Feb
23
2013

Spring Training Results Typically Mean Nothing, Except Where The Mets Are Concerned

An article by John Delcos

daniel murphy The question is always posed at the start of the exhibition schedule: How important is it to win during spring training?

For most teams it isn’t and history is full of examples of spring training winners who were flops during the regular season. The reverse also holds true.

But, what about the Mets, who open up today against the Washington Nationals? What are we to make if Zack Wheeler outdoes Stephen Strasburg or if the Nationals light him up?

Probably nothing, but over the next five weeks I believe it is important for the Mets to show something, if for no other reason but to get a good feeling about themselves. And, for us to get a good feeling about them.

Let’s put it this way: I’d rather have some feeling of optimism and have it dashed later rather than be totally turned off before Opening Day.

The Mets are a rebuilding team coming off a drastic second-half collapse that turned a potentially winning season into their fourth straight losing year. The Mets winning during spring training could give them something to build on.

However, even if they don’t win, it is important they play well. They must get in the habit of playing fundamentally sound and aggressive baseball now, because as a team lacking in overall talent, it is the only way they can compete.

What the Mets must learn this spring is to not beat themselves. They have to take the extra base, get in the habit of making productive outs and working the count. They must throw to the right base, back-up plays and not give away outs on defense.

As the pitchers gain their arm strength will come command and pitch selection. They won’t do this against minor leaguers, but when they play the Nationals, Cardinals or Braves, they certainly can apply that approach to their regulars.

Terry Collins wants to emphasize fundamentals. Let’s seem them respond, and let’s also see how Collins reacts when they don’t. This is a lame duck manager; he needs to send the message he’s still in charge.

There are other things the Mets must work on.

Defensively, Daniel Murphy – when he returns – and Lucas Duda, require a lot of work to master their positions.

The Mets need to find out about prospective center fielder and leadoff hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis and starter Matt Harvey, who is in his first spring training in the rotation.

They also have health issues in Dillon Gee and Johan Santana, plus there is the matter of building an outfield and bullpen.

Yes, there are a lot of questions the Mets must answer and a lot of things have to happen for them to have a winning season. Even if they don’t, there is the expectation of playing a better brand of baseball.

The first thing in learning how to win comes from playing the game the right way. That attitude starts today.

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.

12 Comments + Add Comment

Bayonne Mets Fan February 23, 2013 at 12:01 pm

I’ll be very curious as to what Gary, Keith & Ron have to say about the offseason
- Just-Da-Damaja February 23, 2013 at 12:05 pm
  
  LOL
  
  look at how SNY defended the wilpons when the union chief made his comments
  
  http://web.sny.tv/media/video.jsp?content_id=25607747&topic_id=21536544&c_id=sny
Just-Da-Damaja February 23, 2013 at 12:12 pm

Side note:

http://web.sny.tv/media/video.jsp?content_id=25609371&topic_id=21536544&c_id=sny

a ball pitched middle-in is typically PULLED, not pushed the opposite way…
Just-Da-Damaja February 23, 2013 at 12:20 pm

Wanna hear something funny…

Listen to this Adrian Beltre vs David Wright discussion

http://espn.go.com/new-york/video/clip?id=8975439
- RandomGuy February 23, 2013 at 4:50 pm
  
  “they’re both studs, we’re just nitpicking”
  
  says it all.
Kay February 23, 2013 at 12:24 pm

Nice 2 run homerun to start ST for Tejada!
Joe D February 23, 2013 at 12:26 pm

Who’s this guy Jose Reyes I keep hearing about? Anybody? LGM!
neekerbreeker February 23, 2013 at 12:40 pm

Ruben goes yard on Strassburg … nice.
neekerbreeker February 23, 2013 at 12:42 pm

Actually I was more impressed with Kirk’s at bat … if he can put a couple of those together every game there might be hope. Duda not so much.
Hitman February 23, 2013 at 1:03 pm

Good inning of work by Wheeler. Was all over the place at first with Lombardozzi and I was impressed at how he really settled in after Buck talked to him and calmed him down (you clearly saw Wheeler riled up at first). Got Harper to ground out and struck out the next two hitters. Nice job kid.
Joe D February 23, 2013 at 1:22 pm

Paul DePodesta tweeted this video

http://twitter.yfrog.com/j8ub9okmztxrgqqlmdggqiqtz

Zach Wheeler’s first Major League strikeout

I replied back:

Come on Paul, it’s Zack, but impressive nonetheless.

Hee hee hee….
Joey D. February 23, 2013 at 1:51 pm

Liked seeing Zach’s fluid motion. Unlike Strausberg, I don’t think his delivery is going to subject him to possible injury down the road with such heat.

No doubt he has the stuff. Impressive first two innings after his adrenelin calmed down. There is definite potential – but again, don’t forget, this was just two innings on February 25 with MLB batters facing him for the first time and obviously still in need to get their timing down. At the same time, another few months developing in AAA and Zack will continue getting his development more down pat too.

We just have to wait and see what tomorrow brings. So far, it does seem that the sun will come out tomorrow as well.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	23	18	.561	-
Nationals	23	19	.548	0.5
Phillies	20	23	.465	4.0
Mets	16	24	.400	6.5
Marlins	11	31	.262	12.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

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