Update 1/22 @ 12:30 AM: Looks like this could be a moot point since the Rockies completed a deal with Boston for Marco Scutaro. The Sox received RHP Clayton Mortensen in the deal.
Maybe it’s possible Colorado could still be interested in Turner as a backup. I think that role may fit his talents better.
Original Post
Troy Renck of the Denver Posts reports the Rockies are interested in Justin Turner.
Last season, Mark Ellis and Jonathan Herrera played second base for the Rockies, so undoubtedly they are looking for Turner to take over the position full time. Two names that have been connected with the Mets this offseason are utility man Eric Young Jr. and RHP Jason Hammel.
Young Jr., son of former big leaguer Eric Young, is 26-years old and yet to produce offensively at the big league level. He has a career BA of .297 in the minors, but has hit only .246 in parts of 3 seasons in Colorado. He is versatile, and can play all three outfield positions and second base. His biggest asset is his speed, as he’s stolen as many as 87 bases in the minors, and 27 last year in just 77 big league games.
With Hammel, the Mets would be receiving a back-end of the rotation innings guys. Perhaps he could be the 6th starter swingman that D.J. Carrasco failed at so miserably. He was at his most value in 2008, when he started 5 games for Tampa, while coming out of the bullpen in 35 others. As a full time starter, he can probably win 10 games, while compiling about 170 innings or so with an ERA in the 4.50 range. He would be more depth than anything.
Turner could be looked at as excess since the Mets have Daniel Murphy as a possible second base solution, and prospects Jordany Valdespin and Reese Havens as depth. They also signed veteran middle infielder Ronny Cedeno this offseason.
What would be the Mets greater need? I think Young has potential to be a valuable substitute off the bench. His speed speaks for itself, and has a reputation for walking and getting on base. Hammel, although he would help the depth at pitching, could probably be replicated with an inexpensive free agent signing.
