2/25/20

Tony Plate - Cespedes Speaks to Media

                                                       




 At first Yoenis Cespedes stated that he would not be talking to the media. Apparently, he changed his tune this time. He faced the media on Sunday morning. They asked him if he would be ready on opening day. He felt that if he continues to progress the way has, then he will be ready.


His progress has looked good in terms of running, taking batting practice sessions plus he is doing running drills on the side and defensively he is at 90-95 percent. He still is thinking about reaching his goal of hitting 52 home runs. If his legs are healthy, he may do it. He is motivated to play hard since many think he won’t be able to contribute that much.

He is determined to do well since he lost a big part of his salary. He is hoping to acquire a few incentives. If he doesn’t begin the season on the disabled list his salary will increase to eleven million and plate appearances could add another nine million to his salary.

The way he is feeling currently, he thinks he will be ready to go by the middle of next month. Nobody knows how he will perform in 2020; however, the Mets are hoping that Cespedes will show some of the power he demonstrated back in 2016.

If he performs like that it would be a tremendous boost to the offense. He and Alonzo would make a powerful duo and the offense would be awesome.  The Mets would be scoring many runs and to go along with the awesome starting rotation it can make them World Series contenders.

Since the Yankees are the American League favorites to make it to the World Series, maybe there will be a subway series. If the two New York teams do meet the Mets would have the edge in the starting rotation due to the recent health issues of Luis Severino and James Paxson.

Robinson Cano is another player that is motivated to improve based on the season he had last year. He is working on keeping his lower body in shape. His main focus is the legs which he also has been working on back home and he will continue to do it in spring training. He wants to get them stronger so they do not become an issue during the season. I think Cano can come back and have a decent season.


9 comments:

Tom Brennan said...

Well, I will say one thing: If Cespedes is not ready Day 1, he is not hitting 52 homers!

I think he will be ready on Opening Day...but the Mets May hold him back a bit in extended spring and hope to get him really 100% ready for mid-April.

They will be on the road for 6 games down south in late April against the Braves and Marlins. If he is delayed, maybe he debuts then.

John From Albany said...

That's a good point Tom.

I think Cespedes will say he is ready. Think the Mets will take extra caution like you suggest Tom.

bill metsiac said...

I asked this question a week or 2 ago, with few responses, so I'll try again:

In the unlikely event that Yo is right (full health, 40+ HR, 100+ RBI) do we:

1)Try to re-sign him for 2 years

2) Offer a QO, or

3) Wave goodbye as he walks away?

I'd go for #2, but would consider #1 if his asking price is reasonable.

You?

Mack Ade said...

Bill -

Buh bye.

I've had enough of this circus act.

In fact, he wouldn't even last that long on my team.

If he was churning out the kind of numbers you state, I would trade him at the all-star break to an American League team for prospects.

Mack Ade said...

Tony -

I saw a video late yesterday afternoon with Yo in the cage.

He took a very hard swing and ended up with lost balance and holding his left side of his back.

Reese Kaplan said...

Ask yourself this question -- at his age who would be willing to pay Yo $19 million per year (besides Fred Wilpon)?

(crickets)

Tom Brennan said...

My guess? If Cespedes pulls of a miracle year, give him a QO and let him go to an AL DH team. If the NL adopts the DH, check back with me.

bill metsiac said...

You mean "cheapass" Wilpon? 😆

Tony said...

Mack, It looks like he may not hit 50 home runs after holding his back after that swing.