Reese Kaplan -- Targeting NL Right Handed Sluggers

Earlier in the week we looked at some potential trade targets in the AL should Yoenis Cespedes opt to sign elsewhere. Now let’s take a look at the senior circuit and what right handed sluggers could be worth considering.

The Milwaukee Brewers control the fate of Ryan Braun, a player I’ve previously suggested could be a nice fit in New York. He’s not exactly a bargain and is on the latter stages of his career. He’s owed an average of $20 million per year for the next four years. This season he demonstrated that even without PEDs he’s still a productive player, having slugged 30/91/.305 with 19 stolen bases to boot – not bad at all for a guy who just turned 33. However, if the Mets are leery of Cespedes’ production as he ages, then I’m not sure they’d embrace Braun (though the $8 or so million per year differential in pay might appeal to them).

The Andrew McCutchen rumors have been fast and furious. His contract is exactly what would appeal to Mr. Alderson – just two years remaining at $14 and $14.7 million years. While he’s not the centerfielder he once was, he could certainly man the position better than Curtis Granderson or Michael Conforto. He’s a combination of batting average, speed and power. However, his relatively modest cost in today’s baseball economy will put him in high demand.

This year may be the prime time for the Diamondbacks to consider trading their slugger Paul Goldschmidt. He has a very modest price tag of just about $10 million per year for the next two years and then a third year option at $14.5 million when he’s just 31. By his lofty standards he’s coming off a down year in which he delivered 24/95/.297 with an astounding .411 OBP. A first baseman of his caliber would enable the Mets to move Lucas Duda as well as considering Dom Smith in a package to upgrade another area. It should take a king’s ransom to get him but Arizona has been known to make some head scratching trades.

Another name to ask Arizona about is Cuban import Yasmany Tomas. He’s another one I was screaming for the Mets to consider when he became available but as usual they wanted proven commodities like John Mayberry, Jr. and Alejandro De Aza. All Tomas did this past season was hit 31 HRs and drove in 83 while batting .272. He’s available to play 3B and OF. The right handed slugger will earn $13.9 million per year AAV for the next four years. At age 26 he’s still got time to improve over this already impressive production.

Having missed most of 2016 due to injury, the Diamondbacks may not be as enamored of A.J. Pollock as they once were. Teams sometimes get frustrated by things they can’t control and DL stints are one of them. Before he got hurt Pollock put together a spectacular campaign playing centerfield – 20/76/.315 with 39 stolen bases. In 2017 he’s set to earn a paltry $6.75 million and is arbitration eligble for the first time in 2018 and a free agent in 2019.

The last so-called can’t miss uber prospect who fell flat on his face was the then Kansas City Royals’ Wil Myers. If you look at his minor league numbers you would expect to see All Star production. In his final year in the minors in 2012 he hit 37 HRs, drove in 109 and hit .314. It had to come as a huge surprise to find him struggling both to find playing time and to deliver at that elite level. He was moved twice, first to the Tampa Bay Rays and then to the San Diego Padres. This past year he finally seemed to put it together at the ripe old age of 25 by giving the Friars 28/94/.259. Given that San Diego’s ballpark is even less hitter friendly than CitiField, he might do even better in the future. He is now hitting his arbitration years and San Diego often is payroll-averse.

Another very low cost option that addresses a need for the Mets is the Marlins’ Marcell Ozuna. He’s twice now delivered in the 25 HR range while demonstrating a Howitzer for an arm while playing CF. He and the Marlins have a rocky relationship based upon how they manipulated his service time in the attempt to control his costs for a longer period of time.

A HUGE roll of the dice is the seemingly perpetually injured catcher Devin Mesoraco of the Cincinatti Reds. He put together a 25/80/.273 season in 2014 at age 26. Since then he’s been doing his Travis d’Arnaud impression, having played just 39 games over the next two years. He was rewarded with a nice contract that will pay him $10 million per year for the next two years. If he could replicate that 2014 season and stay healthy that’s a bargain compared to what a Wilson Ramos or Matt Weiters would cost. However, those are huge “ifs”.

It might be hard to get the World Champion Chicago Cubs to tamper with their roster, but there are a couple of interesting options out there. First I’ve advocated looking more closely at Willson Contreras, the catcher who in a part-time role delivered 12/35/.282 in 252 ABs. The decision hinges on what they foresee for the role played by slugger Kyle Schwarber. If he catches, then Contreras is somewhat superflous. If they have him take the outfield where they have Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and Jorge Soler already out there, then one of them might be available. I’m guessing their preference would be to deal away the huge contract given to Jason Heyward but as of now he’s penciled in the replace Dexter Fowler in CF. Zobrist is valued for his veteran leadership, so I’m guessing youngster Jorge Soler might possibly be available. Over 3 years in a part time role he’s amassed 682 ABs. He his hit 27 HRs and driven in 98. The red flag on him is that he’s also struck out 203 times. Believe it or not, to a team like the Cubs he’s not a starter. At age 25 the Cuban slugger might have time to develop some plate discipline.

The Dodgers might pay you to take Yasiel Puig off their hands, but if you look at his numbers (antics aside), he’s frankly not that good. His high water mark was 19 Hrs as a rookie followed by his sophomore year with 69 RBIs. For $8.75 million for the next two years that’s not too bad but then you’d have to factor in the disruption he could be in the clubhouse.

Does anyone appeal to you?

Mack Ade – Wilfredo Tovar, Wilmer Flores, Cuban Smugglers, Phillip Humber, Tim Teufel

Good morning.

MLB Trade Rumors had a blip about SS Wilfredo Tovar signing a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals –

Shortstop Wilfredo Tovar appears to have signed what is presumably a minor league deal with the Cardinals, as the infielder himself tweeted a thank you to the organization for his latest opportunity. The 25-year-old Tovar came up through the Mets system and made a pair of brief MLB appearances in 2013-14, collecting three hits in a tiny sample of 22 plate appearances. Once rated as one of the Top 15 prospects in the Mets’ system by Baseball America (and thrice rated as that system’s best defensive infielder), Tovar spent the 2016 campaign with the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate, where he served as their primary shortstop. Defensive prowess aside, Tovar doesn’t bring much to the table offensively; he hit .249/.301/.327 with one homer in 494 plate appearances at Triple-A last year, although he did chip in 29 steals (in 38 attempts) when he managed to reach base.

          Trust me… if you’re writing about Tovar, it’s a light Mets week.

I never shared the feelings of some of the Mack’s Mets writers that thought this guy would play someday fulltime in Queens. He has great speed and was considered as the top defensive infielder in the organization, but that and $16 will get you through the Holland Tunnel. BTW, does it actually cost $16 ONE WAY to go through a tunnel now to Manhattan? I remember when it was three bucks… maybe even less.

And, isn’t it more exciting talking about tunnels than Tovar?

 NJ.com  an update on last year’s Wilmer Flores injury –

                                      Mets infielder Wilmer Flores is recovering well from his wrist surgery.

Flores, who had the hook of the hamate bone in his right wrist surgically-removed in October, said he has resumed working out and expects to begin hitting soon.

"It's been five weeks now," Flores said Monday in an interview on SNY. "I'm already working out and everything but I think I can start hitting in like a week maybe. I'll be definitely ready for spring training."

I hope Flores returns this spring at a 100% level. He offers much flexibility in the infield, is a great clubhouse guy, and still qualifies as a decent trade chip in a package for a right-hand power outfielder. I never thought he was much of a shortstop which probably in the long run helped him make this team. Strange, huh?

You gotta read this story from local10 about Cuban smugglers in Mexico (why did I know that Mexico would be involved here) –

A smuggling ring held Cuban baseball stars at gunpoint in Mexico, threatening to kill them if they tried to escape before signing lucrative contracts with Major League Baseball, according to U.S. prosecutors.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors described how Cuban baseball stars like Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu and Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria endured kidnapping and extortion on their way to stardom in the United States.

It's the latest evidence that the MLB's influx of talented Cuban players often relies on a shadowy underworld of armed thugs, stash houses and the world's most dangerous drug cartel, Los Zetas

          It’s shit like this that has to be cleaned up in this area of the world. These are kids playing baseball. Jeez.

Did you ever wonder what happened to Phillip Humber ?  He retired –

Philip Humber‘s story is only slightly better. The third overall pick in the 2004 draft, Humber was traded to Minnesota in the Johan Santana deal, but he became better known as a poster child for the pitcher abuse at Rice University. As Michael Baumann wrote in 2013: “In 2004, three Rice University pitchers were drafted in the first eight picks. All three — Philip Humber, Jeff Niemann and Wade Townsend — suffered shoulder injuries shortly after turning pro.” But the story had a brief happy coda.

Like Ludwick, Humber struggled to establish himself in his first five years in the majors, accruing a 5.26 ERA in 51.1 innings for three different teams. He signed  the Chicago White Sox as a 28-year-old free agent in 2011, and he finally had the year everyone was hoping he’d have when he was first drafted: 26 starts, 163 innings, a 3.75 ERA (85 ERA-), 3.2 WAR.

The next season, on April 12, 2012, he twirled the 21st perfect game in major league history.

          And I read this week that Santana is going to try and pitch this fall and work his way back into the game. More strange shit.

Tim Teufel, who was recently replaced as Mets 3B coach, will remain with the organization as a roving INF instructor and club ambassador.

This is such a good idea for both the Mets and his family. I know Tim has a house/condo in St. Lucie and what better place to live with your wife than on the water.

Teufel went through multiple Mets minor league levels as a manager and he always has had the respect of the players he coached there. It wouldn’t be a Mets spring training without Tim leaning on his bat, waiting to hit a fungo fly ball to one of the catchers.

Mack’s Morning Report – Las Vegas 51’s – 2017 Outfield

Good morning.

Here’s what would be my Las Vegas outfield would be on opening day –

First, let me say this. This outfield is not going to be as talented as the infield is. Potentially, I see only one guy that could make a difference at the major leave level. That being said, let’s get on with it -

LF – Victor Cruzado – Cruzado had a halfway decent season last year in Binghamton (364-AB, .261), splitting time with Jayce Boyd (270-AB, .259). The difference was the 8 HRs he hit vs. Boyd’s 2. Cruzado will turn 25 in June and should settle in nicely as a AAAA institutional player for Las Vegas for two or three season.

CF – Brandon Nimmo – Brandon, Brandon, Brandon… I was extremely pleased with his late season stats (73-AB, .274) with the Mets. As you see, I don’t think it’s enough to win away the 5^th outfield slot in Queens and take it away from Mike Conforto. Nimmo is going to have to wait one more time for the injury phone call, or be packaged in a deal for a new reliever or catcher. One thing in his favor… the Mets have a few guys now that can be added to a package deal (Gsellman, T.J., Nimmo) and maybe get a decent deal done without hurting the core of the team.

RF – Travis Taijeron – The soon-to-be 28-year old (January) had an impressive 2016 for Las Vegas… 459-AB, 19-HR, 88-RBIs), but a .275 batting average in this league is sub-par. Like most AAAA power hitters, he strikes out far too much to be a potential major leaguer (166-K). I assume his power bat, and lack of prospect outfielders in the pipeline, will keep his around for a while.

OF/UT – Matt Oberste – Oberste is a potential next-Lucas Duda as a DH only. He can smack the hell out the ball, but his overall game is far below major league standard. Like Taijeron, will settle in as a AAAA player.

OF/UT – Ty Kelly – Kelly would have qualified for the 3^rd highest batting average in the PCL if he had enough at-bats (271-AB, .328). You can’t get rid of guy like this and, frankly, he did produce a little for the parent club on their quest to make the playoffs (58-AB, .241-BA). Still, Kelly is at best a AAAA player and an injury replacement if needed.

Happy Thanksgiving

Mack's Mets will be closed today...

Gobble, gobble... 

RIP - Ralph Branca

Ralph Branca's baseball life will always be defined by one pitch.

Branca, who gave up a home run to the Giants' Bobby Thomson, the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" that cost the Brooklyn Dodgers the 1951 National League pennant, has died at the age of 90.

His son-in-law, former major league manager Bobby Valentine, said that Branca died Wednesday at a nursing home in Rye, New York. No cause of death was given. Valentine announced Branca's death on Twitter.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18120933/ralph-branca-former-mlb-pitcher-gave-famous-hr-dies

Reese Kaplan -- Targeting AL Right Handed Sluggers

The rumor mills are churning out stories at breakneck speed, though most are in the realm of “the Mets ought to” rather than actual unnamed sources giving some insight into what the Yoenis Cespedes alternatives might be up Sandy Alderson’s sleeve. 

The most imposing and intriguing name to come down the pike thus far is the rumored shopping by the Marlins of slugger Giancarlo Stanton.  While no one can deny the man’s talent, there are numerous red flags that suggest trading for him would not be the wisest course of action.  First of all, he’s been in the league since 2010 and eclipsed 125 games in a season just twice.  For a team reeling from injuries you’d think health would be a high priority on their wish-list for new players.

Second, while no one can deny the man’s prodigious power, he’s only hit more than 90 RBIs once in his entire career.  Granted, until recently he hasn’t had much of a team around him, but not being on the field and not hitting in the clutch certainly seem like issues to consider.

Third (and first in the Wilpons’ collective priority list), he has one of the ugliest contracts in baseball.  Any team that acquires him is on the hook for over $300,000,000!!!  His salary for the 2017 season is a very reasonable $14,500,000 but then it skyrockets to as high as $32,000,000 annually through his age 37 season with a $10 million buyout or an additional year at $25,000,000 at age 38.  Ouch.

More importantly, it would require a boatload of talent heading down to Miami to pry him away even if Fred and Jeff got it into their heads that they had to have him.  You would think the David Wright example would show them the risk involved in putting all of your eggs in one basket when ill health strikes. 

Personally, if I was going to go jousting at windmills in the hopes of landing a big fish, I’d be getting on the phone about the rumored Mike-Trout-to-the-Yankees deal and instead suggest he’d find a more welcome home in Queens.  For comparison’s sake, let’s look at the contracts.  Trout is going to be paid quite well but for not as long a period of time.  For the next four years you’d be obligating yourself to a relatively paltry $122 million.

What do you get for that kind of investment?  Well, for starters, he’s been the AL MVP two of the past three years after also earning Rookie of the Year.  He’s hit as many as 41 home runs in a season stolen as many as 49 bases while playing a position of need for the Mets – centerfield. 

To get him would take pretty much everyone at the top of your farm system, such as Rosario, Smith, Szapucki , Gsellman and/or Conforto.  Then again, that same haul would be what the Marlins would ask for Stanton and I’d sooner have the latter day Mickey Mantle than the latter day Mo Vaughn while risking less than half the money.

Now that the ridiculous are off the table, who else is out there as a right handed slugger who might be available should the Mets put together an intriguing trade package?  Let’s look at some AL options.

The White Sox are probably looking to blow up the team and start all over after their major investments did not propel them into contention.  Two players fit the mold for the Mets -- Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu.  Frazier is more of an all-or-nothing type hitter who has played 90 games at 1B in his career as well as his more customary position at 3B.  Given the precarious state of David Wright’s health, that may not be a bad hedge against another prolonged DL stint.  His power output for the past few years has included seasons of 29, 35 and 40 HRs.  He’s arbitration eligible this year and coming off an $8.25 million contract.   Even if he doubles it, that’s way less than you’d have paid Cespedes and he’d be a one-year stopgap until Dom Smith is available in 2018. 

The first of the new wave of Cuban success stories was Jose Abreu.  When he was available I was screaming from the rooftops for the Mets to make him a priority, but between their cash flow issues and their xenophobia they demurred.  All he’s done for the White Sox in his first three years in the majors is deliver three consecutive seasons of 100 RBIs, eclipsing 30 home runs in two of them and delivering a batting average over that span of .299.  Did I mention he’s earned just $27 million ($9 million per year) for that output?  He’s arbitration eligible and will probably find himself in the same ballpark money-wise as Todd Frazier.  For that reason one of them may be on the block. 

The Tampa Bay Rays have always been a penny pinching organization and it may be that they’d consider a deal for their only well paid piece – Evan Longoria.  Granted, he’s been the face of the franchise almost since his arrival but the Rays have not been contenders and they may feel a package of prospects might be better for them in the long run accompanied by the financial flexibility of being off the hook for the remainder of his contract.  A year shy of being a 10-5 player, this year might be the perfect time to test his market value.  He’s the model of consistency, producing on average 31/102/.271 year in and year out.  He’s a right handed hitter who plays 3B and is entering 2017 as a 31 year old.  He’s earning an average of just $15.7 million per season for the next six years with a $13 million option ($5 million buyout) at the end.  He’s not an ideal solution as neither he nor David Wright have any experience at another position, but he’s a relative bargain considering the numbers bandied about for guys like Cespedes. 

Another 31 year old who is a more natural fit is the Orioles’ Adam Jones.  A centerfielder, he has hit an average of 26 home runs and 86 RBIs while batting .277 for several years now.  He doesn’t run much anymore, but he’s won Gold Gloves for his fielding.  He’s set to earn $16.3 million this coming year and $17.3 in 2018.  You know how Sandy Alderson loves his short term payroll commitments.

Finally, there’s a player who never seemed to get the respect he deserved when playing for the Atlanta Braves.  In fact, when he was packaged off to the Houston for minor league hurler Mike Foltynewicz everyone congratulated the GM for fleecing the Astros.  I again was a lone wolf howling that the Braves were robbed.  Thus far it looks as though I was right.  Folty had a 34-36 minor league career with a 3.84 ERA – not horrible but not great.  His major league output has been below that level with an 11-12 record and a 4.92 ERA with batters hitting an embarrassing .286 against him.  Who was that player who wore out his welcome in Atlanta?  It was Evan Gattis, who, after seasons of 21 and 22 HRs with Atlanta delivered 27 and 32 for the Astros.  Granted, he’s never going to win a Gold Glove, but he earns very little and has shown solid power from the right side.  In fact, given the uncertainty of both Travis d’Arnaud’s health and bat, he may not be a bad hedge as a catcher when not playing the outfield. 

There are a few others who are less than ideal fits but worth mentioning.  The Korean imports in Seattle and Minnesota had varying levels of success, but enough potential and first year production that they might be worthy gambles.  Dae-Ho Lee on the Mariners hit 14 HRs and drove in 49 in just over 300 ABs.  He’s earned $1 million.  Byung Ho Park was a bit of a disappointment for the Twins.  They signed him to a longer term deal off of his eye-popping Korean numbers (including his most recent two consecutive seasons of over 50 HRs each).  He struggled at .191 but still managed to hit 12 HRs and drive in 24 in just over 200 ABs, so you know the power is real.  He’s signed for the next three years (plus an option for a 4^th) at just $8.75 million TOTAL for that period.  Both are 1^st basemen by trade, so they’re not ideal but could be platoon partners for Lucas Duda as they bat from the right side. 

Speaking of Korean imports, an American who went to Asia is seeking a return after three consecutive productive years of 37, 47 and 40 home runs.  Eric Thames never was a regular in the majors but in his collective time in Toronto and Seattle he hit 21 home runs over a season's worth of ABs.  His dramatic surge in power could be due to maturity or lower level of pitching against him, but the numbers are hard to ignore.  Unfortunately he's left handed and doesn't address the right handed power gap created by a possible Cespedes departure.  

However, a previously recommended overseas exile -- Wilin Rosario -- does and he plays a position arguably of need -- catcher and 1st base.  Batting from the right side, the 27 year old hit 33/120/.321 in his first year in Korea in 2016.  He's worth an extended look as he had some good power with Colorado earlier in his career.  .  

Next time around I’ll look at NL possibilities to help offset the Mets’ balance of power. 

FLASH - Frank Viola

Frank Viola will remain as the Las Vegas Pitching Coach in 2007

Mack Ade – Donations, Giancarlo Stanton, Harol Gonzalez, Jonathan Lucroy, Edwin Encarnacion

Good morning.

You might have noticed that I have once again put up a donation box over on the right hand, top side of the cover page of Mack’s Mets. We’ve done this in the past.

There’s no hidden agenda here. I administrate the site using Blogger, which has no way to set up a fixed, monthly subscription rate. Instead, I have relied on donations to help me raise funds to replace my computer, pay for a printer, etc.

Nothing has changed for me. I’m a Viet Nam Vet. Disabled.  And haven’t drawn a full time paycheck in over 10 years.

Anything is appreciated at any time of the year.

No donation… no biggie.

NJ.com had a story about the possibility of the Miami Marlins offering up the services of their mega-star, Giancarlo Stanton, to multiple teams, including the New York Mets. I love the idea but I can’t see their nutzo owner beginning the process of breaking down this team for the umpteenth time.

Still, one can dream, but what exactly would the Mets offer up to close this deal?

They aren’t going to deal pitcher Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey isn’t healthy enough yet to make any of the trade wires.

Miami needs an SP to replace their fallen ‘cigarette boat’ captain (jeez… cigarette boat… cocaine… Miami… accident on the water… ), and no matter how you try to sell it, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler, and Jacob deGrom are still coming back from the IR.

So who else?

Robert Gsellman, Amid Rosario, and Michael Conforto?

I always like to keep tract of starters in the Mets organization because I believe that the success of this team always will fall in line behind this position.

MiLB.com has an article out naming the top Mets prospects, by position, and here is one of the two SPs listed in this article (P.J. Conlon was the other one -

Right-handed starter -- Harol Gonzalez, Brooklyn (14 games): Just about every part of Gonzalez's stat line for Class A Short Season Brooklyn in 2016 jumps out at first glance. In 85 innings the 21-year-old struck out 88 batters and walked 17 while posting a 2.01 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Gonzalez was also able to keep the ball in the yard for Brooklyn, allowing only two homers all season.

"He's always been a guy that's had a good feel for pitching," Morgan said. "What we started to see this year was him putting together the command with his mentality. He's very smart and cerebral, so he's able to get a feel for what the opposing team is trying to do and adjust accordingly. He came into his own and began understanding himself and executed this season."

The Dominican Republic native put together his best stretch from July 14 to August 26 when he allowed just three earned runs over 46 2/3 innings.

We will see Gonzalez in Columbia this spring and is on target to be ready for Queens in 2020.

My friends over at Mets360 had a great story this morning on their projected 2018 Mets. It included –

The Mets should sign Jonathan Lucroy to catch. He will add a solid veteran bat to the lineup. At first base, the Mets should add a veteran first baseman to platoon with Smith. Sign John Jaso. Jaso would provide the Mets a good option to play first base in addition to Smith at a very reasonable price. He could also do some catching and play the outfield as well. The Mets should look to conserve money here because the big bonanza of free agents comes after the 2018 season. Manny Machado would look awfully good in a Mets uniform. Sign Lorenzo Cain to play center field. Lucroy will demand the most money, but Jaso and Cain both could be signed for a fairly reasonable price and leave some room for going after Machado after the 2018 season.

I always have a hard time looking this far forward. I’m still trying to figure out who is going to be my third reliever, my starting catcher, and my center fielder (if Yoenes Cespedes isn’t signed) in 2017.

Free-agent 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion turned down a four-year, $80 million deal from the Blue Jays, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag. The Blue Jays recently signed free-agent DH Kendrys Morales to a three-year, $33 million contract, though Heyman believes they still have interest in Encarnacion to be their first basemen.  Encarnacion, who turns 34 years old in January, hit .263 with a .357 OBP and .529 SLG with 42 HR and 127 RBI this past season for Toronto.

          I’ve always been one to support the signing of ‘prime meat’ for multiple years. Encarnacion would be a wonderful 3-4 year option for my team at first base, making Dominic Smith the most valuable first base trade chip in the business.

Your thoughts?

Tom Brennan - TIM TEBOW'S TALLY

Tom Brennan - TIM TEBOW'S TALLY

OK, OK, I know that Tim Tebow did not lead the Arizona Fall League in hitting, or slugging, or on base percentage.  But I'm stuck commuting in from Suffolk County on the LIRR (which I now refer to as the Trump Train).

It's a really long ride, and my thoughts wander: and Tim Tebow divinely popped into my head.  So it is article time.

So what was his tally, people?  I'm so glad you asked.

Tebow decided to give other AFL players an offensive head start, going zero for his first 13.  

Nonetheless, Tebow (Tim Terrific):

1. Outhit fellow Met Matt Oberste .192 to .184.

2. Had an on base % of .296, 88 points higher than Oberste.

3. Struck out 2 less times than fellow Met Champ Stuart in roughly the same plate appearances.

4. Was only 9th worst in the league in batting average.

5. Had a higher on base % than 19 other AFL hitters.

6. Had a .362 OBP once you exclude his first 13 plate appearance adjustment period.

7. Had a scintillating .405 OBP in his last 10 games, a rate which I would gladly take from any Mets starting position player in 2017.

8. Did all that despite being dead last in playing experience.

BOTTOM LINE:  He greatly outperformed expectations, while outperforming a bunch of other seasoned minor league AFL players.  And he was firing on all cylinders as the league season ended.

I think he will outperform in 2017, too. He always has.