The Mets are trying to tread water this season as their rebuilding phase continues. They're trying to fill holes with young players and plug others with veterans here and there, and some spots remain open for competition. One such spot is second base.
1. Daniel Murphy: Oh yeah. Murphy is being converted into a second baseman this off-season. Again. For those of us counting, this is the fourth time that Murphy has been converted into a second baseman (once after the 2008 season, twice in the 2010 season at AAA, thrice after the 2010 season, and now a fourth time heading into the 2012 season). No conversion has worked yet for a variety of reasons. The Mets were unable to trade 2B Luis Castillo the first time. The second conversion was ended due to a season-ending knee injury. The third time it just didn't work as Murphy couldn't play defense at second. And what will happen this year? LeRoy doesn't know that, but here's a prediction: Come Opening Day, Daniel Murphy will not be playing second base for the Mets. Instead he'll be a left-handed bat off the bench and a super-sub in the vein of former Mets IF/OF Kevin Mitchell, who can play almost everyday at a different position. No matter where or how he plays, the Mets need his bat in the lineup. He batted .320 last season.
2. Justin Turner: Turner lost out on the second base and utility infielder job last season to 2B Brad Emaus and IF Chin-lung Hu, respectively, but he had the last laugh as he was recalled early in the season and ended up being the team's starting second baseman. And he performed decently, batting .260 and playing good defense at second. He's on the bubble again this season. With the Mets pulling for Murphy to win the second base job, IF Ronny Cedeno signed to serve as the team's utility player, and OF/2B Scott Hairston signed to a guaranteed contract to serve as the team's right-handed pinch hitter, it looks like Turner might be out of a job. But LeRoy wouldn't worry too much: Here's predicting that Turner wins the second base job in Spring Training.
3. Reese Havens: Havens is a top prospect and former number one draft pick with the Mets who they have added to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V Draft. Despite all of the hype Havens has done nothing in the Minor Leagues and his professional career has thus far been injury-riddled, though the Mets still believe in him enough to invest in him this Spring and he' still being ranked as one of their top prospects. But none of that really matters. Havens, regardless of his performance or health, needs to start the season at AA and he probably won't reach the Major Leagues until sometime in the second half of 2013.
The Mets second base situation looks murky, but it doesn't look bad. If Murphy wins the job the Mets should expect sub par defense but a lot of offense. If Turner wins the job they should expect decent offense and above average defense. Either way their second base situation base situation looks solid. And with Havens waiting in the wings at least they can say that they have someone poised to take over by 2014.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Red Sox Second Basemen
The Red Sox are trying to recover from a disastrous collapse in 2011. Their method right now appears to be to keep everything that works intact and put a band-aid on the things that didn't work. One area that shouldn't need a band-aid is second base.
1. Dustin Pedroia: Pedroia had a good season on all fronts last year, finishing with a .307 batting average, 102 runs scored, 21 homers, and 26 stolen bases. He turns 29 in August and should still be in his prime. The Red Sox are hoping that he can repeat with another strong season in 2012.
2. Nick Punto: Punto was signed as a free agent after winning the World Series with St. Louis last season. A veteran utility player, he can play just about anywhere but the Red Sox only have him penciled in to see considerable time at second. Last season he batted .278 in 133 at-bats for St. Louis. The Red Sox would welcome that type of production from him again in 2012, though good versatile defense with not a whole lot of offense is more likely from the 34-year-old infielder.
3. Mike Aviles: Valentine had Aviles penciled in to get a lot of playing time in left at the beginning of the season following wrist surgery for LF Carl Crawford, but with the departure of SS Marco Scutaro and the trading of IF Jed Lowrie, Aviles has suddenly emerged as the everyday shortstop. Having said that, he still figures to get some time at second base, and maybe even in left every now and again and at other positions as well. But with Pedroia figuring to be out there most of the time and Punto available for good defense his innings at second should be few and far between.
4. Oscar Tejeda: Tejeda is a top prospect in Boston's system who was converted to second from shortstop in 2010. Tejeda needs another year in the Minors, but Boston has added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V Draft. He had a rough season last year at Portland, batting .249 in 457 at-bats and striking out 101 times, while only drawing 29 walks. He also made 24 errors in the field, which is really too many. The Red Sox will look for him to display more patience at the plate next season, cut down on his strikeouts, and raise his batting average back up to about .270. He also needs to improve upon his defense.
The Red Sox look good at second base. Pedroia is a star in every sense of the word. Punto is a good backup. Aviles is a good option to have in an emergency. Tejeda is still a promising young player whom the Red Sox believe in, but he took a big step back last season.
1. Dustin Pedroia: Pedroia had a good season on all fronts last year, finishing with a .307 batting average, 102 runs scored, 21 homers, and 26 stolen bases. He turns 29 in August and should still be in his prime. The Red Sox are hoping that he can repeat with another strong season in 2012.
2. Nick Punto: Punto was signed as a free agent after winning the World Series with St. Louis last season. A veteran utility player, he can play just about anywhere but the Red Sox only have him penciled in to see considerable time at second. Last season he batted .278 in 133 at-bats for St. Louis. The Red Sox would welcome that type of production from him again in 2012, though good versatile defense with not a whole lot of offense is more likely from the 34-year-old infielder.
3. Mike Aviles: Valentine had Aviles penciled in to get a lot of playing time in left at the beginning of the season following wrist surgery for LF Carl Crawford, but with the departure of SS Marco Scutaro and the trading of IF Jed Lowrie, Aviles has suddenly emerged as the everyday shortstop. Having said that, he still figures to get some time at second base, and maybe even in left every now and again and at other positions as well. But with Pedroia figuring to be out there most of the time and Punto available for good defense his innings at second should be few and far between.
4. Oscar Tejeda: Tejeda is a top prospect in Boston's system who was converted to second from shortstop in 2010. Tejeda needs another year in the Minors, but Boston has added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V Draft. He had a rough season last year at Portland, batting .249 in 457 at-bats and striking out 101 times, while only drawing 29 walks. He also made 24 errors in the field, which is really too many. The Red Sox will look for him to display more patience at the plate next season, cut down on his strikeouts, and raise his batting average back up to about .270. He also needs to improve upon his defense.
The Red Sox look good at second base. Pedroia is a star in every sense of the word. Punto is a good backup. Aviles is a good option to have in an emergency. Tejeda is still a promising young player whom the Red Sox believe in, but he took a big step back last season.
Yankees First Basemen
The Yankees are looking to repeat as AL East Champions in 2012. Having said that, a large part of their team remains intact from last season. One such area is first base.
1. Mark Teixeira: Teixeira had a strange season last year, struggling in many areas but still able to be effective as a slugger and run producer. He only batted .248 and failed to reach 150 hits, but he hit 39 home runs and knocked in 111 runs batted in. The Yankees are hoping that he can repeat with the power and production next season, and they'd welcome more consistency at the the plate, though it isn't really necessary at this point. In addition, Teixeira provides Gold Glove calibre defense at first.
2. Nick Swisher: Swisher will be the first line of defense behind Tex when he needs a day off. Having said that, his playing time there will be quite rare. A defensive standout and only 32 in April, Teixeira doesn't figure to get much time at DH, so Swisher's only real time at first should come when Tex gets a rest. Of course, Swisher will still be the everyday right fielder.
3. Brandon Laird: Laird is a huge prospect who is probably ready to make the next step to the big leagues. The only problem with that is that there doesn't seem to be any place to play him. A natural third baseman, Laird is penciled in to get some time at first in Spring and it probably wouldn't be a surprise to see him in left a bit also. He may have a chance to win the last spot on the bench, but that job looks like it's going to fall to a left-hander with the recent re-signing of DH/OF Andruw Jones.
The Yankees look pretty good at first base. Teixeira is a star even if he is inconsistent at times. Swisher is a good source of power in the lineup whether he plays in right or at first. Laird is a good prospect who could provide some pop off the bench or be marketed as a trade chip for bullpen help at some point, or he could be packaged with RHP A. J. Burnett for God knows what, as the Yankees have made their desire to trade Burnett in Spring Training no secret.
1. Mark Teixeira: Teixeira had a strange season last year, struggling in many areas but still able to be effective as a slugger and run producer. He only batted .248 and failed to reach 150 hits, but he hit 39 home runs and knocked in 111 runs batted in. The Yankees are hoping that he can repeat with the power and production next season, and they'd welcome more consistency at the the plate, though it isn't really necessary at this point. In addition, Teixeira provides Gold Glove calibre defense at first.
2. Nick Swisher: Swisher will be the first line of defense behind Tex when he needs a day off. Having said that, his playing time there will be quite rare. A defensive standout and only 32 in April, Teixeira doesn't figure to get much time at DH, so Swisher's only real time at first should come when Tex gets a rest. Of course, Swisher will still be the everyday right fielder.
3. Brandon Laird: Laird is a huge prospect who is probably ready to make the next step to the big leagues. The only problem with that is that there doesn't seem to be any place to play him. A natural third baseman, Laird is penciled in to get some time at first in Spring and it probably wouldn't be a surprise to see him in left a bit also. He may have a chance to win the last spot on the bench, but that job looks like it's going to fall to a left-hander with the recent re-signing of DH/OF Andruw Jones.
The Yankees look pretty good at first base. Teixeira is a star even if he is inconsistent at times. Swisher is a good source of power in the lineup whether he plays in right or at first. Laird is a good prospect who could provide some pop off the bench or be marketed as a trade chip for bullpen help at some point, or he could be packaged with RHP A. J. Burnett for God knows what, as the Yankees have made their desire to trade Burnett in Spring Training no secret.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Mets First Basemen
The Mets are treading water this season and there aren't very many expectations on them yet. One problem area from last season was first base, which was basically unmanned all season. They're trying a youth movement at the position this season, but there are questions about ability and health there.
1. Ike Davis: Davis is a former top prospect who was a huge power hitter in high school, college, and in the Minors. He has 30-homer potential, but hasn't come anywhere near that production at the Major League level. In addition, Davis is attempting to return from a season-ending knee injury from 2011. He was productive when healthy last season, batting .302 in 129 at-bats. The Mets are hoping that he can stay healthy this season and reach the 20-homer plateau, at a minimum. If he is healthy, he'll be the unquestioned first baseman.
2. Daniel Murphy: Murphy is a former top prospect who has had an interesting career at the Major League level. He has 20-homer potential, but has topped out at 12 in the Majors. He also is a good line drive hitter who could become a consistent .300 hitter. But Murphy is attempting to come back from three knee injuries in two years and may not be ready to go. In addition, if he is healthy he's currently penciled in to be the starting second baseman. So he's not much of a legitimate option in the first base mix right now. But the Mets are depending on his health as he batted .320 in 391 at-bats last season. And they're hoping that he can stay healthy with a high batting average and at least somewhere around 15 homers next season.
3. Valentino Pascucci: Pascucci is a career Minor Leaguer who has always seemed to be a favorite in the Mets organization. He has tremendous power, having hit 231 homers in the Minors in his career. As of right now Pascucci has a legitimate chance of playing first base regularly given the concerns surrounding Davis and Murphy. Last season he hit a home run and had two runs batted in for the Mets in September.
First base is up in the air for the Mets. Davis is a good young player, but he's still unproven at the Major League level and his knee is a question mark. Likewise, Murphy is a promising young player who also has a weak knee, and he's committed at another position. Pascucci is a nice player to have for depth and could provide some pop off the bench in an imperfect world, but that's all. LeRoy doesn't want to be a Negative Nancy, but right now we expect to see Murphy playing first base on Opening Day, which isn't exactly a bad thing, but it's not a great thing either.
1. Ike Davis: Davis is a former top prospect who was a huge power hitter in high school, college, and in the Minors. He has 30-homer potential, but hasn't come anywhere near that production at the Major League level. In addition, Davis is attempting to return from a season-ending knee injury from 2011. He was productive when healthy last season, batting .302 in 129 at-bats. The Mets are hoping that he can stay healthy this season and reach the 20-homer plateau, at a minimum. If he is healthy, he'll be the unquestioned first baseman.
2. Daniel Murphy: Murphy is a former top prospect who has had an interesting career at the Major League level. He has 20-homer potential, but has topped out at 12 in the Majors. He also is a good line drive hitter who could become a consistent .300 hitter. But Murphy is attempting to come back from three knee injuries in two years and may not be ready to go. In addition, if he is healthy he's currently penciled in to be the starting second baseman. So he's not much of a legitimate option in the first base mix right now. But the Mets are depending on his health as he batted .320 in 391 at-bats last season. And they're hoping that he can stay healthy with a high batting average and at least somewhere around 15 homers next season.
3. Valentino Pascucci: Pascucci is a career Minor Leaguer who has always seemed to be a favorite in the Mets organization. He has tremendous power, having hit 231 homers in the Minors in his career. As of right now Pascucci has a legitimate chance of playing first base regularly given the concerns surrounding Davis and Murphy. Last season he hit a home run and had two runs batted in for the Mets in September.
First base is up in the air for the Mets. Davis is a good young player, but he's still unproven at the Major League level and his knee is a question mark. Likewise, Murphy is a promising young player who also has a weak knee, and he's committed at another position. Pascucci is a nice player to have for depth and could provide some pop off the bench in an imperfect world, but that's all. LeRoy doesn't want to be a Negative Nancy, but right now we expect to see Murphy playing first base on Opening Day, which isn't exactly a bad thing, but it's not a great thing either.
Whelan Outrighted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
The Yankees have optioned RHP Kevin Whelan to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Whelan had been designated for assignment to clear room for free agent signee RHP Hiroki Kuroda and he wasn't traded and cleared waivers and the Yankees opted to retain him in the organization. The 28-year-old Whelan posted a 5.40 ERA in 1.2 innings pitched last season for the Yankees and went 2-3 with a 2.75 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 45 games and 52.1 innings pitched for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season.
Whelan was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 2005 and was acquired by the Yankees in the RF Gary Sheffield trade.
Whelan was drafted by Detroit in the fourth round in 2005 and was acquired by the Yankees in the RF Gary Sheffield trade.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Red Sox First Basemen
The Red Sox are trying to stave off another collapse this season. First base was thought to be both a strength and an upgrade for Boston last season, and it worked out that way famously. It should be a strong position again for them this season.
1. Adrian Gonzalez: Gonzalez was acquired by Boston last off-season from the Padres in a deal which had been part of the off-again-on-again rumor mill for years. Gonzalez, who had been a beast in spacious PETCO Park, was expected to put up huge numbers in tiny Fenway. That didn't come to fruition, but he still had a strong season in 2011. He batted .338 with 213 hits, 108 runs scored, 45 doubles, 27 home runs, and 117 runs batted in. In addition, Gonzalez is a Gold Glove-calibre fielder at first base.
2. Lars Anderson: Anderson is a prospect who Boston is looking at in Spring Training. One of the biggest prospects in all of baseball, Anderson may be ready to make the next step to the big leagues. However, Boston won't be able to get him regular at-bats and his best bet at winning a job in the Majors is to find a spot on Boston's bench. Manager Bobby Valentine may not want to waste Anderson on his bench and may send him to Pawtucket to guarantee him regular playing time, though. And regular at-bats may be necessary for Anderson. He went hitless in five at-bats in the Majors last season.
3. David Ortiz: Ortiz will once again serve as Boston's starting designated hitter this season. He had another good season last year, batting .309 with 29 home runs. Boston is hoping for another solid season out of Big Papi, or at least one in which he provides 25 homers or more. He shouldn't get much time at first base, and depending on how Valentine uses Anderson, he might not get any, aside from a token appearance here or there in Interleague Play or in September.
Boston looks strong at first base. They can count on another monster season from Gonzalez, even if he doesn't provide the 50 homers and 160 runs batted in some might have hoped for. Anderson is a good prospect waiting in the wings, whether he waits at Pawtucket or on the Boston bench. And Ortiz is still an option at first base and a good force of fairly consistent, left-handed power in the middle of Boston's lineup.
1. Adrian Gonzalez: Gonzalez was acquired by Boston last off-season from the Padres in a deal which had been part of the off-again-on-again rumor mill for years. Gonzalez, who had been a beast in spacious PETCO Park, was expected to put up huge numbers in tiny Fenway. That didn't come to fruition, but he still had a strong season in 2011. He batted .338 with 213 hits, 108 runs scored, 45 doubles, 27 home runs, and 117 runs batted in. In addition, Gonzalez is a Gold Glove-calibre fielder at first base.
2. Lars Anderson: Anderson is a prospect who Boston is looking at in Spring Training. One of the biggest prospects in all of baseball, Anderson may be ready to make the next step to the big leagues. However, Boston won't be able to get him regular at-bats and his best bet at winning a job in the Majors is to find a spot on Boston's bench. Manager Bobby Valentine may not want to waste Anderson on his bench and may send him to Pawtucket to guarantee him regular playing time, though. And regular at-bats may be necessary for Anderson. He went hitless in five at-bats in the Majors last season.
3. David Ortiz: Ortiz will once again serve as Boston's starting designated hitter this season. He had another good season last year, batting .309 with 29 home runs. Boston is hoping for another solid season out of Big Papi, or at least one in which he provides 25 homers or more. He shouldn't get much time at first base, and depending on how Valentine uses Anderson, he might not get any, aside from a token appearance here or there in Interleague Play or in September.
Boston looks strong at first base. They can count on another monster season from Gonzalez, even if he doesn't provide the 50 homers and 160 runs batted in some might have hoped for. Anderson is a good prospect waiting in the wings, whether he waits at Pawtucket or on the Boston bench. And Ortiz is still an option at first base and a good force of fairly consistent, left-handed power in the middle of Boston's lineup.
Yankees sign Delcarmen
The Yankees have agreed to terms with RHP Manny Delcarmen on a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training. The New York Post first reported the signing. Delcarmen went 3-2 with a 5.59 ERA in 26 games at AAA last season.
In his career, Delcarmen is 11-8 with a 3.97 ERA and 249 strikeouts in 298 games and 292.2 innings pitched. Delcarmen joins former Red Sox pitchers LHP Cesar Cabral (Rule V Draft pick) and LHP Hideki Okajima (minor league free agent) in Spring Training with the Yankees this season.
In his career, Delcarmen is 11-8 with a 3.97 ERA and 249 strikeouts in 298 games and 292.2 innings pitched. Delcarmen joins former Red Sox pitchers LHP Cesar Cabral (Rule V Draft pick) and LHP Hideki Okajima (minor league free agent) in Spring Training with the Yankees this season.
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