After a second straight playoff appearance Sandy Alderson
made the almost unprecedented decision not to add a single major league player
(or minor league piece nearly ready) to help propel the 2016 squad that was
one-and-done in the post season forward to do better. Considering the myriad of injuries they
endured that season, it seemed an odd choice to gamble that everyone would
return healthy without a backup plan. Understandably,
they did worse.
Recently Mack opined that Zack Borenstein and Greg Purke
better not be the sum total of Sandy Alderson’s off-season machinations, but we
HAVE seen this movie before. It was just
last year. As cynical as I am, even I
don’t believe that will happen, particularly since there is a small pot of
money to spend. Also, the self-professed
smartest guy in the room had to observe how 2017 unfolded.
Still, it got me to thinking…what if there was a repeat of
the last off-season and no additions were made to the 2016 roster. What would the team look like?
First Base
Despite all of the rumblings about disappointment with Dom
Smith, he still has a year or so to prove what he can do as Peter Alonso barks
at his heels. Whether that happens in
Queens or in Las Vegas, the only alternative at this point would be Wilmer Flores. I’m confident Flores could provide 25/75 at
minimum at 1st base and that’s all you could realistically expect
from the 32 year old Carlos Santana, so it would be the height of foolishness
to spend on that position at all.
Second Base
Here’s the biggest position player issue for the Mets. Assuming Asdrubal Cabrera is on 3rd
base, that leaves the motley crew of Gavin Cecchini and Matt Reynolds fighting
it out for the position unless Smith wins the 1st base job
outright. Then add Wilmer Flores to the
mix. That won’t make many people warm
and fuzzy who want to be strong up the middle as Wilmer’s best position on the
field is DH. Then there’s the traditional
Mets’ hope and fantasy that players will miraculously heal in record time which
might interject T.J. Rivera into the conversation as well.
Shortstop
While he came up with even more fanfare than Dom Smith, Amed
Rosario, you could argue, failed just as spectacularly. No one seems to be talking about his slash
line of .248/4/10 over a 170 AB trial.
He added 7 SBs. Smith, by
comparison, hit .198/9/26. Smith more
than doubled both run producing categories yet Rosario gets a completely free
pass. They have no Plan B beyond the
AAAA Matt Reynolds and the lead gloved duo of Wilmer Flores and Asdrubal
Cabrera, so it’s his job for 2018 to sink or swim.
Third Base
They’re paying Asdrubal Cabrera to be the answer to David Wright’s
health situation. While I was not in
favor of bringing him back as a way of changing the culture, offensively he’s a
credible if not spectacular player who for what he provides is fairly paid at
$8.5 million. There is no conversation
whatsoever about anyone else playing here, but the usual spate of infield
backup options exist here as well.
Catcher
Formerly the poster child for the fans’ wrath, Travis d’Arnaud
had fewer days lost to injury this year than in previous seasons and did
produce 16 HRs and 57 RBIs in just 348 ABs.
Coupled with the rejuvenated Kevin Plawecki the Mets allowed the Cubs to
take Rene Rivera and appear set with this right handed tandem for the coming
year.
Left Field
If the Mets’ version of the straw that stirs the drink can
remember to imbibe enough fluids to keep from cramping up, they are solid in LF
with Yoenis Cespedes. It will be
interesting to see how well the new manager communicates with the superstar
diva.
Center Field
While you would think any club that boasted a Gold Glove
winner on its roster would be set here, with Michael Conforto’s injury they may
not be able to withstand Juan Lagares’ bat in the lineup every day. Furthermore, Lagares, like d’Arnaud, is not
exactly Lou Gehrig out there. Still, he
would get the nod.
Right Field
Sandy Alderson’s first “proof” that he was the smartest guy
in the room is likely the opening day starter in RF, Brandon Nimmo. While no one questions the man’s desire or
enthusiasm, the results have simply not been there. His 2017 trial was better than he’s shown in
the past. However, a slash line of
.260/5/24 is only slightly better than replacement level. The glimmer of hope here is that as a
latecomer to organized ball he may mature into his talent a bit later. With Conforto out for the foreseeable future
he should be starting daily.
Starting Rotation
Going into the season with hopes and prayers of recovery would
mean your opening day rotation would include Jacob de Grom, Noah Syndergaard,
Matt Harvey, Steve Matz and Zack Wheeler.
Backup options would include Seth Lugo, Robert Gselleman and Rafael
Montero (if he is not traded). While on
paper it’s the rotation everyone always dreamed would exist, the fact is they
have the collective structural solidity of a crystal chandelier facing the
swing of Bryce Harper. It COULD survive but I wouldn't bet the ranch on it.
Bullpen
Headed by the proven trio of Jeurys Familia, A.J. Ramos and
Jerry Blevins, they are off to a good start here. If they’re honest about going with an
eight-man bullpen then you need to find five other warm bodies. They would likely include Paul Sewald, Hansel
Robles, Chasen Bradford, Josh Smoker and one of the three aforementioned backup starters and perhaps Kevin McGowan.
Outlook
I know I have well-earned reputation for being the naysayer
here, but allow me to put on my rose colored glasses for a moment and suggest
that it all hinges upon pitching. If the
starters can remain healthy and pitch to the best of their abilities, that
lineup, while not exactly the stuff of which legends are made, is probably
capable of delivering enough offense to support pitchers who give up 3 to 4
runs per game. Since the Achilles heel
seems to be pitching, that’s where I think the limited shekels need to be
allocated to ensure the opportunity to win each day. Anything that can be brought in to reinforce
the offense is the cherry on top.
