Some fans have called the New York Mets trade of Brandon Nimmo “devastating” and they are calling for the head of David Stearns. But the fans are way overreacting. Nimmo’s departure from the New York Mets is only a shock because he has a contract that can end up being an albatross for some team, as his age goes up and his production goes down. That “up” and that “down” had already become apparent in recent seasons with the Mets.
Back in May, I had reluctantly advocated for the Mets to move him before it got to the point of no return. While a fan favorite, and definitely one of MY favorites, the timing was right for Nimmo to move on.
On offense, Nimmo’s strong suit virtually disappeared. He had been an “on base” machine, always hovering around the .400 OBP mark. Then while some say he matured and gained some power, in reality, he changed his approach, and his swing, in order to increase his power numbers which, in turn, decreased his numbers for actually getting on base. So his strength of getting on base was compromised for a few more home runs. Those extra home runs weren’t what the Mets needed.
On defense, while he was once projected to be a centerfielder, in reality, he was never really suited to BE a centerfielder. But in the absence of a true centerfielder, and the cockamamie way the team was constructed annually, Nimmo became the defacto centerfielder. And while not great, he actually did a pretty good job. He didn’t cover as much ground as most top centerfielders, and didn’t have the great arm, but he made up for it with hustle and hard-nosed play. But suddenly he lost a step, or two, and couldn’t cover much ground in centerfield. So he was moved over to his more natural position of left field. And then suddenly he couldn’t cover enough ground there either.
In essence, Nimmo became another player who, while extremely popular, with so many great attributes, was best relegated to the DH role – another player who will clog the lineup and who does not hit for enough power to warrant clogging that spot.
That brings us to the player the Mets got in return – Marcus Semien.
Five seasons ago, Semien would have been a great acquisition. It was in a report that Semien will be the Mets second baseman for years. I disagree. Semien will be another Carlos Baerga. Semien is already 35 years old and will be 36 during next season. His offensive skills have already plummeted.
Semien is not only on the other side of 30, he is already on the other side of 35. The Mets wanted to get better defensively, more athletic, and younger. Those were David Stearns’ words. The Mets getting rid of Nimmo could be justified. There is only one way to justify taking Semien in return – a swap of cumbersome contracts for players that don’t fit the needs of their team. One problem roster spot for another…that’s all it is.
I loved Brandon Nimmo and wish every MLB player showed the kind of heart and loyalty he has shown. But he just didn’t fit with the remake of this team. The Mets collapsed last season because they didn’t have the right players…it was a poorly constructed roster dating back prior to the arrival of David Stearns. For years it’s been a constant attempt to patch it all together rather than having a set plan and really sticking to it.
Getting more athletic, getting better defensively, and getting younger IS a good plan. How Marcus Semien fits in all of that is anyone’s guess.
