Delivering Insights on All Things Amazin’s: Inside the Mets by Mike Puma
In this article, we delve into the practices of the New York Mets under the leadership of general manager Billy Eppler and manager Buck Showalter, particularly their liberal usage of the injured list. We also explore the different gloves used by Jeff McNeil and the status of the car promised by Francisco Lindor to McNeil for winning the National League batting title last season. Additionally, we catch up with former Mets pitcher Glendon Rusch and his upcoming appearances representing the team at the Hall of Fame Classic and the Mets Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The Mets’ Use of the Injured List: A Case of Manipulation?
Under the current Mets regime, the injured list has been a frequently used tool to manage the team’s roster, with this season seeing an even higher usage rate than the last, possibly due to several players who are without minor league options. Some observers have noted the uncanny timing of these injuries, particularly when the team was in dire need of a starting pitcher to fill in for Max Scherzer’s neck spasms in Cincinnati. The only way the Mets could bring back David Peterson quickly and within the 15-day window after his option to Triple-A Syracuse was to place another player on the injured list, with reliever Jimmy Yacabonis being said to have a left quadriceps strain. Yacabonis is also out of options, but his injury allowed the team to manipulate the roster without losing a valuable player.
Manager Buck Showalter acknowledged that every player in the team could potentially have a reason to be on the injured list if examined closely, given the grueling demands of pitching on a professional level. However, some players’ injuries and placements on the list seem to be more strategic than others, such as Tim Locastro’s back spasms that arose when the team needed a roster spot for Brett Baty on April 17. Locastro is out of options, and if he was removed from the 26-man roster, he would have to pass through waivers to stay with the Mets.
With the recent call up of Gary Sanchez from Syracuse to work in tandem with Francisco Alvarez and the imminent rehab assignment of Tomas Nido and Omar Narvaez, the Mets are facing a crowded catching situation that requires deft roster maneuvers. Backup catcher Michael Perez is out of options, and some speculate that a suspect injury might be in his future to facilitate his transfer to Syracuse, where he started the season.
Different Gloves for Different Positions
Jeff McNeil, the infielder and outfielder who has emerged as a versatile, valuable player for the Mets, uses different gloves for different positions. He has two gloves in his locker, one for second base and another for the outfield. McNeil said that he would own a different glove for third base if he played that position more frequently. The larger of his current gloves, a Jackie Bradley Jr. model, measures 12 ¾ inches and is used for the outfield. His second-base glove is 11 ¼ inches.
McNeil explained that the smaller glove helped him transfer the ball easier, whereas a bigger glove could trap the ball in the webbing and make transfers less clean. He leaves one of his gloves on his chair in the clubhouse for most games, bringing both to the dugout if the clubhouse is not easily accessible on visiting ballparks. He remembered that Mark Canha played third base last season with an outfielder’s glove, but most players, including him, have two gloves for different positions.
The Car Promise: A Slow Delivery
Francisco Lindor promised to buy Jeff McNeil a car if he won the National League batting title last season. McNeil did win the title with a .326 season batting average, becoming only the second Mets player to do so. Lindor declined to provide any details about what is holding up the delivery, but he assured reporters that McNeil would receive a car. McNeil, for his part, seemed more focused on his current batting average of .282 than any gift promises.
A Chat with Glendon Rusch
Former Mets pitcher Glendon Rusch, who played with the team from 1999 to 2001, will represent the Mets at the Hall of Fame Classic in Cooperstown on May 27 at Doubleday Field. He will also attend the Mets Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 3, along with fellow former teammates Al Leiter, Howard Johnson, Gary Cohen, and Howie Rose.
Rusch remembered how Leiter helped him adjust to the pressure and demands of playing for the Mets and how the veteran pitcher instilled confidence and mental toughness in him. Rusch, who still throws regularly because his sons play at the high school and college levels, said he was honored to represent the Mets at these events and grateful for the support and camaraderie he enjoyed with his former teammates.
Conclusion
The Mets’ usage of the injured list and their strategic placement of players under injury clouds have raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the ethics and legality of such practices. While some observers argue that the team is merely doing what it needs to survive in a competitive league, others contend that these moves impede the players’ fair chances to compete and succeed.
In any case, the Mets, under the current leadership team, have not been shy about using the injured list as a tool to manage their roster and navigate the demands of a long, grueling season. As the season progresses and the team faces more challenges, fans and analysts will continue to scrutinize their roster moves and tactics and debate their effectiveness and ethics.