Spring Training Battles
The Mets head into Spring Training with a team that is pretty much set and ready to go. Barring any injuries or last minute trades, the offense is set around the horn in the infield, the outfield was cemented as Conforto in LF, Cespedes in CF and Granderson in RF after the ink on Yoenis’ new contract dried. About the only thing that will need to be decided is who gets the final two spots in the bullpen after Familia, Bastardo, Reed, Blevins and Robles. In the mix to round out the staff, the Mets will have Erik Goeddel, Sean Gilmartin, Logan Verrett, Rafael Montero, Dario Alvarez and Jim Henderson. Expect to see Terry Collins using them early and often once Grapefruit League games begin. I’m tabbing Goeddel and Henderson as the favorites to lock down those spots.
If At First…
Lucas Duda is firmly entrenched as the everyday first baseman after posting another solid season that saw him collect 33 doubles and 27 homers while posting an impressive 133 wRC+ in in 135 games. But expect him to get his rest in whenever there’s a tough lefty on the mound. Wilmer Flores will likely be the primary backup as he begins his new role as the team’s super utility man. Meanwhile catchers Kevin Plawecki and Travis d’Arnaud should also get some work at first base this Spring according to GM Sandy Alderson. This isn’t the big issue some are making it out to be, essentially we’re talking about a potential 12-14 starts in a 162 game season.
On Second Thought…
I would be shocked if Flores isn’t in the lineup whenever the team faces a left-handed starter in 2016. Last season, Flores posted a 162 wRC+ vs. LHP and when you compare that to Neil Walker and his 58 wRC+ vs. LHP, the choice is pretty clear. While you shouldn’t expect Terry Collins to come out and say it, expect second base to be a strict platoon between Walker and Flores this season.
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
There’s a building undercurrent that the Mets may look to trade outfielder Alejandro De Aza this Spring, but I’m not so sure that will happen. It may be in the team’s best interest to hang onto him until later in the season where they can use him as a trade chip after they identify a potential need. De Aza does give the Mets a solid bat off the bench, speed on the base paths, and insurance in case of injuries. I think he stays put and you’ll see him on the
Opening Day roster.
Wright As Rain…
The Mets are saying that David Wright will not play more than 130 games this season as they look to keep his spinal stenosis in check. Sandy Alderson said this week that both Asdrubal Cabrera and Neil Walker will see some time at third base to spell Wright at third. If the Mets could get the same .289/.379/.434 production that Wright produced in 38 games last season, everyone will be happy. But that’s a big if.
Keeping Those Young Arms Healthy
Especially for the young guns who will comprise the Mets’ starting rotation this season. Nothing is more important than ensuring Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz avoid any sort of aches and pains. All of them are being counted on for 200 innings not counting the postseason. Zack Wheeler is expected to rejoin the rotation around July after completing his rehab from TJS. While there will be no innings limits this season, Sandy Alderson said there will be occasional skipped starts and even the return of the six-man rotation at times to ensure those young arms are as strong in November as they are in April. Oh, and don’t expect anyone to throw Syndergaard’s lunch in the trash this Spring. 🙂
Final Thoughts
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for one of the most fun and exciting seasons the Mets have ever had. I am going into 2016 with the same confidence in this team as I had in 1986 which is pretty cool as we celebrate the 30 year anniversary of that magical World Series championship season. I can’t remember the last time we had a team go into Opening Day with as much balance and talent as this team. The starting pitching is the envy of all baseball and now we not only have an offense that will provide all the run support they’ll need, but we have one of the strongest bullpens in the league. Throw in all the versatility, flexibility and depth, and there are no apparent weaknesses to start the year. It’s important that we stay healthy and break camp with all the key players intact. But the bottom line is that this is going to be an incredibly dominating and memorable season for the Mets, so Getcha Popcorn Ready. LGM
