Episode 653 - Final Roster Spots & Mets Yankees Bets

Episode 668 - Drive Home, Mets Lose to A's, Return of Jeff McNeil

Apr 11, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, the hosts analyze a frustrating 4-0 loss to the Athletics, marking a low point for a team struggling significantly at the plate. The discussion centers on the team's inability to score, particularly noting a 17-inning scoreless streak. The hosts express deep concern over the current lineup, specifically highlighting Francisco Lindor’s recent performance and a costly base-running error that stalled a prime scoring opportunity. Despite the offensive malaise, there is positive feedback regarding the pitching rotation, with praise for Clay Holmes’s solid start and Tobias Myers’s contributions, even as the latter faltered late in the game. The episode also covers the return of Jeff McNeil, with the hosts acknowledging the warm reception he received from the fanbase. Additionally, the conversation touches on the broader state of the team, addressing debates surrounding the club’s defensive performance and management’s patience with younger players like Carson Bench. Ultimately, the hosts conclude that while it is still early in the season, the lack of offensive production is a primary cause for concern that overshadows the team's otherwise capable pitching.

David Peterson's First Inning Woes Continue, Luis Robert Jr. Not Impressive

Apr 10, 202611 minSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, the host takes a critical look at the early season struggles of starting pitcher David Peterson. While the host defends Peterson against claims that he collapsed entirely at the end of last season—arguing instead that his poor performance was limited to a specific stretch of five starts—there is no such defense for his current form. After two consecutive poor outings, characterized by early-inning ambushes and high run totals, the pressure is mounting. The host explores whether the team should consider replacing Peterson with Sean Manaea, noting that while Manaea has his own consistency issues, he remains a viable, stretched-out option for the rotation. Additionally, the episode evaluates the performance of Luis Robert Jr. While the host offers high praise for Robert’s offensive production and discipline at the plate, he expresses significant disappointment regarding his defensive play and base running. The host argues that Robert’s lack of range and defensive miscues are areas of concern that the team cannot afford to overlook.

Episode 666 - Ronny Mauricio and the Mets Walk Off Diamondbacks

Apr 8, 202634 minSummary

In this landmark 666th episode of Rico Brogna, host Evan Roberts breaks down a thrilling 4-3 victory for the New York Mets over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Played in frigid conditions, the game featured a dramatic walk-off win in the tenth inning. Roberts offers a candid, confessional critique of manager Carlos Mendoza’s late-game decision-making, specifically questioning the move to have Ronny Mauricio pinch-hit in the tenth and the decision to swap Mark Vientos for Jared Young in the eighth. Despite his initial skepticism, Roberts acknowledges that these tactical moves ultimately paid off. He reflects on the performance of starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, who battled through five innings, and highlights the excellence of the Mets’ bullpen, which delivered five and a third innings of scoreless, walk-free relief. Roberts discusses the current state of the team, noting the impact of injuries while analyzing the contributions of players like Luis Robert Jr. and Carson Benge. The episode concludes with a listener Q&A, offering further insights into the team's early-season dynamics and the ongoing management strategies guiding the roster.

Episode 665 - Juan Soto Heads To IL, Tuesday & Wednesday Schedule Change

Apr 7, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, the host breaks down several significant updates surrounding the team. The primary focus is on the news that star player Juan Soto has been placed on the injured list with a calf injury. While the host notes that Soto’s absence is a major blow, he supports the team's decision to prioritize long-term health over immediate availability, predicting a return timeline around late April. The conversation shifts to the Mets' controversial decision to move the start times for their Tuesday and Wednesday games against the Diamondbacks to the afternoon. The host expresses skepticism about the move, questioning whether the slight increase in temperature justifies the inconvenience to fans who may struggle to attend earlier games due to work schedules. Additionally, the episode covers the upcoming jersey retirement for Carlos Beltrán. The host offers a nuanced take on the event, acknowledging Beltrán’s talent while debating the decision to host the ceremony during a late-season game against the rival Philadelphia Phillies. Finally, the host addresses concerns regarding the team's grueling travel schedule and the importance of depth players stepping up during Soto's absence.

Episode 664 - Mets Beat Up Giants Series Recap

Apr 6, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, host Evan Roberts breaks down a highly successful four-game series against the San Francisco Giants, where the Mets secured three wins despite the notable absence of star Juan Soto. Roberts emphasizes the resilience of the team, highlighting that while losing a player of Soto's caliber is a significant concern, the remaining lineup proved they are capable of stepping up when needed. A major focus of the episode is the breakout performance of Mark Vientos. Roberts argues that Vientos has solidified his role as an everyday player, praising both his clutch hitting throughout the series and his surprisingly steady defensive play at first base. Roberts also gives credit to manager Carlos Mendoza for his tactical decisions, particularly his willingness to keep Vientos in the lineup and his gutsy, collaborative approach to late-game substitutions. By analyzing key moments, including the team's ability to mount a comeback victory in the series finale, the episode serves as an encouraging reminder that a team's potential is often greater than its darkest moments of struggle.

Mendy Fires the Right Bullets in Sunday's Win

Apr 6, 202614 minSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, the host dissects a pivotal, underrated victory for the Mets against the San Francisco Giants. After a frustrating series of missed scoring opportunities throughout the game—including a failed attempt to score from second base and a bases-loaded groundout by Francisco Lindor—the team appeared headed for a disappointing loss. The discussion centers on the team’s much-needed grit and their ability to rally during the eighth inning to secure a comeback win. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to praising manager Carlos Mendoza for a bold, high-stakes tactical decision. Facing a tough matchup, Mendoza opted to pinch-hit Luis Torrens for the surging Jared Young, a move that carried immense risk but ultimately paid off with a go-ahead double. The host highlights Mendoza’s leadership qualities, specifically applauding him for openly crediting his bench coach, Kai Correa, for the suggestion. By analyzing the managerial risks and the team's clutch late-game performance, the host frames this victory as a necessary "gut check" that demonstrates the type of resilience required for a successful postseason run.

Kodai Senga Pushed

Apr 6, 20269 minSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, the host breaks down an encouraging outing by Kodai Senga, specifically focusing on his performance while pitching on regular rest. The host discusses how the Mets organization appeared to be intentionally challenging Senga, opting not to manipulate the rotation to accommodate him, but instead asking him to prove his capability on a standard schedule. The analysis covers Senga’s performance inning by inning, noting his ability to navigate through early trouble and his resilience despite facing a high pitch count. A major point of discussion is the decision to leave Senga in to face Rafael Devers in the sixth inning, a choice the host admits to disagreeing with at the time, viewing it as yet another test of the pitcher's endurance. The episode also touches on the strong efforts from the bullpen, including solid work from the relief corps, and offers a critical look at a puzzling base-running decision by Matt Chapman in the final frame. Overall, the episode highlights a resilient team performance and the early-season adjustments required to overcome lineup and rotation challenges.

Episode 663 - Juan Soto Pulled During Mets Victory

Apr 4, 202653 minSummary

In episode 663 of the Rico Brogna podcast, host Evan Roberts breaks down a pivotal series for the New York Mets against the San Francisco Giants. The episode highlights the team’s offensive resurgence in game two, where a collective effort from the lineup, including Marcus Simeon’s first home run as a Met, helped secure a decisive ten-run victory. Roberts emphasizes the importance of this performance as a "cleansing" for an offense that had struggled since opening day. A major focus of the discussion is the health of star player Juan Soto, who was pulled from the game due to right calf tightness. Roberts analyzes the potential impact of this injury and examines the team's historical approach to managing player availability. Additionally, the episode covers the impressive, albeit challenging, pitching performance of young prospect Nolan McLean, who took a perfect game into the sixth inning. Roberts also praises the emergence of Mark Vientos, who has been aggressively seizing his opportunities to play. The host balances these positives with critiques regarding the team’s ongoing issues with defensive fundamentals and overall preparedness, noting that consistency remains a primary concern moving forward.

Episode 662 - Mets Lose Series to Cardinals

Apr 2, 20261h 13mSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna, host Evan Roberts breaks down a frustrating series loss for the New York Mets against the St. Louis Cardinals. The discussion centers on an anemic offense that managed only one run over twenty-three innings, leaving the team struggling in high-leverage situations. Roberts expresses deep disappointment in the team's lack of execution, particularly noting poor base running and mental lapses from key players like Francisco Lindor, who made costly errors early in the game. While acknowledging that it is still very early in the season, Roberts critiques specific tactical decisions made by manager Carlos Mendoza, particularly the choice to use a rookie as a pinch hitter in a high-stakes spot. The host also highlights concerns regarding Marcus Simeon’s recent performance and his struggles at the plate. Despite the overall frustration, Roberts offers a balanced perspective on other roster pieces, suggesting that some players are showing signs of improvement. The episode serves as a candid reaction to a lackluster offensive showing, emphasizing the need for sharper play as the team looks ahead to their upcoming series.

The Carlos Mendoza Line

Apr 1, 202611 minSummary

In this episode of Rico Brogna: A New York Mets Podcast, the host takes a deep dive into the early-season frustrations surrounding the team, specifically focusing on offensive struggles and managerial decision-making. Despite a slow start, the host emphasizes the need for patience early in the season, noting that it is too early for full-blown panic. A primary concern addressed is the performance of veteran Marcus Semien. The host highlights Semien’s recent slump, noting his declining production and the high-leverage opportunities he has failed to convert. The conversation also shifts to Francisco Alvarez, who is described as being particularly streaky at the plate. The episode moves into a critique of manager Carlos Mendoza. While the host defends Mendoza’s strategic use of the bullpen, he takes issue with the specific handling of rookie Carson Benge. The host argues that sending the young player into a difficult matchup against a left-handed reliever was a tactical mistake, particularly since the team had previously gone to great lengths to protect him from such scenarios. The episode provides a candid analysis of the team’s current landscape and tactical challenges.