The Mets players have started trickling down to New York, with the majority expected to arrive at the weekend. The report date for Spring Training 2 is Wednesday, with the team’s first full-squad training at Citi Field scheduled for two days later.
First, there will be a coronavirus test conducted on players and staff and quarantine for two days. Testing will continue every day for three weeks the camp and the regular season. It is all part of the extensive MLB protocol to maintain the security of players and sports.
The Mets could easily finish first or last in the 60 match season. But the fact that they can play the 2020 season which at one point is completely lost should be considered a treat for their fans.
When we left
The Mets are 14 days from their season opener in Washington when MLB closes spring training in March because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pete Alonso still hasn’t returned home in the Grapefruit League, but it’s not as alarming as the tense Michael Conforto oblique who threatened to keep him out of the opening match. Conforto has recovered.
Pete AlonsoAnthony J. Causi
Noah Syndergaard was still in rotation when the camp was suspended, but has since undergone Tommy John’s operation that will keep him out until 2021. The development has left the possibility of rotation such as Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello, Steven Matz and Michael Wacha.
J.D. Davis has recovered from a jammed left shoulder which he maintained at the start of spring training and is exercising at third base. The list appears almost set, but there is a question whether Dellin Betances will be built enough to open the season on the bullpen or whether he will need extended spring training.
Three All-Stars teams from last season, Jacob deGrom, Alonso and Jeff McNeil, are the main players, but a strong lineup could be stronger with Yoenis Cespedes returning.
As reported by The Post on Wednesday, there is a strong possibility that the veteran outfielder will be ready for the Opening Day lineup after missing the last two years of rehabilitation from heel surgery and ankle fractures.
McNeil, Alonso, Conforto, Cespedes, Robinson Cano, and Davis succession is one thing that managers can consider that can be considered by manager Luis Rojas. Or maybe Rojas wants Amed Rosario or Brandon Nimmo on top of the stroke, with McNeil reaching sixth.
Jacob deGromAnthony J. Causi
What remains unclear is whether Jed Lowrie will have the opportunity to potentially contribute.
Dominic Smith might deserve the chance to play most of the time, but the Mets are busy in two positions (first base and outfield corner), leaving him most likely in the pinch role. Jake Marisnick arrives in trade with Astros to provide final defense in midfield and he will likely start against left-handed pitchers.
The mystery will continue, whether Edwin Diaz who is closer can recover after a bad 2019 season. Ideally, the Mets would like to leave Seth Lugo in a regulatory role where he could throw in innings if needed. For the blueprint to work, Diaz, Jeurys Familia or Betances need to lock the ninth.
What to look for when returning (COVID)
Uncertainty will abound, after a 3½-month layoff that includes a bitter economic dispute between the players and the owner.
“My concern is who says if we can solve it [the season] or not – government or commissioner? “a Mets player said in a text message to The Post.” Or by sick people? I know nothing is in our hands, unfortunately. Everything has made me concerned with this sport. “
The second Mets player is asked in a text message if the shorter season benefits any team.
“It will be the same for everyone and we just want to play,” said the player.
Players will check their temperature at least twice a day. A player who registers above 100.4 degrees will be barred from entering the ballpark. Because body temperature can rise quickly if someone sweats, players and staff can even avoid the short walk to the ballpark, opting for air-conditioned transportation, on humid days in some cities.
For the first two weeks of the season, the team will be allowed to bring 30 players. That could mean the third catcher for the Mets, allowing Tomas Nido and Rene Rivera to become reserves for Wilson Ramos. Walker Lockett, Jordan Humphreys, and Drew Smith are among the pitchers who can benefit. Smith underwent Tommy John’s operation in spring training last season and is expected to return this June.
