Oops, wrong Franklin.
But seriously, the other day, Matt Cerrone, Lead Writer over at Metsblog came out squarely in favor of signing Stephen Drew to a two year, $20 million deal, rather than trade what he called “a useful pitcher” for Nick Franklin. Subsequent to his endorsement of a Drew deal, he had a conversation with MLB’s prospect talent evaluator, which may have changed his mind. Cerrone quotes Mayo as saying “Franklin is a better defender than Wilmer Flores. … If Franklin is your every-day shortstop, it’s because you’re OK with having a more offensive-minded shortstop. He’ll make the routine plays. He’s a good athlete. But, he wouldn’t be a great shortstop. … If you graded him out, only the hit tool grades out above average. … He’s the kind of guy that could probably give you 15 HR and 15 stolen bases every year.”
Now, he is probably talking about last year’s Wilmer Flores, not the new and improved version we have been hearing about after he attended eight weeks of fitness camp in the wilds of Michigan over the winter. The Flores who arrived in Port St. Lucie for spring training has been described as slimmer and quicker on his feet. Notwithstanding that, saying that Franklin is a better fielder than Flores is scant praise in my opinion, and you would think a smart guy like Cerrone would see that. There had to be more to change Matt’s mind . . . and there was. He also checked in with someone who has been following Franklin closely over the last several years (not Franklin’s dad, I hope) who described Nick as a tough, aggressive player, the kind of guy who would run through a brick wall. Who doesn’t like a player like that?
It seems that the Mets had been discussing a Franklin trade with Seattle during the Winter Meetings. At that time they appeared to be looking for a Vic Black or Jake deGrom type of return for Franklin. Since then, we’ve been hearing that the Rays may be interested in Franklin too, and somehow, Rafael Montero’s name has been added to the equation as a possible trade chip. The Mets have their work cut out for them. It is said that they will be monitoring Nick Franklin throughout spring training to assess whether he can play shortstop at an acceptable level. At the same time, they will be monitoring Wilmer Flores, making the same determination. And all the while, they will be in contact with Scott Boras to see how low Stephen Drew’s market has fallen and whether Boras will hold Drew out until after the June draft, forsaking at least 1/3 of a year’s salary, but eliminating any possibility of another qualifying offer at the end of this season.
Should Nick Franklin emerge as the preferred option, I think Montero will be off the table, and I would hope that Black is too. The Mets bull pen is still a work in progress, and Vic Black could be a significant stabilizing force as the 8th inning go to guy. Jacob deGrom, however, is a logical possibility, as is Cory Mazzoni. To sweeten the pot, the Mets could add one of their better relief pitching prospects, like Walters, Geoddel or Church. Stay tuned, folks. It’s going to be an interesting spring.
12 comments:
It will indeed be interesting...and in today's intrasquad, Noah, Mejia and Familia combined for 14 K's in 6 innings. Whew-hoo!
Better late than never -
http://macksmets.blogspot.com/2013/01/michael-scannell-next-mets-future-of-2b.html?m=1
If all it takes is deGrom you don't even think twice. Franklin holds down SS this year. When they can add someone better than Drew at SS he slides over to 2B. Regardless, adding him to the young core would be a great move.
Having Franklin, Nimmo, Wright, d'Arnaud and Smith in a few years to go with all this team's young pitching would be phenomenal and CHEAP, allowing the Mets to add one or two other superstar bats. In the meantime he can play a decent enough SS and leadoff.
Franklin- Murphy- Wright- Granderson could be a very good top 4 in the order. Some people are down on Nick because of his rocky debut , but a lot of prospects come up and struggle at first. He's been one of the more highly touted prospects in the game for a number of years - look at his AA stats to see what he's capable of. Getting him on the cheap NOW would be another great Sandy fleecing of another team. The kid has 20-20 ability and getting that from a MIF will be fantastic.
Syndergaard is a stud. He could start the year in NYC but Super2 will keep him down until midsummer.
With Harvey, Wheeler , Thor, Gee, Niese, Mejia, and Montero the Mets will not only be able to quickly put together a devastating rotation , they'll have great trade pieces as well.
I'm not as bullish as some (90 wins?) but this year seems to have a year of optimism and turnaround to it... Much like a season 30 years ago when the Mets were about to rise .
Scannell has returned from the dead...
How's it going old friend? I've been hibernating...but all of a sudden I feel like I have reason to be excited again.
I wouldn't want Drew if he paid us. He's a mediocre ballplayer at best and at the point in his career (i.e. over the hill) where he's a bench guy, not a starter. Plus he's never healthy for a full season.
Now Franklin is intriguing and I think he can be had for a second line pitching prospect and Lagares (who I also think is over-rated). The Diamondbacks have one shortstop too many as well, but I don't see an easy fit there. And I still think Dee Gordon can be had cheap (all of the talk of him playing second notwithstanding). I don't believe Flores is a shortstop and, if anything, I think all the praise you hear is hot air to inflate his trade value; he's another guy who doesn't really fit, here, unless you're content to groom him to be a better version of Justin Turner, which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world but he could probably bring you more than that back in trade.
Michael -
Well, if you are excited, I'm dancing in the friggin streets...
Stubby, I'm not in love with any of the candidates.
I will say this about Flores. He has the offensive potential of a Cabrerra.
Mack -
When you compare Flores to Cabrera, I hope you are talking about Miggy, not Melky.
Where do we play him? Maybe still work on trading Davis, let Flores play 1B and build some trade value with his bat.
You watch -
Flores will play April as a part time player... and he's end it in the top 3 RBI leaders of the team.
His bat is potentially that potent.
He obviously will be the season long DH and, frankly, if he hits for the kind of power I expect him to, I would live with his shortcomings at short.
I know... I sound like my meds have kicked in, but I really think his bat could be the difference.
Let Tejada prove he is an MLB ss. Play Flores at SS to see if he can handle that position. Scout all the SS you want but you need to play those 2 in March. And those 2 only. IF they are not good enough you always can trade for a SS.
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