Bullpen
Aug 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia (58) high fives New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) after closing the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
This is where the Mets went the unconventional route, holding onto an extra reliever at the expense of a bench player. Carlyle, who hadn’t pitched since 2011 prior to appearing with the Mets in 2014, earned the last spot in the bullpen. It was well earned though, as his performance last season and throughout Spring Training has been very strong.
The bullpen was also hit with a Tommy John surgery, as Edgin was lost for the season just before Wheeler was. That left the Mets with a huge hole in the bullpen, as he was the lone lefty Terry Collins had at his disposal. The Mets have some lefties in camp, but they were not making the most of their opportunities, so the Mets dove into the trade market.
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Out they came with not one, but two left-handed pitchers for the bullpen. First A. Torres was acquired from the San Diego Padres for Cory Mazzoni and a player to be named later. Shortly after, Blevins was acquired from the division-rival Nationals for Matt den Dekker. The Mets also held onto Rule 5 draft pick Gilmartin, giving them three left-handed options out of the bullpen. It was quite a turnaround for the Mets, as they were preparing to have no lefties just a week ago.
Mejia should take over the closers role once again, but he will have to perform if he is to hold onto it. Collins has not been shy in saying that Parnell will get a chance to pitch late in games once again when he gets off the DL. If Mejia is pitching well, it would be hard to imagine Collins making a chance but you never know. For now, it is Mejia’s job and Familia should be setting up in front of him.
C. Torres will continue to be the Mets’ swiss army knife out of the bullpen, coming into the game in any situation that they need him to. Montero will the long reliever, a position more important with the Mets than on other teams, because they will be monitoring the innings for their younger guys, and with the Mets still engaged in some trade talks, Montero could find himself in the starting rotation sooner than later.
Next: Starting Position Players
Position Players: Starters
Aug 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Mets infielder Lucas Duda (21) is congratulated by infielder Daniel Murphy (28) and infielder David Wright (5) after hitting a three-run home run against the Oakland Athletics in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
This is one of the deepest lineups the Mets have had since the days of Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes being regulars in the lineup. The Mets offense was one of the best during Spring Training, something that could continue into the regular season. If there is anything they know they will get from the above names is that they will hit; fielding, not so much but the Mets should outscore a number of teams this season.
One guy plays defense though, and that is Lagares in centerfield. He is a legitimate weapon for the Mets defensively, as he is not only the best defensive outfielder, but arguably the best defender in all of baseball. He is a huge advantage manning the outfield, as the Mets pitching staff has to be comfortable pitching to contact knowing he is behind them.
On the infield Wright is no slouch defensively, but the rest of the players leave something to be desired. Flores will field the balls hit right at him, but that’s about it. Duda isn’t an albatross defensively at first base, but his bat will do most of the talking for him as he won’t be winning any gold gloves either. d’Arnaud behind the plate allowed the most passed balls in the MLB last season despite playing only 108 games. Murphy has made huge strides since becoming a full-time second baseman, making him serviceable, but he still has his struggles at times.
Speaking of Murphy, his health has been a talking point throughout Spring Training. He hurt his hamstring about two weeks ago, and he was considered questionable for Opening Day. He looks ready to go now, which enables the Mets to hold onto the extra reliever as their starting rotation continues to stretch out for the regular season.
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Cuddyer was the big acquisition in the lineup for the Mets in the offseason, and will give the Mets a steady veteran in the lineup as long as he is healthy. He will also give Collins some flexibility in the lineup, as he can play both corner outfield spots and first base, so he could give Duda some days off against left-handed starters. He can also play third base in a pinch if needed.
Duda had a breakout last season, and is a legitimate power threat in the middle of the lineup. But this team will only go as far as Wright takes them. Last season, Wright battled with a shoulder injury all season which sapped his power. Wright has looked healthy this spring, which is an excellent sign for the Mets to have their leader back and ready to go in the No. 3 slot in their lineup.
Next: Backup Position Players