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March 14, 2014 13-14 Offseason Joe Janish

Braves Move Quickly To Repair Rotation

Over the last week, the Braves received the bad news that Kris Medlen damaged his UCL and Brandon Beachy was experiencing biceps tightness. They reacted quickly to create good news by signing free-agent starter Ervin Santana to a one-year, $14.1M contract.

The New York media asked Sandy Alderson if this signing affected what the Mets might do in regard to their shortstop situation. Alderson’s response:

“I’m not interpreting it in terms of ‘our situation. I don’t know that we have a situation here.”

From the standpoint of a GM speaking with the media, it was the right answer, of course. The Yankees and Red Sox might make competing moves with each other, but that’s because they’re in the same division and competing with each other for a playoff spot, while the Mets and Braves … oh, wait …

Seriously though, it wouldn’t make much sense for Alderson to publicly acknowledge that the Mets would be motivated to do something based on an opponent’s acquisition. And further, I don’t think it makes any sense for the Mets to step up their pace to improve the shortstop position just because the Braves signed a pitcher — it’s apples and oranges.

Or is it? The Braves getting weaker by potentially losing two starting pitchers would give the Mets a larger window of opportunity to advance further up the standings, wouldn’t it? So really, any response by the Mets would be more due to Medlen and Beachy being sidelined, than Santana joining Atlanta.

Even if you don’t look at it that way, I’m curious — do you agree that the Mets may not have a “situation” at shortstop? Do you think that a valid answer lies somewhere among Ruben Tejada, Wilmer Flores, Omar Quintanilla, and Wilfredo Tovar?

Again, it would be counterproductive for Alderson to say shortstop is a problem — but what’s YOUR view?

Answer in the comments.

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. NormE March 14, 2014 at 2:04 pm
    Joe, that’s a great point about the Braves being potentially weaker because if injuries to their starting staff. Alderson would be derelict in his duties if he did not try to capitalize on the situation. The question is how?
    The Mariners may be offering Nick Franklin, but most reports indicate that he is a second baseman masquerading as a SS. His bat is probably an upgrade over Tejada. If the Mets are willing to deemphasize defense for potential offense they already have Flores. Based on the scouting (I’ve never seen him play) I’d pass on Franklin.
    The Diamondbacks and Cubs may have a young SS to trade, but reports indicate that the price will be very high. Not sure I’d go there.
    Scott Boras is playing the waiting game with Drew (and Kendrys Morales). He’s never been known to underprice his talent. Drew at 2yrs.-24 million might be a lot for Alderson to swallow but it would fill both a defensive and offensive void. Another point in Drew’s favor is that he would hopefully satisfy TC’s desire for a lead-off hitter, thus putting to rest his wanting EYJr. in the starting line-up.
    I’ve never seen Seratelli but reports indicate that he’s more of a utility type, but might be an upgrade over Quintanilla on the bench.
    My first choice would be Drew if the price is right.
    Assuming that a trade would cost the Mets too much talent, my second choice would be Flores with Tejada as
    his backup.
  2. friend March 14, 2014 at 2:33 pm
    ” I don’t know that we have a situation here.”

    Captain Edward Smith wasn’t aware that he had a situation either.

  3. DaveSchneck March 14, 2014 at 2:48 pm
    Joe,
    i agree that the public comments mean nothing, but if Alderson’s team on March 31 has Tejada and Q as its shortstops he should resign his position as GM and return all of his winter paychecks.
  4. DanB March 14, 2014 at 3:42 pm
    The Mets seem to see their problem as a budget problem — they spend more then the make. We all have discussed ad nauseum the idea of spending money to make money however, the Wilpons don’t seem to have access to that kind of money or the willingness to take that kind of risk. So they must say certain things to imply that they want to win without actually investing in winning. As bad as Tejada is, he is cheap.
  5. The King March 14, 2014 at 8:28 pm
    This minor market payroll thing has to stop. There’s no talent at SS, now or in the foreseeable future. Sorry that it’s Boras, but back up the truck and pay Drew.
  6. david March 15, 2014 at 12:17 am
    My view is that you play both Flores and Tejada, mix it up and keep em both fresh. One will rise, one will fall and by 2nd half of the year we can start looking at trading for a top 5 / 10 MLB shortstop. Deal some arms. Of course if I was GM I’d have done this at or after the winter meetings. I still think the Coupons are making it hard to do a deal.
  7. Izzy March 15, 2014 at 6:47 am
    So because Flores has played one whole game at SSsince 2011, we want to place him in the most important defensive spot on the field. If he were a capable SS why did the Mets stop playing him there in 2011.If he can play it then why is the entire Met minor league evaluators fired? The liars (MET FO) proclaimed this to be a 90 win team. They talk, competitive teams make moves. If tey aren’t lying, then having a realSS makes a big difference in v being a real competitior or a March competitor. So why does anyone ever defend the frauds that run this org?
    • DaveSchneck March 15, 2014 at 9:24 pm
      Izzy,
      I agree but the FO has until opening day to assemble the 25 man squad. On March 31, if Tejada is the starting SS and Q the back-up, then I agree wholeheartedly that Alderson and his 90 win talk is worthy of being labeled a fraud.