Mets Position Battles Can Help Youngsters

One week into spring training, and one thing is beginning to become apparent. The New York Mets are developing a log jam at several positions. First, the much unheralded, well documented off season sported multiple catcher signings. Most fans, by now, are well aware of the many catchers that the team signed and tried to sign.

They are all competing for probably only two spots on the major league roster. Omir Santos, Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco, Josh Thole, Chris Coste and Shawn Riggans constitute the current list. That's six players, again, competing for probably only two spots. This is the definition of a log jam. They spent the money on Barajas, so he will be in the majors.

Blanco and Santos are the main competitors for the backup spot behind the plate. It doesn't appear there will be three catchers, so from those two players, probably will emerge the backup, given injuries. Coste and Riggans will be only competing for what level of the minors they will be placed in.

Thole is the future, but he needs seasoning, so he will stay in the minors for another year. It's an important decision between the other catchers as to who will understudy Thole and help groom him. Barajas will be the bridge for this franchise before Thole takes over regularly.

Then as the off season was winding down, the team created a slight problem again by stock piling outfielders. There are three starting spots and probably only two reserves. The leading names involved in that, are Jeff Francoeur, Jason Bay, Carlos Beltran, Angel Pagan, Gary Matthews Jr, Nick Evans and Fernando Martinez. There are a few others, but not anyone else with a realistic chance at making the majors. That's seven players for four or five spots.

It was rumored earlier in the week, that the Cincinnati Reds were interested possibly in a trade for Matthews, but they adamantly denied it. However, in just today's Mets radio broadcast, the announcers were still referring to it being a possibility. Do they know something that we do not?

When Beltran comes back, if Beltran comes back healthy, he will bump someone out of position.
It will not be Bay or Francoeur. It will be Pagan or Matthews. If Matthews gets traded for a pitcher, then it becomes clearer that Martinez may be the only odd man out. However, as the log jam occurs and Manuel is looking for a spark, a good spring could lead to a roster spot for Martinez over Pagan. Evans will probably need more time in the minors to work on his fielding. I do not expect him to be a factor this season. This is barring injuries.

They feel that last season helped Martinez to get a taste of the majors. In the following years, it will be a tremendous learning experience that he can look back to in order to draw from. Make no mistake about it, the franchise still sees him as a major league outfielder, just not this year, again, barring another injury.

Now, as spring training is unfolding, it would appear that the same scenario is occurring at first base. The players in the jam at first are Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis and Mike Jacobs. That's four players for probably two spots as well. Perhaps, one of those players will make the roster as a backup for another position, but don't expect that to be Murphy or Davis.

Many reports have also claimed Frank Catalanoto may be in the mix there somewhere because Jerry Manuel likes him. Catalanoto plays multiple positions, but at this stage of his career it is unknown just how much of a contribution he can provide off of the bench. Still, with last season still fresh in the collective minds of the franchise, a utility infielder who can play the outfield too, would put him at an advantage.

Tatis will be on the roster, probably as a backup for third but will play first primarily this year. Ike Davis has had a brilliant spring thus far. He has hit extremely well and has the baseball sense that comes with the pedigree from being the son of a former major league pitcher. He does, however need grooming. Expect him to be in the majors later this year, but not in the beginning.

For now, Murphy will probably win the starting job with Jacobs staying on the roster for a very important reason. He has more power. He has the type of power off of the bench that can be feared. They need that in the lineup, he is a great DH option for later in the season. He also can be an emergency backup catcher. That too is important. Keep in mind, given last season, the team has made it no secret that it is now going forward as if they are preparing for injuries.

This is the type of mentality that will hold a team back. Personally, I believe Jacobs would be a terrific asset to the lineup, but Murphy is one of Manuel's guys. He's not going anywhere. With all of this in mind, the Mets have a very bright future. The depth of talent is extraordinary.

They didn't have enough depth last season, but they did fix that this off season, which was a main goal. For that, we have to applaud Omar Minaya. The outlook next season, at this time, could include, Davis, Martinez, Evans and even Ruben Tejada in the lineup in Queens and being very productive along with Bay and Wright. Wouldn't that make the Mets amazing again?