NEW MET PLAN
Have to change
put together.”
The Mets started to make that shift earlier this month.
Bringing up Amed Rosario, the shortstop of the future, has notably improved their defense. He has added range and a strong arm that will help any of the Mets’ pitchers going forward. Dominic Smith is just getting used to the big leagues after being called up on Friday. While he looked nervous at first in his first few games, he is known as a smooth defender and will be able to make a difference.
Michael Conforto, who played right field Monday night, is a solid cornerstone along with Yoenis Cespedes to rebuild the offense around.
But, the expectations on the pitchers have to be adjusted as well.
Sandy Alderson has certainly seen that with the Mets, but the GM said he sees it across baseball. This season, Alderson said that how manager Terry Collins handled Sunday’s game, getting five innings out of the rookie Chris Flexen, and then turning it over to the bullpen, is going to be more the norm.
“You have to be strategic in how you build a team and tactical in how you use what you have. I think yesterday was a good example of how tactically things have had to change, because of the pitching we’ve lost,” Alderson said. “Flexen pitches five innings and Terry gets him out of there. We use the bullpen the rest of the way, instead of hoping we can get six or seven innings out of the guys we have in the rotation. It’s not realistic with what we have.
“Strategically, have to think longer term. It’s not about five guys are going to be super,” Alderson said. “It’s about having five guys who can post (a start) every five days and maybe give you five good innings. It’s something the league is adjusting to as well.” onday, as the Mets one-time dream rotation gathered in the bullpen, it was hard not to think about all the expectations that surrounded them last spring. And realize how much those expectations for the rotation and the Mets have changed.
MUSA TODAY & GETTY