Soliciting For Santos

In Adam Rubins Surfing The Mets, Rubin realistically predicts that once Schneider is activated from the DL, Santos will be sent down to AAA Buffalo. Schneider is pining to come back, but according to an official, they want him to face a higher level of pitching than what he has faced in extended Spring Training.

This will draw the ire of Mets fans, including yours truly. I've followed the game for a long, long time, so I understand that it's a numbers game; the numbers in Schneider's contract are larger than Santos.

If Rubin's prediction is accurate, that will leave the Mets with a catching tandem of Ramon Castro and Brian Schneider. Schneider has been a disappointment in his short tenure here in Queens, and has been oft injured. We knew he couldn't hit, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired. It has been much less than advertised.

With Ramon Castro, he is a superb back-up. The key word is B-A-C-K-U-P. He too is oft injured, and isn't someone you want to catch everyday. Although Castro is a solid hitter, and was a very good defensive catcher, those days of solid defense are history. He can handle a pitching staff well, but with aging and injuries, he isn't the player he was three years ago.

With Santos, the Mets have found something special, even if it is only over a short period of time. Santos has provided some very big hits, and has been very good behind the plate. That play last night, where he tagged out Washington's Josh Bard, Santos, blocking the plate better than the other two options, forced Bard to go wide, missing the plate. Santos, not giving up on the play, alertly tagged Bard out. I don't think either of the two other catcher's on this team make that play.

It is doubtful Schneider will be back with this team in 2010 with his contract expiring at season's end. The same might be said for Castro, whose contract also expires with the end of this season. Instead of waiting until the last minute, wouldn't it be smart for the Mets to see what they have before next year? Let Santos play. Let him make mistakes, and continue to let him play. When all is said and done, he might very well be the best option available.

Unfortunately, the MO for this team is to have a slow reaction as opposed to being aggressively proactive.

All we are saying, is give Santos a chance (you may draw whatever John Lennon reference you like).