New York Mets Spring Training: 10 Players to Watch - Part Three

In the first two parts of this series, we looked at three starting pitchers in part one, two bullpen pitchers and two bench players that could stand out this month as the team prepares for the season in part two. In the final installment, we wrap up the list of ten players with three position players to keep an eye on as Spring Training develops.


8) Ruben Tejada- The biggest story in this past offseason was the Mets inability to re-sign Jose Reyes and his eventual signing with the Miami Marlins. This vacancy at the SS position has paved the way for Ruben Tejada to make his mark in the majors. In a platoon situation at second and a fill in role at short last season,

Tejada had a .284 AVG in 96 games. He scored 31 runs and drove in 36 RBI in that limited time. As a full-time starter, he will have some big shoes to fill. While he will not be looked upon to replace the production that Reyes had at the top of the order, he will be relied on to get on base and make things happen offensively while flashing a reliable glove defensively.

The pressure to replace Reyes will be enormous. How he responds to it may very well determine not only his season but the Mets season as well. That adjustment to being the best Ruben Tejada he can be as opposed to giving his best Jose Reyes impersonation begins in Spring Training.


9) Daniel Murphy- The merry-go-round that was second base last season ended up with Daniel Murphy as the starter, but spun again when Murphy went down to season ending injury in August. While Justin Turner and Ruben Tejada filled in admirably, the job belonged solely to Murphy when he was healthy and will again this season. The reason? His offensive potential is too great to waste on the bench.

In 109 games before his injury last year, he hit a .320 AVG and drove in 49 RBI while scoring 49 runs. He has to start. In the A.L., he would be a DH. On the Mets, he is their starting second baseman. He spent the offseason working hard on his defense with former Mets great and coach Tim Teufel.

There are some players that have started out as suspect defenders and have improved enough in the field to emerge as complete players. Murphy has to hope he can be another one if he is to have any staying power in the majors.

The key to look for this March will be his health. Particularly when turning double plays and making close plays at second base. If he can master his footing and fielding techniques, he should be just fine there. In order to avoid further injury at that position, he needs to master these things.


10) Ike Davis- Until this past weekend, the big reason to watch Ike Davis this spring would have been to see how he has recovered from his ankle injury. However, since Davis has been diagnosed with Valley Fever, there is another reason to monitor him.

As the month goes on, the team needs to keep close watch over his stamina. Valley Fever mimics Lyme Disease which has the side effect of extremely low energy. One such case of this was seen a few years ago in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization with their promising youngster Conor Jackson. He was never the same player. That was an extreme case, though.

We should have a better handle on how sever or mild Ike Davis' condition will be as the weeks go by. All accounts are that he is moving around fine, so the ankle injury is a distant memory, but this Valley Fever report has to be treated very seriously by the team because it could have terrible consequences if they don't.


All in all, the New York Mets have a team that is far more solid than most will give them credit for. If healthy, they can make some noise in a strong division. These ten players are a major key to that opportunity.

If they have the Spring Training the team needs and make the adjustments that are necessary for their success, this scenario can be possible. It all depends on how these players come together as a team. That starts on an individual level. The journey toward that ultimate goal begins with Spring Training.