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