The Mets’ first official workout of spring training is next Wednesday, but soon after that will come the inevitable realization that the team’s complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., will turn into a ghost town.
With 12 Mets players in the World Baseball Classic from March 8-21, manager Buck Showalter is trying to get as short a look as possible at the team he plans to field on Opening Day.
“We’re excited and proud that he’s going, but he can’t come back and stay behind,” Showalter said Tuesday at the 43rd annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner in Manhattan, benefiting the AHRC New York City Foundation. reached.
“You get upset when people start their clocks so early, but [the WBC] Good for the game, I’m told, and that’s all that matters. It elevates our game globally and I support it, but I see it as selfish of what’s best for the New York Mets.
Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Brooks Riley and Adam Ottavino (USA) Francisco Lindor, Edwin Diaz and Michael Perez (Puerto Rico) Eduardo Escobar, Jose Quintana and Omar Narvaez (Venezuela); And minor league pitchers Cameron Opp (UK) and Claudio Scotti (Italy) will all be in the WBC mix. The lists for the event will be announced on Thursday.
The departure from the WBC could leave plenty of playing time in the Grapefruit League for rookies such as Francisco Alvarez, Brett Bati and Mark Ventos, all of whom could prove their worth for spots on the major league roster. Will be trying. Weather
Francisco Alvarez prepares to bat during the game against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at Coca-Cola Park.
Brett Botti in action against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field.
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Mark Ventos hits an RBI single scoring Pete Alonso in the top of the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at Ring Central Coliseum.
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“I told them to bring both [uniforms], gray and white, they’ll get plenty of playing time,” Showalter said. “We’ll get a good look at them. The good thing is that they will come in and try not to rush the guys who are leaving. The worst thing for someone would be to leave and go and not play. [in the WBC] And I have voiced this to the managers.”
Showalter will look to see if the Mets are sending the most players of any MLB team to the event.
“It will be interesting to go through all 30 teams and see what everyone’s number is,” Showalter said. “Wouldn’t you think that you could have a limit to maintain a competitive level for spring training so that no one has an advantage over another?
“I know people really want to go. There’s no compulsion to go. I know from talking to them they’re all excited about it.
Health will be a major concern – part of the reason why Max Scherzer and Starling Marte won’t be competing in the WBC. Scherzer spent last season on the injured list twice with an oblique strain and Marte underwent offseason core surgery.
“For me it’s like when I had the great fortune to manage in the All-Star Game [in 1995]. Obviously, you want to win games and get everybody involved,” Showalter said. “But my big thing was getting everybody back healthy. When I talk to these guys, the conversation has to be there.
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