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 third basemen and go on with the New York Mets.
3B Ty Wigginton was never a top prospect in the Mets system, despite the fact that he was a perennial power hitter at virtually every stop in the Minors. But when he got to the Majors it became apparent that he was one of the most promising young players in the National League. Unfortunately for Wigginton he continued to blend in with the rest of the Mets system, even at the Major League level, and was traded to Pittsburgh. There could be some regret on the part of the Mets, Wigginton has had a terrific career and has evolved into an All-Star. But the Mets have had no problems at third in that time.
1. David Wright: Wright burst onto the scene in 2004 and starred in his first full season in 2005. He continued that trend in 2010, hitting 29 homers and driving in 103 runs and conquering spacious Citi Field in the process. Wright's fielding has been suspect at times as well. He's been known to make great plays on a fairly routine basis, but he also has had errors pile up on him as well, committing 20 last year. The Mets should expect another big year from Wright next season and are hoping that he can get his batting average back up toward .300 and that he can become a base stealer again.
2. Luis Hernandez: Hernandez is competing for a job as a utility player and is also in the never ending mix of players competing at second base. A natural shortstop, he only played two games at third base last season (both in the Majors). Hernandez has had a good amount of experience as a Major League utility player and was the starting second baseman for the Mets for a time last season. He did a good job in an extremely limited amount of time last season, hitting .250 and playing second, third, and short. His defensive versatility has never been questioned, but historically that has been his strong point. The Mets shouldn't expect him to provide much more than good defense should he win a job on the team. Right now, though, he's the front runner to be the understudy to Wright.
3. Brad Emaus: Emaus is a Rule V Draftee from Toronto so if he doesn't stick with the team he must be returned or have his contract bought out for $25,000, which gives him something of an edge. Emaus is a natural third baseman who was converted into a second baseman and was reconverted into a third baseman last season. He can't play shortstop so he's not a candidate to win a job as a utility player although he's in the second base competition of course. Emaus may not be around for very long as he's not a favorite to stick with the team.
4. Zach Lutz: Lutz is a guy who has come up through the Mets system and has never been a top prospect. Still, the Mets liked him enough to protect him from the Rule V Draft. Lutz needs a full season at AAA before he's ready for the Majors but he figures to be a strong candidate to get a September call-up. If Wright suffers an injury he could be the internal answer at third base.
Wright is one of the premium third basemen in the National League. Barring an injury the Mets should be set there. They have decent - but not great - depth at third, with Hernandez, Emaus, and Lutz in the mix, none of whom are favorites to make the team. Still, Wright is historically durable and the position should be a strength for the Mets.
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