Keep, Dump or Unsure: A Look at the Future of the Mets’ Offense

I am upset, as a fan, not because the Mets have lost more than they've won since the all-star break, but it seems that they’ve quit on the season.

I listened to the entire Mike Francesa rant, and while I usually go out of my way to ignore the guy, he was spot on. This team is becoming an outright joke.

Earlier in the year, I wouldn’t miss an inning, but now, someone couldn’t pay me enough to go to a game. It’s embarrassing. I am using this post to talk about who I think should be back, who should be on the bubble and who should be gone, going one position at a time.

C- Josh Thole

Decision: Bubble

Explanation: Thole has been really disappointing for me this season. We’d be willing to accept the mediocre hitting if he was a defensive whiz, but the fact is, he’s an embarrassment behind the plate. Sure, he’s still young, but I think he’s nothing better than a platoon player at best. The Mets could do better via free agency or giving some youngster a chance from the minor league system, which seems to be depleted at the catcher position.

1B- Ike Davis

Decision:Bring him back

Explanation: Despite having an atrocious season, compared to what we expected, it really has been an interesting year for Davis. Most of it was spent trying to get his average up to and over .200, but when he got his, it usually was of the powerful variety. He’s eclipsed 20 homers, and maybe a better off-season regimen will help with his average. No sense giving up here. Via trade, he just wouldn’t bring enough back to make any kind of deal worth it.

2B- Daniel Murphy

Decision: Bubble

Explanation: While Murphy is one of the best pure hitters on this team, that’s truthfully not saying much. He might be one of the more valuable trading chips, and looking back, I kind of wish the Mets pulled the trigger when the Padres had Luke Gregerson on the table. If the Mets got a reasonable offer, I think they should consider it, because Murphy is a guy who doesn’t have a true position. Another alternative is shifting him to third base in the event that they deal David Wright, but nobody expects the brass to make such a bold move.

3B- David Wright

Decision: Keep

Explanation: Do I really need to explain this one? The team’s offensive MVP will be back when the team either exercises his option or works out a long-term deal. I doubt he’ll be willing to negotiate with management unless he gets a more optimistic feel for the future of the franchise, which is anyone’s guess right now.

SS- Ruben Tejada

Decision: Keep

Explanation: With all of the issues this team’s experienced this year with bullpen problems, people have not talked much about the post-Jose Reyes era, and that’s because Tejada has been exceptional. Much like Matt Cerrone at MetsBlog, I wasn’t sure what to expect for the heir to the shortstop throne, but I have been ecstatic with his development. He works patient at-bats, and he plays an above average shortstop. He ain’t going nowhere.

LF- Jason Bay

Decision:Gone

Explanation: It’s been a struggle since Bay arrived in New York, and I always hoped the switch would turn on after he returned from his numerous trips to the Disabled List. The Mets will probably try everything, including exploring bad contract trades before giving him the boot in the spring, but there’s no way he will step on the field for a regular season game as a Met in 2013.

CF- Andres Torres

Decision: Gone

Explanation: A guy that has tools, but he should be better than he actually is. I never thought I’d miss Angel Pagan after all of the mental lapses last season, but I do. Torres had one good season, and despite allegedly being fired up to prove his critics wrong, he has fallen far short of the hype. He’s very replaceable.

RF- Lucas Duda

Decision: Gone

Explanation: Now, Duda is someone who gets overly emotional and in his own head, although the talent is there…only offensively. If I am management, I explore the trade market and dangle Duda as bait. Somebody would be willing to look at him as part of a package. If nothing makes sense, you could move forward with him as the left fielder, but I think his future is only at first base at the big league level, and we already have Davis there.

Bench- Scott Hairston

Decision:Bubble

Explanation: Let’s think about this realistically. Hairston has played well this year, and early on, he was on an inhuman pace, but I think the Mets should have traded him when they could’ve. Some team may think he should play everyday, pretty much the way the Mets use him now. Unless he’s willing to come back on another one-year deal, he’s probably a goner.

Bench- Jordany Valdespin

Decision: Bubble

Explanation: Another player who has talent, but seems to lack baseball smarts. Nothing beats when MetsBlog’s Meridith Perri referred to as the “Tazmanian Devil” because he always screws himself into the ground. It’s absolutely true. He’s not a true outfielder, and he could be an option at second base if the Mets move Murphy. They can also use him as depth, but he could be a valuable trade piece.

Bench- Mike Nickeas/Rob Johnson

Decision: Gone

Explanation: Unless on minor league deals, move on from the both of them. They’re both replaceable, and I think I can hit better than Nickeas.

Bench- Kelly Shoppach

Decision: Bubble

Explanation: After picking him up for pretty much nothing (Pedro Beato) Shoppach could be a decent platoon guy for next year. He’s got a little bit of pop, but he’s replaceable. He probably thinks he’s still capable of being an everyday catcher, so the Mets might let him walk.

Bench- Ronny Cedeno

Decision: Bubble

Explanation: Cedeno has filled his role well this year, and he’s hit much better than expected. Still, he’s a dime-a-dozen kind of guy that can be picked up on a minor league deal. I’d bring him back for $1 million or so, but not much more than that.

Bench- Justin Turner

Decision: Keep

Explanation: A valuable pinch hitter and spot starter that can play anywhere in the infield, Turner has value. Also, he’s entertaining on Twitter, so I have a soft spot for him. They should bring him back, and there’s even a chance he might be given a serious chance at winning the second base job next spring.

Bench- Mike Baxter

Decision: Keep

Explanation: A great story, Mike from Queens sacrificed himself in the name of Johan Santana’s no-hitter on June 1. He has some nice speed, plays solid defense and can swing the bat. I don’t think he’s an everyday player, but he makes a good bench bat. I’d keep him around.

Stay tuned for my report on the pitching staff in the coming weeks.

This piece was written and submitted by Michael Ganci. For more information on the New York Mets, check out the Daily Stache here. Also, follow the Daily Stache on Twitter by clicking this link.