New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway met briefly with the press on Thursday. The roughly 15-minute presser covered a variety of topics ranging from Jeff McNeil‘s role on the team to team depth and versatility. His spirits were good as he seems to be matching the confidence that his general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen, exudes seemingly on a daily basis. Here are some of the items Callaway mentioned in his press conference.

McNeil in Left

Callaway was asked about the role of Jeff McNeil. He said the majority of his work will be in the outfield, specifically left field. McNeil will play in the infield “a little bit” perhaps late in games but stated emphatically that for the spring at least Jeff McNeil is an outfielder. Callaway envisions Brandon Nimmo in center and Michael Conforto in right having three left handed hitters against a potentially strong right-handed starting pitcher.

Roster Breakdown

A reporter than asked him since there is increased depth, would it be more likely that the Mets carry 12 or 13 pitchers on their roster. Here Callaway was more nebulous and said he wants the “best 25 players” on the roster at all times and that the situation is still “fluid” as to how many pitchers versus position players there will be on the roster.

He also said that having the Triple-A team in Syracuse will make it easier for the Mets to make more roster moves if necessary to make sure team has enough fresh guys in the bullpen and bench.

Catcher

Early on in the presser, Callaway was asked if he will carry three catchers on the team. He stated for the first of several times that there will be three catchers if they are part of the best 25 players on the team. He stated that Travis d’Arnaud will be likely be strictly a catcher in spring as he works his way back from TJS. When asked about why the team reacquired Devin Mesoraco two words immediately came out of Callaway’s mouth: Jacob deGrom. Mesoraco was behind the plate for the majority of deGrom’s starts last year and Callaway also sees him as an important team leader.

DeGrom Opening Day Starter

Callaway said that deGrom is the Opening Day starter in Washington potentially setting up a juicy early match-up between deGrom and Max Scherzer. When asked if he would pitch the home opener on April 4, Callaway doubted it as he wants deGrom on the mound as much as possible and there may be too many days off between the season opener and the home opener.

Callaway feels deGrom can have another “Cy Young worthy season” and is not concerned that deGrom pitched his career high of 217 innings last season. He half-jokingly said, “If he could weather the storm of run support he got last year, he can deal with anything. This year should be a cakewalk.”

The tone of the short presser was positive and Callaway was light-hearted, airy and smiling throughout. It is obvious that he can’t wait for the season to start and he is very happy with the off-season acquisitions. Let’s hope the players exude similar confidence and it shows in their play when the season begins in about six weeks.