Don’t count Nick Evans out. That’s what Terry Collins said, despite the additions of Scott Hairston and Willie Harris – the latter signed to a minor league deal. When asked if those two players could be the backup outfielders, Collins said,
“When you talk about the competition side of everything, I’m going to throw Nick Evans’ name in that hat.”
I’m glad to hear Collins bring Evans up like he did, because it would be a shame to see Evans go through waivers and end up playing for another team. Evans is a major league hitter with some good homerun power, and it’s too bad he never got a full shot with the Mets.
I thought the signings of Harris and Hairston were odd in light of the fact the Mets have so much depth in the outfield. The made little sense and only served to block players who are younger and more productive.
Last season, in 125 minor league games, Evans put up a slash line of .300/.371/.536 in 548 plate appearances. He also banged out 23 home runs and 44 doubles while driving in 80.
In comparison, last season Hairston’s slash line was .210/.295/.346 in 336 PA, and Harris came in at .183/.291/.363 in 262 PA. Both absolutely brutal!
At 25 years old, the future is still bright for Nick Evans, but will that future be with the Mets?
