We will be starting a new feature here at MMO called “The Keepers”. This feature will look at who has earned a roster spot for 2013 based off of their performance this season and in previous years.
This season, though fun while it lasted, was never really about contention. Coming into the season we all hoped we could compete, but we all expected what we have been seeing lately.
This season was about evaluation. Who is going to be here come 2013, 2014 and beyond? Who is part of the solution, and which players just don’t seem to fit what we are trying to build.
We saw good performances in spurts from some of our young players such as Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Jordany Valdespin and Lucas Duda. However, all three of them proved to be inconsistent and underdeveloped.
We have seen some players emerge as potential core guys such as Ruben Tejada and Jon Niese. We have also seen a few players struggle, which has left questions regarding their long term future such as Ike Davis and Josh Thole.
We also saw the return of Johan Santana, the continued emergence of R.A. Dickey, and the debut of highly touted prospect Matt Harvey.
There is no longer any doubt who the face of the franchise is. David Wright is that guy; he has earned it and deserves to be rewarded for it. We can’t try to build a winning team if we let our franchise star walk. What kind of message would that send to the Mets faithful?
The season is still far from over, but in the coming weeks we will take a closer look at who has solidified themselves as keepers for next season, and those who should move on.
