Today is the first spring training game of the 2009 season. The Mets play the Orioles at 1:10pm. Less important is the game than what it means. Spring training is here. Drills, talks, meetings for the most part now give way to the games and soon the World Baseball Classic. Here are some of the highlights to look for and watch progress as the next few weeks develop:
1. Fifth starter? Who will it be? Although several veterans were brought in to compete (Freddy Garcia, Livan Hernandez, Tim Redding) with Jonathan Niese, all three have early issues. Reportedly, Hernandez is not ready (probably cause he is fat and out of shape, Redding has some early tightness in his back and shoulder, and Garcia still seems to be recovering from surgery and has a fastball that is more flat that your author's. Niese on the other hand, is an early bright spot. He has come in focused and has shown good stuff in early bullpens and his intrasquad innings.
2. Luis Castillo is getting a lot of cheers from blogs, teammates, coaches, etc. He is thinner, not limping and seems to be ready as compared to last years spring training. How will that translate into his performance is still TBD. One thing is sure, the Mets need him to resurface as at least a decent player, anything less will hurt their lineup a great deal.
3. The corner outfielders. Apparently, 130 at bats guarantees you a starting job in left field. Apparently, 4 years of solid, above average play does not. At least this is what is coming from Jerry Manuel in regards to Daniel Murphy being the starter in left and Ryan Church now needing to prove himself in order to stay out of a platoon situation in right field. I am a big fan of Murphy, but Church is solid plays the game the way the Mets need him to, fiercly.
4. How will the Mets bullpen shake out? There are a lot of arms down there. Who stays and who doesn't? The only guarantees at this point are Putz, Rodriguez, Feliciano, Green, and probably Stokes. Duaner Sanchez had better show something or he could be dropped before the start of the season without costing the Mets but about $422K. Thanks to mlbtraderumors for the info.
As the games progress, players will take themselves out of the running for spots with poor performances, or throw themselves into the mix with strong showings. Angel Pagan ate up the spring training league last year and I hope he does it again. More to come in the near future.
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