Over this past week, the Mets announced that they promoted their 2014 first round draft pick Michael Conforto to Double-A Binghamton. This move could be considered aggressive, as he was hitting .283 with a .350 OBP in only 46 games at Single-A St. Lucie. The power was on display, as Conforto hit seven homers and drove 28 runs home, which may have made the organization eager to promote the young outfielder. His high on-base percentage and power stroke are being pushed through the minor leagues this season, to possibly help the Mets compete for a playoff spot this year.
Before everyone believes there is no chance for Conforto to be a late season call-up, let us take a quick look at the state of the Mets outfield. Michael Cuddyer was the latest free agent signing, and his season is picking up as he is hitting .272 in May, raising his season average to .260. Juan Lagares was a Gold Glove recipient last season, and his defense always shines through, even if his bat does not. Curtis Granderson has been playing a decent right field, and has provided some pop to the lineup, hitting six homers and driving in 16 runs. His .345 OBP is a nice addition to the top of the lineup, but his .238 average must improve as the season progresses. The starting outfield has had ups and downs, and is not contributing to its full offensive potential, and there is not much production waiting in the wings behind these three players.
Matt den Dekker and Kirk Nieuwenhuiss are no longer providing depth with the Mets, as both outfielders have been moved to other teams. Darrell Ceciliani and John Mayberry Jr. are providing depth to the outfield, but so far Ceciliani has gone 2 for 15 at the plate, and Mayberry Jr. has hit .152. These two bench spots are not providing much offensive support, and Triple-A Las Vegas can provide options with players like Alex Castellanos and Travis Taijeron, however both are right-handed hitting outfielders, and would play a similar role that Mayberry Jr. already fills. Conforto’s abilities could provide the Mets with a nice compliment to Mayberry Jr., and a chance for Terry Collins to rest his outfielders.
Brandon Nimmo started the season in Double-A Binghamton, and he has had a successful start to the season, hitting .279, while having an OBP of .368. Although he may not be as powerful as Conforto, Nimmo has shown a polished approach to the plate, as he walks and has shown he can hit doubles and triples. Both of these players are first round picks, selected by Sandy Alderson, and both are 22 years old. Due to the power Conforto seems to offer, he may have the advantage of reaching the big leagues earlier than Nimmo.
According to MLB.com, Nimmo’s ETA is 2016, while Conforto is 2017. With both players in Double-A, it seems more likely that both players will be on the team at some point in 2016, however if the Mets need a left-handed power hitting outfielder off the bench, Conforto could be called on later this season if he his performing in Double-A at a high level. Hopefully Ceciliani and Mayberry Jr. will provide enough offense from the bench, and the Mets can afford to let Conforto and Nimmo develop in the minors. If that does not happen, it will be interesting to see if Alderson decides to take a chance and call up Conforto.
Conforto 1-3 with a triple, rbi, and run scored today at AA.
I hope he tears it up. I hope to see him in Portland.
With our outfield being what it is, it is hard to picture Sandy Alderson biting the bullet and not playing those he chose to be his moneyball players, but..
Ya never know.
I hope so. Even if the Mets continue to travel this winding road, it puts them in “the playoff hunt” come September. Why wouldn’t they need a quality LH bat? He might even do well, break into the lineup, and get some big hits — especially for a club that has trouble with, you know, hitting.
Conforto or Nimmo—they’re not going to be “lh power hitters off the bench”—- not at 22 years old!!!
The Mets do need to identify some bench bats and provide a role that keeps them warm and ready. Mayberry has been effective in a limited role in the past—but nobody can hit well without some playing time. They need to provide him some ab’s and then make a decision to keep him or replace him.
If and when Wright and Herrera return, that may provide some better opportunities to play some rotations that will allow for potent and productive bench bats.
There is also a chance to trade for a LH bat before the deadline—but you’ve gotta provide enough consistent ab’s for a player to thrive
Spring training got me geeked about Conforto, but I highly doubt he even gets a cup of coffee in September.
The mets should ask Phillys what they want for Sizemore a veteran lefty bat..and see what the Giants want for Magee a 3nd baseman and veteran righty bat..something they desperately need…
No.
And cut into his major league service time? I would definitely not do it.
Conforto is extremely talented. I thought he should have started the season at AA. If Conforto would make it to Citi Field in 2015 he would have to start and that won’t happen unless there is an injury to Granderson or Cuddyer. Even then Conforto would be plan B or C and more of a desperation move because nothing is working. He could possibly be a September call up to add some lefty depth to the bench but that is even a stretch. The Mets should obtain a veteran 4th outfielder instead. Lagares has a sub 600 OPS and is unable to throw like he used . He appears like he is playing hurt. Right now he is still the best option but the situation makes the need for the 4th outfielder more apparent. The talented Conforto is not the 2015 solution.
It’s pretty obvious to me that the Mets have Conforto scheduled for a 2016 arrival in time for Cuddyer’s contract to expire. The albatross that is Grandetson’s contract has him ensconced in RF for the foreseable future. I agree that a decision has to be made soon about Mayberry Jr as the trade deadline looms.
I reallze I’m in the minority here, but I want to make one distinction. I’m not trying to say what I think Alderson will do — or the timetable that the Mets have set for this particular player.
Mostly, I believe he could hit right now at the Major League level. If he wants to break down the door, I sure hope the club has the good sense to let it happen. Both Granderson and Cuddyer are old and on the fade. They can rest a little bit; it would not be that difficult that bring up Conforto — if he earns it — and get him on the field 4-5 times a week.
The scenario, again, is the possibility of making the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Think about that. If he can help, it would be criminal to keep him down.
I like that he’s at AA right now. Give him a couple of months there. After that, there’s no need on earth to play baseball in Las Vegas in the summer time.
I want the best ballplayers in New York. Crazy, right?
From St Lucie to Queens in the same season? I like that hes got some sauce on the ball, and that hes a proven college hitter. But no way will be used to such a long season to make that kind of jump. Im happy to give him more time in the minors wherever this year just to stretch him out. I think it would be bad to have him arrive in Queens exhausted and perform poorly. In 2013 he played something like 60ish games? Last year after a drawn out negotiation he ended up playing 42 games. Hes now played about 50 this year. Unless hes up here right quick that just seems like rushing for rushing sake. If he gets 100-120 minor league games in this year Im happy. I can see him starting in AAA next year and then making the jump possibly…if there is an injury spot to fill at a corner position. Theres no chance Cuddyer or Granny just get benched.
Here’s a sobering fact.
Now that Kirk is gone, if Granny or Cuddyer gets hurt for an extended (1 mo+) period of time, who would fill in?
I can’t imagine the answer would be Mayberry (although i wouldn’t put it past TC). Does anyone really want to see Ceciliani for an extended period of time? (probably not)
If the injury happens right now, i suppose the best option would be to give Travis Taijeron a shot and hope that he can rise to the occasion like Lagares in 2013, but if you’re talking about a late July or August injury, you’d have to give some real thought to Nimmo or Conforto, depending on how they are doing.
Just take a look at the Marlins, who boast an OF which has a combined total of 2 games played at AAA (which was a rehab stint) and look how they have turned out.
You could certainly go in that direction. At this point Conforto seems more advanced than Nimmo for various reasons (he played against better competition in his amateur career for one).
Understand but I agree with a previous commentor about not using young, developing players off the bench for spot duty.
Name—you “wouldn’t put it past TC” to play Mayberry if Grandy or Cuddy Gets hurt??????– Name…Who else could he play?!!! Personally, I’d prefer he put Trout in the Game…or Maybe Braun.
Joey Gallo skipped AAA.
The only way I see Sandy Alderson saving face is through injuries to the current outfielders and not simply Conforto hitting his way into the line up this year.
Given the ages in our outfield, it could happen.
I would think Conforto’s chancing of playing Queens this year at about 1%.
He is tearing up AA
Time for promotion?