Last year in early January, we compared the 40-man rosters of Billy Eppler’s squad in 2023 to David Stearns’ squad in 2024, looking to see the relative strengths and set the stage for how it might be under the new PoBO.
The roster seems like it’s taking shape, but looking at it, I cannot understand why Azocar was signed and why they gave up Gervase for Zuber - who doesn’t even have options; that was a major screwup. I can live with one veteran pickup in Jared Young, but I’d like to think that the roster has moved on from the stiffs they took last year. Why Azocar and not Luke Ritter, who is a Mets organization farm hand?
Most of this looks OK. There is some good depth here, but a few of these guys are certainly head-scratchers. They do have quite a bit of flexibility with the 40-man.
The little bit of gambler in me (I limit myself to a nickel-dime-quarter poker game once a month or so) is actually taking the under. There are still three slots left to add major league free agents (think Pete and Roki Sasaki) without having to remove anyone out there. Also, I agree with Brian, it is almost certain that they'll have another catcher take up one of those three slots by April 1.
It appears that Zuber has one option left. I was not happy to lose Gervase from the system last year either, but Zuber had some very good numbers before getting to Syracuse. What the heck happens when they get up there? I can't believe it is all weather-related, but the difference between Zuber's AAA Durham stats and his AAA Syr-Mets stats is extremely stark.
Azocar, De Los Santos, and Young would seem to be the first three to be bounced from the 40-man. I don't understand any of those signings as it will be difficult to see any of them getting any MLB at-bats with the Mets. Young and De Los Santos each have options, Azaocar does not.
Dylan Covey is the pitcher that is most confusing, with no options left. Danny Young does not either, which would lead to his making the pen as the token lefty, although that could change with a FA signing between now and then. It seems like Covey will have to have a terrific spring to make the squad as a long-man.
Actually, a question for anyone - I think I saw something the other day about Jose Siri being hurt, but could not (did not?) find much about it. Any specifics out there? Where is the best place to find injury related info?
Great job Brian. I’ve always liked Stearns ability to recognize a mistake and make a change. Julio Teheran with just 2.2 innings pitched, wins the prize I think. While there are just three spots to fill, I am still holding out that three of those on the list who’ll start the year in Syracuse will be heading to Seattle for Castillo. They are long on arms but short on a starter who can carry the team like they’ve had each time they made it to the series. Why not start strong instead of looking to the deadline to get a difference maker.
It is an interesting squad that does have good talent. Still anxiously waiting for the last few pieces to fall into place.
The whole Julio Teheran fascination has to be one of the biggest black marks against Stearns last year. It made absolutely zero sense at the time and only looks worse in hindsight.
The roster seems like it’s taking shape, but looking at it, I cannot understand why Azocar was signed and why they gave up Gervase for Zuber - who doesn’t even have options; that was a major screwup. I can live with one veteran pickup in Jared Young, but I’d like to think that the roster has moved on from the stiffs they took last year. Why Azocar and not Luke Ritter, who is a Mets organization farm hand?
Azocar is an OFer with MLB experience who can play CF.
If you want to make the case for Ritter (and I sure don't) the guy you should be questioning is Luis De Los Santos.
Most of this looks OK. There is some good depth here, but a few of these guys are certainly head-scratchers. They do have quite a bit of flexibility with the 40-man.
The little bit of gambler in me (I limit myself to a nickel-dime-quarter poker game once a month or so) is actually taking the under. There are still three slots left to add major league free agents (think Pete and Roki Sasaki) without having to remove anyone out there. Also, I agree with Brian, it is almost certain that they'll have another catcher take up one of those three slots by April 1.
It appears that Zuber has one option left. I was not happy to lose Gervase from the system last year either, but Zuber had some very good numbers before getting to Syracuse. What the heck happens when they get up there? I can't believe it is all weather-related, but the difference between Zuber's AAA Durham stats and his AAA Syr-Mets stats is extremely stark.
Azocar, De Los Santos, and Young would seem to be the first three to be bounced from the 40-man. I don't understand any of those signings as it will be difficult to see any of them getting any MLB at-bats with the Mets. Young and De Los Santos each have options, Azaocar does not.
Dylan Covey is the pitcher that is most confusing, with no options left. Danny Young does not either, which would lead to his making the pen as the token lefty, although that could change with a FA signing between now and then. It seems like Covey will have to have a terrific spring to make the squad as a long-man.
-R69
Actually, a question for anyone - I think I saw something the other day about Jose Siri being hurt, but could not (did not?) find much about it. Any specifics out there? Where is the best place to find injury related info?
I use RotoWire. Nothing there about an injury to Siri
He got hit during a winter league game and was removed. The internet had it as a hand injury but he returned the following game with no issue.
This just hit my feed this morning; Siri looks to be in fine form. https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/1876028280899522715
Thanks . . Nice Catch! Now if he can hit
Great job Brian. I’ve always liked Stearns ability to recognize a mistake and make a change. Julio Teheran with just 2.2 innings pitched, wins the prize I think. While there are just three spots to fill, I am still holding out that three of those on the list who’ll start the year in Syracuse will be heading to Seattle for Castillo. They are long on arms but short on a starter who can carry the team like they’ve had each time they made it to the series. Why not start strong instead of looking to the deadline to get a difference maker.
It is an interesting squad that does have good talent. Still anxiously waiting for the last few pieces to fall into place.
The whole Julio Teheran fascination has to be one of the biggest black marks against Stearns last year. It made absolutely zero sense at the time and only looks worse in hindsight.