Tag Archives: Scouting

Oct 15

Upgrading the minor league system

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Whomever is the next Mets’ general manager, I hope he puts a premium on upgrading the minor league system. Although not as bare as in previous seasons, the minor league talent is a concern, especially when placed in comparison to the final four teams in the League Championship Series.

While each had added talent through trades and free agency, a thread of the four finalists is having a strong core in the minor leagues. They wouldn’t be here without the talent that rose through the system. Here’s hoping the new GM wants to upgrade the scouting and development, as those or the keys for long term success.

The Mets benefitted from their minor league system this year with Jon Niese, Ike Davis and Josh Thole, and have young talent looming below like Jenrry Mejia.

In the case with the Mets, with so much payroll earmarked to veterans tied to bulky and expensive payroll, its a sense of relief to have guys like Davis and Thole, productive players on the cheap.

The game today is still heavy with free agency, but the long term successful franchises build with a homegrown core, and the Mets should be no exception. With 2011 perhaps a write-off season as they clear money off the books, it should provide an opportunity for future growth from the minor league system.

Jan 04

Jan. 4.10: Mets still thinking about Delgado.

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The Mets are still scouting Carlos Delgado, who is playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. They are looking to see if he can hold up for one more season. But, can they really get the answers they need over the long haul in a few short weeks?

Probably not.

I’ve thought for awhile now that it is time to move on from Delgado for several reasons, beginning with, 1) his age and injury history, and including 2) the money that could be spent elsewhere and 3) allowing the personality of the younger guys to emerge in the clubhouse.

The Mets had their window of opportunity with Delgado to win and it never materialized.

The Mets need to get younger, cheaper and more athletic and Delgado works against them in all these areas. Delgado has become the kind of veteran a teams trade for at the July deadline. If the Mets were a player away, then sure, bring him back. But, they are more than a player away.