Mack’s Morning Report – 2-29-16 – Mike Piazza, ST Starting Pitchers, Backup Catcher Framing

Good morning.

It’s Sunday so it’s a light schedule in Port St. Lucie.

Training camp continues, but today is Mike Piazza day. Piazza spent the early portion of his stay walking around and getting familiar with Mets players, especially guys like Yoenis Cespedes and Curtis Granderson. All the catchers gathered around him for their pop up drill, something I’m sure Mike is glad he doesn’t have to do anymore (best pop up hitter – Tim Teufel). One fan yelled out ‘show em’ how it’s done, Mike’… ain’t gonna happen.

Pizaa to Cespedes - "I don't care what you drive as long as you drive in runs."

Piazza also wants to talk to Cespedes about taking your walks and not being overly anxious as he was in World Series                     

Then, catchers had to locate their mitt, find the ball in the air, and catch the ball.

Mack – can you imagine the rush of someone like Tomas Nido, Raywilly Gomez, or Nevin Ashley getting one on one advice from the future Hall of Famer. You can’t pay good money for this.

Wilmer Flores worked out at first base today.

Noah Syndergaard threw a bullpen session.

Ruben Tejada primarily worked out on third base today.

The Mets did announce pitching for some of the upcoming spring games –

3-1 Intrasquad Team Blue – Sean Gilmartin, Logan Verrett, Zack Thornton, Chase Bradford, and Akeel Morris

3-1 Intrasquad Team Orange – Robert Gsellman, Duane Below, Seth Lugo, Josh Smoker

March 3 – vs. Washington – Rafael Montero, Gabriel Ynoa, Jeff Walters

March 4 – vs. Miami – Logan Verrett, Buddy Carlyle, Zack Thornton

David Wright and Curtis Granderson led other Mets putting on a clinic for more than 100 Special Olympic athletes.

From Fangraphs... here's how they rank faming from backup catchers - 

BP Framing, 2015

NAME	Level	Framing Chances	CSAA
Josh Thole	AAA	3261	0.023
Austin Hedges	AAA	1233	0.022
Kevin Plawecki	MLB	3963	0.021
Austin Hedges	MLB	2712	0.021
Chris Stewart	MLB	2470	0.019
Max Stassi	AAA	6176	0.018
Tyler Flowers	MLB	6317	0.018
Jose Lobaton	MLB	2492	0.014

SOURCE: Baseball Prospectus