Post by Commissioner Erick on Oct 16, 2023 11:21:43 GMT -5
Pittsburgh Pirates (16-29) @ New York Mets (29-17)
PIT: Bert Medrano (0-1, 8.76)
NYM: Kevin Truitt (3-2, 3.02)
Questions for the GMs:
Pirates 3 Key Stats
.579: Brian Radcliff’s slugging percentage: Radcliff had a solid rookie year in 2029 with a .252 average, 39 doubles, and 23 homers. It was assumed he’d take the next step by converting some of his doubles to homers, but in 2030, he increased his doubles count to 49—leading the league, and improved his homer total to 26. This year, he’s found another gear. His average is .264, which would be a career high. His 11 doubles puts him on pace for 40, the same mark as his rookie year. Most impressively, his homer total has taken an expected leap. He has 13 already, halfway to his career high, and on pace for 47. He’s turning into an offensive star.
7: Hitters with an OPS+ under 100: The Pirates have seen Radcliffe hit like a star, but they haven’t gotten much offensive production from anyone else. Their four middle infielders with the most plate appearances have an OPS+ of 89, 77, 72, and 67. The Pirates are second to last in home runs and need to get more power from someone in their lineup aside from Brian Radcliffe.
8.76: Bert Medrano’s ERA: Medrano didn’t get much time in Spring Training because of shoulder tendonitis, and he’s been rusty to start. He was okay his first start back in Chicago, allowing two runs in 5 shaky innings, but he lasted only 4 innings in a start in New York against the Yankees, and he got rocked by the Cardinals for 7 runs in nine hits over 3.1 innings. With 12.1 innings under his belt, it’s possible his rust has been shaken off and he’ll be better today.
Mets 3 Key Stats
3.20: New York’s ERA: The Mets lead the league in ERA and have been dominant as a unit. Tonight’s starter, Kevin Truitt, has been part of that success, with a 3.02 ERA. He’s allowed more than two runs in only one of his eight starts, and is tied for third with six quality starts. He was replacement level last year with Pittsburgh and has turned things around with the Mets. He’ll face his old team tonight.
5: Relievers with an ERA of 3.13 or lower: The Mets haven’t just dominated because of their starting pitching—their bullpen has been elite too. Lodewijk de Leeuw has an impressive 2.25 ERA, while Govaart van den Heuvel has a 2.53 mark. Former closer Andres Perez has excelled in a middle relief role, and former starter Jorge Ontiveros has been excellent in middle relief. The Mets moved Devasarasa Lalitesh into a Closer role and he’s 3-0 with 11 saves. With so much talent, it’s been hard for opponents to score on the Mets.
.800: New York’s winning percentage in one-run games: The Mets have the second best record in the National League, but it’s a wonder if it’s sustainable. They’re 12-3 in one-run games, which makes sense with a great staff and an elite bullpen. However, 42% of their wins have been one-run wins and they’ve scored more than three runs once in the last nine games. If a little bit of luck turns, or if the offense continues to struggle, there will be a ton of pressure on the pitching staff to maintain the team’s success.
Questions for the GMs:
For Mike McAvoy, Ken Falcone has recovered from his strained triceps. Will he be activated ahead of today’s game?
Marc Butler has been your DH, but he has only a .612 OPS. Will you stick with him moving forward?
The Mets have an elite staff. Will you rely more on small ball if you get men on base?
For Ryan Morneau, Yusniel Diaz has had a strained rib cage muscle that hasn’t healed quickly. Will you keep him playing through it, or will he go on the IL?
How do you feel the addition of Dansby Swanson affects your team?
Kevin Truitt really struggled the past two years, but you acquired him for a third round pick and cash. What did you see in him that made you want to acquire him?
TRIVIA: Who was Pittsburgh’s 2030 All Star representative?
PIT: Bert Medrano (0-1, 8.76)
NYM: Kevin Truitt (3-2, 3.02)
Questions for the GMs:
Pirates 3 Key Stats
.579: Brian Radcliff’s slugging percentage: Radcliff had a solid rookie year in 2029 with a .252 average, 39 doubles, and 23 homers. It was assumed he’d take the next step by converting some of his doubles to homers, but in 2030, he increased his doubles count to 49—leading the league, and improved his homer total to 26. This year, he’s found another gear. His average is .264, which would be a career high. His 11 doubles puts him on pace for 40, the same mark as his rookie year. Most impressively, his homer total has taken an expected leap. He has 13 already, halfway to his career high, and on pace for 47. He’s turning into an offensive star.
7: Hitters with an OPS+ under 100: The Pirates have seen Radcliffe hit like a star, but they haven’t gotten much offensive production from anyone else. Their four middle infielders with the most plate appearances have an OPS+ of 89, 77, 72, and 67. The Pirates are second to last in home runs and need to get more power from someone in their lineup aside from Brian Radcliffe.
8.76: Bert Medrano’s ERA: Medrano didn’t get much time in Spring Training because of shoulder tendonitis, and he’s been rusty to start. He was okay his first start back in Chicago, allowing two runs in 5 shaky innings, but he lasted only 4 innings in a start in New York against the Yankees, and he got rocked by the Cardinals for 7 runs in nine hits over 3.1 innings. With 12.1 innings under his belt, it’s possible his rust has been shaken off and he’ll be better today.
Mets 3 Key Stats
3.20: New York’s ERA: The Mets lead the league in ERA and have been dominant as a unit. Tonight’s starter, Kevin Truitt, has been part of that success, with a 3.02 ERA. He’s allowed more than two runs in only one of his eight starts, and is tied for third with six quality starts. He was replacement level last year with Pittsburgh and has turned things around with the Mets. He’ll face his old team tonight.
5: Relievers with an ERA of 3.13 or lower: The Mets haven’t just dominated because of their starting pitching—their bullpen has been elite too. Lodewijk de Leeuw has an impressive 2.25 ERA, while Govaart van den Heuvel has a 2.53 mark. Former closer Andres Perez has excelled in a middle relief role, and former starter Jorge Ontiveros has been excellent in middle relief. The Mets moved Devasarasa Lalitesh into a Closer role and he’s 3-0 with 11 saves. With so much talent, it’s been hard for opponents to score on the Mets.
.800: New York’s winning percentage in one-run games: The Mets have the second best record in the National League, but it’s a wonder if it’s sustainable. They’re 12-3 in one-run games, which makes sense with a great staff and an elite bullpen. However, 42% of their wins have been one-run wins and they’ve scored more than three runs once in the last nine games. If a little bit of luck turns, or if the offense continues to struggle, there will be a ton of pressure on the pitching staff to maintain the team’s success.
Questions for the GMs:
For Mike McAvoy, Ken Falcone has recovered from his strained triceps. Will he be activated ahead of today’s game?
Marc Butler has been your DH, but he has only a .612 OPS. Will you stick with him moving forward?
The Mets have an elite staff. Will you rely more on small ball if you get men on base?
For Ryan Morneau, Yusniel Diaz has had a strained rib cage muscle that hasn’t healed quickly. Will you keep him playing through it, or will he go on the IL?
How do you feel the addition of Dansby Swanson affects your team?
Kevin Truitt really struggled the past two years, but you acquired him for a third round pick and cash. What did you see in him that made you want to acquire him?
TRIVIA: Who was Pittsburgh’s 2030 All Star representative?