NEW YORK (AP) Speedy outfielder Eric Young Jr. is becoming a free agent after the New York Mets declined to offer him a contract for next season.
The team announced the move before Tuesday night's deadline.
Young, who had been eligible for arbitration, batted .229 with 30 stolen bases in 100 games this year, when his salary was $1.85 million.
He led the National League with 46 steals in 2013 and opened this season as New York's primary leadoff hitter but managed only a .299 on-base percentage and lost playing time in a crowded outfield. The switch-hitter finished with a homer and 17 RBIs in 316 plate appearances, scoring 48 runs.
The 29-year-old Young became expendable when the Mets signed free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a $21 million, two-year contract last month.
New York tendered contracts to its six other players who are eligible for arbitration: first baseman Lucas Duda, second baseman Daniel Murphy, shortstop Ruben Tejada and pitchers Dillon Gee, Jenrry Mejia and Bobby Parnell.
Agreed across the board. I want Miller if he can be had for a Montero + package otherwise I'd go with Flores. Kang really scares me both being a bust and how long they would take to move on. If he cost say 10 million (random number) to bid and 10 per to sign you know he'd be the starting SS for at least 1.5 seasons we all know this.
I'm ok with this too.
One very unusual thing about Flores are his lefty-righty splits.
Over his mlb career, vs right-handed pitchers, his numbers are -
.274 .297 .414 .711 and vs left-handed pitchers, his numbers are -
.143 .218 .187 .405. His numbers each year follow this same pattern.
Joel Sherman @Joelsherman1 1m1 minute ago Manhattan, NY
Column http://nyp.st/1qKTbTk it is substantial risk, but a case for #Mets making offer #Rockies can't refuse on Tulowitzki Link - ( New Window )
Agreed. I do wonder if they start considering it if COL is willing to kick in some money like the Dodgers did with Kemp. Or maybe Gee/Murphy can be part of the trade to offset some prospect value and money? That's 3-5 WAR for half the price of Tulo, plus Thor any other prospects.
Agreed. I do wonder if they start considering it if COL is willing to kick in some money like the Dodgers did with Kemp. Or maybe Gee/Murphy can be part of the trade to offset some prospect value and money? That's 3-5 WAR for half the price of Tulo, plus Thor any other prospects.
if salary is a concern move murphy to sf, who seems interested in him for prospects. Moving gee and Murphy clears 13 mil off current payroll
Is that you just know if we made that move, Tulo would come here and have all sorts of problems with his hip and the whole thing would blow up right in our faces.
Is that you just know if we made that move, Tulo would come here and have all sorts of problems with his hip and the whole thing would blow up right in our faces.
yep and I think he is on sandy's radar as he is a clear upgrade over flores unlike the rest of available ss
If I was in the Mets position that's exactly what I'd look to do
Gee & Thor main pieces. Reynolds or Cecchini to give them a possible future SS. Adding in Nimmo or Comforto would hurt but if it's got to happen so be it. Would probably prefer dealing Montero, though that'd be a pretty big overall hit to the pitching depth. Move Murphy to save some money and hopefully recoup a Nimmo/Montero level propsect.
Tell me that lineup doesn't make up the extra payroll increase in ticket sales within 24 hours. Not to mention a gold glove left side of the infield and an upgrade at 2B.
If something like Thor, Nimmo, Herrera, Gee + a lower level prospect was enough to get it done, I'd do it.
I still don't think that's enough though.
I disagree, I think Colorado is willing and likes what the Mets have to offer. Here's an interview Rob Brender did with one of their beat writers at the beginning of the winter meetings, it really sounds like even other teams know the main barrier to dealing with the Mets is payroll. Rockies beat guy - ( New Window )
With reports that Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang will be posted for bidding by major league teams on Monday, the Mets are still undecided about whether they will enter the process, Sandy Alderson said Saturday night.
the tight-fisted Mets spending $30-40 million on Kang. Reports estimate his posting fee will land around $10 million and he apparently is looking for 3 years at $8 million per.
if you want to be thoroughly terrified about the possibility of
signing Kang, all you need to do is read DMM's 8:02pm post last night. Whoever signs Kang will be paying for results that he will never come close to again. Im really hoping this isnt the signing that Sandy goes for.
While his power numbers are impressive, they need to be looked at in their proper context. The shortstop did not have an MVP-caliber season against the combined pitching staffs of the NL and AL All-Star Teams, or in stadiums near the bottom of the park effect rankings in terms of runs, hits, and home runs allowed. While his batting line is impressive, he compiled it against KBO pitchers, generally regarded as less talented than their Japanese and MLB counterparts. In fact, in 2014, the KBO is experiencing an offensive explosion like never before. The league has experienced a roughly 40% increase in runs scored compared to the 2012 season and a roughly 80% increase in home runs, according to study author and former MLB and KBO pitcher Ryan Sadowski. This seems largely due to a change in the game-official KBO baseball.
This is not to say that Kang's numbers are hollow and have no meaning, but that the increase in his power numbers do not necessarily reflect improvement as a player. In 2012, according to the above-mentioned research, Kang was directly responsible for 21% of the runs scored by Nexen; in 2014, he was directly responsible for only 17%, despite the across-the-board increase in his numbers.
In addition, the Nexen Heroes play their home games at Mokdong Stadium, one of the smaller parks in Korea. Both right and left field are 322 feet from home plate, and the deepest part of the park, dead center, is only 387 feet away. Among the primary parks that KBO teams use, only Masan Baseball Stadium, home of the recently formed NC Dinos, is smaller (318 feet down the lines and 381 feet to dead center). By comparison, Citizens Bank is 330 feet down the lines and 409 feet at its deepest part; Yankee Stadium is 318 feet in left and 408 feet at its deepest part. Many of the home runs that Kang and many other Korean hitters hit in Korea would otherwise be fly balls in most stadiums in the U.S. It is important to note, however, that many of Kang's home runs could be considered "towering," and are still traveling when they pass out of the field of play. I can't say for sure whether or not, on average, these towering shots have enough on them to pass for MLB home runs, but it wouldn't be accurate to call all of Kang's home runs a product of smaller park dimensions. Link - ( New Window )
HH I suggest you read this article before claiming people are trying to be "experts" on here. There are very real reasons to have concerns especially given the Mets payroll.
I read upon the top prospects in the draft to get an idea, I never see these guys pitch or hit, I go on what I read. You have a guy who might as well played on the moon, never heard of him or read about him. If he stinks, stay away, I don't have any opinion
In 2014 26 players hit .315 or better, 21 hit .320 or better and 12 hit .339 or better. 6 players posted OPS's of 1.000 or greater, 24 topped .900. Former MLB role player Eric Thames posted a 1.111 OPS (3rd in the league)
0 full-time starters posted ERA's below 3 (best ERA for any starter was failed MLBer Rick Vandenhurk). 6 SP's posted era's under 4, 3 of which were ex-big leaguers.
Jon Heyman @JonHeymanCBS 20m20 minutes ago
korean ss jung-ho kang being posted today. led korea with 1.198 ops in 2014. mets, giants, others interested.
ex player who faced Kang says he thinks he can hit for power at the MLB level but thick lower half, lack of foot speed and technique issues leads him to believe better at 3b or a CO spot.
but these clips of his defense look decent. Weak arm but quick and pretty acrobatic. Kang defensive plays - ( New Window )
His arm is supposed to be his one calling card defensively. Looks chunky to me for a SS and the leg kick is absolutely terrifying. Can't think of many MLB players who succeed with a kick like that.
He has very good bat speed and the potential for power, but I worry hell struggle to catch up to big-league fastballs, an international scout told me Tuesday, comparing Kang to free-agent SS Asdrubal Cabrera. Hes an adequate fielder with decent reactions and a below-average arm who is probably best suited for right field or second base.
said his arm is the ONLY reason he has a shot at SS lol
"However, ESPNs Keith Law recently ranked Kang 15th among free agents (Insider subscription required and recommended), believing that some of his power can translate to the Majors, likely at the cost of his batting average. He noted that Kang lacks the range teams would like to see out of a shortstop but has a 60 arm (on the 20-80 scouting scale) to make up for some of the range. Law noted that hed give Kang every chance he could to stick at shortstop while acknowledging that he, too, has heard scouts who see Kang as more of an unathletic corner guy whose power wont play in the Majors."
again Cerrone has an "exclusive" story about how the Sox are more likely to trade Marrero then top 5 prospect in the game Bogaerts so maybe he should be trusted.
I'm ok with this too.
.274 .297 .414 .711 and vs left-handed pitchers, his numbers are -
.143 .218 .187 .405. His numbers each year follow this same pattern.
Column http://nyp.st/1qKTbTk it is substantial risk, but a case for #Mets making offer #Rockies can't refuse on Tulowitzki
Link - ( New Window )
The waiting is over: Mets, go get Troy Tulowitzki - ( New Window )
Agreed. I do wonder if they start considering it if COL is willing to kick in some money like the Dodgers did with Kemp. Or maybe Gee/Murphy can be part of the trade to offset some prospect value and money? That's 3-5 WAR for half the price of Tulo, plus Thor any other prospects.
id go for a 5 for 2 deal:
we get tulowitzki and Brothers and cash to offset some of the salary/risk(say 20mil):
They get Thor, Gee, nimmo or Comforto, Lower Level Sp prospect and Reynolds.
Quote:
It'll never happen.
Agreed. I do wonder if they start considering it if COL is willing to kick in some money like the Dodgers did with Kemp. Or maybe Gee/Murphy can be part of the trade to offset some prospect value and money? That's 3-5 WAR for half the price of Tulo, plus Thor any other prospects.
if salary is a concern move murphy to sf, who seems interested in him for prospects. Moving gee and Murphy clears 13 mil off current payroll
yep and I think he is on sandy's radar as he is a clear upgrade over flores unlike the rest of available ss
Lagares
Granderson
Tulo
Wright
Duda
Cuddyer
TdA
Flores
Tell me that lineup doesn't make up the extra payroll increase in ticket sales within 24 hours. Not to mention a gold glove left side of the infield and an upgrade at 2B.
If something like Thor, Nimmo, Herrera, Gee + a lower level prospect was enough to get it done, I'd do it.
I still don't think that's enough though.
If something like Thor, Nimmo, Herrera, Gee + a lower level prospect was enough to get it done, I'd do it.
I still don't think that's enough though.
that's about where id max out as well unless we got Brothers and they kick in kemp money then id increase the last piece to next level up
If something like Thor, Nimmo, Herrera, Gee + a lower level prospect was enough to get it done, I'd do it.
I still don't think that's enough though.
I disagree, I think Colorado is willing and likes what the Mets have to offer. Here's an interview Rob Brender did with one of their beat writers at the beginning of the winter meetings, it really sounds like even other teams know the main barrier to dealing with the Mets is payroll.
Rockies beat guy - ( New Window )
Link - ( New Window )
Kang is one free agent I actually hope they stay away from.
Kaz 2.0
So ignore... the scouting reports? Ignore the.... numbers in his league and the MASSIVE power increase the league displayed?
This is not to say that Kang's numbers are hollow and have no meaning, but that the increase in his power numbers do not necessarily reflect improvement as a player. In 2012, according to the above-mentioned research, Kang was directly responsible for 21% of the runs scored by Nexen; in 2014, he was directly responsible for only 17%, despite the across-the-board increase in his numbers.
In addition, the Nexen Heroes play their home games at Mokdong Stadium, one of the smaller parks in Korea. Both right and left field are 322 feet from home plate, and the deepest part of the park, dead center, is only 387 feet away. Among the primary parks that KBO teams use, only Masan Baseball Stadium, home of the recently formed NC Dinos, is smaller (318 feet down the lines and 381 feet to dead center). By comparison, Citizens Bank is 330 feet down the lines and 409 feet at its deepest part; Yankee Stadium is 318 feet in left and 408 feet at its deepest part. Many of the home runs that Kang and many other Korean hitters hit in Korea would otherwise be fly balls in most stadiums in the U.S. It is important to note, however, that many of Kang's home runs could be considered "towering," and are still traveling when they pass out of the field of play. I can't say for sure whether or not, on average, these towering shots have enough on them to pass for MLB home runs, but it wouldn't be accurate to call all of Kang's home runs a product of smaller park dimensions. Link - ( New Window )
HH I suggest you read this article before claiming people are trying to be "experts" on here. There are very real reasons to have concerns especially given the Mets payroll.
Eno Sarris
@enosarris
Jung Ho Kang's career OPS in Korea: .880. League OPS last year: .808. It's a nutso league.
Link - ( New Window )
In 2014 26 players hit .315 or better, 21 hit .320 or better and 12 hit .339 or better. 6 players posted OPS's of 1.000 or greater, 24 topped .900. Former MLB role player Eric Thames posted a 1.111 OPS (3rd in the league)
0 full-time starters posted ERA's below 3 (best ERA for any starter was failed MLBer Rick Vandenhurk). 6 SP's posted era's under 4, 3 of which were ex-big leaguers.
korean ss jung-ho kang being posted today. led korea with 1.198 ops in 2014. mets, giants, others interested.
Syndergaard A-, Dilson B+, Nimmo B per Sickels
Kang defensive plays - ( New Window )
Link - ( New Window )
His arm is supposed to be his one calling card defensively. Looks chunky to me for a SS and the leg kick is absolutely terrifying. Can't think of many MLB players who succeed with a kick like that.
Link - ( New Window )
"However, ESPNs Keith Law recently ranked Kang 15th among free agents (Insider subscription required and recommended), believing that some of his power can translate to the Majors, likely at the cost of his batting average. He noted that Kang lacks the range teams would like to see out of a shortstop but has a 60 arm (on the 20-80 scouting scale) to make up for some of the range. Law noted that hed give Kang every chance he could to stick at shortstop while acknowledging that he, too, has heard scouts who see Kang as more of an unathletic corner guy whose power wont play in the Majors."
That is one hell of a batting style. Weird.