The Mets have shown interest in many middle infielders with an emphasis at shortstop this offseason. As with most other needs, Sandy Alderson is looking to do it the cheapest way possible. CBS's Jon Heyman and FOX's Ken Rosenthal have reported that the Mets have had fairly serious discussions with former Atlanta Braves SS Jack Wilson, former Pittsburgh Pirates SS Ronny Cedeno and former St. Louis Cardinals SS Ryan Theriot. Breaking down the stats will probably be as obvious to you as it is to me. If I had to choose among the three, the decision would be one sided.
Cedeno will turn 29 in February and has played for the Cubs, Mariners and Pirates over his six year career. He's an ok defender, certainly improved from when he started out with the Cubs. 2006, his rookie season, was probably his best season. He played in 151 games, hitting .245 with 6 HR and 41 RBI. He still struck out 106 times and posted a .610 OPS. He played in 139 games in 2010 for the Pirates, hitting .256 with 8 HR and 38 RBI, King 109 times. He is the quintessential number 8 hitter who is nothing more than a singles hitter who strikes out way too much. To me he's not enough to give a major league contract, let alone what he is apparently asking for.
Wilson's career is a thimble of what is once was when he came up with the Pirates in 2001. He just turned 34, but is easily the most accomplished out of the three. He is probably the best defensive choice and I like his reputation for being a good leader, even in his younger days with the Pirates. He has played for Pittsburgh, Seattle and Atlanta in his 11 seasons. Last year, splitting between the Mariners and Braves, he hit .243 with 0 HR and 11 RBI in 79 games. Never much of a power hitter, he has been known to have gap power and get a lot of doubles, mostly earlier in his career. His best year by far was 2004 when he hit .308 with 41 2B, 12 3B, 11 HR, 59 RBI and 201 hits for the Pirates. Those seasons are unlikely but he has been a bench player for the better part of the past three seasons. Perhaps some more playing time could bring back his past. I would sign him to a one year contract, maybe put some attainable incentives based on games played and plate appearances.
Theriot is the most logical choice for the Mets to sign. Hopefully he doesn't price himself out of their range. Theriot is more usable as an every day player and can bat in more than one spot in the lineup. Cedeno and Wilson are number 8 hitters while Theriot could bat 2 if needed. Prior to playing in 132 games last season for St. Louis, he played in 148 games in each of the prior 4 seasons. He just turned 32 and has played for the Cubs, Dodgers and Cardinals. His best season was 2008, when he hit .307 with 1 HR and 38 RBI, 22 SB and 178 hits in 149 games for the Cubs. He handles the bat well and can play multiple positions, something the Mets will need out of most of their bench players.
I could take a chance on Wilson, but only if Theriot is not a match. Cedeno should not be considered at this point. If Wilson doesn't sign either, I suggest the Mets look elsewhere before committing themselves to Theriot.
Cedeno will turn 29 in February and has played for the Cubs, Mariners and Pirates over his six year career. He's an ok defender, certainly improved from when he started out with the Cubs. 2006, his rookie season, was probably his best season. He played in 151 games, hitting .245 with 6 HR and 41 RBI. He still struck out 106 times and posted a .610 OPS. He played in 139 games in 2010 for the Pirates, hitting .256 with 8 HR and 38 RBI, King 109 times. He is the quintessential number 8 hitter who is nothing more than a singles hitter who strikes out way too much. To me he's not enough to give a major league contract, let alone what he is apparently asking for.
Wilson's career is a thimble of what is once was when he came up with the Pirates in 2001. He just turned 34, but is easily the most accomplished out of the three. He is probably the best defensive choice and I like his reputation for being a good leader, even in his younger days with the Pirates. He has played for Pittsburgh, Seattle and Atlanta in his 11 seasons. Last year, splitting between the Mariners and Braves, he hit .243 with 0 HR and 11 RBI in 79 games. Never much of a power hitter, he has been known to have gap power and get a lot of doubles, mostly earlier in his career. His best year by far was 2004 when he hit .308 with 41 2B, 12 3B, 11 HR, 59 RBI and 201 hits for the Pirates. Those seasons are unlikely but he has been a bench player for the better part of the past three seasons. Perhaps some more playing time could bring back his past. I would sign him to a one year contract, maybe put some attainable incentives based on games played and plate appearances.
Theriot is the most logical choice for the Mets to sign. Hopefully he doesn't price himself out of their range. Theriot is more usable as an every day player and can bat in more than one spot in the lineup. Cedeno and Wilson are number 8 hitters while Theriot could bat 2 if needed. Prior to playing in 132 games last season for St. Louis, he played in 148 games in each of the prior 4 seasons. He just turned 32 and has played for the Cubs, Dodgers and Cardinals. His best season was 2008, when he hit .307 with 1 HR and 38 RBI, 22 SB and 178 hits in 149 games for the Cubs. He handles the bat well and can play multiple positions, something the Mets will need out of most of their bench players.
I could take a chance on Wilson, but only if Theriot is not a match. Cedeno should not be considered at this point. If Wilson doesn't sign either, I suggest the Mets look elsewhere before committing themselves to Theriot.
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