“Pitching wins championships.” “Offense wins division crowns.” “Defense wins ballgames.” Everyone is always searching for the correct way to bring a World Series crown back to one’s home city. One way to boost the likelihood of a championship is the selflessness and versatility of players. Over the past several seasons, there have been multiple teams that have made a trip to the World Series with versatile players on their roster: 2013 Red Sox, 2011 Cardinals, 2010 Giants, and the 2008 Rays were all teams with moving parts. So, just how versatile do the 2015 Mets need to be? Let’s take a look at the players expected to make the roster.
Positions: C/1B?
The 26-year old catcher has never really played any other position other than the one behind the plate. There were whispers at the end of 2014 of d’Arnaud possibly playing a little first base if/when Kevin Plawecki arrives. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if the young catcher is versatile– because he’s a catcher.
Positions: C/PH
Again, being a catcher comes with the territory of having the position to one’s self. In Recker’s case, being a back-up catcher is simply a once a week job with the occasional pinch-hit opportunity. On the bright side, in 2012 he started a full game at first base with the Cubs and, in 2013, he pitched an inning against the Nationals, so there is some versatility there.
Positions: INF/Corner outfield/C?
We all know about Campbell’s role as a utility player and the sentiment that he is a very poor man’s version of Ben Zobrist. One of the recent news stories that slipped under the rug was Campbell’s recent confession to try and learn the catching position. If Campbell does learn the position to a reasonable extent, it could help the power-hitting Recker get some more pinch-hit opportunities. Campbell might be the most versatile player on the roster and could make 2015 a little bit easier for Metropolitans.
Positions: Just First Base please, Mr. Collins
After an eternity of watching Duda play the outfield, he was finally spelled to only play first base. Duda played three innings of leftfield while Ike Davis was still on the roster in 2014, but he would go on to be a surprise defensively at the position. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Just do the logical thing for once, Mr. Collins.
Positions: 1B/2B/3B
Murphy is another guy that should just stay in the infield for better or worse as he returns for his probable final season in Queens. He has the ability to play a league average first base and hasn’t gotten any extended playing time over there since 2011. After playing third base for the first time since 2011, Murphy demonstrated his versatility for the majority of the infield positions. While second base has never been the best position for him, it’s the only one open.
Positions: All infield positions
Poor fella. Forced into a position that he hadn’t played regularly in over two years and he is the one ridiculed for it. The 6’ 3” infielder had been perfectly fine holding down every other infield position in the minors. Will he thrive at shortstop? Who knows? But one thing is for sure, if someone is injured in the infield, then Flores will be the first one to take that position.
Positions: 3B
It may be hard to call him Captain America after last season, but third base is still home to the Captain of Queens. Beyond the emergency visits to shortstop in 2011 and 2012 that will likely never happen again, he has not left the hot corner.
Positions: 2B/SS
Even though at this point he just seems like the expensive version of Wilfredo Tovar, he can still provide a little defensive help for a defensively-challenged middle infield.
John Mayberry Jr.
Positions: 1B/LF/RF
Even though the guy can technically still play centerfield, he should be going nowhere near that area with the current depth of the team. That being said, his defense has never really been highlight-reel worthy, but certainly not blooper-reel worthy. He has been known to, at the very least, hold down a corner outfield spot for a game or two. Mayberry is a nice addition to the Mets and should be a great fit for the platoon role.
Positions: 1B/LF/RF
Even though he plays the same positions as Mayberry Jr. he somehow seems less versatile considering his recent injury history. Cuddyer will be standing on first when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound and in the outfield for a right-hander. He has never been known for his glove, but with Juan Lagares patrolling the area he should be fine.
Juan Lagares
Positions: OF
Speaking of the Gold Glover, Lagares has the ability to play all three outfield positions while maintaining a certain level of excellence in the process. Even though he is a converted shortstop, there is no reason to worry about Lagares and where he will play.
Position: OF
Signed to a four-year deal last offseason, the Mets are coupled with this aging outfielder for three more seasons. While he cannot exactly play centerfield like he used to, he still remains an option for an emergency and can play the corner outfield positions fairly well while providing great organizational depth.
I’ve got to be honest – I’ve always thought versatility was overrated. Everyone marveled over Joe McEwing and his ability to play anywhere in the field. To me, it never made up for the fact that he wasn’t very good.
I recognize that with 12-man pitching staffs, it takes on even greater importance. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.
And get off my lawn!
Reading this article, I thought pretty much what Brian said earlier. Did the Big Red Machine or the late 90’s Yankees or the late 80’s A’s have much flexibility? No. Just have very good players at each position and don’t worry about flexibility. Too much flexibility just allows a manager to think too much. Is that what you want to happen here?
You’re absolutely right. Some of the great dynasties never needed to have moving players, but the 2015 Mets are extremely far away from being a dynasty. Considering today’s injury risk and sudden performance drop-offs it remains a bonus to have a solid back-up plan. The last thing the Mets want is to give Terry Collins options, but it’s still a good idea to have flexibility.
“Too much flexibility just allows a manager to think too much. Is that what you want to happen here?”
Oh good Lord no, just give Collins one of those old fashioned organ grinders a cute little monkey and change cup so he keeps himself occupied during the game going around the grandstand amusing the fans please.
Of course the Wilpon’s will demand a cut of that I bet.
There’s nothing wrong with versatility/flexibility if the players involved are more than border-line major leaguers. Growing up in NY at a time when the three(!) NY teams dominated MLB I got to see Stengel and Alston and Durocher use this tactic.
Stengel used Yogi Berra and Elston Howard in the same lineup at times with one catching and the other in left field.
Alston famously platooned Don Zimmer at 2B and Sandy Amoros in left, with the switch-hitting Jim Gilliam moving between the two spots. On some occasions he used Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges in the outfield (Jackie was once a first baseman and Hodges a catcher).
Durocher often used Whitey Lockman as a swingman going from 1B to the outfield.
None of the above players fit the Joe McEwing/Eric Campbell profile.
Hi Norme,
Seems you and I are around the same age. Another one I will add that is more so about platooning and strategy. But I don’t think I ever saw anyone any better at platooning, bringing in the right pinch hitter, pulling the plug on a struggling starter, keeping all his players fresh sharp and ready to contribute or bringing in a defensive replacement at the appropriate time as Gil Hodges was in 1969 it was truly a magical year it was as if he couldn’t push the wrong button all year long.
Norm, I suppose that if those managers used those moves today with UZR and all the eyes and stats, they would be vilified. There was a time when just making the routine play consistently was appreciated. Now, they want range and make up more and more defensive stats every year, including that gizmo they have at a few stadiums (like Citifield) where they follow the path of the fielder to see if he took a direct path to the ball and how far he went, how fast he ran, and how good his break on contact was.
These memories are wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
Spring Training Cliches
…best I’ve felt in 3-5 years
…best shape of my life
…first time I’ve been injury free in 3 years
…more excited for camp than I’ve ever been
…more optimistic about this team than ever before
……………………………………………………………………………………..etc.