Make-The-Mets-O-Meter: Hitters, Vol. 1
by Eric Simon on Mar 3, 2010 5:00 AM EST
48 comments
Yesterday we took a preliminary look at the assorted pitching flotsam in Mets camp this year. Today we take aim at the position players. The Mets have twelve players who are almost certainly locks to make the Opening Day roster.
Catchers
Infielders
Luis Castillo
Alex Cora
Daniel Murphy
Jose Reyes
Fernando Tatis
David Wright
Outfielders
Jason Bay
Jeff Francoeur
Gary Matthews Jr.
Angel Pagan
If we assume that the Mets will carry twelve pitchers to begin the season, that leaves just one open non-pitcher spot on the active roster. My best guess is that it'll be another outfielder, but the Mets have a bit of flexibility with Tatis's ability to play the outfield corners.
| Player |   |
Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson Hernandez, IF* |  |
In his second go-round with the Mets, Hernandez plays snappy defense and puts the ball in play, but isn't even decent at anything else. |
| Andy Green, IF | |
A career .821 OPS in the minors, Green is a career .200 hitter in 331 big league plate appearances. He has a reputation for so-so defense and at age 32 he doesn't really figure in the Mets' plans. |
| Chris Carter, 1B* | |
Acquired from Boston in the Billy Wagner trade last August, Carter has plus offensive tools but his defense leaves much to be desired (defense, for one). Might be useful part-time, but probably nothing beyond that. |
| Chris Coste, C* | |
A better hitter than Omir Santos, but not nearly as adept behind the plate. Coste is probably third on the catching depth chart, so if the Mets think he's preferable to Santos we might just see him this season. |
| Fernando Martinez, OF* | |
Still just 21, Martinez has been a youngster at every level he's played and still has a ton of upside. If he can stay healthy, he should still figure in the Mets' long-term plans. |
| Francisco Pena, C | |
Young, dumb, outlook is kinda glum. I don't actually know if he's dumb, but he doesn't hit much, though his catching skills have improved of late. Still just 20 years old, so there's some hope there. |
| Frank Catalanotto, OF | |
Can still get on base and doesn't strike out much, though he can no longer play on the middle of the diamond. Keep him to the corners—both infield and outfield—and he just might be a useful player. |
| Ike Davis, 1B | |
Everybody loves the kid, and while he hasn't quite figued out how to hit left-handed pitching, with the Mets' first base situation more than a little suspect Davis has at least a slim chance of seeing action in April. |
| Jason Pridie, OF* | |
Pronounced "PRIDE-ee", in case you were pronouncing it "PRID-ee" as I was. Pridie has no plate discipline and very little pop, but he can steal bases and has Endy-like defensive numbers in the minors. |
| Jesus Feliciano, OF | |
Can't hit, can't walk, can't possibly make this team. See you in Buffalo, Jesus! And by "see you" I mean "have fun," because I sure as hell won't be there. |
| Jolbert Cabrera, UT | |
Hasn't been good at anything since 2003, and at 37 years old there's no reason to expect that to change. |
| Josh Thole, C* | |
Thole might have had an outside shot of making the team before the Mets signed Rod Barajas, but now there's really no way he doesn't begin the season in the minors. If he continues to make steady improvement this season he could very well be the Mets' starting backstop in 2011. |
| Kai Gronauer, C | |
Gronauer is German and is only in camp because the team needs players to catch their pitchers. |
| Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF | |
Led the FSL in wOBA last year at .383. "Captain" Kirk struggles against lefties and strikes out a bit too much, but he has real power and plus defense. |
| Luis Hernandez, IF | |
Lots of glove, zero bat. Probably not even as good as Ramon Martinez, who we all know is a fringe Triple-A player. |
| Mike Cervenak, 1B/3B | |
Isn’t really a good enough defender to play third base anymore, and he isn't really a good enough batter to play first base anymore. |
| Mike Hessman, 1B | |
Hits dingers, draws walks, strikes out in copious amounts. Not much of an athlete, but he can play first and perhaps third base in a pinch. Good guy to have on standby. |
| Mike Jacobs, 1B | |
Hits dingers, rarely walks, strikes out in copious amounts. Not much of an athlete, but he can play first and perhaps catcher in a pinch. Meh guy to have on standby. |
| Mike Nickeas, C | |
See: Gronauer, minus the German. |
| Nick Evans, 1B/OF* | |
Mashes lefties, and is apparently invisible to anyone in the Mets organization who matters. Definitely a useful guy to have around, if only someone would notice. |
| Omir Santos, C* | |
Starting catcher in 2009, probably fourth or fifth on the depth chart in 2010. |
| Ruben Tejada, SS | |
Slick glove, good baserunning skills, decent average, little power, low on-base average. He's a middle infielders, so he could make it work. |
| Russ Adams, IF | |
Should help put butts in the seats. In Buffalo. |
| Shawn Bowman, IF* | |
Great defensive third baseman, started hitting a little in 2009, too. Somebody seems to be blocking him at the big league level. |
| Shawn Riggans, C | |
Plan E, or something. |
Key:
= Chance of making the Mets is unchanged.
= Chance of making the Mets is going down.
= Chance of making the Mets is going up.
* = player on 40-man roster
1 recs |
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FCat would seem to be
the big favorite for the last spot right now, though there could be some further roster movement during ST methinks…
by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Mar 3, 2010 7:25 AM EST reply actions
I'd think Carter and Jacobs have just as goos a shot at that spot
It will almost definitely be a lefty
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
The last non-pitcher spot will probably be used for pinch hit duties, like a lefty with pop.
Even though Gary Matthews Jr. is a lock, I imagine if Jason Pridie could do a better job as a backup CF.
In lobby campaign for Chris Carter.
Carters rf defense is supposed to be decidely better
And his bat would play better there to…which I’m sure is why he doesn’t even seem to be being considered for a possible of role on a team with a need for of depth.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
Yes! Hop on the Carter bandwagon!
In case the French experiment goes wrong, a lefty with pop would benefit from the right field porch. I’m eager to rename that Utley’s porch with a Mets’ player name.
In lobby campaign for Chris Carter.
Even regardless of Frenchy, you'd think when at least for the first month your 4th best
outfielder is GMjr, and your starting first basemen is Murphy you’d want to give a guy with some recent AAA success a real shot…especially when you consider what we gave up to acquire him even if they don’t like him they should pretend for a while.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
Patrick Flood is also on the Carter bandwagon.
Chris Carter B-R page
Plus, imagine all the MS Paint fanshot possibilities if he makes the team.
I consider our 4th best OF to be Tatis. And our best backup IF, also Tatis. And our 4th best backup catcher, Nick Evans.
In lobby campaign for Chris Carter.
Yeah I'd say Tatis is better than Gmjr too
I’m just not sure the FO/Jerry agrees. Plus like you said he’s our best backup infielder too so that’s stretching him a bit far.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
I'll jump on the bandwagon
If Jacobs makes the team and Carter returns to the minors that will be disappointing.
by James Kannengieser on Mar 3, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Pridie and Carter. DFA GMJ.
I can dream, right?
"For $11.4 million you can actually get a good player. But of course this is one of the things foolish organizations do: They complain that they can't afford good players after spending millions of dollars on not-good players." --Rob Neyer
by boom_roasted on Mar 3, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
He'll be an hour plane ride away.
I wouldn’t worry about it. The Mets invested $5M in RF not to waver at the first sign of trouble out there whether you or I agree about their choice or how much it cost…
by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Mar 3, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
They also invested a type A free agent and the chance at two draft picks
to get Carter and Lora, at least pretend to give Carter a chance. They don’t have to play him in rf but it makes sense to have him as a power bat off the bench and an infield/outfield sub.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
He'll prob only make it if an injury occurs or
if he has an enormous ST. He’s better off going to Buff and playing everyday. FCat is better suited for spot duty.
by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Mar 3, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Is he really better off?
He proved he could mash AAA pitching two years ago, his production didn’t start to fall off until he wasn’t given a chance with the ML team despite consistently producing.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
he's 27. yeah I think he's better off playing everyday and
being at Citi in 2 hrs if the need arises (and it inevitably will).
by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Mar 3, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Why start with 12 pitchers?
Usually the April schedule doesn’t require a 5th starter until the 2d week or so, which would allow an extra bat on the roster. Granted, it would be temporary, but from that guy’s perspective: (a) it’s better than Buffalo, (b) he might turn a few heads with a hot start, and © another hitter might find his way to the DL, allowing him to stay with the big club. IIRC, isn’t this how Agbayani and Huskey fought their way onto the roster?
Aw crap, I can’t get rid of that copyright symbol.
Someone in the organization has said they intend to break camp with a 5th starter
I forget who, either Jerry or Omar. I suspect it has to do with the fact that 75% of the starters who are currently guaranteed roster spots spent considerable time on the DL last year, and bump that number to 80% if Niese wins the 5th starter job.
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Mark Himmelstein on Mar 3, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
The schedule doesn't break right to leave florida with 4.
Game 5 is on April 10th, and the Mets could pitch Johan on regular rest there, but on the 11th they’d have to pitch their #2 on short rest to skip the 5 spot. Carrying an extra bench player for 4 days is probably not worth either placing a player on waivers or using an option with Niese.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Good point, hadn't even looked at the schedule
And there aren’t really any relievers or bench hitters already on the 40-man and who have options that it makes sense to carry for just a few games. They could do it with Evans, but it would be fairly pointless. They could have the fifth starter hang out in the pen for the first trip through the rotation, but there’s no point in forcing Johan to stay on normal rest when you could just give him an extra day, just for the sake of having an extra arm in the pen.
The one way it might make sense is if Niesen wins the last bullpen spot. Then you could leave him in the minors for the first week, have the 5th starter in the pen, keep Evans up as a temporary sixth bench player, and call Niesen up when the 5th starter is needed, but you really don’t gain much by doing this. Maybe 5 ABs for Evans, which he probably wouldn’t get anyway, since Jerry would just forget he was there. Plus, they don’t even figure to face any lefties in the first week anyway, so Evans wouldn’t even be that useful.
"All energy flows according to the whims of the great magnet
What a fool I was to defy him"
-HST
by Mark Himmelstein on Mar 3, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
I guess Niesen looked good today. The radio guys were impressed.
He seemed to have decent control, and he threw 2 scoreless innings against the best the Braves have to offer.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Kunz looked awful though
I can’t make up my mind if he’s a giant douche or a turd sandwich.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Being a douche is usually reserved for someone who says/does assholish things.
As far as I can tell, Kunz just plain sucks. That’d make him a turd sandwich.
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!"
Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Mar 3, 2010 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
I guess our other supplementary pick (Vineyard) from that draft could qualify as the giant douche.
Quite the draft we had in ’07
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Well Vineyard was bad luck
it wasn’t awful awful after Kunz. Just, y’know bad awful.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
Vineyard wasn't really bad luck, he just retired rather than rehab after surgery.
His surgery wasn’t career threatning, and I believe the Mets are trying to get their bonus money back because of it.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
On re-reading that, I think your saying that it wasn't a bad pick at the time.
Sorry…misread it the first time.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Yeah I was saying they really couldn't predict
he’d get injured and change his mind about baseball.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
Also Mike Hessman does everything Mike Jacobs does
and one of the things that Jacobs doesn’t do that’s incredibly important…which probably means his arrow should be pointing down.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
Agree with you 100%
Except, of course, common sense doesn’t exist in our front office.
If there's ever a riot at Citi Field and Oliver Perez was the starter, I started the riot.
Well my point is
that because common sense doesn’t exist Hessman will have no shot over Jacobs.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
But Jacobs hit 32 homers and had 93 RBIZZZ two years ago.
Let me make that clear 93 R. B. I. ZZZZ. Hessman only has 27 for his career, he sucks.
I don't know that the Mets should really even look at another righty for the bench spot.
Jacobs may actually fit better than Hessman.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Meh Hessmens's for most of his career
has had much of a platoon split.
"We have a plan, and our plan, I like our plan'
it's Omar's world, we're just livin in it.
In Jerry's mind, batter handedness = platoon split. Remember Tak1 against lefties.
Though Feliciano vs Diaz. Now I’m not certain anymore.
In lobby campaign for Chris Carter.
Best part of this post
is the image caption upon scrollover:
“Jesus Feliciano, shown here not making the team.” +1
by pricedoutoftheciti on Mar 3, 2010 11:20 AM EST reply actions
Russ Adams
He hit a homer yesterday! Ride the hot hand! Just kidding. Though, I wouldn’t mind if he beat out Cora. Anyone notice how guaranteeing Cora a spot weakens the bench? Like it or not, Cora will be allowed to pinch hit in high leverage situations, because he’s lefty. This is reason enough for me to want another lefty bat. I’d vote for Cat or Carter, and Feliciano is an interesting dark horse if they go with 11 pitchers.
I don't know that I'd call Tejada a low OBP guy
He’s got a .346 career line in the minors, ML average is in the .340 range. I don’t think he’ll ever hit for much power, but I think that will end up being his only below average tool.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
Nick Evans...Poor Nick Evans...
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!"
Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Mar 3, 2010 12:40 PM EST reply actions
Who is that?
In all seriousness, I was expecting to see him left off the list entirely.
Pinella: Where th f*ck was that pitch at?
Ump: Lou, don't you know that you're not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition?
Pinella: Where the f*ck was that pitch at, a$$h*le?
He's the new Brian Stokes
He needs his own Stokes-like story even.
"We have to find a way to play better, there's no doubt. Overall. I'm not pointing fingers at anybody. Offense, defense, pitching -- we have to find a way to play better. The reality of this is, coming here to Pittsburgh and being swept -- personally, I feel embarrassed." -- Carlos Beltran
Most of A Day in the Life of Brian Socks is applicable to Nick Evans as is, I'd guess.
"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!"
Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.
by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Mar 3, 2010 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
at least you remembered what I was talking about
Starting to feel a bit out of place.
"We have to find a way to play better, there's no doubt. Overall. I'm not pointing fingers at anybody. Offense, defense, pitching -- we have to find a way to play better. The reality of this is, coming here to Pittsburgh and being swept -- personally, I feel embarrassed." -- Carlos Beltran
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