It’s no surprise that as the Mets sit here in July, many new faces have come up and seen time in the big leagues. One of those new faces has come up and taken over at first base. That is none other than Josh Satin.
With Ike Davis finding himself in the minors and Lucas Duda hurt, the Mets turned to a prospect that they liked, but just couldn’t find room for at the big league level. Now Satin is getting his chance to play every day and is making the most of it. But, what does this mean for his future and the Mets’ future? To answer this, a closer look at the numbers is required.
Satin in 2013: 16 Gs/51 PAs/.390 AVG/.510 OBP/.561 SLG
Satin has been able to achieve success here at the big league level this year, so far. But a look at his last full season in Triple A shows that this isn’t something new.
Satin in 2012 (AAA): 131 G’s/527 PA’s/.286 AVG/.391 OBP/.442 SLG
And in a short time down in Las Vegas this year Satin had a .305/.420/491 line in 59 games.
This isn’t new to Satin. The guy can flat out hit the baseball. He has a smooth compact swing and has shown he has the ability to put the ball anywhere he wants to. He is like Daniel Murphy in the sense that he’s just a flat out hitter. And that’s something the Mets have been lacking in the past. Satin is a breath of fresh air to a team that needed it.
Satin has come up with the big hit multiple times already since his June 11th call up, adding another tool to his game that the Mets lacked. Yes it is only 16 games at the big league level and his numbers are definitely going to drop, but there’s no reason why Satin can’t hit .280/.290 at this level. His minor league stats speak for themselves (including the lower levels, as well).
With the struggles of Ike Davis and the apparent need for Lucas Duda to remain an outfielder has allowed Satin to burst onto the scene here in Flushing. His stock is rising within the organization and he deserves the opportunity to prove what he’s got.
Come September and during the off-season, the management needs to make a decision as to what the future at first base should be. Josh Satin is playing himself right into those conversations. But for now, as a fan, it’s just time to enjoy watching a player make his dream come true. And come on, look at those eyebrows, that’s a story in itself.
Let’s also not forget that he can also play 2nd and 3rd in a pinch. Going into 2014 with Brown, Satin, and EYJ on the bench would be really nice, especially considering our historic woes against lefty starters. Brown can play the corners and center in a pinch, EYJ can play all three OF positions and 2B albeit with a weak arm but brings speed and a decent OBP into the equation, and Satin’s OBP speaks for itself.
All three guys are guys that probably don’t start on a winning team but are good enough to start every day on a non-contender, and all three are Major League quality fill-ins that provide more than replacement value. I’m sold.
If there is a future for Satin on the Mets, it will probably be as a backup corner infielder with the versatility to also play 2B. It is the same position that Justin Turner currently holds except Turner is a 2B who has the versatilty to play the corner infield positions. Satin seems to be unseating Turner.The best I can see for Josh is a 1B platoon with either Duda (or Davis) in the future. He lacks the power for starting at 1B but his good eye and contact makes him a nice bench player. It is a small sample size, but I think Satin will prove that he belongs on a major league roster.
Satin is a tough out and the Mets need more tough outs. Duda and Davis were not tough outs and were rally killers. Hopefully the Mets learn from this period without Davis & Duda that defense and doubles hitters that can get on base match up better with a pitching oriented organizational philosophy. Accepting high K rates, low OBP, & poor defense for 20 HRs is flawed. If Davis can get back to 30 HRs, high end defense and good OBP (.340+)then his K’s and low BA are not a problem from the 5 or 6 hole in the order. Otherwise I’d prefer a guy like Satin. Keep the line moving, keep the pressure on the opponent to pitch and play defense.
I partially agree. I definitely like that Satin is a “tough out” as you say and I agree that Davis wasn’t this year. That said, Davis still has a very high ceiling and Duda was on fire when he got hurt. I do think Duda has what it takes to be a staring 1B/DH on an AL team with 25+ homers and a .400 OBP, which is very, very valuable. Joey Votto-lite, if you will. I’m totally okay with a Davis/Satin platoon, though.
Anybody ever hear of Wally Pipp? I’m not saying that Satin is the next Lou Gehrig, but if Josh continues to rake, and starts to show some power, can you see trading Davis for some bullpen help? Things that make you say Mmmmm!
I don’t view the bullpen as a problem and I would be hesitant to trade for help there at this point. Now, if Ike can be part of a package to get us an OF — I’m all for that trade.