An uninspiring first half has the Binghamton Mets with a record of 39-49. Which leaves them 23 games back in the division, and 15 games out of the second playoff spot. Unfortunately Pedro Lopez hasn’t had much to work with overall. To say there isn’t wasn’t much to be excited about through the first half, is an understatement. At least until Amed Rosario arrived, who has drastically changed the dynamic of the team. 

The team was planned to have some prospects surrounded by solid minor league veterans. Combined with a couple breakout candidates who should be in a position to perform. It is safe to say that the season hasn’t gone according to plan.

What has gone right…

The good news is the development of Dominic Smith is right on track. The second youngest to start the season in the Eastern League is turning on pitches and has demonstrated improved power. Prior to Rosario’s arrival, he was being pitched around daily. Positive take away is he was taking what the pitchers gave him, either a walk or it was weak contact for a single. That changed drastically with Rosario’s arrival; as his slash line suggests (.333/.412/.700)

Rosario himself has become among the top prospects in the game, (now ranked in top 20 among BP and BA mid-season rankings) since his arrival he has hit .424/.462/.610 with eight extra base hits.

Other positive performances include a pleasantly surprising Phillip Evans whose .311 average would lead the team if he had enough plate appearances and Matt Oberste consistent work with the bat (and flexibility in the field).

Robert Gsellman would lead the team in almost all categories on the mound if he had five more innings in AA. He took his 2.71 ERA, and 1.09 WHIP to Vegas.

First Half Team Offensive Leaders:

• Hits: Dominic Smith 85
• Runs: Derrik Gibson 44
• Doubles: Smith & Oberste 17
• HR: Dominic Smith 10
• BA: Matt Oberste .290
• OBP: Derrik Gibson .366
• RBI: Dominic Smith 59 – fourth in league
• SLG: Dominic Smith .436

First Half Team Pitching Leaders:

• Wins: Tyler Pill 6 – tied for fourth in league
• Innings: Tyler Pill 107.2 – leads the league
• Starter ERA: Rainy Lara 3.98
• Reliever ERA: Kevin McGowan 2.55
• Starter WHIP: Tyler Pill 1.21
• Reliever WHIP: Kevin McGowan 1.13
• Strikeouts: Tyler Pill 88 – third in league
• Saves: Beck Wheeler & Akeel Morris
• SO/W: Tim Peterson 7.00

What has not gone right…

Everything else. The pitching staff is ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category. The staff is led by a pitcher who is now in his fourth season in Binghamton in Pill, who is closing in on some team records. Mickey Jannis has struggled to control the knuckleball. The bullpen has been completely turned over, (much improved in the process) with players from St. Lucie. The team is also now on its third closer this season, as it appears David Roseboom will get the next crack at the role.

Offensively things have not gone well overall. Jeff McNeil, bulked up and was expected to be counted on as protection for Smith, got injured three weeks into the season and needed surgery for a sports hernia which he has yet to return from. The outfield has a combined 12 HR in 1108 PA, included in those combined stats is Jared King who suddenly retired.

What lies ahead…

The second half will be all about development, namely Smith, Rosario, McNeil (when he returns), and the recently promoted Champ Stuart. An everyday infield of Smith, McNeil, Rosario, and Oberste with depth of Evans and L.J. Mazzilli has a nice mix of potential and upside. Giving Evans some time in left field is a much better idea than the miscast Jayce Boyd (currently back on DL). I would add Tyler Pill to that outfield bench mix as well, but somehow he is the staff ace. 

The defense has been indefinitely improved with the promotion of Rosario, which will only help the pitching staff. Which also got a boost from the recently promoted Ricky Knapp (sent to St. Lucie but should be back) and recently signed Tyler Herron. Further development of the bullpen pieces that arrived from St. Lucie; McGowan, Peterson, and Alberto Baldonado would make a big difference to the future.

If this were the major league team, it would be full sell mode. As the playoffs do not appear to be in the cards for this season. Without the playoffs, it is possible we see a couple players move up to Vegas, if just for the AAA playoffs. Not really promotions, but exposure and an infusion of talent for a week.