Here is what I am looking for from the Mets in their game against the Marlins at Tradition Field on Tuesday…
Jacob deGrom making strides.
With Zack Wheeler likely missing all of 2015 due to a torn UCL, it’s up to the rest of the Mets rotation to step their game up, and many will be looking in the direction of the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Jacob deGrom. It will be important for the team and himself that deGrom doesn’t go through a sophomore slump. While the 4.50 ERA may not show it, deGrom has looked good this Spring. The velocity looks good, his pitches look crisp and his breaking ball is sharp. If the Mets can get from deGrom what they got from him in 2014, they’ll have a chance to be competitive this season.
Juan Lagares continuing his hot hitting.
Center field Juan Lagares has thrived at the plate this Spring, batting .440 two weeks into Grapefruit League play. While the Gold Glover is not known for his bat, people seem to forget that Lagares did hit .281 in the major leagues last season, and could become an important piece to the Mets offense in 2015. Lagares ranks 6th among Grapefruit League hitters in batting average.
Can Wilmer Flores establish himself?
The Mets aren’t trading for a shortstop, at least not right now. While prospect Matt Reynolds has looking impressive this Spring, the job is Wilmer Flores’ barring injury, and so far in March, Flores has taken off at the plate. Flores is batting .462, good for 4th best in the Grapefruit League. The problem with Flores remains to be in the field, where he has committed three errors and has a poor .875 fielding percentage.
You can watch today’s game on SNY or MLB.tv.
Just Mets 