Reese Kaplan -- Mets Taking "Break A Leg" Literally

What would a Mets team be without a plethora of injuries befalling them?  This year is off to a roaring start in that regard, just a week into spring training and we have both newcomer Jed Lowrie and holdover Todd Frazier down for the count.  Travis d’Arnaud has yet to make an appearance, so the feeling is his surgically repaired arm is not quite ready for prime time.  So what do these issues do the projected roster coming north?

Third Base

It was pretty much assumed that should Jed Lowrie need a day off or succumb to injury then Todd Frazier would take his customary place at the hot corner.  In a situation somewhat reminiscent to the Mets losing their starting and backup catchers in rapid succession last year, they’re now down two veteran third basemen.

Perhaps the most encouraging news coming out of this situation is the word that Jeff McNeil is NOT going to be shuttled back to the infield right now, but will instead use most of spring training to hone his skills as an outfielder.  He's played over 1300 innings at 3B in the minors, so that makes so much sense it makes me wonder how long it will last. 

Picture -- Ernest Dove

So who is now in the mix for this position?  One would have to assume J.D. Davis whose natural spot is third base would be the front runner.  He is coming off a PCL batting title, BVW gave up a lot to get him, and he’s on the 40-man roster.

The second option would be long forgotten TJ Rivera.  He can most definitely hit, he won’t embarrass you in the field, but the question lingers about long throws across the diamond on his surgically repaired arm.  Still, should Lowrie and/or Frazier begin the year on the Injured List, then don’t be surprised to see Rivera come north with the team as a starter or on the bench. 

Behind him you have a number of non-roster options including Gavin Cecchini, Luis Guillorme, Adeiny Hechavarria and David Thompson.  Thompson is the only natural third baseman of this crew and probably has the most potent bat as well.  Showcasing Gavin Cecchini might be in the team’s interest if they could flip him for someone else’s disappointing prospect.  Guillorme and Hechavarria will likely field the best but not provide much with the bat.

Picture -- Ed Delaney

Catcher

This one is pretty easy, though it will take some roster shuffling.  Devin Mesoraco was resigned specifically because he worked so well with the major league staff last year.  Obviously Wilson Ramos will get the lion’s share of the work, but Mesoraco who is here on a minor league deal will likely get the nod to come north thereby allowing Tomas Nido to work on the offensive side of his game.  We’ve already speculated about others who might get dropped from the 40-man roster to create space, including Jacob Rhame, Drew Gagnon, Tim Peterson and Paul Sewald. 

Picture -- Ernest Dove

Further Roster Impact

The man everyone is drooling about, Pete Alonso, becomes more likely to start the season with the big club if the Mets are indeed in search of a right-handed power bat to replace Frazier who was slated to play 1^st base.  Still, if it’s only for a few weeks they could muddle through with Dom Smith taking 1^st base and preserving that precious year of financial control by holding Alonso in the NY state capitol until the end of April. 

What is your ideal roster scenario if indeed your start the year minus Lowrie and Frazier?