As the New York Mets wrap up their spring training, we're seeing the final touches being put on their roster, with roles becoming clearer. The starting rotation is a focal point, carrying the potential to define their season's trajectory. The Mets have made some savvy decisions, but there's also room for debate as they gear up for the regular season.
Strategic Moves: Keeping Peralta Under Wraps
In a smart move, the Mets opted to keep Freddy Peralta away from the Cardinals' gaze. Originally scheduled to pitch on Friday, Peralta instead took to the back fields, allowing Tobias Myers to start.
This decision keeps Peralta's new tricks under wraps, especially since the Mets face the Cardinals early in the regular season. It's a classic case of not showing your hand too soon, minimizing any advantage for the opposition.
Rotation Decisions: The Manaea Question
The rotation lineup has stirred some debate, particularly with the potential positioning of Sean Manaea as the number two starter. While the order of starters might not always be crucial, Manaea's recent performance, marked by a dip in velocity, raises eyebrows. Despite a shaky spring, he’s in line for a significant role.
Carlos Mendoza, the Mets' manager, has laid out the pitching plans: minor-league arms will close out the Grapefruit League, while Nolan McLean and Manaea will pitch in a scrimmage on Monday. This setup suggests McLean could start Game 3 of the regular season.
Given the off-day after Opening Day, the Mets might reconsider Manaea's spot, possibly skipping his start in favor of McLean. This would allow Manaea to serve as backup for Kodai Senga or even transition to a bullpen role, where Bryan Hudson has impressed as a lefty option.
As the Mets finalize their rotation, these decisions will be pivotal. With a mix of strategic foresight and some potential gambles, the Mets are setting the stage for what could be an intriguing season.