In his latest mailbag, Matthew Cerrone answers questions about Luis Rojas, Yoenis Cespedes, Mets fans marrying Yankees fans, and more...
What do you think of Luis Rojas? ~ @BritMets
To be fair, I don't know enough about Rojas to know how I feel about him. Based on his background, skills, interests, ability to speak multiple languages and his popularity among the players, I think he's a good fit for what most teams view as qualifications for manager these days. He may actually have a better toolbox than Carlos Beltran.
The only concern I have for Rojas centers on how he'll handle media and fan criticism.
How will he handle speaking publicly two times every day during the organization's next crisis, which -- let's be honest -- seems to happen every few months, even when they're playing well. I don't have this answer, but -- unfortunately, as it is for most in that job -- how he relates to reporters, fans and talk show hosts will determine his fate.
The last time I asked you a question it was about dating a Yankees fan. Now I'm marrying her. So, it's only appropriate to ask how I marry a Yankees fan. ~ Brian E
I've been married 13 years, been with my wife since May 23, 1998, which is also the same day Mike Piazza played his first game with the Mets! True. Then, I would have answered this question with a long, clever, humorous response.
Today, though, 21 years later, my answer to you is to look her in the face, smile, say, 'I do,' be thankful you're in love with someone that shares your interests, and know that you'll soon be wrong about everything you say anyway, including opinions about baseball.
Have the Mets done enough this offseason to realistically compete for a playoff spot? ~ Gil G
They competed for -- and nearly won -- the NL Wild Card last season, so, yes, of course they can contend in 2020, especially since I see them as a better, more equipped and balanced team right now. I agree with most betting odds and experts, which put the Mets as a mid, 80-win team.
If they would let go and add significant money to their payroll right now, there's a trade to be made for an elite hitter by parting with a combination of J.D. Davis, Dominic Smith, a top prospect or two and probably a pitcher, such as Steven Matz. I'm not saying they should give up all of the above, but with their pitching I believe they can elevate to 90-win potential by making this level acquisition.
What's more likely? 30 HR for Yoenis Cespedes? Or, 30 saves for Edwin Diaz? ~ @MetsFanF97731
Diaz. He's healthy, I've seen him play baseball during the past year and -- for him -- making small changes and with a full of year of New York under his belt -- his 30 is more easily attainable than Cespedes.
I love the possibility of a Cespedes redemption story, but I can't buy into it until I see him in a game, playing a full nine innings repeatedly for a good stretch of time.
Do you still stay in touch with David Wright? ~ Ali
We swap text messages every now and then -- nothing crazy personal, just periodic check-ins. He's doing well and loving and enjoying time with his girls, which is something he and I have in common beyond the Mets.
Was Carlos Beltran the greatest player in Mets history? ~ Joe Bacci
In totality, over the course of a career, David Wright is the greatest position player in team history. This isn't opinion, it's based on how he ranks in production and categories. In terms of individual talent at the peak of their time in uniform, I'd still go Wright, though Beltran is a close second. Why? Wright's 2007 and 2008 seasons are the most dominant back-to-back seasons for a position player in team history.
In terms of pitching, for now, it's Tom Seaver. But at the rate he's going, assuming he retires with the Mets, Jacob deGrom is on pace to possibly steal that title.
What is your greatest memory of Shannon Forde? ~ Rusty
There are so many memories, conversations and moments we shared that this is difficult to answer, Rusty. You knew her, so you understand. She was fundamentally important in the early success of MetsBlog. She was a sounding board, as I was for her. She and I spent countless lunches around the corner from Shea Stadium talking about one another's struggles and strategizing our respective climb in sports media.
I've been writing on this site for 17 years. 17. And in that time, a lot of special, key people have left this experience -- be it by death, retirement, layoffs or just moving on. Hers was the first and still makes me sad to know she's gone.
Matthew Cerrone (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Contact) is a senior writer of MetsBlog.com, which he created in 2003. His book, The New York Mets Fans' Bucket List, details 44 things every Mets fan should experience during their lifetime.