Category: Spring Training
BREAKING: Bartolo homers during batting practice…
The legend of Bartolo Colon seemingly grows every year, especially when Colon is in the batter’s box. It is being reported today by Newsday’s Marc Carig, that Bartolo hit a home run during batting practice that took out a tree branch. The home run was hit off of Mets hitting coach Kevin Long who was throwing batting practice. One unnamed Met was quoted as saying,”They should call him The Lumberjack. Dude takes out trees with baseballs.” Colon may have a new nickname coming into this season, and it will have nothing to do with his pitching or his weight, but with his strength.
Colon’s at-bats are always entertaining nonetheless, but with this home run in batting practice, Mets fans will now have their expectations raised on Bartolo’s at-bats this season. We will all be glued to our screens this season when Colon is in the batter’s box, as we will all be waiting for that one magical moment that he goes deep, and flips his bat Jose Bautista style on his way to trot the bases. All in all, Colon proved to the other starting pitchers that he indeed brings some pop to the plate, as the Mets have some of the best hitting pitchers in baseball. Now all we need is video to accompany the shot that broke the branch, that was heard around the World.
How are you doing lately?
With Spring Training quickly approaching its halfway point, I wanted to take a look at some notable former Mets players from the organization last season, and see how they are performing this spring with their new organizations. Click the jump and check out their statistics and analysis on their performance thus far.
David Wright to get at-bat’s today…
David Wright is expected to get some at-bats today in minor league camp. It is solely expected that Wright will just be hitting today and not playing in the field. The Mets will take their time with Wright, and hopefully we can see him getting some Major League at-bats on Friday when the Mets return to Tradition Field. Wright sitting idle is something he has gotten used to, as he did not do any baseball activity for a month after the World Series, by doctor’s request to rest his back. Wright played in 38 games and batted .289 (44-152) with five home runs and 17 RBI in 2015. He missed 115 games after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
Mets vs. Tigers Lineups 1:05 pm et
Mets:
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Neil Walker (S) 2B
3. Michael Conforto (L) LF
4. Lucas Duda (L) 1B
5. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
6. Alejandro De Aza (L) CF
7. Kevin Plawecki (R) DH
8. Johnny Monell (L) C
9. Matt Reynolds (R) SS
SP: Seth Lugo RHP
Tigers:
1. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B
2. Justin Upton (R) LF
3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 1B
4. Victor Martinez (S) DH
5. J.D. Martinez (R) RF
6. James McCann (R) C
7. Jose Iglesias (R) SS
8. Andrew Romine (S) 3B
9. Anthony Gose (L) CF
SP: Daniel Norris LHP
- Today’s game will not be televised but can be heard on WOR 710 AM.
Game Notes:
Available Pitchers for both squads:
METS: RHP Seth Lugo, LHP Sean Gilmartin, RHP Hansel Robles, RHP Zack Thornton
TIGERS: LHP Daniel Norris, RHP Shane Greene, RHP Mark Lowe, LHP Justin Wilson
RHP SETH LUGO: Makes his first start of the Spring today in Lakeland vs. the Tigers…Has not allowed a run in two appearances (3.0 innings) during Grapefruit League play…Has allowed one hit with one walk and three strikeouts combined…
ALEJANDRO DE AZA: Was 1-3 on Sunday and is in today’s lineup.. Is batting .421 (8-19) with three doubles and six runs scored in eight games this Spring…
TRAVIS TAIJERON: Is on today’s travel roster…Is batting .421 (8-19) with two doubles, one triple, one home run, 10 RBI and five runs scored in 10 games this Spring…His .789 slugging percentage and his .421 batting average are third-best in the Grapefruit League entering play today…He also ranks among Grapefruit League in RBI (10, tied for second), and on-base percentage (.478, fifth).
VS. DETROIT: Today’s game is the second, and final, Grapefruit League game versus Detroit…The Mets beat the Tigers in a split squad game in Port St. Lucie, 7-3, on March 7.
deGrom scratched from Monday start…
Jacob deGrom was scratched from his start today against the Tigers with back stiffness. He ended up throwing a 39 pitch bullpen session this morning as a substitution in Port Saint Lucie. It is expected that deGrom’s next start will either be Thursday or Friday. deGrom spoke to ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin about the situation and stated, “I really didn’t want to ride on the bus for a couple of hours and then go try to pitch. … Today I feel good. Yesterday I felt good. I think it’s just more not sitting on the bus for a couple of hours and then going out there and pitching.”
I don’t believe this is a serious issue, as deGrom did end up taking the mound this morning anyway for a bullpen session. It would also make no sense to put your ace on a 2-hour bus ride today if he is having any sort of issue with his back. deGrom should be good to go later this week.
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.
Final: Mets 11 – Marlins 0
The Mets defeated the Marlins by the final score of 11-0 at Roger Dean Stadium this afternoon. For a complete box score recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- The Mets had 15 total hits this afternoon, while the Marlins only had 3.
- Matt Harvey had a strong start, going 4 innings, while only allowing 1 hit and 4 strikeouts.
- Jeurys Familia pitched a perfect frame with 2 K’s.
- Ruben Tejada had himself a game going 2-3 with 3 RBI, and a run scored.
- Yoenis Cespedes was 1-3 with an RBI single
- Johnny Monell was 1-1 with 2 RBI
- Travis Taijeron was 1-1 with 2 RBI. He is hitting .421 and has 10 RBI’s this spring.
- Dilson Herrera left today’s contest early after fouling a ball of his left knee in the 9th.
The New York Mets plain and simple came to play today. Everyone on the roster looked to be in midseason form, and it was all the more impressive that they did this against the Marlins Opening Day regulars. Matt Harvey was absolutely dominant and as I’ve said before, I believe this is going to be his best season in his career thus far. Familia, Blevins, and Bastardo pitched 3 innings of shutout ball, not even allowing a hit against them. Familia is going to have a big year, if the relievers in front of him can bridge the gap. Last year that was an issue, and I believe the Mets have built a stronger bullpen around Familia this season. Ruben Tejada just continues to rake since Asdrubal Cabrera went down, and his storyline is going to be an interesting one to follow for the rest of the spring. Johnny Monell who is being discussed as the potential backup catcher for the Mets, had a nice day at the plate, as he had a 2-run RBI double in the top of the 7th. Dilson Herrera is scheduled to leave for the WBC qualifiers Monday, so the injury he suffered will be something to keep an eye on.
- The Mets will travel to Lakeland tomorrow to face the Detroit Tigers. First pitch is slated for 1:05 pm et, and will not be televised but can be heard on WOR 710 AM.
- Jacob deGrom will make his second start of the spring against Tigers southpaw Daniel Norris.
Mets vs. Marlins Lineups 1:05 pm et
Mets:
1. Alejandro De Aza (L) LF
2. Juan Lagares (R) CF
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) DH
4. Travis d’Arnaud (R) C
5. Dominic Smith (L) 1B
6. Roger Bernadina (L) RF
7. Eric Campbell (R) 3B
8. Ruben Tejada (R) 2B
9. Matt Reynolds (R) SS
SP: Matt Harvey RHP
Marlins:
1. Dee Gordon (L) 2B
2. Marcell Ozuna (R) CF
3. Christian Yelich (L) LF
4. Giancarlo Stanton (R) DH
5. Justin Bour (L) 1B
6. Martin Prado (R) 3B
7. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
8. Ichiro Suzuki (L) RF
9. Adeiny Hechavarria (R) SS
SP: Tom Koehler RHP
- Today’s game can be seen on MLB.tv or heard on WOR 710 AM.
Mets Tidbits…
- Mets right-handed reliever Erik Goeddel, (pictured), threw a 15-pitch bullpen session this afternoon. Goeddel did not throw with full force, but is expected to have another bullpen session early next week. The hope is after this next session, Goeddel can begin pitching in games. Goeddel is working his way back from a strained lat muscle suffered earlier in camp, and has been considered a favorite for the bullpen by Manager Terry Collins.
- It is being reported that the Mets are targeting Monday, for David Wright to play in a Minor League game. If all goes well, it would not surprise me to see Wright in the starting lineup as soon as Friday, as the Mets are on the road all week beginning tomorrow in Jupiter.
- Matt Reynolds made his return to the field this afternoon by coming in as a late inning replacement at shortstop. Reynolds has missed the past 4 days battling a tight right hamstring. Reynolds who has made some sparkling defensive plays at shortstop this spring, is now in the running for a roster spot with Asdrubal Cabrera on the shelf.
- Adam Rubin of ESPN New York is reporting that around a half-dozen teams are interested in acquiring the red hot outfielder Alejandro De Aza. The Mets however are searching for a team to pick up the entire $5.75 million dollar salary that De Aza carries with him. It seems more and more likely De Aza will be with another team come Opening Day.
Final: Cardinals 14 – Mets 9
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Mets this afternoon by the final score of 14-9. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Bartolo Colon had an uneven outing allowing 4 runs, on 6 hits, in 3 2/3 innings pitched.
- Kevin Plawecki (pictured) was 1-3 with a 2-run HR.
- Lucas Duda had a muti-hit game going 2-3 with a run scored.
- Every position player in the starting lineup today had at least one hit, aside from Wilmer Flores.
- Juan Lagares came in late as a replacement, and went 1-1 with 2 RBI.
- Jim Henderson pitched a scoreless inning. In 4 innings pitched this spring, he has allowed only one hit and has 5 strikeouts.
- The Mets will travel to Jupiter to play the Miami Marlins with a 1:05 pm et start time. The game can be seen on MLB.tv or heard on WOR 710 AM.
- Matt Harvey will take the mound in his second spring start of the season for the Mets, against Marlins righty Tom Koehler. Also scheduled to pitch for the Mets include, LHP Duane Below, RHP Hansel Robles, and RHP Addison Reed.
Above The Mendoza 