D is for Disappointing

Much was expected from Travis d'Arnaud. Considered the best catching prospect in the minor leagues when he was sent from the Blue Jays to the Mets in the R.A. Dickey trade, he hasn't progressed as expected. Injuries slowed him in 2013, before he made his Mets debut in August. He didn't display any of the impressive offensive skills (power, high average) that marked his years in the minors. And 2014 hasn't been any different, with his average remaining under .200. Finally, the Mets optioned over the weekend him to their triple-A club in Las Vegas, hoping he might rediscover the form that made him look so appealing just over a year ago.
Catching is a difficult position -- it's the ultra-rare player at his position who becomes Johnny Bench, Roy Campanella, Johnny Bench, Mike Piazza or Gary Carter. The Mets would likely have been happy with a good bat, clutch hitting and occasional power, combined with strong defense and pitch calling. You know, the Carlos Ruiz-Russell Martin kind of player. So far, d'Arnaud is not in their league. And now he's in the Pacific Coast League.

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