Jan 20 2009
How many Outfielders do the Mets need?
By my count now the Mets currently have 7 OF’s slated for 5 positions on the opening day roster. Right now, Beltran, Church, Tatis, Reed, Marlon Anderson and Cory Sullivan are under contract. There was originally discussion about Daniel Murphy getting a spot, although I am not sure how that is possible at this point.
Here is how they stack up from a hitting stand point:
Left Handed Hitting Batters
Ryan Church
Cory Sullivan
Marlon Anderson
Jeremy Reed
Switch Hitters
Carlos Beltran
Right Handed
Fernando Tatis
So, it looks like Betran and Church have confirmed spots as a starter, and Tatis is almost guarenteed a spot, as he is the only Right Handed hitter in the OF. That leaves Sullivan, Reed and Anderson for the last 2 spots. My gut is telling me Anderson is out of a job, although I am not sure what his contract is worth. He got just over $1 million last year. Reed is signed for $925,000. Sullivan signed for $600,000. Sullivan could possibly start the season in AAA. If Murphy does start at AAA, I’d like to see them platoon him at some IF positions to give him more versitility. He could be this generations Keith Miller.
