Who Is The Mets Shortstop Of The Future?

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• Mary January 2, 2012 at 1:30 pm

  I believe Tejada will suprise a lot of people. Thinking ahead two years doesn’t do us any good. Stand behind the shortstop we will have this year. I will.
  • Nester January 2, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    That was how the Mets got in this mess in the first place, Omar never looked ahead.
    • Bayonne Mets Fan January 2, 2012 at 1:43 pm

      Oh what a complete load of garbage! Unbelievable the way these new people think.

      Omar did what he had to do to WIN because his teams were ready to fight for a World Championship. He may not have always made the perfect signing but he did what he had to do to win. Meanwhile the future of this team at the major league level and the minor league is 99% of Omar Minaya’s signings so don’t give me that complete load of CRAP, that complete load of BS, that complete load of short-sided LYING to yourself Sandy Love affair GARBAGE that Omar didn’t look ahead because like ANY GM he did! He just had to go about the business of WINNING too

      That’s something Sandy has no intention of doing!
      • Anthony Marte January 2, 2012 at 2:02 pm

        Well now, don’t get your Minaya Superhero undies in a bunch. We’re just having a discussion here…
    • Ghost of omar January 2, 2012 at 6:34 pm

      Funny how Omar was so horrible, yet all the sandy lovers ignore fact that all the kids they drool over were brought in by, oh my gosh, by Omar, not the GM that can’t do anything. Omar Minaya was so bad for trying to win today and tomorrow, while sandy the fraud is wonderful for making a trade and bringing all of 1 whole prospect…Wow!
      • Des January 2, 2012 at 7:52 pm

        Ghost — Since when did this thread veer to comparing Sandy vs. Omar? Let’s just address the ballplayers, not their last 1st base coach, not their favorite breakfast cereal, not their favorite style of eggs, and not Sandy vs. Omar. I like both but my view doesn’t count and neither does yours on this thread.
      • Anthony Marte January 3, 2012 at 7:53 am

        The main crack against Omar isn’t that he is not a good judge of young talent. Yeah he was good at finding young prospects (well, we may see about that when they are ready to come up), but the main crack against him was that his huge contracts didn’t pan out and he didn’t maintain good depth throughout the organization in case of injuries or bad luck. He’s a good scout (which is the only reason why he’s still being considered for jobs around MLB) but he’s not a good GM.
• Don January 2, 2012 at 1:45 pm

  Ruben Tejada improved a great deal last year over the year before offensively when he was largely overmatched. He is still a baby, has great baseball instincts and any time he has repeated a level throughout his career he has improved dramatically. I anticipate this year that he will do the same. We could do a lot worse than Ruben and looking down the road at future drafts shortstop would not seem to me to be the priority.
• any January 2, 2012 at 1:52 pm

  Would be wonderful if Muno could do it, but still way to far off to predict.

  So IMO unless you have a guy that is already proven something in the upper minors (so could be considered a viable option to win a job out of ST), it is just as likely that the “next big thing” either isn’t in the organization, or if he is, hasn’t even surfaced onto the radar yet.
• Donal January 2, 2012 at 1:57 pm

  If Tejada proves to have the range for SS and maintains the offense we saw last year, we can do a lot worse.

  the real question for Muno is if he can maintain the agility.
• Reese January 2, 2012 at 2:45 pm

  I know Valdespin has had some maturity issues, but he had a monster offensive year for a guy who split time between SS and 2B. Having Wally Backman who mentored him into a better attitude in AA earlier in the year should help him in 2012. I think we will see him in Queens when the inevitable Murphy injury occurs (or if he is traded at the deadline to another club).

  All he did last year was bat .294 with 17 HRs, 60 RBIs and 37 SBs. If he could replicate that at the major league level that would surely take the sting out of missing Jose Reyes.
  • any January 2, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Are they still considering Valdespin a possible SS, or has he pretty much been relegated to 2B at this piont?

    Because if you could end up with Valdy and Havens up the middle, the team might actually live up to the “interesting to watch” billing in the not too distant future (with the lefty power bats hitting behind them).
• sarge January 2, 2012 at 3:06 pm

  Thanks for the background JoeD, I remember watching that game with Fresno and here I’m hoping and being patient that the financial hole the Wilpons are in can’t stop this young, mature SS from being the answer down the road if no other moves are made.
• Des January 2, 2012 at 3:44 pm

  In my view, Ruben Tejada has limited upside potential. He is not fast nor is he strong. So there is a lot of limitations to his game. What he’s got going for himself is that he’s baseball wise beyond his years. At some point though, Tejada has to be able to compete with more physically gifted players who have matured. I don’t think that’s likely, though as a Mets fan I’d like to be wrong.

  Tejada had a rough time in Buffalo last year at the start of the season. It was very cold and he made a lot of errors. Was this just a cold weather fluke? We’ll find out. One thing is for sure — he is no Tulo handling the baseball despite his slickness. Check out his fielding averages the past two years. It’s mediocre at best. Was it because of his youth? Again, we’ll find out. One thing in his favor is his improved range. Again, it’s never going to compete with Tulo’s, but it’s better than average.

  Tejada’s limited foot speed shows when compared to the base stealing prowess of an Elvis Andrus and some other young, gifted guys as SS. Tejada stole 1 base on average for every forty games he played. Andrus stole one base for every four games he played. How do we explain the difference other than in the God given blessing of foot speed?

  Finally, Tejada has a relatively long swing. Keith has pointed this out more than once or twice. When he keeps it short he hits for a better average. But then he loses power. His elbow through wrist speed is slow. He needs his whole arm — not a wrist hitter at all.

  But I wish Ruben well. Maybe with the aid of a good trainer, some of these limiting traits can be minimized.
• Bob L January 2, 2012 at 3:56 pm

  Seems like many on this great sounding board have under-estimated Tejada to date, and continue IMO to underestimate his future.
  This kid plays great D, his bat has improved markedly at the major league level and, as he matures, i think his offense will be solid, even evidencing some power.
  i also like what i’ve heard about Muno and his stats look juicy. And Havens, if healthy, is a legit prospect…and Valdespin, attitude improving, is also a legit prospect in the IF.
  My guess is Wright gets traded sometime in ’12; Murphy moves to 3B; Havens (if healthy) moves in to 2B…maybe, maybe even Valdespin to 2B.
  And i think we’ll have an interesting and very good mix of young IF talent at CITI by ’13: Havens 3B, Tejada, SS; Valdespin, 2B. i think we trade Murphy sometime in ’13.
  In ’14 does Muno challenge Tejada for SS…or Valdespin at 2B?
  The OF in ’13 IMO will be: Bay LF, Puello/Nieuwenhuis CF; Duda RF.
  Since i’m at this foolery, still lapping the remains from the punch bowl, i’ll guess the rotation in ’13 includes: Niese, Harvey, Familia, Mejia, Wheeler. Gee is traded; Dickey becomes an F/A; Santana retires.
  i dunno really, but it looks like an interesting few years development-wise, approaching the big ball club.
  • any January 2, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    interesting take ont he IF< that is for sure.

    I will go out on a limb, and say Valdespin ends up at SS, and Havens sticks at 2B. No idea what happens at 3B if Wright goes elsewhere (I think he probably stays through 2013).

    OF? No way bay is here in 2013, is my guess. And Duda will end up in LF.
    • Ghost of omar January 2, 2012 at 6:35 pm

      How can you say that…. Are they sandy’s picks?
      • any January 2, 2012 at 9:10 pm

        sorry, I am not obsessed with who was the GM when a player was brought into the system. i really do not care, so get over it.
        • Bayonne Mets Fan January 2, 2012 at 10:07 pm

          i think you should get over it because it was people like you and others who have made such a big deal about the new GM, finances, and all of that stuff… and that’s why the rest of us always counteract defending previous GMs. You know, like when things were a whole lot better around here.
          Before that really nobody cared a whole lot who the GM was. I never heard of Steve Phillips before he became GM, i always just concerned myself with player moves and the field manager – but who made the moves? It was really never a big story until recent times when saving the most money and who makes the smartest, cheapest moves seems to be more important than doing what you can to win.

          The more I see the more i wish Omar was retained and Bobby V was hired as manager. Would have loved to see those 2 work with Mets circumstances as they are now and see if they could have came up with a winner. Most likely they would have done a better job than the garbage that runs the Mets Front Office and minors now.
          • any January 2, 2012 at 10:25 pm

            well, I can’t speak for these “others”, but I don’t particularly care about Alderson. He has made some good moves, and some bad ones, like every other GM. Not sure why you seem to think I am in some kind of cult.

            But, ignoring the financial constraints just makes no sense. The money problem (lack of same) is the overriding issue facing the team. Not the GM.

            and he most likely was brought in to stabilize and rebuild the organization (not just the talent, but the structure, so IOW the foundation).
            • Bayonne Mets Fan January 2, 2012 at 10:58 pm

              for the 873rd time i am NOT ignoring the Mets financial situation. I understand other people’s finances is your favorite subject but please bear in mind i am WELL AWARE of the Mets problems.

              With hindsight being 20/20 IMO the Mets would be in a better and more positive position if Omar was retained with Bobby V as the MGR. Who the HELL says working with small budgets is exclusive to only Sandy Alderson? It’s baseball and any GM or manager should be able to work together to try and win no matter what money is involved. And Alderson inherited a possible contender and so far all he’s done is make things WORSE and not only that his attitude and public relations skills are terrible and have done nothing to help instill enthusiasm for this fan base. Right now all he’ll be remembered for his a snarky, sarcastic response to letting a home grown player go who he probably barely ever saw before getting this gig. So of course it means nothing to him. I don’t think a whole lot of anything Mets-related means anything to the bastid in charge now.
              • Met Maniac January 2, 2012 at 11:06 pm

                Minaya was hired to work with small budget in San Diego.
                • XtreemIcon January 3, 2012 at 9:54 am

                  Yeah, as a scout. Under an analytical GM. Just like he should have been with the Mets, a scout working under Alderson.
          • Kay January 3, 2012 at 7:53 am

            Maybe you and your clique should get over it. I know I for one am so SICK of hearing the same crap rehashed everyday. “Lord Sandy, Sandy Lovers, free pass” anytime someone posts that doesn’t read I HATE Alderson, that is the standard response.

            ENOUGH

            Not one person that posts here on a regular basis has EVER said he’s so wonderful, we know why he’s here and the ramifications of the Wilpons and their bad business practices.

            Every friggen thread it’s the same thing every day, for the love of god the HORSE IS DEAD ALREADY.
            • Ghost of omar January 3, 2012 at 9:14 am

              you worship someone like you do Sandy, you Wow Kay! how daring…Lets review now… You are sick of being called sandy lovers…yet . you and your ilk, do not either have the mental ability to criticize even one of his hapless moves, or two are indeed in love or have been hypnotized by him or have indeed drank his kool aide. you all celebrated his hiring and you all have gladly endorsed every rotten move he made starting Eamus and Hu. When you get off the sandy bandwagon then there can be honest debate. But since you think he’s perfect, any word uttered to treat him as less than a god will tick you off. Too bad. Unlike you and your rapidly shrinking gang, most Met fans want to at least compete, unlike you most Met fans want the Wilpons out and everything associated with them purged. You don’ty like it….. so sad. But thanks Kay for the laughs… Yeah none of you used the words wonderful about sandy. but really now, if he’s not wonderful why can’t any of you criticize even one teeny weeny little thing he did.?????
              • Des January 3, 2012 at 9:39 am

                Ghost — How original. Looks like a lot of us have time on our hands.
              • Kay January 3, 2012 at 12:02 pm

                No No thank you for proving my point and perpetuating lies and making up crap that was NEVER ever said……
        • Bayonne Mets Fan January 2, 2012 at 10:16 pm

          ..and all this focus on the new Mets GM has taken away the real reason why the Mets are in the position they are in now..

          and that’s losing the big games and historic, unprecedented injuries. Sure the Mets have had a few bad contract signings but please spare me that excuse. They have plenty of chances to win big games over the years and change their destiny. The Mets have had a decent number of times in the recent past to win post season games and go to the World Series and have simply blown those chances.

          The more talk about GMs and crap like that all it does it take the focus away from what has happened on the field and provide the new followers with built in excuses instead of focusing on the REAL downers – and the reality is the Mets have had more than plenty of chances to win World Series and simply have not gotten the job done.
          • any January 2, 2012 at 10:23 pm

            well, the GMs put the teams together that couldn’t get the job done, so they got fired. Pretty simple tradition in baseball.
            • Bayonne Mets Fan January 2, 2012 at 10:53 pm

              no friggin kidding. But I never saw a GM get such a pass and worship as the guy who’s in charge now..and that’s where people like YOU come in.

              I seriously doubt if this clown in charge now can achieve the same level of success the other GMs had for the Mets. ALL GMs go through that and everybody on this site know that saw don’t waste my time giving info we all already know. The issue is the level of worship and feet kissing the new GM gets and as far as I can tell he’s doing a HORRIFIC job (and don’t reach over and put your book keeper’s visor on because i already am well aware of the Mets money situation
• XtreemIcon January 2, 2012 at 6:57 pm

  I’m not sold yet on Muno. I’m thrilled he raked in Brooklyn, but consider where he came from. With all due respect to opposing pitchers in short A, Muno spent four years at a top college program facing top college pitching. I would have expected him to rake in what’s essentially Rookie and a half. He probably faced more polished competition in school.

  I’m waiting to see him in Bing before I judge.
  • any January 2, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    AA is always where the men and boys (pretenders and contenders?) get separated. once you show production at that level, then you can be considered as a ML piece.
    • Met Maniac January 2, 2012 at 9:25 pm

      That’s why calling Nimmo and Wheeler top prospects is a joke. At least Harvey, Familia and Nieuwenhuis performed at AA or higher.
      • Ghost of omar January 3, 2012 at 9:20 am

        Harvey can’t be nearly as good as Wheeler. sandy didn’t bring Harvey in, and omar was a lousy gm…therefore all Omar’s kids suck. Wheeler will win Cy Young this year. no doubt about it.
• SloatsburgMetsFan January 2, 2012 at 8:07 pm

  What about Juan Lagares, Philip Evans, or JC Gamboa. I hear very good things about all three (especially Gamboa and up until this Lagares). Does anyone have any info on these guys?
• srt January 2, 2012 at 11:16 pm

  Once again yet another post hijacked by the few obsessed with past and present GMs…..
  • Bayonne Mets Fan January 2, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    You’re right – this is how it started:

    Nester January 2, 2012 at 1:39 pm
    That was how the Mets got in this mess in the first place, Omar never looked ahead.

    But when we complain and fight back it’s us that are making it about Omar vs. Sandy, thats’ the way it seems around here.
    And as long as there’s gonna be Sandy worship there’s us that are going to think the Mets are going in the wrong direction with this guy.
  • Met Maniac January 2, 2012 at 11:51 pm

    srt, you seem like a fair minded person. You were referring to Nester who along with a few others in his clique always begin the the GM bashing on this site, right?
• daniel perez January 3, 2012 at 10:17 am

  Good article. My feeling is that the future of the Mets SS is to be seen. No ones knows if Tejada, or the others mentioned above will come to fruition. What I will say is that the focus should be on developing a master pitching staff and the Mets seem to be doing that with their young arms they’ve been stocking up on. With a masterful pitching staff, you can get away with a good, doesn’t have to be great line-up. See can’t-hit-a-20mph-watermelon Rafeal Santana.
• MetsCity January 3, 2012 at 12:30 pm

  I don’t know if one season in the NYPL makes Muno the incumbent SS of the future. For one, he’s the same age as Tejada who’s already at the big league level. So we can’t really say he has a higher ceiling. He has a great eye at the plate, and has some gap power, but it’s only been shown at Short Season A ball. Polished college players often do well in that league. I think we have to see what he does at Savannah and St. Lucie before we can start looking at him as the heir apparent. Ceciliani was amazing for the Cyclones and then crash landed back to earth this season in Savannah. Muno gets on base a lot more so maybe he’ll fare better, but one short season at Brooklyn isn’t enough proof to say he’s definitely better than others like Valdespin and even Tejada, who improved dramatically at the plate this year.
• david b January 3, 2012 at 5:23 pm

  What if the Mets go all offense and use Murphy at short stop leaving Turner at 2nd base. He keeps getting hurt at 2nd base and at short he can catch and throw while hitting the skin off the ball.

  1B Davis, 2B Turner, SS Murphy,3B Wright is a better offensive infield cause we will have a hole in the line up with Tejada and risk Murphy getting injured again if he plays 2B.

  Just a thought.
• shipmate January 3, 2012 at 9:25 pm

  With ALL the lack of anything happening to the roster/lineup, move David Wright to short, Daniel murphy to third.