New York Mets Announce Final 25-Man Roster
Position Players: Bench
Aug 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets catcher Anthony Recker (middle) exchanges high fives with teammates after beating the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets defeated the Phillies, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
John Mayberry Jr.
This is the area that the extra reliever took from, as Eric Campbell was surprisingly sent down to Triple-A. The utilityman looked to have a spot locked up because of his position versatility, adding to that this spring while he learned to play catcher as well. Even with that, he was the odd-man out as the Mets decided an extra pitcher was more important than the fifth bench player.
Recker will be the backup catcher and fills that role perfectly. He provides some power off the bench and is capable of filling in the one or two days a week the Mets will need him.
Mets fans are tired of Tejada, but he will be the backup in the middle infield. He will get a lot more playing time than fans would like, but he is on the hot seat. Matt Reynolds and Danny Muno both had strong springs and will be the first ones back up if Murphy has complications with his hamstring injury again. Tejada should spend the season as a backup where he belongs.
Mayberry will be the back-up first baseman and fifth outfielder on the team. He is not slated for much playing time, but he should see the field in a majority of games against left-handed starters in place of Granderson or Duda. He will also be the first bat off the bench as a pinch hitter more often than not, as the Mets cannot afford to lose Recker as he is the backup catcher, and unlike Nieuwenhuis, Mayberry Jr. hits from the right side of the plate.
Nieuwenhuis will be the fourth outfielder to start the season for the Mets in large part because he was out of options to be sent down to the minor leagues. He has shown flashes before at the major-league level, as he has decent power. He is a solid bench option for the Mets, and can fill in at all three spots in the outfield with centerfield being his natural position.
Next: Wrap-Up