A few moves Mets may want to consider

Wednesday night, the Mets designated Omar Quintanilla for assignment. This did not come as a surprise, as Quintanilla’s slash line was .207/.258/.241. Quintanilla will be replaced by Wilmer Flores, who will get the majority of the playing time as the Mets assess what they really have in Flores. This is a good move, and one that had to be made.

Here are a few other suggestions for Mets moves, as they try to shake the malaise that has seen them lose six of their last seven.

Dec 11, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson announces that the MLB rules committee approved a change eliminating collisions at home plate during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. The proposed rule change goes to the owners and the MLB Players association for approval. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

1. Send Josh Satin down, recall Eric Campbell:

Satin is clearly struggling, with a .130 average and .310 OBP. He has no home runs and just three RBI. Satin seems to be the type of player who needs regular work, and he will not get that with the commitment the Mets have made to Lucas Duda (who will play against some lefties).

Campbell is batting .341 with Las Vegas. He has a .428 OBP and 3 home runs. Campbell can play all over the infield, and even some outfield, giving Terry Collins a much more versatile player than Satin. Campbell is not on the 40-man roster. However, the Mets could add him, as the roster currently stands at 38.

2. Release Jose Valverde, recall Vic Black:

Jose Valverde made the team after a solid spring training, but has not been effective. The 36-year-old has pitched to a 4.05 ERA, and has blown one of three save chances. He has yielded four home runs in 13.1 innings pitched.

Vic Black, conversely, had a bad spring and was sent to Las Vegas to begin the season. Black has put his game together in Triple-A, posting an ERA of 0.68. He has four saves, and has struck out 15 in 13.1 innings pitched. Black has righted himself, and should be in Queens in the closer’s role.

3. Release Kyle Farnsworth and recall Jacob deGrom:

The 38-year-old Farnsworth has been inconsistent. At times, he pumps his fastball at 95 mph, while at other times he struggles to crack 90 mph. While Farnsworth has two saves, the former strikeout pitcher has just nine strikeouts over 14 innings pitched. Clearly, Farnsworth’s tank is close to empty.

DeGrom is 25 years old, and has thrown 38.1 innings at Las Vegas this year. He has a 2.58 ERA, with 29 strikeouts and 38 hits allowed. While deGrom has pitched exclusively as a starter this season, he can likely transition to relief. This would help him acclimate to the major leagues, and put him on display as a possible trade chip.

…The moves above would not cost the Mets significant additional money, as Campbell, Black, and deGrom will be at the major league minimum salary. The infusion of youth also could be a positive for the team. Here are some additional moves to ponder…

1. If Wilmer Flores doesn’t work out at shortstop, make the move:

The Mets seem to be done with the notion that Ruben Tejada can be a major league starting shortstop. This epiphany, while perhaps late, is welcome. If Wilmer Flores can’t handle the position, the Mets can entertain signing Stephen Drew after the draft. Alternatively, if money’s a concern, they can look to trade for Nick Franklin or Didi Gregorius. It’s likely the next shortstop is not in the organization. It’s time to acknowledge this, and make the necessary move at this important position.

2. Trade Bartolo Colon:

Colon is taking a spot that can go to Rafael Montero or Noah Syndergaard in June. Colon has not been the front-of-the-rotation starter the Mets hoped, pitching to a 5.36 ERA. He has been at best inconsistent. By today’s standards, Colon’s contract is reasonable ($10 million per year for two years), and he may have some value to a contender. Trading Colon would not be about the trade return, it would be about freeing a spot in the rotation, and opening up some working capital to invest elsewhere.

…The moves above are not blockbusters, and they will not make the Mets immediate contenders. They also do not impact Super Two status. However, with 20% of the season complete, it’s time to make evaluations.

The farm system is fairly deep. Now is the time to remove unproductive veterans, and replace them with inexpensive young players. Any money saved on Colon could be dedicated to a shortstop upgrade.

I believe that these moves could set the Mets up for a larger move this off-season, the one that could bring in at least one big bat. Equally importantly, the Mets have to do something before this season spirals into the abyss. We know they’re cash-strapped. It wouldn’t cost money to begin making necessary tweaks.

What do you think the Mets can realistically do at this point of the season?

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