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New York Mets Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo On Team Italy Preliminary Roster

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 25, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) heads out on a two run double to left during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) heads out on a two run double to left during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Mets young outfielders Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo are both on Team Italy’s preliminary roster for the World Baseball Classic.

The New York Mets could have a few players taking part in the World Baseball Classic this spring. The WBC is a time for high-profile players to represent their country as they do not participate in the Olympics. It also allows for younger players to get some exposure on a big stage.

Two of the young players that could find their way into the tournament from the Mets are outfielders Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo. Despite being born in Oregon and Wyoming, both players are on the preliminary roster for Team Italy.

At this time, it is unclear if either of them would partake in the tournament according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. But, both players are on the preliminary roster and could play if they choose to.

In addition to Conforto and Nimmo, the Mets could see Asdrubal Cabrera playing for Venezuela, Jeurys Familia on the Dominican Republic, Seth Lugo and T.J. Rivera on Puerto Rico, and Ty Kelly on Isreal.

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Nimmo’s role with the Mets seems pretty clear. He will be used as insurance and depth. The Mets already have a logjam in their outfield, so there is even a chance he begins the season back with Triple-A Las Vegas. Should an injury arise, he will probably be the first player added back to the big league club.

The outlook is not as clear for Conforto. The logjam in the outfield impacts him as well, clouding his path to playing time. He will not be sent back down to the minors unless a situation arises such as last season when he struggled mightily.

But, with how things currently stand, there just isn’t much playing time for Conforto at the big league level. He is a natural left fielder, but that is where Yoenis Cespedes likes to play. Unless Cespedes plays a majority of his games in centerfield, Conforto could find himself on the bench pretty often.

Juan Lagares is locked into a role in centerfield as a defensive replacement and platoon player. Curtis Granderson will man right field, leaving Conforto without a clear-cut role. As a result, the Mets could look to increase his versatility and get him reps at first base.

Next: How Mets Can Utilize Michael Conforto In 2017

If that is the route they take, it is tough to imagine the Mets being happy with him missing time during Spring Training. There is no better time for him to get reps and learn a new position, but if it is participating in the WBC it will severely cut into his practice time.

The WBC runs from March 6th-22nd. That means anyone taking part will be missing a large chunk of Spring Training.

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