SNY’s Andy Martino is responding to and breaking down answers to Mets questions from readers. Here’s the latest…
Andy, do you think the Mets could make any moves to acquire a lefty for the bullpen? If so who would we most likely target? – @SleeperMets
Yes, my understanding is that the Mets are looking to trade for lefty bullpen help after the injuries to A.J. Minter (lat strain) and Danny Young (elbow). Most estimates have Minter out until September. I’ve heard some cautious optimism that it could be August. Young, unfortunately, appears headed for season-ending UCL surgery.
For what it’s worth, Genesis Cabrera looked good in spring training despite a 6.75 ERA, and Jose Butto and Reed Garrett are among the Mets’ righties who do well against lefties.
As far as identifying specific trade targets, let’s not worry about that. It’s not like we’re talking about Tanner Scott. If the Mets are able to swing a deal, it’ll be for Pretty Good Lefty Guy (or Righty Guy With Good Splits). We’ll find out his name when he gets here.
Hi Andy, can you go into details about the Mets pitching lab? What part tech, what part coaching, etc.? Could there be an equivalent hitting lab? What would that look like? Thanks a million – @mets_positive
Even Mets officials roll their eyes when praised for their pitching lab. The reality is, David Stearns and his group of scouts, analysts and player development officials are excellent at finding and developing pitching. But the lab itself is simply industry standard. The Mets were actually behind the curve on that one. There is nothing magical about this lab, and we should all probably stop referring to it. It’s not quite like saying an organization has a weight room or batting cage, but it’s getting there.
And you’re right, they know that the next frontier involves technological advancements in hitting.
When do we think Dedniel Núñez is coming up? – @nymzach
We received so many (fair and reasonable) questions about Núñez that I addressed it on the pregame show Tuesday evening. Every time the Mets call up a different reliever, fans want to know why it wasn’t Nunez.
Here’s the answer: The Mets are in the middle of a stretch of 13 games without an off day. During that stretch, they have needed and will again likely need spot starters and bulk guys like Brandon Waddell on Tuesday. When Núñez arrives, he’ll be here to stay, probably very soon. The team just needs to get through a period in which near-daily optionality is the focus.
Núñez has walked seven batters in nine innings for Triple-A Syracuse, but this is actually not a concern. The team mostly attributes that to cold weather and is happy with how Núñez is throwing.
What do we do about Ryne Stanek? And Brandon Waddell should stay on the roster especially with the news of Minter and Danny Young circulating this week. – @MichaelDeitch33
Stanek actually looks to be throwing the ball pretty well. And hard as ever. Not worried. Waddell was always going to be an optionable spot starter/bulk guy for now, as explained as part of the above Núñez answer.
Who put the bomp in the bomp shu bomp sha bomp? – @GoatsofMuhammad
I don’t know who was that man. But I can tell you that I would like to shake his hand.
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