Jonathan Mayo would rather trade for Franklin than sign Drew!

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 8^th 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.