eMailbag: Deals, Young Players and Future Catcher
J Ross writes: “Everyone keeps talking how the Mets have only hit 34 home runs – well they have only allowed 40. The Phillies have hit 78 and allowed 81… It’s funny how they criticize for lack of power but not positives in that pitchers aren’t allowing home runs.”
Matthew Cerrone: “This is an excellent point, J Ross. Thanks.”
Corey From Long Island writes: “It really upsets me when I wake up every morning and the Mets don’t make a trade to get a big bat or pitcher in the lineup. When do you think this is going to happen and who do you think they will get?”
Matthew Cerrone: “Well, all I can say, Corey, is, are other teams making trades? No, they’re not. Believe me, it’s not for a lack of looking. The Mets are looking. It’s just, like I wrote this morning, it takes two to tango. It’s not like Omar Minaya can just bust in to an opposing team’s office and demand a trade. That other team needs to want to deal. It’s still June. These are other teams still need to sell tickets, keep them watching their games on TV, buying jerseys, etc., and keep their fans interested. So, while the market is warming up, it’s not yet at a point when teams are looking to deal, though it’s getting close. Plus, with so many holes, and questions surrounding the return of Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado, I am sure Minaya is still deciding on what he needs, and how much he’s willing to pay for it.”
Ian in Buffalo writes: “In my opinion, I hope that the Mets do not make any big trades at the deadline… I would like to see the Mets actually develop talent instead of relying on trades and free agents… I honestly am content with the Mets roster as it is and not rushing anyone back from injury.”
Matthew Cerrone: “I’m sure that is a big topic of conversation in the team’s front office. What worries me is, I hope Minaya doesn’t react and make a bad deal for the sake of making a deal. I don’t think he’ll do that, though. We have read a lot about the list of players he is unwilling to deal over the last few years, and in every trade those players remain with the Mets. I can’t see why that would change now. Personally, I’d like to see them fill in the bench, which shouldn’t cost a ton, and look for a starting pitcher, like a Jason Marquis, who also shouldn’t cost a ton. I’d go for Matt Holliday, but not if he costs Fernando Martinez, Daniel Murphy, Brad Holt or Jon Niese – and if that means not getting him, so be it.”
Z Caldi writes: In the next couple of years who will likely be the Mets next catcher?”
Matthew Cerrone: I have no idea if he’ll be the long-term answer, but the Mets have a young catcher at Double-A, Josh Thole, who is a serious, left-handed hitter. I had the chance to talk with him during my trip to Binghamton this past weekend. For what it’s worth, he’s very comfortable, and speaks well in an interview. In other words, he seems to have his act together. That said, he is still working hard to improve his defense. His bat appears ready for the next level, but I don’t think he’s defense is. I mean, if he were ready for the big leagues, he’d have been here, given the major-league catching situation. He’s also played first base, so that is good to know. From what I recall, unlike other positions, teams like to send young catchers to Triple-A before being promoted to the big leagues, because there they will have the chance to catch big league pitching, like a Nelson Figueroa. So, I suspect Thole will keep working in Double-A, go to Triple-A at some point in the next year, and next spring we’ll begin to hear a lot more about him. I guess what I’m saying is, he’s worth keeping an eye on.
To read more about our trip to Buffalo and Binghamton, including notes about travel, more players and food, check out Ted Berg’s report for SNY.TV.
