Things Coming Together this Spring
February 27, 2003
Latest Team Info: The Mets have had a tranquil camp this year, with new manager Art Howe being a leading calming influence. Howe has announced that he will be trying to go with a set lineup as much as possible, and the one he's putting out on the field for today's first exhibition game against the Cardinals has a good chance of being it:
CF Roger Cedeno
2B Roberto Alomar
LF Cliff Floyd
C Mike Piazza
1B Mo Vaughn
RF Jeromy Burnitz
3B Ty Wigginton
SS Rey Sanchez
Pitcher
Howe also announced that Tom Glavine will be the opening day pitcher.
Local Spin: It's all hugs and kisses in Mets camp, and the local reporters have been telling of a tranquil clubhouse. That will potentially bode will for players' numbers, and this year's Mets have a good chance of putting up much better numbers as a whole.
The battle for the 5th starters role is still in a deadlock between David Cone, Aaron Heilman, Mike Bacsik and Jason Middlebrook. None of the latter three were particularly impressive during intrasquad games, but manager Art Howe said he expected that. Cone will start Saturday against the Orioles.
Rumors: Everythings quiet on the trade front, at least for now. Steve Phillips added Tony Clark to the bench, as well as David Cone, who at 40 is giving it one last try, to the pitching staff. As for third base, there had been some reports that they were talking about Red Sox 3B Shea Hillenbrand again, along with Florida's Mike Lowell, but Howe and Phillips both seem comfortable with rookie Ty Wigginton, who saw limited action last year, at third base for now.
Injuries: Star prospect Jose Reyes strained his left quad, and thus been taking it easy in practice. He will be held out of this weekends' games, but should see action starting next week.
Relievers John Franco and Grant Roberts are each struggling with some arm issues. Roberts has tendonitis in his right pitching shoulder, and may require surgery, although the Mets downplay the possibility. He may be ready for opening day. Franco, coming back from Tommy John surgery, is experiencing normal discomfort in his tricep and is getting massages to ease the pain. He may be back by around June.
Quick View:
Add: Mo Vaughn, Ty Wigginton (if you'e DESPERATE)
Wait and See: Aaron Heilman, Mike Bascik and Jason Middlebrook, who are contending for the 5th starters role. No one player has the heads up yet.
Drop: No one as of now.
