Juan Lagares, New York Mets, MLB
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway discusses lineup strategy, Juan Lagares flexes his muscles, and Todd Frazier may be staying put in New York after all.

Lagares bulking up

Juan Lagares, the New York Mets presumed 2018 Opening Day center fielder, recently uploaded an Instagram post showing off his new and improved muscle mass.

You have to feel for that tire in all of this. It looks like Lagares has made some serious changes to his body after multiple injuries have cost him a combined 151 games in the past two seasons.

After slashing .250/.296/.365 in 2017, he will need to impress this spring if he wants to prove he can handle the center field duties for the organization full time in 2018.

Callaway’s Hot Hands

Rookie manager Mickey Callaway recently expressed skepticism in relying on the ‘hot hand’ approach when creating lineups.

These quotes from Callaway are refreshing as he singled out Wilmer Flores as an example of why playing the hot hand is not always advantageous.

In past years, manager Terry Collins often deployed players who were hot in matchups they had little chance of succeeding in. Mets fans will certainly remember Collins starting Yoenis Cespedes in center field for the 2015 World Series Game 1 and having to watch as an inside the park home run occurred due to his poor fielding in an unnatural position, while defensive ace Lagares could only watch from the bench.

Todd Frazier staying in New York?

The hot stove has been cold for weeks now, but Todd Frazier’s recent comments suggest it could very well be heating up in the coming days.

Frazier has been working hard this offseason and has been in contact with both New York clubs. The Mets seem like the more ideal landing spot for many reasons, and it all starts with the fact that they have more of a need for the third baseman’s services.

Could Frazier, a native of Toms River New Jersey, be bringing his downward facing thumb to Queens in 2018? Stay tuned.

Syndergaard feeling better than ever 

The Mets posted a clip across their social media outlets today, which featured star pitcher Noah Syndergaard as he works towards a bounce back 2018 campaign. Thor says he feels “better than ever”, adding that his body was not right after extensive weightlifting during last offseason’s workouts.

Maybe his workouts are going better this offseason due to his new pet.

It seems that Thor has found a new throwing partner in the form of his pet snake. Let’s just hope Nagini doesn’t show up slithering around in the Mets clubhouse this season.

I am a Senior currently attending the Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick. I am a lifelong New York Mets fan, and writing about the team is my passion.