Mets Tidbits…
- Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera talked to reporters this morning in Port St. Lucie and isn’t optimistic about his availability for Opening Night. When asked about his availability, Cabrera said, “I don’t know, I’ve just got to wait and see how my knee feels.” I don’t believe the Mets will rush Cabrera back, as they will want to avoid a setback or a nagging injury situation. The Mets have a lot of depth at shortstop currently, and it would be better for Cabrera’s health, to possibly return the second week of the season if his knee is 100%.
- It is being reported by multiple sources that the Mets are scouring the trade market for a backup catcher. One Mets source has been quoted as wanting to have Kevin Plawecki receive 150-200 at bats in AAA rather than him sit on the bench. Mets team officials reportedly have also not been thrilled with any of the alternative options at catcher in camp including Johnny Monell. This is something to monitor the rest of spring as the Mets believe this is turning into an area of need.
- ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin has reported that the Mets are still comfortable trading SS Ruben Tejada with Asdrubal Cabrera on the shelf. Rubin has stated that the Mets are comfortable with Matt Reynolds and Wilmer Flores at shortstop, and if the return package is ideal, they will trade him. The St. Louis Cardinals have heavily been linked to Tejada since Jhonny Peralta suffered an injury that will cost him half of the season, and both parties could be a potential match.
- Dilson Herrera will indeed travel to Panama City, Panama tomorrow for the WBC Qualifiers. Despite his knee being heavily wrapped in the clubhouse, Herrera’s knee is reportedly just sore and he’ll be good to go for the qualifiers.
- Former Met right handed pitcher Matt Bowman is reportedly a favorite to make the St. Louis Cardinals roster out of Spring Training as a reliever. Bowman was selected by the Cardinals in this past December’s Rule 5 Draft, and would have to be returned to the Mets if he is not on the active roster this season. Bowman is ranked as the Cardinals 21st ranked prospect by MLB.com.
Above The Mendoza 