Joel Sherman of the NY Post reports that Mets reliever Duaner Sanchez came to camp in good shape.
Those of us who follow the team day in and day out, know just how good that news is in the case of Sanchez. Only two springs ago, Sanchez was sent home after reporting to spring training out of shape and unmotivated. And while it’s nice to see him show up and be ready to compete, Sherman believes that may not exactly be enough to make the team.
However, Sanchez has something at stake, as well, namely a job with the Mets. He has to make a positive impression or else the Mets will seriously consider releasing him by 2 p.m. on April 1 and owing the righty just one-quarter of his $1,687,500 contract ($421,875).
After the last two and a half seasons, Sanchez has moved past the point of having a spot on the roster locked up. The first half of 2006 when he excelled as the Mets setup man, seems so long ago and too far off for him to keep hanging his hat on it.
If a guy like Niese, Parnell or Stokes can go out there and prove themselves to be more of an asset than Duaner Sanchez, than by all means lets take the pitcher who gives the mets the best chance to win.
Loyalty is dead in baseball, and it’s all about the dollars and the wins. We don’t owe Sanchez anything… go out and prove yourself this spring and prove you are deserving of a spot in the bullpen just like everyone else. We no longer have the luxury of waiting for your velocity and control to come around. Either you have it come April 1st or you don’t… This team can’t afford to carry any dead weight.
