Recapping Yesterday:
The Mets picked up their first win of the Spring yesterday, 2-0, against the Houston Astros in St. Lucie. The big story for the Mets – Stroman looked good. In 2.0 innings of work, Stroman struck out two batters and did not allow any walks or hits. His pitches all had movement and was exactly what you wanted to see yesterday. He was followed by Yamamoto who is competing for the 5th starter spot. He allowed 2 hits and that’s it over 2.0 innings. Part of this is also on James McCann who made his catching debut for the Mets yesterday as he learns the pitching staff and works out game plans with them. When the team wins by a shutout, it’s a good day on the mound for everyone! Blevins, Smith, McWilliams all had great days too.
The offense yesterday pretty much boiled down to a solo homer from Jeff McNeil and Albert Almora Jr. The former who is one of the more dangerous hitters in baseball when he adds power to his OBP, the latter who is fighting for a roster spot this year.
What To Look For Today:
Short Answer: Depth. Today is a depth day. Jerad Eickhoff, in camp on a Non-Roster Invite, makes his Mets debut. An outside competitor for the the Mets 5th rotation spot, the long time Philly is in Camp trying to get back to the majors after not playing in 2020. In his first two years in the majors (2015-16), he pitched 248.1 innings with a 3.44 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 1.136 WHIP and 120 ERA+. Since then he has pitched 191.2 innings with a 5.07 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 1.466 WHIP and 86 ERA+.
Other pitchers of note: Ryley Gilliam makes his second appearance this Spring, he allowed 2 runs his first time out and is on a lot of people’s players to watch list. Nogosek will make his debut as well as Marcel Renteria. Renteria’s time as a prospect in the system is starting to tick down so it makes sense the he’ll be getting some playing time early. Oscar De La Cruz who is trying to make his major league debut this year is also a long man / spot starter type pitcher for 2021 getting some work in.
The depth theme continues with the line up. Pillar, signed as part of a CF complement with Almora gets to lead off today. Villar and Guillorme both get starting spots in the infield and Jose Martinez will make his Mets debut. Mallex Smith will also get some additional playing time this week. Smith led the American league in triples in 2018 with 10 and steals with 46 in 2019.
Let’s Go Mets!
