Craig Mitchell -- The Mets Six Secret Weapons

Sometimes when you look for answers they are right in front of you and you don’t see them. The Mets have several players on this year’s roster that are answers to questions that are being asked, yet none of them commonly come up in the conversation.  I call them “Secret Weapons” what they are is undervalued and under the radar. The Mets have several players on and in competition for this year’s roster that qualify.  Here is who I believe they are…

JOSH SATIN – Fie you say? Satin while definitely on the minds of experts and fans is a definitely a secret weapon. Back in January when the Mets non-tendered Justin Turner, the fan base went nuts. Turner was seen as the Mets super-sub. Someone you could plug into any hole at any time. Turner could start at all the infield positions and in a pinch could survive an inning or two in the outfield.   Now the reason why Turner was let go was twofold.  1) Turner was notorious for only hustling part of the time and 2) Satin provides the same needs at a cheaper price.  Most fans think that Satin is the insurance at 1^st base. While that is true, he is now and will never be the Mets first choice to anchor the position. The reason Turner is now on the Dodgers is because with Satin under their control and cheaper, Turner was expendable. Satin is also a more reliable glove and a better hitter. The Mets have even gotten Satin familiar with playing some outfield in a pinch. The only position Satin couldn’t handle (except in a true emergency) is short. Satin is secret weapon # 6.

ERIC YOUNG JR. – Again, Eric Young can be one of those players who become more valuable to the Mets for the variety of roles he can fill. Naming EY as a starter in Left field and penciling him in for 150 games in left would not be the most efficient use of this talented and versatile player. I can see EY playing 150 games, but I can see him splitting his time at all three outfield spots, Second base and recently it has speculated that he may get a turn occasionally at short. Young has the speed and the glove to cover all the positions and when the dog days of summer come, Young can add a spark to the top of the Mets lineup filling an array of roles while spotting other players with a day off.  Eric Young is definitely secret weapon #5.

JEURYS FAMILIA – Familia has been threatening to breakout for several years now. Many believe this is the year. Familia is most likely to make the team in the bullpen, but don’t let that fool you. He can and is able to serve many needs. Being around veteran players such as Jose Valverde and John Lannan can only make Familia better. Familia is not only middle to long relief with a 94 to 97 mph fastball, he is insurance for the rotation and as a possible setup man or closer. Most of the experts believe Familia when on can be almost unhittable. We’ve seen that in all the different levels he’s played. If Familia starts throwing darts out of the bullpen and maintains his control, look for him to quickly become one of Terry Collins main go to men in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th innings. And also earn heavy consideration if Bobby Parnell were to falter or go down with an injury.  Also, if Daisuke Matsuzaka or Jenrry Mejia doesn’t live up to their promise, Familia can be stretched out and become a formidable 5^th starter.  That promise and that versatility make Familia secret weapon # 4.

ANTHONY RECKER – Anthony Recker has shown he belongs. He’s a terrific receiver and while not batting for a high average last year he proved key and came up with big hits when needed.  Last year in 151 at bats Recker hit .215 but produced 6 homers and 19 rbi and had a .990 fielding percentage at the plate. This spring Recker has locked himself in to a roster spot batting .324 with a team leading 3 homers and he’s driven in 9 rbi.  While not exactly a secret Recker is insurance in case highly touted starter Travis d’Arnaud continues to be injury prone or can step in if d’Arnaud continues to struggle at the plate in the majors.  Recker gives the Mets security a key position. Recker can provide pop and is a capable receiver for the Met arms if need be.  He’s definitely under the radar and is secret weapon # 3.

ANDREW BROWN – Brown keeps proving time and time again that he deserves playing time.  He’s shown big time pop and gives the Mets a right handed power presence off their bench and can be a valuable pinch hitter or a right handed hitting corner outfielder against a tough lefty.  In 2013, Brown came up big several times in the last two months of the season when the Mets were besieged by injury. Overall he batted only .224 but clubbed 7 homers and drove in 24.  This spring in 50 ab’s he’s batting .280 with 2 homers and 11 rbi. He proved he can be a substantial weapon off the bench highlighted with his pinch hit 3 run homer on August 11^th against the Diamondbacks.  He provides ample defense and has an above average arm and he too slips under the radar and could very well be the difference maker in several key games in 2014.  Anthony Brown is secret weapon # 2

DILLON GEE – He still flies under the radar because while he really turned a corner in 2013, I believe he is going to have an all-star season in 2014. Gee has always shown flashes of putting it all together. The blood clot in his shoulder in 2012 derailed his development. After a shaky start to 2013 Gee turned masterful in the second half. After the all-star break last year Gee was lights out throwing 88 1/3 innings with a 2.74 era. His 5-4 record doesn’t come close to representing how good he pitched.  In spring, he showed that he’s getting even better.  Gee had a 1.08 era for the spring including 5 shutout/no hit innings in his last start before opening day.  Gee has the stuff and is peaking at the right time to take Harvey’s place as opening day pitcher this year. It’s totally not outrageous to expect for Gee to win at least 15 games in 2014 with a little luck and some timely hitting he would win even more. That makes Gee, the Mets secret weapon # 1.

The 2014 season is here. We’ll see how all this pans out.  Shortstop and First base continue to be the big question marks…if it all comes together…..who knows right?