On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo welcome Mets two-way prospect Nolan McLean (aka Cowboy Ohtani) to the show to talk about moving towards the majors as both a pitcher and a hitter. Connor and Joe talk to McLean about the nickname they gave him, what is was like being drafted, the challenges of being a two-way player, his development so far at Double-A Binghamton, and a scouting report on his former Oklahoma State teammate Carson Benge, a potential 2024 Mets draft target. Later, the show looks back at London, an overall solid week that was for the Mets, plus the urgency to turn things around before the season becomes a sell-off. Connor and Joe also examine the situation at catcher with Francisco Alvarez coming back, the forthcoming return of Edwin Diaz, and recent moves made by David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza that may be on the margins, but are clearly sending messages for the future of the organization. Finally, the guys wrap things up with more Scoreboard predictions, and a dip into the Mailbag to answer questions about potential Pete Alonso trade returns, the Mets museum at Citi Field, and possible selections for the Mets with the 19th overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Today's Show:
00:00 Mets two-way prospect Nolan McLean joins the show
01:00 What does Nolan think of the “Cowboy Ohtani” nickname?
01:45 Talking to teams pre-draft about playing both ways
02:25 Giving up playing quarterback at Oklahoma State
03:25 Getting drafted by the Mets
04:30 First spring training experience, hitting and pitching
05:15 Converting from a reliever in college to a pro starter
06:25 Offensive development at Double-A
06:55 How long can he maintain being a two-way player?
07:30 Biggest adjustment between High-A and Double-A
08:35 Scouting McLean’s former Oklahoma State teammate Carson Benge
11:00 The week that was: a pretty good one
13:40 Sell everything, or sell some and keep some?
14:40 With Francisco Alvarez coming back, who stays to back him up?
18:20 Edwin Diaz on the way back
20:00 David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza sending clear messages for now and the future
27:05 Down on the Farm: Bryce Montes de Oca
28:45 Well, there’s the answer, Luis Torrens will back up Alvarez
29:55 The Scoreboard – recapping last week
30:55 The Scoreboard – next bets
34:25 Mailbag – Pete Alonso trade returns?
40:30 Mailbag – Mets Museum improvements
45:00 Mailbag – Mets draft targets with the 19th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft