Little by little, fans are being let back into stadiums during baseball's pre-season, in venues in Florida & Arizona. Yes, they're socially distanced. Mask mandates have been lifted in both Florida & Arizona, due in larger part to spring break this month, and we've talked about that. Now, however, with a shade over two weeks left before opening day, it's time to take a look toward this season, and we'll start with the Mets.
To paraphrase former President Ronald Reagan, it's morning again in Flushing. Steve Cohen is the new majority owner, and there are new faces in Luis Rojas' dugout.
Start with Francisco Lindor. The all-world shortstop came over from Cleveland in exchange for Amed Rosario & Andres Giminez, and, at least this year, forms a potentially formidible double play combination with Jeff McNeil. Robinson Cano is suspended for the season (PED's). The Valley of The Stupid wanted the Mets to find a more experienced 3rd baseman, not entirely sold on J. D. Davis, who's in his 3rd year in Flushing. Those armchair managers think they know everything. Emphasize think.
The Mets missed out on ex-Valleycat George Springer, who went to Toronto instead. Not a problem. Ex-Blue Jay Kevin Pillar might as well adopt Ricky Nelson's "Travelin' Man" as his theme song, seeing as how he's split time between San Francisco, Boston, & Colorado the last two years. The Mets also brought in Albert Almora, Jr. (Cubs) and Jose Martinez (St. Louis) to play for roster spots, and as depth insurance for Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo, & Michael Conforto. Well traveled vet Mallex Smith, whose resume includes stops in Atlanta and Seattle, is also in camp.
Behind the plate, Wilson Ramos is gone (Detroit), replaced by James McCann (White Sox). One of Cohen's goals was to bolster the pitching staff, and, oh, did he ever. Carlos Carrasco came over from Cleveland with Lindor. Jordan Yamamoto was heisted from Derek Jeter & Miami. Sean Reid-Foley & Taijuan Walker came from Toronto. Joey Lucchesi came over from San Diego in a 3-team deal that saw ex-Valleycat Joe Musgrove go west to the Padres. As usual, an embarrassment of riches.
Meanwhile, Justin Wilson has gone across town for his 2nd tour with the Yankees. Outfielder Juan Lagares and his bazooka of an arm have gone back to the AL, this time with the Angels. Michael Wacha is in Tampa Bay after a disappointing 2020. And no one's sure if Yoenis Cespedes will return.
Now, let's see about the rest of the division:
Atlanta has won three straight division titles, and they, too, are getting richer on the hill. Picking up Drew Smyly and reliever Will Smith from San Francisco, and Carl Edwards, Jr. (Cubs) is a non-roster invitee. Smyly should help the rotation, which lost Julio Teheran (Detroit), and will have Mike Sirotka return after tearing his Achilles vs. the Mets last summer. Charlie Morton moves back to the NL after stints in Houston & Tampa Bay. The lineup remains intact.
Washington is preparing for life without Ryan Zimmerman. They're doing so by picking up Josh Bell from Pittsburgh, but another free agent signing, Kyle Schwarber (Cubs) can also play the position. The Nationals' outfield has been gutted, with Michael A. Taylor (Kansas City) and Adam Eaton (White Sox) gone, so Schwarber figures to play mostly in the outfield. Alex Avila takes over as the starting catcher (Minnesota), though he'll likely platoon with Yan Gomes. Pitching? Beyond Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, & Patrick Corbin, you have Jon Lester (Cubs) replacing Anibal Sanchez, but the 5th starter is a question mark. Brad Hand (Cleveland) replaces Sean Doolittle (Cincinnati) as the closer.
Philadelphia needs help. The Phillies re-signed catcher J. T. Realmuto & shortstop Didi Gregorius, but otherwise stood pat. Not good.
Miami will regret letting Yamamoto go. You'd think Jeter would know better, but then, his former boss in New York, the late George Steinbrenner, often traded away prospects that he thought wouldn't amount to anything, and they'd blossom elsewhere. Manager Don Mattingly, another Steinbrenner protege, if you will, should remember those lessons, too.
Projected order of finish:
Of course, I could be wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment