Friday, July 17, 2015

Time For Sandy Alderson To Make Something Happen

Cameron Maybin
I’m no proclaimed Mets superfan by any means but when I look at what could be with this pitching rotation, I see a World Series contender (if that doesn't grab the attention of you Mets fans then I don't know what will). The New York Mets (47-42) are 1 game out of the 2nd Wild Card spot (held by the Cubs) in the National League. It’s hard to imagine them out of the playoff scenario considering they may have the best pitching staff in the MLB that have a combined 3.23 ERA, which is good for the 3rd best ERA in all of MLB. But a good pitching staff is rather worthless when they don’t have hitters backing them up. Offensively, the Mets are currently last in batting average (.233), 26th in on-base percentage (.298), and 28th in total runs scored (310). 

A look at the Mets starters this year (average age: 27). ERA's are low
but W-L aren't sensational due to a lack of run support
It hasn’t helped that the teams best player, David Wright, missed 81 of their 89 games (back injury) in the first half of the season. If you’ve been following his rehab, a return any time soon doesn’t seem to promising and it’s still unclear if the 32 year-old will be the same .300 hitter that Mets fans are accustomed to. Best case scenario with Wright is a return around the playoffs that could provide the franchise with a spark moving forward. But first they have to get to the playoffs which will not happen unless Mets GM, Sandy Alderson, makes something happen by the July 31st trade deadline. I’m going to take look at 4 different players who’s names have come up as potential targets for the Mets that could help bolster them into the playoffs.

Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies, Shortstop, 30 years old, due roughly $20 million/year until 2021Tulo came out and spoke highly of the Mets organization a few weeks back and immediately he became a part of the Mets trade rumors. While Tulo has mummed all the talk, a move to NYM isn’t out of the question. Wilmer Flores has played 69 games at SS for the Mets this year but his .286 OBP is laughable compared to Tulowitzski’s .351. If Troy was acquired then Flores could be used as a utility infielder at SS and 2B, where he also has experience, behind current second baseman, Daniel Murphy, as it seems prospect, Dilson Herrera, needs a bit more time to develop in Triple-A before he’s the Mets backup 2B. Tulo has hit better than .302 5 of the past 6 seasons and better than .310 each of the past 3 seasons. He will cost the Mets a lot and I’m sure Colorado won’t just give him away for next to nothing but a potential infield of Wright, Tulowitzki, and Duda is frightening. 

Justin Upton, Padres, Outfielder, 27 years old, due $14.5 million this year and becomes FA at the end of this seasonUpton’s coming off his 3rd All-Star game nomination (went 1-1 with a steal). He’s only hitting .253 this season but he’s got some pop (on pace for 25 homers) and has proven that he’s still got some burst in him as he’s stolen more bases in the first half of this season (17) then the past 2 seasons combined (16). The Padres (41-49) aren’t completely out of the playoffs just yet so if the Mets inquire about Upton, Padres GM, A.J. Preller, will most likely have the upper edge in terms of what he gets in return. Upton is set to be a free agent at the expiration of this season and the Padres will most likely pay him if he’s willing to come back. However, the Padres haven’t been to the playoffs since 2006 and have since suffered 6 losing seasons since so Upton may not want to re-sign. He’s most comfortable in left field but has a lot of experience in right as well. If acquired, the Mets could bump Cuddyer (who I like but is only hitting .244) to a reserve outfielder role or do something (DFA, minors, trade) with current center fielder, Juan Lagares and move Granderson back to center, where he played primarily in Detroit and NYY, and have Upton play right. 

Carlos Gomez, Brewers, Centerfielder, 29 years old, due roughly $9 million/year until 2017Mets fans will remember that Gomez originally signed as an amateur free agent with and made his debut with the Mets back in 2007. He played 58 games that season as a rookie and showed promise every now and then but Mets fans never really saw him progress as he was traded prior to the 2008 season to Minnesota in deal that made Johan Santana a Met. He really emerged in 2013 as Brewer hitting 24 homers, stealing 40 bases, and getting an All-Star nod. He missed 28 games in the first of this season and his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage have all declined from over the past 2 seasons but he’s hitting .273 which is 17 points better than any current Mets outfielder...The Brewers are done for this season and with a group of good outfielders in the organization, Gomez could quickly be on his way out.

Cameron Maybin, Braves, Centerfielder, 28 years old, due roughly $8 million/year until 2017 (team option)I’ve been a fan of Maybin ever since his days as a Marlins prospect. He was the 10th pick of the 2005 draft who has great speed, a lot of range in the outfield, and is just learning to hit the baseball. Aside from 2008, in which he played just 8 games, he has a career high in batting average (.289) and OBP (.356) this season and at 28 may just be hitting his peak. The Braves know this though, and being a division rival of the Mets, may ask for a few of those dynamic pitchers that the Mets have in return for Maybin which I don’t think the Mets are interested in, but should listen to.

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