The following is the third edition of what will be part of each of the series previews here at BP Mets. “Mets Connections” takes a look at the opposing teams’ rosters and highlights some of the noteworthy or interesting links that can be drawn between those players and the Mets organization. Some of these links may be obvious, such as if an opposing player has formerly played for New York, but some may be lesser known tidbits, such as if a player was previously drafted by the Mets. The third version of this series analyzes the Marlins’ roster as they open up a three game set at Citi Field tonight.
The current set of Marlins players has fewer direct connections to the Mets than the previous two analyzed teams, the Braves and the Nationals, so these notes are a little more obscure than the earlier editions. The following is a list of some the Marlins’ most significant Mets connections:
Tom Koehler: Koehler was drafted by the Marlins in the 18th round of the 2008 draft. He is not the only late-round selection that year to make a major league impact, as the Mets’ selection in the same round was Collin McHugh. McHugh, now part of the Astros’ rotation, was dealt by New York to Colorado for Eric Young Jr in 2013.
Adeiny Hechavarria and Derek Dietrich: The Miami shortstop began his career with the Blue Jays, who traded him as part of the package that netted two-time Met Jose Reyes, Mark Buerhle, and Josh Johnson, among others. One of those others is John Buck, former New York backstop. Marlin utility-man Derek Dietrich can also be traced to this trade, as he was later traded for Yunel Escobar, part of the Marlins’ return.
Edinson Volquez: Volquez was sent with former Met and left-handed pitcher Danny Herrera for Josh Hamilton in 2007. Don’t remember Herrera? Well, he threw only eight innings for New York in 2011 and has not thrown a major league pitch since.
Ichiro Suzuki: The longtime Mariner was sent to the Yankees in a July 2012 trade for Danny Farquhar and D.J. Mitchell. Mitchell was signed by the Mets the next season, but like Herrera, his stint was largely unmemorable. He never appeared in a game for the team.
Giancarlo Stanton: In the second round of the 2007 draft, Stanton (who was still going by Mike at that point) was chosen one pick ahead of the Mets’ selection, Scott Moviel. While it probably is not fair to says New York had their pockets picked, the close proximity to their pick may cause Mets fans to ponder “What if?”
Photo credit: Steve Mitchell – USA Today Sports