Adam Rubin of the Daily News reports that fourteen players have been cut from Mets camp and reassigned to minor league camp.
Most notable among them, but hardly a surprise is catcher Josh Thole who will start the season in AAA-Buffalo where he will hone his defensive skills. We may see him again this season, but probably not before the All Star break.
Here is the complete list of players who have been cut.
C – Josh Thole
3B – Shawn Bowman
RP – Eric Niesen
RP – Jack Egbert
SP – Josh Fogg*
RP – R.A. Dickey
RP – Travis Blackley
RP – Bobby Livingston
RP – Arturo Lopez
IF – Andy Green
3B – Mike Hessman
IF – Mike Cernevak
OF – Jesus Feliciano
SS – Luis Hernandez
Adam also adds that Josh Fogg may retire or ask for his release due to a side muscle injury.
This first big round of cuts usually signals more playing time for all the regulars as well as players locked in position battles. Expect to see more of Gary Matthews Jr. and Angel Pagan in the outfield, and Mike Jacobs and Daniel Murphy at first base. The majority of players that were cut were pitchers which means longer outings of four or more innings pitched for the starting pitchers.
** Add RHP Clint Everts and OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to the list of cuts.
This is good that Thole got cut early rather than late. It will allow him to go straight to AAA and begin getting work in, rather than sharing time with the 3, 4 other catchers still at camp.
Thole was not going to make the team once Barajas was signed, so there is really no point in having him waste time on the bench, playing a few innings here and a few innings there. Same for Jesus feliciano, who I thought showed some talent, but is better off getting more work in for the future.
I thought Egbert pitched well in the few games I saw, a little suprised the Mets did not want to see 1 or 2 more appearances from him before making a cut, but I’m no baseball officianado, so I can’t question the move.
Jesus Feliciano needs to get work in for the future? Isn’t this guy already in his 30′s?
LOL, that’s a good question. I am not really sure, guess I should have done a little research before adding that
By the looks of all those pitchers being cut, the Mets must be very impressed with what they’ve seen of their Japanese imports Takahashi and Igarashi. I watched Takahashi pitch once and he looked very impressive and was fooling the hitters.
I also think Nelson Figueroa is building a huge case for at least a bullpen spot.
Sean Green’s days may be numbered.
I’m glad Mike Jacobs is with the club. I always thought he was a good player. If there was only a way to have both Mike Jacobs and Daniel Murphy in the lineup…
Thole will be the starting catcher no later than 2012. I think he makes the club next year as the backup catcher. He is a good hitter who’s only going to get better. I hope the Mets don’t trade him but you never know.
Sorry but Ike David it ready, more than M. Jacob and Murphy. Mejias it better than Green and Takahashi….Next cut it Minaya and Manuel….
I agree with you that Ike David is ready for the big leagues. HOWEVER, Ike DAVIS should go to AAA to start the season!!!
Sorry, I couldn’t resist!
Davis hmm, but you can’t just throw Murphy under the bus. So it is his turn right now, and then we will see whats up.