Michael Cuddyer told Mike Puma of the NY Post that he doesn’t buy the notion he’s a “disabled list stint waiting to happen” for the Mets.
The Mets’ biggest splash this offseason was limited to 49 games last season with the Rockies, but told Puma the injuries were “freakish in nature.”
“A broken shoulder was a freak injury … which I don’t see that happening here,” Cuddyer said Thursday at Citi Field. “And because I was in a sling for eight weeks and I wanted to get back on the field, my rehab wasn’t great as far as my legs are concerned.
“There were specific reasons for the injuries. It wasn’t anything that I’m concerned with that it’s going to happen again.”
Puma adds that the Mets are betting $21 million over the next two seasons that Cuddyer, who will turn 36 just before Opening Day, can stay on the field, and will be asked to help anchor a lineup that includes two other players, David Wright and Curtis Granderson, who need strong rebound years.
Meanwhile, responding to questions that he basically represents the entire extent of the Mets offseason, and if that adds any pressure to perform, Cuddyer responded that he’s not the only big acquisition the Mets have made, and that a healthy David Wright and Matt Harvey are also big additions.
“That’s the beautiful thing about the Hot Stove League,” Cuddyer said. “A lot of people get caught up in the signings and you tend to forget who’s actually on the team.”
Since Cuddyer’s signing on November 10, the Mets have spent just $1.45 million in the 11 weeks since.
Finally, Cuddyer said the Mets already have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the Nationals and challenge them for supremacy in the NL East.
(Photo: MLB.com)
