Opinion: The Mets and First Base
In a post to Caught Lookin’, Matt Silvestri takes a look at the Mets situation at first base and suggests a platoon of both Daniel Murphy and Mike Lowell could work in the Mets favor.
Matt believes Lowell’s veteran leadership combined with his offensive production would be of greater benefit than combining Murphy with free agent Ryan Garko.
…i think from a numbers perspective, it’s hard to argue with Lowell’s resume…he is a proven winner for sure, and, much like Jason Bay, he has been productive in a big market…
…i have a couple of issues with Lowell, not the least of which is his durability at this point…he was limited to under 120 games for the second consecutive season in 2009, and he just had surgery which will put him out of commission for the better part of the next two months, limiting his ability to prepare for the season and get the necessary Spring at bats, and the absolute last thing the Mets need is another player with health problems…i also have to wonder whether or not he wants to be in a part time role at this point, or if he still wants to be a full time player…
…this is why, if the Mets are even considering a platoon for Murphy, i’d rather they pursue a guy like Garko…assuming both are healthy, i think Garko would be just as productive as Lowell would be if he were made into a part time player and Garko is much younger, with fewer questions about his durability, and less expensive from a cost in dollars as well as talent required to obtain Lowell…
Last month, the Red Sox attempted to trade Lowell to the Rangers, only to have the deal voided when he needed surgery to repair a ligament on his thumb.
In 2009, Lowell hit .290 with 17 home runs and 75 RBI in 119 games with the Red Sox and will earn $12 million in 2010.
Garko hit a combined .268 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI in 118 games with the Indians and Giants, earning $446,100 in 2009.
