New York Mets: Moving Michael Conforto to CF is Risky
By Nick Ziegler
The New York Mets have recalled Michael Conforto, but this creates an issue on where he will be playing in the field.
The recent quad injury suffered by Yoenis Cespedes has led him to not feel comfortable playing in center field for the New York Mets. At the beginning of the season, the Mets had their outfield set up rather well depending on if it was a left-handed or right-handed pitcher throwing that day.
Related Story: Mets First-Half Awards
Against right-handed pitchers, the Mets would use Conforto in left field, Cespedes in center field, and Curtis Granderson in right field. Against left-handed pitchers, the Mets would use Cespedes in left field, Juan Lagares in center field, and Granderson in right field, mainly due to Conforto’s struggles against lefties.
Now, Terry Collins will be having some difficult decisions to make regarding how he wants to use his outfield. Having Cespedes locked in at left field creates a bit of a dilemma, as it forces the Mets to use either Conforto or Granderson out of position against right-handers.
Conforto was just recently recalled from Triple-A after he was sent down to break a nearly two-month long slump. Conforto has had some issues in left field, and now he will be asked to be in center field as soon as this weekend against the Miami Marlins.
“We continue to load our players’ plates up pretty high,” Collins said to Adam Rubin of ESPN.com. “This kid got sent out because he wasn’t hitting. Now he gets his swing back and he comes back and the first thing that hits him in the face is to play center field. So we’re going to ease him into it.”
The Mets had their outfield coach Tom Goodwin working with Conforto in center field prior to games in Wrigley Field. Goodwin appears to have a lot of faith that Conforto will be able to make the transition rather easily.
“I really don’t see it as a big deal or a major jump for him to make this move. He’s going to make some mistakes, just like a regular center fielder would make some mistakes. Hopefully, it doesn’t get blamed on not playing center field the first mistake that he makes because it’s bound to happen at some point. If he continues to put the work in every day, he’s going to continue to get more comfortable with it.”
Next: Who are the 5 greatest first basemen in franchise history?
The decision to have Conforto playing in center field is a bit surprising, as it will likely be a noticeable drop off on defense compared to Lagares. The Mets are in need of his bat in the lineup, however, and that is why they are willing to take the chance on defense.
It will be interesting to see how much of a leash Collins gives Conforto in center field, and whether or not the change in position will affect him as a hitter.