Despite not having pitched yet this spring, the immediate future of Jenrry Mejia appears to be in doubt. Since early on in Spring Training, manager Terry Collins has made reference to either Daisuke Matsuzaka or John Lannan being the frontrunners to earn the first spot in the rotation. This was met with some pretty stout criticism amongst Mets fans who envisioned the youngster (still just 24) earning the spot with little challenge.
Mejia entered the spring still rehabbing from an elbow surgery that prematurely ended his 2013 campaign. Although brief, Mejia's five starts last year were very impressive. Pitching to a 2.30 ERA, Mejia managed to strike out 27 over 27.1 innings pitched while walking just four. Those are big numbers for a once top flight pitching prospect who hasn't been able to take hold at the major league level.
Last year, he seized that moment. It was clear that despite all his injuries, to include Tommy John surgery in 2011, Mejia had learned to pitch instead of just throwing. Now, it appears he could be banished to the bullpen once more. Even worse, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin there is a possibility Mejia could wind up in AAA Las Vegas if the Mets chose to round out the bullpens with veterans.
Its a head scratching move, and one likely pushed forward by the fact that both Matsuzaka and Lannan have opt-out clauses in their deals if they're not on the major league roster by a certain date. Should both walk, the Mets perceived starting pitching depth would take a major hit. However, since the battle cry is now 90 wins (don't believe that for a second), wouldn't it make sense to have the best arm in the rotation, assuming Mejia is healthy?
Mejia's injury history cannot be denied. He may never make it through an entire season. For that reason the Mets may not be able to depend on him. Perhaps that plays into this decision, but I find it hard to believe that either Matsuzaka or Lannan make the Mets a better team. If he's healthy enough to do so, Mejia for both his age and his talent, should be the fifth starter. Instead the Mets appear destined to trot out a league average replacement instead.
Showing posts with label Jenrry Mejia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jenrry Mejia. Show all posts
March 5, 2014
February 3, 2014
Jenrry Mejia On Track To Be Fifth Starter
In a lunchtime post, Star Ledger reporter Jorge Castillo reports that Jenrry Mejia is now in route to Port St. Lucie, FL after spending the majority of the winter at the team's Dominican Republic complex rehabbing his surgically repaired right elbow.
You'll recall that the still just twenty-four year old Mejia was promoted last season in late July with the knowledge that he had bone chips floating in his throwing elbow. Assuming he could play through the pain, he could do no further damage. Pitch he did...throwing to a 2.30 ERA over 27.1 innings in which he struck out 27 and walked just 4 batters. Mejia was dazzled, providing fans with glimpses of the prospect he once was until the pain became too much. Mejia left his August 17th start after just three innings and soon had surgery to remove the chips under the notion that he would be good to go by Spring Training.
That appears to be the case, as Castillo quotes Latin American Baseball Operations Director Juan Henderson as saying that Mejia "is on the right track." Henderson also stats that Mejia will now continue the rehabilitation program he started in the Dominican Republic and that he should be "fine and ready to compete in the states."
This is good news for the Mets, who've recently signed both John Lannan and Daisuke Matsuzaka to compete with Mejia for the final spot in the rotation. If healthy the spot will almost certainly go to Mejia, who's future with the organization is cloudy right now due to the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero who should find their way into the rotation this summer. However for now, a healthy Mejia is all the Mets can ask for. Whether he remains healthy will be the question going forward.
You'll recall that the still just twenty-four year old Mejia was promoted last season in late July with the knowledge that he had bone chips floating in his throwing elbow. Assuming he could play through the pain, he could do no further damage. Pitch he did...throwing to a 2.30 ERA over 27.1 innings in which he struck out 27 and walked just 4 batters. Mejia was dazzled, providing fans with glimpses of the prospect he once was until the pain became too much. Mejia left his August 17th start after just three innings and soon had surgery to remove the chips under the notion that he would be good to go by Spring Training.
That appears to be the case, as Castillo quotes Latin American Baseball Operations Director Juan Henderson as saying that Mejia "is on the right track." Henderson also stats that Mejia will now continue the rehabilitation program he started in the Dominican Republic and that he should be "fine and ready to compete in the states."
This is good news for the Mets, who've recently signed both John Lannan and Daisuke Matsuzaka to compete with Mejia for the final spot in the rotation. If healthy the spot will almost certainly go to Mejia, who's future with the organization is cloudy right now due to the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero who should find their way into the rotation this summer. However for now, a healthy Mejia is all the Mets can ask for. Whether he remains healthy will be the question going forward.
January 29, 2014
The 5th Spot in Mets Rotation
I was reading over @ metsblog that John Lannan is geared up and ready to go for spring training. He will compete for the 5th spot in the rotation with Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jenrry Mejia, and others. Lannan grew up on Long Island and is quoted as always wanting to sign with a New York team. He grew up a Yankee fan so wondering if that statement was being politically correct or he really wants to be here.
Assuming Mejia is healthy it should be interesting to see how this all shakes out. I have always liked Lannan as a back of the rotation starter. His ERA has always been where it should be for someone in that role with a slight decline over the last couple of years. I don't think that last year was any indication of what he is capable with the injuries he had.
Whoever lands the job I think as Mets fans we don't have many concerns over the starting rotation. Personally, I would like to see Mejia win the spot. He has shown flashes of potential and that he belongs in the big leagues. Based on last years small sample he showed that he can be a starter its just a matter of staying healthy. Dice K started off rough and finished well. The problem I have with him is he works so darn slow. I wonder if that bugs his team mates? I can assure you if he does crack the rotation my mlb.tv account won't be in use on the days he takes the ball.
Assuming Mejia is healthy it should be interesting to see how this all shakes out. I have always liked Lannan as a back of the rotation starter. His ERA has always been where it should be for someone in that role with a slight decline over the last couple of years. I don't think that last year was any indication of what he is capable with the injuries he had.
Whoever lands the job I think as Mets fans we don't have many concerns over the starting rotation. Personally, I would like to see Mejia win the spot. He has shown flashes of potential and that he belongs in the big leagues. Based on last years small sample he showed that he can be a starter its just a matter of staying healthy. Dice K started off rough and finished well. The problem I have with him is he works so darn slow. I wonder if that bugs his team mates? I can assure you if he does crack the rotation my mlb.tv account won't be in use on the days he takes the ball.
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October 16, 2013
How Would You Rank The Mets Free Agency Needs?
A few days ago, Jason Lempert, of Bleacher Report took the time to rank what he thought were the Mets most pressing needs via free agency. He ranked them as follows:
1) Starting Pitching
2) Catching
3) Shortstop
4) Outfielder
5) Relief Pitcher
Umm..alright, I suppose these would be the five areas that the Mets need to address this winter, but that isn't even remotely close to how I would rank them. Here is what I'm thinking:
1) Outfielder
2) Starting Pitcher
3) Shortstop
4) Relief Pitcher
5) Catcher
Even with the injury to Matt Harvey, the Mets still have a plethora of young starting pitchers. Does that mean that the likes of Jenrry Mejia, Jacob deGrom and Rafael Montero should be depended upon next year? No. But the Mets most pressing need with unquestionably offense.
Its for that reason that I would select outfield as the first area that needs to be addressed. If you looking for a guy who is good for a 25HR/100RBI season, certainly there are more to be had in the corners of the outfield. Whether or not the Mets decide to spend what it takes to bring one of those guys in is another story, but the fastest way to add pop to the line up is going to be via an outfielder.
Second, I would agree that starting pitching is a definite area of concern. The Mets and their young pitchers would greatly benefit from the acquisition of a veteran teaching type. Lempert brings up Bronson Arroyo, whose name has come up frequently so far this winter. I'm not 100% sure Arroyo is the best answer, but I think he's the right type of player.
Third is a supposed replacement for Ruben Tejada and/or Omar Quintanilla. I think this spot needs to be addressed, but more so because there are going to be legitimate upgrades available. Ruben Tejada at his best (which may already be behind him) doesn't provide the lineup presence someone like Jhonny Peralta does. This is an area the Mets should definitely look into if they have the funds after addressing the first two areas.
Fourth is the bullpen. I think this lands an nearly every team's list this winter. Bullpens are always a crap shoot for lack of a better term. The Mets' pen ended the year on a pretty good note. Lempert suggests that Parnell's questionable health is the reason for his high ranking, but I anticipate the Mets have other in house options that can temporarily fill this roll, just as LaTroy Hawkins did in 2013.
Finally, a veteran catcher. I think this a fair assessment. The Mets don't need Travis d'Arnaud as their lone major league caliber backstop, nor can they count on his health. The reason I don't stress this area is that I think backup catchers are almost a dime a dozen (sounds crazy to say that having endured years of Josh Thole). The Mets will find someone, whether it be Henry Blanco or the recently traded John Buck to fill this role.
1) Starting Pitching
2) Catching
3) Shortstop
4) Outfielder
5) Relief Pitcher
Umm..alright, I suppose these would be the five areas that the Mets need to address this winter, but that isn't even remotely close to how I would rank them. Here is what I'm thinking:
1) Outfielder
2) Starting Pitcher
3) Shortstop
4) Relief Pitcher
5) Catcher
Even with the injury to Matt Harvey, the Mets still have a plethora of young starting pitchers. Does that mean that the likes of Jenrry Mejia, Jacob deGrom and Rafael Montero should be depended upon next year? No. But the Mets most pressing need with unquestionably offense.
Its for that reason that I would select outfield as the first area that needs to be addressed. If you looking for a guy who is good for a 25HR/100RBI season, certainly there are more to be had in the corners of the outfield. Whether or not the Mets decide to spend what it takes to bring one of those guys in is another story, but the fastest way to add pop to the line up is going to be via an outfielder.
Second, I would agree that starting pitching is a definite area of concern. The Mets and their young pitchers would greatly benefit from the acquisition of a veteran teaching type. Lempert brings up Bronson Arroyo, whose name has come up frequently so far this winter. I'm not 100% sure Arroyo is the best answer, but I think he's the right type of player.
Third is a supposed replacement for Ruben Tejada and/or Omar Quintanilla. I think this spot needs to be addressed, but more so because there are going to be legitimate upgrades available. Ruben Tejada at his best (which may already be behind him) doesn't provide the lineup presence someone like Jhonny Peralta does. This is an area the Mets should definitely look into if they have the funds after addressing the first two areas.
Fourth is the bullpen. I think this lands an nearly every team's list this winter. Bullpens are always a crap shoot for lack of a better term. The Mets' pen ended the year on a pretty good note. Lempert suggests that Parnell's questionable health is the reason for his high ranking, but I anticipate the Mets have other in house options that can temporarily fill this roll, just as LaTroy Hawkins did in 2013.
Finally, a veteran catcher. I think this a fair assessment. The Mets don't need Travis d'Arnaud as their lone major league caliber backstop, nor can they count on his health. The reason I don't stress this area is that I think backup catchers are almost a dime a dozen (sounds crazy to say that having endured years of Josh Thole). The Mets will find someone, whether it be Henry Blanco or the recently traded John Buck to fill this role.
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So that's what I think... And more importantly why I think it. How would you rank them? Do you agree with Lempert's assessment of things or am I more in line? Maybe you fall somewhere in the middle. Either way, let us know in the comments section below!
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