Feb
13
2013

Video: Terry Collins Discusses Parnell, Santana, Harvey, Duda, Winning

An article by Dan Valis

Yesterday, after his press conference from the Mets Spring Training Complex, Mets manager Terry Collins was a guest of Mike Francesa on the YES Network. Collins discussed Johan Santana and his starting rotation, Bobby Parnell, and a host of other Mets topics.

Before that, Collins addressed the media and the following is a summary of what was covered including the bullpen, the outfield, which prospects might make the team out of camp. Here is a brief summary of everything that was discussed.

Collins said he did not worry about Michael Bourn because he was never on the roster.
Johan Santana will pitch April 1st on opening day, and thinks Jon Niese is ready to turn the corner.
Plans to talk to David Wright about being the team captain, but doesn’t believe he needs a “C” on his jersey.
Matt Harvey has no innings limit, and Collins strongly believes that “if Matt Harvey pitches 210 innings, he is going to win 17 games”.
Terry believes his four infielders are set, and catching situation is in good hands with John Buck.
On the rotation, and Zack Wheeler making the team out of camp, Collins said the following: “As we sit here today, no, we have five starters. He needs to go to Triple-A and pitch. If he wants to be on the staff, go and be the best pitcher at Triple-A and force us to call you up”. Collins stated that he is anxious to see Wheeler throw, but does not want to put any undue pressure on him.
Collins commented on the the situation with Travis d’Arnaud, and said that he needs to play everyday, saying “If he makes the big league club, he is going to play everyday.”
If Wheeler is not ready and there is an injury early, Collins believes Jeremy Hefner, Jenrry Mejia, and Aaron Laffey will be in the group to possibly fill in as starters.
Terry said he wants to see Zach Lutz because he is a legitimate candidate to be a right-handed bench option. Justin Turner, along with Lutz, Collin Cowgill, Marlon Byrd, and Andrew Brown among others will all get a look in the outfield this spring.
Collins believes that Brandon Lyon and Bobby Parnell are in the mix if Frank Francisco is not ready to go on opening day. Terry also plans to give Josh Edgin some looks in the 9th inning this spring. Francisco is not yet throwing, and still has some swelling in his elbow.
Left-handed reliever options include Robert Carson, Aaron Laffey, Scott Rice, along with Josh Edgin and Tim Byrdak. Pedro Feliciano has a leg up due to his experience.
Jordany Valdespin impressed Collins during his time in Winter ball, and will remain an option in the outfield
Nobody has the inside track on the backup utility infield spot, with Justin Turner, Brian Bixler, Omar Quintanilla, and Brandon Hicks being in the mix.
On the outfield, Collins said Lucas Duda will be his left fielder, and believes he is the “biggest and strongest guy in the league behind Mike (Giancarlo) Stanton.” Collins emphasized Duda’s ability to drive the ball the opposite field, and stressed that he needs to get back to doing that. Collins will see what the best fits are for the other two outfield spots, possibly platoon situations.
When questioned about his contract status, Collins replied that his focus is on today and he is not worried about what might happen in the future. Collins believes that he has to do a better job at making sure his players are ready to play, because he feels he did not do a good enough job last season.
Collins was impressed with the number of position players arriving early in camp, prior to their scheduled reporting date.
Lead-off candidates need to demonstrate the ability to get on base. They need to make pitchers work and have to battle even if the player does not get on base. Collins believes that being a good base-runner and getting on base trumps speed. Collins also said that the team played well when Mike Baxter batted in the lead-off spot last season, and he could see that option materializing again.
Terry’s biggest concern is his bullpen, and he is worried that the starters may not be able to go deep into games. The starting staff needs to go deep and he plans to lengthen them out this Spring. He wants to make sure that the bullpen does not get worn out by mid-season.

What are your thoughts on what Terry Collins had to say? What are your biggest concerns about the team this season?

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.

11 Comments + Add Comment

Hank February 12, 2013 at 1:47 pm

I’m actually growing in admiration for Terry. I know it’s his job and all, but the more he keeps putting forth a brave face, the more I’m impressed. This is a team destined for 4th place in the division, unless a bunch of miracles happen we have no chance at even being in the second wild card race come September. As Mets fans, it’s a shame that we have gotten so good at making excuses for our billionaire owners who refuse to spend more than league average on payroll, though they operate in the largest market in the country. Yes money doesn’t win championships, but your team sure can improve if you were to add say 1-3 starting capable OFers to this 2013 team.
Mr North Jersey February 12, 2013 at 1:52 pm

As is often the case this early in camp it’s hard to read too much into anything said this early. Injuries are bound too happen and the last 2 weeks of camp I am of the opinion is what will end up deciding who goes North. I like that the Mets have at least afforded themselves options via the pen and starting rotation if need be. The outfield will be the talk of camp all Spring. I just want to see everyone play to get a better feel for our options.
larman February 12, 2013 at 1:57 pm

Let’s get this right, when david wright goes out to a player to come here and the brass don’t back him up there’s problems, as in our caes with sandy and the brass they were so worried about the damn draft pick and then give broune a late offer, and then let us lose another player. I mean come on something is not right with sandy and the brass assess. Why is it so hard for us the mets to finally say we want the city and not the yankees, it’s nerver gonna happen as long as sandy and the stuip wilpons are here. Why can’t they just sell to a new owner who gives a damn about our mets,. the fans and the city so then we can finally win.
TruthaboutMurphy February 12, 2013 at 3:30 pm

I think he’s correct about everything.

But just because Duda is strong, it doesn’t make him good. He needs to relax and hit the damn ball.
Peter February 12, 2013 at 7:49 pm

I am looking foward to seeing who wins the last two outfield spots, I am assuming it is Kirk, Cowgill, Baxter, and either Byrd, lutz, or brown. If valdespin tears it up in the spring dies he earn a spot in the outfield?? He has 20 20 or 15 20 potential, I hate his attitude but they can probably use that kind of bat and speed. Does Den Dekker come up later in the year and completely take over center field if he adapts to triple A and tears it up, something he does at every level, struggles and then adapts. Lagares also has speed and makes good contact, plus he is right handed, do any of them push their way in during the year? Possible.
Sloatsburg Mets Fan February 12, 2013 at 8:03 pm

I was actually watching him with Francessa. I really admire TC. I get the feeling he’ll be gone before the real winning starts (I just walked into that one). On TV with Mike Francessa, clearly dropped an S-Bomb! Not sure if it made it on the radio.
Sandy and Terry February 12, 2013 at 10:26 pm

Sandy has done a great job, largely achieving his financial and competitive baseball objectives.

Terry has also done a gangbusters job with his onfield managing.

I want both of them back for 2014 and possibly beyond.
- John Ricco February 12, 2013 at 10:51 pm
  
  FML
  - JP February 12, 2013 at 10:52 pm
    
    Too bad fatboy…I got next ….
Perseus February 13, 2013 at 8:17 am

He didn’t mention winning.

The title lied Dan.
And I thought I could trust you.
- Joe D February 13, 2013 at 8:27 am
  
  Don’t blame Dan, that was my title and you know I’d do anything to project a positive Mets message.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	28	.600	-
Nationals	34	35	.493	7.5
Phillies	34	37	.479	8.5
Mets	25	40	.385	14.5
Marlins	22	47	.319	19.5

Last updated: 06/18/2013

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