Second Base

by Shomov on Jun 1, 2007 2:32 PM EDT

Jose Valentin has begun playing rehab games for Class A St. Lucie, and he is projected to return to the Mets next week. Willie Randolph has indicated that as long as Valentin is healthy, he will be the Mets' everyday second baseman. Given Valentin's historical woes against left handed pitching (.588 career OPS and .599 in 2006), I have always questioned the wisdom of starting Valentin against left handed pitching. If you add Easley's dominance against lefties this year in a limited sample (1.082 OPS in 40 plate appearances) to the equation, then, I believe, the decision becomes a no brainer. Even if you write off Easley's performance this year as an aberration, his .764 OPS against lefties from 2004-2006 provides evidence that Easley will hit better against lefties than Valentin.

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Platooning

I am a fan of platooning in general and think the one you suggest makes sense. Moreover, as both players are older the additional rest would probably benefit Valentin. The additional playing time might benefit Easley and help him stay sharp instead of spending long stretches on the bench.

by OronosFemur on Jun 1, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

yeah

A platoon would help both be fresh come October. I think that's the way to go. It's great having a solid bench, isn't it?

Driving the Oliver Perez bandwagon!

by Greenpoint Ian on Jun 1, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Outfield

Unfortunately, there may be another factor to consider here for the short term. The health of the Mets' outfielders and the struggles of Gomez may cause Easley to see some time in the outfield.

by Shomov on Jun 1, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

I can't believe

the luck we've had with our outfielders lately. Alou and Green are both on the shelf, Gomez was hurt for a while and sucks right now, and now Beltran goes down (though it seems like it isn't bad). And I can't bear to watch Newhan playing at all right now.

"The carousel continues here at Shea Park...it's like a park."

by TheFlushingKings on Jun 1, 2007 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I was listening

To SNY today... Can Gotay play outfield? Ron and Gary mentioned him possibly helping out in the outfield. Is this poissible? Oh, by the by, I think Gotay can be our future second basemen!

by NewMet5 on Jun 2, 2007 4:15 PM EDT reply actions