Hustling for a double, going first to third, scoring from second on a single are all attributes of a hustling successful team but unfortunately it has become a lost art, not for the Mets. In 2012, the Mets were a complete station-to-station team physically unable to take the extra base and seemingly always getting called out if a runner took the chance. The emergence of Eric Young Jr. made an impact so strong that it speaks louder than WAR (Wins Above Replacement). It without question, energized and sparked this team to more effectively run the bases.
June 18, 2013 is a day that completely saved the Mets season because Collin McHugh was traded for Young. At the time, I was only remotely excited because McHugh was trailing off and he was going to become another Chris Schwinden. For those who do not know, Schwinden is infamous for failing in 2011 and actually being given another chance in 2012. The Mets, for an unknown reason, still have faith in him, so after multiple claims off waivers he returned to the Mets. I knew McHugh was going to be given lots of other chances because of his debut. Young arrived and was immediately put at the top of the lineup which would end up bringing in most of the runs in the second half.
On the defensive side of things speed will always be more of an asset to outfielders. In the second half, it seemed that if a ball was lifted into left, Young would always make a nice catch to retire the hitters and while his defensive WAR will say -0.0, it gave the Mets the chances to win games in the late innings. While he doesn’t have a great arm, he actually racked up 7 outfield assists with the Mets, trailing only Carlos Gonzalez, Bryce Harper, and Dominic Brown, and had a relatively accurate arm that helped cutoffs on multiple occasions. The interesting thing about his defense is that Young led the National League in range factor for left fielders, which tends to go unnoticed. To drift a little off topic, consider the lack of defensive left-fielders this season: Gonzalez and Starling Marte (who led Left Fielders in errors), don’t be too surprised if Young ends up with a gold glove-not saying it is a definite thing or that it will happen.
Young was clearly liked by his teammates and provided spark at the top of a confused lineup, I mean, for goodness sake Lucas Duda was the lead-off hitter once. He always wanted to play for this organization and he didn’t disappoint. Going into the offseason his role seems undetermined, but I claim that he should at least be given a chance especially considering the lack of other leadoff options. He also has the best nickname- Forever Young.
Give Shady credit it was a brilliant move.And so were Byrd and Hawkins. Let’s hope he pulls a few more rabbits out of that magic hat of his.
Julian. Young’s OBP is not lead off material. He doesn’t walk enough. And yet he was so much better than what the Mets left Florida with. What does that say about management? At least Sandy didn’t wait until September to trade for Young.
2013 NL AVG: 19 HR, 328/417/745
Young: 1 HR, 318/329/647
Lucas Duda was not an outfielder and that experiment is apparently over.It took two years too long for a change to be made.
Young was a nice pickup for McHugh on a trade of DFA’s and he solidified the outfield but he is not a starting NL left fielder. His career OBP is .325 and OPS is .663. In 2013 he was 98 points below LF NL avg and 67 points below NL avg at 2B his other position. Visually he looks good but statistical reality verifies how bad the Mets were offensively. Young improved the team but imagine if the Mets landed a true leadoff batter like Ellsbury. That is the difference between playing and competing .His versatility and good base running makes him an asset on the bench.
This is another priority for upgrade. The Mets can’t afford to start both Lagares and Young in the outfield because of below average offense at both positions.
This is part if the Mets dilemma. The Mets can’t play both Young and Lagares because of the Offense and you can’t move Young to 2nd because Murphy is one of the only guys who does contribute and offense and defense. They can’t sit Young because he solves the speed problem. What do they do? It’s maddening. Course signing Ellsbury would be sweet.
Yes Jim I agree! I am an advocate for signing Ellsbury. Does that mean at that point Young becomes a super sub as the 4th outfielder and back up second base man? Can always be the defense replacement in late innings as well.
Young needs to be the leadoff hitter next year. They were a different team with him in the lineup..I mean the guy led the league in SBs and we’re gonna put him on the bench???
Sean, you are a victim of the Mets Stockholm Syndrome that Chris F rightly alluded to last month. It is a problem that many Met fans have because the poor play the past five years.
Sean what the Mets need is a BETTER lead off hitter who can get on base more consistently and draw walks. No one is questioning his base stealing abilities that turn singles into doubles. But his OBP was .318 while batting just .250. Only 35 walks in 420 at-bats. In 5 years he averages out in 162 games 43 walks, batting average of .258 and an OBP OF ,325. Surely the organization can afford to go out and sign a free agent to upgrade lead off. Use Young as a super sub who can be a defensive replacement in late innings, a fourth outfielder and can spell Daniel Murphy at 2nd base occasionally. He’ll wind up with the same amount of at-bats but be utilized.