Wilmer Flores Promoted to Mets

Per the Mets, infielder Wilmer Flores has been promoted from AAA Las Vegas.  He’s en route to New York.

Mar 11, 2012; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (61) during the game against the New York Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Mets beat the Tigers 11-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Flores, who turns 22 tomorrow, saw time at third base during his last three games with Las Vegas after playing primarily second base and first base all season.

Most expected Flores to be promoted right after David Wright was placed on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, but the team chose to promote Mike Baxter instead.

There had been talk the last few days that Daniel Murphy would shift to third base while Wright remained on the shelf, but the Mets shifted course today and opted to give Flores the call.

With Bobby Parnell likely headed to the disabled list after receiving an injection to ease his neck injury, it’s probable that Flores will take Parnell’s spot on the roster.  The Mets had been carrying 13 pitchers.

Flores was hitting .321 for AAA Las Vegas with a .358 OBP and 532 slugging percentage to go along with 36 doubles, 15 home runs, and 86 RBI’s.

It’s been stated repeatedly by those who follow Flores daily that he simply doesn’t have the range to handle second base, and there are those who believe his power potential (said to be 15 to 20 homers per year) doesn’t make him an ideal fit at first base.

Third base, though, is Flores’ best position.  He’s comfortable around the bag and has soft hands.  While Flores clearly won’t be the Mets’ long term answer at third base, he deserves a chance to prove that he can be an offensive asset for the club.  If he proves worthy, the Mets can worry about finding a long term spot for him.

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