Category: Beisbol
Mets Outfield Update
- Terry Collins told reporters this afternoon, that Curtis Granderson is expected to play and be back in the lineup for Wednesday afternoon’s tilt against the New York Yankees.
- Yoenis Cespedes will play in his first game in center field this spring, on Wednesday afternoon as well. Cespedes has been limited to playing in a DH role thus far.
- Juan Lagares is on the travel roster for tommrrow afternoon’s ball game in Orlando against the Braves. Lagares has been out of action for the past several days due to a dental problem. Expect Lagares to draw the start in center field.
Final: Cardinals 9 – Mets 4
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Mets this afternoon by the final score of 9 to 4 in Jupiter. For a complete boxscore recap click the link below…
Game Notes:
- In Steven Matz first start of the spring, the southpaw went 3 innings allowing 1 hit on 1 ER with 3 K’s.
- Travis Taijeron continued his great spring with the bat, going 1-3 with an RBI single. He is batting a red hot .417 currently in Grapefruit League action.
- Dilson Herrera had his first hitless game of the spring, going 0-4 with 2 K’s.
- The Mets committed 4 errors in the field this afternoon including a throw by Kevin Plawecki, and a misplayed ball by Travis Taijeron.
- Jeff Walters had another rough outing in his return from Tommy John surgery, allowing 5 runs, on 4 hits in a 1/3 of an inning. His ERA sits at an inflated 22.50.
This was an overall sloppy game played by the Mets this afternoon, and probably the worst game they have played so far this spring. The good news coming out of this game is that Steven Matz looked sharp, and looked like the Rookie of the Year favorite we are all expecting him to be. Matz struck out the side in the bottom of the second inning on nine straight strikes, which was overly impressive for his first start of the season. It can be argued that if Plawecki didn’t make an errant throw to second base in the bottom of the third, which allowed the runner to go from first to third, Matz may have come out without a run attached to his name today. Travis Taijeron continued his torrid start to the spring with his bat notching his 4th RBI in Grapefruit League play. Taijeron may be this year’s spring story of a player coming out of nowhere to impress the coaching staff and fans alike. Expect Taijeron to continue to receive a lot of playing time from the coaching staff this spring. Jeff Walters’s return from Tommy John hasn’t gone according to plan so far in Grapefruit League action, and he eerily reminds me of Bobby Parnell’s return from TJ surgery last season. Hopefully for Walters career’s sake he can get it together soon.
- The Mets head to Orlando tomorrow to face the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 pm et. The game will not be broadcast on television. However if you have MLB.tv Premium you can listen to the game on the Braves radio network.
- Matt Harvey will be making his spring debut for the Mets. He will be facing Braves right hander Matt Wisler.
- Also scheduled to pitch for the Mets, RHP Chase Bradford, LHP Dario Alvarez, and RHP Rafael Montero.
Final: Mets 7 – Tigers 3
The Mets defeated the Detroit Tigers at Tradition Field this afternoon by the final score of 7 to 3. A full box score recap is provided at the link below…
Game Notes:
- Lucas Duda had a day at the plate going 2-3 with a HR and 2 RBI.
- Neil Walker (pictured) hit his first home run in a Mets uniform with a solo shot in the bottom half of the fourth.
- Asdrubal Cabrera went 1-3 this afternoon with a 2-run single in the bottom of the third.
- Yoenis Cespedes had his second RBI of the spring with his RBI single in the bottom of the third.
- Bartolo Colon pitched 3 innings allowing 4 hits on 1 ER and 2 K’s.
- Jeurys Familia pitched a perfect frame with 2 K’s.
The Mets got a lot of help today from their projected starters offensively. Lucas Duda swung the bat exceptionally well, as his lone out was also hit very hard. It was nice to see Neil Walker get his first home run in a Mets uniform this spring when he belted a shot to right field in the bottom of the 4th. Both Duda and Walker’s current batting average’s sit at .375. Bartolo Colon had a tough first inning as he allowed a leadoff triple to Anthony Gose and an RBI single shortly after to Casey McGehee. He was pitching from the stretch the rest of the inning but seemed to get it under control as the inning wore on. After laboring through the first inning Colon seemed to find his grove and pitched a solid 2 innings thereafter. Wilmer Flores made some nice plays defensively at third base this afternoon, and I believe he is comfortable enough at that position to ease everyone’s worries. Watching Jeurys Familia pitch is such a thing of beauty. He is so smooth with his mechanics and he looked untouchable this afternoon with the way he was pitching. With a better bullpen to bridge the gap this season, it would not shock me if Familia approached 50 saves.
Could Herrera force Mets hand?
Could Dilson Herrera possibly force the Mets hand this spring? Herrera’s spring start has gotten off as well as he could’ve expected, and he is making every case to head back up north with the big club next month. Unfortunately for Dilson there are a lot of other moves that need to be made for him to make the club straight out of Spring Training. Continue reading
Mets vs. Cardinals Lineups 1:05 pm ET
Mets:
1. Dilson Herrera (R) 2B
2. Ruben Tejada (R) 3B
3. Michael Conforto (L) LF
4. Kevin Plawecki (R) C
5. Marc Krauss (L) 1B
6. Matt Reynolds (R) SS
7. Danny Muno (S) DH
8. Travis Taijeron (R) RF
9. Ty Kelly (S) CF
SP: Steven Matz LHP
Cardinals:
1. Tommy Pham (R) CF
2. Stephen Piscotty (R) RF
3. Matt Holliday (R) DH
4. Brandon Moss (L) 1B
5. Jedd Gyorko (R) SS
6. Kolten Wong (L) 2B
7. Carlos Peguero (L) LF
8. Brayan Pena (S) C
9. Patrick Wisdom (R) 3B
SP: Adam Wainwright RHP
Today’s game can be seen on MLB.tv or heard on WOR 710 AM.
Game Notes:
Today’s available Pitchers for both squads:
METS: LHP Steven Matz, RHP Hansel Robles, RHP Logan Verrett, RHP Paul Sewald
CARDINALS: RHP Adam Wainwright, RHP Juan Gonzalez, RHP Jeremy Hefner, LHP Tyler Lyons, RHP Seth Maness, RHP Sam Tuivailala, RHP Jordan Walden
VS. THE CARDINALS: The Mets will visit Jupiter for the first of two trips this afternoon…The Cardinals will make three trips to Port St. Lucie during Grapefruit League play (March 10, March 12 and March 25).
SPLIT SQUAD: Today is the first split squad of the Spring for the Mets… They’ll also play a split squad on March 24 vs. Houston and at Boston
LHP STEVEN MATZ: Will make his Grapefruit League debut on the road in Jupiter vs. the Cardinals…Was 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA (nine earned runs/35.2 innings) in six starts in the major leagues in 2015…During the postseason, Matz was 0-1 with a 3.68 ERA (six earned runs/14.2 innings) in three postseason starts (one each in the NLDS, NLCS and World Series).
METS PITCHING: Did not allow a run for 13.0 consecutive innings from the second inning of Saturday’s game with Houston through the fifth inning of Sunday’s game with the Braves.
Tigers vs. Mets Lineups 1:10 pm ET
Tigers:
1. Anthony Gose (L) CF
2. Casey McGehee (R) 1B
3. Nick Castellanos (R) 3B
4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (S) C
5. Tyler Collins (L) LF
6. James McCann (R) DH
7. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
8. Dixon Machado (R) SS
9. Andrew Romine (S) 2B
SP: Mike Pelfrey RHP
Mets:
1. Alejandro De Aza (L) CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) DH
4. Lucas Duda (L) 1B
5. Neil Walker (S) 2B
6. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
7. Travis d’Arnaud (R) C
8. Eric Campbell (R) LF
9. Wuilmer Beccerra (R) RF
SP: Bartolo Colon RHP
Today’s game can be viewed on SNY, MLB Network, and MLB.tv.
Game Notes:
Today’s available pitchers for both squads:
TIGERS: RHP Mike Pelfrey, RHP Buck Farmer, RHP Mark Lowe, LHP Justin Wilson, LHP Kyle Ryan
METS: RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Buddy Carlyle, RHP Jeurys Familia, RHP Zack Thornton, RHP Jerry Blevins, LHP Josh Smoker
VS TIGERS: Today’s game marks the first of two with the Tigers this Spring and it will be the only trip they make to Tradition Field during Grapefruit League action.
RHP BARTOLO COLÓN: Will make his Grapefruit League debut at home today vs. Detroit…Was 14-13 with a 4.16 ERA (90 earned runs/194.2 innings) in 33 games (31 starts) for the Mets in 2015…Signed a one-year contract on December 18, 2015.
JEURYS FAMILIA: Is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut today
at home vs. Detroit… Familia finished third in the majors with 43 saves in 2015, which also tied the club’s single- season save record…He became one of 12 pitchers in Major League history to record 40 or more saves at age 25 or younger…Allowed one earned run in 14.2 innings (0.61 ERA) during the postseason.
Final: Mets 7 – Braves 5
The Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves this afternoon by the final score of 7-5. For a full box score recap follow the link below…
- Game Notes:
- Alejandro De Aza had a productive day at the plate going 2-3 with a double, an RBI single, and a run scored. De Aza is hitting a blistering .429 this spring.
- Yoenis Cespedes, Neil Walker, Michael Conforto, and Lucas Duda each had a hit this afternoon.
- Travis Taijeron got the start in right field and went 2-4, with 2 RBI’S. He is hitting a robust .444 this spring so far.
- Sean Gilmartin pitched 3 solid innings of no run ball, allowing 4 hits and 2 strikeouts.
- Chase Bradford left too many pitches over the plate this afternoon allowing 6 hits on 4 ER, in an inning of work.
- Jim Henderson pitched a scoreless inning in relief with a 3 pitch strikeout.
- Addison Reed closed the game out with a perfect 9th.
Observing today’s game there were a few things that had stood out to me. With rumors swirling that Kevin Plawecki may begin the year in AAA due to playing time concerns, Johnny Monell has a chance to grab a job out of spring training. He made some impressive throws from behind the plate this afternoon throwing one runner out and being a missed tag away from throwing another one out. Too soon to speculate on the catching situation but with rumors in the air regarding Plawecki, Monell had a good game defensively. I was also impressed with the throws Matt Reynolds was making from the shortstop position. He is showing the coaching staff he can get it done with his glove, and if he can show some offense this spring Ruben Tejada may become expandable as rumors are starting to surround him as well. Jim Henderson also had a great 1-2-3 inning today and his fastball looks to be slowly coming back to life for him. I am very interested to see how the rest of his spring progresses as he is vying for a bullpen spot.
- The Mets host the Detroit Tigers at 1:10 pm et at Tradition Field. Bartolo Colon will make his spring debut opposite former Met Mike Pelfrey. That game will be broadcast on SNY, MLB Network, and MLB.tv. Other pitcher availability for the Mets is not known at this time.
- The Mets will send a squad to Jupiter, Florida to face the St. Louis Cardnials at 1:05 pm et. Rookie of the Year frontrunner Steven Matz will make his spring debut opposite Adam Wainwright. The game will be available on MLB.tv and WOR 710 AM. RHP Akeel Morris, RHP Hansel Robles, RHP Paul Sewald, RHP Logan Verrett, RHP Jeff Walters, and RHP Gabriel Ynoa are scheduled to take the mound following Matz.
Final: Mets 3- Astros 1
The Mets defeated the Houston Astros by the final score of 3-1 this afternoon. For a full box score recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Dilson Herrera (pictured) continued his torrid spring start going 1-3 with an RBI triple in the 5th inning.
- Matt Reynolds and Eric Campbell each had a 2-2 afternoon at the plate.
- Highly regarded first base prospect Dominic Smith went 2-4 at the dish.
- Antonio Bastardo made his Mets debut with a scoreless inning of work.
- The Mets host the Atlanta Braves at Tradition Field tomorrow at 1:10 pm et. Former Braves farmhand and southpaw Sean Gilmartin will take the mound for the start opposite Braves righty Kyle Kendrick. The game can be seen on WPIX or MLB.TV.
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RHP Stolmy Pimentel, RHP Addison Reed, RHP Jim Henderson are scheduled to pitch for the Mets tomorrow as well.
Very impressed with the way the Mets played today, especially in the 5th inning when they touched up Ken Giles one of the best closers in the game, who was acquired by the Astros in the offseason from the Phillies. Dilson Herrera who was part of that 5th inning rally has looked very good this spring so far. Many expect him to be the starting second basemen next season for the Mets, but with the way his bat has developed he may be ready to play if a need arises at the Major League level this year. I was also impressed by the way Josh Smoker and Seth Lugo looked this afternoon. Both of those pitchers may be counted on this season at some point, and they both look like they are close to Major League ready. Dominic Smith had a loud single which looked like it was going to leave the park but grazed the right field wall and landed in play. Smith seemed to appriciate it coming out of the box too much and ended up with a single, in a play that could’ve ended up with him on 2nd. He knew he messed up after it happened and I’m sure Terry Collins used it as a teachable moment. All in all the Mets looked good today and everyone came out healthy which is all that matters at this point…
Mets vs. Astros Lineups 1:05 pm
Mets
- Ty Kelly, CF
- Ruben Tejada, SS
- Michael Conforto, LF
- Travis d’Arnaud, DH
- Dominic Smith, 1B
- Wilmer Flores, 3B
- Kevin Plawecki, C
- Eric Campbell, RF
- Dilson Herrera, 2B
SP: Robert Gsellman, RHP
Astros
- George Springer, RF
- Colin Moran, 3B
- Colby Rasmus, LF
- Carlos Gomez, CF
- A.J. Reed, 1B
- Jason Castro, DH
- Alex Bregman, SS
- Max Stassi, C
- Nolan Fontana, 2B
SP: Collin McHugh, RHP
Today’s game can be viewed on MLB.TV
Game Notes:
Today’s available pitchers for both squads:
METS: RHP Robert Gsellman, RHP Seth Lugo, LHP Josh Smoker, RHP Hansel Robles, RHP Antonio Bastardo
ASTROS: RHP Collin McHugh, RHP Josh Fields, LHP Tony Sipp, RHP Ken Giles, RHP Pat Neshek, RHP Brady Rodgers, RHP Chris Devenski.
RHP ROBERT GSELLMAN: Makes his first official start of the Spring after starting for the Orange team in the intrasquad game on Tuesday (2.0 innings, two hits, one run, earned, one walk)…Was named the Sterling Organizational Pitcher of the Year in 2015 after going a combined 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA (46 earned runs/143.1 innings) in 24 total games between St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League and Binghamton (AA) of the Eastern League…
T.J. RIVERA: Has hit safely in each of the first two Spring Training games (.400, 2-5) with one RBI and is on today’s travel roster. Batted .325 (131- 403) with 63 runs, 27 doubles, and 48 RBI in a combined 110 games between Binghamton (AA) of the Eastern League and Las Vegas (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League…Has a career .318 (640-2010) clip in five minor league seasons.
Today’s game marks the first of two with the Astros this Spring and it is the Mets only game in Kissimmee in 2016.
Final: Marlins 4- Mets 4
The Mets and Marlins played to a 4-4 tie in their first game of the spring at Tradition Field this afternoon. For a complete boxscore recap click the link below…
- Game Notes:
- Mets prospect Dilson Herrera had an exciting inside-the-park home run in the 9th inning which tied the game up at 4. He was 2-2 at the plate today including that home run.
- Logan Verrett pitched 2 innings of 2-run ball with his lone mistake coming off of the bat of left fielder Destin Hood in the 2nd inning.
- Juan Lagares went 1-2 today but looks incredibly comfortable at the plate and in the field already. Lagares may be the x-factor for this club this season.
- Neil Walker collected his first hit in a Met uniform, with a 1-2 effort this afternoon.
- There were a couple of errors made by the starters this afternoon, by Lucas Duda and Asdrubal Cabrera. Not much to read into considering it was each their first game of the season.
- The Mets travel to Kissimmee tomorrow to take on the Houston Astros. Mets prospect pitcher Robert Gsellman is slated to take the mound against former Met pitcher Collin McHugh. You can catch the game on MLB.TV with a 1:05 pm et start time.
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RHP Seth Lugo, LHP Josh Smoker, RHP Hansel Robles, and RHP Antonio Bastardo are scheduled to pitch tomorrow afternoon.
Mets fans are already in midseason form as they gave Yoenis Cespedes a standing ovation in his first at-bat, and were overly exuberant during Wilmer Flores lone pinch-hit appearance chanting his name loud and proud. The fans were also really loud screaming, “Let’s Go Mets,” when the Mets had loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the 5th. You get a great sense of excitement surrounding everyone involved with this team including SNY announcers Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, and Keith Hernandez. It will be quite a sight to see next week when the flamethrowers are slated to take the mound…
Above The Mendoza 