Right Combination of a Starting Lineup
There wasn’t anybody more relieved to see the return of Yoenis Cespedes than Terry Collins. Cespedes’ bat changes the entire look of the lineup card when he is in the middle of it.
Of course, this creates quite the log in the outfield with Jay Bruce, Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto and Juan Lagares all still currently on the roster.
A lineup comprised of Cespedes, Bruce and Granderson leaves a lot to be desired in regards to defensive alignment. Substitute in Conforto and things only slightly improve. Lagares’ main role will be as a defensive substitution late in games or when the Mets are able to have a lead. The obvious issue is it may not give Lagares many opportunities to get consistent swings.
Lagares’ main role will be as a defensive substitution late in games or when the Mets are able to have a lead. The obvious issue is it may not give Lagares many opportunities to get consistent swings.
The infield alignment also offers some challenges. Neil Walker accepted a qualifying offer presented by the Mets earlier this offseason.
They also picked up Jose Reyes’ club option for 2017. The Metropolitans will also get the benefit of having Lucas Duda and team captain, David Wright return for Spring Training.
The options to start the season will be vast, as prospect T.J. Rivera played well in the absence of Walker. The combination of Reyes and Wilmer Flores filled in admirably for Wright, while Matt Reynolds will get a chance to stay up with the big club. A midseason acquisition of James Loney covered the loss of Lucas Duda.
