We love Endy Chavez for many things. "The Catch" against the Cardinals in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS. His great energy. His tremendous defense. The one thing we don't love is when Endy is hurt. He played in just 71 games last season and his loss creating gaping hole in the depth of our bench. So when I heard that Endy injured not only his hamstring but also his right ankle while playing winter ball in Venezuela I was unsure of his status with the Mets. Especially considering the fact that we will platoon a plethora of different guys at Right this season, I was really hoping Endy would get more playing time than he has in the past. But another injury. And now, in addition to newly acquired Ryan Church, Endy will have to compete for playing time against ex-Cub Angel Pagan.
Pagan is a 26 year old switch-hitting speedster, who plays all 3 outfield spots. Pagan is not new to the Mets, as he was traded from the organization in 2006, after being with them since 2000. He started 69 games over 2 seasons in Chicago, and is regarded as a good energy guy off the bench who can steal a base every now and then.
An energy guy off the bench with speed? Sounds like someone I know. Was this move made by Omar simply because the Mets have seen a guy like Endy and Omar thought, "We should get another one of those?" Or is it because Endy will be leaving us in a deal for an ace?
The most likely reason for Pagan's addition seems to be the latter. Any team would want Endy, as he is a low-priced, valuable commodity. So who Omar, who could it possibly be now? Johan seems like it just will not happen, and the Mets have fallen way behind the Mariners in the Erik Bedard Sweepstakes. Perhaps it will be the A's Joe Blanton, who was dangled earlier this off-season by Oakland. The A's just yesterday traded starting center fielder Mark Kotsay for reliever Joey Devine, so the A' s have a hole to fill. If they are willing to fill it with Endy and are not looking for too much else in return for Blanton (i.e. someone not named Humber, Pelfrey or Mulvey), it seems that the Mets must pull the trigger.
Believe me, I don't want to see Endy go. But here he is injured again, the Mets have just acquired an Endy Jr. in Angel Pagan, and the A's have an open spot in their outfield. We desperately need a starter, and our window to make a deal is running out. So prepare to say good-bye to Endy, Mets fans, and hello to Joe Blanton.
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