Mar
28
2012

Delcos: Looking at Opening Day roster

An article by John Delcos

The last week of spring training is usually for solidifying the 25-man roster. In the Mets’ case, barring a late injury or trade – isn’t that a laugh? – what you see now is pretty much what you’ll get from the Mets next week when the open their 50th season against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.

SANTANA: Looks like he'll be ready.

It looks as if the Mets won’t take the safe route with Johan Santana, who remains on track to start Opening Day. The remainder of the rotation is to be Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee. I would have preferred more time for Santana to build up his arm strength, but the Mets believe he’s ready. We shall see.

The patchwork bullpen looks to be Daniel Herrera (as Tim Byrdak will not be ready), long-man Miguel Batista, Manny Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Ramon Ramirez, set-up man Jon Rauch and closer Frank Francisco. The bullpen has been an Achilles Heel the past three years and will again be a major issue.

The infield, from first to third, will be Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada and David Wright, which we’ve expected all along. Wright will have a week to get ready, so don’t be surprised at a slow start.

The outfield, from left to right, is Jason Bay, Andres Torres and Lucas Duda. There’s a chance Torres might not be ready.

The catchers are Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas.

The bench, which doesn’t frighten anybody, will be comprised of Ronny Cedeno, Scott Hairston and Justin Turner.

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

9 Comments + Add Comment

Russell Zanca March 28, 2012 at 3:42 pm

I feel Santana is rested and ready. It looks as if he has been properly managed this spring, and I don’t think he would put himself in jeopardy were he feeling discomfort.

While he doesn’t need to go seven innings, or go more than 60-65 for his first few outings, the Mets are trying to show they are somewhat serious about winning out of the gate by putting JS on the hill from Day 1. He’s our ace, and I want to see him start Opening Day. Gosh, hasn’t he been on the DL long enough!
Kevin Gallo March 28, 2012 at 3:45 pm

Don’t forget Scott Hairston!! lol, this team looks pretty bad but I’m still optimistic! 87-75 lets gooooo
Raylo March 28, 2012 at 4:15 pm

How many more opening day roster projections can you possibly post? There’s no insights here. BORING!
jessep March 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm

Delcos, you have my email address right? Can you shoot me a message please?
Sach March 28, 2012 at 4:39 pm

As an aside, FYI some more info regarding Chris Young via Rubin- Chris said today so far his rehab has gone without a hitch, has thrown off of a mound 9 times already recently with Mark Prior under the eye of Tom House. Chris said he’s almost to the point of pitching some live batting practice to hitters. Chris also has 2 outs in his contract- one in June and one in July if he’s not in the majors yet. TC also said today if Young returns to the Mets this summer, he’s going to seriously consider a 6 man SP rotation at that point to give Santana, Niese, Gee and Pelf extra days of rest.
- XtreemIcon March 28, 2012 at 4:44 pm
  
  With the second half that both Gee and Niese had last year, it’s probably a good idea when you consider the type of injuries Santana and Young had. And if the extra day throws Pelf off his game, then even better.
  - Steve From Norfolk March 28, 2012 at 9:45 pm
    
    If Pelf gets thrown off his game, does that mean he’ll be a GOOD pitcher?
Bill March 28, 2012 at 8:34 pm

Yawn !!
Matt March 29, 2012 at 6:45 am

Terrible roster. Worst in years.

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