2
2009
Catalanotto Would Look Good In Mets Garb
An article by 
Yesterday, the Texas Rangers released outfielder/firstbaseman Frank Catalanotto. Catalanotto who is 34, was having a fine spring and was batting .317 with nine runs scored in 40 at-bats. He also played for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic.
A native New Yorker who hails from Long Island, the “Little Cat”, as he is often called, is a gritty ballplayer with a solid reputation as a clubhouse leader.
As a hitter, he batted .274 last season with a .342 on-base percentage in 248 at-bats, and he owns career marks of .292 BA, .358 OBP, .449.
He is a lefthanded hitter who has spent his last two season as a utility player and pinch hitter.
CHONE projects a .270 – 7 – 42 season with 47 runs and a .744 OPS. I like his K% which is at 11.4 and is well below the league average over the years.
Catalanotto could serve a nice reserve role for the Mets, and would probably be more suited to fill an emergency everyday role than Marlon Anderson would. It would also allow Nick Evans the time he needs to further develop his skills at Buffallo where he can play everyday.
Catalanotto has the second-highest pinch-hitting average among active players at .289.
I don’t believe Catalanotto will be on the open market for too long, as a number of teams could immediately add him to upgrade their bench.
He might be worth a good long look. If he is not claimed on waivers by another team, he will become a free agent effective on Monday.
Chart courtesy of FanGraphs.
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.
15 Comments + Add Comment
NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals | 26 | 18 | .591 | - |
| Braves | 26 | 19 | .578 | 0.5 |
| Mets | 24 | 20 | .545 | 2.0 |
| Marlins | 24 | 20 | .545 | 2.0 |
| Phillies | 22 | 23 | .489 | 4.5 |
Last updated: 05/24/2012
Recent Comments
- Mr North Jersey: on Mets Will Not Demote Ike Davis Despite .159 Batting Average: This from Collins on Ike Davis: "This game’s...
- gary s.: on Mets Will Not Demote Ike Davis Despite .159 Batting Average: He has swung and missed and got...
- Even Flow: on Mets Will Not Demote Ike Davis Despite .159 Batting Average: So it's okay for a guy more...
- Joey D.: on Mets Will Not Demote Ike Davis Despite .159 Batting Average: Thanks for that heads up, North. ...
- Mr North Jersey: on Mets Will Not Demote Ike Davis Despite .159 Batting Average: Eddie C on with Francesa just now...
Write Your Own Mets Post
I have to say I LOVE this idea. Anderson has worn out his welcome with the Mets and Evans deserves to be starting everyday in Buffalo. Catalanotto can play both corner outfield spots and first base. I really hope the Mets snatch this guy up quick.
I agree with you Joe. I’d rather have Cat up there with the tying run on third than Marlon Anderson. Cat is a solid player and I didnt realize he was so good at putting the ball in play.
There is a wonderful article in the Washington Post today on the trend towards teams going with younger, minimum wage players. It has a few paragraphs on Pedro Martinez in particular: “One interesting case study is pitcher Pedro Martínez, a near-certain first-ballot Hall of Famer who remained available in late March and reportedly was insisting on a guaranteed contract in the range of $5 million-$6 million.”
“There’s someone who hasn’t gotten the message — or else refuses to play by the new rules,” said one executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The executive estimated Martínez would represent an upgrade to about 20 teams’ rotations, “but at $6 million it’s not something that makes sense anymore.”
Titled, “Truly, Boys of Summer”, the link is:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033003499.html
YES! It’s a no brainer! Sign this guy. Release Marlon Anderson and send Evans to play every day! Great call Joe D!
Change for change seldom works unless you’re at the bottom of the heap. First everyone jumps on the bandwagon, sign Cat, cut Anderson, send down Evans. YOu’re losing two gaining one. Second, Catalanotto played in Texas, it’s easy to hit there, doubt he would hit as well in NY. Third, If Anderson bounces back he’s a better hitter than this guy. Texas is keeping Andruw Jones, that’s who they’re cutting this guy for.
Add me to the list that endorses getting him. This appears to be a no brainer. But as we know Freddy Coupon & Son may prefer to keep Anderson, after all, Marlon did spend a few months with Freddy’s beloved Dodgers
I’ve seen you evolve from a typical clueless Mets blogger into someone I really enjoy reading in the last 3 years. As for your point, it’s a good one… a really good one.
uh, gee thanks, Chris?
Des, excellent article. They nailed the Pedro situation perfectly.
If I were Omar I would definitely see if we can find any taker for Marlon and sign Frank C. I don’t see the Mets just cutting Marlon otherwise wouldnt they have done it already and not send cory sullivan to the minors? Just my opinion, but I really do like FC.
LOVE this idea… If only Minaya would wake up and release Marlon Anderson and sign this guy…
This wouldn’t be a bad idea, but I’d rather see the Mets pick up Geoff Jenkins. He could be our primary pinch hitter off the bench, and play in the outfield when needed. Sure, he’d be replacing Marlon Anderson who has better position versatility, but Anderson’s terrible on defense anyway. In 2007, Jenkins’ OPS was .790. The year before, .791. He’s got some pop left in his bat, and I’d like to see him provide some more power to the Mets bench.
who has the #1 avg for pinch hitters?
Pat, that’s a good question, I was wondering the same thing myself. Hopefully one of our readers will come up with the answer… they always do!
I like the Catalanotto idea, but K% is the best graph you could come up with? I’m shooting fish in a barrel here.
I seem to remember Cat playing 2nd base as well…though that was a few years ago (he was the ultimate fantasy baseball player: eligible at 1B, 2B, OF, and maybe even a position on the left side of the IF, though I could be mistaken). He’s not starter-worthy, but I could get used to him giving our OF’ers and Castillo and Delgado a day off every now and then.