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 Cardinals’ roster as they begin the final series before the All Star break tonight in New York.
Matt Bowman: The St. Louis bullpen piece was originally drafted by the Mets in the 13th round in 2012 before being taken by the Cardinals in the 2015 rule 5 draft.
Carlos Martinez: The Cardinals’ top pitcher was signed by Dominican scout Juan Mercado, who earlier worked for the Mets and Pirates. In his time with New York, he signed current Mets Juan Lagares and Jose Reyes.
Adam Wainwright: The only major transaction Wainwright has been a part of was as the major portion of the Cardinals’ return for shipping JD Drew to the Braves in 2003. Also packaged with Drew was utility man Eli Marrero, who would go on to have a brief stint with the Mets in 2006, his last appearance on a major league roster.
Draft Connections
The Cardinals’ organization is the poster child for internal player development, so their players did not provide many connections through the trade route. This draft-and-develop approach does provide a plethora of draft connections, though.
2007, first round: Brett Cecil and Travis d’Arnaud
2009, first round: Mike Leake, Randal Grichuk, and Zack Wheeler
2010, third round: Sam Tuivailala and Addison Reed
2010, ninth round: Tyler Lyons and Jacob deGrom
2014, first round: Luke Weaver and Michael Conforto
Campus Connections
Cardinals’ catcher Eric Fryer was drafted in 2007 out of Ohio State by the Brewers. Three years later, the Mets drafted an Ohio State pitcher in Josh Edgin.
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy – USA Today Sports