Well the big news of the day being spread throughout social media and the Internet is that Jon Niese is on his way back to New York for an MRI. It’s reported that Niese has some discomfort in his left shoulder.
This comes just a couple of days after reports that the Mets are potentially looking to talk to Seattle again about a Nick Franklin trade. The Mariners were looking to acquire a major-league ready starter, but with Niese’s health up in the air that seems to be put on hold.
Now most of Mets Twitter has freaked out, believing that the end of the world is occurring or that the baseball gods hate the Mets. It is still unknown at this point what the extent of the injury is, although Terry Collins described it as a dead arm.
A dead arm is not un-common for spring training, and this is only viewed as a precautionary MRI. So for fans freaking out over this, I would say to just relax and hold off on any diagnostic until results come back.
Add to this the fact that Bartolo Colon is being held out of practice today with a tight calf. Both of these injuries bring back the point that many have tried to make over the past couple of years: you can never have enough pitching. Pitching is never a surplus and it’s always good to have more.
It’s why Sandy Alderson is so reluctant to move his prospect pitchers and big league pitchers for a bat. Pitching is the key to success in baseball and having as many as you can is always a good thing.
It’s why Alderson signed Bartolo Colon, John Lannan and Dice-K. It’s why he won’t trade Rafael Montero, Jenrry Mejia and Noah Syndergaard.
Now this injury could be nothing. Niese could be on the next flight back to Port St. Lucie getting prepared for Opening Day. He could be out a day, month or season. But this is just a lesson as to why signing a pitcher is never a bad thing.
I think it’s time to buy a S/S and hold on to all our pitchers, instead of a trade?
+1.
Mejia, Montero and Syndergaard are all capable to pitch in the rotation at the start of the season as at least a fifth starter.
Torres, Dice K and Lannan are all vying for the fifth starter spot.
Six starters for two spots if Niese is out. Harvey and Heffner in the wings for 2015.
Trading deGrom or Black for Franklin who was a top 100 prospect. Why not?
Trading Plawecki for Gregorious or Owings. Why not?
Signing Drew and giving up nobody. Why not?
Relying on a shortstop that isn’t durable. Why?
This team needs some organizational depth at shortstop and there are three options.
Make a decision Sandy, or is this another Duda/Davis procrastination?
I agree 100%
On the whole, your trading ideas aren’t remotely possible unless its for Didi … and you have that alternative in house.
Owings and Franklin will turn out to be way, way, way out of the league for the likes of a AA catcher or JDG.
And in fact, you have to know that the Mariners have already established the price for Franklin is Montero. Two players, at highly valued positions, both of which are top 100 players.
My belief is that, if Franklin proves this month that he can field SS, Montero is as good as gone … even without Niese.
in “the right deal,” Towers said that the team would likely target either a minor league pitcher who’s close to the big leagues or a catcher. “Our biggest needs in our system are catching,” Towers said. “If it’s the right, top-notch catching prospect. Someone we could have right behind Miggy [Miguel Montero.”
So JG, Plawecki might get it done and Montero would get it done. Mejia might too.
My Seatle info came from something I read but i forgot the source. I agree more with you that Black or deGrom wouldn’t get it done.
My main point is that we are not replacing Tejada, we are replacing Quintinilla and gaining organizational depth.
Sign Drew and you keep your prospects.
I hope Niese is okay. The Mets need him for balance in the rotation as they have no other lefty. I’m crossing my fingers.