That's quite a set of Tatis we got here

[Frayed Knot]

OK. so we still need Church back and healthy, plus I know we don't want to base too much on recent hot streaks, but it's getting to the point with Fernando where the obtainable names on the rumor circuit aren't looking like much of an upgrade.

In addition to his: .318/.365/.520 clip that he's been hitting at since his call-up, let's add that to his previous 1+ season of AAA ball since his return to baseball and the NYM signing.

AB	PA	-H	2B	3B	HR	TB	BB	-K	BA	OBA	SLG	WalkRt	IsoP
765	855	213	46	5	40	389	90	160	.278	.354	.508	.076	.230

And yeah, 80% of those ABs are from AAA, but those are actually dragging down the overall numbers at this point and 850+ PAs is not a sample size to sneeze at. So if the likes of Ibanez or Randy Winn showed up on the dorrstep tomorrow do we really want their ABs to come at his expense? (again, assuming Church's eventual return)

He's also, lest we forget, all of 33 years old so it's not like we should expect him to turn into Dorian Gray's picture any minute.

[nymr83]

well Church still isn't back and theres no telling what head injury will do to his production or availability the rest of hte way, so if Ibanez is obtainable the Mets should still be looking. At worst everyone is healthy and productive in which case Tatis can give all 3 outfielders (church would play CF when beltran sits), wright, and delgado days off down the stretch and he or ibanez would be the PH threat the mets need.

[G-Fafif]

All his HRs, said DiamondVision, in the sixth or later. They noted before he hit one in the sixth or later today.

He is a godsend.

[seawolf17]

Unquestionably a godsend, better than we could have reasonably expected. That said, you have to figure this bubble will burst, right?

[nymr83]

he won't keep hitting .306/.361/.479 thats for sure, but if he hits at .265/.345/.445 the rest of the way (right around his career averages) thats fine.

[Frayed Knot]

Slow down ... sure.
"Burst" ... not necessarily, which was kind of the point in tacking on the AAA stats -- to show that he's been hitting reasonably well for over a year now.

And while I agree that his presence doesn't make the aquisition of another OFer unnecessary, let's say that maybe it allows the team to be somewhat less desperate and a bit more choosy.

[Guest Vince Coleman Firecracker]

I'm not completely convinced he's the team's answer in left field yet, but I'm starting to come around. For the season, he's got a 25% line drive rate and a .370 BABiP, which is right on the money. For his career, he's had a 23% line drive rate, so it's not out of the question that he continues to hit at this rate. His 6% walk rate is actually on the low end of the spectrum for his career, so I think that even if his LD% falls off, we might see his OBP remain steady. His power numbers will come down, though. Right now, he has a 23.7% HR/Flyball ratio, head and shoulders above his career rate.

I still think the Mets should try to land another corner outfielder, though- Church may not come back this year, and he may not be at 100% if he does. Even if he does come back and starts raking like he did early in the year, our bench could really use another bat.