Coming into 2014, one of the main focuses has been who will be in the starting lineup for the Mets when it pertains to the outfield. Speculation has it that Terry Collins is leaning towards having Eric Young, Jr. in left field, Chris Young in center and Curtis Granderson in right. At this point, since the games have yet to begin, its really hard to assess where exactly everyone will fit, and other than Granderson, the other two outfield spots are pretty much up for grabs.
Now with the 2014 season about to start, Young is ready to do his part on the field. I caught up with him at the Mets Spring Training Complex on Sunday and asked him how he felt his chances were of winning an opening day roster spot, “I’m feeling good, I know I can contribute to the team on a day to day basis, but those type of things I try not to worry about, I just get myself ready for a long season and take it from there.”
In 2013, the Mets acquired Young in a mid-season trade with the Colorado Rockies after he was placed on waivers. He mostly played in left field and used his speed to lead the league with 46 stolen bases. With games about to begin, Young says he is ready for the grapefruit league season to get underway. “Feeling good, feeling stronger and I’m excited to get these games on, but ultimately I feel good and ready to go.”
Young understands that he must improve his ability to get on base and is focused on taking it up to .340 or .350 which would be significant to a team that needs to score more runs.
Getting on base more would also lead to more stolen bases, but more importantly he’d be setting the table for the big bats of David Wright, Curtis Granderson and hopefully a rejuvenated Ike Davis. This could be the year it all comes together for Young.
(Photo Credit: US Presswire)
