GM Sandy Alderson and manager Terry Collins met with reporters and discussed a variety of issues at Nationals Park in D.C..
1. Alderson was not too pleased with the trade that sent Craig Kimbrel to the Padres. According to Adam Rubin, Alderson did not analyze the trade as a big win for his club, despite having a division opponent weaker in 2015.In fact, Alderson implied that San Diego improving might hurt the Mets, since the Padres might be a rival for the wild card.
“In some ways, we’re competing against the Padres just as we’re competing against the Braves. It’s kind of a zero-sum trade for us, I think.”
2. Sandy Alderson talked about the importance of this series considering the Mets struggles against the Nationals last year. The players however have downplayed it. (Ehalt)
3. Matt Ehalt relays that Sandy does not foresee extension talks with Lucas Duda starting up again. “I don’t see anything reopening anytime soon,” the GM said. “Are we absolutely against negotiating during the season? No. But I don’t foresee that happening.”
4. Terry Collins said he didn’t want to bat Juan Lagares leadoff against the Nationals because he hasn’t hit right-handed pitching very well in the majors. He also opted not to bat him ninth because he hit too well this spring training and so he batted him sixth instead with the hope he can drive in some runs.
5. Look for Daniel Murphy to get a day off to rest his hamstring during the Braves series in Atlanta. Collins wants him strong for the opening home stand at Citi Field.
6. None of the Mets starting pitchers are stretched out including Bartolo Colon, meaning they are not yet ready to throw 110 pitches in a game. So expect Rafael Montero to be used in long relief with some multiple innings stints. Collins said Montero won’t see any late game or high leverage situations for now.
