Mets Have Discussed Cesar Izturis, Will Likely Meet With His Agent

UPDATE, 5:48 PM:

After his initial tweet about Izturis, Mike Puma noted that the Mets are looking at Izturis as a backup.

That makes this a little less appalling, but it still doesn’t make any sense. There are certainly better options out there to fill out the bench than a 34 year old who gets on base at a .250 clip.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets have interest in free agent shortstop Cesar Izturis:

Mets have already discussed Cesar Izturis and will likely meet with his agent tomorrow or Wednesday.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 9, 2013

Hearing that the Mets have inquired about Izturis, who will be 34 prior to opening day, is quite puzzling.

Izturis is a solid defender, but here are his on base percentages over the last five seasons, respectively:

.294, .277, .250, .254, and .259.

Jul 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Cesar Izturis (3) throws the ball to first base for an out during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. . Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

If the Mets want a no-hit shortstop who can play solid defense, they can simply go with Wilfredo Tovar – who’s already on the 40-man roster.

It makes more sense to go with a 23 year old who may have a chance to improve at the plate, if the alternative is going with a 34 year old who has already proven he can’t hit.

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