GDT 9/9/25 New York Mets (Manaea) @ Philadelphia Phillies (Suárez, Ra)

[Philsmania]

I can't put my finger on it but Bader seems to have created a different energy within the clubhouse. There has just been something different about the team since he started playing a significant role.

Dombo's Deadline deals with the Twins basically negated 2/3 of his poor offseason moves. Duran replaced Romano and has given us what we wanted from Romano and Bader slid into a platoon role with Kepler which has profited both.

Unrelated to the Twins deals, Robertson replaced Ross and has given us what we wanted from Ross.

[zambonir]

Victorino-type energy. Also he's played for both the Yankees and the Mets, as well as the Cardinals when they were still still good. He's unfazed by a market like this or playoff expectations. And very happy to be out of Minnesota.

[EastFallowfield]

I thought what they wanted from Ross was more length and maybe spot starts?

[zambonir]

The Phillies didn't know they were going to get Duran when they got Robertson, though they were likely to get someone. But he is certainly viewed - and being paid - like a possible top 4 reliever, or at least the 5th (which is about the last one you want to use in a close playoff game). It's really the Alvarado spot, even if he hasn't been that great himself. I see Robertson more as Romano's replacement and Duran as the additional higher-end arm they likely would have wanted/needed even if Romano hadn't stunk.

[VoteForKalas]

Some players benefit from starting vs being in a platoon or playing off the bench. I think Bader is a classic example of that. When he first came, he was being used in a platoon and he did little. When he got to start every game and got into a groove, the engine turned on. We'll see how long the groove lasts, but it is fun to watch.

[zambonir]

Right now it looks like Kerkering is in Ross's spot, and Robertson in Kerkering's. Good problem to have if they are both sharp.