman" where he failed to record an out in his 19-year Hall of Fame career.  It came after the Mets honored the future Hall of Famer before the game as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch as he said farewell to Queens.

A Daniel Murphy double, David Wright single, and a Duda base hit gave the Mets the two-game sweep at Citi over the Bronx Bombers, and a three-game win streak.  That ended what was a magical night, but that was not the only thing to take away from the game.  Matt Harvey was phenomenal per usual for the Mets going eight innings giving up just one run on six hits to go along with 10 strikeouts.  "Harvey Day" turned into Harvey night after the 90-minute rain delay had the young stud throw the first pitch at 8:40.  Fans in left field (including myself) had the big Harvey faces held up as well as "The Real Deal" orange t-shirts to show support for the new ace in orange and blue.  While Harvey was dominant, Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda was even better tossing seven shutout innings, while giving up just four hits and striking out seven.  The Mets offense was hard to watch the first eight innings against Kuroda and David Robertson.

The one time the Mets did have a runner in scoring position in the 6th inning, it would not last long.  Ruben Tejada was picked off at second base after being called safe.  Second base umpire Adrian Johnson called the Mets shortstop safe and then immediately called him out in one of the more bizarre decisions ever seen in baseball.  Terry Collins came out ferociously to argue the call and was ejected.  It is extremely rare that an umpire calls a runner safe and then changes the call to call him out.  While Tejada looked out, it was handled poorly by Johnson.  The Mets skipper would watch the miraculous comeback from the clubhouse.

The Subway Series.  A rain delay.  Harvey vs Kuroda.  Rivera's final game in Queens.  A pitcher's duel.  A bizarre play at second base.  A manager ejected.  History made against the greatest closer in MLB history.  A walk off win.  Did I forget anything?  Mets fans had plenty of reasons to smile Tuesday night in a game that could give this team some momentum when they desperately needed it.  The Mets are now winners of three straight for just the second time this season as they head over to the Bronx for two more against their crosstown rivals.  They will hope to build on Tuesday's amazin' win as they look for a turnaround after a rough start to the 2013 season.

2013 Subway Series Preview

Citi Field

Monday-7:10PM  

Niese (3-5, 4.80 ERA) vs Hughes (2-3, 5.51 ERA)

Tuesday-7:10PM

Matt Harvey (5-0, 1.93 ERA) vs Kuroda (6-3, 2.67 ERA)

Yankee Stadium

Wednesday-7:05PM

Hefner (0-5, 4.76 ERA) vs Phelps (3-2, 3.96 ERA)

Thursday-7:05PM

Gee (2-6, 6.34 ERA) vs Nuno (1-1, 1.93 ERA)

The Mets and Yankees begin the 2013 edition of the Subway Series heading in two different directions.  The banged up Yankees have surprised all of baseball with their play coming into Memorial Day. They stand atop the AL East standings with a 30-19 record.  On the other hand, the Mets head into the battle for New York in fourth place with an 18-29 record.  The Mets and Yankees will play four straight games this week for the first time since the Subway Series began in 1997.  Monday and Tuesday will be in Queens and Wednesday and Thursday will be in the Bronx.

No Derek Jeter.  No Mark Teixiera.  No Curtis Granderson.  No Kevin Youkilis. No Joba Chamberlain.  No Eduardo Nunez.  Seems like the entire roster is sidelined, yet Joe Girardi has the Yanks in first place in cruise control.  The likes of Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay, and Travis Hafner have fulfilled as quite suitable "replacements."  Hiroki Kuroda has led the Bombers starting rotation, while C.C. Sabathia been up and down this season.  Mariano Rivera has held it down as he usually does converting 18 straight saves to start the season.  The future Hall of Fame closer makes his final trip to Queens and will be honored by the Mets before Tuesday night's game.

While the Yankees have opened some eyes with their hot start, the Mets have been a major disappointment.  The only real bright spot in the first two months of the season has been Matt Harvey.  In his first full MLB season, Harvey has been dominant with a 5-0 start and 1.93 ERA.  He has thrown two one-hiters, one being a complete game one-hitter against the White Sox.  Unfortunately, "Harvey Day" has essentially been the only day the Mets will consistently win on.  The rest of the rotation has been extremely inconsistent.  Their bullpen has also struggled, but Bobby Parnell has been the lone bright spot in the 'pen taking over for an injured Frank Francisco at closer.  The biggest disappointment thus far has been Ike Davis.  After slugging 32 home runs last season, Davis has been hard to watch in 2013.  Davis is hitting an embarrassing .158 with just 4 home runs and 11 RBI.  Davis was a day from being demoted to triple-A before having a two-hit night last night, including a game-winner in the 8th.

Has the Subway Series lost its punch? Somewhat.  The 2013 Mets and Yankees unappealing rosters and early injuries have been a major reason for the very sparse crowds in both Queens and the Bronx.  This may be the first year of the Subway Series that will not sell out since it began 16 years ago.  While it may not be what it once was, it still is New York bragging rights and always is fun for the fans.  With the Yankees clearly off to the much better start than the Mets, a couple of Subway Series wins may provide the Mets the motivation they need to try and turn this thing around.  Mets fans are just awaiting the arrival of young phenom Zach Wheeler, but they will need their bats to wake up if they are even thinking about a .500 record.

03/17/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

It was our special NCAA Tournament preview show on The 5th Quarter in New York Sports on AM1240-WGBB. We previewed the big dance and gave our predictions on who would win. We discussed the Knicks four game losing streak and injuries plaguing them as the Nets and Celtics creep up on them. We then did our new “Something or Nothing” segment of the show before the break. After the break, we talked about the Nets possibly winning the Atlantic and the Lakers recent success sliding into the 8th seed. We then dived into baseball talk discussing the World Baseball Classic and the need to have the best players playing to take it seriously. We talked about the hobbling Mets and Yankees and previewed their possible opening day lineups. We finished the show with NFL free agency talk and everyone leaving the Jets and Darrelle Revis possibly on his way out. We ended the show with our final four picks and our national champion picks.


 3/17/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

The 5th Quarter in New York Sports-2/24/13

On this edition of The 5th Quarter in New York Sports on AM1240, I took the mic solo with plenty to talk about.  I started the show with the Knicks recent slide and what they need to do to get back to their winning ways.  I recapped their victory over the Sixers.  I then talked Nets and their recent success and chances at winning the Atlantic Division.  I gave the NBA trade deadline moves and who won and lost at the deadline.  I talked Curtis Granderson going down with injury and who will replace him and how the Yankees will do in 2013.  I then talked Zach Wheeler and his chances of being called up in 2013.  Also, I discussed the Mets outfield and their chances of doing well this season.  I finished the show with Jets talk and whether they should trade Darrelle Revis.


02/24/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

The 5th Quarter in New York Sports-2/10/13

It was a special Grammy edition of the The 5th Quarter in New York Sports on AM1240 as me and Ty gave out our NBA midseason Grammy Award winners.  We talked plenty of Knicks and Nets and the rest of the NBA.  We previewed the NBA trade deadline and our predictions of who may get traded, including Iman Shumpert trade rumors.  We also recapped the Mets and Yankees offseason and what their 2013 roster will look like.
Our guest was Knicks beat writer for the Bergen Record Steve Popper.  We talked about the possible Shumpert trade as well as any other moves the Knicks might make.  We also discussed the loss to the Clippers earlier in the day and what went wrong for the Knicks.

02/10/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

1/27/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

On Sunday’s show on AM1240, we previewed Super Bowl XLVII aka the “HarBowl.”  We then talked about the Jets new OC and GM and the talk of them possibly trading Darrelle Revis.  We then gave our reactions to the bizarre Manti Te’o story.  In the second half of the show we gave our All Star snubs.  We then discussed the Knicks win over the Hawks and the Nets hot start to 2013.  We talked Rondo going down and the Celtics playoff hopes in jeopardy.  We talked Dwight Howard trade talks and the Lakers possibly turning the season around.  We finished with some Mets offseason discussion and gave our Super Bowl picks.

1/27/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

01/13/2013-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Gerry Sandusky
Play-by-play radio broadcaster
for the Baltimore Ravens
Sports Director at WBAL-TV

Adam Zagoria
SNY.tv and NBA.com writer
covering the New York Knicks

Listen to the podcast of my show "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports" on AM1240-WGBB from Sunday January 13th, 2013.  We recapped the wild weekend of NFL playoff games over the weekend.  Ravens play-by-plar radio broadcaster Gerry Sandusky joined us to recap the Ravens big win in Denver over the Broncos and their chances to win a Super Bowl.  Sandusky talked about the importance of Ray Lewis to the Ravens and the city of Baltimore.  We then previewed the AFC and NFC Championship games and made our picks for a possible "HarBowl."  
In the second half of the show, we talked Knicks basketball with SNY.tv and NBA.com writer, Adam Zagoria.  We also discussed the surging Nets and their hot start to 2013 under P.J. Carlesimo.  I also gave my opinion on the MLB Hall of Fame and the choice to not elect anyone this year.  Mike Piazza was clearly snubbed of a spot in the Hall.  

1/13/13-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Mets Future is Bright After Dickey Trade

The Mets decided to put the pieces together for future success rather than winning now with the trade of R.A. Dickey, and Sandy Alderson did a great job doing it.

The Mets traded the Cy Young winner along with catcher Josh Thole and backup catcher Mike Nickeas to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for top catching prospect Travis D'Arnaud, their top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, veteran catcher John Buck, and young outfield prospect Wuilmer Becerra.

D'Arnaud is one of the top prospects in baseball and is expected to be the Mets catcher of the future with a good chance at starting behind the dish this season.  In 67 games last season in AAA Las Vegas, D'Arnaud hit .333 with 16 home runs and 52 RBI.  In 2011 for AA New Hampshire, the 23-year-old catcher hit .311 with 21 home runs and 78 RBI in 114 games.  Clearly, the young backstop has a lot of potential and fills the Mets hole at catcher.  This team has lacked a good power hitting catcher since Mike Piazza left, who happens to be the player D'Arnaud admired in his youth.  While his defense has been deemed average at best, D'Arnaud is a huge acquisition that finally gives the Mets a guy who can hit behind the plate.  Getting rid of Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas actually helps the Mets rather than hurt them.  The fact that those are the only other players the Mets gave up besides Dickey makes this deal a steal.

Syndergaard was the second best Blue Jays prospect right behind D'Arnaud.  So the Mets acquired the Blue Jays top two prospects for Dickey, just as Alderson had hoped.  Syndergaard had a terrific season in Class-A Lansing going 8-5 with a 2.6 ERA, including 122 strikeouts in just 103.2 innings pitched.  He's only just begun.  The 6'5" power arm is just 20 years old and is already shining in the minor leagues.  In two to three years, we may see Syndergaard join a starting rotation along side Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler.

Buck gives the Mets a veteran catcher with some pop to start until D'Arnaud is ready.  Once D'Arnaud is ready to shine in the majors, Buck gives the Mets a much better second option at catcher than Thole and Nickeas.  The 32-year-old hit just .192 with the Marlins last season, but has power.  Buck had 12 home runs last season, 16 in 2011, and 20 in 2010.  Also, don't forget about the "non-elite" prospect the Mets get in this deal, Wuilmer Becerra.  Becerra is a 6'4" right-hand hitting outfielder and is just 18 years old. His season in the minor leagues ended after just 11 games when he was hit in the face by a pitch and broke his jaw.  Becerra has a lot of time to spend in the minors to grow, but we could be hearing his name in four to five years.

Parting with the 38-year-old knuckleballer was tough for the Mets, but his age was a big factor.  Dickey was tremendous last season going 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA and 230 strikeouts.  Alderson could not work an extension out with Dickey essentially lowballing him with a 2-year, $20 million offer and Dickey was looking for $26 million.  The Blue Jays pulled the trigger and made the trade and signed him to a 2-year, $25 million extension after he makes a bargain $5 million in 2013.

The Mets are building a young team that should have fans smiling to what looks to be a bright future.  Signing David Wright to a long-term deal was the start.  The Mets are building a team to win in the future with Wright, Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada, Harvey, Wheeler, Dillon Gee, Jenrry Mejia, and now D'Arnaud and Syndergaard.  The pieces are coming together for a team that probably won't contend in 2013, but 2014 and beyond can be the start of the Mets rise to the top of the NL East standings.

Now that Wright is signed and Dickey has been traded, the Mets need to go out and get a couple outfielders.  That is their biggest weakness right now.  First and foremost, they need to sign or acquire a power bat in the outfield like a Justin Upton or Cody Ross.  Rumors say the Mets are interested in Grady Sizemore, but he is coming off knee surgery and won't be ready to start the season.  Alderson needs to use the money that hasn't been spent this offseason to bring in at least two outfielders with one of them being a guy who can hit 20+ home runs.  Terry Collins has the pieces in place, now management needs to look for some offense to put up some runs for this very solid pitching staff.

12/02/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Check out my show from Sunday night on AM1240-WGBB.  On “The 5th Quarter in New York Sports” we discussed the Jets win over the Cardinals and who will start next week at quarterback.  Legendary sports broadcaster Ed Ingles joined us to give his take on the Jets and talk to us about his broadcasting career.  We debated on whether Mark Sancez or Greg McElroy should start next week, whether the Mets should sign or trade R.A. Dickey, and whether David Stern’s decision to fine the Spurs was right.  We gave our “5th Quarter Standouts” in the NFL.  We talked about the wild week in the NFL as well as previewing the Giants-Redskins matchup.  We also talked Knicks and Nets and their success so far this season.

12/02/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Mets Heading in Wright Direction

The Mets first move of this offseason that had to be made was signing the cornerstone of their franchise.  That is finally done.

The Mets have signed their third baseman David Wright an 8-year, $138 million deal.  Wright's contract becomes the biggest in Mets history surpassing Johan Santana's 7-year, $137.5 million deal.  This new deal replaces the 2013 option of $16 million including it in the new deal.  The contract makes Wright a Met through 2020, when he will turn 38 that December.  Essentially, Wright is a Met for life.

Mets fans are relieved that this deal is done and they can finally build around the superstar at the hot corner.  Wright has been the face of this team and a leader in the clubhouse.  The 29-year-old was called up in 2004 and has become a mainstay at third base since then.  Wright became the Mets all-time hits leader passing Ed Kranepool September 26th with 1,419 hits.  1,426 hits, 204 home runs, 818 RBI,  and a .301 career batting average have made Wright one of the greatest Mets of all time...and he's not even halfway through his career.

The Mets got this one "Wright."  After not bringing back Jose Reyes last offseason, the Mets needed to build the future of this team around their best player.  Now that this is out of the way, the Mets can move on to their other needs.  This team still has a lot of work to do if GM Sandy Alderson wants to put together a winning team.

Next up for the Mets is resigning their Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey.  While Dickey is 38, in knuckleball years that's basically 34.  Dickey was dominant last season on his way to his first Cy Young Award with a 20-6 record, a 2.73 ERA, and 230 strikeouts.  Keeping Dickey immediately turns the Mets rotation into one of the best in baseball.  Dickey, Johan Santana, Jon Niese, Matt Harvey, Dillon Gee, and possibly Zach Wheeler next season would be tough to beat.  Unless somebody offers the Mets a monster trade package, Alderson needs to bring back Dickey.  Dickey is willing to sign for two years if the price is right.

The Mets major concern right now is their outfield.  After releasing Jason Bay, nobody knows what the Mets outfield will look like in 2013.  The team isn't expected to bring back Andres Torres, who was nowhere near what the Mets hoped him to be when they acquired him from the Giants.  Lucas Duda struggled at the plate and in the outfield and it's not expected for him to be an Opening Day starter in 2013.  That leaves the Mets with a depleted outfield.  Alderson needs to go out and get some outfield help.  While the Mets don't have lots to spend, they need to go and make a couple of moves to bring in at least two outfielders.  This team needs another power bat to complement Wright and Ike Davis.  There aren't many guys available in the Mets price range, but they are going to need to find a couple of bats to fill the void in their outfield right now.

Signing Wright to an extension was a step in the right direction, but this team is far from a contender at the moment.  Here's what this team needs to do this offseason:

1) Resign R.A. Dickey.

2) Sign/trade for a couple of outfielders including a power bat. (Justin Upton)

3) Sign/trade for a catcher that can produce more on offense than Josh Thole.

4) Get some bullpen help.

10/21/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Listen to the podcast of my show "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports" on AM1240-WGBB.  We discussed the Jets heartbreaking loss, the Giants wild win at home, and the rest of the NFL week 7 games. In the second half of the show, we previewed the Knicks season with Knicks beat writer for the NY Post, Marc Sherman.  We talked about where the Knicks and Nets will finish in the East as well as the rest of the NBA playoff predictions.

10/21/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

10/07/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

10/07/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Listen to the podcast from my show "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports" Sunday on AM1240-WGBB.  We discussed the Giants win over the Browns, the Yankees-Orioles playoff matchup, the MLB playoffs, the struggling Jets, and the rest of the week 5 NFL games. Callers discussed Eli Manning, the Giants, the Yankees, and Andrew Luck with me.

Dickey Joins Elite Company With 20th Win

A season to forget for the New York Mets ended with a game to remember at Citi Field on Thursday.  The second half failures were put in the past Thursday afternoon when R.A. Dickey took the mound in front of an excited, enthusiastic 31,506 fans going for his 20th win of the season.

The author, mountain climber, and baseball's most unlikely star became the first Mets pitcher since Frank Viola in 1990 to win 20 games in a season.  Dickey beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-5, in the Mets final home game of the season.  The 37-year-old became just the 6th pitcher in franchise history to reach 20 victories and is on his way to becoming the first knuckleballer to win a Cy Young Award.  

Despite giving up three earned runs, Dickey had a career high 13 strikeouts in 7.2 innings throwing 128 pitches.  The 128 pitches was a season-high for the knuckleballer and Dickey's 13 strikeouts puts him at 222 on the season, which leads the National League.  Dickey's 2.69 ERA is second in the National League.

The journeyman knuckler brought an atmosphere to Citi Field that has been non-existent in the Mets second half downfall.  It has been another tough season for Terry Collins' team, but Dickey has brought something special to a team that hasn't had much to write home about since the All Star break.  Thursday afternoon was about R.A. Dickey.  

Thursday in Queens was just the next chapter of the R.A. Dickey saga. The man who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last winter for charity, wrote a personal memoir, will be writing three children's books, came out on top once again.  The final chapter of the memorable 2012 season continues when Dickey makes his final start in Miami Tuesday against the Marlins as he chases his 21st win, which should lock up a Cy Young Award.

09/16/2012-The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

Here is the podcast of the debut of my sports radio show "The 5th Quarter in New York Sports." The show aired Sunday September 16th from 9:00-10:00 PM on AM1240-WGBB and online at SportsRadioNY.com.  Me and my co-host Ty Hardamon discussed the Giants comeback win, the Jets loss in Pittsburgh, the rest of the NFL week two games, and the Yankees playoff chase, while responding to caller's questions and comments.

09/16/2012 The 5th Quarter in New York Sports

No-Han No More? It's a No Brainer

Since Johan Santana's ankle was stepped on by Reed Johnson on July 6th, his remarkable 2012 season has taken a complete 180.  In his last 5 starts, Santana has allowed 6 earned runs or more in each start.  Everything has fallen apart for "No-Han," who threw the first no hitter in Mets history on June 1st against the Cardinals.

Since that injury, Santana has not been the same pitcher.  He went to the disabled list on July 21st with the ankle injury.  The Mets also wanted to get Santana some rest coming off his surgically repaired shoulder.  'No-Han' said he was ready to go and feeling much better when he returned against the Braves at Citi Field.  After getting tattooed in his return giving up eight runs in just 1.1 innings, Terry Collins was concerned but knew his ace was going to be a little rusty.  When Santana came out and got crushed again against the Nationals on Friday night, the Mets concerns grew rapidly.  It seems as if Santana might just be going through fatigue.

Shoulder surgery is never an easy thing to come back from.  Johan surprised everyone with the incredible first half of the season he had.  The no hitter he threw was enough for Mets fans to put him on a pedestal in Mets history as one of the greats.  He was brilliant in the first half and a big reason for the Mets success.

Everything has fallen apart though for Santana since the second half of the season has begun.  The Mets need to make the wise move and rest their ace for the season.  The Mets are nowhere near the playoff picture as they go into today at a season low nine games under .500 and a whopping 20 games behind the Nationals in the NL East standings.  Things have gotten truly ugly for a Mets team that was resilient and fun to watch in the first half.

Terry Collins and GM Sandy Alderson need to give Santana rest so he is fresh for next season.  The worst thing for the Mets would be to lose Johan to another injury because of poor management.  This season is over for the Mets for a shot at the playoffs.  For the last month of the season, Santana should rest, and the Mets should call up some of their young arms to fill in.  It is time to continue to build for next season.  A major part of next season will be a healthy Johan Santana.  Today, we should see Sandy Alderson announce that Santana's season is done.  It will be the best for the team in trying to put together a winning club in 2013.

A Nice Guy Who Can't Hit

There's been a lot of Mets fans doing what Jason Bay is doing in the photo above.

Since Jason Bay became a member of the Mets, his career has taken a bizarre turn for the worse on the baseball field.  Bay has lived up to nowhere near the 4-year, $64 million contract that he signed prior to the 2010 season.  His offensive statistics have been absolutely brutal in his three seasons thus far.  In 42 games this season, Bay is batting an abysmal .156 with 5 home runs and 11 RBI.  In his 260 games with the Mets, Bay is hitting .220 with 23 home runs and 115 RBI.  In 2009 with the Red Sox, Bay hit .267 with 36 home runs and 119 RBI along with 94 walks and a .384 OBP.  The guy had incredible numbers with the Red Sox...playing at Fenway Park.

The Mets brought in Bay hoping to see glimpses of what was seen from Bay in five years in Pittsburgh and his season and a half in Boston.  What they got was a guy who has completely lost all confidence and lost all the hitting ability that we saw from the former All Star left fielder.  It has been to watch Jason Bay struggle mightily at the plate in his time in New York.  Bay came to a ballpark that was a pitcher's park before the fences were moved in prior to this season.  That might have been a reason for his lack of success early with the Mets.  Then several injuries including multiple concussions forced Bay to miss 67 games in 2010, 39 in 2011, and two months this season.  The combination of injuries, the big ballpark, and a loss of confidence seem to have brought Jason Bay to an all time low in his career.

It really is tough to see Jason Bay struggle as he has.  Terry Collins has demoted him to a platoon player in left field where he will mostly face left handed pitchers.  Bay is a guy you really root for.  He comes to the ballpark every day wanting to help the team win.  He puts in the effort each and every night.  He is a solid defensive player, runs every ball out, and is a great guy in the clubhouse.  Right now for the Mets, Jason Bay is a nice guy who can't hit.  The problem is nice guys don't help teams win baseball games.  Bay is not getting paid $16 million a year to put the effort it and be a good guy.  He's getting paid to help the Mets win games with his much needed right handed bat.  He has done nothing in the middle of the Mets order for them to continue putting him in the lineup every night.

The smart move for the Mets would be to send a message and just release Jason Bay and essentially eat his contract.  Sandy Alderson said Bay's contract is not going anywhere.  Terry Collins did the right thing in making him more of a platoon player.  Collins also did it with class knowing how hard Bay plays and that the effort is there.  The results just are nowhere even near mediocre.  The skipper sat down with him and had multiple meetings giving him his chances to show him something.  The hits just never came.  Bay would have a rare single here and there and an occasional walk, but he just could not get it going this year.  That would be it for Bay as an everyday player in a Mets uniform.  

The Mets will platoon Bay with Mike Baxter and Jordany Valdespin in left field.  Bay will most likely just face left handed hitters for the remainder of the season.  His future in New York is unknown.  Bay has been a major bust in Mets history, but not the worst.  Mets fans were haunted with worse memories than what Bay has brought.  The contracts of Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo forever haunt Mets fans.  Those two names bring nightmares to Mets fans highlighted by the dropped ball in the Bronx and home runs flying out of ballparks.  Jason Bay had his chance here with the Mets, but don't expect to see him in a Mets uniform next season.  Don't be surprised if Jason Bay is dealt soon this month to the Marlins for Heath Bell and John Buck in a deal that brings the Mets a right hand hitting catcher and a reliever that has upside.