Eric YoungOver the past two seasons, the Mets got a healthy helping of Eric Young Jr. in the lineup, as he played in 191 games. When it was time for a raise, the Mets decided that they would roll the dice with Michael Cuddyer, Curtis Granderson and Juan Lagares in the outfield, and were hoping that Kirk Nieuwenhuis would be the backup outfielder. Nieuwenhuis struggled early on, and it became apparent that the Mets were lacking outfield depth. Darrell Ceciliani came up, but hit .206 in 39 games, and John Mayberry Jr. hit .164 in 59 games. Luckily the Mets got some production from Nieuwenhuis, and Granderson is having a great year. Oh, and the acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes sure does not hurt. Although his role may not be too big, Young Jr. could have a big opportunity in September, and ultimately October.

There are multiple phrases relating to Young Jr.’s main talent, which are his wheels. “You can’t teach speed” and “speed never dies” comes to mind, and we have seen how having a speedy base runner on the bench can lead to victories in tough situations. The most memorable moment that comes to mind is Dave Roberts‘ presence on the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and how he stole a base against Mariano Rivera and ended up scoring the game-tying run. Speed always puts pressure on defenses and pitchers, and Young Jr. could be a valuable base runner for the Mets.

Young Jr. will remain at Triple-A Las Vegas for the remainder of August, but it would not be surprising to see him get playing time in September as the Mets will be creating their postseason roster. As of now, the Mets will most likely put Cespedes, Cuddyer, Granderson, and Lagares on the postseason roster. Michael Conforto may have avoided being sent down throughout the past couple of weeks, but it will be interesting to see whether or not he is on the postseason roster. Although the rookie has hit .224, his OBP of .333 and three homeruns in 69 plate appearances is not something to take lightly. Even Nieuwenhuis could be considered for a spot if he comes back healthy. None of these players have tremendous speed, which makes Young Jr. valuable and almost crucial to have on the bench.

The whole Mets lineup has struggled to steal bases, as Granderson leads the team with 10. He is the only player with double-digit stolen bases on the team, as Lagares places second on the team with seven stolen bases. As a team, the Mets are tied for 27th place with 45 stolen bases in the majors. Granted stealing bases does not lead to winning, as the top two teams leading the league in stolen bases are Cincinnati and Arizona, but it will be nice having speed available off the bench if the team is struggling to score runs. Young Jr. may or may not make the postseason roster, but his presence is going to help the team in September, and could help push the team forward into October baseball.

17 comments on “Eric Young Jr. and the need for speed

  • Eric

    A quick analysis of his game shows all he offers is speed and base-stealing. Not enough.

  • TexasGusCC

    There’s no arguing that EYJ brings a needed element to the team. The argument becomes is it good for this team to have a manager that called EYJ the only real leading hitter on the team. Collins just scares the crap out of me when I think of who is in charge for many different reasons.

    • Patrick Albanesius

      Exactly my feelings. Too many times EYJ started a few days in a row because he had one good game. The Mets can’t afford to have him in the lineup too often. He is a situational runner, and a decent defensive replacement.

  • Chris F

    ” The most memorable moment that comes to mind is Dave Roberts‘ presence on the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and how he stole a base against Mariano Rivera and ended up scoring the game-tying run.”

    That’s the only thing he’s been hired for. It’s prudent. My guess is Kelly Johnson does not make the post season roster.

    • Wric

      Bet you he is. Kelly is more versatile therefore more valuable. Do you seriously believe they’ll carry a pinch-running specialist? Eric is here strictly for the remainder of the regular season.

      • James Newman

        EYJr. used to play some second base. I think he would be playing outfield, but the Mets have enough utility guys on the roster, which takes away from Johnson’s versatility value.

        I think Johnson may find a spot on the roster, but he has to hit better than .210 with the Mets.

  • James Preller

    For the moment, I see EY as a very nice addition in September for the obvious reasons. He’s a terrific baserunner on a slow team.

    The calculus is different in September. He doesn’t have to be one of the top 12 position players. He can be the guy who does one thing extremely well. Plenty of room on the bench. I love that.

    However, come the playoff roster, I don’t know if EY makes the team or not. My first guess is “no.” But there are a lot of games to play, so we’ll see how folks perform, injuries, etc.

    I think it could go either way. One key is that the staff should go down to 12, because the team won’t need that 5th starter. Bye-bye, Bartolo.

    It’s an interesting puzzle. In these situations, I always think: Let them play the games. Usually the answer is provided.

    • James Newman

      Many great points here James. Tools off the bench in October is huge. Whether it is speed, power, or defense, having players with exceptional tools off the bench is a tremendous advantage.

      Always thought Bartolo would be apart of the postseason roster, but we will have to see how the rotation is handled. Niese could be used as a lefty out of the pen along with Matz, and deGrom, Harvey and Syndergaard could be the main starters. The fourth could be Matz or Niese after the NLDS.

  • John

    I believe he has to be on the 40 man roster prior to September 1. Don’t know where they stand but Wright will take a spot tomorrow. I think they had an opening but don’t know if there are two.
    I would think EY pinch runs in September and watches in October.

    • Metsense

      EY Jr was a shrewd pickup by Sandy for September. If the Mets need a stolen base then they have an elite base runner that can pinch run. The reason he has spent the summer in AAA is because you can’t steal first base. EY is not a better player than anyone on the current roster and should not be made elgible for the playoff roster.

  • Seaverbeliever

    Kind of reminds me of the spark the 2000 Mets got from Timo Perez. Just that little element of speed can be a game changer.

  • Brian Joura

    I’m not sure if it still applies but there used to be a playoff loophole. If you had a guy on the DL you could put him on your roster and replace him with any guy who was in your system (not just on the 40-man) at midnight, August 31. This was how the Angles were able to get K-Rod on the postseason roster.

    So, let’s assume this rule still exists. The Mets could put Colon on the DL and replace him with anyone in the system. It could be EY’s ticket to the playoffs.

    • James Preller

      I never see 40-man roster issues as much of a problem. There are some pretty worthless guys on there who could easily pass through waivers. If the Mets want EY to be eligible for the playoffs, they will do the necessary paperwork.

      With Bartolo, I think the club is in a watch & wait mode, still hoping for decent-enough performances through the next few starts at least. I don’t feel that their hand has been forced just yet. Getting Matz fully back and up to speed is the priority and the necessary first step.

      Ideally, Verrett provides the necessary help in the pen. That’s where I see his ultimate value, plus as spot starter.

      In the best world, Bartolo limps through the remainder of the season, throws some good games along the way, and the race is relaxed enough for the Mets to live with it. I don’t know if he’s capable of doing that at this point or not, though I have my doubts.

    • TexasGusCC

      That’s still the case Brian. Didn’t the Giants use that last year with Tim Hudson?

  • Chris F

    I think EY jr gets Sept to see what he can do in terms of his main advantage. If he gets a bunch of SBs or scoring from 1B on a hit as a pinch runner, or causes the pitcher distruptions as base stealers can, then he makes himself useful to carry post season. He can pinch run and end up in the OF or 2B for late innings. I doubt he gets more than a single AB per game, if that.

    Lets not forget:
    http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24757382/world-series-x-factor-royals-pinch-runners

  • Larry Smith

    I think trading for EY Jr., even if it was for just a modest amount of money, is an awful idea. Once the Mets rid themselves of people like Eric Campbell, Danny Muno, and (for a time) Anthony Recker it could be said that their roster was filled with legitimate major league players. I consider a guy like Young about the same talent-wise as those three except that he has exactly one major league skill- he can run.
    Plus I wouldn’t trust Collins to use him as only a pinch-runner. Terry would start him perhaps once or more per week putting in a minor league stick for a major league one. Come on, admit it. Terry would and will overuse EY.
    If they want to add speed to the team in September then activate Ceciliani. He can run plus he’s a competent outfielder.
    Eric Young, Jr. uggghhhh

    • Chris F

      If I am SA, then I tell Collins: EY is only to be used a pinch runner in the 8th or 9th innings. He cannot start a game under any circumstance. Watching Flores run yesterday reminded me of how pathetic our speed is.

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