In the first Make-the-Mets-O-Meter last week, it appeared that the Mets had three roster spots on the bench up for grabs in spring training. Since then, however, Andres Torres strained his calf. Although he's optimistic about a quick recovery, another spot on roster will open up should he miss opening day. The Mets would not have an obvious replacement for Torres in center field, especially with Scott Hairston expected to begin the year on the disabled list.
Before the Torres injury, Cesar Puello, Wilmer Flores, Juan Lagares, Reese Havens, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, and Matt den Dekker were cut. Those who were on the list last week have been removed.
The Mets need a backup catcher and two backup outfielders - plus potentially one starting center fielder - from this bunch, assuming no other moves are made before the season begins.
Player | Comment | |
---|---|---|
Mike Baxter, OF | If Torres is out, Baxter's chances go up since he's an outfielder. At the plate, however, he's hit .303/.324/.333, which is neither awful nor great. | |
Rob Johnson, C | The race to back up Josh Thole is a crapshoot, but Johnson hasn't done anything flashy with his bat yet. | |
Adam Loewen, OF | He's cooled off a bit since last week, but his .730 OPS in spring contests is ahead of Baxter's. | |
Lucas May, C | May's slumped at the plate, and he may have to step it up to claim the job. | |
Mike Nickeas, C | Nickeas seemed to have the job before the Mets brought in Johnson and May, but like his competitors, he hasn't stood out from the pack. | |
Valentino Pascucci, 1B | If he could play center field, he'd have a great shot, but alas, he does not. | |
Omar Quintanilla, SS | If the Mets needed defensive help in the middle infield, he might be in the conversation. His lack of offensive production this spring matches his track record. | |
Vinny Rottino, OF/C | Rottino's struck out seven times without drawing a walk, but his positional flexibility might give him an edge. | |
Josh Satin, 1B | There's not really a fit for Satin on the Opening Day roster given the team's needs on the bench. |