As Opening Day Draws Near, Are Nick Evans' Days As A Met Coming To An End?

Nick Evans has only known the Mets. The 25 year old was drafted by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2004 draft, and made his Major League debut in the 2008 season.

That year Evans played mostly LF, a position he had only played 22 times before being called up to the Mets. He played his first game on May 24 in Colorado. The 22 year old went 3-4 with 3 doubles, 2 RBI, and a run scored in the Mets 9-3 win.

Evans played in 50 games his rookie season, mostly out of position by starting in 31 games, 28 of them in LF.

In 2009 Evans again started the season in the minors, splitting time between Binghamton (AA) and Buffalo (AAA). It wasn't until June 21st that he got back in the Mets lineup vs. Tampa Bay Rays. He only played in 30 games for the Mets in 2009, and his future seemed uncertain.

Then last year, Evans battled injuries and only played in 20 games for the Mets, being called up when the rosters expanded on September 1st.

Evans finished the season with a respectable .306 average, 1 HR, 5 RBI in 36 official AB's. Evans looked more relaxed than in 2009, and I was left to wonder will 2011 be the year Evans sticks with the Mets for the entire season?

This spring Evans has been terrific. He has batted .333 this spring while doing whatever has been asked of him; play 1B, OF, etc.

If Evans doesn't make the Mets, he will have to pass through waivers to be returned to the team. Many expect if Evans doesn't make the team, he should clear waivers. I don't believe so. He has right handed pop, and although not a great defensive player, he can play 1B, 3B, and either LF or RF. That is a nice option off the bench.

With Willie Harris being told he has made the squad, it looks like the only way Evans will make the Mets is if Carlos Beltran starts the season on the DL. But, when Beltran returns, Evans would probably be odd man out.

When asked of his situation, Evans said:

"I'm completely unsure of what's going on, and where I'm going to be a week from now. I'm really trying hard not to think about it. It sounds stupid, but I'm trying not to wonder about it - although I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't curious."

Terry Collins appears to be appreciative of Evans' hard work and attitude. In commenting on Evans relationship with Collins, the Mets hopeful said:

"It's nice to have someone in a position of power who has seen you play well, but you don't know if that will be enough. I just want to play. I came up with the Mets. I love the Mets, and I want to make the Mets. But I just want to play baseball in the major leagues."

It would be a nice story to see the Mets homegrown product not only make the team, but become successful playing for the team that drafted him as an 18 year old seven years ago.

Being a fan, there is no better feeling than seeing one of your own develop and do well. Evans is that kind of young man. Chances of him reaching his goal of being a Met are slim, but with Beltran's balky knees, Evans might get the opportunity to break camp with the Mets. If he does, then it will be up to him to make the Mets decision to release him more difficult.

This is one fan that would like to see Evans with the Mets. You?

Sources: Andy Martino NY Daily News, Baseball Reference