|
The Mets had a busy day yesterday as they finalized minor league deals for 4 players, with a lot of incentives if they make the big league team. Here's a list and some links & analysis (I use that term lightly).
Mike Jacobs 1st Base
Jacobs was dealt to the Marlins in the trade that brought Delgado to the Mets. At the time he was a rookie with a lot of promise. I was intrigued by him at the time, but in no way was I sorry to see him go in order to bring in a player of Delgado's caliber. So with the lack of depth at first, on the surface, this appears to be a good move. After all, the Mets are power-starved, especially with the absence of Beltran at least until May. Unfortunately, hitting home runs is the only thing he does well. He strikes out a ton. Does not hit for average and plays poor defense. Some have already speculated that Murpy is a better defender at first after learning on the job last year (after all he is working with Keith Hernandez). So, there is a minimal benefit of a glorified DH on the Mets bench that would be better served by a more versatile option. I have been preaching defense this whole off-season as the best way to improve the Mets rotation after Lackey was taken off the board, and Jacobs does not embody that. Furthermore, if Jacobs doesn't make the team, is he going to sap playing time from Mets prospects Ike Davis & Nick Evans? Ted berg said it best here.
Hisanori Takahashi Pitcher
Takahashi, or Tak, is a Japanese All Star. He is a 5' 10" 35 year old left handed pitcher who has 5 pitches, the best being a screwball. He has been compared to Jaime Moyer...only with more velocity. He throws in the upper 80's BTW. The scouting report on him is that he will throw any of his pitches at anytime and keeps hitters off balance. This is normally the time I start quoting stats, but I won't. Why? Because they are Japanese League stats. Nevertheless, I do think his arsenal of pithes as well as his unfamiliarity to the league will pay immediate dividends (at least until the league catches up to him). He is being given the opportunity to earn the 5th starters role and compete with the likes of Niesse, Figgy & Nieve. However, with Feliciano being the only left hander out of the pen, that seems the obvious best place for him. He can come in to face tough lefties, and could be left in to finish off the inning with his SP experience...or even be an emergency long man. I would rather give that last starting spot to one of our young guys.
Shawn Riggens Catcher
Non-Roster invite Riggens was picked up from the Rays scrap heap presumably because there was no more room for him after they signed Kelly Shoppach. Not much is known about Riggens as he has barely cracked the Rays depth chart mainly due to being injured the last two years. He has only had 209 PA's since 2006, and only played in 7 games last year. This move is simply to bring more depth to the position, however, Chone & Amazinavenue already predict that Riggens could be a better hitter than Santos and could see some significant playing time this year. This will be one of the story lines I will follow closely this spring.
Rylan Sandoval Shortstop
This move above all else intrigues me. Obviously, he will not challenge Reyes, but beyond this year who knows? I personally think Jose will be fine and bounce back, but his late season swoons in 2007-2008 and the re-emergence of the injury bug has cast a shred of doubt on Jose's future which is why a good 2010 season would crush those doubts. Nevertheless, Sandoval was one of the Leading hitters and top defensive shortstops in the AWL this year before he was plucked up by the Mets. In fact, he was drafted by the Mets in 2007, but opted to remain in School. I like that. What I wouldn't be surprised to see (and really what I want to see) is Sandoval being immediately converted into a second baseman. I think we are going to see Castillo break down this year. His defense is degrading at an alarming rate, and what this team really needs is good defense "up the middle". I think if Sandoval can translate his defensive skills to 2nd, though a long shot, we might even see him some time this year. The only thing that Castillo does well is get on base, and for someone that is not leading off, his services are expendable.
So there you have it. Apparently, the Buffalo Bisons should have one of the best records in AAA this year as their team is destined to be littered with MLB talent. Whether that is a good thing or a hinderance to our young prospects is yet to be seen. One thing is for certain though: Pitchers & Catchers report in a week, and I can't wait to finally see the start of baseball, and the end of all this negative speculation. Lets Go Mets!
 |
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 