The Mets played a pair of split-squad games Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Braves 3-1 and losing to the Marlins 8-7.
Here are three things that we learned from Saturday’s games…
Michael Conforto can flat-out rake.
If you weren’t already aware, Mets outfield prospect Michael Conforto can swing the lumber. After going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs in Saturday’s win over the Braves, Conforto is garnering some much warranted attention, and, while his major league debut is still likely over a year away, he’s got Mets fans excited.
Conforto, now 22-years-old, hit at a .340 clip with 31 home runs, 179 RBI and a .463 on-base percentage over the course of three seasons in college at Oregon State. After being selected with the 10th overall pick in last June’s MLB Amateur Draft, Conforto was assigned to Single-A Brooklyn where he hit .331 with three home runs, 19 RBI and a .403 OBP in 42 games with the Cyclones.
John Mayberry Jr. is out of position at first base.
The Mets didn’t sign John Mayberry for his defense, and even with Lucas Duda and Michael Cuddyer ahead of him on the depth chart, it’s likely that he’ll get some time at first base at some point this season.
With the Mets in a jam in the 3rd inning of Saturday’s game at Tradition Field, Jacob deGrom induced what could have been an inning-ending double play. After Dilson Herrera flipped the ball to second, Wilmer Flores delivered a strike to first base that Mayberry couldn’t handle, continuing the inning and surrendering a run. Keith Hernandez noted on the PIX11 telecast that Mayberry’s footwork needs help, as his front step was towards shortstop, not second, contributing to the misplay.
Dillon Gee’s transition to the bullpen has begun.
After Steven Matz made the start and Rafael Montero followed with 1.1 innings of his own, Dillon Gee got his first work as a reliever facing the Marlins in Jupiter on Saturday. Originally scheduled to start on Tuesday, the Mets announced today that Bartolo Colon would be getting the start, pointing to Gee officially being moved to the bullpen.
Gee made his debut as a reliever in the 4th inning of their win vs. the Marlins today, entering the game with one out and runners on first and second, something he’s never had to deal with in his career as a starter. After stranding the pair of baserunners in the 4th, Gee worked pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 5th and got through the 6th unscathed as well. Gee finished the day with 2.2 innings pitched, allowing just one baserunner on an infield single and no walks with no runs (including inherited) ever crossing the plate.
While Gee passed his first Spring Training look as a reliever, the next question is will he be able to pitch effectively on back-to-back days.
Other Notes
Mets prospect Steven Matz pitched two perfect innings with two strikeouts in his Spring Training debut.
Jack Leathersich struggled vs. Miami with a 0.1 IP, 5 ER, 2 H, 3 BB pitching line.
Anthony Recker got time at first base in the Mets win over Atlanta. Recker has one career start at first base.
To see highlights of Conforto’s day at the plate, watch the video below:
Just Mets 