John Buck got off to an incredible start to the season, hitting .290 with 7 home runs in his first 17 games. However, since that point, he has hit .177 with 6 home runs in 52 games. Overall, Buck is hitting .205 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI. Fatigue has clearly gotten to Buck, as it was not expected that he'd be the primary catcher for this long. The original plan was to have catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud, promoted to the Major Leagues by this point, but a foot injury has kept the 24 year old backstop on the shelf for most of the season so far.
The Mets' other catching option is Anthony Recker, who has been riding the bench for most of the season. Terry Collins recently said that he had not yet decided if he will begin playing Recker in more games. Recker has hit just .157 in 51 at-bats for the Mets this season.
With d'Arnaud on the disabled list, the Mets have had former top catching prospect Francisco Pena playing in his spot with Triple-A Las Vegas. Pena, a 23 year old catcher, has hit .239 with 6 home runs in 32 games this season at the Triple-A level. With that being said, he likely won't be promoted anytime soon.
If d'Arnaud had not gotten hurt, he would have been the team's starting catcher at this point, with Buck as his mentor/backup, and Recker likely in Triple-A. However, d'Arnaud's injury has thrown that plan out the door.
It's a shame to see Buck struggling so much right now, especially given his hot start. The heavy workload has clearly fatigued him, and it is unclear how much longer he'll be able to handle it. If the Mets want to shop him at the deadline, they'll need to stop playing him everyday before his value decreases even more.
Recker hasn't done much with his playing time, but should still be considered for more playing time.
I personally think that the Mets should make a trade to bring in a veteran catcher. That would take some weight off of John Buck's shoulders, and give the team much needed catching depth. According to mlbtraderumors.com, the current free agent catchers include: Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco, and Kelly Shoppach, all of whom have played for the Mets at one point in their respective careers.
I personally think that the Mets should make a trade to bring in a veteran catcher. That would take some weight off of John Buck's shoulders, and give the team much needed catching depth. According to mlbtraderumors.com, the current free agent catchers include: Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco, and Kelly Shoppach, all of whom have played for the Mets at one point in their respective careers.
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