NEW YORK METS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.
*Players on the 40-man roster:BOLD.
*Players who are injured: +
*Players who are Out of Options: ##
*Baseball America '12 pre-season prospect rankings: BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '12 pre-season prospect rankings: GREEN.
•Buffalo (AAA)/ Binghamton (AA)
•St. Lucie (Hi-A)/ Savannah (Lo-A)/ Rookie Levels
'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.
*40-man roster total (40)
*Projected 2012 Payroll: est. $95,000,000 according to MLBDC Magazine
OPENING DAY ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup (Click HERE to see last 7 lineups)
1 CF Andres Torres** ##
2 2B Daniel Murphy*
3 3B David Wright
4 1B Ike Davis*
5 LF Jason Bay
6 RF Lucas Duda*
7 C Josh Thole*
8 SS Ruben Tejada
Bench
C Mike Nickeas
1B/OF Mike Baxter*
IF Ronny Cedeño
IF Justin Turner
OF Scott Hairston
Starting Rotation
1 LHP Johan Santana
2 RHP R.A. Dickey
3 LHP Jon Niese
4 RHP Mike Pelfrey
5 RHP Dillon Gee
Bullpen
CL RHP Frank Francisco
SU RHP Ramon Ramirez
SU RHP Jon Rauch
MID RHP Manny Acosta ##
MID RHP Bobby Parnell
MID LHP Tim Byrdak
LR RHP Miguel Batista
Disabled List
Position Players
None
Pitchers
RHP Pedro Beato + UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (shoulder stiffness)
RHP D.J. Carrasco + UPDATE 4/4 - placed on 15-Day DL, retroactive to March 26th (sprained ankle)
Optioned to Minors
Position Players
1B/3B Zach Lutz BA#16
2B Reese Havens BA#9 BP#8
SS Wilmer Flores BA#10 BP#16
IF Josh Satin BA#29
IF Jordany Valdespin* BA#11 BP#6
OF Juan Lagares BA#22 BP#5
OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis* BA#7 BP#11
OF Cesar Puello BA#5 BP#9
Pitchers
RHP Jeurys Familia BA#4 BP#3
RHP Jeremy Hefner
RHP Jenrry Mejia BA#6 BP#7 + underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2011
RHP Chris Schwinden BA#24 BP#19
LHP Robert Carson
Major League Free Agents
Position Players
C Ronny Paulino (1/30: signed w/BAL)
SS Jose Reyes** (12/4: signed w/MIA)
IF/OF Willie Harris* (1/23: signed w/CIN)
Pitchers
RHP Jason Isringhausen (2/22: signed w/LAA)
LHP Chris Capuano (12/2: signed w/LAD)
Minor League Free Agents
Position Players
C Raul Chavez
C/1B Salomon Manriquez (11/9: signed w/LAD)
1B Stefan Welch (11/22: signed w/PIT)
1B/OF Jason Botts**
IF Luis Figueroa**
IF Luis Hernandez** (12/1: signed w/TEX)
IF Chin-lung Hu (1/11: signed w/CLE)
IF/OF Nick Evans (11/29: signed w/PIT)
OF Bubba Bell*
OF Jesus Feliciano* (1/19: signed w/TB)
OF Brahiam Maldonado (11/22: signed w/ATL)
OF Jason Pridie* (11/15: signed w/OAK)
Pitchers
RHP Boof Bonser (12/28: signed w/SF)
RHP Ricky Brooks
RHP Taylor Buchholz
RHP Jose De La Torre (1/26: signed w/CLE)
RHP Ryota Igarashi (12/14: signed w/PIT)
RHP John Lujan
RHP Brian Sweeney (1/27: signed with SEA)
RHP Dale Thayer (12/6: signed w/SD)
LHP Gustavo Chacin
LHP Pat Misch (11/29: signed w/PHI)
LHP Mike O'Connor (11/16: signed w/NYY)
LHP Taylor Tankersley
Lost off Waivers/ Lost in Rule V/Traded
•OF Fernando Martinez* UPDATE 1/11 - lost off waivers to Astros
•OF Angel Pagan** UPDATE 12/6 - traded to Giants
•RHP Rhiner Cruz UPDATE 12/8 - taken by Houston (Rule V)
•RHP Josh Stinson UPDATE 4/4 - lost off waivers to Brewers
NEW YORK METS
OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 9/16/2011
Year one under new General Manager Sandy Alderson and Manager Terry Collins is coming to a close and while the Mets are likely to finish with a losing record, they could be viewed as overachievers. Ace Johan Santana has been on the DL the entire season trying to make his way back from shoulder surgery. Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Angel Pagan have all spent significant time on the DL while Ike Davis has been sidelined since May 11th. Every team has injuries. But that's five of their best players. And we can't forget that Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez were traded mid-season. That didn't help much either. Winning 75 games should be considered an accomplishment. In year two under the new regime, they're going to need to get healthy, and stay healthy, but Alderson has some work to do if they're going to avoid another losing season.
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What position does Daniel Murphy play in 2012?
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
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First and foremost, the Mets will try to re-sign Reyes. Even with the multiple hamstring injuries, the 28 year-old is likely to net a multi-year deal for at least $100 million. There should be a handful of teams in the bidding and Alderson is probably less likely to over-spend than his successor, Omar Minaya. If Reyes departs, Ruben Tejada would likely shift over from second base to take over at shortstop. The talented 21 year-old has shown some offensive potential (.901 OPS in August) but he doesn't have the speed or power to make a huge impact. That's OK, because they still have a few hitters who can.
Wright and Davis are a solid 1-2 punch in the middle of the lineup and Lucas Duda has an .817 OPS in 95 games. Jason Bay continues to disappoint although he's currently having his best month as a Met (1.080 OPS in 15 games). It's hard to ignore the fact that his OPS has been under .700 every other month this season but it should at least give the team some hope that he can turn it around in 2012. One of the biggest questions heading into next season will be how they use Daniel Murphy, who was hitting .320 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in early August. He seems to be best-suited for first base or a corner outfield spot. The team could non-tender Pagan and move Bay to center field and start Murphy in left field.
The rotation would get a huge boost if Santana can return to his pre-injury form when he won two Cy Young awards and made four All-Star teams. He'll be 33 years old when the 2012 season starts and he's experienced a few setbacks during his rehab so the Mets continue to take a cautious approach in hopes that he'll be ready for Spring Training. Without a true #1 starter, the Mets will have a hard time competing in the NL East against the likes of the Braves and Phillies. Mike Pelfrey, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey, and Dillon Gee are middle or back-of-the-rotation types, unlike top pitching prospect Matt Harvey, who could be a #1 or 2 down the road. He could help at some point next year but look for Alderson to bring in 1-2 veterans as he did this season with Chris Capuano and Chris Young. Capuano has worked out great and could be brought back on another free agent deal.
Despite solid performances as of late from Manny Acosta, Danny Ray Herrera, and Josh Stinson, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the Mets are still a reliable closer and two setup men away from being a good bullpen. Bobby Parnell is the projected closer, only because he throws 100 mph and has the potential to be a very good reliever. He just hasn't put it all together yet and I'm not sure he ever will. If he's to be the closer going into 2012, he'll have to earn it in Spring Training. Alderson will have his hands full trying to improve his bullpen. It could mean the difference between a winning and losing season.
•UPDATE 9/18 - Lefty Tim Byrdak has agreed to a one-year extension for next season so pencil him in as one of the middle relievers. The 37 year-old has a 2.89 ERA in 69 appearances and has held lefties to a .204 batting average.
•UPDATE 12/6 - In a matter of one hour, the team agreed to deals with Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch and traded for Ramon Ramirez, filling out the back end of their bullpen. Center fielder Andres Torres was also acquired for Angel Pagan.
•UPDATE 9/18 - Lefty Tim Byrdak has agreed to a one-year extension for next season so pencil him in as one of the middle relievers. The 37 year-old has a 2.89 ERA in 69 appearances and has held lefties to a .204 batting average.
•UPDATE 12/6 - In a matter of one hour, the team agreed to deals with Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch and traded for Ramon Ramirez, filling out the back end of their bullpen. Center fielder Andres Torres was also acquired for Angel Pagan.
Offseason Needs: Starting Pitcher(s), Middle Infield Depth, Catcher
Potential Position Battle: TBD
Posts
40 comments:
Pagan is not 100% sure the 2012 CF, that could be a priority.
I think they're seriously considering Bay to CF. Need somewhere for Daniel Murphy to play. With Ike at 1B, LF would the best spot for him. IF they re-sign Reyes, I think they'd feel comfortable letting Pagan go. They need a leadoff hitter if Reyes leaves.
If Wright is traded then Murphy can play at 3rd. If not Murphy can plat 2nd, NY believes Turner is best suited as a utility player.
Starting to seriously doubt Reyes is back, which puts Tejada at SS and Murphy at 2B. Then either Pagan is brought back until Nieuwenhuis is ready, or they sign a FA to cover the position and non-tender Pagan. I see Turner, Evans, and Nickeas as bench components, unless Paulino is tendered contract. That leaves two spots on bench, probably a FA and maybe someone like Baxter who can play 1B and OF. Valdespin and Havens are the likely AAA double play combo, Satin fills in at 1B, and Lutz remains at 3B. Perhaps Capuano or another SP is signed to compete with Gee and to provide depth, and then at least two relievers are added, if not more. Could see Harvey or Familia mid-year, and maybe Mejia in bullpen by end of season. I doubt Carrasco starts on 25 man roster, maybe DFA'd to AAA, as well as Herrera (DFA) and Stinson (optioned). Could see someone like Carson get the second LH spot in pen if Mets decide to add him to 40-man. Lots of interesting Rule 5 decisions to be made (Lagares, Puello, Flores, Marte, Nieuwenhuis, Havens, Familia, McHugh to name a few).
All good points. The Mets are probably one of the top 5 interesting teams to watch this offseason, in my opinion. Lots of big decisions to make.
You can't start Jason Bay in center, no way no how
If you ask me I think the mets need to wake up, look who’s across town, and remember that they are a New York team and there are high expectations. They need to over pay for an ace right hander on the trade market because even if there was a top notch free agent he would never even consider the Mets unless they were desperate, pretty much like Jason Bay. I think that James Shields would be perfect. He's a true gamer, he's extremely durable, and going from pitching in the American League East to the National League, all while pitching in Citi Field could even make him a Cy Young front runner. He would bring a winning attitude and a lot of confidence to a team that the last five years has had little to none of. Once they have brought in someone to go in front of Johan Santana they need to have someone to go behind him. Mike Pelfrey does not fit this bill in any way, shape or form. This year’s free agent pitching market is extremely thin, and for the most part feature's guys that are injured year after year looking for one year incentive laden deals. I say they trade Pelfrey for what or whoever he is worth and then trade for a reliable two-hundred inning number three starter, such as Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer of the Tigers, or Edinson Volquez of the Reds if they have given up on him. Another option is to make a big splash and sign Edwin Jackson. He's a guy who has proven the ability of being a good pitcher, and if he has other guys around him to keep his confidence up he could be great. I honestly believe that they have the prospects and funds to accomplish this. Niese and Dickey are more than capable of rounding out the remaining two spots in the rotation. I should also mention that they need a great not good defensive catcher who calls a great game and throws runners out. I don't care how bad his bat is, he can bat eighth, just as long as he keeps the pitchers calm throughout the game and knows where and how to get hitters out. After all this is done, they can work on yet another year of rebuilding an entire bullpen, resigning Reyes, and accessing the outfielders and second base. Good Luck Sandy, your gonna need it!
Sandy has made it clear that payroll is only going to be in $100M range next season. Combine that with fact that Santana, Bay, and Wright make just under $60M and you have about $40-45M to fill out remainder of roster. If you keep Pelfrey and Pagan, and account for other players currently on roster, that leaves about $20M to fill the holes. If you look at next the salaries for 2013, you have over $60M for Santana/Bay/Wright, along with Davis, Thole, Parnell, Acosta, Pelfrey, and Niese all being arbitration eligible. Long story short, the Mets don't have the money to make the moves you talk about. Mets need a closer, maybe another reliever if they want to put Beato in AAA, back up catcher if they don't want to go with Nickeas, along with a few bench guys and maybe a starting pitcher. Signing Jackson would take almost half of that budget, not to mention he reminds me of the right handed version of Oliver Perez. Great one game, can't find the strike zone the next. Mets don't have the prospects necessary to trade for Shields, and probably don't have enough to get someone like Porcello without including someone like Familia or Harvey, which they won't do. It's more likely the Mets trade away other useful major league pieces, continue to stock the farm system, and fill in the gaps with 1 yr contracts to bridge the team until 2013 or 2014 when some of the young pitching is ready. Then you might see them try to sign some upper tier free agents and make a few trades to fill the gaps. But until they are close to competing with what they have from within, don't expect them to sign any long term deals or trade for any major league talent that might not be around in 3-4 seasons when they will be competing.
Francisco, Rauch, and Ramirez should help the Mets lower the number of games that they lose after leading in the 7th inning or later. Last year was over 20. If they can lower that number to 10-15, it's a win. Torres will begin the year as lead off and CF, and will probably move to a 4th OF role once Nieuwenhuis gets promoted. Nice moves for the Mets.
Just a thought... Would it be weird to bring back Beltran. For some odd reason his market is thin, and I don't think a two year deal would be that bad, Not to mention how much of an upgrade he would be over the team's current hitters. It may seem unlikely, but then again just a thought.
Sounds like they've just about hit their offseason spending limit on Rauch and Francisco. Basically, that keeps things from getting too ugly, which would happen very quickly without a half-way decent bullpen. Don't think they're looking to add anymore payroll. Beltran is still going to get a 2-yr deal, in my opinion, at around $12M per season. There's a lot of teams that need a corner OF and can afford that much. I'd put the Cardinals, Marlins, and Red Sox at the top of that list.
If I'm the Mets I'm targeting Theriot or possibly Cedeno at this point.
I wonder if Alderson saw the haul that the Padres got for Latos and started to call some other teams about Niese. Thinking if he could get a stud catching prospect and another top guy or two he'd have to consider moving him.
Niese is considered a mid-rotation guy. Latos is a potential ace. So even though they are both under team control for 4 years and around the same age, Latos' trade value is much higher. Don't think they can get anywhere close to the Latos return. Plus, a lot of people think the Reds overpaid. Would another team overpay for Niese? I doubt it.
The Starting Lineup looks like it can be solid, but that Bench is weak and the Starting Rotation barely resembles a major league team. Niese has the best stuff in the rotation, Dickey has done well for 2 years but can he really lead the rotation? The rest leave much to be desired. They could avoid a 100 losses but who other than Houston are they better than. This is going to be a dark season at Citi Field.
Key will be health. If the starters don't get hurt, this team could compete for the second wild card spot. But, that is a big if. The last several seasons have seen a lot of injuries to key Mets including Santana, Bay, Wright, Niese, and Davis. (And Beltran, Reyes, and KRod). Losing any of them for significant time will make it nearly impossible to make playoffs. That being said, I'm predicting 70-92 for this season, and many more trades between now and Spring Training 2013. Depending on the ownership situation, that could be when the team makes a comeback. But probably more likely 2014 or 2015 before they compete for a division title.
It says Andres Torres was acquired for Andres Pagan.
I've realized that, no matter what, my first instinct is to always call him 'Andres'. Not sure why. I usually catch myself and change it to 'Angel', but not on that one. Thanks!
I thought Justin Turner had a pretty good year last year. I am also not the biggest Daniel Murphy fan, but I thought Turner put himself in a position where he would be looked at to start. I thought Murphy would fit into a utility role more than Turner just because Murphy has played almost every infield position plus the corner outfield positions while Turner is just an infielder, unless they are going to try him in the outfield to in spring training.
I was sticking with that theory for the first two months of the offseason but it sounds like they're committed to Murphy being the everyday 2B. That is, if they don't trade him. His bat needs to be in the lineup everyday.
Martinez and Herrera were DFA'd.
Scott Kazmir signed.
It's Sean Kazmar, the infielder.
Oh yeah, it is Kazmar. MLB.com said Scott Kazmir. I guess from now on I'd better wait to hear it from you.
Looking at what Boston gave up for Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney, is it possible the Mets could have had these guys for Daniel Murphy, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Brad Holt, and maybe some other minor league pitcher?
Maybe, but the Mets weren't really looking to add a closer. They already signed Francisco.
Does anyone know what the plan is for center field, and if Jordany Valdespin is gonna get a shot for a middle infield spot. I really don't wanna actually pay money to sit in the stands at Citi Field this summer to see Andres Torres and Justin Turner.
Pretty sure Torres will start season as starting CF and then Nieuwenhuis will get promoted if he starts season where he left off before getting hurt last year. If Nieuwenhuis struggles and den Dekker has strong season, you might see him get a cup of coffee at end of season. I see Torres ending up as defensive 4th OF and Hairston being the offensive 5th OF. Turner will back up Murphy and Wright. If Havens has a strong start to the season and stays healthy, he might get the nod and Murphy or Wright could be on the block.
I'm interested to see where they start Harvey and Familia. Both could start back in Binghamton and get promoted if they start fast or both could go to AAA. I think we see both in NY by September.
Pelfrey is not the #2. #2 is Dickey and Pelfrey falls in the #3/#4 spot around Niese. Also pitchers from the outside looking in, you need to either make Familia and Harvey bold or make them both normal because neither has on the other. Otherwise this is extremely accurate and impressive.
David,
If Collins has set the rotation order already, please send me a link. I heard him name Santana, Pelfrey, Niese, and Dickey in that order when discussing his rotation recently. Doesn't mean that will be the order but it may be an indication.
In regards to Familia and Harvey, bold means they are on the 40-man roster. Familia is on, Harvey is not. Has nothing to do with who is better. Familia has been in the organization long enough where they had to place him on the 40-man to protect him from the Rule V draft. I have an explanation of the rule here:
http://www.mlbdepthcharts.com/2011/11/40-man-roster-additions_18.html
Oh... that was clueless on my part should have read the key. I am familiar with the Rule V draft. My reasoning for Dickey being the #2 is mostly speculation. People were saying how Dickey would most likely be the opening day starter if Santana was not ready, indicating people around the organization feel he is the next in line. Besides that, it just makes too much statistical sense. Pelfrey was absolutely awful last year and if they like how many innings he gives, he can continue to do that in the back of the rotation. However, I understand you wanting to wait it out until there is solid proof.
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/38693/gee-gets-grapefruit-opener-for-santana
"That begins to line up the Mets’ starters for the season, with Santana, R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese expected to face the Atlanta Braves to open the regular season, followed by Mike Pelfrey working as the No. 4 starter and then Gee."
Got it. Thanks for the link, David!
Is there any particular reason why you have Rottino over Baxter for the last bench spot?
They need a right-handed bat off the bench with Hairston out. Loewen fills the need for a backup CF, Rottino fills the role of right-handed pinch-hitter.
Similar to my question about the Cubs, where do you see them opening up the 3 spots needed for non-roster invites?
Looks like Rottino will make the roster with Torres starting on the DL, Hairston the opening day CF, and Baxter on the roster as well...
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/ny-mets-center-fielder-andres-torres-strained-calf-better-feels-awkward-batter-box-article-1.1053764
Looks like FranFran had some fluid drained from his knee and is scheduled for an MRI today. Both Rauch and Ramirez have had subpar springs, while Parnell has looked strong. Who do you see as next in line?
Doesn't seem too serious with Francisco but I'm sure Parnell would be considered to close if they needed someone. This early on, I think they'd go with Rauch or Ramirez, but if Parnell continues to pitch well the first few weeks, I think they'd go with him. I don't see anyone else who would be considered a closer of the near future. Parnell is probably down to his last chance to prove he can be a consistent big league reliever.
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