The 2nd annual “Should they stay or should they go?” article. While you read, I suggest you listen to this.
Below is a list of all position players who played for the Mets (and are still with them, in some capacity) in 2009 and whether they should stay or go for 2010…
Omir Santos – Stay. As a platoon/backup player. His struggle to keep his OBP near .300 is sad, but with little to no decent catchers on the market this season, he may be the Mets best option. Sign another mediocre catcher and hope they don’t stink up the joint too bad.
Brian Schneider – Go. For as thin as the catchers market is, the Mets can upgrade of the Schneid.
Josh Thole – Stay. In Triple-A. He needs more seasoning. But hopefully not too much more.
Daniel Murphy – Stay. I think he’s eventually traded, but his stock is pretty low right now. Hope 2010 platooning at first base with a cheap, decent bat raises that stock a bit and he can be shipped out before 2011, when, if all goes according to plan, Ike Davis starts at first. Or…just keep Murphy. If they do, they need to seriously upgrade elsewhere.
Fernando Tatis – Go. Double play machine.
Carlos Delgado – Go. To an AL team. Unless he’s really, really cheap.
Nick Evans – Go. To Triple-A or another team. If you can find a spot for Evans on the Mets, I’ll give you a nickel.*
Luis Castillo – Stay. A very good year for Castillo was overshadowed by a dismal season for the entire team. He won’t repeat 2009, but a slight decline won’t be the worst thing in the world. And honestly, where else will he go?
Alex Cora – Go. I like his leadership and all and he should only be a backup player, at best. But if they want to contend in 2010, they need to plan for reoccurring injuries. Find a better backup.
Anderson Hernandez – Go. Didn’t like his the first time around. Not any better the second spin, either.
David Wright – Stay. Duh.
Jose Reyes – Stay. Anyone who says he should be traded is a knucklehead.
Wilson Valdez – Go. I know James Kannengieser wouldn’t mind him back, but again, they can find better. I hope.
Jeremy Reed – Go. His talent can be found in a bunch of other players. Though, he had a knack for pinch hitting.
Gary Sheffield – Go. Do you need an explanation?
Cory Sullivan – Go. Can’t hit, can’t really field much either. Made some nice plays, but isn’t a defensive star. Though, wouldn’t hate it. As a fifth outfielder, maybe.
Carlos Beltran – Stay. Again, duh.
Angel Pagan – Stay. As a fourth outfielder. Don’t hand this guy the reigns to any starting jobs. He’s a solid fill-in (for an extended period of time) and that’s about it. Surprisingly one of the healthier players last season.
Jeff Francoeur – Go. For what he’ll likely cost and what he puts out on the field, he’s just not worth it.
Fernando Martinez – Stay. In the minors. His short stint with the Mets didn’t do much to raise his stock. In fact, it likely dropped considerably.
Did I miss anyone?