New York Mets Spring Training: Ranking The Top 5 Early Standouts
New York Mets Spring Training: Ranking The Top 5 Early Standouts
It’s still early in spring training for the New York Mets; in fact, it’s so early that two of the team’s best players, David Wright and Daniel Murphy, haven’t even appeared in an exhibition game yet, and the same can be said for a few of the Mets’ best pitchers. There have also been a few players, including guys like Ike Davis, Lucas Duda and Ruben Tejada, who are battling for positions this spring but have missed time due to injuries, making it hard for the Mets to answer some of the critical questions they face heading into the season.
While it’s far too early to draw any conclusions about what kind of team the Mets will have this season, there have definitely been some players who have stood out early in camp in part because several veterans sitting out has allotted more opportunities for younger players. In some cases they’ve come from players the Mets were hoping would perform, in other cases they’ve come from players the Mets weren’t sure about and in some other cases they’ve come from players no one expected.
In terms of wins and losses, the early part of the spring has not been kind to the Mets, with the team winning just two of its first seven exhibition games. However, that lack of success during the first week of March should have little impact on the regular season and general manager Sandy Alderson’s expectations of winning 90 games. Regardless of the record early in spring training, here are five players who have stood out for the Mets.
5. Travis d'Arnaud
During the first week of spring, d'Arnaud has three hits in nine at bats, including a double, as he is looking more comfortable at the plate than he was last September. He's also done a nice job behind the plate, getting acquainted with many of the young pitchers he may be catching for years to come.
4. Cesar Puello
Puello has impressed a lot of the veterans in camp with his athleticism, and he's also off to a hot start in Grapefruit League games, going 3-for-8 with two doubles during the first week of action. He has two RBIs and has scored two runs, and he has already drawn a walk which is something he struggles with. Puello isn't really playing for a spot on the opening day roster, but his hot start indicates he may be able to help the Mets later in the season if they need another outfielder.
3. Jacob deGrom
In two appearances, deGrom has thrown four shutout innings, allowing one hit, no walks and striking out six. It's a small sample size, but his appearances have come early in games against some actual big leaguers. Though he remains a long shot in the fifth starter competition, if deGrom keeps this up he could become a legitimate competitor for a spot in the Mets' bullpen.
2. Zack Wheeler
Wheeler looked darn good in his first spring outing, throwing three shutout innings, striking out three and allowing just two hits. He has been talked about a lot this spring, and in the wake of Matt Harvey's absence, Wheeler is capable of doing some amazing things.
1. Curtis Granderson
In nine spring at bats, Granderson has three hits, all of them going for extra bases, including a two home run game earlier this week. The Mets signed Granderson for his power, and he's already giving it to them which is a great sign after his hand injuries last season.
