A former manager talks about what Todd Frazier will bring to the New York Mets, while the team’s focus shifts to pitching.
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.”
Hopefully you all don't think the Thumbs Down Guy is a tired act, because the Mets have apparently made him a focal point of their marketing strategy. https://t.co/jVMBpclF4p
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 7, 2018
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.
Girardi talks Frazier
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi appeared in his new role on the MLB Network Wednesday, and he had some great things to say about what Frazier could bring to the Mets on and off the field.
"He brings energy and he brings the love to play every day."
Joe Girardi talks about the player the @Mets are getting in @FlavaFraz21. #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/GlxPzJlrMZ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 8, 2018
The clubhouse energy and leadership that Girardi mentions in this clip are attributes that the Mets clubhouse desperately needed heading into 2018. After purging their veterans at the trade deadline last year, the clubhouse lacked leadership, which is an area Frazier seems to excel in.
All eyes on pitching?
After adding a much-needed infielder, the Mets’ focus will shift toward the possibility of adding another arm.
The Mets are not necessarily done for the winter, according to a source, keeping an eye out for starting pitching help. But the sense I get is it's not nearly the priority that finding an infielder was.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 6, 2018
With questionable rotation health and bullpen depth, the team will be hoping that market prices come down on some quality free agent options such as Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb. The addition of a relief pitcher in a ‘swingman’ role should also not be ruled out, due to its ability to hedge against rotation injuries and provide bullpen depth simultaneously.
While we’re talking about the rotation, a starting pitcher settled his arbitration case this week with the Mets.
Zack Wheeler won his arbitration case. But what kind of impact will he make for the Mets in 2018? https://t.co/4UJVC3CxJ6 pic.twitter.com/LCtFYH7AsE
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 8, 2018
Zack Wheeler will be on the books for $1.9 million rather than the Mets original offer of $1.5 million. He will be looking to return to form in 2018 after back-to-back injury-riddled seasons.
And finally, here’s a little something to get you excited for Spring Training.
2015 vibe at Mets Camp pic.twitter.com/b1bqkFJVaO
— Teddy Aviles (@TeddyAviles) February 8, 2018
It’s always nice to see Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom throwing hard off an MLB mound.
Other Mets news, stories
- ESNY’s Joshua Casper digs into the Mets need to bring in pitching help from outside the organization.
- ESNY’s Justin Birnbaum channels his inner Mugatu to explore the six moods of a Mets fan.
