This is the second in a series of evaluations comparing the 1986 World Series Champions with the projected 2013 team. The first article dealt with the offensive contributions of the 1986 Mets starting eight position players. This article deals with the offensive contributions of the bench (or platoon players). In order to keep this from getting too unwieldy, I’ve limited the ‘86 analysis to those players who accrued more that 50 AB’s (NOTE: that does eliminate a few noteworthy names from future Mets history: Kevin Elster (33 ABs)/Dave Magadan (21)/Barry Lyons (10).
| Statistics | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Bats | Runs | Hits | Home Runs | RBIs | SBs | SacFlys | ||
| 1986 Team | ||||||||
| G. Foster | 233 | 28 | 53 | 13 | 38 | 1 | 2 | |
| K. Mitchell | 328 | 51 | 91 | 12 | 43 | 3 | 1 | |
| T. Teufel | 279 | 35 | 69 | 4 | 31 | 1 | 3 | |
| H. Johnson | 220 | 30 | 54 | 10 | 39 | 8 | 0 | |
| D. Heep | 195 | 24 | 55 | 5 | 33 | 1 | 1 | |
| E. Hearn | 136 | 16 | 36 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 1 | |
| L. Mazilli | 58 | 10 | 16 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2013 Team | ||||||||
| T. d’Arnaud | 385 | 35 | 75 | 10 | 50 | 2 | 2 | |
| A. Recker | 95 | 8 | 20 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | |
| J. Turner | 190 | 22 | 50 | 2 | 19 | 2 | 2 | |
| W. Flores | 95 | 12 | 25 | 3 | 11 | 0 | 2 | |
| B. Hicks | 60 | 7 | 13 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 | |
| M. Baxter | 300 | 40 | 73 | 4 | 32 | 5 | 2 | |
| J. Valdespin | 260 | 28 | 64 | 8 | 26 | 15 | 2 | |
| A. Brown | 65 | 6 | 14 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | |
| M. Byrd | 100 | 11 | 22 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 0 | |
| M. Den Dekker | 100 | 12 | 21 | 2 | 11 | 5 | 2 |
When compared, the 2013 team’s bench matches up adequately in total number of projected runs scored and RBIs. The 2013 team projects to fall short in the HR department but should surpass the ‘86 team’s bench in SB. A big difference is that it will take the 2013 an extra 200 ABs to do it. The 2013 team will also take 10 bench players (with over 50 ABs) versus only seven significant bench players from the 1986 team. The ’86 Mets had two superlative subs on the bench. Kevin Mitchell amassed 328 ABs and logged in games at third and the outfield; Howard Johnson amassed 220 ABs and logged in games at short, third, and the outfield). During the 1986 season, Davey Johnson used HoJo at shortstop when Sid Fernandez started because of Fernandez’ percentage of fly ball outs.
The following projected performances for the upcoming season are notable:
Mike Baxter – 300 ABs, 73 Hits, 4 HR, 32 RBIs, and 5 SB.
Jordany Valdespin – 260 ABs, 64 Hits, 8 HR, 26 RBIs, and 15 SB.
Travis d’Arnaud – 385 ABs, 75 Hits, 10 HR, 50 RBIs. and 2 SB.
Valdespin is a pivotal player. He can play an infield and an outfield position. As far as the 2013 Mets go, he ranks as one of the best sources of speed on the roster. Watching what (and if) Valdespin contributes offensively this year will be a prime indicator of whatever success the Mets may achieve.