The Mets put together a solid win over the Diamondbacks on Monday, but it did not come without some pregame controversy. Noah Syndergaard aired out his frustrations to Mets management on having Wilson Ramos catch him. Syndergaard was reportedly “livid” with pitching strategist Jeremy Accardo and Mickey Callaway.
Mickey Callaway on Noah Syndergaard's reported unhappiness with pitching to Wilson Ramos: "You can’t make everybody happy, and it’s not about making guys happy. It’s about winning at this point."
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 9, 2019
This led to a half hour meeting with GM Brodie Van Wagenen. In his last start, Syndergaard allowed four runs over five innings in the Mets 10-7 loss on Sunday. Syndergaard was frustrated after the game, but Callaway explained that he was simply trying to help the offense out. This also comes after Syndergaard talked about putting an end to the trade rumors surrounding him for the last two years.
Two Schools of Thought
One side of the argument says, Syndergaard has not earned the same privilege Jacob deGrom might have to pick his catcher. Ramos is the starting catcher and one of the best hitters on the team. If the Mets need him to play a majority of the games down the stretch, they should play him. Jacob deGrom just threw one of his best games with Ramos behind the dish. He showed is did not matter who his catcher is, he will still dominate.
Syndergaard does damage to himself by his inability to hold runners on which gives Ramos no chance to throw runners out. There could also be a disconnect on the type of game Ramos calls as well. No matter what the issues are, there is a major difference for Syndergaard depending on the catcher. Through 15 starts with Ramos he has a 5.09 ERA compared to 2.45 with Tomas Nido and a career 2.52 with Rene Rivera.
“Noah understands that I’m going to make the lineup out.”
Mickey Callaway responds to the report by @Joelsherman1 and @WheresKernan that Noah Syndergaard was “livid” that Wilson Ramos caught him yesterday. pic.twitter.com/xDhPRDfkRF
— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) September 9, 2019
On the other hand if the Mets do not give Syndergaard his personal catcher it could cause him to want out of New York. He has stated on multiple occasions how much he loves playing for the Mets. It would be a shame to lose a potential Cy Young candidate, just because the Mets want to force a bond between him and Ramos.
The Verdict
There is no doubt he can act needy at times, but it is because he wants to win. If Syndergaard can consistently pitch to a 2.5 ERA with Nido or Rivera, then it is worth it. The difference is significant enough to make the decision to reward him with a personal catcher. Syndergaard understands the bat he loses in the lineup with Ramos is out of the lineup, but the Mets offense also has enough strength to support him.
The Mets do not want to risk losing their season or future just because they need an extra bat in the lineup. Ramos can catch the four starters in the rotation as long as Syndergaard consistently throws like an ace.