The Mets have acquired outfielder Collin Cowgill from the Athletics in exchange for third baseman prospect Jefry Marte. After the R.A. Dickey trade, GM Sandy Alderson said on a conference call that he was working on a trade to bring in an outfielder. Even after this trade, the Mets will most likely bring in more outfielders that can fill out bench next season.
Cowgill came over to the Athletics in the Trevor Cahill deal last winter. He put up good numbers in the minor leagues, but hasn't really gotten the chance to prove himself at the big league level. He missed most of the 2012 season with an ankle injury, and is known for not only his speed and defense, but his clubhouse support and gritty attitude as well.
Marte has been a well regarded prospect for quite some time with the Mts, but it was evident that he wasn't going to get playing time at the big league level with Wilmer Flores, Zack Lutz and David Wright blocking him on the depth chart. The 21 year old hit .251 in 513 Double-A plate appearances in 2012, and also made 16 errors. He should eventually see a reasonable amount of playing time with Oakland in the future if he continues to develop.
Personally I like this trade because it gives the Mets a player that can platoon with Mike Baxter to start the season. I don't think Cowgill is going to wow anyone with his stats, but he does provide some depth at each outfield position, and is a right handed hitter, which means that Hairston may be on his way out. It is a low risk move, because Marte wasn't really going to get a fair shot with this organization. Marte's defense also worries me, so I doubt that this move is one that the Mets will deeply regret.
No comments:
Post a Comment