Our dueling experts wonder if it's time to be worried, even on April 6th.
John Coppinger: I normally don’t sound the alarms after seven games in a 162-game season. But I have to say I’m really concerned and discouraged at this small sample size (3-4 record, outscored 26-6 when getting swept by the Brewers). I’m scared that it might be time to ride through the town square in my horse and warn the people. I have the saddle ready. A.J., talk me off the saddle.
A.J. Carter: Not me. I’m ready to say, “I told you so.” In our preview broadcast, I expressed -- much to the disagreement of our colleagues -- my concern about the age of the Mets roster, especially the pitching staff. What’s happening so far is just as I predicted: older players get hurt more frequently than younger ones. Jose Quintana, Justin Verlander, now Tommy Hunter. Carlos Carrasco’s trip to the elbow maintenance shop doesn’t seem to have worked. On the other end of the battery, Omar Narvaez is now expected to be out 8-9 weeks. Yes, it’s only a seven-game sample, but as Yogi Berra once said, “It gets late early.” Play GM, John. Fix this.
John Coppinger: Well as GM, I could easily fix this by overpaying for a starting pitcher, because that’s where I think the biggest need is right now. Not only with the injuries to Verlander and Quintana, but the varying degrees of ineffectiveness from Carrasco, Peterson, Max Scherzer and Tylor Megill. But if I go get starting pitching, it’s gonna come with a heavy cost, especially in April. Do you want to give up a big prospect for a starting pitcher? Because I sure as heck don’t. So the bottom line is that the pitchers who are healthy have to get better.
A.J. Carter: If you’re talking about Max Scherzer, that’s possible. Maybe the Mets can get a little more from Peterson and Megill. And Verlander should be back soon. Playing in pitcher-friendly Citi Field will help, and the Mets did catch a bit of a break with the Phillies’ slow start. Maybe Francisco Alvarez will light things up and stay around, and Brett Baty’s thumb will heal quickly -- after all, young players heal quicker than older ones -- and he’ll be promoted, too. Right now, the only argument I have heard in favor of Eduardo Escobar is that he’s a good guy in the clubhouse. If that’s the case, make him a coach.
John Coppinger: I’m still rooting for Escobar. I can’t believe that he’s completely washed up at this point. The best case scenario here is for Escobar (2-for-20) to start producing and for Baty to be able to develop in the minors to the point where he’s bored with the minor leagues. But if Escobar remains on the interstate then, sadly, you’re right. But I still think the leash is longer for Escobar because the Mets will depend on at least five other players to provide more than they ever would ask of Escobar. But they definitely depend on their starting pitching to be successful. If they’re not? Then you can bring up all the prospects you want, it won’t help.
A.J. Carter: Bottom line is that 2023 is starting to look a lot like 1992, the Mets squad Bob Klapisch dubbed "The Worst Team Money Could Buy," or 1993, which was even worse. Proving once again that winning the offseason doesn’t get you a ride on the subway unless you have $2.75
John Coppinger: As long as nobody gets on the subway with lit fireworks and they leave the bleach in the laundry room, then 2023 could never get that bad.
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