Mickey Callaway cites win-loss record in defense of Syndergaard-Ramos pairing

New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway is looking for some new numbers to justify his decision to pair pitcher Noah Syndergaard with catcher Wilson Ramos against the pitcher’s wishes.

Syndergaard is said to be unhappy at having to throw to Ramos, who he’s not as comfortable with. ERA numbers bear this out, as Syndergaard has a significantly better ERA pitching to backup Tomas Nido. Callaway acknowledged this, but also pointed to the fact that Syndergaard has a better win-loss record with Ramos behind the plate.

Mickey Callaway acknowledged that Noah Syndergaard has a better ERA throwing to Tomas Nido compared to Wilson Ramos, yes, but his win-loss record is better pitching to Ramos.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 10, 2019

This connection feels like a stretch on Callaway’s part. The numbers show that Syndergaard is a better pitcher throwing to Nido. If he wants to make the point that Ramos’ offense is more important to the team and worth the hit, he can do so, but this isn’t the way to do it.

Callaway has not seemed particularly concerned by Syndergaard’s catcher preference. He’s going to justify it any way he can.