Where Is Pascucci?
So … Moises Alou is placed on the 15-day DL after a stiff wind strained his calf. And the man to replace him on the 25-man roster is … Raul Casanova?
Huh?
I suppose this means Willie Randolph will consider using Ramon Castro as a pinch-hitter, but otherwise this is a real head-scratcher. Why in the world would the Mets not promote Valentino Pascucci?
Take a look at this line:
21 G| 79 AB | 23 H | 7 2B | 7 HR | 16 RBI | .380 OBP | .646 SLG | 1.026 OPS | .291 AVG
He’s a righthanded hitter who is a natural first baseman but playing the outfield for the Zephyrs. Hmm … the Mets could really use a RH power bat who can play 1B and the OF, dontcha think? Wouldn’t it be a nice idea to put a hot hitter like Pascucci at 1B against lefties, with Carlos Delgado struggling mightily?
It’s not a roster issue, because the Mets have only 37 men on their 40-man … and two of the spots are inexplicably being used by Ruddy Lugo and Ambiorix Burgos. Lugo is not a commodity, and Burgos should be placed on the 60-day DL as he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery (a player on the 60-day does not count against the 40-man roster).
I do understand that Casanova played well in his brief stint earlier this year. However, what was the point of signing Pascucci, if he wasn’t going to be considered for MLB play? He’s a career minor leaguer who has proven himself at the AAA level, and never quite been given a fair opportunity in the bigs. We assumed his signing was one of those “lightning in a bottle” moves. But now we know he was just filler material — much like Chip Ambres last year, who was similarly passed over several times despite great numbers when the Mets were desperate for outfield help.
In the last 2-3 yrs we have seen millz, Jacobs and gomez buck convention and get called up..(jacobs after being injured for a LONG time). then again I doubt he does anything but PH.
In the bigger scheme there are players out there who the Mets could get. I wonder if kendry morales would be worth a look. chone figgins is another guy.