The news broke today that the Red Sox had decided to sign Stephen Drew for $10 million. This move has either broken some Mets fans’ hearts or made their day. Regardless of any fan’s opinion, the deal is done and one can only hope this will benefit the Mets, so let’s take the high road on this signing and look at the positives. Here are a few reasons why Wilmer Flores can win the job without Drew.
1) Now the Mets have no other options
With Drew off the market, the Mets cannot turn to a better option when Tejada continues his struggles. Tejada is simply not the answer at shortstop and the Mets have started to realize this by calling up Flores and letting him play more often.
2) Wilmer Flores is now the Top Offensive Shortstop in the system
Without Drew, the only people standing in the way of Flores being a starter are Ruben Tejada, Omar Quintinilla, and Wilfredo Tovar. None of them hold the offensive potential to even think about surpassing Flores. It is becoming evident that Flores is taking many offensive strides to not only improve his batting average, but his power.
3) Flores has made strong strides defensively
The only skill that has kept Flores from taking ownership of the shortstop job has been his defense. This seems to have improved since his time spent in the minors after making zero errors in a mere 28 innings in the majors. Only time will tell if he can hold it down, but it appears he is ready and determined for the challenge.
Julian there are always trade options that are viable. So I disagree with observation number 1. Doesn’t say much about the organizations ability to draft if after 4 years SA has only Flores to show as the top SS(the team did move him to another position for a reason). The Mets still need a competent back up in case Flores goes down for an extended period of time.
Tejada was publicly called out for not working, and then it was reiterated. We know the GM’s opinion, and judging by Sandy’s statement about “long term”, Flores is being given an extended look.
Flores will probably get full playing time starting in a couple of weeks. After that, he will probably be shipped off to get a legit SS prospect from Seattle, Arizona or elsewhere. Or maybe I’m completely wrong.
Disagree Patrick. After investing so much time with Flores why would the team trade him? He’s done everything the team has asked him to do just like Daniel Murphy. Just a suggestion. We’re here just giving our opinions as Met fans. It’s okay to think outside the box. it’s a different point of view and even if I think it’s off base, I still respect what you’re saying. Whether or not you’re right or wrong doesn’t take away from your take on the team.
idk….. without Drew Here, Tejada has been getting Lots of Starts