13
2013
Projected Mets Opening Day Roster – Are Valdespin and Turner Out?
An article by 
Yesterday we got more clarity on what the Mets Opening Day roster will look like. Believe it or not there’s really not many battles going on this Spring. Terry Collins cleared up some questions yesterday and showed where he was leaning. For some of these players a complete fail or unfortunate injury will keep them from losing their jobs.
In my third update to this post since I began on January 22, this is the way I see it.
2013 Mets Opening Day Roster
C : John Buck
1B: Ike Davis
2B: Daniel Murphy
SS: Ruben Tejada
3B: David Wright
OF: Lucas Duda
OF: Kirk Nieuwenhuis
OF: Mike Baxter
Bench: Collin Cowgill
Bench: Jordany Valdespin or Andrew Brown *Spring Training Battle #1
Bench: Justin Turner or Zach Lutz *Spring Training Battle #2
Bench: Brandon Hicks
Bench: Anthony Recker
SP: Johan Santana
SP: Matt Harvey
SP: Jonathon Niese
SP: Shaun Marcum
SP: Dillon Gee
CL: Bobby Parnell
SU: Brandon Lyon
RP: Josh Edgin
RP: Scott Atchison
RP: Pedro Feliciano
RP: Greg Burke or LaTroy Hawkins or Elvin Ramirez *Spring Training Battle #3 (For two spots)
Collins gave Justin Turner a HUGE vote of confidence and even has him taking reps in the outfield just to find ways to give him more at-bats this season. That said, the Mets manager actually glowed when he spoke about young right-handed slugger Zach Lutz, a 2007 draft pick whose power has turned some heads. Lutz is going to give Turner a run for his money in the battle for the last bench spot.
The only way Valdespin makes the team is if he edges out Brown as the fifth outfielder. Nobody looks at Spin as an infielder anymore. Unfortunately, he has an attitude that is wearing thin in the Mets clubhouse. Mike Puma tweeted this week that a player expressed relief that his locker was not near No. 1. That’s Valdespin’s uniform number. They may call this a battle, but Brown has two things going for him – Spin and that he’s Alderson’s boy. That last part is going to matter a lot this Spring.
Anthony Recker will edge out Landon Powell in the battle for who’s the least worst option for Mets backup catcher. Not that Recker is all that better, it’s just seems to be gravitating that way.
There’s no chance that Travis d’Arnaud makes the team out of Spring Training. None. Forget about it. And that goes for Zack Wheeler too.
I’m getting a sneaky feeling that injury or no injury, Frank Francisco is being phased out. The Force is definitely not with him. Brandon Lyon was a solid addition and will be featured late in games, but Bobby Parnell is the top dog on this team, and that became very apparent yesterday.
Pedro Feliciano just shot up to the top of the food chain yesterday. It would take a 8.9 earthquake for him not to be in the bullpen along with fellow southpaw Josh Edgin. Both are locks and that spells Vegas for Robert Carson and Aaron Laffey.
Scott Atchison is another lock, the team is extremely high on him and that means no room at the inn for Mets hopefuls Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia who will both start the season in Vegas, Mejia as a starter and Familia as a reliever.
I will post my next update in a couple of weeks.
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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Ok, so i may be changing my prediction soon on the team as i see the roster being posted…
I think Spin is on the outside looking in to come north with the Mets. TC indicated yesterday if not Tejada hitting lead-off then most likely Baxter. And most likely both CF and RF are going to be a platoon. I think Justin Turner is on the bubble too even though TC talks him up. IMO, Turner was exposed in the NL last season for what he truly is- just a 4A player. And Brandon Hicks reportedly is good defensively in the MI and has a leg-up on Turner in that regard and for the back-up MI spot.
Agree with you too.
It’s not a horrible 25. It’s not good either though.
Maybe some decent CF comes available at some point this spring.
maybe because it is only 24 guys? Though playing a man down has been a Met specialty in the last decade!
Spin is done. Not even sure he has any trade value. May get DFA’d like F-Mart before him.
He’s not done. He still shows the tools and never had the injury issues Martinez did. His biggest problem is there are 30 guys like him in the Mets system.
Million dollar talent, ten cent brain. I think that was the description for Hank Williams Sr. It might be fitting for Spin too. Time to grow up, young man. If the attitude wasn’t an issue, I’m sure he could take that 4th/5th OF spot no issues and do spot work at 2B if needed. If I had to guess, I’m going to say that Alderson gets another OF, possibly prior to the start of the season, and that Valdy is in the package that leaves town.
Also, if Turner doesn’t make the squad, what happens to him? Does he have to go thru waivers to go to the minors? (And I’d prefer just about anyone on this team compared to Turner. He doesn’t really do anything well enough to warrant a spot.)
Good job on your projection, can’t find anything to quibble about with this.
I’d like to see Lutz beat out Turner for that bench spot.
If Lutz makes this team he could be our Scott Hairston. I hope it happens.
other than not being an OF, he could replace the RH power. Just not going to have much opportunity to play, unless they semi-platoon Ike. otherwise, maybe 1 start per week at 3B or 1B to give one of them a day off?
Certainly can see why they want to give him a look in the OF.
I don’t see #1 as an actual battle. And not because Brown is anyone’s “boy”. No way they are going with 4 LH hitting OFs, when at least 2 of them are really platoon guys. Plus,brown is the only RH guy guy with any actual HR power. So I only see Spin making the team if he wins a starting (or platoon starting) gig over Kirk or baxter.
And #3 (if FFF is on the DL) isn’t really a battle, since you only have 24 roster spots listed and 6 RPs, so you can keep them both! But even with that, those 2 are in play, and that is the most likely spot for a dark horse (such as Familia) to steal a spot.
You did, however, forget the long man in the pen. Make that battle #4 between Heffner and Laffey
Turner, I still don’t see the attraction. Lutz is a better option for 3B/1B back up (fielder and power hitter), but turner can at least play 2B (and SS in an emergency). Without red, you only have 1 MI option, other than shifting Wright over to SS again.
Isnt Hicks the backup middle IF now?
I really like the look of this team. Granted we won’t be challenging the Nationals for first place but we should be a tougher team to beat than people think. If the Mets had a better and stronger bullpen last year we would of been contending at least into late August. We do have a stronger bullpen now and with a healthier, and younger team, I can see the Mets being a 78-80 win team. Call me crazy, but with all the young talent coming up throughout the year, we can be a good team this year. Not a playoff team (I do hope we can win at least the second wild card) but just a good team that needs more pieces that I’m sure can be brought in during the off season. As the old saying goes, ya gotta believe.
and, they are going to be scrappy!
hope you are right about the character of the team, since outside of Johan, they don’t ahve anyone that is on the way out or the downside for the next couple of years. Finally getting the last couple of parts to the foundation (thinking TDA, Wheeler and Flores for 2B) will be huge, then it all depends on how well a few guys develop, and if they can get the ride filler pieces.
I actually have to disagree about Johan. He can still be a reliable pitcher for years to come (at least 2-4 years if healthy) and would love to see him return to a team friendly contract. Many seem to forget that he was a reliever when he first came up and a damn good one at that. Johan in my opinion could be very effective out of the bullpen and can become a modern day Franco. He is a leader in the clubhouse and well respected by everyone in there, and can be a great mentor to those in the bullpen and our young starting pitchers coming up like Wheeler, Fulmer, Leathersich, Syndergaard, Familia, Tapia and many others. I’m sure Johan would have no problem coming back for less money and as a coach or even reliever.
I believe the starting RF job isn´t really settled yet and Baxter may end up on the bench more frequently.
Turner seems like a highly likely candidate for a bench job as a “super sub”, so I guess there´s one roster spot to battle for among Valdespin – Brown – Lutz – M.Byrd. Valdespin & Lutz are already on the 40-man roster which should favor them. However, injuries are bound to happen. If FF undergoes Tommy John surgery, that´ll open a spot and I suppose Reese Havens´ spot is in jeopardy as well.
With FF possibly opening on the DL, it´s only Parnell – Edgin – Lyon that seem like locks for bullpen spots. That leaves 4 spots available. One for a 2nd lefty, probably Feliciano (vs. Carson / Rice / maybe Laffey).
One probably for Atchison if healthy.
One for the long reliever – probably Hefner or Laffey.
And a final spot contentested between Burke (on the 40-man), Hawkins, Familia (on the 40-man) and Elvin Ramirez (on the 40-man, for now, but a potential DFA candidate). Two, if Atchison isn´t 100 % or struggles this spring.
So, several battles figure to remain.
And – unlike most years past – there´s plenty of depth at AAA this year if something goes wrong. Pretty much at every position.
Does Brown have option to minor league ? If so, I can now see Byrd getting on opening day roster. I’d also like to see Baxter as purely bench/ph/spot start and not platoon so I’d prefer v-spin but he may be out of favor w mgmt. Either way, I believe we’ll see a lot of combinations in the OF this season despite who makes opening day roster.
Turner gone, finally. I actually like OmarQ, and Lutz will prob see time at Citi not sure if opening day roster.
Phase out FF?? Only if he’s hurt. Right now he seems like he won’t be ready for opening day which will open up a spot for another reliever. Plus, Hefner is out of options I think they’ve publically stated they want to keep him, so he def on opening day roster.
I’d like a Brown/VSpin platoon, Duda in Lf maybe spot started by Byrd and in Cf I’d either like to see a platoon of Cowgill/Kirk or, for some reson I wouldn’t mind seeing Kirk getting regular ab’s in AAA for a month even if not playing in cf there and bringing him in to platoon at some point, I’d hate to see him start the season the way he ended it then have to send him to AAA, so I’d like to ‘break’ up and have him get ab’s first. And if that means Patterson gets on the team for a month( if it doesn’t over complicate 40 man)for Cf depth(even thou he is a righty like Cowgill) it’s fine w me—but I’m sure none of this will happen.
I also don’t think they need a pure 1b/3b backup on roster unless prolonged injury. So I don’t think they need Lutz or Turner on opening day roster but if Wright or Ike get hurt they would have to make that move. And this is the case they can carry 6 OF’s, which I’m cool with…
**praying hard that Valdy rips it up during spring training**
This is one of those rare times that we’re both on the same page. Valdy should be the starting RF. I have the same sentiments about Matt Den Dekker as well being in CF.
I’d have felt better had Bourn (at 4 years max!) would have been penciled in at CF, but no use crying over spilled milk. Spilled beer, now… That you can cry over.
Definitely seems like there is more depth, should someone falter. Though, I would say that the depth is what is playing the OF right now. Really hoping I am pleasantly surprised by Brown and Cowgill this spring.
I think the best place for Valdy right not probably is AAA. TC seems to love Turner, so he probably makes it as a super sub – its probably helpful to have multiple guys who can play the middle infield
I’d like to see lutz and brown make the team. I’m done with Turner
I think Hicks offers more off the bench than Turner and is supposed to be a good fielder at 2b and ss.
I also don’t get the teams obsession with Baxter. His numbers last year are thrown off by his PH heroics (hit over 500 as a PH) and that crazy 5 walk game against the Padres. He started 45 games last year and, minus the 5 walk game, hit 224 with an OBP a shade under 300 with minimal pop. He’s not an everyday player or platoon player.
I’d bring in Tony Campana from the Cubs (dfa’d him a few days ago) to play center and leadoff with Cowgil (Campana has no pop, but is a really good fielder and is one of the fastest men in baseball ) and slide Kirk to right. Baxter can then make the team instead of Lutz as a PH/defensive replacement or go to AAA as insurance.
I’ll tell you why they sign all these scrubs. I think it’s because of this “Theory of Deliberate Practice” joke:
http://metsmerizedonline.com/2013/01/mets-player-development-and-theories-of-deliberate-practice.html
Don’t you see? There is no such thing as talent and these guys may believe that they think they can actually turn journeymen into something more than what they are. Is this Depo’s secret formula maybe?
These clowns are arrogant enough to believe they can turn water into wine. Who knows though, with so many scrubs one is bound to have a decent journeyman season and then they can pass the reason off that it they turned him into a good player because of this magic theory.
Justin Turner and Mike Baxter are both 4A players. I get the obsession with Baxter – its because he’s “Mike from Whitestone”. I can’t stand Turner – Baxter I can stomach because he doesn’t have the pie throwing on his resume.
Either way, we will be better off when these guys are gone. They aren’t major leaguers.
Wow…this looks bad. I was thinking if all goes right this team could win 74 games…now…I’m thinking 70 might be a miracle. 2 good SPs (Harvey/Niese). Offense consists of Wright, Davis, occasionally Murphy and Buck and not much else. Awful ‘pen. Parnell has been awful in late game situations his whole career. This just looks really bad. However, this is only a 24 man roster and not a 25 man…maybe the 25th man is Doc Gooden circa 1985.
You left out Marlon Bryd. Probably better shot at making team than Brown and Valdespin
I predict this team will be close to .500 when the year is done. Compared to last years team which one 74, there is a great deal of improvement. Almost every position is the same or upgraded.
C-Buck better than Thole
1B-expect Ike to be better now that he is healthy
2B-Murphy’s defense improved throughout season and his hitting will be better this year.
SS-Tejada hopefully for a full year
3B-Wright is .300/20/90-100 consistently
LF-Duda will improve on last season and pickup some of Hairstons HR production while hitting better than .165.
CF-Whoever mans it only needs to exceed .235 which Torres gave
RF-TBD but last year wasnt stellar
SP-1-5 better than what pitched more than half the season last year.
BP-Big improvement. Lyon and whichever of the injured/journeymen make it are better than what was offered last year.
As was said, not a division winning team but vastly improved. Also, the potential with a TDA and Wheeler debut could really turn the tide if they come in and produce. Harvey remains a big key because, while the odds are he struggles a bit, he has the potential it seems to really put up some numbers.
80-82 wins is my expectation.
80-82 wins is my expectation.”
Good luck with that one….
Wheres Byrdak on the list??
Injured
So, is he done?
Wasnt it surgery?
Shoulder surgery. He said the other day that he’s on track to return in July.
Valdespin makes the roster and gets a lot of ABs in the OF as the most athletic player on the roster. Lets not forget how good he was in winter ball. If the mets outfield is truly from the guys in camp valdespin has to be in the mix. If they trade for a CF, valdespin probably is in that deal.
And Corey Patterson, I think hes the dark horse in CF, hes a good defensive OF, if he can hit at all.
Unfortunately Patterson can’t really hit. I am not even sure he is in major league camp.
As it is, the Mets have enough dubious cadidates for outfield jobs…
Marlon Byrd has a good shot as well with a productive spring. He crushed in winter ball.
Where did he play?
I love Bobby, and he has tools, but I dont think he has shown that he has the demeanor to be a closer.
I hope he proves everyone wrong, but I dont see it.
We have quite a few experimental options, but none of them can be considered a “shut down” closer….so where could we go to find that?
Sign Valverde or Ishringhausen?
Convince, & sign, either Oswalt, Penney, Pavano, or Lowe to be a closer?
Sign B. Wilson & wait till June….?
Make a trade…?
I love Bobby, and he has tools, but I dont think he has shown that he has the demeanor to be a closer.
I hope he proves everyone wrong, but I dont see it.
We have quite a few experimental options, but none of them can be considered a “shut down” closer….so where could we go to find that?
Sign Valverde or Ishringhausen?
Convince, & sign, either Oswalt, Penny, Pavano, or Lowe to be a closer?
Sign B. Wilson & wait till June….?
Make a trade…?
I actually think Brad Penny could make a great closer if he wanted to, I think he has the mentality for it.
“I’m getting a sneaky feeling that injury or no injury, Frank Francisco is being phased out.”
You didn’t pick that up back when Alderson said that he was uncomfortable with Francisco? That was a sign right there that his days were numbered.
Elvin Ramirez possibly could get a spot in the pen, but not Familia? Whaaa?
I hope that Baxter is not the starting RF and is platooned with Brow or whomever that bats RH cause he was exposed against LH after returning from no hit saving, wall crashing catch in No Han’s game plus I want to see Mets give Lutz, Brown, Cowgill a shot, team can’t be any worse in OF!
Glad that Parnell is finally getting a shot plus I think Hawkins will be a little more consistent than previous pretenders like Acosta and Ramirez.
Joe D,
When making your projected roster it would help to mention such things as the 40-man roster and option years. The Mets 40-man roster currently has 40 players on it, and your projected opening day roster includes at least two players, and up to four players, that aren’t on the 40-man (Atchison, Feliciano, Hawkins, Brown).
It would make for a better article to include what players you think would be cut from the 40-man (or what players you think will start the season on the DL like Francisco), to make room for the non-roster invites you think will make the team.
Also, your roster is missing a long-man in the bullpen which will likely be a battle between Hefner and Laffey. I don’t think Atchison and Feliciano are locks. And I think Marlon Byrd deserves a mention to battle for a bench spot.
Joe D…
Thanks for all this good information. While I am not thinking playoffs in 2013, I am thinking that we will be hovering above the point of respectability. How far we go depends on the continued growth of our younger players. I would gamble on Bobby Parnell as the closer as he closed out the 2012 season in that role and was very effective.Sandy has revamped the bullpen again and if Perpetual Pedro is healthy, he will be a great addition along with Brandon Lyons
Unfortunately, we couldn’t add a strong bat in the outfield but it is evident that Capt. Kirk will get the opportunity to be the starter in CF. Mike Baxter was playing very well last year before his injury that saved the no hitter. He is our starting right fielder. Lucas Duda? He will be the left fielder if he starts hitting again like he did at times in 2011. If he can provide some power, we can hide his weak glove. I’d like to think that we will have an outfield as of opening day without Jordany Valdespin who has tools but is not a smart player or a good soldier as a teammate. Andrew Brown and Colin Cowgil can round out the outfield.
The main thing we should all be looking for is to see Jonathon Niese take the last step as a solid if not dominant starter and that Matt Harvey is indeed the real thing! He greatly impressed most of us last season. He has great stuff for sure but it was his composure and confident demeanor that has me thinking that he is going to be our next great starting pitcher. What amazes me is that Wheeler has been rated to be even more of a great prospect. I go to sleep at night thinking a rotation of Harvey, Niese, Wheeler and Syndergard by 2014 and salivate!
I am not a guy who loves to say I told you so…but I really think that Sandy A is doing the job despite the fact that far too many fans demand a winner now.
When all is said and done…we will see that his plan and rebuilding does take 4-5 years.
Have a great day Joe D
I don’t get the infatuation with Baxter. He sucks. Look at the stats. Valdespine needs to play and Nieuwenhuis was also much more productive than Baxter. Byrd is a career 278 hitter with a few fairly big seasons, most recently in 2010. He’s 35, Baxter is 28. Doesn’t matter, Byrd is clearly better. Even Cory Patterson is a better option than Baxter, and he’s surprisingly only 33. Cowgill looks like nothing to me but Chili Davis and Rico Brogna love him so I’d even give him and Den Dekker a look over letting Baxter waste a roster spot. Duda might hit some homers, he’s probably going to be traded eventually unless he really produces big, which I doubt. Either way, even Duda is better than Baxter. Baxter has no power, no speed, and doesn’t hit for average. He’s 28, average build, and was never a top prospect. Why is he a favorite for one of the outfield spots? He shouldn’t even make the team. To me the depth chart for this outfield is obvious. Things can change but to start the season the playing time should go the guys with the most talent. So in order of talent and potential the outfielders should clearly be Valdespine, Nieuwenhuis, Byrd, Decker, Duda, Cowgill, and Patterson. I think if they actually play Valdespine, Niewenhuis and Decker instead of wasting time on guys like Baxter and Turner they’ll have a surprisingly decent outfield…maybe even a good one.
For some reason my back is hurting after reading this?