Thole and Nieuwenhuis Among First Cuts From Mets Camp

Adam Rubin of the Daily News reports that fourteen players have been cut from Mets camp and reassigned to minor league camp.

Most notable among them, but hardly a surprise is catcher Josh Thole who will start the season in AAA-Buffalo where he will hone his defensive skills. We may see him again this season, but probably not before the All Star break.

Here is the complete list of players who have been cut.

C – Josh Thole
3B – Shawn Bowman
RP – Eric Niesen
RP – Jack Egbert
SP – Josh Fogg*
RP – R.A. Dickey
RP – Travis Blackley
RP – Bobby Livingston
RP – Arturo Lopez
IF – Andy Green
3B – Mike Hessman
IF – Mike Cernevak
OF – Jesus Feliciano
SS – Luis Hernandez

Adam also adds that Josh Fogg may retire or ask for his release due to a side muscle injury.

This first big round of cuts usually signals more playing time for all the regulars as well as players locked in position battles. Expect to see more of Gary Matthews Jr. and Angel Pagan in the outfield, and Mike Jacobs and Daniel Murphy at first base. The majority of players that were cut were pitchers which means longer outings of four or more innings pitched for the starting pitchers.

** Add RHP Clint Everts and OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis to the list of cuts.