When the Mets signed CF Mike Cameron to a four-year contract after the conclusion of the 2003 season it appeared that they had their center field position locked up for the foreseeable future. A year later, though, they signed another marquee center fielder to replace Cameron after only a year.
1. Carlos Beltran: Beltran is in the last year of the seven-year contract he signed after the 2004 season. He's missed the majority of the last two seasons due to a troublesome right knee and the Mets are hoping that he can stay healthy for 2011. He wasn't godawful last season, he batted .255 in 220 at-bats, but he wasn't very good either. If his defense continues to suffer as it did last season, he may be moved to right field at some point in time between Spring Training and September.
2. Angel Pagan: Pagan had his first full season in the Majors last year and he didn't disappoint, batting .290 with 37 stolen bases. He started off the year as a fourth outfielder but quickly usurped OF Gary Matthews Jr. in center field. When Beltran returned from injury Pagan replaced the concussed LF Jason Bay in left. And when RF Jeff Francoeur was traded to the Texas Rangers Pagan took over in right. He'll play right field this year (there's a small chance he and Beltran may be flip-flopped) and the Mets are hoping that he can follow up his breakout season of last year with another strong year. Though he'll be a starter all season long, he may still fill in for Beltran and Bay.
3. Kirk Nieuwenhuis: Nieuwenhuis is a strong defensive center fielder who is considered a top prospect by the Mets. He doesn't have a whole lot of power and he's not a great base runner despite being possessed with good speed. But he looks like he might be a decent outfield prospect. Last season he batted .274 between AA and AAA to go along with his good defense. He needs to start the season off at AAA but he'll be in the Majors this season so long as he's healthy.
4. Jason Pridie: Pridie was claimed on waivers by the Mets from the Minnesota Twins after the 2009 season. He was injured for most of last season but performed decently well when healthy, batting .286 at AAA (with a rehab stint in the GCL) and playing good defense in center. A speedster who will be 27 next season, Pridie will likely be one of the first men to get a call should an injury befall the one of the team's outfielders.
The Mets appear to be weak in center. Beltran's position, performance, and health are nothing but question marks. Pagan is good but will most likely get most of his at-bats in right field. Nieuwenhuis is a nice prospect but nothing more. Pridie is a career Minor Leaguer.
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