The New York Mets have had plenty of great catchers in their short history. Jerry Grote, Gary Carter, and Mike Piazza have all crouched behind the plate for the New York Mets.
All of them were very good players, and the Mets were more than glad to have them. Since Mike Piazza left, the Mets, well, they haven't really had a great catcher. Some solid guys, but nothing special.
Brian Schneider was all right for a couple years, but he just didn't cut it. I'm sure that all of you Mets fans out there are hoping for the Mets to do something big for a catcher and get another great player behind the plate.
Even though that would be great, it is definitely not necessary. The Mets have plenty of bigger problems to address. Last year, two young catchers, Omir Santos and Josh Thole, impressed New York.
They are both young, solid guys, and I think that they should have no problem behind home plate. I do think, though, that the Mets do need to try to sign a cheap catcher and see if he can be productive.
If he is, then Omar Minaya is a genius once again. If he isn't, then the Mets have two young catchers to turn to. The person I am thinking about is 36-year-old Jason Kendall.
He's not the most dominant player, but I think he can bring a lot to the Mets. He's got attitude and he's a good clubhouse guy. He has the talent to put up some solid numbers.
I would be fine with a .270 average, and that is all that the Mets need behind the plate. He would make a great bottom-of-the-order batter. He is a decent defender, and the Mets can live with that.
He is a Type B free agent, and that might ruffle some fans feathers. I don't think it's a big deal, and I don't think you should either. I look at this signing as a win-win situation for the Mets.
In my Mets offseason preview, you will see that I am being very realistic. I am thinking like Omar Minaya would. Only spend a significant amount of money on what we really need. The free-agent market for catchers is one of the worst in a long time.
I'd rather the Mets sign a player than trade and give up prospects. Jason Kendall will be cheap, and he has the talent to be a solid player and can be a great clubhouse guy.
On the other hand, if he doesn't produce, then the Mets can just plug in either Omir Santos or Josh Thole. Like I said, this is a win0win situation and the Mets should look into it.
I hope you enjoyed my article. If you have any questions or comments, please post them.
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