Mets manager Terry Collins was a guest on WFAN this afternoon and lets just say that his whole demeanor about outfielder Jordany Valdespin has done a complete 180. Collins said that Valdespin is the leading candidate to hit in the leadoff spot for the Mets on Opening Day and whenever the Mets are facing a righthanded pitcher.
“Right now, the way Valdespin has been swinging the bat in that spot, we’re leaning towards him,” Collins told Mike Francesa. “As of right now, that’s what we’re looking at.”
Valdespin has been scorching the ball and in 14 games he is hitting .341/.386/.634 with four home runs and eight RBIs. Spin has struck out just twice all spring.
“He’s really worked at the pitch selection,” Collins said. “He’s got a nice idea at the plate, he makes pitchers work. He can bunt for a hit and he can hit a homer. He’s not getting very many easy, first-pitch fastballs.”
Collins even went as far as saying that he has become a threat to take the starting left-field job from Lucas Duda if he continues to produce. Wow…
“His whole demeanor has been a great surprise,” Collins said.
“I just think that, probably, there was some place along the line — maybe at the end of last year — where I know David Wright had a conversation after the guys cut up his shirt and he got upset. I know David took him out and kind of settled him down, and maybe he’s grown up a bit, because he’s certainly been impressive down here.”
Sandy Alderson said adding a difference-maker or two would be his offseason goal for the 2013 season. While it seems he came up short in that department, maybe Omar Minaya left him one in Jordany Valdespin.
