In an article by Adam Rubin of ESPN New York he writes that according to a team insider it’s conceivable the Mets actually will not add an outfielder on a major league contract this offseason and that Justin Turner actually should get strong consideration as a platoon outfielder too.
Jan 03
Could The Mets Be Done In The Outfield?
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MLBTradeRumors
- Draft Notes: Astros, Renfroe, Appel
- Central Notes: Twins, Reynolds, Gomes, Choo
- Minor Moves: Wilson, Beimel, Parraz, Velazquez, Bell
- East Notes: Braves, Mets, Ellsbury, Yankees
- West Notes: Chavez, Astros, Angels, Mattingly
- Rosenthal On Cubs, Brewers, Marlins
- Athletics Designate Daric Barton For Assignment
- Angels Claim Chris Nelson, Designate Scott Cousins
- NL Notes: Stauffer, Phillies, Cubs, Hairston
- Yankees Designate Alberto Gonzalez
58 comments
SaltyGary
1/3/2013-9:58pm at 9:58 pm (UTC -4)
Told Ya SO!
Mr North Jersey
1/3/2013-10:03pm at 10:03 pm (UTC -4)
I edited the name Gary. I know you don’t mean nothing by it but I felt it improper.
SaltyGary
1/3/2013-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
How do you know it’s not me with multiple personalities? Unfortunately they are starting to meld and I am becoming more core each day.
Mr North Jersey
1/3/2013-10:15pm at 10:15 pm (UTC -4)
All I can add is that I understand your frustration as well as others. The last 4 years have been rough. As the saying goes, winning cures all so for all our sakes hopefully the Mets can start winning a.s.a.p.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:18pm at 10:18 pm (UTC -4)
this is the year baby. I guaranfreakintee it.
gategem
1/4/2013-7:46pm at 7:46 pm (UTC -4)
Stick, 8-|
srt
1/4/2013-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
‘ I am becoming more core each day;
Say it ain’t so, Salty.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:07pm at 10:07 pm (UTC -4)
well, now I am not going to be able to sleep tonight, wondering what the hell Salty originally named this post!
wanny
1/3/2013-10:10pm at 10:10 pm (UTC -4)
i think it was StickStinks.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:16pm at 10:16 pm (UTC -4)
now that was just plain mean. My feelings, if I had any, would be hurt.
SaltyGary
1/3/2013-10:17pm at 10:17 pm (UTC -4)
I just changed my name from saltygary to a usual suspect that unfortunately I am becoming more aligned with in my assessment of the team.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:20pm at 10:20 pm (UTC -4)
jajajajajajajaja
TX
1/3/2013-10:33pm at 10:33 pm (UTC -4)
Sucks to be you, Salty. Find alternative methods of manufactured happiness.
SaltyGary
1/4/2013-8:54am at 8:54 am (UTC -4)
Oh TX I got plenty of alternative methods and this season I plan to implement them. I am going to take a big step back from this team this season for my mental health.
For my baseball fix I think I will focus a little more on Toronto and root for some ex-Mets playing some meaningful games. And then there is my new meat smoker, beer, and my kayak.
There is no reason for me to invest anything into this team, until the team starts doing the same thing. So I’ll be popping in from time to time but my MEts activity will be very limited until SOP’s change.
Mr North Jersey
1/4/2013-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
You really are in a bad place right now aren’t you?
SaltyGary
1/4/2013-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
In my personal life I am fantastic LOL.
In Mets Land I am on the ledge. Not to get too personal but over last few years with young kids and brutal work commitments I really burnt myself out and crashed hard last summer. Because I can’t change those things I have really been working hard to change my outlook on things to reduce my stress. So since I am so aggravated with the Mets I really see no reason to invest into them this season. On a hot summer day, going 12 miles in my kayak and then popping a few Dale Pale Ales sounds WAY better then seeing how bad they lost and ranting about it on the interweb. Or course I will always bleed orange and blue and will drive around with my stupid license plate, but if the team is going to take a break, then I am too.
Mr North Jersey
1/4/2013-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
It’s good to hear at least that where things really matter most your fantastic.
Watching the Mets is supposed to be for enjoyment so if it is not doing that for you then your probably best not giving them your time.
Though from my point of view it sucks that you allow administrative moves take away from watching the team that takes the field but you have to do what is best for you.
TRS86
1/4/2013-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
I guess I am not to that point yet. I am very anxious for Mets baseball to start up again. To see what Harvey and Ike do this year. To see if Duda develops and if Kirk can sustain success. And to see if Niese takes the next step to a top of the rotation pitcher and the exciting arrivals of Wheeler and TDA. To see if Tejada and Murphy can continue to grow into dependable MLB players and are players to build around and if Parnell can finally be the BP pitcher we all want him to be. What happens with Mejia and Familia? To me there’s a lot to look forward to besides the overall record of the team. As Wooden would say “The journey is better than the inn.”
SaltyGary
1/4/2013-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Oh there are things to keep an eye one like our Young pitching, but besides that, there is really nothing else.
And it does suck Jerz, I don’t want to not pay attention, but I feel really strong in my position. If you have essentially the worst OF in the league and the FO says they are not a winning formula, but make no change, why should I invest my time? They are not even attempting at this point. Any other player would be better in the OF. I am not asking for some 10m a year guy right now, but just something to give these pitchers a chance.
And I have no hate or venom towards the FO I see them as a tool to keep the team in Wilpon’s control. So until the put the car in drive, I am going to work more on perfecting my gremolata recipe.
TRS86
1/4/2013-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Your choice obviously but to me Mets baseball is always something to look forward to and there’s much more than just the young pitching to get excited about. Hell I was excited about Mets baseball in the 90′s I can be now too.
SaltyGary
1/4/2013-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
But the early nineties were WAY different. They tried hard and put a great team on paper, it failed, so the blew it up. The plan was very clear. So we got to watch guys like Rico Brogna and and Kent take a stab. They rebuilt, it seemed dreadful but the team was always moving forward. Once they assessed what they had then the started getting guys like Baerga and Johnson while Ordonez and Alfonzo worked up. There were always steps forward. There has been nothing moving forward going on 6 years now.
TRS86
1/4/2013-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry Salty, at times I even had a hard time finding a player to route for in the 90′s. It was awful. I don’t need trying for the sake of trying like the Marlins did last off-season. You don’t see progress, I do. I see Harvey, Ike, Tejada, Niese, and hopefully Wheeler, TDA, Mejia and Familia. Not a biggie. To each his own.
TRS86
1/4/2013-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
Let me back that up by saying 2003 was also tough except when we got to see Reyes play. LOL, having to claim Jason Phillips as hope for the future and the rotation being lead by Trashcan.
srt
1/4/2013-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
Glad to hear you and the Mrs. are apparently enjoying your new addition.
The worse this all gets – with everyone from fans to writers attacking the Mets, the more I just laugh and think ‘we’ll see’.
Yeah, we may very well wind up going into the season with the worst OF of all 30 clubs. I still don’t think we’re the worst team in MLB – as others claim. Heck, I don’t even think we’re the worst in the NL east.
I’m looking forward to the season. Actually, can’t wait. If 2013 is indeed going to be a ‘punt’, then at least I’ll get to see how Harvey does in his second season, how Wheeler and D’Arnaud do when they get called up, who shakes out to be the ace, if Ike picks up where he left off, if Flores breaks his way up to the starting 25, etc. etc. We might not be looking at a post season team yet, but I think there’s a lot to look forward to.
Depending on the real state of the finances, I’m hoping the worst is over and we’ll be climbing back up in 2014.
Mr North Jersey
1/3/2013-10:04pm at 10:04 pm (UTC -4)
As far as the post I guess I should add my earlier comment here instead.
I always expected Capt Kirk to get 1st crack at CF but I can’t envision the Mets with the current outfield choices.
I figured Duda would still get at least a shot at LF because of his power potential but I expected an addition to be a right fielder.
It would be a bad decision IMO if they leave the OF choices as they currently are.
wanny
1/3/2013-10:06pm at 10:06 pm (UTC -4)
duda, at least, should not wilt v. lefties.
but they can not go into the season without another real outfielder. baxter should not even be a semi-regular. he is a pinch hitter and 5th outfielder.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:15pm at 10:15 pm (UTC -4)
really means nothing (the tweet). Not that it isn’t entirely possible, but just as likely they sign someone tomorrow. Who knows what this source really is, and even if legit, what the agenda is for leaking this.
though if they did call it quits, I would not be all the surprised. But the only thing that really pisses me off if true? That they could even vaguely be considering Turner in the OF.
first, he is not an OF, and if they want him to play regularly (as in a platoon) he should be in the minors getting prepared.
of course, #2 is the fact that he pretty much sucks, and is wildly overrated by many fans as the result of a few big hits early 1 year, cementing his rep as “clutch”, no matter what his overall suckitude says.
Frankly, Turner should be in ST fighting to earn a job, not being considered any kind of incumbent anything, including bench stiff.
SaltyGary
1/3/2013-10:19pm at 10:19 pm (UTC -4)
If this team was any good Turner would not be on it. HE had one good AB against Bell that destroyed his closing career and that is it.
fongulalou
1/3/2013-10:25pm at 10:25 pm (UTC -4)
Fongy’s reaction to reading this headline and then story…..Deep sigh, shake of the head…and then a chuckle……..silent staring at the screen…and then mutters…. “fuckin’ mets”.
Mr North Jersey
1/3/2013-10:28pm at 10:28 pm (UTC -4)
lol
TX
1/3/2013-10:39pm at 10:39 pm (UTC -4)
Looking like Haley’s a goner.
fongulalou
1/3/2013-10:56pm at 10:56 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t know. I still think it’s Andy Reid in Arizona but if so, fine. He won’t be missed, althiugh Haley is about #10 in the top ten reasons this was a .500 team. Also, if Haley does go, I’d just give the job to Fichtnerwhos Tomlin’s and Ben’s boy they’ve moved from WR coach to QB coach despite no prior experience. Let Ben do what he wants since he will any way. They really need a grandslam draft b/c this yr they got almost nothing f/ the rookies and changes seriously need to be made on the defense. A MLB, an OLB/ Pass Rusher, A Safety or two AND a CB…ALL who can start from day one.
TX
1/3/2013-11:30pm at 11:30 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, they need to restock something fierce, and they’ll likely lose Wallace, have a very aging D just about anywhere. No real running back to speak of. This team seems willed to win by Ben, and I’m sensing he’s got a limited shelf life (3 more years, tops), so I’m thinking things aren’t so shiney in Steel City.
srt
1/4/2013-10:28am at 10:28 am (UTC -4)
Ha! My sentiments exactly.
greggofboken
1/3/2013-10:24pm at 10:24 pm (UTC -4)
The article seems speculative, and of course he couldn’t resist giving Sandy a “gotcha” for not having returned 2 phone calls.
The possibility of running Turner into the outfield is ponderous. Except for Cowgill, it’s a pourous crew out there anyway. If Turner’s out there on any given day, that’s 3 of 8 starters playng out of position.
And the rationale is that it will enable the Mets to carry both Bixler and Quintanilla? The only reason Quintanilla’s signing sparked joy from me was that it made it more likely to keep Bixler OFF the roster.
Turner may not be any great shakes, but I’d take him over either Q or Bixler.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:27pm at 10:27 pm (UTC -4)
so basically then Turner would be replacing whichever actual OF out of the hoffman/brown poopoo platter was going to win the job?
At least Duda has shown actual hitting ability (in the majors too). Turner throws pies.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:24pm at 10:24 pm (UTC -4)
well, I am on record as saying that the OF is likely to be Duda in LF, kirk/cowgirl in CF, and Baxter platooning in RF with a RH bat, from the hoffman/brown/other trash pile. With the spare CF as a D replacement for Duda late in games.
only question is if they “upgrade” the RHRF guy spot with say Hairston.
I am, however, fine with the platoons, since I would rather see that than an everyday stiff. If you can’t have a good regular, better to piece one together out of 2 guys.
Mr North Jersey
1/3/2013-10:27pm at 10:27 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with Nova’s comment on the prior thread though about this being speculation more than anything else especially when the keyword is “conceivable” so one should not go too overboard and read too much into this as well.
Stick
1/3/2013-10:30pm at 10:30 pm (UTC -4)
not long ago, everyone was outraged because the mets were “done” with no more moves coming. Shortly before they traded dickey.
greggofboken
1/3/2013-10:37pm at 10:37 pm (UTC -4)
I’m starting to hava a vision of a remake of “Fatal Attraction” with Sandy Alderson and Rubin in the Glenn Close role.
“I will not be ignored, Sandy.”
TX
1/3/2013-10:38pm at 10:38 pm (UTC -4)
So, in other words, slow news day, could “possibly” happen, (which would suck) and we’ll know come ST. Maybe they can coax Gary Sheffield out of retirement…
TRS86
1/4/2013-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
I still think it’s hilarious that a random Mets source says it’s conceivable that they don’t sign an OF and it’s taken as 100% they won’t. Of course it’s conceivable.
greggofboken
1/4/2013-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
If you check ESPN today, you’ll see (in a note about Chris Young) that he’s already written a semi-retraction in the guise of ” another official familiar with the organization’s intentions” stating that another outfielder is still on the team’s shopping list.
And the beat goes on…..
TRS86
1/4/2013-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
Frigging ridiculous.
srt
1/4/2013-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
If this is true, can’t say I’m all that surprised.
I wanted them to pick up a real OF this off season – not 4th string or platoon type player. Then I keep looking at what’s available and think ‘what’s the point’?
Victorino and Ross were not worth what they got, IMO.
Ludwig might have been an O.K. answer.
Knew they weren’t signing the likes of Hamilton or Bourne. Although if Bourne would take a 1 year contract, they should be all over that.
Still think they should be kicking the tires on that Alvarez kid.
TRS86
1/4/2013-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
Should they be all over Bourn if he will take a one year deal? Considering they will lose their first round pick in the draft AND the slotted money for that pick? Is it really worth it to add Bourn for a year?
srt
1/4/2013-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
Shoot, I forgot about losing that first round draft pick.
You’re right. I’d pass then.
TRS86
1/4/2013-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
Speaking of adding scrubs. I like this guy too:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/01/indians-designate-thomas-neal-for-assignment.html
srt
1/4/2013-10:42am at 10:42 am (UTC -4)
From what little I’m reading here on him, he sounds like he’d be worth taking a flyer on. Do we have room on the 40 man?
I’m starting to think there’s not enough lockers in that clubhouse at PSL for all the minor leaguers with an invite to ST this year.
TRS86
1/4/2013-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, he looks like a good fit at least to compete or fill out the AAA OF>
srt
1/4/2013-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
So I guess Valdespin as a platoon in the OF is a failed experiment? I haven’t seen him mentioned anywhere.
Wonder if they would prefer to trade him, in part b/c of his apparent maturity problem.
TRS86
1/4/2013-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
I think it’s because he is a LH and had absolutely no position or plate discipline. He needs to head to AAA.
Prismo
1/4/2013-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
If true, pitiful.
TRS86
1/4/2013-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
If what’s true? That’s it’s conceivable that they won’t add an OF. I will go ahead and tell you it’s true. It is conceivable, lol. Just as it’s conceivable that the Mets will win 90 games this year or conceivable that Wright’s back will shatter into pieces while being ran over by Val P who will be signed by the Phillies in September as a mercenary.
Prismo
1/4/2013-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
Drugs are bad TRS!
If true that the Mets are done in the OF. Last season the Mets were ranked 27th in the league in OF OPS. I’d say getting rid of Hairston and Torres/Bay makes this offseason kind of a wash in that regard.
So it sounds as if the Mets are content with having the 4th worst outfield in the majors.
Oh, how about fielding! According to fangraph’s fielding value metric the Mets were DEAD LAST in 2012. The biggest culprit by far? Lucas Duda, who is still our starting LF.
TRS86
1/4/2013-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
Again, read the link Prismo. The source says it’s conceivable. LOL, seriously of course it’s conceivable. It’s a non-story designed to get clicks. Now today he prints something saying that OF is still on their list. Of course it is. Does that mean they WILL sign someone? Of course not, no more than conceivable means they wont.
These stories are getting ridiculous. We don’t even have any context with how Rubin asked the source the question.
Rubin: So you haven’t added an MLB OF at this point in the season. Is it possible that you could go with what you have?
Source: It’s conceivable.
Rubin: So if that were to happen what would you do?
Source: I guess we would go with Duda, Kirk and platoons.
Rubin: Thanks for your time
OK got my story: “Mets are done with the OF”
Yeah baby!
Prismo
1/4/2013-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
Whoa, relax. As I said, ***if*** they aren’t adding a real outfielder. Everyone here knows the definition of conceivable and how the media works.
TRS86
1/4/2013-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
Yeah but I am reading so much stuff all around and even here that implies that the quote actually means something when it’s vague as hell and means absolutely nothing.
Even with your’s my issue was “if true”. If the quote is true? The quote is true. LOL.
Now if you are saying, if the Mets don’t add someone it’s sad… I can agree. Just saying that the quote is being butchered everywhere today.