Platoons can be an effective way of maximizing production from a position. Rather than give the position to one guy, split it between a lefty who clobbers right-handed pitchers and a righty who murders southpaws. The Mets have deployed this with varying levels of success. My favorite example was the mid 80’s second base platoon of Wally Backman and Tim Teufel. Backman brought a high OBP, base hit bunts (remember those?) and some speed on the bases from the left side while Teufel brought some pop, clutch and the Teufel shuffle from the right side. This year, it looks like the Mets will deploy a similar platoon at first base, and at least this one fan has high hopes for the outcome.
Neither Lucas Duda (average at best) or Wilmer Flores (inexperienced and right-handed) is ever going to win a Gold Glove, but both have some skills to contribute at the plate. Duda brings power and patience from the left side. Last year was largely a washout for him due to a back injury, however in the two seasons prior he launched a combined 57 home runs with an OBP over .350. Duda struggles against lefties, having slashed just .223/.287/.390 over the past three seasons. However, he’s done well against righties, with splits of .253/.360/.499. That makes for a nice platoon bat.
From the other side, comes Wilmer Flores, and while just 24, we have a pretty good idea of who he is as a player. He’s a great clubhouse guy, can play multiple positions (though none of them particularly well) and he murders lefty pitchers. Like Duda, a look at Flores’ splits the last three seasons (.256/.289/.377 vs. righties) shows he struggles a bit vs. same-handed pitchers, but pounces on opposite-handed pitchers (.278/.332/.544 vs. lefties).
If we combine Duda’s three-year OPS average vs. righties (.859) with Flores’ three-year average vs. lefties (.876), we could see a combined OPS of between .862 and .866 (depending on the 2017 ratio of righty/lefty pitchers – usually between 2:1 and 3:1). For the sake of discussion, let’s split the difference, and put it at .864, which would have been good enough for for eighth best among qualifying first baseman last season. Here’s the complete list of qualifying (minimum 450 at bats) OPS leaders last season:
- Joey Votto .985
- Freddie Freeman .968
- Miguel Cabrera .956
- Anthony Rizzo .928
- Paul Goldschmidt .899
- Brandon Belt .868
- Hanley Ramirez .866
- Chris Carter .821
- Jose Abreu .820
- Mike Napoli .800
- Wil Myers .797
- Chris Davis .792
- Adrian Gonzalez .784
- Eric Hosmer .761
- Joe Mauer .752
- Mitch Moreland .720
- Marwin Gonzalez .694
- Yonder Alonso .683
If we can get that level of production out of first base, on top of what we expect from Yoenis Cespedes, Neil Walker, and Curtis Granderson in the middle of the order, we’re gonna score some run in 2017.
A first base platoon should be the way to go in 2017. The Mets could conceivably get 40 home runs from the position along with the aforementioned projected .864 OPS. The other advantage is that there is always a power threat on the bench.
Two years ago in 2015, Duda had a great year vs LHP with a 285/333/545/878 and 7 home runs in 132 plate appearances so he does have a small background that he can be an everyday player but the numbers that Flores put up vs LHP last season were too awesome for him not not to given a piece of the pie at first base in 2017.
Nice article Matt.
What me platoon? TC will send Duda out there every day just like he does with Granderson. Stats be damned.
Granderson has hit 43 points lower against lefites in his career. 2015 was his low point, when he batted just .183, nearly 100 points lower vs. lefties. Last year he bounced back though to .226 vs. lefties, only 15 points below what he did against righties.
A lot of it depends on how Conforto does against lefties, but at least one of them will give way to Lagares when facing a lefty. I’d like to insert Conforto as the everyday right fielder and platoon Grandy with Lagares in CF, with Grandy also filling in at the corners. Nimmo might seem to be the odd man out, but odds are, one of the other guys will get injured at some point.
Its for sure better than seeing 600AB from both of them. I think its a smart move and puts Flores in his best position.
Last year the mets only faced 37 lefty starters, so it’s about a 4 to 1 ratio. I expect that number to be about the same because the NLCS east once again has a dearth of LHP.
Platoons are all the rage to talk about in the off-season, but they rarely ever happen in real life due to injuries or lack of steady LHP.
Or if Duda is hot and on a roll, there’s little reason to take him out of the lineup anyways
I don’t think it will be as straight forward as Teufel-Backman since Flores will likely see time at second and third.
lets all wish for a christmas present where flores never sees 3B again
This discussion must be couched in the greater frame of the Infield Rotation, and the fact that Reyes and Flores appear to be better 450 ab options versus 650 ab options.
Duda
Flores
Walker
Cabrera
Reyes
Note…I am not counting David Wright. The above rotation does help achieve production and platoon advantages…and lots of rest for sore legs and backs. It also is not very deep… Cheech and Reynolds need to be ready.
Under the circumstances and players, this is actually a good plan.
Duda is streaky; Flores is as well. Given Duda’s back issues last year, this might work out really, really well. Let’s go with it!
Matt, you have pointed out the topic that everyone avoids: What to do with Wilmer Flores because Duda looked good as a full time player in 2015, including power numbers.
If the Mets’ hierarchy agrees with yourself and most fans, it may be best to trade Flores. Whether you like Flores or not, 24 year old middle infielders that hit 16 home runs in 335 at bats are a valuable commodity. Say what you want about Flores at SS or his inconsistencies at 3B, he has shown to be a competent second baseman. If the Mets want to give him 30 starts at most or projecting him for 200-225 at bats, then move him now while he still has some value. If he’s away from his natural position of 2B another year, he will also be a year older and his value will decrease.
I would think that several teams would want to find a space for this player to see what he could be. While I agreed with the Walker signing and loved Reyes’ work at 3B, if the Mets do in fact allow Wright to dictate when he can play, there’s a problem. I disagree with Wright “deserves” a chance. No, he deserved the contract; he doesn’t deserve a chance, and a winning organization would not keep the crutch he has become if he isn’t at least 85% able to go. With four man benches in MLB now, why have someone that can’t play if he isn’t properly stretched out, or when he plays, he is a shell?
Last year Flores was amazing against lefties and had an off-year against righties. I say “off-year” because he was closer to even before last year. What if this young player is finding his groove? Doesn’t MLB take a few years to get used to for most players? Why is Flores different? He is different because people can’t get over his SS play two years ago when he was ranked 21st in dWAR anyway, meaning there were several other starting SS that were worse, and he is slow.
I would expect Flores to have more value that Bruce or Granderson, even though Flores’ full value is somewhat undetermined. Ask the Orioles or Rangers who of the three they would prefer and I’d bet Flores would be the one. Flores is much more than a platoon player, but he’s a gray and black spotted swan in the middle of several white ones. He needs to move on, for his own good.
I’m with you Gus. Trade Flores and re-sign Kelly Johnson.
Gus and Brian – I couldn’t disagree more. With so many lefties on this team with bad splits, why on earth would we trade a versatile player who crushes lefties? The only other guy on this team who really clobbers lefties is Wright and we can’t count on his health. I see him as a valuable part of the team.
Keep Flores…we must see what he can do, given a reasonable amount of ABs. I think it will pay off.
Flores is a usable Player…certainly not untradeable. He plays several positions poorly, and you’d hope he might improve–slow feet make for bad infield play and bad throwing…he may actually get worse physically, but learn to limit his mistakes by learning the plays he should not try.
Jim O and Eraff, in theory I agree with you both. But I question, as buried as he appears on the totem pole, if he will get a legit chance. In those circumstances, rather than wait and have his skills erode or he gets any slower(!), move him now. I think the David Wright’s playing time will correlate to Flores’. We’ll revisit this in mid-March.
Also, we have talked about and heard in media about keeping players like Cabrera and Walker fresh, but Collins plays his players til they drop dead; he’s not changing.
Brian couldn’t wait to pack his bags for him, LOL. Where’s Chris and Name? 🙂
I’ve grown tired of saying the same things over and over again. I think people know my position. No need to beat a dead horse.
Fire TC.
DFA Flores
Cespedes aint worth the dough
Duda is underrated
Wheeler kills the bullpen
Reed is overpaid
No RP is worth big money/Closers are overrated
WAR valuation is bullshit.
Am i missing something?
I think only Robles, LOL.
Given the uncertain status of DW, I’d hold onto Flores for sure. Not at all the time to trade him.
I have zero problem trading Flores. He doesnt do anything particularly well, and as a result anything he does is easily replaceable. In the world of untouchables, he ranks as a zero. If someone wanted to overpay in a trade, then Id take it. He cant play any position well and only hits lefty pitching. He is fine as a right-utility player and bench guy. No need to move him, but no big if he is.
As far as 3B goes, this is and remains a position of shame for the Alderson regime. In any case, Flores is not the answer to that question, or practically any other that I can see.
It take him to the airport myself and give him a check to buy new things rather than spend the time to pack his bags!
Daaaaaaamn. And I get called brutal…
Position of Shame…????
The FO has failed to make any plans for the future despite knowing how grim it is.