The LTJ Editorial: “Wilmer Flores, the Shortstop?”

Give Wilmer Flores a shot to be on the Opening Day roster!

“The LTJ Editorial”
Author: Luis Tirado Jr.
Twitter: @LTJ81
Website: http://www.TheNYExpress.com

“Wilmer Flores, the Shortstop?”

I know we all remember last season when Third Baseman Wilmer Flores got that famous call-up to the majors and did his thing. He hit well, was very good defensively, and overall started to prove his worth to the New York Mets direct from the minors. It's not easy filling in for David Wright as he was out due to injury he handled it well. Obviously once Wright came back, Flores went from starter to back-up and understandingly so. With Wright being the long-term answer at third base, only really to injury or fatigue would we ever see Flores again holding it down. Now, as we all know, the Mets continue to have a glaring question mark when it comes to who will be shortstop come Opening Day. Will be it Ruben Tejada? Omar Quintanilla? Stephen Drew? What if I told you, there is a possibility it could be Flores? Let me explain.

Flores's natural position actually is shortstop, it was the one he started out with once he came to the minor league system of the Mets. It wasn't until after some ongoing scouting, reports, and analysis, he was switched by team officials to play third base. The big reason they changed his position was mainly due to his lack of speed and mobility. Since Spring Training will be upon us soon, he might be given some reps at shortstop according to General Manager Sandy Alderson. This of course depends on how well he does in the special winter conditioning program he was placed on this offseason. One thing I love about Flores is his work attitude and ethic, the kid just wants to contribute as much as he can to his team. That's why he has willingly agreed to conditioning programs and a new regimen to overall improve his speed this offseason.

Personally I don't really want another season where our starting shortstop is Ruben Tejada. Nothing against the guy but he's always been inconsistent. Last season he was pretty bad, so much so the Mets demoted him to Las Vegas and rightfully so. Quintanilla was a band-aid to be honest on the position since he was slightly better than Tejada and provided utility and depth to the infield. However, while he played ok, he doesn't seem to be the long-term answer. The Mets truly haven't been able to upgrade at the position in free agency either. With every passing day, it's more unlikely they will land the guy we all want, Stephen Drew, to a deal. He would be great to have on the team but I think the Wilpons have closed their wallets for good this season.

That's why I think giving Flores a real and fair opportunity to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster would be incredible motivation. His hitting, defensive skills, and hopefully improved speed will be exactly what the Mets need this upcoming season at shortstop if you think about it. I don't see the harm in seeing what he could bring to the table and it would be a refreshing move to go in that direction. A lot of people don't want to see Flores in the minors since he played pretty well last year. Us New Yorkers always want more, not less. I'd hate to see him go back to playing in the minors this upcoming season since he got a glimpse at what the limelight is all about in the majors. Granted, some time improving his skills in the minors could continue his progression but honestly, I think he's ready to stay where the big boys play.

Of course whichever direction the Mets will ultimately choose at shortstop I'll support but I hope they give Flores a look. I think he can do it and right now, it just makes the most sense to at least give him a shot to start this season. I'm sure in a competition, he can beat out both Tejada/Quintanilla and hopefully be the long-term answer at shortstop. This kid needs to be out there in the majors making sure he gives the Mets every ounce of athleticism in his soul to make this team become winners again.