James McCann talks to the Press

 

🚨 LIVE 🚨

Watch @JamesMcCann34’s introductory press conference live. https://t.co/bVkYpuSqGX

— New York Mets (@Mets) December 17, 2020

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a New York Met and my family shares that sentiment.”

-James McCann

— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) December 17, 2020

Sandy Alderson and mentions James McCann's leadership a number of times in his opening statement. His ability to work with, and enhance, the pitching staff seems to be a major part of this decision.

— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) December 17, 2020

James McCann said Mets were high on his list because of the current roster, but also (and of course) because of the excitement around new owner Steve Cohen.

— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) December 17, 2020

James McCann said a big factor in his decision was "the direction the New York Mets are headed."

"Everything was trending in the right direction," McCann said of new ownership, Sandy Alderson returning, etc.

— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) December 17, 2020

James McCann talks about signing with the Mets:

"I look forward to the next four years as a New York Met and seeing how many championships we can get during that timeframe" pic.twitter.com/AFqqRdmqPk

— SNY (@SNYtv) December 17, 2020

"I'm always going to pride my game on my defense," James McCann said.

— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) December 17, 2020

“I look forward to the next four years as a New York Met and seeing how many championships we can get during our time frame."

~ @JamesMcCann34 pic.twitter.com/5bwsXkgzaS

— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) December 17, 2020

James McCann: “There are several pitchers on this staff that I’m looking forward to catch and not face anymore.”

McCann said he’s previously caught bullpens for Steven Matz and Brad Brach. He plans to get to know the Mets pitching staff before heading to spring training.

— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) December 17, 2020

James McCann said he didn’t need any selling from the Mets when it came to putting a winner on the field. That part, he said, was clear.

— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) December 17, 2020

James McCann is the latest to cite the Cohen Effect as a reason for his coming to NY:

McCann: "I've seen what he's come out and said in the media, on social media. ... I didn't really need any selling."

Alderson: "The excitement surrounding the Mets right now is self-evident."

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 17, 2020

"People know who we are now, where we're going. As a result, that part of the conversation disappears and we get to talk more about nuts and bolts." #LGM

~ Sandy Alderson pic.twitter.com/c1Ar26qpFV

— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) December 17, 2020

My personal take on that is:

Maybe Bauer isn’t the pursuit here.

Might be looking (if using FA) at the Odorizzi, Tanaka, Paxton type of market

— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) December 17, 2020

Lots to unpack from James McCann's introductory press conference, but I was particularly struck by this answer regarding catcher defense and analytics.

"I want the numbers to be my foundation, and then I want to trust my eyes in the game." pic.twitter.com/o1VxMxAdAo

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 17, 2020