General manager Sandy Alderson arrived to Mets camp at Port St. Lucie today and held a short media session with reporters. Here is a summary of what he had to say:
1. Sandy is happy with team he has put together. “I haven’t really been this upbeat about a team in a long time and I think that’s exciting for us, for the players and fans as well. We may not have a lot of competition for jobs, but I think we’re going to have competition for playing time. And I think that’s just as important.”
2. Sandy doesn’t have a set 90-win goal but he expects the team to win as many games as it takes to win the NL East division. “That is the goal.” He also said that the team is taking nothing for granted and that the players know there is room to grow both in the regular season and postseason.
3. Regarding the young starting pitchers, don’t expect to see any of them pitching during the first 4-5 Grapefruit League games. While Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz will not be on any innings limits, the team will be vigilant in keeping them strong throughout the entire season by using a spot starter at times and other things they did last season.
4. As for David Wright, the team is going to be mindful of his situation with the goal of being more proactive than reactive regarding his health. The Mets will use Spring Training to try some players at third base that could spell Wright during the regular season when he needs rest. But don’t expect Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera to automatically slide to third whenever Wright sits. It’s a situation that will be in flux and evolving with Wilmer Flores in the mix.
5. While catcher Travis d’Arnaud will see some time at first base and outfield during Spring Training, there’s no push to get him out of his everyday catcher role. “We’re not all that anxious to move Travis from behind the plate. He can be a plus-plus player there.” Kevin Plawecki will also see some time at 1B and OF.
6. Despite Jenrry Mejia‘s suspension, the Mets still do not foresee signing any more relievers to Major League deals. However, if a good opportunity arises, it is not inconceivable that the Mets trade for a reliever toward the end of Spring Training.
7. Finally, Alderson gave an update on his health, telling reporters he feels great but that being diagnosed with cancer was a surreal experience for him. He has a good longterm prognosis and added that the side effects of his bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments have not been too significant for him. He is still undergoing therapy and will leave Spring Training and head back to New York for his next treatment.
That’s a wrap…
