Ruben Tejada: By The Numbers

They say numbers don't lie and while I don't believe that's always the case, here is a raw, yet brutal look at Ruben Tejada.

-.9:  Tejada was nearly a game worse than an average replacement player in 2013 (WAR).

0:  The percentage chance Tejada should enter the season as the Mets starting shortstop.

1:  The number of hits Tejada has posted thus far this spring in 15 at-bats.

2:  The number of homeruns Tejada has hit..ever.

3:  The number of errors Tejada has committed in just six games this spring.

42.5:  The average number of days Tejada has spent on the disabled list the past two years.

114:  The highest number of games Tejada has played in any one season.

$1.1 Million:  The amount Tejada will be paid by the Mets this season whether he starts or not.

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Look, I like Tejada more than most.  I genuinely believe he's much better than the .202 campaign he put up in 2013.  Between 2011 and 2012, Tejada hit .287 over 792 at-bats.  I'm inclined to believe that isn't a fluke.  That was Tejada at his best.  A singles hitter who plays average defense.  The Mets shouldn't be looking to start that type of player, assuming he returns to form (which looks unlikely).  My guess is the past 12 months have shattered Tejada's confidence.  The team has been hard on him and his performance has suffered.  He may never recover, but even if he does he shouldn't be the team's starting shortstop in 2014.  Its that simple.

Mets Still Have Time To Address Shortstop

There are now 18 days until Opening Day and I'm fairly certain most Mets fans can come up with at least 18 reasons why Ruben Tejada shouldn't be the team's starting shortstop when March 31st arrives.  The good news is that the Mets still have a few different directions they can go if they decide (and they should) an upgrade is necessary.

The player we've heard about most in recent weeks is Nick Franklin.  He is likely the odd man out up the middle in Seattle.  However questions loom about his ability to play shortstop, with some saying he would be a defensive downgrade from Tejada.  Still, he represents a quality offensive boost that would likely come at the cost of one of the organizations non-elite young arms.  It still may be a steep price to pay for a player who likely won't be able to stick at the shortstop position long term.  Could the Mets shift him to second, assuming Daniel Murphy becomes to expensive for the team's tastes?  Sure, but its a complication they would probably like to avoid if possible.

The other trade option would be the eventual loser of Arizona's Didi Gregorius vs. Chris Owings competition.  Each is believed to be a major league shortstop.  Of the two, my guess would be that the Mets would prefer Owings, but they may not get to choose.  If I were to lay a bet, it would be that this is the first avenue the Mets pursue in the coming weeks.  Yes, it would be the most expensive route in terms of talent (assuming the package going back would include Kevin Plawecki and another young arm), but it also sets the Mets up with a sure shortstop option for years to come.  This would be a significant trade with the Mets for the first time letting go of some of the talent they've spent years stock piling.  However, if you're looking for a young, controllable, surefire shortstop..this is where they need to look.

Finally, as has remained the case all winter long, Stephen Drew remains available.  The free agent shortstop reported turned down a one-year/$9.5 million dollar offer from the Mets, who appear set to avoid a multi-year deal with him at all costs.  Still, he is the most established shortstop available and would instantly upgrade the team's defense up the middle and fortify the lineup.  He may even be a lead off candidate.  However, I still believe he is the front office's backup plan.  If they are unable to work out a trade elsewhere, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Mets cave and offer Drew the two or three year deal he covets.  I just hope it doesn't come to that.

There is still time to address this need.  Whether you think the Mets front office is genuinely interested in doing so is another argument for another time.  I'm inclined to think they're more than open to the idea, having done little to squash the rumors that have linked them to all three parties.  In any event, the trade options listed above fit inline with the organizations thinking over the past few years.  Young, controllable talent who can remain in the fold for years to come.  Unfortunately, those trades can't happen until decisions are made by the other teams involved.  Nonetheless, Opening Day is coming..and so too are the answers to these questions.

Mets Have Three Players Out Of Options

In an afternoon post to MLB Trade Rumors yesterday, it was determined that the Mets have three players who have less than five years of service time, and who are out of minor league options.  As a result, these players would need to pass through waivers if the Mets wished to demote them to AAA Las Vegas.  In that instance, the Mets would run the risk of losing them if they are claimed by another team. Those players in question are Ruben Tejada, Eric Young Jr. and Carlos Torres, all of whom appear destined to head north with the team with camp breaks later this month.

To date, Ruben Tejada remains the front runner for the starting shortstop gig.  His role however probably the least secure of the three.  He has not had a strong spring to date and has battled a sore hamstring. With the Mets seemingly in the market all winter for an upgrade, Tejada would quickly find himself on the bench if they pull the trigger.

Young Jr. also finds himself the front runner for a starting spot, although that designation comes with significant controversy and is likely because of his perceived ability to lead off.  That said, even if he doesn't start, he is almost certainly the first man off the bench in late game situation.  His spot on the roster is firm.

Finally, Carlos Torres is expected to make the team out of the bullpen as the long man.  He has pitched well this spring and shined in the role last season.  He can also spot-start if necessary.  However, bullpens are always in flux and relieves are often struggle at some point during the season.  That, combined with the fact that the Mets' farm system is going to graduate a few young arms this summer and Torres is the most likely of the three to find his way to the waiver wire during 2014.

Interestingly enough, two players who aren't on this list are Ike Davis and Lucas Duda, meaning the Mets can demote whomever doesn't end up with the starting first base gig.  This gives the team a bit of flexibility, as they won't have to worry about losing there "depth" at first base no matter who they decide is the better fit early on. 

Hey Mets, Enough With Tejada

I know I post sporadically. I have a lot going on right now so I write when I can. I'm on twitter everyday tho so I get a lot of venting done there. But this just irks me  so much that I have to squeeze this post in from my phone. I'm done with Ruben Tejada. I've been done with him since opening day 2012. I don't like him. I never liked him. I believe the Mets oversold his potential so that fans wouldn't hate them so much for letting Reyes go. He's just not that good.

The guy is lost. He couldn't catch the flu right now, let alone a baseball. He also can't hit himself out of a paperbag. I don't buy that he was out of shape last year and that this offseason camp is going to make a huge difference. You know why? Because last year he couldn't field ground balls hit directly to him. And he still can't. 

I don't want to hear the "Oh but 2011 and 2012" arguments. We've seen this movie before from players all over the league. Guys start off well and just lose it. It happens. It could be from the league catching up to them due to overexposure, or it could be mental. Either way, Ruben Tejada does not have a place on this team anymore. It's time to cut the cord. 

Keith said it best yesterday during the broadcast, that if you're in the doghouse, you better have the attitude that you're going to show the naysayers that they're wrong. He's not doing that. I don't think he's capable of doing that. I think he's just happy to be here. I could be wrong, considering I don't know the guy. I don't like to question people's mental states and intentions, but he doesn't seem like that guy from what I can tell.  That's not a guy I want on my team. 

I don't care if it's Tovar or Flores or Drew or Franklin. If Ruben Tejada is the everyday shortstop com March 31, I'm gonna be pissed. I try to have an upbeat outlook with this team as best I can. But when I see them trotting a guy out there who just doesn't seem like he has the desire to be a better player, or is just not a good player, then it's hard for me to have hope in a team, whether it's false hope or not. I have always been against booing players on my own team, no matter who or what the reason would be. The Mets and Tejada are pushing me to the edge. 

A little roller up along first... Behind the bag. It @GetsThruBuckner. Here comes Knight and the Mets win it! 

You see what I did there?  Say hi on Twitter. 

Mets Injury Updates

Ike Davis - As we mentioned earlier, he will sit out today's came after experiencing some calf tightness.  He was only expected to DH in the game.

Matt Harvey -  According to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News, Harvey will take the next step in his rehabilitation today.  Harvey is expected to throw both today and tomorrow, marking the first time he's thrown on back to back day since having Tommy John surgery

Ruben Tejada - Ms. Ackert also provided this morning that Ruben Tejada's hamstring feels good enough that he expects to participate in team workouts today in Port St. Lucie.

Eric Young Jr. - According to Marc Carig of NewsDay, Young told the media this morning that he expects to see game action tomorrow after battling an oblique strain for the past week.

Ike Davis Scratched From Today's Game

Ike Davis scratched from trip. Tight calf. Was only going to DH, so precaution.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) March 3, 2014

The injury concerns continue to mount for the Mets with Ike Davis being scratched from today's game against the Atlanta Braves. He removal from the lineup is being described as precautionary, but it should still grab the attention of fans with the first base role unresolved for the upcoming season. It should also grab the attention of those around the league, as it remains possible for Davis to be traded. A significant injury, which this isn't, would almost certainly limit that possibility.

Davis is the second Met, whose job is on the line, to go down in as many days. Yesterday is was shortstop, Ruben Tejada, who was held out of the lineup after complaining of tightness in his left hamstring. Neither injury is expected to be serious, but they are also not ideal as the Mets try to figure out what to do with each player.

Niese Heading Back to NYC for an MRI

Just effing great. Terry Collins told reporters that Jon is heading back to New York for an MRI on his left shoulder in what is described by Collins as soreness in his triceps since early in camp while Niese is calling it a dead arm.

So what is it? Pain in triceps, sore shoulder, or a dead arm? All three have completely different meanings. More outstanding communication between management and the player. Can this week go ahead and be over with already? Between the drama with Ike and his injury, Tejada being commented on as being out of shape, Vegas saying we are doomed, and now this? Terry calls it precautionary I call it an all around craptastic start to another long season of Mets baseball.

I know it is very early in spring training and these aches, pains, tightness, and precautionary trips to the MRI clinic are probably very common among other teams but I don't follow them and 2014 was supposed to be the year that things begin to turn around. And already we are dealing with distractions and injury. If this lingers along with Jon I would guess that this puts Zach Wheeler closer to his dream of being opening day starter. Probably not a plan anyone was gunning for except him.

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Mets Signing Drew Makes Even More Sense Now

You probably read earlier reports from the Mets world and at Effing Mets that Ruben Tejada has yet again underwhelmed the Mets Brass. This coming off the heels of him spending two months this winter at a fitness camp in Michigan. This makes two years in a row that he hasn't impressed the organization when he desperately should have. There are also reports indicating that the Mets might re-engage the Mariners to acquire Nick Franklin and the names floated in a deal are that of Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom.

Based on this latest information there is ZERO reason that the Mets shouldn't sign Stephen Drew. And more importantly meet his asking price or darn near close. This is two freaking years in a row that Tejada can't get his act together. Does Sandy and the gang just think some kind of magic is going to happen and we will have the second coming of Jose Reyes? Fat chance and pun intended. Seems like the guy (Tejada) could care less at this point. Signing Drew to a 2-3 year contract allows the Mets to have a solid presence as SS while allowing other minor league prospects to develop and not be rushed. Montero and deGrom can be kept and put to good use or part of a package for someone better than Franklin on down the road.

Get off the pot already Sandy!

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Tejada Is Still Out Of Shape?

The New York Post is now two for two in generating what will be the story of the day this week, with Kevin Kernan reporting that the Mets are not overly impressed with Ruben Tejada's offseason transformation after spending two months at a Michigan fitness camp.  Kernan cites an anonymous (of course) source, who states that Tejada "looks pretty much the same."

Its a curious article, considering the Mets are yet to play a single game this spring.  Tejada seemingly passed the eye tests upon reporting to camp, definitely looking more slender if not borderline muscular.  That's a distinct departure from the doughy shortstop who struggled last season.  With that said, passing the eye test doesn't mean he'll play better and that's what really matters to the Mets who are still in search of a long term answer at the shortstop position.

It figures to be a rough camp to Tejada between stories such as this and what can only be characterized as an uncertain future.  The team continues to monitor the Stephen Drew situation and has now been tied to trade rumors for young Seattle shortstop, Nick Franklin.  Transformation or not, Tejada may be auditioning for a role off the bench regardless of how well he plays this spring.

Stephen Drew Should Sign With the Mets

Okay, I have posted many times regarding this subject and have gone back and forth based on the rumors and sources citing Drew. Now I am completely back peddling. I apologize but this is my right.

Stephen Drew should sign the contract if it is still available and now.

Why? At $9.whatever million it is a good deal for a decent player. Is he the savior? No. Can he do a decent job? Yes and again, at that price is reasonable. Maybe Sandy could even sweeten it with a club option, pick it up or decline it based on production. I don't know if its an option but wonder if they could decline and make him a qualifying offer to recoup the pick lost from this year? Again, don't know the rules on that just wondering.

So then, what about Tejada? I was talking with @GetsThruBuckner and his thought was that Ruben could hit some against lefties. I think it is a great idea and might make him work harder and in the end Drew not playing every day might lessen his chances of his routine trip to the DL.

Your move Stephen but consider this, Nelson Cruz who does suck defensively beat you in almost every offensive category signed today for about $1.5 million less than you have been offered.

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Could Tejada and Duda Face Fatigue Issues This Season?

With the arrival of players this week in Port St. Lucie, fans got their first look at the likes of Ruben Tejada and Lucas Duda, who arrived in noticeably better shape with a full-time role on the line in 2014.  Both players, amongst others, spent much of their winter training at a fitness camp in Michigan.  The results are obvious, which each player appearing leaner and stronger.

How that translate on the diamond remains to be seen, but there is something else worth keeping an eye on.  These guys deviated from their normal offseason workout routine.  Its fair to assume that each put in significantly more effort this winter in years past.  How will that impact then as the year drags on?

The Major League Baseball season remains a six month long grind that sees players put their bodies through quite a bit.  There is little rest as the season progresses.  Its possible that Tejada and Duda, neither of whom enter camp on their normal rest, could struggle to keep their energy up in spite of being in better shape.  Could that result in injuries and/or poor play as spring drags into summer?  What impact could that have on the rest of the team if they can't contribute as expected?

This isn't to say that their offseason efforts were unwarranted.  Both players appeared slow and out of shape last season.  A regimented workout routine will likely serve them well over the remainder of their careers, but that doesn't mean it won't impact this season in a negative fashion.  I expect better play from each as the spring gets under way, but I still wonder what happens in the long run.

Why Peralta and Not Drew??

There has been a lot of chatter on twitter stating that Stephen Drew isn't worth signing for a 1 or 2 year deal.  A good chunk of Mets fans are saying that he isn't worth the money, and that the Mets should give Tejada another chance, considering the difference in price.  Now, before I go off, I'll say that the split seems to be right down the middle.  So there are plenty of Mets fans, several who I normally wouldn't side with, who want Drew here.  I for one, do want Drew.

When then off-season started, all Mets fans were talking about was how horrible shortstop was.  If I recall correctly, Mets fans couldn't get enough of Jhonny Peralta.  There were several screen shots of Mets jerseys with his name on them floating around out there.  And when Peralta signed with St. Louis early in the winter, the proverbial screams of Mets Twitter could be heard around the tri-state area.  "Sandy sucks" and "Wilpon's won't spend" and "Here we go again" were the battle cries for about a week or two.

Reports have surfaced that the Mets are actively negotiating with Stephen Drew, even thought it had appeared unlikely a move to get him was going to be made.  It is unsure how true they are, but I'm not here to discuss that.  Now that these rumors are swirling tho, all of a sudden Ruben Tejada is a viable option.  So what has changed in the last two months?  Ruben Tejada went to fat camp, so now he's a major player for the Mets?  Peralta is so much better than Drew?  I don't get it.  Two months ago, Ruben Tejada was public enemy #1 to Mets fans.  Now he's A Okay.

I'm not a huge sabermetrics guy, but I'm open minded to them and I understand their place in modern baseball when it comes to analyzing players.  That being said, I refuse to acknowledge WAR as a legitimate stat or tool or whatever it is people want to call it.  I think it's flawed and doesn't take into account too many things in regards to situational baseball, strategy and intangibles. That being said, I'm gonna go to it right now to try and prove a point, considering so many people like it.

Last season Jhonny Peralta had a 3.3 WAR.  For his career, he averages a 2.2 WAR.  Stephen Drew posted a 3.1 WAR in 2013, and averages 2.0 WAR a season.  Both players have had seasons with WAR higher than that, and both have finished season's with a WAR slightly below zero.  So how come Mets fans were clamoring so hard for Peralta, but think Drew isn't good enough?  For what it's worth, Tejada posted a -0.9 WAR last season, and averages a 0.7 in his four seasons.  When you compare the three players, it doesn't seem like all that big a difference.  Apparently it was in October though when a majority of people wanted Peralta.

Maybe Drew isn't worth the cost or isn't that huge an upgrade over Tejada.  Personally I think even if he is at his best, Tejada isn't as good as Drew.  Like I have said before, I'm no expert, so I could be wrong.  But I'd like to see a little more consistency from the fans out there when it comes to what we want and expect from this team.

Wilmer Flores to Play SS for the Mets?

Yes you read that correctly. Here is a quote from Sandy Alderson that was pulled from Adam Rubin's blog.

“I wouldn’t say [Flores to shortstop] is dead. I think that one of the things we want to see is how well he has done with his training regimen in Michigan. Before this off season, I’m not sure he ever had any sort of structured, regimented conditioning program. The work that they have done on speed and agility and quickness, etc., may have an impact on his ability to play certain positions -- including second base and conceivably even shortstop. But right now, that’s all speculation.”

Okay, so fat camp must be doing something for Sandy and the gang to even think this is conceivable. Because since 2011 all we have heard was that this position for Wilmer was dead. Maybe this is why they haven't put the pedal to the medal to acquire Stephen Drew or maybe over pay for a trade. What Sandy is saying makes sense. Flores has done nothing but play baseball year round and not have the opportunity to work on the little things like quickness and strength.  I don't want to get too excited over this but management has to be seeing something here for them to even the make this comment. Or is it just more talk? Lord knows we have heard plenty already.

I think it would be awesome if something like this actually worked out. He was mashing in AAA but struggled when he got to the majors. Granted that was a small sample until he got injured. More exposure and at bats could change that. Regardless, what a story line this would make if he beat out Tejada and could put up comparable numbers to Drew.

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Mets Unlikely To Sign Drew

The past 48 hours has seen the market for free agent shortstop Stephen Drew heat up.  For much of the winter, Drew's market appeared to be limited to just the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets.  That's now changed, with the Oakland A's , Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins all getting involved.  As a result, Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson went on record for the first time since the winter meetings saying that its "unlikely" the team signs Drew.

In a report filed by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Alderson says:

"We haven't ruled it out, but I think doing anything is unlikely.  I think that Stephen

 will always have other opportunities. We continue to monitor his situation. We're 

looking at other free agents that are still available and trying to judge their status,

 and how they might fit with us. I know there's been a lot of speculation about Drew 

and the Mets, but at this point, that's what it remains -- speculation."

This will warrant a sour response from Mets fans who had hoped that Stephen Drew would be the final major piece added this offseason.  Drew would have fortified a lineup that was partially renovated this winter, however that no longer appears to be an option.  

As a result, it appears likely that Ruben Tejada will in fact get one final chance to claim the shortstop position as his own.  He is poised to enter spring training in what the Mets consider much better shape as he looks to regain the form that once saw him dubbed the the replacement for Jose Reyes.

Mets Leave The Door Open On Drew

As spring training nears, so to does a resolution of the Stephen Drew soap opera.  Drew remains the only available upgrade to the Mets shortstop needs and he could come by way of a pretty team-friendly deal.  Still it has been reported in the past that the Mets don't envision Queens as his most likely destination.  The Mets have gone as far as saying publicly that Ruben Tejada not only could be the team's opening day shortstop, but that they're confident in him if that occurs.  Still however, they keep hinting that Drew remains on their radar.

Shortly after signing Omar Quintanilla last week, Newsday featured a report that the Mets are still interested in Drew on a one year deal but expect him to find a longer deal elsewhere.  Last night, it was assistant general manager John Ricco's to talk on the subject.  Regarding the Quintanilla signing, he told ESPN's Adam Rubin that it signifies nothing, and that the team simply needed more help up the middle.

As is always the case with the Mets' front office we are forced to read between the lines.  Quintanilla's deal is only a minor league commitment.  What Ricco is saying is that the possibility remains that the team could still upgrade the position.  The Mets have waited out the market on Drew, and while no resolution is imminent, it appears that Drew will have to decide between the Mets and the Red Sox.  The Mets have been and remain willing to wait.  They are as comfortable as they can be with Tejada, but will upgrade if the opportunity presents itself.  This negotiation is a marathon, not a sprint, but the Mets remain involved and open to signing Drew despite recent moves that might seem to indicate otherwise.

Quintanilla Signing Doesn't Leave Mets Out On Drew

As reported here and just about everywhere else last night, the Mets signed shortstop Omar Quintanilla to a minor league deal yesterday.  If things stay the way they are now, Quintanilla figures to slot in behind Ruben Tejada at shortstop in 2014.

Some had asked if Q's acquisition means the Mets are moving on from any pursuit (no matter how lukewarm) of free agent Stephen Drew.  That's not the case according to a report by NewsDay, which believes the Mets "have not ruled out a short-term deal."  NewsDay also reports that the Mets are patiently waiting for Drew to find a long-term deal elsewhere, a deal that may never come if you believe reports from other outlets regarding the market for the best free agent shortstop available.

Quintanilla is not a starting shortstop at the major league level, despite having that role for the majority of 2013.  That said, the fact that his deal is minor league oriented, the team can easily send Q to Las Vegas in the event Stephen Drew does eventually find his way to Queens.  With that said, given the injury histories of both Drew and Tejada, the Quintanilla signing is a great depth move regardless of what happens from here to spring training.

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Perhaps its just the blind optimism by one naive Mets fan, but I still think there is a decent change Drew ends up in Queens.  I don't believe there are five or six teams interested in Drew, as his agent Scott Boras reported.  I think this comes down to the Mets and the Red Sox, which team offers more playing time and which team ponies up more money.  Ultimately, I don't envision having an answer to that question until we're a week or two into spring training.

Mets & Tejada Settle At $1.1M, Avoid Arbitration

Last night the Mets and suspected opening day shortstop, Ruben Tejada, avoided going to arbitration and settled on a one year deal worth $1.1 million dollars.  That number is $100k more than had been projected by baseball experts, however history has proven that it doesn't behoove teams to go to the court, because they rarely win the decision.  Furthermore, when arguing about such a "small" sum of money, why pay lawyers.  By my calculations, this raises the team's estimated opening day payroll to just shy of $82.5 million.

Tejada was one of seven players to file for arbitration this week.  The other six were Ike Davis, Dillon Gee, Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, Eric Young Jr., and Bobby Parnell.

The Mets Shouldn't Rely On The 2015 Free Agent Shortstop Class

As the offseason comes to a close, the Mets still have a few questions to answer.  The question on most people's minds will be who gets the starting gig at shortstop.  The in-house option, Ruben Tejada, fell on tough times in 2013, finding himself in hot water with the Mets' front office and off the fanbase's radar.  The other semi-realistic option is Stephen Drew, who would represent a decent upgrade offensively from Tejada.  The issue with acquiring Drew's services remains an unwillingness to offer a contract longer than one year.

The reasoning for the Mets is likely two-fold.  First and foremost, Drew is coming off of his best year since 2010 and has regularly struggled to stay on the field since that time.  The other reason, which is probably the most significant of the two is that the shortstop free agent class next winter is theoretically loaded.  The important word there is theoretical, because just like this season, I struggle to find a way the Mets reel one of these guys in.  Here's why...

Hanley Ramirez is the pick of the litter next winter.  He seems to have overcome his 'me first' mentality in Los Angeles and is reportedly loved by the fans and teammates alike.  Therein lies the issue.  It is a very, very big if that Ramirez ever makes it to free agency.  The Dodgers seemingly have bottomless pockets, so they could sign him to an extension ahead of time and avoid the situation all together.  If he does opt to test the market, he will find the Yankees waiting with open arms and a bidding war will ensue between the Yankees and the Dodgers that will be so far above the Mets' head it will be comical.

J.J. Hardy is undoubtedly second on this list.  He hits for a relatively strong average and is an annual threat to hit 25 home runs.  The issue, like Hanley above, is that he may never hit the free agent market.  It has been rumored all winter that both he and the Orioles have mutual interest in signing an extension.  Even if it doesn't happen, are the Mets willing to fork over a contract well in excess of the 4 yrs/$53M that Jhonny Peralta landed this year?  They balked this winter, and despite the fact that Hardy is a better all around player is there any reason to think they won't do the same next year?

Yunel Escobar is the next promising shortstop we'll talk about be he too is unlikely to find his way onto the market, in my opinion.  From an offensive standpoint, Escobar is a far cry from both Hardy and Ramirez, but his contract contains a team option for 2015 to the tune of just $5 million dollars.  Thats the type of deal the Tampa Bay Rays just don't pass up.  Unless he complete bombs in 2014, Escobar won't be available next winter.

That leaves us with just Asdrubal Cabrera and Jed Lowie as the only two "premiere" shortstops to make it to the free agent market next winter.  From a power standpoint, each features 15 home run potential.  Cabrera has faired better when it comes to staying on the field, as Lowrie has played in 100 or more games just once in his career.  Simply put.. both represent a significant upgrade over Ruben Tejada going forward and may too be an offensive upgrade over Stephen Drew.  However again I'm left to question whether the Mets will be willing to pay the price.  Both could end up with qualifying offers and its likely each will cost far more in years and money than the Mets were prepared to pay this winter.

This isn't really an argument for or against signing Stephen Drew.  I just don't want to see the Mets lean on the idea of this group of free agents that may never materialize.  Its unlikely to think that the Mets will be the only team in the market and worth noting that they could be going up against the Yankees in any pursuit if Hanley Ramirez finds his way back to the Dodgers.  The Mets need a shortstop and any one of these guys fits the mold of what they're probably looking for, but I'll only believe it when I see it.

Like what you read?  Follow me on Twitter at @RobPatterson83.

Updated: Duda And Tejada Will Head Back To Fat Camp

As it turns out, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada, two players who may find themselves with an everyday role on the 2014 Mets, will head back to Michigan in January for another session at nutrition and fitness camp.  Both have already spent about a month of their off season in the program, previously joined by Wilmer Flores.

Each was probably sent to the camp for separate reasons.  Lucas Duda, who is built like a lumberjack, could likely benefit from dropping a few pounds if he is to play a full season at first base.  Ruben Tejada on the other hand, was criticized last spring for entering spring training out of shape.  The Mets may rely on both players this season to fill full-time roles and hope they'll enter the season better prepared as a result of this extra work.

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Updated: January 7th, 2014:

Per ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, both players will report for the start of the camp on January 13th.  Despite the underlying tone, since Tejada has been dubbed as lazy and Duda as overweight in the past, Sandy Alderson insists that there is nothing punitive about their participation.

Rubin also reported that they will be joined by minor leaguers Dominic Smith and Phillip Evans.  You may recall that Smith was the team's first round pick in the 2013 draft.  Evans was selected in the 15th round of the 2011 draft. 

Filling the SS Gap: Jean Segura

Segura was selected to his first All-Star Game in 2013.

With the additions of Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon this past week, Sandy Alderson has fortified two of the major holes the Mets faced going into the offseason.

The most gaping one remaining is at shortstop. Ruben Tejada's mediocre production in 2013 in addition to his poor ability to stay healthy and lack of hustle have led the front office to shut the door on that experiment.

Finding the first suitable replacement for Jose Reyes at short has been a problem Alderson has faced since Reyes' departure in 2011. However, it's the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers who appear to be able to satisfy each other's needs in that department.

The Brewers acquired all-star shortstop Jean Segura from the Angels in 2012 in a deal that sent Zack Greinke to Anaheim. At 23, Segura tore it up in 2013, batting .294/.329/.752 in 146 games at short for the Brewers. Appealing, is he not?

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, the departure of Corey Hart and the uncertain future of Ryan Braun leaves a gaping hole at first base. Missing out on James Loney and Mark Trumbo could leave Ike Davis as a very real possibility for the Brewers to fill that need.

I would project a fair trade as Segura for Davis, Rafael Montero, and if need be, Wilmer Flores or Cesar Puello.

If you're the Mets, you're getting a proven shortstop for a first baseman in need of a change in scenery, one of many pitching prospects you already possess, and one mid-level prospect if you really have to. If you're the Brewers, you're filling first base with a high-ceiling player and getting needed starting pitching.

While general managers thus far haven't taken any of my previous advice, this trade is one that makes a deal of sense to both parties. Here's what the 2014 Mets would look like with Segura in the lineup:

Segura - SS
Young Jr - LF
Wright - 3B
Granderson - RF
Murphy - 2B
Duda - 1B
Lagares - CF
d'Arnaud - C
(Pitcher)

If Sandy Alderson can get this done, things may be looking up Queens much sooner than fans could have hoped.

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