Here is an MMO Flashback originally published in October of 2014 by one of our readers Matt Stephens. It’s appropriately about Yoenis Cespedes and why he’d be a perfect addition for the Mets. Remember, all references are to last year’s version of the Mets. I also linked back to the original article so you could read the comments like. “This guy blows, who needs him!” 🙂 Enjoy…
An MMO Fan Shot by Matt Stephens
Since the trade of Carlos Beltran to the Giants, the Mets have noticeably been missing one key component from their lineup- the prototypical outfielder with a big bat. Omar Minaya admirably tried to give us Jason Bay but failed, and Sandy thought Granderson would work, but instead wound up with a serviceable six hitter. For the first time in what seems like a lifetime, this hitter is within reach, even with the payroll constraints we currently have. This man plays for the Boston Red Sox, and Sandy’s apprentice, Billy Beane, foolishly traded him away, jeopardizing his entire season in exchange for two months of Jon Lester. Yoenis Cespedes is the key to next season.
You watched him hit at Citi Field in the 2013 Home Run Derby, just like you watched him throw a runner out from 300 feet away earlier this season when he played for Oakland. If you put him in left you have a great arm and a great bat. Think of the baseball he and Lagares will chase after. Also, look at the two MLB teams he’s played for so far, the A’s and the Red Sox. Both clubs have employed Moneyball strategies like the Mets, but found space for a free-swinging home run hitter. There is no point in avoiding him simply based on organizational philosophy. In three full MLB seasons, Cespedes has averaged 24 homers and 87 RBI while missing 30+ games in his first two years. The man can hit!
Trading for Cespedes eliminates the need to spend money elsewhere or deplete the farm system with other trades. The Red Sox are looking for an established lefty starter, and we happen to have one in Jon Niese. If you put him with a solid prospect or two, (I’m not talking Syndergaard or Montero here), you can get Boston to agree to a deal, and hold on to all of the young pitching. Making this hypothetical trade stops the starting pitcher roadblock that would force the trade of Bartolo Colon or movement of Dillon Gee to the bullpen. Cespedes’ value is at an all time low based on his one remaining year on his contract. The Mets have a rare opportunity to seize an undervalued player, Sandy’s favorite, let’s hope that it is this one.
Cespedes wins 2014 Home Run Derby
Now we’ll get into the hot button issue, the money. Yoenis Cespedes is due $10.5 million dollars this season, after which he becomes a free agent. I’m not asking for a big time extension. I realize that won’t happen based on our crummy owners who would fund a mall over a baseball team, but I truly believe in my heart of hearts that they would shell out $10.5 million for one year of Cespedes.
If you think they’d sign off on a Cuddyer or J.J. Hardy, why wouldn’t they agree to Cespedes? After all, they threw away more than $7 million on Chris Young. So yes, after 2015 he’ll walk away and get paid big money by the Yankees or whoever fails to sign Tomas this off-season, but that is OK. If he gets us into the playoffs, or god willing the World Series, it is a success!
After 2015, Colon’s contract, Cespedes’ contract, and Daniel Murphy’s contract expire, leaving the Mets with 30 million to reallocate amongst whoever is available come that time. Who knows, maybe Nimmo and Conforto will be ready by that point. Plus you tender him a Qualifying Offer and bingo – an additional first round pick or another year of peak production.
All that is left for Sandy to do is call. Being the smart guy he is, yes I said smart, he has to realize that he may never have another chance to trade for a Cespedes type player at a time when he will be easy to steal away from the Red Sox and their heavily crowded outfield.
Frank Cashen grabbed Gary Carter, just as Johnny Murphy grabbed Donn Clendenon, and Bob Scheffing acquired Rusty Staub. There was plenty of risk in those moves, but I’m sure most Met fans can agree that those three trades had to happen in order for the pennant and World Series winning teams of Met history to be so good.
Every GM has that chance, and Sandy’s is now. Right your wrongs and go trade for Yoenis Cespedes, and watch an eager fan base flock to Citi Field, because that is how you fill a stadium, with exciting players, not with Huey Lewis and the News.
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This Fan Shot was contributed by Matt Stephens. Have something you want to say about the Mets? Share your opinions with over 25,000 Met fans who read this site daily.
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