2
2009
Mailbag: Player Options and Prospects
An article by 
Will the Mets pickup the options on Billy Wagner of J.J. Putz?
I feel the Mets should not pick up either of their options unless within the final two months of the season they are able to prove that they have significant value with no signs of holding back because of their injuries. The barometer should be their pre-surgery velocity coupled with their command. If they rise to the occasion on both those levels, than pick up the options and trade them. If they are truly healthy, than it would be no problem getting significant players in return. The Mets have too many holes and questions to have the luxury of an $8 MM+ setup man. That money would be put to better use toward getting a top of the rotation starter or a bonafide cleanup hitter.
If our prospects are too good to trade for all star caliber players like Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, why are we calling up mediocre players like Cory Sullivan and Argenis Reyes?
Not everyone believes the Mets farm system is a s good as Minaya says it is, and that includes me. Most of our better prospects are under 20 years old, and many, many years away from being major league ready if that even comes to fruition. The organization has tried to rush their top pitcher, Brad Holt, who now seems to be struggling at AA. The reason we’ve seen players such as Cancel, Berroa, Switzer and the two you mentioned, is because they represent the best that the Mets have right now. The Mets top two affiliates in Buffalo and Binghamton, are a combined 55 games under .500, and are the worst teams in their leagues. That doesn’t happen by accident. Some say the Mets depleted their farm with the Johan Santana trade, but the fact is they gave up very little to get Johan, and if those players were still in the Mets system, it wouldn’t change their circumstances much. The reason we haven’t traded any prospects for quality major league players, is not to protect the system, but because the Mets are broke and can’t take on any more salary.
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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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals | 26 | 18 | .591 | - |
| Braves | 26 | 20 | .565 | 1.0 |
| Mets | 24 | 21 | .533 | 2.5 |
| Marlins | 24 | 21 | .533 | 2.5 |
| Phillies | 23 | 23 | .500 | 4.0 |
Last updated: 05/25/2012
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Write Your Own Mets Post
Hey Joe D. I finally agree with you!
I don’t realistically see us picking up either Wagner or Putz’s options even if they come back throwing 102mph. Our farm is definitely not great but not as bad as some of the haters think. I think the injuries have moved many players up a level that they just aren’t ready for. Daniel Murphy, Neise and F-Mart playing full uninterrupted seasons in Buffalo would have helped that team greatly. Also as you can see, other teams didn’t have to give up their top prospects to get players at the deadline. Omar has never been gunshy so for him to stand pat at the deadline shows me that the Mets are financially in dire straits. I hope I’m wrong but there could be some really lean years ahead.
Great article. Handling the Wagner and Putz options is critically important. Unfortunately, we have pea brain Omar in place to screw it up. Our callups have been pretty consistently sad situations. If they are the best available, the situation is dire for years to come. Thanks Omar with entrusting your thug frined TB with that important job.