The Mets current 25 man roster has eight players that were in Buffalo on Opening Day. Although the Mets system isn’t highly regarded for top talent it has been able to produce some decent replacement players in times of need. With Ike Davis and David Wright out for an indefinite period of time it’s an opportunity for the organization to see who can be a useful piece going forward.

On Sunday, I said the next twenty games might determine if there will be any fun this summer at Citi Field. My prediction of 12-8 looks aggressive without the middle of the order. The only hope is they continue to get more games like the one Jonathon Niese threw last night. With the possibility of Wright being out till the All Star Break, Terry Collins might win manager of the year if he can keep this team around .500.

As I said before, the silver lining is showcasing players 26 through 40 of the roster. Think of it as extended spring training in the regular season. So far, Justin Turner and Jason Pridie appear to be useful pieces for the roster going forward, while the jury is still out on Fernando Martinez, Nick Evans, Ruben Tejada, and Dillon Gee.

Turner has hit at every level in the minor leagues, but seemingly never given more than a small sample to showcase his talents at the big league level. During spring training one Met told me how impressed he was with Turner in the second base competition. He appears to be the type of player that could hit about .270 with 15 homers, 70 RBI, and a good amount of doubles. Those are very good numbers from the second base position. Defensively he isn’t a gold glove, but steady enough where he won’t hurt you. Only 26, it’s possible the Mets found their second basemen in the most unlikely of places.

Pridie is another example of a player that never was given an opportunity at the big league level. The former second round pick of the Rays in 2002 has always displayed big league speed, defense, and power, but his inability to put the ball in play has been his biggest knock. I don’t believe he is an everyday player, but certainly can be a solid fourth outfielder that can provide left handed power off the bench.

We might be seeing the last stand for Nick Evans and Fernando Martinez with the organization. Martinez made a rousing return with his homer on Friday in Houston, but that arthritic knee will probably limit him to a part time player. He clearly has some pop in his bat, but he isn’t close to the five tool player promised when Omar Minaya signed him as a 16 year old in 2005. Evans is an enigma as he’s never shown the consistent power displayed in the minor leagues. He plays first, third, and left, but doesn’t stand out at any position. I suspect a bad stint here will put the final nail in the coffin of his Mets tenure.

Just recalled Ruben Tejada might establish himself as a dependable backup middle infielder. I have my doubts that his bat will keep him in the lineup at this level, but it’s good enough off the bench. Of course, if Jose Reyes is traded all that can change. Right now, I see him as nothing more than an average hitting backup middle infielder. There is nothing wrong with that as the team has spent big money in the past for the likes of Alex Cora to play a similar role.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Dillon Gee. I am higher on Gee than most as I believe what he lacks in pure stuff he makes up with his ability to compete on the mound. His customary command has been lacking since taking over for Chris Young in the rotation, but it’s too soon for me to give up on someone that could be a consistent 170 inning backend of the rotation starter.

If the Mets could learn about these kids it might be one positive that results from this sea of unfortunate injuries.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Buffalo Bisons, Dillon Gee, Fernando Martinez, Jason Pridie, Justin Turner, New York Mets, Nick Evans, Ruben Tejada