3/21/18

Tom Brennan - SO...WHAT ABOUT...PHILLIP EVANS?


Tom Brennan - SO...WHAT ABOUT...PHILLIP EVANS?


While David Wright is continuing non baseball activities in seemingly endless rehab, how are our younger, healthier infielders doing? 

Specifically, one: Phillip Evans.

Evans did not hit much early in his minor league career, but blossomed in 2016, winning the AA batting title with a late season storm surge.

He was rewarded with a promo to AAA in 2017 - but in his early season sporadic play in AAA, he did not hit well.

In July and August, though, he played a lot, and hit a lot more.  I was making a case for him last year to be called up in September - but at first, he wasn't.  But them Wally Pipp got hurt and he got called up after all.  Luck shined in.

So, as astute and alert reader might find him(her)self asking:

How has Phil hit, in total, since July 1 last season, including minor league, major league, and spring training action? 

Man, oh, man, I am glad SOMEONE finally asked.  Like this:

278 ABs, 90 H, .324 BA, .400 OBP.

19 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 45 R, 38 RBI.

Which translates to:

"Purty danged good, ain't it?"

Hey, he's also had about 50 plate appearances this spring and a .429 OBP - somebody clearly sees the value here.

This 2B, SS, 3B, and OF all-in-one versatile type dude, going by the name of one Phillip Evans, could be really useful to the Mets. 

I hope he makes the Top 25 myself, despite the proclivity to go with the veteran types out of camp.  We'll soon find out.

A PARTING TOPIC:

GREG HOLLAND: still available...presumably a massive upgrade over Robles and Montero.  My brother Steve asks: 

Should the Mets bust the budget and fortify the staff and pen with Holland?  Wouldn't that greatly increase the team's playoff chances?



9 comments:

Reese Kaplan said...

Considering the bullpen is pretty barren after 2018, not a bad long term plan, but long term planning isn't in Sandy's DNA.

Anonymous said...

Take the opportunity to trad Lagares for some soliid bullpen help and make Evans the 5th of’er..

Tom Brennan said...

Anonymous may be onto something there. Good idea, if we can get someone more game-ready than the guys Sandy got in trades last year.

Viper said...

Trading the only GG caliber CF in the ML roster isn't a good idea. Neither Conforto or Nimmo are CF but play there because there isn't another position for them to play on.

Tom Brennan said...

What about no hit Dekkwr?

bill metsiac said...

Why do so many fans seem to feel that players we "have no use for" or "aren't worth their contracts" will have trade value?

Tom Brennan said...

"Step right up to the Meta thrift bin,"

That Adam Smith said...

I’m a big Evans fan, and have been hoping all spring that he makes the club. His recent purchase of a catcher’s mitt is an interesting potential add to his value. Tough spot for him since I have a feeling they want 8 BP arms. I’d seriously consider cutting (trading?) Reyes to get him a spot. I’m less excited about the prospect of trading Lagares.

Reese Kaplan said...

Another way of putting Bill's observation, "Why do the Mets make so many bad personnel decisions?"