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IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Edgy MD Jan 23 2013 11:06 AM

It seems this guy would have a pretty good chance of making this team if he picked up an outfielder's glove and tried to make himself passable in left. With the modern roster demanding 12 pitchers, the offense is typically comprised of two catchers, six infielders and five outfielders. What was once a pretty standard thing on a roster --- the backup corner infielder --- is now relatively rare. And with the Mets fielding a starting secondbaseman (Murphy) who is not an option as a shortstop, and their primary reserve infielder (Turner) who is a pretty lousy option there also, carrying a BCI doesn't even enter the picture. That spot has to go to a capable shortstop. So, with no-room to carry him as just a 1B/3B, and with the outfield situation so up in the air, I'm demanding that Zach Lutz get to St. Lucie early and start shagging flies. Man can hit a little. Play a third position and we can talk.

metirish Jan 23 2013 11:09 AM Re: Zach Lutz

Zach Lutz - the white Andres Torres

themetfairy Jan 23 2013 11:17 AM Re: Zach Lutz

Zach with the B-Mets in August 2010

smg58 Jan 23 2013 12:08 PM Re: Zach Lutz

He's in a similar boat as Murphy, in that his natural position is third base and he won't be playing that here any time soon. I don't think he's less viable as a hitter than Cowgill or Brown, but he obviously needs a place to play. Even spelling Ike at first against some lefties might not make him useful enough to carry. I think the Mets also have to consider finding a team than can use Lutz and has somebody of similar value who would have a role here.

Ceetar Jan 23 2013 12:12 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Lutz (or Satin) would both be better options than Turner. Turner, is really a 2b/3b, but a counterpart 1B/SS is ..odd. So find (Ronny Cedeno) an okay SS/2B and you can use one of these guys on the corners. Or I guess we can stick with the musical chairs of sometimes Duda or Murphy at first or even Turner and Murphy and Turner can occasionally play third and then you just get one of those guys that tells a nice joke for the roster to back of Tejada (even though Tejada has probably the weakest bat of the four..(five if you include Turner?) ) In that case you can probably carry Lutz as a righty-bat and just occasionally shove him at first or third.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2013 12:12 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Tyrna won't make the team. That's what I say.

Edgy MD Jan 23 2013 12:20 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Turner has inculturation on his side. Terry likes him and he swings a mean cream pie. Even if Turner doesn't make it, their two backup infield spots are still likely to go to two guys who play up the middle. Lutz'll be 27 this year. He's hit everywhere he's played, when he's played. He's a perfectly valid insurance policy for Wright and Davis, but as it stands, that's not getting him out of Buffalo unless and until one of them gets hurt (while he, at the same time is healthy, which is part of the trick). He's lined up to spend a third straight year in AAA, despite having nothing to prove there. He's ripening on the vine. If they are going to get anything out of their investment in him, the time is now. He's still, if you believe Amazin' Avenue, their 31st-best prospect. I imagine he can be a useful threat against lefties. Grab an outfield glove, Zach. Fake it 'til you make it.

Ceetar Jan 23 2013 12:32 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Edgy MD wrote: that's not getting him out of Buffalo Vegas. I almost wonder if the Mets aren't best served starting him in the majors regardless of him fitting, forcing him into some games/AB and hoping to trade him. but hey, not on the 40 man. I can't see Turner not making the roster. But despite being right-handed he's part of the poor offense against lefties problem. Which is why trying him in the outfield doesn't make sense. but hey, toss Lutz out there. Can't exactly be worse defensively with Duda right?

Edgy MD Jan 23 2013 12:48 PM Re: Zach Lutz

I would think that backup shortstop spot is Brandon Hicks' to lose.

Ceetar Jan 23 2013 12:49 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Edgy MD wrote: I would think that backup shortstop spot is Brandon Hicks' to lose. is there even anyone else that can play SS on the 40 man?(Not counting Flores, Turner or Wright?)

Edgy MD Jan 23 2013 12:53 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Reese Havens, Wilfredo Tovar, and the starter Ruben Tejada, of course.

Ceetar Jan 23 2013 01:05 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Edgy MD wrote: Reese Havens, Wilfredo Tovar, and the starter Ruben Tejada, of course. Havens hasn't played there since A+ in 2009, and Tovar hasn't played above that level period. So yeah, seems like Hicks should start getting familiar with Tejada's backside.

Edgy MD Jan 23 2013 01:22 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Tovar played the second half of the season in AA last year, virtually all at shortstop.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2013 01:27 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Quintanilla gets a shot too, doesn't he?

Edgy MD Jan 23 2013 01:34 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Sure, and Brian F. Bixler too. But he asked about the guys with major league contracts.

Ceetar Jan 23 2013 01:36 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Edgy MD wrote: Tovar played the second half of the season in AA last year, virtually all at shortstop. Good point. Not sure how I missed that when I looked. sloppy. Bixler can play the OF too..hmm..leg up? Better get that glove ready Lutzy..

TransMonk Jan 23 2013 01:43 PM Re: Zach Lutz

I'm with Dr. Edgy here. There is a six page thread about how we need outfielders. Go be one, Zach.

Farmer Ted Jan 23 2013 01:47 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Turner has to make the team. He's been asking for music suggestions (Call Me Maybe is soooo 2012) on twitter.

Edgy MD Jan 24 2013 05:08 PM Re: Zach Lutz

madamimadam wrote: Terry Collins plans to give righty-hitting infielders Justin Turner and Zach Lutz looks in the outfield during spring training, he told ESPNNewYork.com on Thursday. Terry Collins, you're so obviously reading here, and I think it's beautiful.

TransMonk Jan 24 2013 05:45 PM Re: Zach Lutz

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/p ... n-outfield They need to get you on the payroll, Edgy.

Edgy MD Jan 24 2013 06:32 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Mets have a history of righthanded mashing thirdbasemen who nobody gave much of a thought to as an outfielder until they got to the big league level --- Kevin Mitchell, Butch Huskey, and... well that's two. Daniel Murphy if you include slappy lefties as well.

Nymr83 Jan 24 2013 08:14 PM Re: Zach Lutz

instead of finding a way to shoe-horn guys who cant play there into SS or carrying both a backup catcher and a backup shortstop who cant hit with only 3 more bench players who can, why not eschew the 12th pitcher in favor of Lutz or someone like Lutz?

Edgy MD Jan 24 2013 09:19 PM Re: Zach Lutz

I love eschewing pitchers, but I don't think that's the way the world is going.

smg58 Feb 08 2013 09:37 AM Re: Zach Lutz

[url]http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/60575/lutz-gets-down-to-business-in-outfield?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Perhaps Sandy does read our threads...

Ashie62 Feb 08 2013 01:20 PM Re: Zach Lutz

Add 26 year old Zach Lutz to the growing OF list.

Vic Sage Feb 09 2013 08:08 AM Re: Zach Lutz

I talked to Duda about it. He gave me some tips about it. taking tips from Duda on playing the OF? O, Lord hear our prayer...

smg58 Feb 09 2013 08:30 AM Re: Zach Lutz

I'd sooner take hitting tips from Rey Ordonez.

dinosaur jesus Feb 09 2013 09:40 AM Re: Zach Lutz

Well, if there's anyone who's got some fielding tips to pass on, it's Lucas Duda. You know he's heard plenty of them.

batmagadanleadoff Feb 09 2013 10:05 AM Re: Zach Lutz

smg58 wrote: I'd sooner take hitting tips from Rey Ordonez. Slowly I turned ... step by step ... inch by inch ...

Edgy MD Feb 26 2013 08:01 AM Re: Zach Lutz

Let's adapt this into Zach's IPP thread.

Vic Sage Feb 26 2013 08:32 AM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Zach could take Turner's job. I think he has the chops to be a better hitter, and he can't be a much worse fielder.

Edgy MD Feb 26 2013 08:37 AM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

I imagine Lutz would be more of a fakir up the middle than Turner.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 26 2013 09:25 AM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Made a nice defensive play at first base last night in the little of the game I saw. Could give Ike a rest vs. tuff lefties and otherwise serve the RH power PH role. I'm giving him 100 trips, 6 homers, 20 RBI, bats 270

Lefty Specialist Feb 26 2013 06:03 PM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Zach Lutz will lack zutz, and will only be seen when rosters expand.

Edgy MD Feb 26 2013 06:14 PM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

If Lutz doesn't appear until September, that means a 100% healthy season from both Wright and Davis, I think. My heart would flutter.

Ashie62 Feb 26 2013 06:49 PM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Recedes into organizational depth...

Lefty Specialist Feb 26 2013 07:04 PM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Edgy MD wrote: If Lutz doesn't appear until September, that means a 100% healthy season from both Wright and Davis, I think. My heart would flutter. Or Duda's playing first and Turner's playing third in front of 300 or so fans.

Fman99 Feb 26 2013 07:52 PM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Vic Sage wrote: Zach could take Turner's job. But can he hit a guy with a shaving cream pie? It's the intangibles, people.

Edgy MD Mar 03 2013 02:54 PM Re: IPP: Zach Lutz (formerly Zach Lutz)

Nieuwehuis's injury today led Terry Collins to use Zach Lutz in the outfield for the first time, where he handled his first chance successfully.