The R.A. Dickey trade has gone through, so now Sandy Alderson has time to fill out the rest of the roster. The pitching staff is fairly set, the bullpen needs a couple of pieces, the infield is solid but the outfield is a train wreck. The Mets need two legitimate major league outfielders and one of them has to be a center fielder. With this gaping hole in the Mets’ roster I see one player on the free agent market who has seemingly been neglected. That player is former Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Bourn.
There have been some rumblings of Scott Boras and Bourn deciding to take a one-year deal for this season. If these rumblings are true, ownership and Sandy Alderson would be doing a disservice to the team and the fans to not attempt to sign him. If a team offers Bourn a multi-year, big money deal, it’s more understandable if the Mets don’t pursue him. The salary would be high, but there would be no long-term commitment and the Mets would be getting an excellent player.
Michael Bourn would fit perfectly into the number one spot in the lineup and into center field. Bourne has speed to burn and good extra base power, having at least 45 extra base hits the last two seasons and is a slightly above average fielder at worst. He would be an igniter in the way Jose Reyes was and he would bring a much needed spark of energy and excitement to the Mets.
Bourn is a really good player and it’s surprising he hasn’t signed with a team yet. If he decides to settle for a one-year deal and goes back on the market next season, this is an opportunity the Mets should really think about seriously. One thing is for sure, the Mets off-season can’t start and end with the R.A Dickey trade.
69 comments
wanny
12/17/2012-11:41pm at 11:41 pm (UTC -4)
cant see bourn not going to the highest bidder and cant imagine the mets will just that… however, one of the beat tweeps says the mets are working on an OF that they have not been linked to publicly.
Stick
12/18/2012-12:02am at 12:02 am (UTC -4)
now that is a safe tweet. can’t possibly be wrong. Mets are looking at a player that no one knows who it is? So they can sign anyone pretty much and the writer would be correct.
I never saw bourne. Highly doubt they want him on a LT deal (and IMO someone will live to regret it if they do), and no chance Sandy is forfeiting the #11 pick in the draft to get him for a 1 year deal.
TX
12/18/2012-12:17am at 12:17 am (UTC -4)
I’d have to say, that based on the history of this team under Alderson, I would think they are 1) not ready to compete for the WS and 2) if not ready to compete for the WS, they are not forfeiting a draft pick for Bourne.
Would I like him in the OF opening day? Heck yeah. Do I see it happening? No.
Now, that said, I agree, that the team certainly needs help in the OF. I’d also contend that their SP is NOT set and that they need to sign a vet or 2. And I’d love to see them pick up an actual closer rather than running out there Frankie. Capps? Even the Beard, though I doubt he’d be accepted in NY, given his personality. Would love to have him out there though, for sure.
darknova306
12/18/2012-12:32am at 12:32 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, that’s the move you make when the guy is close to putting you over the top when you feel you’re in a window. The Mets are a year or two out from a potential window, no need to waste the draft pick.
TX
12/18/2012-12:49am at 12:49 am (UTC -4)
You are a night owl these past few days.
Willis
12/18/2012-12:42am at 12:42 am (UTC -4)
The language sounds more like a trade than a FA signing. Mets have plenty of pitchers to trade – in fact they have more starters in the minors than rotation spots. Plus they have room in the budget for a decent OF.
TX
12/18/2012-12:51am at 12:51 am (UTC -4)
I really wonder who would be an actual trade target though. The A’s? Upton? Boesch or the likes from Detroit? Gomez (stick, be still your beating heart)?
gategem
12/18/2012-1:47am at 1:47 am (UTC -4)
You’ll have a lot of sleepless nights to ponder that question.
SaltyGary
12/18/2012-7:27am at 7:27 am (UTC -4)
If it’s on the scrap heap and only willing to make 2m then he is our man.
Q-Rod
12/18/2012-7:56am at 7:56 am (UTC -4)
If the Mets stick to their word (hah) then they have plenty of 2013 budget to add an OF. I can see them chinsing on the BP and a starter arm but I’m sure they understand that a good OF is going to cost, if not money then pitching prospects.
SaltyGary
12/18/2012-8:10am at 8:10 am (UTC -4)
Will don’t expect the deferred dollars to be used. Sandy stated at the holiday party that they may get used in December, or in February or not at all… If I was a betting man I would choose “Not At All”.
TRS86
12/18/2012-8:11am at 8:11 am (UTC -4)
Doesn’t bother me. I would rather them hold on to it for now than to waste it overpaying some mediocre player.
TRS86
12/18/2012-8:10am at 8:10 am (UTC -4)
Hmmm, do I have an opinion on this????
Oh yeah:
http://realdirtymets.com/2012/12/06/michael-bourn-on-a-back-loaded-deal/
SaltyGary
12/18/2012-9:36am at 9:36 am (UTC -4)
Bourn aint happening. He was given a qualified offer so whoever signs him loses a first round pick.
TRS86
12/18/2012-8:14am at 8:14 am (UTC -4)
Metsblog mentioned this:
Davidoff says Mets official wouldn’t rule out the idea of acquiring A’s center fielder Coco Crisp.
Crisp hit .259 with a .325 OBP, 11 HR and 46 RBI and 39 stolen bases in 2012.
He’s owed:
2013 33 Oakland Athletics $7,000,000
2014 34 Oakland Athletics *$7,500,000 $7.5M Team Option, $1M Buyout
So most likely that’s not happening unless the A’s chip in some cash. Although I would have no problem with him manning CF and leadoff.
Q-Rod
12/18/2012-8:39am at 8:39 am (UTC -4)
But why burn an asset on a one year player (same issue we discussed with Choo).
TRS86
12/18/2012-8:46am at 8:46 am (UTC -4)
Well technically he can be a 2 year player. That being said I wouldn’t expect him to cost anywhere near the same as Choo.
Q-Rod
12/18/2012-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
Choo commanded an amazing return.
wanny
12/18/2012-9:53am at 9:53 am (UTC -4)
Agree with Q-Rod. If the team is building for the future then trade assets can’t be used for 32 year olds with limited team control.
Crisp is not a good leadoff hitter anyway. And he throws like a girl.
Prismo
12/18/2012-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
Unfortunately I’m not sure the money’s there, but if they could trade for Crisp and sign Cody Ross I think our lineup would quickly take form.
Duda/Kirk-Crisp-Ross
Wright-Tejada-Murphy-Ike
Buck/d’Arnaud
Prismo
12/18/2012-9:11am at 9:11 am (UTC -4)
[For the record I don't love Crisp. But for a one-year $7MM stopgap the Mets can do worse]
Stick
12/18/2012-9:36am at 9:36 am (UTC -4)
it will at least make it appear that they are trying to filed a “real” team in 2013 (IOW, not punting).
srt
12/18/2012-9:12am at 9:12 am (UTC -4)
I thought our first draft pick was protected. Even though we’re no. 11, it’s only because Pittsburg gets theirs back from last year.
Anyone know for sure?
Prismo
12/18/2012-9:18am at 9:18 am (UTC -4)
I’m not sure of the new rules. I have a meeting in a few minutes. I’ll try to find the answer after if no one else gets to it by then.
srt
12/18/2012-10:06am at 10:06 am (UTC -4)
Happily, I’m on leave until 2 Jan so I’ve got plenty of time.
I did some research but I’m seeing it stated both ways, depending on the source.
Stick
12/18/2012-9:20am at 9:20 am (UTC -4)
I have seen it usally stated they are losing it, but I would not swear to it. Need to ask Sandy!
Prismo
12/18/2012-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Okay soooooo the Mets really should’ve lost a couple more games at the end of last season.
The top 10 picks are protected. We have the 11th. (FML)
jessep
12/18/2012-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
hey – great question and I reached out to Jonathan Mayo to get the answer re: mets pick.
It is a protected pick.
“Yes, it’s protected because technically the Pirates’ pick is 9a… Mets officially are No. 10.”
srt
12/18/2012-5:30pm at 5:30 pm (UTC -4)
Yes!
I was hoping the Pirates sliding back in didn’t affect us.
Stick
12/18/2012-8:32pm at 8:32 pm (UTC -4)
now the only minor issue is, they won’t spend that kind of coin on a player.
though if Bourne ends up without a spot and looking for 1 year, it is at least feasible.
Stick
12/18/2012-9:30am at 9:30 am (UTC -4)
IMO, they can go 3 ways with the OF. 1) get a stop-gap to keep things afloat for 1-2 years. 2) get a young guy to build with LT, or 3) Just use what they have on the roster until something better appears.
#3 is ideal for a rebuilding team, but does not fly for the Mets since they don’t have any. Maybe Duda if you think he can survive in LF, and thte bat is ready to bust out. But Kirk? Hard to see that. and there is no one else close (such as Vaughn)
#2 would be fantasitc. The Phils might have just pulled this off with Revere. My guy would be GOmez, but he is a rental trade guy, so he more fits in the 1st category. And off top of my head, can’t think of any other for here.
#1 then becomes the way to go. Placeholder until a real player can be found or rises from the system. But, much preferreed it be a FA or salary dump (as I suspect Crisp would be) not requiring “real” talent being traded for him.
So, my WAG at the moment. Sign Hairston to platoon with baxter in RF. Trade for Gomez (Crsip? someone else like that?) to cover CF. LF, Duda if not traded, but need a Rh guy to share time (at least defensive replacement). WOuld love to see a prospect type there, but Kirk is lefty also, and lagares is not likely ready.
Stick
12/18/2012-9:35am at 9:35 am (UTC -4)
oh, forgot about pitching.
rotation almost set. Need to bring in 1 more vet type (reclaimation/injury guy most likely) to fill the capuano/young role. behind that, they seem to have plenty of depth types.
Pen? A legit closer type would be great. And I would take a run at Wilson (could be fun!) though I am sure there are a few other options. But, would not go crazy there. Pick up a few more “throw crap on the wall guys) and let them fight in ST with the young live arms the open spots.
And actually, if they get lucky with 1-2 breakout or rebound guys in the pen, it really only will take the couple of shrewd OF moves to work out to keep the team afloat. Not a WS favorite of course, but at least let them do what they did in the 1st half last year, and maybe keep hanging around the fringe of the WC race, and shoot for .500
TRS86
12/18/2012-9:35am at 9:35 am (UTC -4)
“Six months after extending Andre Ethier, the Dodgers are considering trading him.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#Gju4YOkBsUGOCUPV.99 ”
What do you guys think?
Stick
12/18/2012-9:42am at 9:42 am (UTC -4)
Bad sign they want to dump him already. Think they are regretting that deal. Especially if it is to free up space for Swisher.
basically he has the same deal as Wright, at about the same age, just for a few less years. And being another lefty that has major platoon splits, he serves even less of a purpose.
now, this could be a serious option for the Phillies. But hard to see him being a fit for the Mets right now.
srt
12/18/2012-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
Wasn’t that deal done my McCourt on his way out?
srt
12/18/2012-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
Never mind…I was thinking of Kemp.
Although Either did just sign a contract with the Dodgers 6 months ago.
wanny
12/18/2012-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
He’s an awfully expensive glorified platoon player. And if LAD is going to pay his freight they will want significant assets in return.
I’d rather identify a young guy who is blocked or may be undervalued by his current team. A guy like Colin Cowgill would be an ideal platoon partner — he hits lefties hard — and would be pretty inexpensive to acquire.
Prismo
12/18/2012-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
No way. No way. No way.
Poor defensive player.
Left-handed hitter who had a .606 OPS vs lefties last season.
Way overpaid – 13:$13.5M, 14:$15.5M, 15:$18M, 16:$16M, 17:$18M, 18:$17.5M club option ($2.5M buyout)
And even if the Dodgers chip in, the Mets would probably have to give up a significant amount to get him.
wanny
12/18/2012-10:04am at 10:04 am (UTC -4)
FWIW, MLB.com’s prospect rankings now list d’Arnaud and Syndergaard as 2 and 3 in the Mets system behind Wheeler.
The farm suddenly looks well stocked with Fulmer as MLB’s #10 and guys like Montero (11), Mazzoni (15) and Plawecki (18) outside the top 10. I also think Logan Verrett does not get anough love on these lists.
MLB’s list has Havens and Puello too high for my liking.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/
srt
12/18/2012-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
Interesting….
This is vastly different than Sickles list, which came out yesterday. He had D’Arnaud 1st, Wheeler 2nd and Flores 4th. I think Mejia was down around 8 or so.
Prismo
12/18/2012-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
Mejia really shouldn’t be on prospect lists anymore. He’s had too much MLB time for it (55 innings pitched).
wanny
12/18/2012-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
Most of these list makers won’t consider Mejia a prospect because of service time in MLB.
The MLB.com list has Wheeler as the 6th best prospect in all of baseball. If someone thinks d’Arnaud is better than him then it sounds like our farm system is doing nicely.
wanny
12/18/2012-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
baseball prospectus:
The Top Ten
RHP Zack Wheeler
C Travis d’Arnaud
RHP Noah Syndergaard
RHP Michael Fulmer
3B/1B Wilmer Flores
SS Gavin Cecchini
RHP Domingo Tapia
RHP Jeurys Familia
OF Brandon Nimmo
RHP Rafael Montero
Seeing a lot of variation among BA, BP and Sickels. Will be interesting to see Keith Law’s. Interesting that Sickels had Gorski and Tovar barely in consideration. Gorski seems like a good bet to replace Carson at some point this season.
TX
12/18/2012-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
Would be nice if the was a LHP on that list…
TRS86
12/18/2012-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t worry, we have plenty of LH hitters we can convert to pitcher.
TRS86
12/18/2012-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
I think Familia, Puello and Havens are all too high and Fulmer is too low.
wanny
12/18/2012-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Agree on Familia too. It seems the bullpen is his future and than knowcks him down significantly when there are guys like Fulmer behind him, not to mention several people not even on the top 20 list who may belong as well.
Stick
12/18/2012-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
I think they should trade a few of them for some position help.
TRS86
12/18/2012-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
Here’s a question Stick, should they yet? I don’t think there”s an OF out there that makes them ready this year. Should they backfill this year, allow those prospects to develop, see what we have in Duda, Kirk, DD, Pulleo… and then look to make moves either at the deadline or after 2013?
Stick
12/18/2012-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
I know it is rare, but I was thinking more of trading young guys (MiL for MiL). There was that one deal a few years ago with TB and Minn (pitcher of OF) though I always blank on the names. Young for someone?
If they can use a MiL to get someone that is just starting out and under team control, that would be fantastic. Stanton of course is the prime examble, but certainly there are other guys that can be part of the now and the future.
But not looking to trade a high end prospect for Coco on a 1 year deal.
the trades can just as easily happen mid year or next off season, after the pitching has another season to develop.
And I would bet on the backfill, just should be FA or non-prospect salary dump trades.
TRS86
12/18/2012-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
No one would advocate trading anything other than B prospects for Coco.
As to your Garza for Young trade, those are indeed rare but I would venture that we don’t really have anyone in that position unless you are soured on Harvey and want to trade him. I believe both of those guys had MLB experience.
wanny
12/18/2012-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
Potential trade candidates besides Crisp:
Collin Cowgill — .298 .379 .405 v. lefties in 87 MLB at bats. 291 .371 .470 career in MiLB.
Michael Morse — not a great defender in LF but he can hit for power and at 30 y.o. not too old. May be had for pitching prospects if Washington resigns Laroche. Can give Ike days off v. tough lefties too.
Brennan Boesch — blah. another lefty. not impressed.
AJ Pollock — solid all around RH. Nothing jumps out but can do a little of everything.
Jason Kubel — expensive and injury prone. butcher in the field.
Alfonso Soriano — pass. for lots of reasons.
TRS86
12/18/2012-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Cowgirl I haven’t read enough to know much about.
Morse, don’t see the Nats trading him to us and right now they may have to keep him at 1B.
Boesch, same as you.
Pollock, see cowgirl.
Kubel, no thanks
Soriano, if he’s free on a GMJR type of deal maybe.
Got any more? LOL.
wanny
12/18/2012-2:49pm at 2:49 pm (UTC -4)
who is LOL now??
TRS86
12/18/2012-2:52pm at 2:52 pm (UTC -4)
Hey will still need more. Keep going.
TRS86
12/18/2012-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
When Mets executive Paul DePodesta watched outfield prospect Wuilmer Becerra in 2011, he liked the prospect’s athleticism and effort. The Mets acquired the 18-year-old Becerra in the R.A. Dickey trade.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#dTsoHHM4k89Ar7mM.99
Prismo
12/18/2012-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
As many have stated, the guy has upside. He was a high-level international signing in 2011 (signed for $1.3 million as a 17 year old).
However, he only got to play 11 games in rookie ball last year before that season-ending injury. He’s young, has no minor league experience, and is switching positions…so he’s definitely a project. But I think the upside is definitely there.
TRS86
12/18/2012-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
And he got smashed in the face and ended his season. I thought they had already switched him to the OF?
Prismo
12/18/2012-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
*new post* important!
wanny
12/18/2012-7:12pm at 7:12 pm (UTC -4)
i read somewhere that sandy alderson said that he intended to acquire another starting pitcher rather than enter the season with mejia in the rotation. he was going to guarantee that pitcher a spot.
reading between the lines, Carlos Villanueva said he was looking for a team to promise him 30 starts. He made 2.2m last year. I would give him that shot.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/villaca01.shtml
I would also not be surprised to see chris young back under these circumstances.
TX
12/19/2012-1:51am at 1:51 am (UTC -4)
Good. We cannot have Mejia as the annoited 5th man. Rather you just slap Wheeler in there.
wanny
12/18/2012-7:14pm at 7:14 pm (UTC -4)
Also, sandy’s hesitance to publicly endorse mejia for that spot leads me to suspect that jenrry may be trade bait.
srt
12/18/2012-7:59pm at 7:59 pm (UTC -4)
I’d be fine with that, depending on the return.
So far this off season, the FO is getting good value for these trades.
wanny
12/18/2012-8:22pm at 8:22 pm (UTC -4)
now that there’s another body out in our OF that has a chance to be a solid role player, I am more willing to take a shot at Peter Bourjos. I doubt Mejia gets the job done, though. Not sure there’s a match if Anaheim is looking to get a SP for him.
wanny
12/18/2012-7:28pm at 7:28 pm (UTC -4)
As for trade candidates, rick Porcello is still only 23 and has three years of control left. The problem is that he is arb eligible and made over 3m last year.
he was way too hittable last season and doesnt K anyone despite his good stuff. reminds me of Pelfrey.
that said, with his age and his stuff, I would love to take a shot at coaching him up.
At the very least he is a competent 4 or 5 in the NL. And he is a local.
Stick
12/18/2012-8:30pm at 8:30 pm (UTC -4)
I would love for you to have a shot too, after you finish with that government stuff.
but unfortuneately, Warthen is still the Mets pitching coach.
wanny
12/18/2012-8:34pm at 8:34 pm (UTC -4)
i dont mind warthen. he coached a cy young award winner, an amazing rookie performance from harvey, a constantly improving jon niese and a solid dillon gee.
what more do you want?
Mr North Jersey
12/18/2012-9:06pm at 9:06 pm (UTC -4)
Speaking of Warthen having coached Dickey at least as much as a pitching coach can coach a knuckleballer. If Dickey were to struggle early how long before a post that it may be due to the Jays pitching coach?
gategem
12/18/2012-9:19pm at 9:19 pm (UTC -4)
I believe the best approach a pitching coach can have with a knuckleball pitcher is to stay the hell away from him.