New York Mets

[Giantsfan1080]

He is better than Batista but I want our young SP's to come up and do somewhat well right away. I don't need him struggling at all. I'd call up McHugh before Harvey.

[MaxV]

He's not far from being ready. Secondary pitches have improved. But he still needs a little more time.

I'm with Zak. I say leave him in AAA.

Let him just develop completely.

[Giantsfan1080]

And it is going to be Batista. I know the team is playing above expectations but no need to rush the future. I like the move even though it goes against most.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

I don't think we have a single shot at the playoffs, but if the team is going to be proactive in trying to make the playoffs, the best players need to be here. Harvey can take his lumps.

[Giantsfan1080]

I'd rather he learn at AAA. I think the Rays do the best job of developing SP's right now and they give their prospects all the time in the world in the minors so when they come up they do pretty well right away. Matt Moore was 5x the prospect Harvey is and look at how much time he spent in the minors.

[gpngc]

That was brutal...

[MaxV]

What a terrible start to the 2nd half. Man, I hope they get back on track and fast. At this rate, we might be out of it by Trading Deadline.

Speaking of which, I also hope this won't force them to be desperate.

[Giantsfan1080]

Sandy knows this isn't that good of a team so I don't expect him to sell anything that will come back to haunt us. It was fun while it lasted.

[MaxV]

Another great start for Familia. Hopefully it's a sign that he is putting it all together.

His pure stuff and upside is up there with Harvey.

[Giantsfan1080]

Familia has possibly turned a corner at AAA. Doing well lately.

[MaxV]

We should be sellers.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like we have players that will bring back very good value, at least not the ones that we want to trade.

Chris Young is the only one I can think who might bring back a decent return and won't be a big loss to next year's team.

I would listen to offers for Murphy and Duda, but unless someone is willing to significantly overpay for them, I prefer to hang on to them.

[Giantsfan1080]

I'd trade anyone but Wright, Niese, and possibly Dickey.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

We don't have anything anyone would want. At least in terms of a deal worth making. I agree with GF. Wright's basically untouchable. Niese's deal is too team friendly to deal. I'd trade Dickey, but we're probably better off holding on to him... I feel like the return for him would be for that of a #3 caliber SP.

Byrdak would just get us a Minor League scrub. Hairston's the only piece that could catch us fair to better than fair value IMO.

[MaxV]

Nice outing by my boy Domingo Tapia yesterday.

I'm really high on this kid.

[MaxV]

Nice debut for McHugh.

[Giantsfan1080]

Excellent debut but we suck. I'm so apathetic towards the franchise at this point. Probably the most depressed I've ever been with them barring the Kazmir trade fiasco.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Excellent debut but we suck. I'm so apathetic towards the franchise at this point. Probably the most depressed I've ever been with them barring the Kazmir trade fiasco.


Srs. TANK METS, TANK!

[MaxV]

There is something to build from. Rotation could be VERY nice for years to come.

Now if only we can find some bats and bullpen arms...

[MaxV]

BaseballAmerica released Mets' top 10 list.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2013/2614461.html

I can't say I agree with it for the most part.

Cecchini is a better prospect then Nimmo? How? He has less tools and less plate discipline.

[MaxV]

Please let this trade happen.

[Giantsfan1080]

It's done. Sandy sure restocked our system.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Now let's deal some of the excess arms for an OF.

[MaxV]

John Sickels did his own top 20 Mets' prospects, with the new guys.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/12/16/3775304/new-york-mets-top-20-prospects-for-2013

I definitely agree with this list more, although not completely. Top 3 guys are all products of trades.

[Giantsfan1080]

Harvey, Wheeler, Niese, Syndergaard. Oh baby.

[MaxV]

Niese might be an attractive trade chip for an OF now.

[Giantsfan1080]

The younger Latin guys also. Montero, Tapia, Mateo or someone of that ilk.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

We need to hold onto Niese. The options to explore are Fowler, Bourjous, and Maybin. We've got pieces to dangle. Wilmer, Mejia, Familia, Tapia, Montero, etc.

[Forenci]

Good bye Dickey. You were awesome while it lasted.

[Giantsfan1080]

If we open up the payroll to $120 million again we can easily compete very soon if this pitching holds up as a strength.

[Giantsfan1080]

Jefry Marte for Colin Cowgill. I like it. Seems like a nice gamble.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

I like this move a lot. Can play CF, seems like he can hit LHP. Kirk's platoon partner.

[Giantsfan1080]

Duda's as well. Be better to have Cowgill and Kirk or Cowgill and Duda rather Duda and Kirk in the lineup at the same time.

[MaxV]

Does he have power? Numbers in MLB look mediocre. I don't think this solves our OF problem.

[Giantsfan1080]

He's a platoon guy like ATL said. Profiles in every spot and is a great contact hitter. Too small of a sample at major league level but his splits against lefties are very good. No power though.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Does he have power? Numbers in MLB look mediocre. I don't think this solves our OF problem.


It doesn't. It solves (and I use solves very loosely, but it's a fine plan for a give away year) our centerfield issue. I'd be pretty surprised if we don't acquire another right handed hitting outfielder. I think it will be a starter, but there's always Hairston to fall back on.


He's a platoon guy like ATL said. Profiles in every spot and is a great contact hitter. Too small of a sample at major league level but his splits against lefties are very good. No power though.


Hopefully he turns out to be a Reed Johnson type of player. Someone I've wanted for a while.

[MaxV]

We certainly needed a guy who can play CF.

Hopefully guys like Nimmo, Puello, Vaughn, MDD and Ceciliani can develop quickly.

OF is now probably the main position of concern in the organization (maybe MI also, but our options there aren't terrible).

[Giantsfan1080]

Tons of warts in that group. I'm decently high on Nimmo but don't expect much from any of the other guys. If DC could stay healthy I'd like him a whole lot more.

[MaxV]

I'm so pissed off that Piazza didn't get in the HOF.

And the more I think about it, the more angry I get about.

I mean, his numbers are good enough to make HOF as 1B.

.308 427HR 1335RBI

Catcher.

This is a position at which career .260s hitters (Bench, Fisk) are considered superstars.

[Giantsfan1080]

Marcum on a 1 year deal is not bad at all. Hopefully we get some exciting 1st half baseball leading into D'arnaud and Wheeler.

If Marcum is doing well we must trade him at the deadline though since there is no 2nd year option on the deal.

[MaxV]

Apparently the Mets are arguing that their 11th overall pick should be protected.

[Giantsfan1080]

They have a good point and it probably should be. I don't think they'll ever win the appeal though.

[MaxV]

Yeah, they are getting penalized for something that was completely out of their control.

[Giantsfan1080]

First ST game tomorrow!!! Wheeler is pitching and the game is televised so I'm excited about that.

[MaxV]

Me too, Zak. He won't make the team, but I hope he polishes his command to be called up in the 2nd half.

Montero is impressing too, I've heard. Will he start the year in AA? He dominated in A+ last year.

A LOT of impressive arms. I wish our position prospects depth would catch up.

[Giantsfan1080]

Me too, Zak. He won't make the team, but I hope he polishes his command to be called up in the 2nd half.

Montero is impressing too, I've heard. Will he start the year in AA? He dominated in A+ last year.

A LOT of impressive arms. I wish our position prospects depth would catch up.

I think I'd rather have more arms than bats at this point. If they all develop somewhat we're going to have some interesting trade pieces to get a bat we might need(OF).

I'm not sure where Montero is pegged for but he's getting rave reviews so far. Hansel Robles is as well. I bet Montero goes to AA Binghamton with Syndergaard and Fulmer slated for St. Lucie.

Wheeler looks the real deal. It's going to be amazing watching him and Harvey for at least the next 5 years.

[MaxV]

It's amaizing that they decided to put Robles on the 40-man roster, despite the fact that he never pitched in full-season ball. Clearly they are very high on him.

Speaking of which, here is my pre-season top 20 prospect list:

1. Zack Wheeler (RHP)
2. Travis D'Arnaud (C)
3. Noah Syndergaard (RHP)
4. Wilmer Flores (3b)
5. Michael Fulmer (RHP)
6. Brandon Nimmo (OF)
7. Domingo Tapia (RHP)
8. Jeurys Familia (RHP)
9. Rafael Montero (RHP)
10. Gavin Cecchini (SS)
11. Luis Mateo (RHP)
12. Aderlin Rodriguez (3b)
13. Steve Matz (LHP)
14. Hansel Robles (RHP)
15. Kevin Plawecki (C)
16. Cory Mazzoni (RHP)
17. Jacob DeGrom (RHP)
18. Phillip Evans (2b/SS)
19. Gabriel Ynoa (RHP)
20. Matt den Dekker (OF)

[Giantsfan1080]

Looks good Max. It's going to be fun this year to see who emerges more as a prospect Tapia or Montero.

[Giantsfan1080]

I watched Montero tonight on TV. After seeing him live I'm much more excited about him. Small but great loose delivery with a very good FB/Change combo. His slider looked a little loopy so he'll definitely need to work on that.

[Forenci]

You guys don't know how sad I am that I don't get Mets games living down here. Once I have a real job the first thing I will be buying is the MLB package.

[Giantsfan1080]

You guys don't know how sad I am that I don't get Mets games living down here. Once I have a real job the first thing I will be buying is the MLB package.

Do you get MLB Network at least? MLB.tv is only $110 also.

[Forenci]

Do you get MLB Network at least? MLB.tv is only $110 also.

I do not. I live in an apartment complex that makes it difficult to get a dish or other forms of service. Plus I'm working two part-time jobs and managing to just get by.

Combination of poor and inability to get the service.

[Giantsfan1080]

Well that blows. When Wheeler and d'Arnaud come up I think you can do mlb.tv monthly for like $20. That might not be the worst idea.

[MaxV]

Hopefully the Mets are still in the race by then.

Zak, which are some of the prospects you like in the upcoming draft?

[Giantsfan1080]

Hopefully the Mets are still in the race by then.

Zak, which are some of the prospects you like in the upcoming draft?

I really don't immerse myself into the baseball draft until about a month and a half before it actually rolls around. I might do some research a little earlier this year since we have a somewhat high pick but I really can't tell you anything until May. Are there any names you know of that I should keep my eye on?

[MaxV]

Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows are definitely on top of my list. HS OFers with awesome tools. Problem is that both project to be top 5 picks.

Austin Wilson would be nice.

Obviously, there are a bunch of arms that sound intruiging also.

[Giantsfan1080]

Hopefully we actually spend this year on some toolsy players. I hated what they did last year.

[MaxV]

Hopefully we actually spend this year on some toolsy players. I hated what they did last year.

Yeah, for the life of me, I don't understand the Ceccini pick. If you are picking a HS player that high, he has to have All-Star upside. And then they fail to sign their Compensation pick, which is ridiculous.

[Giantsfan1080]

The Gavin pick I understood. Fans don't like him but we seem to be underrating him a little. Apparently we really wanted Dahl but he was selected before we could get him.

[Forenci]

Well that blows. When Wheeler and d'Arnaud come up I think you can do mlb.tv monthly for like $20. That might not be the worst idea.

I may indeed do that. I can't wait to see Wheeler.

[Wootylicous]

What's up with Valdespin ?

He's beasting out

[MaxV]

What's up with Valdespin ?

He's beasting out

Well hopefully he produces in regular season.

He is talented, but his plate discipline is terrible.

[TimD]

Hey guys, Im trying to get into the Mets this year. Any good blogs/writers that you guys can recommend?

[Giantsfan1080]

Better than anything else we have for OF though.

[Giantsfan1080]

Hey guys, Im trying to get into the Mets this year. Any good blogs/writers that you guys can recommend?

Adam Rubin on ESPN New York. By far the best beat writer for the Mets with 90% right opinions.

[TimD]

Adam Rubin on ESPN New York. By far the best beat writer for the Mets with 90% right opinions.

Cool, thanks. I'll check him out.

I'm also doing fantasy baseball for the first time this year so that will obviously help me follow the sport closer.

[MaxV]

If you're doing fantasy, then following the Mets won't help you much. They have about 4-5 solid options, that's about it.

[Giantsfan1080]

Really sucks Den Dekker broke his wrist. He needs all the AB's he can get at this point.

[MaxV]

Oh man, that sucks. He has a chance to be a solid MLB player.

[Giantsfan1080]

His bat is really awful at this point. The lack of AB's is going to hurt.

[TimD]

If you're doing fantasy, then following the Mets won't help you much. They have about 4-5 solid options, that's about it.

David Wright, Matt Harvey, Jon Niese, Ike Davis, and Johan Santana?

[MaxV]

Marcum, Gee and Parnell (if saves count) also in deeper leagues I guess.

[Giantsfan1080]

I would take John off that list.

[MaxV]

What a sad 'what could have been' story.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130327/ARTICLE/303279990/2416/NEWS?p=1&tc=pg

I don't remember him being hyped up THAT much. I believe he had some plate discipline issues.

That was when I first started following prospects. I remember it was him, Alex Escobar and Pat Strange (who named his son Cole, after Brian) who were suppose to be the future.

[Giantsfan1080]

That's when I first got started getting into the prospect thing as well.

Cole was a very good prospect but these people are being a little hyperbolic. Shame what happened.

[Giantsfan1080]

I would take John off that list.

Well that was prescient. Johan out for the year.

[MaxV]

Yeah, news gets better with every passing day.

[Giantsfan1080]

Opening Day!!!

I'll go with 76 wins for the team this year.

[MaxV]

Yeah, sounds about right.

Is it wrong that I'm more excited about Minor League openning day?

[gpngc]

2nd Wild Card.

Ike Davis and Matt Harvey are all stars.

Wheeler comes up and wins NL ROY.

BOOK IT BOYS.

[Forenci]

Haha, I am happy that I ended up being able to take my summer classes online so I'll be up in Connecticut until August. I will be watching soooo much Mets baseball.

My favorite thing ever is 12 or 1pm games. Get up, relax, eat some lunch, and chill out watching the Mets.

[Giantsfan1080]

Yeah, sounds about right.

Is it wrong that I'm more excited about Minor League openning day?

Not really. I'm always pumped for the minors beginning as well.

[gpngc]

Cowgillllllllllllll

[MaxV]

I didn't even know he could hit HRs.

[Giantsfan1080]

Awesome Opening Day!!

[TimD]

How good is John Buck? I've been told that the catcher we got from Dickey is a top prospect. Will he remain in the minors for this season?

[Giantsfan1080]

How good is John Buck? I've been told that the catcher we got from Dickey is a top prospect. Will he remain in the minors for this season?

Buck will be a 1 year Met. The catcher is Travis d'Arnaud and he is indeed one of the best prospects in the game. If all goes according to plan he should be up by June. At that point depending on how Buck is playing they'll either split time or maybe look to deal Buck.

[Wootylicous]

Buck is playing good so far.

How far was that Duda HR ? good god.

[gpngc]

Playoffs. Playoffs.

[Giantsfan1080]

Buck is playing good so far.

How far was that Duda HR ? good god.

Yeah he is playing well. Buck for Thole straight up would have been robbery.

Duda's measured at 406. Ike's was actually much longer and measured at 426.

[gpngc]

Ike Davis looks horrible.

And Gee doesn't look great either.

[Giantsfan1080]

Ike Davis looks horrible.

And Gee doesn't look great either.

Velocity is down but he was effective today. I think the weather has something to due with it so I'm not concerned yet.

[MaxV]

Did they face Justin Verlander today?

14 combined K's?

That's horrible.

[Giantsfan1080]

Wheeler had a not so hot debut last night. Montero's was the exact opposite though.

Wilmer, d'Arnuad, and Nimmo all with good first days as well.

[MaxV]

I don't understand the universal dislike of Wilmer Flores.

In my opinion he is a MUCH better prospect then given credit.

He isn't a Gold Glover defensively, but he CAN develop into an adequate 3b. And with his bat potential, he can definitely be among the best in majors at that PREMIUM position. And yes, I do consider 3b a premium position, there really isn't all that many good ones around MLB (you always have to draft them early in Fantasy Drafts).

And if that's not enough, how about Wilmer's contact rate? He doesn't K, at all. How many power hitters you can say that about?

[Giantsfan1080]

Well he never showed power until last year but people are down on him strictly because of defense. His bat doesn't profile well enough to play 1B and he's really going to have to prove he can be at least average at 3B or 2B. If he's a 3B then he's never playing for us.

[MaxV]

Well he never showed power until last year but people are down on him strictly because of defense. His bat doesn't profile well enough to play 1B and he's really going to have to prove he can be at least average at 3B or 2B. If he's a 3B then he's never playing for us.

Yeah, but that doesn't make sense.

He was a top 100 prospect when was just a raw teenager. And then, when he had a big breakout season, none of the BA writers put him in their top 150.

[Giantsfan1080]

Again it's because if he's playing 1B he's not really a big time prospect. His bat at SS or 3B would be much better and he's have been rated higher. Most don't think he'd be able to handle 3B at the major league level. Alos, when you've been on the radar for so long people get tired of you. They like the shiny new toy. I think he can be at least as good as Uggla at 2B so he may displace Murphy if his bat continues to be as good as it has been.

[MaxV]

I also want to see big season out of Aderlin Rodriguez, Cesar Puello and Darrell Ceciliani.

[Giantsfan1080]

I think Aderlin jumps onto the national scene big time this year. Top 100 guy by the end of year. Puello suck and I have no hope for him. DC I like a lot. If he stays healthy I expect very good things.

[LTgiants]

Mets got lucky to pull that one out.

[gpngc]

I read Wheeler wasn't that great in his first AAA start.

http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2013/04/zack_wheeler_struggles_in_trip.html

Is control a real weakness?

[gpngc]

BTW Ike Davis still looks ******* horrible.

[MaxV]

I'm not that worried about Wheeler. He is still developing. I expect to see him in Mets uniform soon.

It's too early to tell, but judging by the start of this season, Mets have A TON of pitching in their system.

[Giantsfan1080]

Wheeler has improved his control but yes that's the one thing truly holding him back. They were saying the same thing about Harvey last year so let's wait more than 1 start before anyone worries.

Ike will be fine also. He's just very streaky.

[Forenci]

Matt Harvey is kind of sexy.

[Giantsfan1080]

Kind of Forenci? He's full blown sexy.

[Forenci]

You're right. The fact he's from Connecticut and I played against him in high school is just further awesomeness.

I'm actually heading back up north for the summer so I'm super pumped to be able to start watching Mets games in three weeks.

[MaxV]

Wheeler and Montero again today.

[Giantsfan1080]

You're right. The fact he's from Connecticut and I played against him in high school is just further awesomeness.

I'm actually heading back up north for the summer so I'm super pumped to be able to start watching Mets games in three weeks.

Really the only flaw with him is that he grew up as a big Yanks fan. Besides that there's nothing not to like.

[Giantsfan1080]

Wheeler and Montero again today.

Yup. Hope Montero keeps it going from start #1 and Wheeler finds his control tonight.

[MaxV]

Montero and Mateo were both great.

Wheeler is struggling with command again. I hope he gets it together.

Guess who he is facing? Recognize the name of Yusmeiro Petit?

[Giantsfan1080]

Of course I do. Our old buddy. I don't remember if I ever was high on him. His command was impressive but his raw stuff was never really that good.

[Wootylicous]

John Buck MVP

[Giantsfan1080]

John Buck MVP

Quite the throw in!!

Our minors pitching is ridiculous this year by the way folks. We are as stacked as we've ever been since I've been following the minors.

[MaxV]

Quite the throw in!!

Our minors pitching is ridiculous this year by the way folks. We are as stacked as we've ever been since I've been following the minors.

Heck yeah.

And as if we didn't have enough pitching prospects to follow, there are new names now:

Matt Bowman
Logan Taylor
Rainy Lara
Gabriel Ynoa

[Giantsfan1080]

Heck yeah. The pitching is really all we have this year at both the major and minor league levels. We need bats.

[MaxV]

I hear rumors that Mets would be willing to trade Wheeler for Stanton.

I don't know.

[gpngc]

Yes.

I'd do that in a heartbeat.

And Stanton getting disgruntled might happen sooner rather than later.

And if he was on the table, Wheeler/D'arnaud would probably be the best package available. Do they like Brantly though?

[Giantsfan1080]

I hear rumors that Mets would be willing to trade Wheeler for Stanton.

I don't know.

It's not really a rumor. A beat writer apparently talked to someone way outside of Sandy's inner circle and said the Mets would do it. I would do it. Not both Wheeler and d'Arnaud though.

[gpngc]

Just read the whole article.

A) Is Andy Martino reliable?

B)

Alderson is also said to be eager to accelerate the construction of a winning team, and open to all possibilities — including bringing Giancarlo Stanton to New York, the most alluring possibility of all. Keep an eye on that one.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/martino-giancarlo-sandy-wheeler-dealer-article-1.1313464#ixzz2QAprFhDH

That sounds to me like he wants to make a move sooner rather than later. By move I mean improving the outfield and/or calling up Wheeler - especially after what we saw last night.

Also, the article mentioned Carlos Gonzalez.

Cargo and Stanton are literally my two favorite players in the league lol. I'd take either of them in a heartbeat.

[Giantsfan1080]

Martino is really not that reliable. I personally think he's the worst Mets beat writer.

A CarGo trade makes the most sense if the Rockies really put him on the block. We have pitching for his bat.

The plan is still for 2014 and beyond. A corps of Wright, CarGo, Ike or Duda, d'Arnaud with out pitching sounds pretty good though. Maybe Niese, Montero, and a 3rd piece for CarGo? That probably doesn't get it done though.

[MaxV]

I would not trade BOTH Wheeler and D'Arnaud for Stanton. That's WAY too much.

[gpngc]

I don't know. If you think about it, D'arnaud's still a catcher. And Stanton has the potential to be the premier slugger in the game... he's already shown that he can be a 40-hr guy annually.

There's a lot better chance Stanton is a top-10 outfielder than D'arnaud is a top-10 catcher at this point... and a top-10 outfielder is more valuable.

[MaxV]

A top 10 catcher is a .275/.345/.430 hitter.

I'm fairly certain Travis has more upside then that.

[bigbluedefense]

Rhodes looks so good when he plays bump and run. He reminds me of Jimmy Smith the way he can press you at the line. And I was a huge Jimmy Smith fan when he was coming out.

His shuttle numbers concern me, but when you watch him play you see plenty of recovery speed. And those arms. It's like he's a tarantula with those arms. His radius is sick.

The more I think of it, the more I feel that Rhodes should be the guy at 19.

[bigbluedefense]

Oops. Wrong thread. Sorry guys.

[MaxV]

Maybe Mets should sign Rhodes. :)

He would probably be improvement in OF.

[Giantsfan1080]

McHugh needs to be up for Laffey.

[MaxV]

I agree. He has pitched very well.

[MaxV]

Wow, impressive job blowing 8-1 lead.

[Giantsfan1080]

Tejada blows. We need an upgrade at SS. I never knew why he was just handed the job like he was some big time player.

[Giantsfan1080]

Travis d'Arnuad expected to miss probably 2 months after his injury last night.

Still waiting on word for Luis Mateo's injury but that sounds like TJS to me so he'll be out for the year.

2 top prospects gone in the same week for an extended period of time. Just when you think a turn of the corner might be coming this stuff hits.

[gpngc]

So is there a ******* reason Wheeler isn't up? Is it the service time crap?

Alderson and Collins are going to lose their jobs behind that ****...

[Giantsfan1080]

He's not up because he's not ready. It's 100% the right move to not have Wheeler up right now. He's been average at best in AAA and still has stuff to work on.

[gpngc]

Harvey was average at AAA too.

[MaxV]

Harvey was average at AAA too.

Harvey started out average, but then started to dominate before the call up.

[Giantsfan1080]

Harvey was average at AAA too.

Harvey is not a good comparison. You don't really ever see stuff get better as his did. There is no reason to rush Wheeler. We're not making the playoffs with or without him. Let him learn as much as he can in AAA.

[MaxV]

Degrom had a great first start in AA. I was suprised that he didn't start the season there. But I think he'll spend the whole season there, maybe even go to AAA.

[MaxV]

This is interesting.

• You know those rumors that the Mets are "monitoring" Giancarlo Stanton -- the ones that also mention the Marlins would undoubtedly ask for Zack Wheeler and Travis d'Arnaud in return? "I wouldn't give one of those guys for Stanton," said one NL exec. "The catcher has a chance to be a 10-year All-Star. The other guy is one of the best pitching prospects in the game." So there you have it.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/rumblings130425/status-10-lame-duck-mlb-managers

[MaxV]

Also...

• A scout who was in attendance for the big Stephen Strasburg-Matt Harvey duel in New York last weekend reported: "If you didn't know who was who, you'd have thought Harvey was Strasburg and Strasburg was Harvey. You know, I've always loved Strasburg, and I've given him the highest grade you could give a player. But if you were to ask me which guy was the better bet to be great for the next five years, I'd say Harvey. His stuff's just as good. And he has a better delivery." Wow. Matt Harvey Fever. He's got it.


• Finally, people gush about Harvey's fastball and changeup, and you can understand why. But the pitch that has truly changed his career is his slider, which we've even heard opposing hitters describe as "unhittable." Right. As in literally unhittable. He has thrown it 97 times this season -- and given up one hit.

Incredibly, that's a pitch he virtually never threw in the minor leagues. But Harvey told Rumblings that when he got to the big leagues, he showed pitching coach Dan Warthen the grip he used to throw it. Warthen tweaked it slightly. And next thing Harvey knew, even he couldn't believe how hard he could throw it and how much it moved. So what's the secret? "Basically," he said, "I just offset the grip on my fastball -- and throw the crap out of it."

Modern biomechanics at work, ladies and gentlemen. Or something like that.



Amazing, considering that, when Mets picked him, a lot of people considered it a reach and stated that he didn't have the secondary pitches to be a good starter.

[Giantsfan1080]

Harvey wasn't much of a reach there at all. He was projected to go that high and he's exactly the guy I wanted there. If you go back to NYFS and read his selection thread I was ecstatic about the pick.

[MaxV]

Harvey wasn't much of a reach there at all. He was projected to go that high and he's exactly the guy I wanted there. If you go back to NYFS and read his selection thread I was ecstatic about the pick.

Yeah, but not everyone else was.