Nobody knows what the future will bring but it’s possible Todd Hundley, until recently the Mets’ No. 1 catcher, will be with the Cubs next season.
Possible. But unlikely.
For this to happen, the Mets would have to re-sign Mike Piazza, the National League’s All-Star catcher. And to keep Piazza, according to published reports, the Mets would have to reward him with an eight-year contract in the neighborhood of $80 to $100 million, or about $12 million a year.
Because of his salary expectations, Piazza has been bouncing around. He opened the season with the Dodgers, was traded to Florida and a week later, on May 22, was sent to the Mets. The educated guess is the Mets, who already had an outstanding catcher in Hundley, made the deal in self-defense. In effect it was a public relations decision. They didn’t want the crosstown Yankees to get him.
Complications have arisen in the two months since. Although he has been hitting for a high average (.343) Piazza has been hitting 100 points less with runners in scoring position. And Hundley, the wounded catcher, has returned after an 85-game absence. Because of Piazza’s presence, he is playing out of position in left field.
Initially, Hundley expressed disappointment. He has looked foolish in the field in about a half-dozen games. But before Friday night’s game against the Dodgers he insisted he is becoming “more comfortable” and learning how to “read” the ball as it comes off the bat.
The toughest part, he said, is “just hanging around” for about 30 to 40 minutes between at-bats. Playing the outfield, especially left field, is considerably easier than catching. Catchers take a beating, must constantly block pitches and are confronted with foul tips and base-running collisions.
“The (batting) swing still isn’t there,” Hundley acknowledged. “I’m getting close but I always need 100 at-bats before I can get my rhythm.”
More significant is that manager Bobby Valentine on Thursday night told Hundley he wanted him to begin throwing out of a catcher’s crouch. Valentine didn’t say Hundley would be reclaiming his regular position, only that he could catch in emergency situations.
Hundley insists this is not of importance, not now. He still hasn’t completely recovered from elbow surgery but he expects to be at full strength when the Mets go to spring training.
And then what happens?
“I’ll wait and see what Mike does,” Hundley said. “He’s going to to be a free agent. If he doesn’t sign with the Mets I’ll be the regular catcher, just like before.”
And what if Piazza re-signs with the Mets?
Hundley was slow in answering:
“Maybe I’ll have to move on.”
Before he returned to the lineup July 11, Hundley renegotiated part of his four-year Met contract, currently in its second year.
A no-trade clause was inserted. Hundley listed 12 teams for which he would be willing to play.
The top two, he revealed, are the Cubs and Colorado Rockies.
The Cubs would seem to be a natural choice. Hundley grew up in Palatine. Moreover, his father, Randy, was among the best catchers in Cubs’ history. In effect, he would be coming home.
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” Hundley emphasized. “I like it here.”
Hundley has been with the Mets organization during his entire professional career. This is his ninth season with the parent club. He is extremely popular with his teammates, which may be the reason he doesn’t want to be traded.
Speaking of Piazza, Valentine said, “I hope he’s a Met for life.”
He is equally lavish in his praise of Hundley.
“When you pay the price with hard work as Todd has done, you’re usually successful,” he said. “He’s a very admirable person.”
Valentine said it has even been suggested to him that he alternate Piazza and Hundley behind the plate.
Valentine said: “Crazier things have happened.”
