AJSmith posted the question of whether the outfield trio of Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez and Carlos Gomez was the most talented defensively in the history of the franchise.
Could be.
Overall, the best outfield trio in Mets’ history could be Darryl Strawberry, Lenny Dykstra and Kevin McReynolds. But, for pure speed and the ability to get the ball, AJ is probably right.
If anybody can think of another talented OF trio, let us know.
15 Comments
I’d argue for Mookie, Nails and Straw, with Mitchell off the bench.
Can we just acknowledge Willie in all of this. It’s no coincidence that he started that outfield lineup the same day that his pitcher induced 17 fly-outs. Nicely done, skip!
Jon – I’ve been known to refer to Mr. Randolph as ‘wonderful Willie’ these days when chatting with Tony Paige on WFAN – OK?
I can live with that!
Elliott Maddux, Bruce Boisclair, Dan Norman from 1979.
Not a Mets outfield, but the best OF trio I ever saw was George Bell, Lloyd Moseby and Jesse Barfield of Toronto in the mid-80s (specifically 1987). As for the Mets? Agee, Swaboda, Jones!!
Never really saw the 69 team, but what about them?
as for the 86 team and their 3/4, I never really liked Kevin. He was a good player and all but personally I never liked him.
Straw could carry the team single handidly for about a month at the plate, but he was not a good fielder. He had a gun for an arm, but his glove wasnt really good.
Isn’t it a bit early to annoint Gomez?
Speaking of the OF and questions from last year. SNY was talking about the young players and talk got around to Milledge. One guy was saying Lastings is now the chip to make the team better. How last year showed that he is not the player they thought he could be and that Gomez and the other guy down there are better although they do not have the experience.
Thanks for pushing the question, John. Nice to hear some opinions.
I wasn’t trying to annoint Gomez, I really meant in terms of defensive talent. Obviously, the kid hasn’t proved anything yet. Reports from the farm, though, say he’s a pretty amazing CFer with a cannon arm.
Agee, Swaboda, Jones was just before my time (born in ‘66) though I did see them play and remember them. I do know that Agee won a gold glove. Not sure any of them were as flat out fast as the three who played yesterday, though Beltran’s not really at full-speed right now.
That starting OF in ‘86 was really Heep, (Mookie/Nails), Strawberry. Straw was overrated defensively, and neither Mookie nor Dykstra had anything close to Beltran’s arm in center. McReynolds got there in 87, and I wouldn’t put him in Chavez’ class defensively (despite tonight’s missed diving attempt.)
Funny how after looking so good defensively yesterday, tonight almost got away from them via at least four hits that could/should have been made. And that Beltran and Chavez each kinda/sorta muffed one.
Anyway, If you’re a Mets flyball pitcher (Ollie, Maine) you could do a lot worse than looking over your shoulder and seeing Chavez, Beltran, and Gomez with their hands on their knees behind you.
Anybody else remember the Strawberry Patch? That area of worn grass where Straw always stood? Not the master of defensive positioning, but enough speed and athleticism to get by.
To AJSMITH,
The Mets starting outfield in ‘86 was Foster, Nails/Wilson, Straw…Heep was primarily used as a pinch hitter…when the Mets cut Foster later in the year, Mookie moved over to right..then the Mets made the trade to bring back Maz as the 4th outfielder…... The Cahvez, Beltran, Gomez outfield used on Sundday was probably the best one defense wise they have ever put on the field…..
Where’s the nod for Benny Agbayani????
Jason – don’t know, last I heard Benny was playing baseball for Bobby V in Japan.
You guys are making me feel old, but I actually remember, Tommie Agee, Cleon Jones and Ron Swoboda. Until I see alot more of this outfield, I’d have to give them my vote. Agee and Jones were very dependable. Swoboda had a knack for making circus catches. The kids in my neighborhood would play “Ron Swoboda”. It was basically a game of catch where the ball was thrown out of reach and you would have to making leaping catches at the fence or diving catches in the corner of the local parking lot.
its hard to go through the ages,. 69 and 70’s had great fielders.
Benny Agbayani – yes he was very good.
i definitly see endy there beltran. and green if he gets a running start. otherwise we need another good position player.