Has there ever been a player you really wanted the Mets to go after and now wonder what might have been? One of those players for me is Nelson Cruz. Following a good early run with the Texas Rangers, the then 32-year-old right fielder was a free agent after the 2013 season. He was no Gold Glover, but the power hitter had a rocket arm and mysteriously lingered on the free agent market. While the Mets and 28 other franchises stupidly passed him over, the Orioles pounced with a modest 1-year, $8 contract that Cruz way outperformed with a career high 40 home runs and 108 RBI. Cruz parlayed that career year into a 4-year, $57 million contract with the Mariners, who also more than got their money’s worth as the right fielder turned DH hit delivered a .906 OPS. Now, firmly entrenched as one of baseball’s premier DH’s, Cruz signed with the Twins for 2019.

Among the motley crew of players to patrol the outfield for the 2013 Mets – Marlon Byrd, Juan Lagares, Eric Young, Jr., Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, Jordany Valdespin, Andrew Brown, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Matt den Dekker, Collin Cowgill and Rick Ankiel. Byrd led this clown car of outfielders, and the entire Mets team, with 21 home runs. The 2013 team finished 74-88. Think a 40-home run hitter in the middle of the lineup could have made a difference?

So, who is your Nelson Cruz?

13 comments on “Friday open thread: 12/28/19

  • Eraff

    Tommie Pham criticized the Rays Fan Base as Non-Existent….. is he available?

    • David Klein

      Doubt it he has three years of control and is a good player and the Rays gotta be a wild card favorite.

  • David Klein

    More cowbell hit a granny on opening day in 2013 and that was his only productive day as a Met. Byrd was a joy to watch and him, Wright and Harvey were the lone bright spots in a dreary season.

  • TJ

    Manny Machado.

  • Charles Hangley

    Years ago, I pined for Jayson Werth. A little more recently, I thought Logan Morrison would fit well here.

  • Eraff

    I always liked Schneider as a Catcher…and then he came to the Mets–Mneh!

    • MattyMets

      Eraff, Schneider was a good clubhouse guy and a solid backstop, but as a slow footed, dead-pull lefty, he was a double play machine.

  • Eraff

    Matty—are you from Pa?

    • MattyMets

      Eraff- originally New York, last 12 years in NJ.

  • Remember1969

    Vladimir Guererro, before he signed with the Angels

  • MattyMets

    Not sure how reliable The Score is as a source, but they are reporting that Yasmani Grandal rejected 4/60 from the Mets. If that’s true, BVE did the right thing signing Ramos to less than half that.

  • Mike Walczak

    In 1984, I said and wished the Mets would get Gary Carter. Dreams do come true.

    Now, Mookie Betts would be a good addition.

  • Brian Joura

    More misses than hits with guys I wanted the Mets to sign in free agency. But I certainly wanted them to sign Alex Rodriguez after the 2000 season.

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