Here’s a wrap of the day’s Mets news and notes from Tradition Field at Port St. Lucie.
Sandy Alderson spoke with reporters today and said:
- He expects that Dillon Gee will still be with the Mets on Opening Day. He reiterated Tuesday that his club has had little talk with other teams. If the trade market picks up, it will likely be towards the end of Spring Training.
- The decision as to who starts both the season and the home opener as well as choosing the rotation alignment in general is not his to make, and that authority lies solely with Terry Collins.
- Regarding shortstop Wilmer Flores, the Mets have moved past the evaluation process, and he considered a central player and critical part of the 25-man roster. He seems to be getting frustrated at addressing this question at every meeting with the media. Wilmer Flores is the Mets everyday starting shortstop.
Terry Collins also spoke with reporters and said:
- Jon Niese is in the best shape of his life. Ha ha, just kidding, but he did say that Niese is clearly feeling better this Spring than at any point last year. His arm angle and arm speed are all improved and he say’s he is more on top of the ball which is when Niese is at his best.
- Matt Reynolds looked solid defensively, and he will continue to play regularly so they can get a good look at him. He’s a headsy player and does all the little things well.
- Collins is not concerned about Zack Wheeler‘s command or lack of it today, as that’s the “last thing to come for power arms.”
- If Rafael Montero were to make the team as a reliever, a longshot at best, he would be a long man type who could come in and pitch multiple innings at a time. I think Montero is going to be a nice arm out of the pen at some point.
- The Mets are very confident in Travis d’Arnaud as an offensive player, however the focus right now is solidifying his defensive game. Collins said he’s very impressed with how d’Arnaud is throwing right now, one of his problem areas last season.
That’s it for now… LGM
