Feb
28
2013

Spring Shorts: Montero, D’Arnaud To Start Tonight, Wright Leaving For WBC

An article by Dan Valis

Anyone want to try their hand on what the Mets new Triple-A affiliate’s mascot is supposed to be?

With Grapefruit League action now in full swing, here are some news and notes from around Mets Spring Training camp.

Tonight, Rafael Montero will make his first start and will face off against the Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg, who pitches against the Mets for the second time in the last six days.

Montero, who has opened many people’s eyes this spring, will begin the season at Double-A Binghamton. If you would like to check out the exciting young righty, the game will broadcast live on MLB Network starting at 6:00 p.m.

Some other notables who will be in action tonight include Travis d’Arnaud behind the dish, Jordany Valdespin starting at second, and lefty reliever Scott Rice is also set to pitch.

In other news…

On Saturday, Matt Harvey will make his second spring start against the “new look” Miami Marlins. To see Harvey’s start tune into PIX 11, with the first pitch slated for 1:10 p.m.
Jack Leathersich tweeted a picture from his first pro outing for the Brooklyn Cyclones back in 2011.
Here is an interesting article, from a few weeks ago, that shows the Las Vegas 51′s transforming Cashman Stadium into the new home of the Mets Triple-A affiliate.
Lastly, David Wright will make his final appearance prior to leaving for the World Baseball Classic on Friday, against the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander, at Tradition Field.

If you would like to watch the Mets in action this spring, here is the complete Spring Training Broadcast Schedule.

About the Author: Dan Valis

I am a staff writer for Mets Merized Online. I am a Mets team analyst with a focus on the minor league system, as well as the major league club. I am a lifelong New Yorker who was born and raised to be a Mets fan. The ups and downs of being a Mets fan is what makes following this team so much fun, but at times so frustrating. You can follow me on Twitter @BgAppleMetsTalk.

22 Comments + Add Comment

Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 3:01 pm

It’s obvious that the Las Vegas 51′s is not an alien from Area 51 but rather the long distance cousin of Toho Company LTD’s Baragon.
http://img53.exs.cx/img53/1395/ShowaBaragon.jpg
Dave In Spain February 28, 2013 at 4:03 pm

JarJar Binks?¿
- Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 4:06 pm
  
  Dude you nailed it.
  http://www.costumeshop.us.com/images_products/jar-jar-binks-39150lar.jpg
Connor O'Brien February 28, 2013 at 4:19 pm

That mascot is probably one of the worst in sports. I have no idea what it is LOL
- oleosmirf February 28, 2013 at 4:21 pm
  
  You know what Area 51 is right?
  - TX February 28, 2013 at 4:22 pm
    
    It’s to the right of Area 52 and 2 doors down from Jar Jar’s house.
    - AV February 28, 2013 at 4:36 pm
      
      It’s the place from which Jeff Goldblum was able to defeat a super-advanced alien race using an Apple Macintosh Powerbook 5300.
      - TX February 28, 2013 at 4:52 pm
        
        I’m amazed that USB technology is apparently were it maxes out.
  - Dan Valis February 28, 2013 at 4:56 pm
    
    oleosmirf, your probably dead on with the area 51 thing.
Matt Balasis February 28, 2013 at 5:18 pm

Area 51 reject …
Hitman February 28, 2013 at 5:41 pm

Looking at that thing makes me wonder if they’ll have a “MIB Night”. Too good to pass up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk4qJ3bzt5U
srt February 28, 2013 at 6:11 pm

LOL…that mascot could scare children.
Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 9:50 pm

Spin 2 hits tonight. Continuing to make case to go North with team.
- Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 9:58 pm
  
  Then there is this. “TC: ‘Spin will get look in outfield soon”
  
  http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/61667/tc-spin-will-get-look-in-outfield-soo
- Hitman February 28, 2013 at 10:09 pm
  
  Jersey, a couple of points:
  
  1) Ideally, Valdespin & Cowgill looks good at the top of the order.
  2) Valdespin should be the starting LF. Yes or no?
  - Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 10:14 pm
    
    I am not ready to give up on Duda’s bat yet myself but I continue to believe that Duda is on a short leash so if he can’t show signs of his 2011 2nd half form I can see Spin force his way into that spot IF he as well can show that he can hit.
    - Hitman February 28, 2013 at 10:27 pm
      
      To me at this point, Duda needs to start in AAA and showcase himself as a 1st baseman, boosting his value until some team takes him off our hands. Valdespin needs to get his shot everyday in the lineup. Makes no sense any other way.
      - Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 10:38 pm
        
        I would send Duda down only if he just looks lost and no one else has looked impressive to overtake his spot on the roster. Otherwise Duda’s power is something they will most likely try to see if he can provide them at least early in the season.
        
        They like Baxter’s bat and as a 4th OF off the bench I don’t see him losing a spot unless he just totally looks lost toward the end of camp.
        
        I would speculate that maybe it ends up with Duda in LF Cowgill in CF and quite possibly Valdespin in RF with him pushing Kirk down to AAA if Spin continues to impress and Kirk doesn’t. Then possibly a battle between Byrd and Brown for a spot in OF if they indeed carry 5 outfielders.
        
        Hitman February 28, 2013 at 10:53 pm
        
        Here’s the problem: so far, Duda has looked lost thus far and if he doesn’t turn it around quickly, he’ll be lost in the shuffle. He’s fortunate Bax, Kirk, Brown and Den Dekker aren’t hitting either. I said at the beginning of the month that the OF should consist of Valdespin, Den Dekker, and Cowgill. Thus far, I’m almost dead on.
        
        Mr North Jersey February 28, 2013 at 11:02 pm
        
        You may end up being right. Personally I keep remembering Duda’s 2nd half in 2011 after they traded Beltran and he averaged comparable numbers to what Beltran provided before he was traded. Maybe that was a fluke and he will never be that player again but I would like to give Duda as much a chance as possible before I give up on that potential.
jdon March 1, 2013 at 5:58 am

I only have seen D’Arnaud hit a few times. No way of knowing what his plate discipline is. But he has a great pair of hands. He just flicks the bat and the ball jumps. He seems smaller than I thought he was going ot be…
- Fonzie13 March 1, 2013 at 8:49 am
  
  d’Arnaud is 6′-2″ 200 lbs. Bigger than he looks on TV. He runs better than I would’ve thought.

MMO Mets Chat

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!