This past weekend in Port St. Lucie, MLB.com’s Michael Baron spoke with new Mets IF/OF John Mayberry about joining the Mets, his familiarity with the division, and his history of success in a part-time role:
Michael Baron: Why the Mets?
John Mayberry: I looked at it as a situation where there could be a lot of positives. Looking at the team and potential needs, I felt I fit the mold for a lot of the teams needs. I’m looking forward to coming in and contributing, and being ready for any situation I’m thrown in to.
Michael Baron: You’ve been in the National League East a long time. How will that experience help you here, and did it impact your decision to join the club?
John Mayberry: Being in the NL East, I’m familiar with a lot of the opposing pitchers, so it can only help shorten the learning curve. If I had gone to a new division or league, I’d be seeing a lot of people for the first time. So, it definitely played a role to an extent.
Michael Baron: You’re a versatile player, but where do you feel most comfortable?
John Mayberry: I’m pretty comfortable everywhere. It’s just a matter of where [Terry Collins] needs me on that particular day, and I’ll be ready to go wherever.
Michael Baron: In your career, you’ve been particularly effective against left-handed pitching. Can you explain why you’ve been so successful in those situations?
John Mayberry: If I knew that, Id be the world’s greatest hitting coach. But the most obvious difference is off-speed and breaking stuff breaks into you, and you get a better vantage point. But, I do believe it’s really an anomaly.
Michael Baron: You’ve been a fantastic hitter off the bench in your career. What goes into that success for you?
John Mayberry: A lot of it is mental preparation, and never letting a situation catch you off-guard. I’ve had the benefit of watching Matt Stairs and Gregg Dobbs – guys who have had success in a pinch-hit and part-time role. When I was a younger player, being able to watch those guys in their routines, both before and during games, I was able to see how they work. I’ve incorporated some of their routines and customized them to what is effective for me.
Just Mets 