David Wright has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a hamstring strain. Wright had been playing with hamstring discomfort for about a week, though he and the Mets described it as a “cramp.”
It would be dramatic to say this is a tremendous blow to the team, and one they can’t afford. Maybe if they were fighting for a playoff spot, rather than fighting to be better than ten games below .500, Wright’s injury could be considered as such. But really, this should be viewed as an opportunity to audition people such as Josh Satin, Justin Turner, Wilmer Flores, perhaps even Zach Lutz. Yes, it’s terrible that we can’t watch Wright for at least two weeks, but there’s nothing we need to learn about “The Captain,” either. This season is all about gathering as much knowledge as possible on the current assets to ascertain which ones are worth considering for the future.
Along those lines, Pedro Feliciano returns to the big leagues, as Josh Edgin is also going on the DL (fractured rib — how did that happen?). Additionally, Mike Baxter returns to take Wright’s place on the roster. How does promoting an outfielder make sense, you ask? Maybe the Mets intend on trying out Eric Young, Jr. at 2B? Will Daniel Murphy — or Flores — see time at 3B?
Terry Collins bemoaned that in addition to a hole at 3B, Wright’s absence also creates a hole in the #3 spot of the lineup. My initial reaction is to put Marlon Byrd there, since he’s arguably the Mets next-best hitter this year. If Keith Hernandez had his way, Murphy would be there. Maybe the #3 hitter is in Las Vegas — Flores is hitting .320 with 14 homers and a .882 OPS. His defense must be really bad, or there’s a financial reason that Baxter, rather than Flores, was promoted.
While we’re on the subject of injuries, Bobby Parnell is also reportedly suffering from neck pain and his availability is day-to-day.
Listening to Collins’ post-game last night, he was obviously distraught. Perhaps feeling guilty that he didn’t address Wright’s ailment sooner. Or maybe the real reason for his abrupt comments after the game stemmed from the fact that his 6-man rotation experiment was thwarted once again. When asked, “Who’s pitching tom’row?” (meaning Saturday), Collins snapped, “Hefner.”
As for Flores, he doesn’t have an exact position on defense and as one tweeter suggested, the Mets may want to keep his trade value high by leaving him down on the farm where he has excelled offensively. Right now he’s a solid prospect, exposing him too soon to the majors where he could falter in a short stint may move teams to write him off as a bonafide big leaguer much quicker.
Considering where he is playing, Flores isn’t really doing that well. Unless he can provide decent defense there is no reason to have him demoralized by MLB pitching without the Reno Effect.
I haven’t seen Satin play 3rd yet, but if his defense is decent the best bet would be to play him there until Wright returns.
And in my opinion Wright should not have been playing with an injury that was not improving. The DL now is the price, where a few days rest, or reduced workload probably would have done the job when the injury was less severe.
Meant Las Vegas, not Reno, although it doesn’t really make much difference baseball wise.
‘Considering where he is playing, Flores isn’t really doing that well. Unless he can provide decent defense there is no reason to have him demoralized by MLB pitching without the Reno Effect. ‘
How much better must he do ?
http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=3B&sid=t400&t=p_pbp&pid=527038
His home/away splits would be a concern, especially considering several other parks they play (Reno and Round Rock are two that come to mind) are launching pads. If those numbers were in the International League I wouldn’t be concerned, but consider how Davis and Valdespin did there compared to the majors, and for a larger sample size for a familiar player see http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=1B&sid=t2310&t=p_pbp&pid=408312
If defense is a concern he should stay in AAA to improve it, another Duda or Murphy won’t be missed.
Sorry,
cant buy that sauce: Even Depodesta has a better arguement!
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/74534/depo-on-wilmer-darnaud-koch-puello
Per Depodesta; My read is that Baxter and others will get time, but not because of anything about Wilmer.
As for your arguement: Wilmer has 14HR, but its doubles that are his trademark. He is hitting .322, walking and making contact. PLUS he is 21. Not 51 like Jacobs. Ala most players he needs transition time, and what better time than now with the ‘going nowhere Mets’ 2013. The exception clause here is Terry wont play him (he likes his veterans).
Or he may play his way onto the team ala Greg Jeffries, or increase his value like some guy named Iglesias who was traded for Peavy.
Not good logic. Plus Wilmer has played SS, 3B, 1B and 2B. So what if he doesnt nail down a position. His bat would be the plus.
First, Norm, thank you for the consideration. I accept the challenge. First recommendation: Let’s talk to Texas about Andrus.
Second, I have no problem leaving Flores down if it helps us learn about Satin and/or Lutz. The reason: Flores coming in now would be scrutinized like Wheeler was and have the pressure of carrying the lineup “in Wright’s stead”. Better to have him start with better players around him rather than putting him into the middle of the lineup in front of Mets fans in a position he hasn’t played since last year, and neither has Murphy. Yes, he may be used as a trade chip this winter, but the way the Mets are run, having a top ten pick seems more important to them. Therefore, open up the checkbook, who do we want?
And how exactly has Wheeler done?
Wilmer is ONLY 21. Been a Met almost 6 years. How is he not ready.
TexasGus, Welcome aboard.
I like your thinking about SS. To me, that has to be a major priority. I know that we have problems at other spots, but the team desperately needs a big-time up-grade at short.
As for Flores, I think that there is plenty of time before we have to bring him up. If he can win a job in spring training that’s fine, unless he is used as a trading chip. I agree that bringing him up now would cast a huge spotlight on him and would not help considering his perceived defensive shortcomings. The team still has to identify his position so that when he comes up he’s not played like a yo-yo. Putting him in one spot would ease the pressure thus helping with his offensive production. At least it’s supposed to work that way.
Collins comment about Flores not having the range is hysterical, this is the same guy who for the past two years has ran Lucas Duda out to RF and LF, also he has Dan Murphy in the field. Flores must be a statue. Dumb reasoning from dumb leadership.
one question about Flores being in the spotlight if he is promoted…. what spotlight? It is August and the Mets could start listing home attendance by the fan’s name. SNY’s viewership is down 20% or so. Even Janish admits to not seeing every game. Personally, I am always looking at every move the Mets make through the eyes of financially strapped owners first, baseball men second.
Dan, you’re right there. I retract my comment.
Welcome to the MLB Wilmer! It’s just been announced he’s been called up from AAA.