Gary Matthews Jr. Clogging Things Up
By Mike Silva ~ March 6th, 2010. Filed under: Mike Silva, New York Mets.
Angel Pagan seemed poised to win the CF job for the Mets this spring. As a matter of fact, I could see him supplanting Jeff Francoeur, upon Beltran’s return, if Frenchy returns to his 2008 Atlanta levels of offense.
Jason Pridie drove in four runs this week and we all know what Frank Catalanotto can do with respect to versatility. The Mets can afford to keep 6 bench players until Carlos Beltran returns in May. With Tatis, Blanco, Cora and Matthews Jr. locks that leaves four candidates (Carter, Jacobs, Catalanotto, Pridie) for two spots. It seems like GMJ’s presence makes for some roster inflexibility.
Buster Olney reported the Reds may be interested in Matthews Jr., but it was quickly shot down by Cincinnati management. If Gary Matthews Jr. is a lock (mostly due to salary) the odds of someone like Pridie sticking around are slim to none. Jerry Manuel seems to want a power bat off the bench (Jacobs?) so you are left with just one spot.
Matthews has hit very well these first few games, but Pridie seems to be a better version of GMJ and at a much cheaper price. Plus, the kid has options that can be exercised when Beltran returns. In the case of GMJ you have a million dollar salary to potentially move.
A good spring by Gary Matthews Jr. shouldn’t fool the Mets. If there is legitimate interest in him out there stick with a Pridie or Catalanotto and move GMJ. If you do move GMJ you can take both north and give it a few more weeks of evaluation.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:49 am
RF,Pagan? Come on, his arm is terrible, no way Pagan can plaay RF. Perhaps 1B if Murphy hits 270 and Pagan does well in Beltran’s absence.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:54 am
I hope gmj plays well enough to be traded. I’ve never been a big fan of his and evenagood spring would not sway me into a believer.
I wonder if gmj and nieve could get the mets arroyo or harang?
March 6th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Get rid of Gary..he is a BUM!