OOTP 18-Mets 88 Dynasty

Introduction

Previous Season Recap:Injuries hit us hard in 1987, coming of a 1986 world series win. We still won 92 games however, yet fell short three games to the Cardinals. The Expos finished behind us by a game. This year? Our team is rejuvenated, with a new GM (yours truly).

Owner:Bill Weiss
General Manager:Me
Assistant General Manager:None (currently vacant)
Manager:Davey Johnson

Goals
-Achieve a winning record this season
-Have a final total balance of $1,600,000
-keep building your team up to reach the playoffs in the next two seasons

NEW GM IN NEW YORK

MEET THE METS

STARTING LINEUP

(BA/OBP/SLG) INCLUDES GM NOTES

1.Lenny Dykstra (CF)
-1987 Stats: 285/352/455/10HRs/43RBI/37 Doubles/27 Steals
-Ratings: Contact 65, Gap Power:65, HR Power:40, Eye/Discipline:60, Avoid K's:70, Speed:70, Stealing:70, Base-running:70
Dykstra faces competition from Mookie Wilson as the teams leadoff hitter and full time center-fielder. Which, is a difficult decision to make but I'll go with Daveys call. The two had nearly identical 1987 seasons, with Wilson batting a higher 299 but stealing less bases, having nearly identical OBP, and similar power numbers. Dykstra hit more doubles however, and Wilson is getting up there in age (32) versus Dykstra whose only 25. Dykstra has worked in the off-season on improving his plate disicpline (which, he showed alot of in the minors, walking 107 times in single A in 1983) and needs to be encouraged to adopt a more refined approach at the plate (which, again he posses. Its just a matter of translating that). Josh Carter (our hitting Coach) needs to continue to work with Dykstra on reaching base, and again, I've said it before but Nails should be swapping WAY more bags. Last year he swapped just 27, year before 37. This is a guy who swapped over 100 in 1983, and 53 in 1984. I'd like to see him focus on drawing walks and swiping bags, rather then trying to hit 300. Dykstra will likely be our full time CF in 1988, with Wilson getting playing time in both LF and CF.

2.Wally Backman (2B)
-1987 Stats: 250/307/287/1HR/23RBI/6Doubles/11SB
-Ratings: Contact:65, Gap Power: 45, HR Power: 20, Eye/Discipline:55, Avoid K's:55, Speed:40, Stealing:60, Baserunning:50
Backmans injury in 1987 (played just 94 games) was a major reason we failed to the cardinals. Down year, especially coming off an amazing 1986 which he batted 320. Although he's just 28, he's a free agent next year and, well, we will see how he does this season before we consider extensions.

3.Kevin McReynolds (LF)
-1987 Stats:276/318/495/29HR/95RBI/14SB
-Contact 65, Gap Power, 55, HR Power 60, Eye/Discipline 40, Avoid K's 70, Speed 55, Stealing 70, Baserunning 65
Picked him up in a trade in 87 were we sent Kevin Mitchell (good riddance) to the Padres. Reynolds finished 1987 with strong power numbers, slamming 29 dingers and knocking in nearly 100 RBI well hitting a solid 276. Outperforming Mitchell on all fronts, expect for average (Mitchell hit 280 and 20 dingers). I'd say that trade was definitely worth it, we get a player of similar caliber in Reynolds and the headache that is Mitchell off our team. I'm hoping for another 30 home run campaign by Kevin, followed with a decent batting average and providing needed backup for Straw and Hojo. He also has some speed to, and plays pretty solid defense. We've talked about extending Reynolds. He wants a 10 year deal at $15,700,000, which again were not doing. I've proposed a 5 year deal at exacley 7.6Mil, so hopefully that comes through.

4.Darryl Strawberry (RF)
-1987 Stats:284/398/583/39HR/104RBI/36SB
-Contact 60, Gap Power 50, HR Power 75, Eye/Discipline 55, Avoid K's 45, Speed 65, Stealing 65, Base-running 45
Literally, can do it all. Kid is just 25, and already has smashed 147 Homers, and just seems to be getting better year by year. He's never hit fewer then 25 homers since his debut in 1983, and only seems to get better. In 1987 he posted carrer highs in everything, homers (39, up from 27 in 86), RBI (104, up from 93 in 86 and 79 in 85) and steals (reached 36 up from 28 in 1986). Even cut down his K rate from 141 to 122 (well playing 18 games from 86 to 87) and posted highs in AVG (up from 259 in 1986 to 284 in 1987). Has it all, speed, power, good defense and just seems to be improving year by year. Who knows what kind of numbers he'll post in 1988? Could hit 45 bombs and swipe over 30 bases. Is easily our best offense player, and that's saying alot coming from our power house team.

5.Howard Johnson (SS)
-1987 Stats:265/364/504/36HR/99RBI/32SB
-Contact 50, Gap Power 45, HR Power 50, Eye/Discipline 55, Avoid K's 50, Speed 70, Stealing 75, Baserunning 65
Came over in 1985 in a trade with the Tigers, for Walt Terrell. Johnson wasint much of an offensive weapon his first two years, clubbing only 21 homers and hitting just 243. This was in 1984 and 1985 alone. Only stole 14 bags two. However, last year he broke out slamming 36 dingers and swiping 32 bags, nearly knocking in 100 runs, improved plate discipline (drew 83 walks), and cut down on his K rate. He's only 86, and the 3-4-5 punch we have between McReynolds, Strawberry, and Johnson will be a sight to see. Not only can this kid hit for Power (he's just 27), but he also has speed with him and starwberry becoming the first 30-30 teammates last year. Just watch, the combo of Johnson/Strawberry will be a sight to see in the next decade rivaling that of Oaklands McGwire/Canseco combo, and will be the linchpin of the next decade leading us to victory over the up and coming Expos and Pirates.

6.Keith Hernandez (1B)
-1987 Stats:290/377/436/18HR/90RBI/0SB
-Ratings: Contact 65, Gap Power 55, HR Power 50, Eye/Discipline 65, Avoid K's 60, Speed 25, Stealing 50, Baserunning 50
Team leader and Captain. Though he dosint swing for the fences, he can be counted on to hit 300, knock in nearly 100 runs, and draw tons of walks. However, he is getting up there in age. Last season wasint his best, hitting just 290 compared to his last four years in NY (1983-1986) were he never hit under 307. He also hit just 28 doubles (never hitting under 30 since 1976) and for the first time in his career struck out over 100 times (compared to just 69 in 1986 and 59 in 195). Although, he did post a career high 18 homers. However, I think he has enough left in the tank for some more good seasons and his legendary defense at first coupled with what I believe to be another 300 (or at least close) season well getting on base will help provide protection to our 3-4-5 combo. No clue why Davey is batting him 6th, I'd go 2nd or 3rd to get on for Strawberry or Johnson, but I guess he has his reasons.

7.Gary Carter (C)
-1987 Stats:235/290/392/20HR/83RBI/0SB
-Ratings:50 Contact, 40 Gap, HR Power 55, Eye 45, Avoid K's 65, Speed 20, Stealing 25, Baserunning 25
Years of catching over 130 games a year may be doing a toll on him, as he posted lows in average, homers, and RBIs last year (knocking in over 100RBI and slamming over 25dingers in 1984, 85, and 86). However, he's still the best defensive catcher around, and can be counted on to catch over 120 games. With a strong top of the lineup, him repeating his 1987 stats would actually be completely fine, and he's still easily one of the top five catchers both offensively and defensively in the game today.

8.Greg Jefferies (3B)
-1987 (Rookie): 367/423/598/20HR/26SB (AA)
High average and speed, low walks and power. Should be a great third basemen in years to come, though lacks power. Not sure if he's quite ready for the show (is only 20) and am considering flipping him for a top of the line third basemen (since, again with a lineup like this winning is our only option).

BENCH

Phil Lombardi (C)
-Ratings: 50 contact, 45 Gap Power, 45 HR Power, 65 Eye/Discipline, 50 Avoid K's, 25/30/40 (Speed/Stealing/Baserunning)
-Pretty much your standard backup catcher. Carter catches about 140 games a year, so he only got in five games in 87 and 20 in 86. I've instructed Johnson to play him more to give Carter more rest, so Lombardi should get more starts. decent behind the plate, but has low power and his average (well not BAD persay) in the minors isint anything impressive. He does get on base alot though, posting a 378 OBP in seven minor league seasons, which is of course useful.

Tim Teufel (UT)
-1987 Stats:308/398/545/14HR/61RBI/3SB
-Ratings: Contact 45, Gap Power 60, HR Power 35, Eye/Discipline 55, Avoid K's 55, Speed 30, stealing 45, baserunning 25
Backupinfielder, got lots of playing time in 1987 due to injuries, and played pretty DAMN well slugging 14 dingers in 97 games well batting 308. Should see playing time when anyone needs a day off.

Dave Magadan (1B)
-1987:318/386/411/3HR/24RBI/0SB
-Contact 65, Gap Power 50, HR Power 25, Eye/Discipline 65, Avoid K's 65, 20 Speed, Stealing 25, Baserunning 25
This guy can flat out hit. In over 400 Minor league games he's averaged per 162 games a 324 Average, 120 walks, just 59 strikeouts and has reached an OBP constitently over 400 (443 lifetime in the minors). Only problem? hits for absolutely zero power, hitting just 7 home runs life time. Example, in 1984 Single A, Magadan played in 112 games batting 350 with an OBP of 494 and 104 walks and 62RBI along with zero home runs. I still have high hopes for him. We have a pretty stacked lineup and get power from else were (such as the outfield and corner positions) and Magadan is an amazing hitter. So, having a 300+ average first basemen who never strikes out and draws walks sounds pretty good to me. I defintly see this kid as underrated, and being our first basemen of the future.

Mookie Wilson (CF) (Contact 70, Gap 55, HR 45, Eye 45, Avoid K's 55):With Dykstra taking over at CF, I think its best we move Wilson ASAP for some prospects. He's 33 and with a game largely based around speed (which, again is in decline) it would be best to get what we can out of him now before its to late. Many fans will be pissed since he means alot to this franchise, but I just don't see the point of him and Dykstra sharing ABs.

Kevin Elster (SS) (Contact 45, Gap 35, HR Power 50, Eye 40, Avoid K's, 65):Young Shortstop with some pop in his bat for a SS, but also in his mouth to.

Tim Tolman (CF) (Contact 45, Gap 50, HR Power 45, Eye 50, Avoid K's 45) (1987 Stats:9 games, 0.83AVG, 429OBP, 1RBI) ?????

ROTATION

We need our rotation to return to at least similar numbers to 86 if were going to win the divison. Last season, pitching proved to be our fatal flaw (well, largely due to injuries) despite having one of the best lineups in baseball.

Dwight Gooden (SP) (4.5 Stars) (15-7, 3.21ERA, 179IP, 148K, 53BB)
Posted, for the first time in his young career an ERA over 3 and posted career lows in strikeouts, innings pitched, and wins. Still is only 23, and I believe will easily bounce back to legendary form.

Bob Ojeda (5 Stars) (3-5, 3.88ERA, 46IP, 21K, 10BB)
-After going 18-5 in 1986 with an ERA of 2.57, he missed most of 1987 due to injuries (again, out staff was badly injured, large reason we couldint catch the redbirds). Should bounce back next year if he can stay healthy.

David Cone (5 Stars) (5-6, 3.71ERA, 99IP, 68K, 44BB)
-We got him in a trade from Kansas City, and is supposed to be the next big thing. Lets see if he lives up to his potential.

Sid Fernandez (4 Stars) (12-8, 3.81ERA, 156IP, 134K, 67BB)
-I see him as our number say #4 for quite a while.

Ron Darling (4 Stars) (12-8, 4.29 ERA, 207IP, 167K, 99BB)
-Had a disappointing 1987, with an ERA of 4.29, when in 86 and 85 he posted ERAS of 2.90 and 2.81. Hopefully bounces back to all star form. Extremely high stamina.

Randy Myers (Closer) (4.5 Stars) (3-6, 3.96ERA, 75IP, 92K, 30BB, 6 Saves)
-Will take over as our closer.

April 4th, 1988

Pulled off a major trade today, to many fans dismay. Traded Mookie Wilson to the Astros in exchange for Ken Caminiti and two other minor leaguers. People are scratching there heads, and many fans are pissed. Why trade Wilson when were 7-4? Well, he's a free agent next year, is quite expensive, and we have Dykstra to replace him in the outfield. Caminiti has alot of potential, and could be our starting third basemen for years to come or at least a good UT player. If not, we can always flip him at the deadline.

Current Record: 7-4 (1st in divison, 1/2 games ahead of Pirates)
Best NL Team:LA Dodgers 9-3
Best AL Team:Oakland A's 9-3

Current Record:16-5

We had an amazing month. David Cone has lived up to all star expectations, winning best pitcher of the month. McReynolds has won hitter of the month. No one can touch us, were six games up on the Pirates (11-12), and the second best team in Baseball after the Oakland A's (17-7) and Dodgers (17-7).

Best Hitter:Kevin McReynolds 388Average/7Homers/21RBI
Best Pitcher:David Cone 5-0 and a 0.97ERA

End of May
Record:38-12 (1st place in NL East, 8 games ahead)
Were the best team in baseball, second best being the A's who are 34-18. Dodgers are 33-19 and Giants 31-20. Closest team to us is the Pirates, and there 30-20 yet still eight games back. everything seems to be coming together. We have Bob Ojeada and David Code leading the NL in wins, Lenny Dykstra tied for first in steals with 20 (with Cardinals Vince Coleman at 20), and Strawberry and Johnson leading the NL in homers (15 and 14 respectivley). our pitching has been absolutely amazing. Cone leads the league also in ERA and strikeouts, Myers fourth in saves, and Fernandez fourth in wins at 8. With the way things are going, no one can stop us.

June 27th, 1988
Current Record:52-22 (4 games ahead), best record in Baseball

ALL STAR GAME LINEUPS

National League
Gary Carter (C, Mets) = 274/333/435/9HR/34RBI/0Steals
Will Clark (1B, Giants) = 288/388/496/11HR/37RBI/2Steals
Ryne Sandberg (2B, Cubs) = 293/352/432/6HR/35RBI/4Steals
Pedro Guerrero (3B, Los Angeles Dodgers) = 330/391/437/4HR/28RBI/0Steals
Howard Johnson (SS, Mets) = 254/354/519/20HR/47RBI/21Steals
Kirk Gibson (LF, Los Angeles Dodgers) = 307/417/468/9HR/44RBI/12Steals
Eric Davis (CF, Reds) = 269/330/476/15HR/49RBI/20Steals
Darryl Strawberry (RF, Mets) = 237/326/464/18HR/36RBI/13Steals
Starting Pitcher:David Cone (Mets) 12-2, 1.84ERA, 117IP, 121K
Other SP: Rick Reuschel (Giants), Dwight Gooden (Mets), Don Robinson (Giants), Kelly Down (Giants)
Closer:Larry Anderson (Astros) 2-2, 0.81ERA, 19Saves

American League
Carlton Fisk (C, White Sox) = 293/364/519/10HR/30RBI/0Steals
Mark McGwire (1B, Oakland Athletics) = 263/376/537/23HR/74RBI/0Steals
Paul Molitor (2B, Brewers) = 332/404/505/9HR/41RBI/12Steals
Wade Boggs (3B, Boston Red Sox) = 303/443/462/2HR/16RBI/1Steals
Alan Trammell (SS, Detroit Tigers) = 328/362/500/6HR/22RBI/1Steals
Mike Greenwall (LF, Boston Redsox) = 335/428/584/15HR/49RBI/9Steals
Kirby Puckett (CF, Minnesota Twins) = 335/358/508/12HR/59RBI/3Steals
Jose Canseco (RF, Oakland Athletics) = 340/429/672/24HR/69RBI/29Steals
Starting Pitcher:Roger Clemens (Boston Red Sox) 10-6, 3.06ERA, 123IP, 138K
Other SP:Bret Saberhagen (Royals), Frank Viola (Minnesota Twins), Dave Stewart (Oakland Athletics), Mike Witt (California Angels)
Closer:Dennis Eckersley (Oakland Athletics) 3-0, 1.54ERA, 24Saves, 41IP, 57K

July 2nd, 1988
BREAKING NEWS:CONE OUT 5MONTHS


Well, FUCK. Our best pitcher, and right now the best in the game has had his season come to an end. We can have the young Brian Givens (22) take Cones place for the next week, but obviously were going to have to give up some prospects to gain another ace. The pirates are 7 games back, but still have a 48-30 record (better then any NL team but us) and with the likes of Barry Bonds (322 average and 67 Dingers), Mosieus Alou, Andy Van Slyke, and Bobby Bonilla they could surge back to life at any moment. Getting another starter to replace Cone will be done within a week.

Bob Ojeda, whose having a legendary season (12-2, 1.96ERA), Gooden 8-3, 2.90ERA) and Fernandez (10-3, 1.74ERA) should be enough to keep us going. But, we def need another arm. Right now, it looks like were going to be playing the Giants in the NLCS. Lead by former Met Kevin Mitchell (293/12HR/51RBI) and Will Clark, plus a strong staff. Not really worried about them though, our team outhits and can out pitch them any day. Boston has Clemens, Boggs, and Greenwall but again theres no chance they make it past the A's, the team I believe we'll be facing in the world series. The A's are absolutely stacked, with three of there players leading the league in RBI (Dave Henderson 78, Mark McGwire 76, and Jose Canseco 73) and have McGwire and Canseco leading the AL with 25 homers respectively each. To put it in perspective, the two combined have hit more dingers then the entire Phillies team combined, Cansecos also fast to already reaching 30steals at the all star break. Were going to need another ace to tame there bats, and that goes for the Giants aswell. Don't count out the Royals either, they have Bo Jackson (who despite hiting just 224 is already second in the AL with 24dingers) and George Brett (306AVG, 18Homers, and 63RBI) along with the young all star Danny Tartibull.

MESSAGE FROM OWNERSHIP


"disapointed in teams onfield and financial performance" what the FUCK? Were 56-24, and have the best record in baseball! You would think Weiss would show a bit more respect. I did everything he asked, slashed payroll by trading Wilson and have us at the best record in baseball. My guess is the guy has it out for me.

So, we fixed our pitching issue by acquiring Eric Show (7-10 and 3.68ERA, though in 1986 he went 9-5 w/a 2.97ERA). Show is a free agent next year, so he will be a rental. We also acquired Mike Davis (4-2, 21Saves, and a 2.11ERA) to bolster our bullpen. We sent four prospects, including power hitting minor league Catcher Todd Hundley and a draft pick to San Diego. I have no clue why the Padres wanted Hundley, they have a top catcher in Santiago (just 23 years old) and 1988 RoY. My guess is they flip Hundley later for another prospect.

Gary Carter wants a four year deal at 6.4MIL. He's having a great year to, really re-bounding from a weak 1987 batting 280 with 12 dingers. As great as Carters been for this franchise, I think I'll pass. There's a catcher I'm eyeing for the Orioles. Mickey Tettleton, hits for power and draws walks but has a low BA. I'm planning on send Gregg Jefferies next season to the Tigers in exchange for him, then sowing up third base by either moving Magaden there or acquiring a free agent.

September 1st 1988

Well, we have the best record in the NL at 87-46. Second best in baseball, after the A's who are 90-44. The Pirates are an impressive 80-54, yet have no chance of catching us 7 games back.

NLCS: New York Mets (101-61) Vs SF Giants (96-66)
ALCS: Oakland Athletics (110-52) Vs Boston Red Sox (90-72)

Game 1, 1988 WORLD SERIES

Notes
-A's suffer from injuries to CF Dave Henderson, who has hit 35 dingers. Could benefit us, without Hendu in there lineup the A's lack one of there best RBI machines.
-we also have Cone injured, so are going with Sid Fernandez for game 1. A's give the ball to there ace Bob Welch.