“Basically, the Mets have a strong bench. Unfortunately, it’s starting.” – Sports Illustrated, June 2, 1980.
Such was the narrative when the Mets surprised everybody that year by flirting with .500 in mid-June. That gritty, gutty bunch warranted a feature in the leading national sporting publication of the time, on the verge of having a walk-off win worthy of 1969. The wheels eventually fell off that year, of course, but it was fun while it lasted.
The 2014 edition, however, probably won’t have the same narrative. This group will have a strong bench where it belongs: on the bench. The losers of several positional contests will be in reserve or platoon roles, and that could mean the difference between the Mets’ unfortunately customary 74 wins and a .500-or-better record. Lucas Duda, Eric Young, Jr., Omar Quintanilla, Josh Satin, Anthony Recker and Andrew Brown look – on paper – like they can provide a better than decent combination of speed, defense and power. However, you’ll know the Mets are in a spot of trouble if any one of these guys ends up getting significant at-bats and there will, of course, be replacements ready and eager to trek out from Vegas should any of these guys falter. Many of us would prefer that – Wilmer Flores rather than Quintanilla, perhaps? – but overall this looks like a strong group that will be able to provide the support the starters need. Again, if anyone is seeing a load of playing time, we’re looking at the low-end win total and a similar snark from SI.
More crucially, though, there are certain members of this cohort who might be able to position themselves as trade candidates if the Mets should find themselves above water in mid-summer. Duda can make his case to be sent to an AL team – he seems like he was BORN to DH – in need of some pop and won’t have to deal with his defense. Young, Jr. could be an attractive pair of legs for a contender. Quintanilla could roam another infield come October. There is value here and that could lead to a tightening-up of the roster in time for expected contention in 2015.
Hey, it’s a start…
I’ll be attending Opening Day in Queens for the first time since 1992. I’ll have a full report next Tuesday.
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I fear that Duda coming off the bench and/or getting inconsistent playing time will severely hurt his trade value. However, if that’s the consequences of Davis playing and potentially returning to form, then Oh Well. Even if the roles are reversed, I doubt we’ll be seeing one leave town for any significance in return. Young, Jr. or Satin could bring a nice player back though. Hopefully we won’t need to see.
The most amazing thing about that comeback in 1980 was that Frank Taveras drew a walk.
I don’t think Quintanilla is an adequate backup. If Sandy did not upgrade the starting shortstop then at least he could have upgraded the backup shortstop, middle infield position. As a backup, they chose Quintanilla over Turner when it is obvious Turner was the better offensive backup. Turner was not a solution but he is a better option than Quintanilla on the major league roster and Omar would be ready at AAA in case of injury.
why can’t it just be about baseball …the smell of leather oil…pine tar and rosin … instead I’ve got to be informed and involved with the owner’s escapades in finance and media spinning …the GM and his posturing and public Insincerity …and even the disgruntled ex players chiming in about media and management …cut me some slack…I just want my innocence returned ..I want the stadium to be a testament to simple values and childlike pleasures…a gateway to pure sensations…life is replete with decisions and compromise…I just want to play ball !!!…for this one…it can’t happen too soon….win or lose…rub your balls…grins
Omar Quintanilla keeps coming back no matter how badly he plays. I hope they give the job to Anthony Seratelli at least he can hustle and steal bases.
Nobody was ever excited to see Frank Taveras take the field.
breaking news……this just in…… at the start of today’s ny mets spring training game, some fans & their dog jumped the railing and gang tackled shortstop ruben tejada. before they could be stopped, one of them yanked at the base of the neck of tejada, and pulled off a mask, revealing 64 yr old frank taveras. as he was led off the field in cuffs, he was heard to say in broken english ” ay carumba!!! i would have gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for those meddling kids!!!