So in yesterday’s MiLB Report, Adam Rubin noted that Wilmer Flores would miss the Triple-A All-Star game with an ankle injury — but the injury itself is considered to be minor. It’s bad timing for Flores, but his long-term health is more important than one exhibition game. One of the things that might have went by the boards in the report, however, was this…
After primarily playing second base with the 51s this season, four of Flores’ past seven starts in the field have come at first base. Terry Collins said he was not aware of any organizational directive to use Flores at first base, but added it makes sense since it is unlikely Daniel Murphy will be dislodged from second base at the major league level anytime soon.
Mets insiders have been highly critical of Flores’ range at second base and note he has difficulty getting back to his feet after diving. But Las Vegas observers do say Flores has worked hard and has shown at least moderately improved range as the season has progressed.
Well, this is interesting. I was very critical of Murphy’s defense when he was first slotted in at second base — and yet he’s improved to become an average second baseman, who flashes the leather with some above-average plays at times. There’s no question about Flores’ offensive talent, but rather only about what position he will play. If Murphy won’ be “dislodged” from second any time soon, it means the organization is losing faith in Ike Davis and has little faith in Josh Satin to move Flores to first. This is not a big shocker at this point, as Flores demonstrates higher offensive potential than Satin and Ike has been heavily slumping all year.
I will say that I believe this Flores saga will lead to a trade somehow. If Flores is called up to play first base alone and succeeds, we might see the Mets use him as a trade chip — while they could also dangle Murphy in a trade and slot Flores in at second. My colleague Teddy K. suggested that the Mets go after Alex Rios, which I think is a solid idea.
I guess it’s just food for thought this morning…
Flores bat would be such an asset at second.
If Flores gets traded, the Mets lose. it’s as simple as that. he means and has more value to us than others. This means he will yield less, and maybe even much less, than what I believe he can give us. Move Murphy, and let the kid play. I guarantee you, if he gets called up and him and Murphy (on his next team) get the same at-bats, Flores will outproduce him. The glove is fine; besides, Sandy likes to call 2B an offensive position a.k.a. Wilmer’s future home.
Wilmer should be our first baseman of the future. His bat will be fine there. I would rather have a guy that’s an RBI machine and only hits 20 homers an bats over 300 than a guy that can “potentially” be a 35 hr and 220 avg that strikes out 1/3 of the time! people think you need a ton of homers from 1st base but that’s not true! I also think Flores could turn into a 30+ home run guy. He’s only 21 and getting better and better every day! I think Flores has the potential to hit 15-20 HR, 30-40 doubles, drive in 90-110 runs, 300+ avg and have an OBP over 350! You guys might think I’m crazy but I really do believe in his bat! Those #’s sound nuts right now but he’s gonna put them up this year in Vegas and can see him doing the same in ny.
I must say I agree 100%……but whether he plays 1B OR 2B it doesnt matter to me as long as his bat is in the lineup. My favorite prospect in the minors for a while now was one of the youngest in every league he played in and still manage to be one of the best hitters in AA and AAA this year and last year.
Funny how Wilmer is one of the youngest players in AAA and is at the top of the league in so many offensive categories yet gets no love outside of Metsland…and his still has a lot of detractors in Metslandia
Your a smart man leroy brown! Haha… Lets go Mets!!!