Report Card: Mets counting on a few utility guys

6/24/09
alex cora
By Max J. Dickstein

Report Card: Mets counting on a few utility guys

Photo credit: Game Face

Shortstop Alex Cora’s defense and timely hits have helped the Mets compensate for Jose Reyes’ absence. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

With a hail storm of injuries to their stars, the Mets have come to rely on a group of utility players who have seldom, if ever, been everyday major league starters.

Here’s a look at these suddenly crucial members of the team.

Alex Cora, SS, 33

Filling in for Jose Reyes as well as any journeyman could, Cora is a slick fielder and run producer (six sacrifice bunts). He singled in a run each in the sixth and eighth innings of the Mets’ scrappy 6-4 win against St. Louis on Monday.

B-

Omir Santos, C, 28

The burly Santos beat out Ramon Martinez for the backup catcher spot. He can swat for power (4 HRs, 23 RBIs) and, hitting .290, feather his swing to get on base. Santos had played only 11 major league games, with Baltimore in 2008, before this season, but his age has been apparent in his mature management of the Mets’ changeable pitching staff.

B+

Jeremy Reed, LF, 28

Reed took over in left field for patient young hitter Daniel Murphy. While the 24-year-old Murphy has held down first base defensively and stayed in the flow offensively in Carlos Delgado’s place, true day-to-day competency has eluded Reed. Hitting .288, he’s good for the occasional timely hit at the end of the batting order.

C+

Fernando Tatis, utility, 34

Coming off a fine 2008, Tatis’ play has been abysmal in 2009. Batting .248, he has grounded into six double plays. For the most part, the Mets stash Tatis on the bench as a backup at 1B, 3B, LF and RF.

D+

Fernando Martinez, CF, 20

Until Carlos Beltran returns in about two weeks, the Mets’ super-prospect captains the outfield. Batting .185, F-Mart must continue to adapt to major league pitching and improve his dedication to the game.

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Report Card: Mets counting on a few utility guys

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