Michael Friere - The Todd Frazier Effect

As most Mets’ fans know, Sandy was able to secure the services of Todd Frazier earlier this week with what I think is a fair deal for both sides.  The dollar figure is below what some sites felt that he would sign for and the length of the deal is also less then what was expected.  However, TF will not “go hungry” living in NYC, as eight to nine million dollars still goes pretty far and is still a pretty good chunk of change when you consider the Mets’ budget and the fact that they are still paying an injured David Wright.  

The signing solidifies a problem area on the roster (Third Base) and by only committing two years to the deal, it does not block any of the Mets up and coming prospects that play third base or may eventually shift to the position, such as David Thompson and Andres Gimenez in the short term, or Mark Vientos a bit farther down the road.  Plus, if one of the youngsters is ready by 2019, Frazier has some positional flexibility and can become an asset on the bench in the second year of his deal.

I previously looked at Todd’s statistics in an earlier set of articles (Let’s Make A Deal), but it bears repeating that his best seasons actually occurred in the National League as a member of the Cincinnati Reds where he was also a teammate of Jay Bruce.  TF will never be in contention for a batting title, but his "seasonal average" during his stint with the Reds was .257/.321/.463 (.784 OPS), with 25.6 HR/77.0 RBI/10.2 SB and 72.3 Runs Scored.   That works out to an average WAR of 3.69 which is very respectable, while not even focusing on his above average defense at a very important position on the diamond.   Granted, he is a bit older now, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he produced a similar season for the Mets in 2018, especially since he is “home again” and he is playing on a team with at least one familiar face in JB.

Yes, I am a fan of the signing since it basically fills two problem areas on the roster with Asdrubal Cabrera moving over to Second Base where he is more suited, in my opinion.  It also helps the bench with Wilmer Flores becoming a utility player in place of Matt Reynolds.

So, how does this move affect the Mets batting order?

As Reese stated earlier this week, the lineup is still lacking a true leadoff hitter, so that is still to be determined.  However, with the current players to pick from and the anticipated delay of Michael Conforto’s debut, this is what I have for now;

1.  Amed Rosario (SS)

2.  Asdrubal Cabrera (2B)

3.  Yoenis Cespedes (LF)

4.  Jay Bruce (RF)

5.  Todd Frazier (3B)

6.  Adrian Gonzalez (1B)

7.  Juan Lagares (CF)

8.  Travis d’Arnaud

***I think you will see Brandon Nimmo playing quite a bit until Conforto returns to the lineup (he would actually be a solid choice to lead off on days that he plays).  Once MC is back, he may very well lead off and play CF on a regular basis, which is slightly odd when you consider his run producing bat and lack of top end speed.

***I would prefer that Amed Rosario bats farther down in the order with his propensity to strike out as a young player.   If the Mets find a better alternative to lead off, I would move AR down to sixth or seventh in the lineup which would allow him to develop with a bit less pressure.

I am actually a bit intrigued by the lineup, despite the lack of overall speed.  A healthy Adrian Gonzalez would be a nice bat to park behind the triumvirate of YC/JB/TF, which would shield TF a bit.   It also alternates between right and left handed hitters, making pitching match-ups a bit more problematic for the opposing team.

In closing, despite the addition of TF, I would still like to see the Mets make a move for Josh Harrison, but only if Sandy can keep Nimmo in the process.  JH would take over Second Base and provide a much better alternative at the top of the batting order, plus your bench would get much better with  Cabrera joining Jose Reyes, Flores and Nimmo, giving Mickey Callaway a bunch of options.

Thoughts?