The New York Mets’ innovative move hasn’t paid off. What once was a questionable move has turned into almost a laughable one as the 2019 Mets are as much of a train wreck as they were a year ago. Brodie Van Wagenen’s tenure as GM hasn’t been very good as all of his transactions have backfired massively. All but one: Pete Alonso.
We are now into the second half of the season and the Mets find themselves in the 4th place in the East and falling, with a 40-51 record. A season like this would get any GM and/or manager fired by the end of the year. However, the sensational rookie might change things for the troubled organization.
Pete Alonso Playing First? Sure, Why Not?
Calling Alonso up was bound to happen sooner or later. The Florida prospect did well in the minors. He had 273 hits in 940 total at-bats in lower level baseball. His 203 RBI, 53 homers, and a .290 batting average during three seasons in the minors made his call up almost a necessity for New York. The biggest fantasy baseball player in the world, however, took it one step further.
Van Wagenen and manager Mickey Callaway gave him the starting spot over at first over Todd Frazier. What seemed like a sign of madness turned out to be a wise choice. Alonso leads his team in RBI (68), OPS (1.006) and, long balls (30). If that wasn’t enough, he also won the 2019 Home Run Derby on stamina alone.
Alonso Kept His Cool In Cleveland
The Mets sensational rookie had one of the best All-Star rookie performances in history. After getting past Carlos Santana and Ronald Acuna Jr. in the first two rounds of the derby, he outlasted fellow rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final to take home the hardware. That alone must have had the troubled GM smiling from the distance. However, more was yet to come.
He was back at it again a day later at the All-Star Game. He did his part in the National League’s losing effort with a 2-run single off Brad Hand to bring Yasmani Grandal and David Dahl home. Not too shabby for a rookie. Somewhere in Progressive Field, the Mets’ GM held on to his breath and his job by the end of the ballgame.
How To Save A Job
The 2019 Mets’ season has been bad and things will likely get much worse. Their bullpen is still a mess and they will probably hold on to Noah Syndergaard and/or Jacob deGrom for nothing more than pride in this trade season. The one thing going right for them, however, will save the incompetent captain that runs the boat.
After all, it was Van Wagenen’s idea to call Alonso up. Was it a bit rushed? Yes. Did it look like a move out of a fantasy baseball league? Yes. Nonetheless, it is paying off for them. And frankly, this move was brilliant compared to the Robinson Cano trade.
Brodie will have a job thanks to a 24-year-old. As for Callaway, he might not be so lucky. Thank your dumb luck, Mr. GM.