Could Lagares become an every-day player?

Juan Lagares has been a surprise for the Mets in 2013. The 24 year old rookie outfielder has showed above average defense out in center-field, but his bat has been lacking. In 80 games with the Mets, Lagares has hit .255 with 4 home runs, 25 RBI, and a .286 on-base percentage. 

Hitting coach Dave Hudgens met with Lagares before Thursday's game against the Padres, and told him "don't let any offensive funk affect your fielding." Lagares is hitless in his last 13 at-bats.

Terry Collins further explained to reporters what Hudgens told Lagares, saying "Hitting is hard, and you're going to have ups and downs. But that catch he made in center field tonight, that's what he want him to do on a nightly basis. He may not have driven in any runs, but he saved two."

I've really enjoyed seeing Lagares play in 2013. His defense is, no question, the best in the outfield, but the Mets will eventually need to make a decision with him, given his offensive struggles. It really seems like the league has figured him out, meaning that they know where to pitch him. Lagares will need to adjust if he wants to get those offensive numbers back up.

I actually agree with what Terry Collins and Dave Hudgens have said. Lagares has been doing just fine as a whole, and his offensive slump shouldn't influence his defensive game at all. 

If Sandy Alderson fully commits to Lagares, then he will certainly need to acquire two solid-hitting corner outfielders to compensate for Lagares' offense, or lack thereof. Those players are out there but at this point the two questions are: Will Sandy give Lagares the long-term nod at centerfield? And who will he chase after in the winter? Those questions will need to be addressed very soon. 

Allan Dykstra is making some noise Binghamton

In 2011, the Mets traded away a pitching prospect named Eddie Kunz to the San Diego Padres. Kunz was drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Mets, and was expected to be "the closer of the future" in Queens. However, he really struggled in the minor leagues, and the Mets were happy to get SOMETHING for him when they dealt him away. They ended up receiving a first baseman by the name of Allan Dykstra. 

Dykstra, was a first round pick by the Padres in the 2008 draft. After putting up a few so-so seasons with the Padres' minor league affiliates, he was traded to the Mets. In his first full season with the Mets, he hit .269 with a .389 on-base percentage and smashed 19 homers with 77 RBI. That opened some eyes in the organization, and in 2013, Dykstra has raised his stock even more. He has hit .285 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI in Double-A. He also has an incredible .452 on-base percentage.

Walks are a huge part of Dykstra's game. He has a career .404 on-base percentage, and that has certainly grabbed the attention of Sandy Alderson, who pays close attention to the OBP statistic. Dykstra is primarily a first baseman, and may not have the power to be a successful everyday player in the majors. However, his minor league stats have indicated that he could be a solid bench player.

At 26 years of age, Dykstra's ship is ready to sail. As a first round pick, he hasn't exactly lived up to expectations throughout his entire career, but in 2013 he has certainly made a name for himself. I love the fact that he is a base-on-balls machine. Also, as a first baseman, he gives Terry Collins yet another toy to play with and try out at that position.

I expect to see Dykstra with the Mets in September. He really deserves an opportunity to prove himself with the varsity squad. I understand that he would be skipping Triple-A, but as I mentioned before, at 26 years old, it is make or break time for Dykstra. 

Early thoughts on Wilmer Flores

Wilmer Flores has been in the Major Leagues for a little over a week now, and he is already beginning to make a name for himself. Despite the current .259 batting average, Flores has been money with runners in scoring position. In 7 games, he already has 9 RBI, and seems to deliver whenever he is called upon. Defensively he has been no David Wright, but average nonetheless. Considering that he has been constantly flipped around in the field throughout his career, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. 

I know it is a small sample size, but Flores already looks like he could be a solid Major League hitter. His smooth swing has drawn comparisons to Jason Bay in his prime. One thing about Flores is that, once he steps in the batters box, you know that he has a good idea of what he is doing. He is very mature at the plate for a 22 year old.

Now, I'll get into Flores' long-term future with this team very shortly, but first I want to talk about what he will be doing for the rest of this season. Flores, a third baseman by trade, is only playing the hot corner right now because David Wright is on the disabled list. Wright may be out for the season with his injury, but is is not guaranteed. If he manages to return off of the disabled list sooner than expected, then the Mets have a decision to make with Flores. 

What position will he play?

Flores has had minor league experience at first and second base. Personally, I believe the team should stick him at first base if they truly believe he is part of the long-term solution. I say that because Flores may be involved in trade talks this winter, because he is one of the Mets' highest trading chips. If the team continues to stick to Ike Davis at first base, then Flores may be looking at the second base job. 

I like Daniel Murphy, I really do. In my mind, he is underrated offensively, and defensively he has come a long way. I don't think the Mets should just simply hand over the job to Flores, but if Murphy struggles with the bat or shows any sign of fatigue in the final weeks of the season, I'd give Flores a shot. If Flores succeeds, then he has the opportunity to run away with the job.

The whole Flores situation is a tricky one, because no-one knows if he will even be with the Mets next season. He will certainly be talked about in trade dialogue involving the Mets and other teams, and I have a feeling the Mets will eventually move him in a package for a big-name outfielder. These final weeks of the season are meant to showcase Flores' talent at the Major League level, and if he finds success, the Mets could really cash in on his value.