The New York Mets rumor mill has the team interested in former Detroit Tiger, Brennan Boesch, as Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports via Twitter. The 27-year-old outfielder fits perfectly with the Mets and is now a free agent after being released by the Tigers.
Boesch hasn't become the player the Tigers expected him to be. You might consider it a short leash, but the three-year player was expected to have a monster season since he was the guy hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. However, the numbers were never there as manager Jim Leyland had to settle for a platoon system in the latter stage of the 2012 season.
In 2012, Boesche hit .240 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI and a .286 on-base percentage. These are mediocre numbers for a guy hitting in front of Cabrera and Fielder as a team would want to have guys on base before they get to the plate.
The Mets would be a perfect fit because they would provide an environment with very little pressure. Like many players, Boesch performed better when not under pressure. In his rookie season, he finished fifth in voting for the Rookie of the Year award after posting a .256 batting average, 14 home runs and 67 RBI in 133 games.
Barring a miracle, the Mets aren't expected to compete in the 2013 season. They are rebuilding and trying to find their identity as they possess many youngsters in the farm system that are ready to make their way to the majors.
For Boesch, this could be a great place to play. Yes, it's New York and the media is daunting, but baseball is going to be relaxed and the Mets might be the funner team to watch in the city as the Yankees' money is on the disabled list.
Boesch has played 227 of his 325 starts have come from right field. The Mets looked packed in right field as Lucas Duda is set to take over the postion. Jordany Valdespin looks like the only left fielder on the roster, but he was clutch off the bench. So Mets' manager Terry Collins could use Boesch in left field, while keeping Valdespin on the bench for crucial late-game situations.
Boesche provides more experience and pop than any other current Mets outfielder. There should be no reason why the team can't be confident in acquiring the left-handed outfielder.
