John Harper @NYNJHarper Twitter profile

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Can understand deGrom taking the 5 yrs, $185 million from Texas. Mets weren't going anywhere near there. But hearing him at the press conference gushing repeatedly about the Rangers' "vision of building something special" as the reason he went there is kind of laughable.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Wow Mets get Nimmo and Robertson. It's almost like Steve Cohen watched the deGrom press conference today and said, "I'll show you about vision."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

One of the reasons Darling and Hernandez are so good: they were outraged by the HBP call on Conforto that won the game for the Mets. Not just that they were right. Can't imagine another home broadcast team reacting that way.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

FWIW, two former major league pitchers told me today the jump in spin rates Sunday night for Musgrove from his regular season was a "red flag," indicating he was using a sticky substance. They had no issue with Showalter checking. Said one: "I would have done it sooner."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

6 years

I offer a personal anecdote because it's revealing of Wright's classy and genuine nature: when I was let go as part of the Daily News layoffs in July, Wright called to wish me well. Not like he had my number. Had to ask Jay Horwitz for it. Hard to explain how rare that is.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

6 years

Word is everywhere, obviously, so I feel obligated to say I'm out at the Daily News with so many others. Sad day but it was a great run for 25-plus years. Great teammates there. Thanks to all for reading.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

27 days

Verlander struggling since return from IL, only 71 ip for season, so Mets off the hook for $17 mil in '25. Scherzer on IL again, only 39 ip. Cohen's decision to eat money/move on from both last year paved the way for '24 success, with Stearns' smart signings of Severino/Manaea.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Actually think it's a good sign overall for Mets' future that Cohen, after all the love he got from media/fans for getting Correa, took a strong stand on a reduced contract due to injury risk. Seemingly driven by rational decision-making rather than swept up in being the hero.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

I'm a big David Cone fan but watching a Subway Series game on TV doesn't have the same feel without the SNY, YES broadcasts. Making this an ESPN exclusive is a great way by MLB to annoy/anger NY fans, who love their local TV crews.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Whoa. Correa to the Mets. Cohen really is as relentless/ruthless as you'd expect a zillionaire hedge fund owner to be. Doesn't give a damn if he's hated by the rest of baseball. And on the day the Yankees are holding their Judge presser. It's a new baseball world in NYC.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 months

Crowd going bonkers here at Citi after grand slam by Martinez, two-run shot by Vientos, and solo shot by Alvarez. I mean, it's playoff loud here as Mets knock Morton out in 3rd inning. This offense is ferocious.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

12 years

Spoke to scout who says best un-hyped Mets' pitching prospect is Jacob DeGrom, converted SS dominating hitters at Class A Savannah.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

5 years

So the Mets passed on Girardi as the safe and logical choice after the Callaway debacle. Fans are furious and now Van Wagenen has really put himself in the crosshairs. He better find the right guy because he won't get a second chance to hire a manager.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 months

This is easily the Mets' best/deepest offense since 2006. After slow start they've climbed to 4th in NL in runs, 2nd in slugging %, 2nd in HRs. Even better in clutch stats: 1st in majors in OPS w/2 outs RISP; 2nd in NL in OPS w/RISP.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

Good for Conforto that he wasn't proud of the way it ended. But let's not put him in the Astros-type cheating category. He was fooled by a slider and rather K looking he had a split-second reaction the way a lot of hitters do in that situation. Up to the umpire to call him out.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

10 months

Have to believe Cohen will make the biggest offer for Yamamoto. Mets off-season hinges on getting him. But I've talked to plenty of baseball people who say the Yankee brand/tradition, which includes Matsui and Tanaka, carries a lot of weight in Japan. Could be very influential.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 months

After Mets blew another one in 1st game of DH vs. Dodgers, got this text from a friend who watches every inning: "I know you won't believe me but I'm taking a break for at least 2 weeks. It's exhausting and depressing watching this team and I can't take it anymore."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

Not buying Granderson as a serious candidate for Mets' mgr job. Smart guy but come on. Eppler can't overthink this. He now has a veteran team with high expectations, can't take chances with the unknown. Just hire Buck Showalter already.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

6 years

Overwhelmed by the show of support from so many on a tough day. Wish I could thank everyone personally. Would like to say I appreciate @RealMichaelKay 's radio rant, not just on a personal level but for his important words about the the need for newspapers in NYC and this country.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

That was Rojas' worst couple of minutes as Mets' mgr. Pinch-hitting Mazeika and then pitching to De La Cruz with first base open. Darling practically screaming not to pitch to their best hitter.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Senga's a perfect fit for Mets. Has ace-like potential with high velocity/wipeout splitter but some scouts worry that spotty command/mediocre breaking stuff will limit him. Thing is, Mets don't need him to be a No. 1, obviously, but they can take the gamble on his high ceiling.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

These separate-admission, 7-inning split doubleheaders are an embarrassment to MLB and an insult to fans. Manfred needs to make them stop.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

5 years

Saw Joe Girardi over at @MLBNetwork today, asked him if his next stop will be in Queens. He smiled and said “We’ll see.”

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

5 years

DeGrom leaving no doubt about locking up a second straight Cy Young. 14 scoreless innings last two starts, ERA down to 2.51, 2nd in NL behind Ryu, and 1st in a lot of other important categories. No longer a debate.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 months

This is a really bad look for Lindor. Said afterward that he wasn't picking up the spin on Rodriguez's slider, and was basically hoping he'd throw a ball. Don't think I've ever heard that one before. At the very least, can't quit on pitch before you even see what or where it is.

Rob Friedman

@PitchingNinja

4 months

What in the World???!!!

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

After the game here at Citi Field, a Mets' person I talked to summed up the feeling in 2022: "You know damn well that Timmy Trumpet thing would have blown up in our faces in past years. I'm starting to believe this year really is different."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Great quote from Lindor to reporters on Iglesias: "He's a brave man. He's out there screaming. Chapman is staring at him, he's staring back. They definitely played together growing up (in Cuba). Not too many guys do that to Chapman, especially when you're 5-8. It was fantastic."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

6 years

If Mets sign Pollock, this lineup might actually do some damage: Nimmo, Pollock, Cano, Ramos, Conforto, Alonso, Frazier/McNeil, Rosario.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

With only 1 of his top 5 starters available, Showalter used 13 relievers for 16 1/3 of the 35 innings the Mets pitched against the Phillies, including guys named Clay, Fisher, and Zastryzny who needed introductions in the clubhouse. And his team won 3 of 4. Pretty good managing.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 months

Mostly because of his slow starts and his $341 million contract, Lindor has been something of a polarizing figure but I think all Mets fans would agree this is the superstar version of Lindor from his Cleveland days that that they were hoping for. In July he has 8 HRs, 20 RBI.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Hilarious hearing J.D. Davis say the Mets' players wanted to bring in Shakira for the little birthday bash they had for Buck: "It was an idea around the clubhouse. It was probably going to be too much money. We went to Lindor and asked him but he said he wasn't going to do it."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

Yanks insisted there was nothing to the alleged whistling vs. Mets, but @Todd_Zeile just did a breakdown on SNY showing otherwise. Could hear the whistling on the FOX broadcast on 3 HRs vs. Walker. Short whistle meant fastball, long whistle for a change-up. Seemed telling.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 months

JD Martinez says atmosphere in clubhouse has changed for better since that players-only meeting. Flaws remain obvious but Mets are 8-4 since then; Diaz looked good in return from IL; and Alvarez is back. So if you're looking for reasons to be hopeful, well, there they are.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 month

Ok, I'm officially on the Lindor-as-MVP candidate bandwagon. Ohtani putting up crazy numbers but Lindor has been one of the best hitters in 2nd half. Carrying the Mets a lot as he did tonight w/GS, 2 HRs. And his def. outs-above-average range is in 99th percentile, via Statcast.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

24 days

So if I told you back in April that come September Vientos would have a higher OPS, at .905, than B Harper, F Freeman, C Seager, Schwarber...what a story. All credit to him for recognizing need to improve plate discipline, get shorter and quicker to the ball, etc. Remarkable.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 years

The Mets fired Willie Randolph at 3 in the morning. No reason they should be waiting til the morning to fire Jared Porter. He should be gone already.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Awkward exchange after slumping Vogelbach takes two strikes, as he often does, then grounds out. Darling essentially questions why Vogelbach takes so many pitches. Keith: "I don't have an answer. I just don't have an answer." Ron: "Ok."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Got a chance to talk to key people at Citi yesterday and it confirmed my sense that Mendoza is making an impact as mgr. He's earned respect in clubhouse with feel for game and the way he holds players accountable. Backed Diaz publicly but the team knows he was angry with him.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

13 days

Being at Citi past two nights, got a sense the Mets are oozing with confidence, even missing Lindor. Strong leadership, starting w/Mendoza, mature approach to playing with focus, intensity. On a 14-4 run and feels like they're playing at higher level down stretch than '22 team.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

No idea what Steve Cohen is going to do, but in the last few days I've now spoken to two long-time friends of Billy Beane who say he's very much open to the idea of becoming pres. of bb ops for Mets. Would hire a GM to handle day-to-day duties of the job. We'll see.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Alonso gets hit again, 17th time this season. Showalter says he's not happy - again. Yet Mets never retaliate to let teams know it's not ok, intentional or not. Wrote about this a month ago. Alonso has to be frustrated that his pitchers haven't had his back.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

If Mets complete sweep of the Rockies they'll have 50 wins at the break and finish the first half on a 28-12 run. Seemed unthinkable when they were 22-33 on May 29th but now anything seems possible for this team if Stearns can build on what Butto/Nunez are doing for the bullpen.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Mets really had to eat $4 million on Chris Flexen's contract just so they could acquire this Trevor Gott? So far he's making Mychal Givens look like a steal at last year's trade deadline.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Interesting that Buck is moving deGrom ahead of Bassitt to pitch Friday. So he's 1)going for the kill 2)wary of having deGrom wait a full week after his clunker 3)preparing to have deGrom ready for last day of season in case Mets need to beat Nats to clinch 4)all of the above.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Missed this last night. Always nice to see a pitcher appreciate and acknowledge an ovation. Not enough do it. Manaea has been very good lately - 1.44 ERA in his last four starts, and went 7 vs. Rockies.

SNY Mets

@SNY_Mets

3 months

Sean Manaea walks off to an ovation from the Citi Field crowd after 7 strong innings of work vs. the Rockies 👏

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Boone getting roasted on YES post-game for a)deciding the 9th inning of Game 3 wasn't the "emergency" situation required to use Holmes b)management of pen if he wasn't planning to use Holmes, leading to Schmidt in do-or-die spot after not trusting him over Taillon in Game 2.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Interesting to hear Manaea say Mendoza told him, in so many words after walk-filled first inning, to stop messing around and throw strikes. Alvarez too implored him to trust his stuff, stop trying to make perfect pitches. Mendoza seems to have a good feel for managing these Mets.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Marte delivers and I'm not sure but I think Mets might already have more hits w/RISP than they had all of April last year.

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951

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

As Mets keep it rolling I think it's time they bring Christian Scott back up, fit him into what will likely be a six-man rotation again. Pitching has been solid but Scott offers potential for dominance they could use.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

On BNNY tonight Terry Collins heartily endorsed Buck Showalter for Mets mgr job: "It's time to make an impact and I think the impact is Buck Showalter. Nobody crossed the T's and dots the I's better than Buck. He's one of the most prepared guys I've ever been around."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Plenty of blame to go around for another no-show by Mets offense (other than Alvarez), but surely it's time for Buck to stop trying to prove he's right about Vogelbach (hitting .188 in May, 2 HRs for season). Don't know if Vientos is the answer but need regular ABs to find out.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

28 days

Ya gotta be impressed with Mets' maturity/intensity to avoid letdowns against White Sox and then first game back after long west coast trip - always a classic letdown spot. Really get the sense Lindor's hunger to win, obvious in the way he shows emotion, is helping raise the bar.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Shouldn't go overlooked that Baty followed Alvarez's HR with tough AB vs. lefty Chafin, pulling a two-strike slider through the hole for single, or that Canha took a down-and-away sinker to the gap in RCF to drive in Baty with go-ahead run. Three really good ABs in that rally.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Big picture: Mets are dead team walking if stars like Scherzer, Lindor are this bad. Huge pressure on Verlander Wednesday. Not-so-big picture: 2nd straight game Buck has opted for Guillorme over power bats down a run late in game. Again, how is Vogelbach still on the team?

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Buck continues to say he likes having Dom Smith to come off the bench in late innings, but it's getting harder and harder to justify having Cano in the lineup over him.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

I get that Mets' fans were down on Scherzer, and understandably so. Too many clunkers in big spots, especially last October. But the guy did make a huge impact last year with his work ethic, intensity, etc. I don't think anybody was more respected by teammates in that clubhouse.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Brutal loss for the Mets. They sure could have used Aaron Loup.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Wheeler was astonished, furious, hurt, you name it, that Mets wouldn't let him be around the team that post-season as he rehabbed from TJ surgery. Prob didn't matter because Mets undervalued him but as he once told me, referring to his eventual FA, "I won't forget that."

Mike Puma

@NYPost_Mets

2 years

Seems like just yesterday the Mets were telling Zack Wheeler to buy his own tickets if he wanted to attend the 2015 postseason games.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 years

Alderson just now on WFAN: "I actually think Bauer would be a great personality in New York. The kind of guy that fans would endorse. We're in the entertainment business." Also said Bauer's unconventional ideas about pitching could be something of value to his new team.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

I've been screaming about Robertson since last trade deadline. Mets finally got him. Still the perfect 8th inning guy at age 38 next season. Curveball such a great weapon. Lefties hit .168 against him last year. Righties .179. Important signing.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Two observations from a scout I spoke with today re: Mets-Braves: 1)"Don't tell me the Braves don't miss Freeman. They need more guys who are tough outs." 2)"Buck did a brilliant job managing a limited bullpen in that series. Going for it with Diaz (6 outs) really set a tone."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 months

One last thought from being at Citi for the Strawberry ceremony: Steve Cohen has really done right by the fans in so many ways, from the number retirements to Old-Timers day to the Seaver statue. I still think he'll get the baseball part of it right eventually as well.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

19 days

Mets have had a bunch of wins in last few weeks that make it feel like a special season in the making, none more so than this one. Truly an MVP-type moment for Lindor, breaking up that no-hitter with 9th inning HR and tying the game. As clutch as it gets.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Never mind. Mets getting rookie-level minor league position-player prospects back for Robertson who are years away from big leagues. Totally baffled that they couldn't do better and that they wouldn't wait longer in hope of a better return.

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

To be clear, I have to think the Mets are getting a very good prospect from Marlins who can help as soon as 2024. Otherwise they would have held out on Robertson to Tuesday's deadline.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Pitching is big problem but it's looking more and more like Mets were overly conservative w/Alvarez as well as Baty. Alvarez showing his power (2 HRs tonight) and he's catching better than reports indicated. Can't help but think Mauricio/Vientos could make a difference as well.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

Ron Darling is as measured as they come with his commentary. So when he said the Mets should have taken up Alvarado on his invitation to "come get me," it tells you how unprofessional the Phillies' reliever was with his gesturing toward Dom Smith after the strikeout.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

That DP has to be last chance saloon for Vogelbach, right? Buck just can't defend playing him any longer.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Calling up Alvarez for the Braves' series is about as Steve Cohen Mets as it gets. And why not? He's likely a better RH DH option than either Ruf or Vientos right now.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Different team, different vibe with the kids in the lineup. Mets with another huge comeback win. Just gotta find more pitching.

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891

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 months

This is pure gold. From the "Swaggy V" reference of Vientos to the singing into the camera, and, of course, the smooth-as-silk pivot on the DP. Iglesias as a Met is nothing short of a phenomenon.

MLB

@MLB

2 months

OMG! A mic'd up Jose Iglesias turns the double play with a little flair.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Iglesias pivot on 9th-inning DP shouldn't go overlooked. He put himself in harm's way, stepping into baseline to shorten throw, something you never see anymore, and took a hard take-out slide. Also, FWIW, never seen a LF come all the way in to congratulate 2B on DP as Nimmo did.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

6 years

Two scouts said Mets would be making big mistake if they give up Kelenic, last year's 1st-round pick, in Cano trade. Said one: "He's still young (19) but he has a chance to be a superstar."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

And btw, somebody better be buying Nate Fisher a beer tonight in the big city. Talk about unsung hero.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

As Mets climb continues, wins like this put more pressure on Stearns to add quality bullpen arms. Diekman brutal, Maton shaky and Diaz has to be sharper. Got the save but walked 2, including No. 9 hitter on 4 pitches. Fortunate that Tovar swung through hanging slider to end it.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Interesting to hear @SteveGelbs say on the telecast that JD Martinez had a big impact on improving Iglesias during his time in Syracuse ramping up after his late start. Introduced Iglesias to the weighted bats he uses in drills and apparently improved his bat speed significantly.

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880

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Made a point yesterday of noting my respect for Mendoza, but can't defend pulling Scott with 2 outs in 6th at 77 pitches when he was cruising. I get they wanted to limit his pitch count on regular rest but that's just overmanaging. Especially bringing in a kid making his debut.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Quite a scene at Citi, where Iglesias is singing his OMG song on the infield, surrounded by his teammates, and the crowd (awaiting fireworks) is roaring its approval. At this point I'm just shocked Grimace didn't saunter out and join the party. 😎

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Don't want to let this go without mention: Jeff McNeil showed up big-time in that Braves' series. Have always loved watching him hit - would be cool if he can win the NL batting title. Trails Freeman by a point, .326/.327. McNeil has hit .377 over last 57 games, back to 7/30.

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842

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

On SNY post-game Zeile raising the possibility that Megill was tipping pitches, based on the quality of Nationals' hitters swings and takes, especially on the change-up. Worth remembering Zeile was on top of deGrom tipping a few years ago.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

5 years

Alonso's unabashed joy is something you rarely see from big leaguers, even rookies who hit 52 home runs. Teammates, fans, even cynical sportswriters appreciate the sincerity; made it that much more fun to watch his historic season.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

26 days

Being at Citi last night, got a real sense of just how much Mets' fans have come to embrace Lindor. The "M-V-P" chants were loud and grew in intensity into late innings. Also got the sense it's helping him play relaxed with extreme confidence, which is when he's at his best.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

28 days

Maton proving to be a trade-deadline steal. Mets gave up cash or player to be named later as Rays were looking to move Maton's salary. With save tonight he has a 1.77 ERA in 20 1/3 ip as a Met, only 10 hits allowed. Not overpowering yet has 20 K's, induces a lot of soft contact.

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850

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Kudos to the Mets for recognizing the urgency of the bullpen situation and bringing up Butto. Kind of a no-brainer, as I said last night, but at least they didn't resist the obvious. And it made all the difference to have a reliable, multi-inning arm in a tight game.

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850

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

My only issue with deGrom was not being more honest publicly about simply deciding to take the Rangers' money. I still love watching the guy pitch, hope he's not hurt bad. But this is why the Mets would have been crazy to go anywhere near the 5-year, $185 million he got in Texas.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

5 months

As a rookie manager Mendoza just showed that he's willing to manage with his eyes and have a feel for the situation, going to the mound but then leaving Quintana in to finish the 8th inning with game tied 1-1. Don't see much of that anymore.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

Mets person tells me the respect for Scherzer "is through the roof. Everyone knew his reputation for intensity but people wondered if all the time/effort he put into (CBA) negotiations would affect his readiness. And he's out there throwing 90 pitches 2nd time out. Remarkable."

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 year

Those weren't seeing-eye singles by Vientos and Alvarez to get the game tied in the 10th. Vientos hit his 105.8 mph up the middle. Alvarez pulled his 105.2 mph through the hole. Off a great closer.

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John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 years

Had to be here to appreciate this one: on Canha's double, crowd got another level louder when they saw Cora wave Vogelbach home after misplay in the outfield, then saw the big guy visibly turn it up a notch, and finally erupt as he scored. He's officially the new favorite here.

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824

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

6 years

Talked to a scout tonight who said Mets would be nuts to trade Wheeler: "The way he's pitching, you'd have to get a stud for him, and I think his history prevents that. He's reached another level - you can see it in the body language. With his stuff, command breeds presence."

66

130

786

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Worth noting as it applies to Mets' recent success has been Houser's remarkable performance out of the pen after failing as a starter. With 3 scoreless innings last night he has a 1.46 ERA in 10 appearances and 24 2/3 innings as a reliever. Compared to his 8.55 ERA as a starter.

28

31

825

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

19 days

Some credit to Mendoza: played Alvarez in a day-game spot where he'd usually start Torrens because he thought the slumping young catcher was having better at-bats last few days. Good feel-for-the-game move that paid off with the put-away HR in 9th.

8

28

825

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Mets have gone 25-12 to climb into WC spot right now. The run started after players-only meeting but I'd point to JD Martinez game-winning HR on 6/13 that saved team from series loss to Marlins as key moment. Clutch HR launched 7-game winning streak that made players believers.

37

40

818

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

2 months

Can't count the number of times those type of finishes have gone the Braves' way over the years. Starting to feel like the Mets have a little magic going, hanging tough to win on a night when Sale dominated, getting a little lucky at the end.

22

34

818

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 years

Crazy that Lindor, especially, wasn't in the lineup for Game 2. Finally looking better at the plate, hitting a lot of balls hard last few days, including game-winning HR in Game 1. It's September and Mets have no margin for error or time for load management.

99

39

781

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

14 days

Themes from winning clubhouse, w/column to follow: Mets very impressed with Acuna handling ground balls with game on the line; players speak about Manaea in reverent tones, he's so dominant; Iglesias is still a vibe, the energy, the intensity, the clutch ABs. Teammates love him.

15

36

805

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

That's an all-timer of a comeback win for the Mets to keep the vibe going. Seven straight and they're playing with a new-found belief that you couldn't have seen coming just a few weeks ago. Diaz closing with confidence again - crucial if this team is going to make a run.

19

28

799

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

3 months

Padres lose 4th straight, Cardinals lose DH to KC, and Mets are 1/2 game out of 3rd WC, 1 1/2 behind 2nd WC. More significantly they continue to look like a legit contender if the bullpen can avoid meltdowns. More reason for Stearns to add more relief help.

17

30

792

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

4 months

There's no defending Lopez, especially for showing no regret. Mets are justified in DFA'ing him, but let's be fair. Watch the video: he did not call the Mets the worst team in MLB. He said, "I think I've been looking (like) the worst teammate in the whole MLB." Big difference.

143

63

785

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

29 days

I know fans were fearing the worst, based on Mets' habit of playing poorly vs. bad teams. So kudos to Manaea, Lindor and the rest for grinding to sweep pitiful W Sox. They've shown plenty of resilience but this was a different kind of toughness. Perhaps a good sign for September.

19

25

792

John Harper

@NYNJHarper

1 month

Peterson had the hardest job, needing to set the tone after Wednesday night's late-inning crusher, and he delivered. He's been one of best pitchers in NL for several weeks. Has a 1.86 ERA in last six starts.

12

19

775