Mets Catcher

As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees.  We will continue with the catchers and go on with the New York Mets.

Since Paul Lo Duca left as a free agent following the 2007 season the Mets have had trouble finding an everyday catcher.  During that time, Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro, Omir Santos, Josh Thole, Rod Barajas, and Henry Blanco have been auditioned as potential starting candidates for the Mets.  As the 2011 season nears, the Mets catching core is still surrounded more by doubt than certainty.

1.  Josh Thole:  Thole is once again being considered for the role of everyday catcher.  He was the starting backstop in September 2009 and again in the second half of last season.  He wasn't considered a top prospect until Spring of 2010.  Thole's biggest concern is probably his defense.  He played first base in high school and has only been catching since 2007.  In addition, the Mets aren't sure whether he'll hit enough to stay in the big leagues.  Still, he's the front runner right now.

2.  Ronny Paulino:  Paulino appears to be a good option to serve as the reserve catcher for the Mets in 2011.  He's good defensively and sports a batting average well above .300 against lefthanded pitchers.  That means that he could serve as part of a platoon with the lefthanded-hitting Thole.  Paulino has been a starting catcher before but has only been so-so in that role.  But if Thole falters as the starter Paulino could step into an everyday role.  The bad news is that Paulino was suspended for 50 games at the end of last season for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.  He'll start the season on the suspended list meaning that the Mets will need to find another reserve catcher for the start of the season.

3.  Mike Nickeas:  Nickeas is a career minor leaguer who was granted a September call-up last season.  He was acquired by the Mets in a trade at the August 31 waiver deadline during the 2006 season from the Texas Rangers in exchange for OF Victor Diaz.  On the positive side, Nickeas has served as a personal catcher for RHP Jenrry Mejia in the Minor Leagues and could serve in that role for the Mets.  Mejia is a candidate for the rotation and RHP Mike Pelfrey has utilized a personal catcher in the past.  Nickeas is an outstanding defensive catcher but struggles offensively.  He's righthanded but doesn't hit enough to form a potential platoon with Thole and cannot start.  In addition, his offense may not even be sufficient enough to keep him in the bigs as a backup.  Still, he might be the guy to fill in while Paulino serves out his suspension time.

The Mets have also signed Raul Chavez to a Minor League contract but it's unclear where he fits into the scheme at this point in time.  The Mets are hoping that Thole lives up to his potential and develops into a star.  Even if that doesn't happen, the Mets are hoping that Thole can hit .250 and form a worthy platoon with the troubled Paulino.  They're leaving a lot to chance.  Right now, things don't look that good, but they don't look horrible either.