A Number Of Players On The Block With The Mets Looking For Backups

Joel Sherman at The New York Times writes about the Mets and their search for backups:

According to scouts from rival clubs, Smith is part of a list of players the Mets have told other teams they are willing to trade in a desire to fill two key backup roles: a righty hitter who can play both first base and right field, and a middle infielder who can handle shortstop well.

Aside from Smith, the Mets also would consider trading Orlando Hernandez. Orlando Hernandez , Scott Schoeneweis, Jorge Sosa and Anderson Hernandez. Ruben Gotay, who was out of options and, thus, could not be sent back to the minors without facing waivers, also was on that list before injuring his foot.

No Break For Gotay

David Lennon at Newsday writes about Ruben Gotay and how his ankle isn't broken:

At last, some good news on the injury front for the Mets. Or maybe a better way to describe it would be less bad. After the Mets won their fourth straight yesterday, 6-2, over the Marlins, assistant general manager John Ricco announced that Ruben Gotay's CT scan came back negative and there did not appear to be a fracture in his lower right leg or foot.

"What they thought was a break was actually an old injury," Ricco said. "They don't think there's a break there."

Is There Something Missing On The Bench?

Over at the Gotham Baseball Forum, screen name Not4Nuttin writes the following about the Mets bench:

The Mets will likely carry 5 or 6 players on the bench this year, and 11 or 12 pitchers. Last year, I believe (but someone correct me if I'm wrong), they carried 12 relievers for most of the year and only 5 bench players. As it stands now, assuming Castro is not a starter, we have 3 bench players that are locked in for next season, and a 4th(Endy) who is a virtual lock:

C Ramon Castro $2,300,000
INF/Util Damon Easley $950,000
INF/Util Marlon Anderson $1,050,000
OF Endy Chavez $2,750,000 (salary is an estimate)

That leaves one spot open assuming they carry 12 pitchers. And, I'd assume it will be Ruben Gotay (at about $480,000, again an estimate), as we need someone who can fill in at SS and 3B. It strikes me as a bit weird that we'll be carrying 3 natural 2B on the bench in Anderson, Easley and Gotay, but that seems the route we are going to go. Of course, Easley and Anderson can also play the corner OF spots (with Anderson even playing a little CF the past few years), and each can also play 1B, and possible 3B and Easley can even apparently play some SS as well (having played a decent number of games at SS each of the past several years, except last year).

But doesn't it seem a bit odd going with a bench like this? I like the bench, but it feels like we are missing a key piece. Is it foolish to think that Gotay will be the last piece, or will the Mets exile him back to AAA and have some other veteran bat for the bench? I hope not. Its just that looking at this bench, it seems like something is missing.

Issues Down The Stretch

Obviously wrapping up and securing the division title and home field through round 1 and 2 are the priorities here. But after that, here are some pending issues.

Jose Reyes NEEDS Rest:
Can we get A Hernandez to play some short? With each new view of a pop up flying off of his bat, it's become over-obvious that he is tired. The 48 hours off ending the Cinci series, followed by the scheduled team day off, will be a nice rest period for Reyes. But a little more may actually be in order.

Keeping Castillo Healthy:
Like Reyes, Castillo needs rest. With Gotay as a solid backup, it should not kill the appearance of the offensive lineup. Defense suffers, but Castillo lightening the workload on his knees and Gotay getting at bats is a good thing; gain a bit of pop and keep the valuable, aging, number two hitter fresher for the postseason. Its a symbiotic relationship that helps the team exponentially because in addition to the rest and health benefits of Castillo, Gotay keeps a nice bat on point.

Pedro:
* Building arm strength.
* Properly evaluating his status for the postseason and how he should be used. Bullpen? Starting? If in the rotation is he your number one, two, three, or four starter?

Sorting Out the Rotation for the Playoffs:
'Nuff said for now. See who has it going down the stretch. Clearly the toughest evaluation the team will need to make heading into round one. And of course this impacts......

The Bullpen:
Which starter or starters will go to the pen? The Mets win games the Duke starts at a high rate. He has big stage moxy. On the flip side however, he may be the most adaptable for the pen, an area where the Mets desperately need improvement. El Duque has pitched out of the pen in the postseason before (2005 WS Champion White Sox).

I've been vocal since last November about the temptation and logic behind Pedro being used in the pen. But its apparent that isn't a popular thought and highly unlikely due to ego. Some say his arm wouldn't be capable of getting loose on short notice. But being used an inning a night might be easier on the arm than the workload of 6 at a time. I'm no doctor though.

If he takes a step back in performance over the next and final 3 starts of the regular season, it would be a major risk to let him start a playoff game. So this final stretch will determine a lot.

The team will also need to decide how many bullpen guys they carry as their bench is extremely strong and one impacts the other. And where is Joe Smith? Is he coming back soon or what? What is his chance of being on the postseason roster?

Can Mota restore our confidence in him? Can Willie resist the temptation to burn out Sosa's arm? So far he has severley overused him and I fear for his effectiveness dropping off.

The Bench:
Conine needs some ABs. In addition to the chance Delgado's hip issue lingers, Conine is one of the few attractive righty bat options off the bench. It is dominated by sweet lefty options. But other than Milledge, who starts 50% of the time anyway, Conine is the main righty pinch-hitter late in a game. He needs to get AB's in September for his timing come October.

In blowout games or games that seem to not matter (should the Mets build a more than comfortable lead in the NL east), Chavez should be in there relieving the old and fragile, but important to the postseason, Mosies Alou. Let him come off the bench late in the games like Willie has been doing, or get him more frequent starts in place of Moises.

Regarding the rest of the bench, roster decisions will have to be made and the pitching roster will determine how many bench players are carried. As always it all begins with the pitching.

Catchers:
Getting Castro healthy is number one priority here. All the Mets can do is sit back and wait, hoping he heals. He's on the postseason roster even if he only heals by Septembet 30 and gets no MLB ABs before the first round. Will the Mets carry 3 catchers or will they prefer to carry an extra arm in the bullpen or give that spot to a non-catching bench player?

Comparing Gotay And Keppinger

From Kyle at Mets Prospects (Network Member):

Jeff Keppinger was traded last season at the trade deadline for Ruben Gotay. Everyone knew Keppinger could hit but he played poor defense at second base. Ruben has not play great defense for the Mets but has hit very well. Gotay is batting .323 with 21 rbis, 22 runs, 4 home runs, and, 3 stolen bases. Keppinger is currently batting .361 with 22 rbis, 28 runs, 4 home runs, and, 1 stolen base. Keppinger has put up these numbers in only 136 at bats while Gotay has had 155 at bats.

When Keppinger was in the Mets system, he was always put behind Anderson Hernandez as the #2 second baseman because he was such a poor defensive player. This is funny because he is yet to make an error for the Reds in 38 games. I feel like a lot of the time the Mets bury players in the minors like Keppinger and Heath Bell who is pitching extremely well for the Padres after he was traded last off season. The Mets have let 2 solid players go in the last year. I hope the Mets really look deeper into some players before trading them.

Can The Mets Teach Gotay To Play Right Field?

By Dave at Mets Lifer (Network Member):

I love the Luis Castillo pick up. I think he'll prove to be a real asset to the team as we enter the pennant race in August and September. But that does leave Ruben Gotay as the odd man out.

Gotay went from batting over .350 and leading the Mets in batting with runners in scoring position to now just pinch hitting. That has to kill a young player's confidence. I'm expecting Gotay to struggle in his new role and it's a big change for a guy who was just getting used to playing every day. If only Gotay, could play right field.

Think about it. Until Chavez and Beltran return, the Mets are stuck with Shawn Green as the every day right fielder and Damion Easley as the backup to play against left-handed pitchers where necessary. Neither have performed well since April ended, and Green hasn't hit a home run since Memorial Day. Easley is playing decently in the field, but we all know that Green is a risk tracking down fly balls.

Gotay would be a great substitute if only he could play right field. Then you'd be able to keep his hot bat in the lineup and you'd add considerable speed to the bottom half of the order. Ah, a man can dream, can't he?

When Beltran returns, Milledge will more than likely platoon with Green in right, which is better than Easley as a backup.

I know that next year Gotay will have his shot at becoming the everyday second baseman as Castillo will probably test the free agency waters, but I'd like to see the kid's hot bat keep getting regular at bats until the hits run out.

Young Mets Not Given A Fair Shot

First things first, I understand that the Mets are predominantly a team that was made to win now. But isn’t this team also being made to win for years to come? If it is, Willie and Omar aren’t doing too good of jobs, with major league ready talent, at it. I’m sorry if that offends you a little bit, but it’s just the way I feel.

The Mets traded away Royce Ring, Heath Bell, Jeff Keppinger and Mike Jacobs only to name a few. Now granted most of these trades were for proven talent, such as Delgado. Now we got Ruben Gotay for Jeff Keppinger (Royals) and Gotay is hitting .350 and the Mets still felt the need to go out and trade for Luis Castillo. Castillo is a lot better than Gotay defensively, but Gotay is only 24 and with Willie as his manager, I’m sure they could have turned him out to be one of the better second baseman in the NL. Instead they go ahead and throw him o the bench. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gotay slipped in a trade to bring in a veteran reliever and then we can add another promising player to the list of young players that the Mets just couldn’t give the time of day to.

I love what Willie and Omar have done for the Mets in the Past 3 years, but my only gripe is always going to be that they prefer older proven talent to the young and talented.

Man Crush on Ruben Gotay

There are a few men that I openly admit I have a man crush on: Jack Bauer (no, not Keiffer), Mark Wahlberg (ever since Three Kings), David Boreanaz (Angel/Bones), and now Ruben Gotay.

If you don't know what a man crush is, here's a link to an article discussing the topic, but it's basically an affection from one heterosexual male to another. And Ruben Gotay has my admiration from this point further. Now my man crush has nothing to do with Gotay's looks although some may find him handsome. But it is more about what he has done for me lately (I'm very needy).

Gotay has been a consistent bat in the lineup since he was called up in June. The man is batting .350 with a slugging percentage over .500. And it seems that every time he is up and a man is on second there's a base hit to score a run. Gotay has been clutch. He has been smart at the plate.

Ok, so his fielding needs some help, but Gotay recognizes that and he's been seen working with Sandy Alomar, Sr. for hours before games working on turning the double play. That's what I love to see.

I find myself getting psyched when Gotay gets up to the plate. I even giggle a little when he gets a 2-0 count because I know that next pitch is going to be slapped into the gap for a base hit. I like Ruben Gotay batting #2 behind Reyes. It gives the Mets so many options. He can do a hit & run. He can let Reyes steal second and get him in with a slap to right-center. He can bunt. The options are endless.

I hate it when Willie Randolph bats Gotay eighth. I think it shatters his confidence, but he still performs! Bat him anywhere at this point.

Now a year from now I might look back at this and so Ruben who? But for now I'm riding this Gotay train wherever it takes me. Forget these trade talks for second basemen. Tell Damion Easley and Anderson Hernandez to find the leftovers from seat cushion day because they're going to be sitting on the bench for a long time.

My man Ruben Gotay is taking over.

Discussions With Houston

Jim Maloney at MLB.com writes about Mark Loretta and the Mets interest in him:

Meanwhile the Mets have had conversations with Houston about veteran Mark Loretta and could decide to pursue the versatile infielder if they decide Gotay or any of the other three are not the best option.

Loretta, the American League All-Star Game starter at second base for Boston a year ago, is batting .305. The Astros aren't shopping him, and it's not certain the Mets would agree to part with the caliber of prospect(s) it would take to pry Loretta from the Bayou City.

Valentin's Tibia And Gotay's Job

John Delcos at Lo Hud writes about Jose Valentin getting examined by doctors today and Gotay on second:

Mets doctors will have their look-see today at Jose Valentin’s fractured right tibia and fit him for a cast.

They are figuring four weeks in a cast and another two in rehab before knowing what to expect of him.

It’s Ruben Gotay’s job now, and up to him for how long he keeps it.He hits and the Mets don’t look for a second baseman, either for the stretch or next year.

Before You Go Screaming For His Head

How many double play balls have second baseman botched up? Plenty and just because Ruben Gotay messed one up, I’m starting to hear a lot of comments that he shouldn’t be the Mets Second Baseman.

Give the kid a break. He’s still hitting .336 and is still fielding the ball with a .969 fielding percentage. Maybe it’s me, but I just don’t see this as a sure fire signal that the Mets need to replace him.

The market is thin as it is and teams asking way too much for players and the Mets in house options don’t really scream sure fire replacement. So before some of you go screaming for Gotay’s head, just remember that we could be seeing Anderson Hernandez’s vacuum like play, but also have his .152 batting average. How well would that help the Mets?

More Ammunition For Gotay

At Rotoworld they write about Jose Valentin's dismal night at the plate:

Jose Valentin returned to the starting lineup on Monday and went 0-for-3 against the Padres.

Valentin hadn't started since injuring his finger over the All-Star break, partly because Ruben Gotay has performed well in his place. Valentin is 2-for-30 this month, so expect Gotay to keep seeing plenty of time at second.

Gotay Is Ready

There are a lot of negative thinkers when it comes to Ruben Gotay. Most will say that Gotay isn’t made to be an every day player, which he is made to be a bat off the bench or in a platoon role at second.

Well, how do you know this? Has Gotay ever gotten to play an entire season as a starter? Not even close.

In his three years in the Majors (2004 & 2005 with the Royals/2007 with the Mets) the most Gotay has ever played was 86 and yes he didn’t fair too well, but that was in Kansas City. I have to believe that Gotay wasn’t in a line up that could protect him enough to let him play the way he needed to. In half the games this season he’s only one home run short of matching his career high and has eclipsed his 2005 batting average (.227) by over a hundred points (.337). He also has only made 2 errors in the field and that again eclipses his 2005 number of eight.

Maybe Gotay has grown up in two seasons since his days in Kansas City. Just look at how good Reyes has gotten in that same time span.

The glass half empty people may not see it this way, but for myself, I would have to say that Gotay has shown nothing to say that he isn’t ready to take over second base for the Mets.

Gotay Taking Full Advantage

Anthony Di Como at Mets.com writes about Ruben Gotay and how he has taken full advantage of the playing time he's getting:

Ruben Gotay, trying to shake the knock that he's not cut out to be an everyday player, has caught fire playing every day in lieu of Valentin. Six hits in 13 at-bats since the All-Star break have boosted Gotay's average to .353 and made it awfully hard for manager Willie Randolph to play anyone else.

"The way we've been struggling offensively the last six weeks, that's an easy one," Randolph said. "We're going to obviously put guys out there to help you win ballgames."

Ruben Gotay is the 2007 Version of Timo Perez

from MetsLifer.com

Man do I like Ruben Gotay.

He's got pop in his bat. Plays solid in the field. And I've got this sense that he provides some energy to the lineup.

But he reminds me a lot of another guy I loved back in 2000: Timo Perez.

Do you remember Timo Perez? He was last seen within the Detroit Tigers system, but I remember loving this kid at the top of the lineup when he was called up in September of 2000. He would slap bunt for base hits. He hustled. He had energy. I really thought he was going to be a sparkplug for the the future of the team.

But after a great few months in 2000, he slowly lost favor with the organization.

Now I'm not one who's going to tell you that Ruben Gotay is the future of the Mets. I don't know what to make of him yet for the future, but I do know that we need to play this kid while he's still hot. Right now Ruben Gotay is batting a ridiculous .342 with 4 home runs and .553 slugging percentage. It's not like Jose Valentin or Damion Easley are just too good to sit on the bench.

Plus there's something about Mets' second baseman that seems you need to enjoy the good times while it lasts. Look at Valentin last year compared to this year. Remember how good Jeff Keppinger looked and then he got hurt and we traded him. Anderson Hernandez was a starting second baseman and now he's all but forgotten. And of course there's Kaz Matsui, but I won't even go there.

Let's see if Gotay can continue his performance at the plate. I don't think anyone is dying to see Valentin and Easley. But I've very curious to see what Gotay can do in an every day role.

And if he turns out to be more than a Timo Perez one-year type of player, that's just icing on the cake.

A First In Mets History

At Rotoworld they write about Jose Reyes and Ruben Gotay making Mets history:

Jose Reyes and Ruben Gotay gave the Mets consecutive homers to start a game for the first time in team history Thursday against the Reds.

The back-to-back jacks gave the Mets two of their three runs on the night. Reyes' homer was his ninth to lead off a game, breaking a tie with Lenny Dykstra and Tommie Agee atop the Mets' all-time list.

Gotay Should Start

I know that I’m constantly campaigning for Gotay to be the Mets starting second baseman. I know that the Mets have to step up for Valentin the way that he did for them last season, but I’m constantly thinking that Valentin didn’t get the surgery not for the Mets, but rather for the simple reason that if he doesn’t reach 400 plate appearances.

If Valentin would have opted to have the surgery, it would have knocked him out for most, or most likely, the remainder of the season and there would be no way for him to reach that plateau. Right now, Valentin is sitting at 154 plate appearances and if he keeps getting rest the way that he has been, I don’t think he’ll reach 350.

The logical thing for Valentin to do is to realize that he’s not going to be reaching 400 and just assume the role on the bench so that Ruben Gotay may take his rightful place next to Reyes and Delgado.

Gotay is hitting .333, 3 home runs, 12 runs batted in and has a stolen base in 72 limited at bats. Put that up against Valentin who has a .243 batting average, 3 home runs and 17 runs batted in in 154 plate appearances. I don’t know how anyone else feels, but I think it’s time to sit Mustachio and put the kid in. It’s the only way to see if Gotay can assume the role that myself and many others would like to see him in.

Just imagine a core of infielders in Wright, Reyes and Gotay.

Will Gotay Get Sent Down For Alou?

I heard a caller on WFAN yesterday say that the Mets might send Ruben Gotay down to Triple-A when Moises Alou is ready to come off the disabled list. What? Why would the Mets do that?

Do the Mets not see what Gotay is doing from the bench this season? He’s now hitting .317, 3 HR, 12 RBI; 1 SB. If that doesn’t warrant you a spot on the roster, everyone should be sent down to the Zephyrs.

I’m not saying that this is what is going to happen, just what one fan heard from another and so on.

The obvious choice would have to be Carlos Gomez. Not because he’s not playing well, but rather because he was brought up to help in Alou’s absence.

Don’t believe everything you hear, but keep an open ear to what may be happening to the struggling Mets (hopefully not for too much longer).

Gotay For 2008

Just about the only thing keeping the Mets from making Ruben Gotay the regular second baseman is Jose Valentin.

Here’s Valentin’s contract:

Signed deal for 2007 season worth $3.8M on 11/14/06- + the deal includes a team option for 2008 worth $4.3M- + the option becomes guaranteed with 400PA in 2007- + he can earn performance bonuses in 2007 and 2008- + 2006 salary: $912,500 (+ $300K in performance bonuses), 2005: $3.5M.
Source: MLB4U

So in a nutshell the Mets won’t really bench Valentin because of his contract and are probably not going to extend him if Gotay continues to hit the way he has been.

I mean no disrespect to Jose in any way. I’m simply thinking about the future before I focus on the present.

So, if indeed, Ruben Gotay continues to hit the ball at the level he has been (.308BA, 2HR; 9RBI), I think it’s safe to say that we are getting a good look at the Mets 2008 second baseman.

The Gotay Situation

Ted Berg at SNY, writes about Ruben Gotay and what the plans for him are:

With Damion Easley in the midst of a 2-for-20 slump that has seen his numbers come plummeting down toward Earth, Gotay -- Easley's fellow fill-in for Valentin -- has picked up the slack. The 24-year-old middle infielder is now hitting .316 with a .350 OBP and a .526 SLG and is making a strong case for a roster spot even after Alou's return from the DL. Gotay's career Minor League numbers are nowhere near the ones he's put up in the Show this season, so there's no real way the speedster can keep this up. But Mets fans should be thankful that his hot streak coincided with the rough stretch for the team's offense, as Gotay's performance on Saturday spearheaded the Mets' victory.