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