Terry Collins told reporters that there are still bench spots up for grabs. (Matt Ehalt)
“With the season opener approaching, Collins said before Thursday’s 8-3 win over the Nationals there are still bench spots to be won over the next week and half. The Mets are still evaluating their backup infielder spots, as well as the fifth outfielder role.”
“I would say there are openings,” Collins said.
Unless the Mets are carrying more than five players on their bench, I’m not sure exactly what Collins is taking about here.
I mean it would be great to see Matt Reynolds on the bench instead of Ruben Tejada, but we all know that’s not happening.
In the outfield, Kirk Nieuwenhuis is out of options, is the only lefthanded bat on the bench, and is hardly having a bad Spring. Plus he was the Mets’ top pinch hitter last season, the team won’t forget that. John Mayberry Jr. is having an incredible spring, probably better than anyone. He’s a lock for the bench.
I don’t see how Matt den Dekker makes this team out of the gate. I do believe he’ll get the first call in case of injury or at the first sign of trouble.
Johnny Monell is having himself a terrific spring at the plate, but is it enough to supplant Anthony Recker for the backup catcher job? I don’t think so. Recker is a solid defensive catcher who compliments Travis d’Arnaud very well. Plus the pitchers and coaches rave about how Recker calls a game and they are very comfortable with him.
So that leaves Eric Campbell who only has a .975 OPS, two homers and 10 RBI in 37 at-bats, and can play five different positions. Who exactly is unseating him?
So while Collins says there’s still jobs up for grabs a week before opening day, the truth is when it comes to roster decisions, it’s not his call.
