Paul Articulates – Hot Springs

We are just around the bend from seeing the Mets break camp and head into the regular season.  This spring, like many others, has been a mix of different elements.  

We have had veterans going through a methodical, systematic spooling up of their timing, reflexes, and fine motor skills.  

We have had talented young players grinding hard to make an impression and win a spot on a roster at the next level.  

We have had the disappointment of early injury, impeding the chances of some to show everything they have and of others to be able to get started at all.  

We have had players start off with sizzling hot results that has everyone talking about where they fit and what they can contribute to the organization.

First, let me provide a dose of reality.  In the long game of a 162-game MLB regular season, the first four weeks of spring training do not offer a reliable prediction of performance.  I’ll say the same after April, after May, and probably even June.  I’m still super excited about this Mets team and all their prospects, but I know from playing, coaching, and watching baseball all my life that you have to let it play out a bit.  So what can we say about the New York Mets this early in the spring?

The HOT Springs:  Players want to come to camp and make an impression.  

Ronny Mauricio was filled with confidence from his play in the Dominican Winter League.  He was third in the league in batting (.287); second in home runs, stolen bases and runs scored; and led the league with 54 hits, 15 doubles, and 31 RBIs. He was named MVP of the league.  Mauricio started spring training HOT – he ripped some tape-measure HRs at Clover Park, knocked base hits all over the field, and played some solid defense.  He has cooled somewhat in the last week, but as of last night was still sporting a 1.047 OPS.  Does he make the MLB club?  Probably not – but he impressed the coaching staff and solidified his value in the system.  He will get his chance sooner than later. 

Tim Locastro has sizzled with the bat and tore up the base paths with his speed.  He went from a casual look to full consideration for a spot in the fairly shallow outfield depth chart.  As of now he is hitting .355 with a .444 OBP and 5 stolen bases in 14 games. 

 #2 prospect Brett Baty has shown what we all thought he would – a sweet swing.  For the spring he is batting .400 with a 1.033 OPS.  Just what the doctor ordered for a 3B position that last year lacked offensive production until the final month.  What surprised some, but not this writer who watched him from the stands in Binghamton last year is his fielding.  He has turned his critics from saying, “he’s just a bat” to, “he can play”.   Will Baty overcome Escobar as the starter?  Time will tell.

The BAD breaks: Injury is part of the game.  Whenever the top athletes in the game are competing, there are going to be bumps and bruises or worse.  We have already seen worse.  There have been a few routine scratches that had us holding our breath for a few days until the player turned up fine – was ready for that.  

But then there was the Jose Quintana news – first it was soreness in his side, and eventually it was legions on his rib.  Surgery, and out for at least the first half.  We’re already dipping into our starting rotation depth and there are still 2 weeks of spring training games remaining.

Then the news turned ugly.  Last night in a post-game celebration with his Puerto Rico WBS team, Edwin Diaz hurt his right knee.  His reaction and that of his brother Alexis told us something was very wrong.  As of this writing the prognosis is not known, but Mets fans are suddenly worried about the closer role that was as close to a sure thing as it gets.

The slow starts: 

Max Scherzer has not exactly lit it up this spring.  He has had some shaky innings interspersed with dominant innings.  One day he strikes out nine in three innings.  Then on anothr outing against the Nationals he experiments with what he can get away with on pitch clock rules, loses his rhythm, and gives up an 8 run inning.  He says that he is just “working on things” but we worry about any possible cracks in the armor of his 37-year-old body. 

Eduardo Escobar was batting 0.125 before he left for the WBC.  Darrin Ruf is currently batting 0.143.  Both these players have short leashes with Mets fans after prolonged slumps in 2022.  They really needed to get off to a good start for the coaching staffs, for the fans, and most importantly for themselves.  Baseball is a game of confidence, and when you don’t have it the game just gets harder.  Mets leadership knows they have some difficult decisions to make when they trim the roster for the season.  The starting third base and DH versus lefties are two positions that are most open to change this season.  A good spring can make the difference.  Neither player is having one.

Omar Narvaez comes to the Mets as a free agent with some impressive years with the White Sox, Mariners, and Brewers.  He has a great defensive reputation and a career .258 batting average.  He is batting 0.083 so far.  There are several catchers in camp, and all seem to be taking his lead.  Michael Perez is batting 0.083; Nick Meyer is batting 0.125; Francisco Alvarez is batting 0.143; Hayden Senger is batting 0.167.  Tomas Nido is the only catcher making a statement this spring with his bat, with a 0.385 average and a trio of homers in 9 games.

There are many other things we would like to see, but the ability to gel as a team has been delayed by the World Baseball Classic which initially tapped a dozen Mets players for several rosters.  Some of them have returned, like Quintana but others continue to participate with their country teams.  This is not unique to the Mets, so it is not considered to be a big disadvantage.  The starting lineup should be very similar to last year, so there is not too much chemistry to build.  We do want to see the Mets get off to a strong start, and the schedule in April is tougher this year than it was in 2022.  

Keep your eyes on the last two weeks to see what develops.  Or just tune in to Mack’s Mets and we’ll give you the scoop!