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March 9, 2008 Spring Training 08 Joe Janish

Say Goodbye to the Kids

The first wave of cuts has occurred in Mets camp. The following players have been optioned to minor league camp for “reassignment”:

LHP Adam Bostick
RHP Robert Parnell
RHP Eddie Kunz
RHP Juan Padilla
RHP Andy Cavazos
RHP Brant Rustich
RHP Ivan Maldonado
LHP Jonathan Niese
LHP Ryan Cullen
C Salomon Manriquez
C Mike Nickeas
INF Anderson Machado
OF Ben Johnson

No big surprises here, though I thought they might have kept Niese and Kunz around a bit longer — Niese especially because the fifth starter spot is up in the air and he looked great in his start last Saturday vs. the Dodgers. Kunz will be back, eventually; he’s simply caught in a numbers game. There are too many relief arms as it is, and the Mets need to get as many reps as possible to the older guys, who don’t have options.

Juan Padilla’s velocity is only in the low to mid-80s, from my estimate, and wasn’t expected to be fully ready until at least May. Same with Ben Johnson, who only started jogging in February after tearing ligaments in, and breaking his ankle last August. I can tell you from first-hand experience that it can take up to a year, or more, to recover from such an injury (depending on the severity). Tough break (pardon the pun) for Johnson, who would have had a golden opportunity to win a spot this spring.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. Micalpalyn March 10, 2008 at 2:09 pm
    Yes Jon Niese Niese is a suprise. I thought he would continue as would Kunz. But obviously the need is not too great to push them.

    Fmart is a suprise OMISSION. Even with injuries I would have expected his reassignment. Is this a sign he is tabbed for RF-LF next yr?

  2. joe March 10, 2008 at 2:17 pm
    I would think so. I believe Omar wants to see him get as many ABs as possible this ST, and with the injuries to Alou, Delgado, and Church and split-squad games, there was every reason to keep him around.

    And he’s looking OK … rough, but not overmatched by any means. Who knows we may see him later this summer.