The last week of spring training is usually for solidifying the 25-man roster. In the Mets’ case, barring a late injury or trade – isn’t that a laugh? – what you see now is pretty much what you’ll get from the Mets next week when the open their 50th season against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.
SANTANA: Looks like he'll be ready.
It looks as if the Mets won’t take the safe route with Johan Santana, who remains on track to start Opening Day. The remainder of the rotation is to be Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Dillon Gee. I would have preferred more time for Santana to build up his arm strength, but the Mets believe he’s ready. We shall see.
The patchwork bullpen looks to be Daniel Herrera (as Tim Byrdak will not be ready), long-man Miguel Batista, Manny Acosta, Bobby Parnell, Ramon Ramirez, set-up man Jon Rauch and closer Frank Francisco. The bullpen has been an Achilles Heel the past three years and will again be a major issue.
The infield, from first to third, will be Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada and David Wright, which we’ve expected all along. Wright will have a week to get ready, so don’t be surprised at a slow start.
The outfield, from left to right, is Jason Bay, Andres Torres and Lucas Duda. There’s a chance Torres might not be ready.
The catchers are Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas.
The bench, which doesn’t frighten anybody, will be comprised of Ronny Cedeno, Scott Hairston and Justin Turner.
