25
2009
Final Bench Spot: Nick Evans Vs. Marlon Anderson
An article by 
Joel Sherman of the NY Post believes that the bench is all but finalized except for the very last spot.
He surmises, and correctly I might add, that Ramon Castro, Fernando Tatis, Alex Cora and Jeremy Reed have all secured spots on the Opening Day roster.
He further believes that the last spot will come down to either Nick Evans or Marlon Anderson.
He writes…
The Mets owe Anderson $1.15 million this year and he does have experience as a bench player/pinch-hitter. Evans has had a strong spring offensively and the Mets could use the righty diversity. However, Evans — at this moment — is a poor defender just about any place he would be put.
The Mets can have both players make the team for a week and simply not put Livan Hernandez on the roster until April 12. But that is only a temporary choice.
Personally, even if it means eating his contract or paying a part of it and trading him to another team, I’d part ways with Anderson and keep Evans.
His enthusiasm is so refreshing and that’s the kind of thing that can spread in a clubhouse that may still be a little spooked.
Who would you rather have on the team to start the season?
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
Went to my first Mets game, a Mayors Trophy game at Shea, in '73. We beat the Yankees 8-4 and I was hooked. I marched in two Banner Day parades, and before the Grand Slam single, there was the "Hendu Can Do" grand slam - I was there. I've collected Mets memorabilia all my life and started Mets Merized Online to feed my addiction.
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I have to go with Marlon for the 25th spot. While we would likely see more production out of Evans’ bat than Andersons, I think that A. the Mets need Marlon’s vocal leadership and experience in the locker room and in the dugout (emphasis on vocal). B. I think that having Evans ride the pine will hurt his development. Evans needs to be out on a field everyday improving his defense and further improving his offense.
Why expend a roster spot on someone who offers nothing more than vocal leadership?
You admit that Evans would be the better bat, thus he would help the team more.
Using your own words the only logical conclusion would be to keep Evans.
As much as it pains me to say it, I’d keep Anderson for now. Evans is great now and I can only imagine how good he’ll be with another 2-3 months of every day play. I know I’m not the only one who wants to see him at 1st base for 160 games next season, and giving him just a little more time to stretch his legs in AAA is the best way to do that.
However, if Anderson tanks early on, all bets are off.
Bobby Kielty hands down … if not, then Anderson clearly over Evans
John is right. As Christian used to say on this site all the time (by the way, where has be been), if you keep a young guy as a bench player, you will hinder their development. Younger players need to play EVERYDAY, so putting Evans in AAA is the way to go. Otherwise, don’t except much out of him production wise in the future. Andersen is the way to go, unless someone is released prior to the season.
If we are looking for vocal leadership then I feel we should give the 25th spot to Gary Carter!
haha Matt.
and Evans over Anderson is a second
Bobby Kielty baby
CAPSLOCK=DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
I GUESS EVERY EVANS’ VOTER FORGOT THAT IT WAS MARLON ANDERSON WHO, LAST YEAR, DEVELOPED THAT MATH FORMULA FOR GETTING BACK ON TRACK WHEN ALL LOOKED SO DIM PRIOR TO JERRY TAKING REINS. COULD/WOULD A ROOK GET AWAY WITH THAT? WOULD ANYONE LISTEN? AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO SAW SO MANY BALLS GET BY 1B? EVANS IS A NICE PIEICE; BUT IF U INTEND FOR HIM TO PLAY 1B IN ’10 HE BETTER BE DOING IT IN ’09 IN BUFFALO. I WAS ALSO A BIT DISCONCERTED TO HEAR HE DISCARDED THE PITCHER TRACKING JOURNAL ala MURPH & DELGADO, EVEN RALPH KINER ADMITTED IT’S VALUE EARLY ON IN HIS CAREER. SORRY; BUT IF YOU’RE GOING TO PUT ALL THE EMPHASIS ON ONE SPRING’S ACHIEVEMENT I HAVE TO THROW OUT LAST YR’S MARLON NUMBERS AS AN ABERATION. PHing IS AN ARTFORM BEST SERVED BY EXPERIENCE PULLING SPLINTERS.