1. Sandy said he is pleased with his offseason and likes the mix of youth and veterans that will ultimately comprise the opening day roster. He believes the team has more depth now than at anytime since he’s been the GM. “We are very happy with the 25 guys who will makeup the roster.”
2. Matt Harvey should have a 95 percent normal routine and he is not anticipating any major adjustments to his schedule. He does not need Harvey to return to the pitcher we saw in 2013 to consider his return successful. His innings limit will be managed with the best interests of Harvey and the rest of the rotation in mind. “We expect Matt to have a solid season and we’re happy to have him back.”
3. David Wright took his physical today and is in outstanding shape and ready to go. He said there is no residual impact from the injury that derailed Wright’s season last year.
4. The Mets need to figure out a way to beat the Nationals. “We have to perform. We have quality players throughout our roster. They need to play up to their expectations and do it.”
5. There aren’t that many Spring Training deals and he does not foresee and is not planning any trades to move a starting pitcher. The team that is in camp now is what he expects to open the season with. “I don’t see us actively pursuing a spring training deal. If a deal is to arise, it will probably be for prospects and not for someone who is going to help us immediately.”
6. Sandy does not see the Mets going to a six man rotation, but they will use days off to effectively manage the workloads and routines for their six starters. He has no problem with a starter pitching out of the bullpen although he is not yet committing to using Dillon Gee out of the bullpen. “We’ll see how it works out during the course of spring training.”
7. Sandy said the team is “capable” of winning 89 or 90 games. He is impressed with the confidence level of his players in camp and how they are talking about the playoffs, but now they have to go out and do it. “We have higher expectations than we’ve had in previous years.”
8. Sandy said he would consider Rafael Montero as a candidate for the bullpen, but it is highly unlikely that either Steven Matz or Noah Syndergaard will be used in any bullpen role.
9. Bobby Parnell should be ready to join the team around the middle of April. We could have two long relievers rather than two lefty relievers. “We have a lot of good young talent in our bullpen and Parnell will add significantly to that when he returns.”
