Matt Gad - The Battle For The New Utility Man

     

Gone is Justin Turner. Gone is the red hair, the pie-man, the #2 utility stud of the Mets. Gone is all the jokes, but jokes aside, gone is the presence of a great off-the-bench pull hitter. So naturally, the Mets need to recreate that off-the-bench prowess in 2014, and naturally, they have some candidates in the waiting. First off, there's backup first baseman Lucas Duda, who can also play right field. Duda is a strong, lean guy who looks like he should be hitting shots with his type of build, but he seems to always be slumping. A good guy everyone tries to root for. He does show promise though, maybe not as the starter, but I mean, he's another option off the bench. Will he platoon with Ike? I don't see it. He should still get some starts there, but all will pan out in good time. For now, Ike Davis is our first baseman, and that in itself will sort itself out in due time as well.

      Of course Anthony Recker is our backup catcher, but I mean he's noting to write home about. He hit some balls out last year, and actually had to pitch one time--and he was actually decent at it. Nevertheless, he's there. He's alright. And he'll be working some plate time on D'Arnaud's off days. We will see how Travis plays out, he's supposed to be around a number five hitter, and an offensive catcher. Let's not scream Mauer here, but that's a different discussion. Back to the bench talk, well you also have Andrew Brown, who is best in right. He came on nicely at the end of the season last year, and he shows great promise. What will Brown's fate be? I'd say an off-the-bench outfield type--along with Duda and Eric Young Jr.

     So there's about one or two spots left. Let's look at other infielders. Josh Satin seems to realize he couldn't just sit around this winter and go through his normal routines, because the way the club was shaping up, he would have not had a major league opportunity in that case. Satin has changed his ways, by taking outfield reps, talking to one-time recent Met Marlon Byrd, and improving his plate-disciple. His numbers and power don't scream out at anyone, but I mean, he's good. Needs to get better, and we will see what is in store this Spring Training. I think he has the skill set, with the improvements to do what Turner was about to do for the past few years in Flushing. Satin may also see some first base starts, but along with Duda, that doesn't seem too favorable with the current rosters being what they are. Then lastly, well it could be a toss-up. Its Wilmer Flores, Zach Lutz, Wilfredo Tovar...a lot of undeveloped talent. Lutz had some time up here last September, but I mean it makes sense for him to be in Triple-A Las Vegas, and we should see him this summer. He's a natural third baseman too. Then we get to Flores, who seems like he belongs in the AL. Not because he's a DH-type, but I mean he's the odd-man-out, yes he could be on our bench, but maybe he fills a better role to be a utility presence than Satin, because he's not getting much playing time--at least in the way of starts. 

     And lastly, you've got Wilfredo Tovar. Tovar is highly unproven, and unlike Lutz, not really any MLB time to show for. But I mean he's a guy who can be the shortstop in Vegas, I mean unless that's Q's job. Spring will tell us. Oh and don't forget, our roster changed a lot from April to the end--we started with our center fielder being Colin Cowgill, so for some people, its moving pieces. Let's wait it out and see what happens to everything.