Shortstop Wilfredo Tovar Joining Mets Tomorrow

In the wake of Ruben Tejada‘s injury, the Mets have elected to add shortstop Wilfredo Tovar to the roster for the remainder of the season. Tovar is expected to join the club tomorrow in Philadelphia.
Feb 21, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Wilfredo Tovar (70) poses for a picture during photo day at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Tovar, 22, has spent the last two years playing for AA Binghamton. In 486 plate appearances this season, Tovar hit .263 with a .323 OBP. Tovar’s offense is secondary. His value to the Mets is as a plus plus defender at shortstop – he was rated the best defensive infielder in the Mets system after the 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons.
Earlier this morning, Mets manager Terry Collins noted that Tovar and Omar Quintanilla would split the rest of the starts at shortstop beginning tomorrow.
Thoughts:
Wilfredo Tovar is probably not the answer for the Mets at shortstop going forward. As is noted above, his value is his defense. He’s viewed by most as an all glove, no hit guy, making his inclusion in the lineup as an everyday player highly unlikely.
However, he could very easily fit on the club in the near future as a backup/late inning defensive replacement. If the Mets opt to go outside the organization for a new starting shortstop, and Ruben Tejada isn’t brought back, a door could very likely be opened for Tovar.
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