7
2012
How About Shin-Soo Choo In Orange And Blue?
An article by 
According to Jon Heyman, the Cleveland Indians are not opposed to trading some of their best players such as Asdrubal Cabrera, Justin Masterson and Chris Perez. But the one player on the Indians that the Mets should have on their radar is outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.
The Mets are going into the 2013 season with the always hustling but never producing Jason Bay in left, your guess is as good as mine in center, and some combination of Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, Scott Hairston (if he’s re-signed) and the right field ball boy in right. Needless to say, the Mets have a big mess in the outfield. However, some of that mess could be cleaned up if Sandy Alderson can find the right combination of players to offer Indians general manager Chris Antonetti for Shin-Soo Choo.
The 30-year-old Choo will be a free agent following the 2013 season, but he’s still worth the risk. Just look at his numbers over the last three full seasons he’s played (injuries limited Choo to 85 games in 2011):
- 2009: .300 batting average, .394 OBP, 38 doubles, 20 HR, 86 RBI, 87 runs, 21 SB
- 2010: .300 batting average, .401 OBP, 31 doubles, 22 HR, 90 RBI, 81 runs, 22 SB
- 2012: .283 batting average, .373 OBP, 43 doubles, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 88 runs, 21 SB
- Average: .294 batting average, .389 OBP, 37 doubles, 19 HR, 81 RBI, 85 runs, 21 SB
In addition to his high on-base percentage and 20 HR/20 SB potential, Choo’s arm also has to respected in the outfield. The rightfielder has tallied 41 outfield assists since 2009 despite missing a total of 108 games over the four seasons (with 77 of them coming in 2011).
Although he is a solid player, Choo is not an All-Star, and would not require a top prospect to pry him away from the Indians. A combination of a few mid-level prospects or a prospect and a major league-ready role player would probably suffice.
Other teams would probably also be in the hunt for Choo’s services, but Sandy Alderson has already gone on the record saying that he would like to improve the Mets with trades rather than free agent acquisitions. And with Choo earning $4.9 million in 2012, he would not be an expensive option for the Mets, even with a slight raise in 2013.
The Mets have not been very consistent in the outfield over the past few years. But Shin-Soo Choo has been one of the most consistent outfielders over his last three full seasons in the majors. With Choo, you know what you’re going to get. He’s not going to be among the league leaders in any category, but he’s going to give you solid production across the board. When was the last time the Mets could say that about any of their outfielders since they moved to Citi Field?
Shin-Soo Choo should be in orange and blue in 2013. The Mets need his kind of stability and consistency to rub off on the rest of the team.
About the Author: Ed Leyro
Ed Leyro was hatched in the Bronx, but spent most of his youth in Queens at Shea Stadium. Apparently, all that time spent at Mets games paid off as Ed met his wife (The Coop) for the first time at Citi Field during its inaugural season. Guess the 2009 season was good for something after all. In addition to his work at Mets Merized Online, Ed also owns, operates and is head janitor at Studious Metsimus, where he shares blogging duties with Joey Beartran. For those not in the know, Joey is a teddy bear dressed in a Mets hoodie. Clearly, Studious Metsimus is not your typical Mets blog.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 25 | 18 | .581 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 21 | .523 | 2.5 |
| Phillies | 21 | 23 | .477 | 4.5 |
| Mets | 17 | 24 | .415 | 7.0 |
| Marlins | 12 | 32 | .273 | 13.5 |
Last updated: 05/19/2013
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Question is, who then would you trade for the guy? i mean, you seem to like him, might as well offer some imaginary trade scenarios for acquiring the guy no?
I’ll leave the specific names for Sandy Alderson to decide, but I’d be shocked if Cleveland were looking a Zack Wheeler-type prospect. Choo isn’t Beltran. Nieuwenhuis could be in the trade (he’s a younger and cheaper outfield option for Cleveland who has major league experience, although he looked overmatched after his first few months with the big club), or perhaps a couple of mid-level prospects.
then why write an article gushing about the guy if you have no idea who we gonna maybe throw in the trade… useless wouldn’t you say? Why would the indians trade him for kirk when the guy is somewhat productive and is not that cheap for a guy who strikes out a ton and was demoted for andres torres of all people by mid season? Imo, you gotta start with familia who can be a B prospect along with other guys to trade for shin so. and if it’s up to sandy, then don’t hold your breath..
I will agree it’s gotta be guys like Familia/Mejia, a lower level high ceiling pitching prospect as well as a position player. It’s not gonna be cheap.
Why bring another left handed bat to this lineup? Maybe if we sign the milk man to lead off and put Choo in the 3rd spot and put Wright behind Davis .
Well, considering all the rumors that keep swirling about Ike Davis being traded or Lucas Duda (when his wrist heals), if we dump a lefty bat, Choo could sneak right in. He gives more production across the board than either of the two players mentioned above. But the main thing he gives us is a stable presence in the outfield with experience, consistency and talent. Some Mets players have a combination of those three qualities but not all three.
Why not offer Duda for Choo? Gives the Indians a replacement and a future Dh onces Hanfer leaves. Maybe throw in a couple mid level prospect and see if they throw in Chris Perez as well.
If Indians GM Chris Antonetti would do it, I’m all for it. If they want to trade these guys so badly, perhaps they would consider that deal. Duda won’t be a free agent for another three or four years and he won’t have someone in his way at first base (his natural position) like he does with the Mets. I don’t think the Indians are re-signing 2012′s first baseman Casey Kotchman, especially after his horrific year (.229/.280/.333, 12 HR, 55 RBI in 500 plate appearances).
Duda for Choo? You’re not serious are you? Especially now that he’s out for 3-4 months with a fractured wrist. I’m thinking we might have to part with Murphy to get Choo, and I would still do it.
If the Mets offer let say Duda and Captin Kirk (still has potential) & a couple Minor Leaguers i cant see them rejecting a offer like that as it cover two holes they have if they trade Choo. The Question is would the Mets be over paying if they do?
No way that it won’t take a top prospect for Choo. Maybe not Harvey or Wheeler but think higher than Duda and Kirk.
They might be overpaying, but it also depends on what other moves Sandy Alderson has in mind. If he trades Dickey (which I hope he doesn’t, but I understand why it would make sense to sell high on him now), he could get a very good prospect or a major league ready player. It will certainly be an interesting off-season. Just hope it all pays off and doesn’t blow up on the team the way his revamped bullpen did in 2012.
We know SA and the Wilpons are not going to spend any money especially trying to deal with Wright and R.A. The ONE outfielder we can afford is Matt Diaz of the Braves. He is coming off a thumb injury that plagued him last year and he has occassional flashes of power but sprays the ball to all fields. He is a good defensive outfielder but we little money which we have he is the best bargain out there. Yeah I would love to have an Upton but I would also love to have a house in the south of France too.
Those are some nice numbers and he’s quietly become a solid producer. He’ll be much less than a Justin Upton, but Choo’s OBP is what we need more right now. I envision him as a perfect fit in the two hole ahead of Wright. I’m also impressed by his consistency.
Just for purposes of conversation: Kurt or Duda, Familia or Mejia and Murphy for Choo plus one?
Not bad, but then are we any better?
I’m thinking addition by subtraction: Clear out some roster space. Add a nice piece in Choo. Give Valdy some more burn.
Anyway, this Duda wrist thing makes him untradeable. It likely saps him of his greatest strength – power – for the foreseeable future. Also, for me there is a big difference between Familia and Mejia; I view Familia as a much more valuable asset.
But if its Mejia, Kirk and Murphy for Choo and a useful BP piece then I think I pull the trigger.
Personally I guess my hold up is having to play V-Spin. I am not sure Choo and V-Spin out perform Murphy and a RF making the same as Choo.
I’m about the defense right now. I’m thinking that if they commit to Valdy at one position (say 2B) that he will develop into a nice fielder – athletic, fast – who will be a plus hitter for the position (he has improved, though there is admittedly a very long way to go and he’s not that young). I’d like to see the Mets give him the time (at 2B) they gave last year to Kurt and Duda in the OF. They have Flores behind him in the event it goes south.
Same thinking with Choo in the OF. He’s a very good fielder. This attribute, combined with his bat, makes him a worthwhile upgrade. The money as always in an issue but the exchange of talent I think is fair. I don’t think Kurt is a corner bat and I’d prefer an elite speedy guy to man CF (but that’s for another thread) so he’s expendable.
I wish I was even as remotely high on V-Spin as you.
Its not so much that I’m high on him, its more that I expect the team to suck so why not give him a full shot.
Well if that’s the case then what’s the point in Choo? You only get him for one year.
This is exactly the kind of creativity we need from our GM. Choo would be the perfect player for Citi Field and he adds some desperately needed speed, a great ability to get on base, and is nice run producer as well. He has an arm like Francoeur in right which will keep all those opposing players from taking those extra bases on us like they did all season long in 2012. This player makes great sense for us, but that’s exactly why the Mets won’t even consider him.
I know beggars can’t be choosers but lets take a look at Choo for the last 2 years:
.274 .363 .424 .787 with 24 total HR and 33 total SB in 240 games. He also hit .199 .318 .286 .605 vs LH this year and .249 .338 .358 .695 for his career.
Not saying he is garbage but how much does he actually help? You would have to be careful what you traded for him. He is in line for about 8M in salary this year as a 2nd year arbitration guy. Assuming the Mets are forced into that budget is his production worth 8M more than what the likely trade value is?
I think he makes about $4.3 million to much for our GM.
Wait a minute….the Indians are open to dealing Cabrera? The Mets should look into him, Perez, Santana and McAllister. It alleviates our need of power, pitching and defense in multiple areas.
Dang Hitman, I missed that too. Hell yeah I would be interested in Asdrubal Cabrera.
Flores, Niese, Carson, and Gee would be a nice start to the conversation, no? I’d add Muno if they ask for a middle infield prospect (which they probably will to make up for Cabrera).
Hitman, I would easily trade Wright or Dickey for him but they wouldn’t need that. Maybe a 3 way trade where you send one of those guys for prospects and in return those prospects and something from the Mets goes for Cabrerra?
I dont think a 3 way trade is necessary to get the four guys I mentioned in return. Trading Wright or Dickey to Cleveland would be a waste considering the much bigger prizes that are out there at the moment for them.
I like the idea trading for Shin-Soo Choo it would be good to have him in Right field and his arm. he would also add some speed that we did not have this past year. I would say we trade Duda and a mid to lower level prospect. I look at Duda he has some power but what position will you play him at. Hard time in Right but can play first some in AL he can DH. So we replace left hander hitters in the line up. Yes some Hr may go down in Citi but Double should go up. It would be nice to have his arm in Right will be able to help our pitcher lower ERA and runs scored with his 44 assists from the outfield.