The mud has began to settle in Queens, however these subsequent few days are set to deliver extra uncertainty and greater than doubtless, extra participant motion. At some level, it will likely be time to unpack what comes subsequent for the group, however proper now, with the commerce deadline just a few days away, the one factor the Mets can do is proceed to play baseball.
After buying and selling nearer David Robertson simply round midnight Thursday, the temper contained in the locker room was a mixture of shock, disappointment and reduction. What the longer term holds for the staff is unknown. There appeared to be some shock at the truth that the return for Robertson was two youngsters as a substitute of prospects who’re knocking on the door of the large leagues, however in the end, the Mets perceive that it’s out of their arms.
“We can’t really control what’s going on in the front office,” mentioned first baseman Pete Alonso. “The only thing we can control is winning ballgames. We want to win as many games as we can through the rest of the year. Just because we’re selling doesn’t mean we’re not going to put our best foot forward.”
This is the sentiment of the veteran leaders of the clubhouse. Those who’re staying say it’s necessary to proceed attempting to win as a result of they don’t wish to backslide into a nasty place. Losing creates unhealthy habits and unhealthy attitudes and acceptance of losses is even worse. The Mets at present have three rookies on the roster that they worth extremely and so they don’t need them to function beneath the idea that dropping is okay.
“They can call it selling, but I don’t think it’s one of those things where we’re like, “Oh yeah, we’re done,’” mentioned shortstop Francisco Lindor. “With this group of guys, I don’t see it. Until we are in a position where we are not in reach of the playoffs, it won’t be a part of our mindset. However, you only hope that when they do make trades, we [come out] on the better side.”
Those who’re anticipating to be traded are nonetheless on board with the purpose.
“My mindset was always, ‘Well we can still play good baseball if we lose pieces,’” mentioned outfielder Mark Canha. “That’s kind of where my attention is and where it’s been. Keep playing good baseball and let the logistics take care of themselves. I told the guys that regardless of what happens over the next few days, let’s just win a lot of games and see what happens.”
The Mets gained’t see the outcomes of this return for years to come back. Shortstop Marco Vargas and catcher Ronald Hernandez for a couple of years, since Vargas is eighteen and Hernandez is just 19. Both are at present taking part in within the Florida Complex League, a rookie-level league that’s typically the primary cease for international prospects within the States.
This has many followers panicked, questioning if it means the membership intends to tear down and rebuild over the subsequent 5 years. It’s doubtless extra of a retool because the membership nonetheless has so many key gamers beneath contract who count on to contend. Lindor isn’t about to waste a few of his prime years on a rebuilding staff. Edwin Diaz is coming again subsequent 12 months to assist the Mets win a title, to not assist them acquire draft picks. Jeff McNeil signed a long-term contract that kicks in subsequent season over the winter and Starling Marte continues to be beneath contract for 2 extra seasons.
The Mets may commerce pitchers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, which may imply that it is a bigger rebuilding challenge than anticipated, however a few of which may depend upon the return. We’ll be taught quite a bit concerning the Mets’ future plans and their timeline within the coming days.
This will go down as one of many extra disappointing seasons in membership historical past and in league historical past given the expectations and payroll — the best baseball has ever seen — however the staff on the sector nonetheless has to play out the string and work towards making strides for the longer term even when they’re with out Robertson and can quickly be with out guys like Canha, Brooks Raley and Tommy Pham.
“Roles change,” Lindor mentioned. “We have to embrace the roles that we have and whoever comes into the clubhouse will know that we have to continue to win moving forward.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com