An all too common event with the Mets over the last several seasons is this ability to take a fantastic step forward. A step forward that is long over do. They make that step and celebrate. Then they make a big deal about making that step. Then we the fans celebrate that the team was finally competent enough to make that step. All is good. Then generally immediately the Mets take two steps backwards and stumble backwards on a staircase, roll and crash into the kitchen sink.
This time around its managing young talent, again.
The Mets, once it seemed that things were going so poorly they needed Tejada back and to bring up Fmart, there was much celebrating. Tejada and Fmart were given starting jobs (with Tejada getting the public go ahead and Fmart given a murky go ahead).
Of course, the Mets didn't think things completely through and had to do deal with Castillo and Francoeur who made enought noise for well, Francoeur to work himself into some sort of odd three or four person platooning situation and Castillo into a total headache.
This was of course compacted by Tejada being a non-factor since his call up and Fmart going 2-13 (honestly I'm surprised he has be given that many AB's).
The obvious problem is that now as both of them look to head into platoon world, the entire puprose of their call-up is loss. Young talent cannot sit around on the bench. They need to play everyday somewhere (minors or majors). This hit a peak last night when Jerry said he needs to put together the best lineup with what he has. Thats fine. Thats a strategy with a team. However, the GM then needs to realize if that is the strategy, then the future pieces of the team, need to be back in the minors. It is somewhat ok for veterans and young players that don't look like they will pan out, to be in this sort of cloudy “We Have No Idea Who Is Going To Play Land” but it is not ok for higher level prospects.
For example, if you want to go with a Carter/Pagan/Francoeur/Beltran rotation in the OF, then Fmart needs to go back to the minors.
With second base, its a different story. Since we got rid of Cora (right move) and benched Castillo (right move) now you HAVE to go with Tejada everyday.
Let's hope for some common sense soon.
