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.
Juan Lagares: death to flying things. Also, apparently, to tires. pic.twitter.com/wd9OkP8qz0
— #MetsFansUnited (@OmarMinayaFan) January 6, 2018
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.
Per the norm, a good story from @WheresKernan on Todd Frazier, who says he is talking to the #Mets and #Yankees – https://t.co/mYAbqccPmV
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) January 9, 2018
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.
“My body has never felt better” – @Noahsyndergaard is ready to go and looking forward to #SpringTraining. https://t.co/3MzSGbTRR0 pic.twitter.com/yZ68XFPcE1
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 8, 2018
Maybe his workouts are going better this offseason due to his new pet.
He who shall not be named…..in catch play. #houseslytherin #Nagini #ssssssliders pic.twitter.com/vK2t9idg6D
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) January 7, 2018
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.