Past and possible injuries aside, the one place where the Mets have the most uncertainty moving forward is in the middle infield. It is widely known that Jose Reyes is in the final year of his contract, and whether Sandy Alderson will or is able to re-sign him remains up in the air. As of right now, the second base position remains up in the air for this season, and there are certainly no guarantees that whoever wins the opening day job will be able to secure the position for the entire season and into the future. With potential holes to fill, let’s take a look at the middle infielders the Mets have in the upper levels of the minor league system that could be fighting for a spot on the roster a year from now.
The most logical internal replacement if Jose Reyes is not retained is Ruben Tejada. At the tender age of 20, Tejada played 78 games in the major leagues last year, playing both second base and shortstop. Despite the open competition at second base this spring, the Mets new front office is determined to keep the young Tejada in the minors throughout the year, declaring early on that he would be the everyday shortstop for AAA Buffalo. The hope is that Tejada’s bat develops with a full year in AAA to the point where he can contribute to a major league lineup, and not be a one-dimensional player. Defensively, Tejada is already a great major league shortstop, showing off a brilliant glove during his time last year. While he’ll never be like Reyes offensively, Tejada is great defensively and could become a reliable contact hitter, and at this point the best option the Mets have to replace Reyes if they have to in 2012, and could also be an option at second base if Reyes is retained.
The hopeful choice to rise above the clutter that is piling up at second base this spring training is Reese Havens. Havens is one of the top prospects in the Mets organization, but his way up the minor league system has been slowed by injuries. With a healthy 2011, which he should start at AA Binghamton, Havens could progress to the point where he would be the obvious choice to be the opening day second baseman next year. He is a former shortstop who has transitioned well to second base, and will have the benefit of Wally Backman and Tim Tueffel tutoring him at the position while in the minor leagues. At the plate, Havens has more power than the average second baseman, and has also displayed good discipline and a good understanding of the strike zone. With solid defense and the powerful bat he could potentially provide, Havens is not only the ideal internal option to take over the second base job in 2012, but a dangerous weapon that could give the Mets one of the best infields in baseball, but only if he can overcome the injuries that have plagued his career thus far.
A candidate that could fill either position up the middle is Jordany Valdespin, who is more likely to end up at second base in the long term, but has played shortstop during his time in the minors. Valdespin possesses the type of speed and athleticism that has the potential to play at the top of the lineup. He doesn’t have power, but can accumulate singles and infield hits. His problem has been being patient at the plate and drawing walks, something he’s never been able to do, and if he can’t learn to do it, his on-base percentage will never be high enough to hold down a full-time job. He will also need to learn how to steal bases, in order to harness his speed into a weapon that can enhance his value. The Mets added him to the 40-man roster this past offseason, so either he’s in their plans for the future or they feel he’s worth keeping around. With improvement in his on-base percentage this year, Valdespin could get into the mix at second base next year, or at least use his versatility to carve out a niche as a utility player.
Josh Satin is a player on the periphery of the Mets second base situation, but could play his way into the conversation by this time next year. Terry Collins has stated that second base is an offensive position, and if he stays true to those comments then Satin would seem to fit the description. Satin hit .311 with 12 homeruns and 39 doubles between advanced A and AA last year. If he continues hitting like that and adjusting quickly to new levels he could find himself in the equation next year. He is not a gifted defensive player and has been working to learn new positions in hopes of becoming a utility player, which may be his best chance at playing in the big leagues; however, second base is his natural position, and with the future at second base for the Mets so uncertain, it would be foolish to count Satin out.
Obviously, it’s too early to discount the Mets current competitors for the second base job, as Daniel Murphy, Brad Emaus, or Justin Turner could all prove themselves worthy of being the Mets second baseman for the long term. However, it’s more likely that whoever claims the job this year will be a one season stop gap, which means that during next offseason the position will be as wide open as it is now, only the Mets will have guys they have brought up in their farm system competing for a spot on the major league roster. The uncertainty of Jose Reyes’s future with the Mets beyond this year adds another dimension to this issue, which makes having options in the minor leagues all the more important.
38 comments
stickguy
3/23/2011-5:02pm at 5:02 pm (UTC -4)
I like Havens. Really hoping his tip job will cure the recurring oblique issues, and he can stay on the field. If he does, he should move quick.
Hey, for your next gig, go the rest of the way up the middle and handicap the CF future. I don’t see Pagan out there beyond 2012. So, is Ceccilini the answer by 2013? One of the other guys?
Oh, and my real hope if reyes leaves (though I hope he stays of course) is that Flores can defy speculation, and stick there.
Bryan
3/23/2011-7:17pm at 7:17 pm (UTC -4)
That’s a real good idea. I will get on that after I finish up my march madness stuff. Cecciliani is a few years away, but there are plenty of options.
saltygary
3/23/2011-7:32pm at 7:32 pm (UTC -4)
MM? Who’s your pick. I’m a hige UCONN fan so I can’t get beyond my own bias especially after the Big East tourney. All I want is a UCONN vs. Duke match-up. I can handle them losing I just want the game.
Bryan
3/23/2011-9:06pm at 9:06 pm (UTC -4)
Well, I’m a Cuse alum, but also a huge Big East fan, so I’m hoping UConn can carry the torch for the league. They were also one of my final four picks, along with UNC, Kansas, and Florida. I think you’ll get to see that Duke/UConn game, Kemba looks just about unstoppable.
oleosmirf
3/23/2011-5:31pm at 5:31 pm (UTC -4)
If Ruben Tejada is our starting SS next season, we are in big big trouble…
wannybackstra
3/23/2011-5:44pm at 5:44 pm (UTC -4)
Has Bryan already decided that Flores will not stick as a middle infielder? Or are we just focused on who might surface in 2012?
stickguy
3/23/2011-5:58pm at 5:58 pm (UTC -4)
based on this sentence:
“The most logical internal replacement if Jose Reyes is not retained is Ruben Tejada.”
I am assuming he is looking at this for the immediate future.
though lets see, Tejada came up in 2010 as a 20 year old. next year, Flores will be 20. So maybe we should be including Flores in the pool for 2012?
Long shot, but very possible he starts at St. Lucie again, and kills the league, moving up to AA by say June. If he hits there, you have to start looking at him being a viable 2012 option. Even if it means the Ike plan (big spring, go down for a little while, and force your way back up.).
I think there is a chance the bat could do it. Not sure if they will trust the D though!
Bryan
3/23/2011-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
I was pretty much focusing on the immediate future not looking past next year. If we go a few years down the line, there’s Flores, Robbie Shields, Wilfredo Tovar, and some others to consider.
saltygary
3/23/2011-7:24pm at 7:24 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve read in a bunch on places that Flores will not remain a middle infielder.
metsfan4decades
3/23/2011-7:59pm at 7:59 pm (UTC -4)
Everything I’ve read this spring pointed towards Flores not sticking at SS for his future.
However, I also read so far this spring they have him playing exclusively at SS.
So maybe they’re giving him one last long look there to make a determination?
stickguy
3/23/2011-8:19pm at 8:19 pm (UTC -4)
I think they are doing the right thing. Keep letting him play there until he proves he can’t do it, and not moving him just because people think he won’t be able to.
Besides, right now, there is no logical place (as in where they have a hole coming up) to move him.
Bryan
3/23/2011-9:10pm at 9:10 pm (UTC -4)
They are doing just that, letting him stay at short until he proves he can’t. I wrote during out top 10 countdown that it’s not really an issue until he gets promoted to AA, and even then there’s no pressure to decide they just need to start thinking about it. If I were to guess right now, I’d say he ends up at 3B.
TRS86
3/24/2011-8:05am at 8:05 am (UTC -4)
I think it really depends on how other players develop. If there is still a hole in the OF they may try and turn him into a corner guy. If they are afraid Wright might walk then yeah they may turn him into a 3B…
rustyjr
3/23/2011-6:51pm at 6:51 pm (UTC -4)
This doesn’t look too good – as per Rubin
Investors interested in purchasing a share of the Mets are “meeting today in Allen & Co.’s midtown offices” in N.Y., and some are “not liking what they’re seeing,” according CNBC’s Kate Kelly. The prospective bidders are meeting with Allen & Co. to review the Mets’ financials, though they have also “been looking at the books for at least a week or so.” Some parties that have already studied the financials reportedly “are feeling gun-shy” now about a possible investment. There is not expected to be any public announcements after today’s meetings. (“Strategy Session” on CNBC)
saltygary
3/23/2011-7:26pm at 7:26 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t get too concerned about this. I am sure that some of these investors are using this as an opportunity to get the inside track to full ownership.
I really doubt the Wilpon’s will be able to hold on. The news just won’t stop on the issue and every week there seems to be another issue.
stickguy
3/23/2011-8:28pm at 8:28 pm (UTC -4)
my guess is you are right, but it is still likely to take a while. At least until the suit winds it’s way through the courts.
wonder why this is taking so long? the “facts” have been out there for a while, so just get to it already!
still a chance one of the deep pocket guys figures out they won’t be able to hang on, and makes them the godfather offer.
But even so, they may not be willing to sell while the suit is live, for various reasons.
stickguy
3/23/2011-8:24pm at 8:24 pm (UTC -4)
also keep in mind anything being leaked out is being done for a reason. And of course, it is in there interest to run it down a bit! Just like looking at some dudes used car. Gotta point out all the faults to get the price down.
Actually, this is a great money making scheme for someone. They collect 25K, non-refundable, from everyone of the people looking at the books.
saltygary
3/23/2011-7:29pm at 7:29 pm (UTC -4)
Another great piece Bryan. RDM I am really liking these new guys you brought on. They come across educated and very well thought out. My only complaint is their posts seem to come at the end of the day or a random weekend post. Would love to see this come earlier in the afternoon.
TRS86
3/23/2011-7:35pm at 7:35 pm (UTC -4)
I am hoping they just start posting more…. LOL. Yeah we can teach them the fine art of scheduled post.
metsfan4decades
3/23/2011-8:03pm at 8:03 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed. Love these more in depth type analysis posts on our minor leaguers down there.
Also love the fact that they’re not overly stat heavy as math just makes my head hurt. I will admit to reaching an age where if learning anything new is more like a chore than something fun, I find myself passing on it.
I’ve tried educating myself on these advance saber metrics but as soon as someone starts giving the formulas for the calculations, my eyes glaze over.
Prismo
3/23/2011-7:55pm at 7:55 pm (UTC -4)
Nice post Bryan. I’m excited for Reese, if he can stay healthy. I think he’s the biggest prospect this team’s seen since FMart was popular. (not counting Ike, because he really wasn’t big until ST last year…hardly became super popular as a prospect)
Bryan
3/23/2011-9:13pm at 9:13 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks guys. I had no idea there was an art to posting at a certain time. I’d gladly accept a lesson in that sometime.
TRS86
3/24/2011-8:04am at 8:04 am (UTC -4)
Yeah for the most part we try and post between 8AM and 2PM for our “creative” post.
metsfan4decades
3/23/2011-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know about a ‘replacement’ for Reyes. We have some candidates that can play SS and can take over, but do any of them have speed, a bullet arm, smooth defense and a bat that has some pop?
That article coming out in Forbes April issue painted a really bleak picture. Said that the estimated 60 MIL coming off the books end of this year likely will not be spent on players. As I really want Reyes to stay, this was not very encouraging. The Mets are broke and short of a heavy investor(s), I can’t see the Wilpons hanging on. If they try to this year, I think we can wave good-bye to Reyes.
But oh…how sweet would the starting 2012 infield look with the addition of Havens? Wright/Reyes/Havens/Davis/Thole. All homegrown good players. And depending on who is on the mound (re: Pelf or Niese) the entire IF would be from the Mets farm system.
Bryan
3/23/2011-9:17pm at 9:17 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think there’s too many guys that have the speed, arm, defense, and bat that Reyes does, you certainly won’t find him in the Mets farm system…. maybe Cesar Puello, but I don’t see him moving to SS.
TRS86
3/24/2011-8:02am at 8:02 am (UTC -4)
4D I would not be worried at all what Forbes says the Mets will spend. Yeah they are not likely to spend the entire 60M. Obviously, and honestly that would be a terrible move anyway.
metsfan4decades
3/24/2011-9:05am at 9:05 am (UTC -4)
And I don’t think they should spend all the money coming off the books either.
I really want to see a Reyes extension though but some of these articles paint a bleak picture implying that isn’t likely.
If they do want to extend him though, I’m thinking that contract wouldn’t go into effect until next year. If the Wilpons do manage to infuse some cash by picking up investors than maybe it will be possible.
Of course, it’s just as likely they’ll wind up in bankruptcy and/or having to sell the team outright.
Sigh….
stickguy
3/23/2011-8:34pm at 8:34 pm (UTC -4)
havens panning out could be huge for the team.
look at it this way. He was considered at the draft to be a better (or at least as good) hitter as Ike. And his numbers in the minors so far have supported that.
so can you imagine if he is up by the end of the year, and they both pan out, having those 2 bats on the cheap for the next 4-5 years?
metsfan4decades
3/23/2011-10:11pm at 10:11 pm (UTC -4)
Off topic but I can’t resist:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers-20110322,0,2566017.column?page=1
Mets are neck and neck on which franchise races to the bankruptcy line first but I think the Dodgers have the edge on the more dysfunctional organization. At least the Mets made an attempt with a new FO, manager, coaches, sweeping changes in the minor league system and fielding a better competing team with limited funds.
The Dodgers? They appear to be the Mets circa 2009/2010.
This article pokes fun at their LF Marcus Thames, among others. It ends with:
So now we understand the Dodgers have a guy in left who can’t catch, can’t hit right-handed pitchers and can’t answer questions about his obvious shortcomings.
And folks considered Manny a mess.
Colletti says the team has a hot prospect in Jerry Sands, so he didn’t want to “clog up” left field with players who could play, thus the present mishmash.
The Dodgers haven’t won a title in 23 years, so what’s the rush?
Mattingly says Tims/Tems will start against left-handers, while indicating he has no idea who will start against right-handers. He probably has to call Joe Torre first.
But as you can see, excitement is building for opening day — maybe opening day a year or two from now.
WITH SIX days remaining in the Dodgers’ stay here and 10 days before he starts paying players, McCourt has yet to make an appearance at the Camelback complex.
If the owner doesn’t want to watch the Dodgers, it’s hard to make the case that fans should buy tickets to see them play.
stickguy
3/23/2011-11:24pm at 11:24 pm (UTC -4)
well, this guy has a future on the Mets beat, seeing as he seems more interested in coming across as funny than doing anything journalistic-ally relevant.
also, take a look at the comments. The readers absolutely trash this guy as an unprofessional hack.
metsfan4decades
3/24/2011-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
Yes, I read some of those comments. They were unanimous in their criticism.
The Dodgers might be one of two teams suffering from legal and debt issues but only the Mets have the distinction of being on all the negative lists, from what I’m reading:
Three teams had a negative operating income last year: Mets, Tigers, Red Sox.
Mets revenue was down 13% last year due to 25% drop in gate attendance, while all other teams with a new stadium of a couple of years rose in attendance.
The more I’m reading, the more I can’t help thinking it will take a miracle for the Wilpons to retain ownership of this team.
kingman 26
3/24/2011-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
That may seriously be the single most obnoxious piece of non-journalism I have ever seen in a major publication.
The guy mocks a player’s name? Calls him a stiff? And all because the player would not answer obnoxious, demeaning questions.
Wow, thanks for giving me a wonderful piece of evidence that helps prove every last thing I say about the sports media today.
I am not sure I believe that actually appeared in the LA Times.
Unreal. The ego, lack of professionalism, and downright mediocrity that writer displayed are mind-boggling.
TRS86
3/24/2011-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
“what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”
kingman 26
3/24/2011-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
LOL!
Yeah, that does describe it pretty well!
I mean seriously TRS–go read that if you haven’t.
It is THE most unprofessional and totally meaningless article I think I have ever seen in a major paper.
TRS86
3/24/2011-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
Agreed, but anytime I get to quote Billy Madison is a great day.
kingman 26
3/24/2011-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed!!
metsfan4decades
3/24/2011-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Just goes to show that any hack can label themselves a journalist or sports writer, as long as they can convince the employer to hire them.
Then again, maybe it’s all about hits to the paper’s website and less about credibility.
TRS86
3/24/2011-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
Modern day journalism…”maybe it’s all about hits to the paper’s website and less about credibility.”