Last night, Adam Rubin of ESPN NY reported that Mets second base prospect Reese Havens, may be facing back surgery.

According to an organization source, Havens is in New York, where he received injections for season-long injury trouble that started with his oblique muscles. If the trouble is not relieved within a few weeks, surgery may proceed.

Havens has been highly regarded since being drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft.

Originally a shortstop, the Mets shifted Havens to his left and it was expected that he could develop into a power hitting second baseman cut from the same mold as the Phillies’ Chase Utley. However, injuries have stalled his development so much so, that he has played in just parts of three seasons, missing well over 125 games in the process.

Havens was selected in the first round of the 2008 draft, 22nd overall and just four picks after the Mets selected Ike Davis. Believe it or not, there were many reports that suggested Havens was the better power prospect of the two, including in the power department.

Can you imagine having a second baseman who could hit .280 with 25 homers and 85 RBIs in an average season in our lineup for the next ten years? I actually did imagine it, and it bothers the hell out of me that Havens is becoming as injury prone as fellow prospect Fernando Martinez.

The emergence of young Ruben Tejada makes me feel a little better about the situation, but talent wise Tejada isn’t even on the same map as Havens.

A good friend of MMO, Mack Ade of the great Mack’s Mets, had some more insight on the situation and wrote,

Defensively, Tovar and Tejada are da bomb.  Offensively, Satin is a pure hitter. But Havens is the one guy that has the potential to be the first consistent 30+ home run hitting second baseman for the Mets… ever.

My guess… this changes everything regarding what the Mets plans are regarding the resigning of Jose Reyes. Havens was thought of as the person that would take second base away from Tejada, and become the full time Met in 2012. That won’t happen now.

Right now, Tejada can relax a little. Without the Havens threat, he will become the new Mets second baseman.

I always put a lot of stock in what Mack says about the Mets minor leagues. He’s been at it for a long time, really knows his stuff, is well respected, and a truly valuable resource. By the way, Mack just interviewed one of the Mets’ more promising pitching prospects, the Sand Gnats’ Collin McHugh. Check it out.