Eric Young said that he is preparing to play both in the outfield and second base going into his first spring training with the Mets, reports Kristie Ackert of the Daily News.
Young said that no one in the Mets organization has discussed his role at second base or the outfield for 2014. He said he was approached about the possibility of starting at second in the aftermath of David Wright’s injury in August, but nothing came from it. He played three games at second for the Mets this season.
Last night on the Mets Hot Stove Report, I couldn’t believe how Gary Cohen threw Young under the bus saying that there was no way he should have been nominated for a gold glove and that he just isn’t a good defensive outfielder.
Even if that were true, I didn’t expect to hear Cohen go off on him like that. The NL Stolen Base leader got paid the minimum last season and in return gave the Mets plenty of value while making more than a few great plays in left. He also added some energy to the team although that on-base of his could definitely use some improvement.
In a perfect world, Young would be a solid fourth outfielder for the Mets. But given the state of the team and the buzz from beat writers, Young will be starting at second base or left field.
