Is Jason Pridie the next Endy Chavez?

by psiogen on Apr 28, 2010 10:47 PM EDT

I love Endy, and there's been a hole in my heart ever since Omar traded him away for (ugh) Jeremy Reed, one of the many players who made 2009 so difficult to watch.

Endy had only 773 AB during his time with the Mets, with an OPS+ somewhere in the 80s, but he was worth (says Fangraphs) 4.8 WAR thanks to his magical +37 UZR total over that span (and that doesn't count the playoffs...) That's the kind of backup you want manning your outfield.

Which brings us to 26-year-old Jason Pridie...

It's been a long, slow slog through the minors for Pridie. In 3594 AB since being drafted out of high school by the Rays in 2002, he has compiled a .277/.320/.426 line.

His line since making it to AAA in 2007: .279/.321/.435. Almost the same. In 1397 AB: 64 2B, 26 3B, 34 HR, 77 BB, 206 K, 68 SB, 20 CS.

He's got a little bit of power, and very good speed, but he's not a good hitter. He'd probably be a .650 OPS guy in the majors. Basically, Endy, with a bit more raw power but less contact-hitting ability. (Endy's career major league line, for reference: .270/.312/.367.)

Of course, Pridie could be totally unable to handle MLB pitching and never crack the Mendoza line.

So how about these defensive stats (from minorleaguesplits):

Career Totalzone, CF: +69 in 496 games.

Career Totalzone, LF&RF: +16 in 77 games.

Career Totalzone Runs/150, CF: +21

Career Totalzone Runs/150, LF&RF: +30

That's right, he is worth 2 to 2.5 wins above average defensively over the course of a year. Which means he has a pretty good shot at being a league-average (or a bit better) player even if he puts up really awful offense...especially if he's used primarily for late-inning defense.

Obviously, Pridie is a better option for fourth outfielder than the corpse of Gary Matthews Jr. The question is, is he better than the other options the Mets could call upon? (Carter, Evans, Duda, Wayne Hagin, etc.)

What say you?

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Comments

I think Wayne Hagin would be fun to watch in the OF

but really, if we want to win, i think Pridie would be a good guy to replace Matthews for cheap. I could also see them bringing in a solid veteran defensive OFer too as a backup if they are in the hunt and Beltran isn’t back yet (and Matthews doesn’t get back on the ’roids).

by Steve Schreiber on Apr 28, 2010 11:18 PM EDT reply actions

Matthews's money is guaranteed,

so replacing him would only save outs and wins, not money, unfortunately.

by Jack Str on Apr 29, 2010 5:19 AM EDT up reply actions

The wins would still be worth it.

And at least we’re “only” on the hook for one million.

May you be locked in a battle of wits against Omar Minaya.

by BobbyV_Incognito on Apr 29, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

And I'm sure Pridie's defense

will make him worth at least $1.4 mil

"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 Apr 30, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

He doesn't have Major League experience, will be the rationale for ignoring him.

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!"
Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.

by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Apr 28, 2010 11:29 PM EDT reply actions

I don't see why not.

He plays a very good defensive OF, and he can’t be any worse offensively than Matthews is.

Sunny days ahead? Probably not.

by Brian. on Apr 28, 2010 11:34 PM EDT reply actions

As a Pagan-backup-until-if-ever-Beltran-returns, Pridie would be a better choice.

Carter would be in Cats’s spot, as occasional RF/1B/PH. Evans is the bullpen catcher.

In lobby campaign for Chris Carter.

by Michkin on Apr 29, 2010 8:18 AM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't want Carter on the team if it was to take Catts spot.

Getting a couple AB’s a week in the ML or getting regular AB’s in AAA. There really is no way to play your way on the field if you pinch hit 3 times a week. He’s better off in the minors getti g regular AB’s putting up good numbers so when they finally cut the cord with GMJ he’s next in line.

by TheKid08 on Apr 29, 2010 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

But that's counterintuitive

Carter doesn’t need the extra time in the minors to develop. We’re probably better off with Carter on the Mets now, not when/if Omar finally gives up on Catalanotto.

May you be locked in a battle of wits against Omar Minaya.

by BobbyV_Incognito on Apr 29, 2010 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, this is Carter's 5 season in AAA.

That’s a lot.

by EtSuKe on Apr 29, 2010 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree that I would love for him to be on the roster.

But if he took Catts spot, Manuel would see him and use him only as a pinch hitter and he would be labeled as that and not get a fair shot at starting and showcasing what he can do on a consitant basis Jst saying would rather him be the 4th OF instead of Pinch hitting duties. Although I still would rather him up off the bench with runners on than Catts. I just think he can be an everyday player and him getting regualr AB’s staying sharp until the opportunity arrives via Injury is his best shot.

by TheKid08 on Apr 29, 2010 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Usually a 4th outfielder is a defensive replacement

Carter may be adequate in the corners but I certainly don’t think on a team with no centerfielder other than Pagan he should be the 4th outfielder.

I wonder if Carl Everett believes Jamie Moyer exists.

by Gina on Apr 29, 2010 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, I agree.

If GMJ goes, Pridie should be the one getting called up, since we really do need another CF.

May you be locked in a battle of wits against Omar Minaya.

by BobbyV_Incognito on Apr 29, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Just thinking usually your 4th OF can spell RF and LF and get to start games

that’s better than just pinch hitting a hand full of times a week.I understand he can’t play CF and Pridie can man all OF positions. He did have a solid spring as well. Like I said for Carter his best chance is getting Regular AB’s in AAA and if god Forbid Frenchy gets injured bring him up.

by TheKid08 on Apr 30, 2010 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions