The following is 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. This version of the series analyzes the Dodgers’ roster as they begin their seven-game road stretch tonight in Los Angeles.
Justin Turner: Any time a former Met moves on to another team and blossoms into a star, it stings. Seeing a position player turn into an offensive force is especially difficult considering the Mets’ struggles at the plate. Turner has posted at least 4 WARP for the Dodgers in his first three seasons with the team and is on pace to eclipse that mark again this year.
Franklin Gutierrez: Gutierrez has been basically league average for the Dodgers this season, but most fans probably remember him for his Mariners days regardless. In his journey to the Mariners, he was part of a three-team trade in 2008 that involved the Mets dispersing seven players between Seattle and Cleveland in order to receive Sean Green, J.J. Putz, and Jeremy Reed.
Draft Connections: The Dodgers’ Alex Wood was drafted in the second round with the 85th overall pick by Atlanta in the 2012 draft. Earlier in the same round, the Mets selected utility man Matt Reynolds (71st).
Campus Connections: The second Matt Reynolds connection of the post comes because he attended the same university as Logan Forsythe (Arkansas). Forsythe (2008) was drafted four years before Reynolds (2012), though, so they did not play there at the same time.
Justin Turner (2006) and Tyler Pill (2011) both attended Cal State Fullerton.
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports