Alonso says ‘high-intensity’ WBC will benefit him and club come October
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Pete Alonso was finally able to get a preview of what it’s like to play meaningful baseball in October. But no one was more devastated than the Mets first baseman after the San Diego Padres eliminated them in an NL wild card round series last fall. So when USA Baseball asked him about playing in the World Baseball Classic, Alonso saw it as a beneficial opportunity to gain valuable experience playing in important games.
“You’re just replacing games in St. Lucie with games in Arizona on an international stage,” Alonso said Wednesday at Clover Field. “For me to be able to play those meaningful baseball games, I feel like it will come in handy later on in October and, hopefully, November because for me I’ve only played in three major league playoff games.
“Hopefully, those like high-intensity type games can give me experience so I can really just help the team win and advance and win a championship.”
Alonso plays the game with a mix of childlike enthusiasm and genuine professional passion. The chance to play with some of the best American-born players and against some of the world’s best players with national pride on the line was too good to pass up. Sure, the chance for injury is always there and it’s higher than in a more controlled spring training environment, but the experience of playing in high-pressure situations outweighs the risks for Alonso.
Last season, he put up career-high numbers in hits (162), RBI (131) and average (.271). He quietly put together a season worthy of MVP votes, coming in eighth in voting. The 28-year-old homegrown slugger was rewarded with a one-year, $14.5 million contract, a record for a first baseman in his second arbitration year.
New team, same story:
Former Mets ace Jacob degrom was slated to throw his first bullpen with the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, but general manager Chris Young told reporters it will be pushed back a day or two due to tightness in his left side. Young doesn’t want his condition to worsen in cold, rainy conditions in Arizona.
“It’s as much about it being Day 1 of spring training as anything,” Young told reporters. “He’s been throwing. His arm feels great.”
The GM said degrom has already thrown about six bullpens. He felt tightness after his latest bullpen a few days ago.
Lee remains on roster:
Khalil Lee is back with the Mets. The outfielder has a locker in Clover Field’s major league clubhouse and is listed on the club’s spring training roster, but his presence doesn’t come without controversy.
Lee was designated for assignment earlier this month, shortly after he became the subject of a domestic violence investigation by Major League Baseball, to make room for left-handed reliever Sam Coonrod on the 40-man roster. After he cleared waivers, the Mets decided to keep him in the organization instead of releasing him and he was sent outright to Triple-a Syracuse.
MLB is currently investigating allegations made by Lee’s ex-girlfriend when he was playing in Syracuse last year.
Roll call: All pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training except for right-hander Tommy Hunter, who is away from camp dealing with family matters. The veteran was re-signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training on Dec. 5.