New York Mets Spring Training Preview

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The New York Mets had high expectations last season and they failed to beat the San Francisco Giants in the NL Wild Card Game. They get a brand new start in the 2017 season. It is championship or bust for them once again this season. Manager Terry Collins is in the final year of his contract.

David Wright is questionable for opening day with another injury and I wouldn't expect him to play at all this season honestly. I understand his love of the game, but the management needs to tell him to retire. They have enough depth in the infield as it is with Wilmer Flores, Jose Reyes, T.J. Rivera, Asdrubal Cabrera, Gavin Cecchini, and Neil Walker.

Lucas Duda is also having some injury problems as well. It is also questionable if he will be ready for opening day. They could theoretically go with prospect Dominic Smith (second best in Mets system) to start at first base, but they won't rush his development. He will probably start the season in Triple-A Las Vegas. Amed Rosario is the top prospect in the Mets system. He plays shortstop and he has all the tools to be an all-star at the MLB level.

Once he gets called up this season and plays on a consistent basis, the Mets shouldn't dare to pull him from the lineup. In the outfield, Jay Bruce is back for another season. Yoenis Cespedes signed a four-year deal in the offseason, and he sparks the Mets lineup. Michael Conforto needs to tear it up in the spring so he could be primed to start almost every day. Curtis Granderson will play quite a bit also.

Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares probably won't see a lot of action. As for the catchers, is Travis d'Arnaud going to stay healthy and be able to play quality defense? They have a good catching prospect in Tomas Nido, who is on the 40-man roster, but he probably won't be in the big leagues this season.

The Mets starting rotation should be one of the best in the MLB. Noah Syndergaard was the only one that stayed healthy last season. Because of that, he has earned the right to be the teams number one starter this season. Matt Harvey, Jacob DeGrom, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler will be the other starters in the rotation. It won't be a whole surprise if Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo make a few starts either this season.

They both pitched pretty well last season when some key starters were injured. Fan favorite Bartolo Colon left in the offseason to sign with the Atlanta Braves. It was funny when he hit a homerun last season. The closer will probably be Jeurys Familia and Addison Reed will be the setup man. 

Possible opening day lineup: 1. (3B) Jose Reyes 2. (SS) Asdrubal Cabrera 3. (LF) Yoenis Cespedes 4. (2B) Neil Walker 5. (RF) Jay Bruce 6. (1B) Michael Conforto 7. (CF) Curtis Granderson 8. (C) Travis d'Arnaud 9. pitcher spot

The Mets open the season on April 3rd at home against the Atlanta Braves. They also have 10 consecutive series against divisional opponents to start the season.