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August 5, 2008 News Notes Rumors Joe Janish

Stocking AAA

Looking at the New Orleans Zephyrs roster, there isn’t much to call on for help. The Mets might benefit from stocking the team with a few veterans and “let’s hope to catch lightning in a bottle” guys.

Suggestions:

– Esteban Yan, who hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2006 and was released by the Orioles after posting a 5.7) ERA at AAA Norfolk. Yan, however, still throws gas and struck out 55 in 47 innings, walking only 15.

– Alex Escobar, who was recently released by the Nationals. I’m sure that MetsToday loyalist Micalpalyn supports this suggestion.

– Chris Resop, a hard-throwing outfielder-turned-pitcher who the Braves just released. He’s had control problems, but can reach 98 MPH. Maybe all he needs is a tweak to get him on track.

– Marcos Carvajal, another flamethrower who can’t find the plate. I cried and moaned when the Mets dropped him from the 40-man last year, and now he’s available again after getting lit up in the hitter-friendly PCL. Yes, he has been with six organizations in as many years, but the kid is still only 23 years old and approaches triple digits on the gun. TRIPLE DIGITS. Remember, the Mets traded Brian Bannister for a very similar biological oddity (Ambiorix Burgos). Get the kid back into the system … if not AAA then AA.

Again, I don’t believe any of the above players are guaranteed to help the Mets this year. But you never know, and though each of these individuals were tossed aside for one reason or another, each also has something of value — some potential. Remember that many players are released by one organization, only to flourish in another (for example, Carlos Pena and Jorge Cantu).

BTW, both of the players traded to the Cubs for Angel Pagan — Corey Coles and Ryan Meyers — have been released. I’m not sure that the Mets have any interest in re-obtaining either of them.

Anyone else out there? Please post your suggestions below.

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. isuzudude August 5, 2008 at 11:58 am
    I’ve been holding on to this one for a while now, mainly because I know there’s very realistic chance of it happening…

    but…

    Paul Lo Duca was released by the Nationals. If Ramon Castro’s ankle injury is more severe than what the Mets are letting on, Lo Duca could serve as a platoon-mate with Schneider, while also filling in at LF and 1B when necessary. Yes, yes, I know he didn’t leave on the best of terms, but don’t desperate times call for desperate measures? At the very least we know Lo Duca has experience handling our pitching staff and is well versed in the pressures of playing in NYC. It’s not like adding Barry Bonds, but it’s something.

  2. sincekindergarten August 5, 2008 at 1:13 pm
    ID, I’d do that one. Robinson Cancel’s baserunning blunder Sunday makes getting LoDuca back a no-brainer. He knows the pitching staff. Would Paulie do it? That is the $64,000 question.
  3. Micalpalyn August 6, 2008 at 2:09 pm
    Interesting.

    I’d say no. But another consideration is that LoDuca’s nemesis Willie is not here anymore.