When the Mets completed the R.A. Dickey trade, many were surprised that they did not acquire an outfielder, because the outfield is a big question mark both short-term and long-term right now. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, I would imagine, is almost a shoe-in to be the team's starting center-fielder now that Andres Torres has signed with San Francisco. The two corner outfield spots, however, are incredibly weak and will have to be upgraded if this team wants a respectable lineup in 2013.
We don't know what we are going to get out of Lucas Duda in left field, but he can certainly be upgraded. We know that he plays below-average defense, and has some flaws in his swing that could hold him back next season. I wouldn't mind if the club trades him, but I believe that the organization, for some reason, thinks very highly of him, therefore he'll probably stay put. In right field, Mike Baxter is pretty much slated to be the starter right now due to the lack of options. Baxter is more of a bench player, and I don't think he'll hold onto the everyday job. So, the Mets are going to have to make some moves, and I can see Alderson making a few small trades or signings within the next month or two.
Options for the Mets in 2013
Grady Sizemore- Sizemore would be a great low-risk, high-reward signing because we all know that he could play like a top outfielder when healthy. He steals bases, hits home runs, and plays above-average defense. The problem is he is never on the field, so there is some risk involved here. He will most likely get an incentive-based deal, and several reports have said that the Mets are "very interested" in him, so that is good.
Scott Hairston- I realize that some Mets fans do not want Hairston back because he will most likely never hit 20+ homers in a single season again, but I honestly wouldn't mind seeing him on the bench again. He is a great bench player to have because he gives Collins a good pinch hitter for late-game situations, but the problem is he is going to ask for a multi-year deal. However, he seems like he wants to come back to the Mets, so perhaps a hometown discount would be involved.
Jason Kubel- The Diamondbacks recently signed Cody Ross, and are now shopping some of their outfielders. I am not a huge Kubel fan, and I realize that he is like Lucas Duda out in the field, but he is still an upgrade over Baxter. I wouldn't completely overpay for him, but I would definitely inquire.
Scott Podsednik- The Mets need a lead-off hitter with speed, and that is exactly what Podsednik brings to the table. He is at the end of his career, so he may not be as fast as he once was, but would be a great veteran presence in that clubhouse. It would probably take a minor league deal to bring him to Queens.
No comments:
Post a Comment