New York Mets must make big changes at first base and in the rotation

The winds of changes are blowing and the New York Mets need to make one at first base and the other in their rotation.

One might think the New York Mets are in last place.  Based on the reaction from many, you would think the Mets are 10 games under .500. You would think the Mets have already been mathematically eliminated.

None of those scenarios are true. However, if big changes aren’t coming quickly, they will all come true.

Change #1: Replace Adrian Gonzalez

Adrian Gonzalez has not done enough to justify remaining on the team. He is slumping and it is time to release AGon and call up Dominic Smith or Peter Alonso. I am not convinced that Gonzalez is done completely, as he could wind up with an American League team, just not the Mets.

Change #2: Get a Catcher Already!

After watching more of the catching tandem of Jose Lobaton and Tomas Nido, I am adamant that the Mets must acquire a bonafide catcher who can hit. The defense hasn’t been terrible, but they have been automatic outs and enough is enough.

Change #3: Remove Matz from the Rotation

Mickey Callaway had a very short leash on Matt Harvey. His leash should be equally short with Steven Matz. He has been brutal. He has given them no quality starts and hasn’t lasted past the 5th inning. He has no confidence in his pitches and does not deserve to be in the rotation any longer. Matz could go to the bullpen and become the second lefty, or he could be sent to Las Vegas. Either way, he is not someone you can count on at all at this point.

Jason Vargas will replace Matt Harvey in the rotation, and Seth Lugo of Robert Gsellman could replace Matz. Another possible replacement could be Corey Oswalt or Chris Flexen. At this early point in the season, see which pitchers can do the job, rather than wait until it’s too late in the season.

My preference is to move Gsellman back to the rotation. He has been a Bulldog this season and Lugo can remain in the back end of the bullpen. I would also remove Zack Wheeler if he pitches poorly in his next start and give Oswalt a try.

Callaway, Dave Eiland, and general manager Sandy Alderson have all made it clear that they are looking to win this year. As I have written previously, they have been very good with holding players accountable this year. That means that they have to make these changes soon than later.

The Mets can not continue to allow poor performance by certain players to continue. In addition, if Harvey can be removed from the rotation, why shouldn’t Matz and possibly Wheeler? Adrian Gonzalez is making the minimum with the Mets. They took a flyer, and it didn’t work out. Why not just cut bait quickly and move on?

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Big changes have to come soon. If not, the hottest start that the Mets ever had will become a distant memory, and the good feelings that the fans have will be evaporated. The fans deserve better and I have confidence in Mickey Callaway that Sandy will be open-minded to making the necessary improvements for this team.