Ernest Dove - Let's Go Up-The-Middle with the New York Mets Options

 
  So, the 'non-waiver' trade deadline is now gone.  Sandy, being Sandy, nonchalantly just suggested that maybe some deals can be made during the winter. And with that, the Mets continue on.  Bartolo Colon still pitches every 5th day. Chris Young still randomly bats 5th (WHY) every 5th day or so, and the 'young arms' of Thor and Montero continue to pitch in AAA. However, instead of continuing to dream about what pitching prospects can net the best return in hitters, I wanted to quietly go back to the little old situation of the Mets middle infield.

  Management seemingly has decided to spend the 2014 season 'playing' with its players who play right up the middle of that wonderful baseball diamond.  We've seen a star prospect catcher struggle, be sent down to the minors, catch fire, stay on fire, then quietly cool for a couple of recent weeks.  We've seen a gold glove/ESPN top 10 highlight reel of a center fielder be bounced around in the lineup order, and spend a few weeks here and there going on/off the DL.  But my focus will be on the positions of shortstop and second base. 

  Might as well start at the top.  Daniel Murphy, Mets all star (only all star), who continues to do what he does, collect hits. All the while, hearing his name all over the social media internet pages in talks of trades.  In the world of writers/bloggers/readers/fans, Murphy is somewhere between Godsend, and a non clutch player who should be shipped off immediately to the highest bidder.

  There's also the player who, by no actual fault of his own, was given the mantel left by José Reyes, one of the most exciting, dynamic and fan friendly players in Mets history.....(no pressure). Tejada has since gone on to hit for average, and gap power, with solid defense, to hitting random/occasional singles, while walking in the 8th hole in the lineup, and now constantly looking over his shoulder at the now 23 year old (red-headed-step-child-of-the-organization) Wilmer Flores.  You know, the kid who, at EVERY minor league level, has shown complete dominance and ability to hit for power, and average.  Only to then bounce around from Vegas, to New York, to Vegas, to New York bench. 

  In the meantime, some random dude named Matt Reynolds has decided to make Binghamton, and now Vegas, his personal playground.  Reynolds, who seems to combine Flores contact hitting, with Tejada lack of power, combined with a supposed Flores type defense, is now knocking on the door of major league baseball.

  Then there's the curious case of Danny Muno, who himself has plenty of balance in his supporters, and detractors, while playing here and there in Vegas. 

  Then there is Wilfredo Tovar, the second coming of Ruben Tejada (were we looking for another Tejada?) who is just now battling back from injuries and is hitting again in AA ball.

  I can then go further down on the farm to talk about recent first round picks and international bonus babies, but I think you can tell that things are already crowded enough as it is.

  So, who will eventually win this game of monkey in the middle for this organization?  Will ownership approve paying for upgrades?  Well, I understand the dreamers out there who want Tulo, but $20mil/year will only be visiting Citi Field as an opponent, trust me. As far as lower cost/veteran options, do we really and truly see an upgrade out there?  The Mets can go with veterans, at least under age 30, who might hit for a little more pop then Tejada or Reynolds (please don't mention Drew, because he's been absolutely terrible this year).  Or they can go for a solid defense and limited hitting veteran (don't we already have that?).

  How about this...... lets throw a curveball here......... lets start 2015 with Wilmer Flores at second (Murphy is getting expensive people), and....... wait for it.........Dilson Herrera at shortstop.   Yup, I forgot to the mention the 20 year old who is putting up video game numbers in AA ball, after dominating high A ball to start the year.  I mean, really, do really need players like this to spend time in Vegas hitting .350 before getting his shot?

  I don't know, most of the fellow writers (and readers) here at Macks Mets are a lot smarter then me with this stuff, so you tell me.

  As much as this game of rotating infielders, prospects and dream options remain out there, wouldn't it make a little more sense for this organization to make some final decisions (like the late ones on Duda and Lagares) and start 2015 with some stability (and more confident and secure players).