Riding the Pine

MIKE NICKEAS - C
2011 stats - .189 BA, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 53 AB

Almost a career minor leaguer, Nickeas made it up to the bigs near the end of last season when Ronny Paulino went down with a season ending injury.  A serviceable call up and short term replacement placer, Nickeas is beign dubbed as the backup catcher to start the 2012 campaign.

In checking out the stats from last season, even though it is a small sample, it's easy to see that Nickeas will not wow many people with his bat.  What is more known for is his defense behind the plate and his ability to call a good game for his pitchers.  

Being needed once every five games or so, the Mets should be able to get by with that type of backup catcher.  The question will rise up if starter Josh Thole struggles with his offensive game and the Mets become desperate to fit a catcher with a stronger stick.