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Articles by Nicholas Santuccio
Why signing Jake Arrieta now is the right move
It shouldn’t take much coaxing to sell you on why the New York Mets should want to add Jake Arrieta to their already talented starting rotation. Anytime you have the chance to add a former Cy Young Award winner to a rotation with multiple All-Stars, you should take it. And that’s exactly what the Mets have, an opportunity to add one of the game’s top hurlers. If you haven’t already noticed, we’re almost a week into March and many of the top free agents remain unsigned.
New York Mets starting rotation has more than injury questions to answer
Mickey Callaway said it best a week into camp when he claimed that he’d never been around a collection of pitching talent resembling that of the staff he is currently working with at New York Mets camp. This group of pitchers is supremely talented, but often not together. It remains a fact that we’ve never seen the “Five Aces” pitch five days in a row, and at this point, it seems we may never see that materialize.
The Spring Training Position Battles That Will Shape The 2018 Mets
The New York Mets did an admirable job this winter to bring in veteran free agents to bolster their roster heading into the 2018 season. However, the players already on the roster will face the fallout of these additions as they are forced to compete for the remaining sports on the Opening Day 25-man roster. Although the team’s current construction doesn’t call for an extreme amount of competition across the diamond, there are three battles that are worth keeping an eye on this Spring.
3 Bold Mets Predictions Includes Tim Tebow Edging David Wright In One Critical Category
The New York Mets have their sights set on the playoffs thus far in the early portion of Spring Training. However, if the team wants to be playing games in October this year, some players will need to outplay the status quo. The hard part is figuring out who will be able to set a new performance standard this year, and in what categories. We’ll start with a young gun looking to establish himself. This will be considered a hot take by many, but it is something I firmly believe will happen.
Yoenis Cespedes Has Officially Given Up His Favorite Non-Baseball Activity
Everyone knows how frustrating Yoenis Cespedes’ continual nagging injuries have been over the last two seasons. Whether it has been his hamstring, quad, or calf, he has had a tough time staying on the field. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Cespedes decided to make a serious lifestyle change due to a recommendation from Mets strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis. That’s right, he will no longer be playing golf in 2018.
Be Extremely Careful About Listening To The Positive Matt Harvey News
When the New York Mets brought in Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland, the hope was that the new manager and pitching coach could help the team’s immensely talented pitching staff stay on the field and be effective. One of those talented pitchers, Matt Harvey, has notably had back-to-back seasons filled with both injuries and troubling results.
Does Sandy Alderson Need Summer School After Receiving Offseason Grades?
Not only will Vargas add an All-Star to an already incredibly talented group of New York Mets starters, but Jason Vargas’ 179.1 innings pitched in 2017 will be a welcomed addition to what is a fragile staff. Vargas’ signing followed the addition of Todd Frazier last week, who was brought in to provide defense and pop at the hot corner. Even though his slash line last season was .213/.344/.428, his leadership is invaluable and he hasn’t hit less than 27 home runs since 2013.
New York Mets News: Praise For Addition of Todd Frazier
The addition of Todd Frazier has many fans excited about the New York Mets prospects in 2018, but there’s no one happier than “thumbs down guy.” Whether your thumbs are up or down in response to the Frazier addition, he will bring defensive stability to the third base position and hit his fair share of home runs.
Taking a closer look at free agent Lance Lynn
The New York Mets‘ starting pitching has been an ‘if’ for some time now. The narrative around the team’s rotation will never revolve around a lack of talent, but it will always involve their streaky health. So, with question marks surrounding every starting pitcher sans Jacob deGrom, the addition of a starter would be warranted for both depth and production purposes.
Sandy Alderson continues to prove he's out of touch
There is no denying the fact that the New York Mets have been an active player throughout baseball’s slumbering offseason. The team has made a flurry of moves that range from picking up Asdrubal Cabrera‘s option, to bolstering the bullpen with Anthony Swarzak, and even inking Jay Bruce to a team friendly three-year deal. These moves were definitely positive developments, but still, the roster contains warts that will require further additions to correct.
Southpaws will dominate next generation of New York Mets pitching
When you think of the New York Mets, the first thing that will come to mind is the team’s talented pitching, which makes a lot of sense considering this is an organization that has been built on dominant starting pitching since its inception. The Mets have employed this philosophy for decades and 2018 will be no different, with three former All-Stars—Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Noah Syndergaard—set to appear in the rotation.
Eduardo Nunez does not make sense for the New York Mets
As we continue to make the slow march towards Spring Training, the New York Mets front office is attempting to put the finishing touches on the organization’s 2018 roster. The top priority right now for this team is adding a starting-caliber infielder to man second or third base. Per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal has linked the club to four infielders who seem to be the finalists for the last available infield position.
Is Mets skipper Mickey Callaway right to believe in a Matt Harvey rebound?
Matt Harvey has experienced some of the highest highs, and lowest lows over the last few years of his Mets career. That’ll happen to you when you’ve pitched a gem in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series and then follow it up by pitching to a 6.70 ERA, an organization all-time high, during the 2017 season. So why and how does Mickey Callaway believe Harvey could have a successful rebound come 2018? Here’s what Callaway had to say about Harvey, courtesy of MLB.com’s Jon Morosi.
The New York Mets should be smart and bring back Bartolo Colon
The New York Mets are a team built on pitching, but oddly enough, pitching will be their biggest question mark heading into 2018. So, how can a team that employed only one starting pitcher that was able to throw more than 120 innings in 2017 make their rotation less concerning? Signing a pitcher that hasn’t thrown less than 143 innings in the past seven years might just be the answer.
New York Mets Amazin' News, 1/23/18: Jeff Wilpon breaks the financial silence, sort of
Jeff Wilpon broke the silence by meeting with New York Mets beat writers today. he had some interesting things to say about the team’s financial situation and payroll. The fact that Jeff was willing to admit that the owners understand the fan’s perception is a good start, considering the team often makes moves that are considered cheap and controversial by the fans.
New York Mets Amazin' News, 1/22/18: Bartolo Colon rumors, John Smoltz's surprising pick
Hall of Famer John Smoltz went on MLB Tonight to boldly pick the New York Mets as the team representing the National League in the World Series. This is the best news Smoltz has given the Mets since the day he retired, as he tortured the team throughout his career. He pitched to a 3.44 ERA against them while picking up 24 saves and 18 wins. He spent most of his career with NL East rival the Atlanta Braves.
CC Sabathia has the beat drumming Yankees to the World Series
Last season, the New York Yankees came to know that wins and losses, earned run average and strikeout-to-walk ratios are all overrated when it comes to the character of the person occupying a locker in the clubhouse. Intangibles and what a player brings to a team like the Yankees, who are on the precipice of jumping into a World Series for the first time in nine years (yes, it’s been that long), outweigh the all-important “numbers” baseball analytics will shower upon us.
New York Mets should be rooting for Mike Moustakas to sign with Brewers
This winter’s hot stove has been anything but exciting as multiple big-ticket free agents remain unsigned late into January. Due to this slow-moving market, players like Mike Moustakas seem more and more realistic by the day to be signed by teams with punier budgets such as the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets have even recently been linked to Moustakas and the organization’s front office claims they will spend on players if they feel value is present.
New York Knicks News Mix, 1/22/18: Playoffs slipping away, Enes Kanter still trolling
The Knicks are talking about contending for a playoff spot, Tim Hardaway Jr. in particular, but they haven’t been doing a whole lot on the court to back up that talk. Following a drubbing by the Lakers, New York has lost 12 of their last 16 games. After a promising start, the injury bug hit, and despite the Knicks being at full-strength, they haven’t been able to find their rhythm again. To add insult to injury, the Lakers didn’t seem to hold back on the Knicks in their postgame comments.
Brooklyn Nets: D'Angelo Russell's return couldn't be more timely
After two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, point guard D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for a late first round pick and big man Brook Lopez. According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, D-Russell is likely to make his long-awaited return this Friday against the Miami Heat. With the Nets, Russell put on a campaign for an Eastern Conference All-Star nod in just 12 games. He immediately hushed the criticisms of many, leading them to a 5-7 record.
New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr. looking quite healthy (Video)
The offseason has already started for 28 NFL teams. However, New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is already preparing for the 2018 season. Beckham suffered a broken left ankle in a game against the Los Angeles Charges in October. The injury ended his season. He rehabbed at the Giants facility for most of the season but is now in Los Angeles and working with trainer Jamal Liggin.
Believe it or not, the Mets are actually showing faith in Dominic Smith
The New York Mets made a controversial move when they decided to bring Adrian Gonzalez to Queens on a league-minimum contract. The acquisition has been met with mixed responses by both fans and pundits alike, with most of the outrage stemming from the idea that Gonzalez has the leg up on the Opening Day first base job. So, how could the organization have any faith in Dominic Smith if they just signed Adrian Gonzalez and Jay Bruce, two slugging lefties that can adequately play first base?
New York Knicks: The day Trent Tucker changed NBA history
As the NBA nears the midseason point, Jan. 15th sees another Martin Luther King Jr. holiday come and go. While we honor one of the nation’s most significant pioneers, the NBA and MLK Day will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many basketball fans. Growing up on Long Island NY, I was a train ride on the LIRR from Manhattan and Penn Station to see the New York Knicks play. I never understood prejudice.
Film Room: Stefon Diggs miracle showcases classic overplay by Saints
What do they say about the prevent defense? The only thing it does is prevent you from winning. It’s one interesting aspect of the NFL. Defensive coordinators are forced to play strategy based on time. Allowing yards in exchange for time is something that’s more than necessary in a league that favors every aspect of the passing game. When a defense actually showcases an aggressive defense in a prevent situation, it becomes refreshing.
New York Jets: Who is Jaire Alexander out of Louisville?
NFL Draft Insider Matt Miller says the New York Jets will go defense in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. But who is Jaire Alexander out of Louisville? In the latest high profile 2018 mock draft, the New York Jets were penciled to take Josh Allen, QB, out of Wyoming with the sixth overall pick. While with their first of two selections in the second round, NFL Draft Insider Matt Miller of Bleacher Report went to the defensive side of the ball with Jaire Alexander out of Louisville. Who?
Why do people keep mocking Josh Allen to the New York Jets?
New York Jets fans are extremely concerned that NFL Draft insiders keep mocking Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen to their team, ESNY explores why that might be. In case you missed it, here are NFL Draft Insider Matt Miller’s pick for the New York Jets in his latest first-round mock draft via Bleacher Report: “With Rosen and Darnold off the board, the next-best quarterback is Josh Allen.
New York Giants: Does Pat Shurmur mean the end for Eli Manning?
The New York Giants can’t officially sign offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings Pat Shurmur as their next head coach until the Vikings playoff run is over.
The 2018 New York Mets: Projected lineup with a flawed philosophy
The New York Mets did something this week that not many imagined they would, which was to spend money on free agents. The organization doled out nearly $40 million to acquire Jay Bruce and Adrian Gonzalez for the 2018 season and in Bruce’s case, beyond. The financial figures point to these signings as bargains, especially when you consider Gonzalez will make the league minimum salary in 2018 and Bruce was landed for a three-year contract at annual totals far below his projected market value.
Written in the stars: Can Starlin Castro return to the Yankees?
We thought we heard the last of Starlin Castro when the New York Yankees shipped him off in favor of the heavy hitting Giancarlo Stanton. Now with Castro reportedly wanting out of Miami, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, rumors are running rampant that there might be move in place to bring Castro back to his home in the Bronx. Remember, this is just a rumor. That means it’s okay to play around with it a little bit and use our imaginations. Here we go.
New York Mets Amazin News, 1/10/18: Callaway's hot hands and offseason workout warriors
Juan Lagares, the New York Mets presumed 2018 Opening Day center fielder, recently uploaded an Instagram post showing off his new and improved muscle mass. You have to feel for that tire in all of this. It looks like Lagares has made some serious changes to his body after multiple injuries have cost him a combined 151 games in the past two seasons.
New York Mets: Pros and cons of inking rumored free agents
The New York Mets now have money to blow! Or something like that. Sources tell John Harper of the New York Daily News that Mets ownership would be willing to spend money on big name free agents if they consider the contract a value. So with a cold hot stove and prices seemingly on the decline, the Mets have recently been linked to three standout free agents in Mike Moustakas, Jonathan Lucroy, and Andrew McCutchen.
Realistically, who are the New York Mets' top trade assets?
Whether fans believe it or not, the New York Mets seem to think that they can contend for a playoff spot in 2018. With that in mind, stud players such as Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Michael Conforto, and Amed Rosario will not appear on this list, because the Mets could kiss any chances of contending goodbye by moving one of them. With that let’s sift through the names that are expendable.
New York Mets willing to spend on Mike Moustakas if price is right (Report)
Little action by the New York Mets this winter combined with incessant uproar by the fanbase may have finally pushed the Wilpons to realize that the time is now to infuse funds into this roster. John Harper of the New York Daily News reported last night that the Mets may indeed be willing to spend more money than originally budgeted if the market falls back to where they feel comfortable. Harper specifically singles out Mike Moustakas as a player that could fit this mold for the Mets.
New York Mets: Three prospects that could bring good cheer in 2018
Sandy Alderson told us all we needed to know about the Mets farm system at the Winter Meetings in Florida, courtesy of the New York Post‘s Mike Puma: Yeah, that about sums up the Mets prospect pipeline entering 2018. Few blue-chip prospects remain, but that can be attributed to the 2017 promotions of top prospects Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith. So even though the Mets don’t have the next big thing waiting in the wings, they do have players that can make contributions in 2018.
New York Mets: Which starter makes the most sense in the 2018 bullpen?
The New York Mets did what they needed to do at the Winter Meetings by adding a reliever that can handle late innings work. Anthony Swarzak will be looking to become a critical performer in the bullpen, and could even work his way into more favor than the likes of trade deadline acquisition AJ Ramos. After adding Swarzak, the Mets’ front office swiftly made it clear they were done spending on the bullpen for the winter.
New York Mets fringe players who can be key contributors in 2018
Every year there’s a player that produces after having limited expectations coming into spring training. Some examples of this phenomenon are Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman from 2016. These two were pitchers who not many Mets fans knew of before the season but thought highly of after the season. This was due to their key contributions down the stretch.
New York Mets: Have no fear, the core is still intact
The New York Mets were never going to be the team to win this offseason. That’s because they were never going to outspend other big market teams on the open market, and surely would not be making long-term commitments or mortgaging their farm for 2018. Of course, it is disconcerting to see the team’s general manager come out and publicly admit to a lack of resources to spend on acquisitions.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek and the New York Knicks should look to get shooting guard Ron Baker some more run.
New York Knicks‘ shooting guard Ron Baker has endured an injury-riddled start to the 2017-18 season. Now healthy, head coach Jeff Hornacek and the Knicks should look to give him more playing time. Nursing an ankle injury and a sprained left shoulder, the Wichita State product has been unable to truly progress his game. Appearing in just eight of the Knicks’ 26 contests, Baker has only averaged 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
New York Mets: A Bad Weekend Has Now Become a Bad Week
The Mets 2015 season was nothing short of magical. The city genuinely turned to a Mets town for that postseason run. The owners of the team saw the excitement, and they also saw the green that came along with it. Rumors were flying around the team earlier this offseason. They were intrigued by Shohei Ohtani, talking to the Tigers about Ian Kinsler, and looking to add a veteran starter to contend in 2018. Yet here we are.
New York Giants 10, Dallas Cowboys 30: Big Blue falls apart in fourth quarter (Highlights)
Dak Prescott threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns, Eli Manning threw for 228 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions and the Dallas Cowboys walked out of MetLife Stadium with a convincing 20-point victory over the New York Giants. Both teams began the game with long, clock-eating drives. Dallas started off with a 16-play, 73-yard march, culminating in a 21-yard field goal from Dan Bailey.
New York Mets Santa Switch: Old Saint Nimmo Stars
As of earlier this week, it was widely believed that Kevin Plawecki would be starring as Santa Claus for the Mets Thursday Holiday Party. But now that the day has come it seems there was a last minute switch on who would play the prestigious, but often scrutinized role of Santa. Playing Santa has been deemed by fans as a ‘cursed’ role. As ridiculous as it may seem to some, there is some legitimate support for this theory.
Brooklyn Nets acquire Jahlil Okafor from 76ers for Trevor Booker (Report)
On Thursday, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that the Philadelphia 76ers would be sending Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas and a second-round pick in 2019 to the Brooklyn Nets for Trevor Booker. To create roster space for their two new additions, Brooklyn will be releasing Sean Kilpatrick, per the Vertical’s Shams Charania. Okafor, 21, has fallen far out of the Sixers rotation and has only appeared in two games this season for a grand total of just 25 minutes.
New York Giants: Full 2018 mock draft - Version 1.0
The 2018 NFL Draft will be hugely important to the New York Giants short-and-long-term futures. Here’s how we see things going.Expectations for the New York Giants were sky high when the season started. But if seasons were built on expectations, then the Philadelphia Eagles’ “Dream Team” would’ve been the first undefeated team since the ‘72 Dolphins.The fact of the matter is that the Giants now sit at 2-10 and have turned this season into a tryout.
Knicks State of Mind Podcast: THJ injury impact, James Dolan stupidity (Audio)
The Knicks State of Mind Podcast did not have an episode last week, but don’t worry, Chip Murphy and Matt Castillo are back to with the latest on your New York Knicks. They open the show this week with the injury news of Tim Hardaway Jr. Hardaway Jr will miss at least two weeks from a leg injury. He will be re-evaluated after that two weeks but the injury can cause him to be out longer.
Nido Time: Mets' top catching prospect should be a big part of team's 2018 plans
There was a time when the Mets seemed to have the catching position secured for years to come. The spoils of a Cy Young season by R.A. Dickey netted them not only Noah Syndergaard but also one of the top prospects in baseball at the time, Travis d’Arnaud. Depth at the position wasn’t an issue either as the organization had another Top 100 prospect behind d’Arnaud, Kevin Plawecki.
New York Jets need to improve offensive road struggles for playoff hopes
Entering this season, not much was expected from the New York Jets offensively. Josh McCown was a journeyman quarterback who had lost 20 of his previous 22 NFL starts and never threw for more than 2,600 yards and his career-high for passing touchdowns was 13. The rest of their offense, especially their offensive line and wide receivers, were young, inexperienced and poised to have a lot of growing pains.
Actually, You’re Wrong! Podcast: Starting Eli Manning again makes little sense
Nick Durst and Andrew Hershkowitz discuss and argue the hottest topics in sports on the Actually, You’re Wrong! Podcast as Eli Manning surfaces.It is Episode 25 of Actually, You’re Wrong! as Nick Durst and Andrew Hershkowitz are back at it again, discussing a multitude of topics in the world of sports.Why weren’t Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo fired from the New York Giants earlier in the season?Who will replace Ben McAdoo as New York Giants head coach?Should Josh McDaniels be considered the...
St. John’s B-Ball Breakdown: Red Storm face challenges out west (Audio)
*Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded Tuesday night before St. John’s win over Grand Canyon. This week on St. John’s B-Ball Breakdown, Anthony Gallo and I looked back at the St. John’s performance against Sacred Heart over the weekend while also looking ahead to the two games that the Red Storm are playing/have played on the west coast this week.
J.J. Watt and José Altuve named Sports Illustrated's 2017 Sportspersons Of the Year
Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt and Houston Astros second baseman José Altuve have been selected as co-recipients of Sports Illustrated‘s 2017 Sportsperson of the Year Award. “We will remember 2017 as much for what athletes strove to achieve off the field as for what they achieved on it,” Chris Stone, Editorial Director of Sports at Time Inc, said in a statement. “While J.J. and José represent two very different paths, they both led to the same destination: #HoustonStrong.
New York Mets: Dominic Smith is destined to follow in Aaron Judge's footsteps
The year is 2013. The New York Mets are in the midst of yet another down year. In 2012, the team managed to disappoint with a paltry record of 74-88. The only silver lining that Mets fans could take from yet another letdown in the course of a long-term rebuild was the Mets’ draft picks. Their poor performance on the diamond awarded the organization the 11th pick in the 2013 draft. It was with that pick that the Mets selected high school first baseman Dominic Smith.
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