The Mets are playing two games on Thursday, sending a squad to Jupiter to play the Cardinals at 1:05 PM, and hosting the Astros at Tradition Field at 1:10 PM. Here are some of the things I am looking for in these games today…
Dillon Gee’s stamina.
Gee is making his first start since he started the first game of exhibition play in early March. He hasn’t thrown more than 2 2/3 innings in any appearance, either as a starter or reliever. With 2 1/2 weeks to Opening Day, it will be worth watching how he prepares, and builds his arm strength and stamina.
Rafael Montero will pitch in relief.
Montero has only pitched in one game so far this spring, but I’ve been told he’s perfectly healthy. As such, he’s scheduled to pitch behind Gee at Tradition Field.
Sandy Alderson has indicated Montero could make the team out of camp as a reliever, but also hinted he will be evaluated as a starting pitcher. As long as he’s pitching in relief, my eyes will be on his management of right-handed hitters specifically, and whether or not he goes aggressively inside on the Astros today.
The left-handed relief mess.
Dario Alvarez will pitch in relief at Tradition Field, while Scott Rice will pitch in relief against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Neither have been particularly effective this spring, especially against left-handed hitters.
When Rice is on, he’s able to bury his two-seamer in on lefties and induce weak ground balls. So far, that hasn’t happened for him in Grapefruit League play. He is recovering from elbow surgery, so while he is auditioning, he’s also adjusting and shaking off rust from missing so much time in 2014.
As for Alvarez, his walk totals have been striking this spring. He’s walked four in 3 1/3 total innings this spring, three of which have been left-handed hitters. If he’s going to make a case for a roster spot, a clean appearance today would make for a positive step in that direction.
Both of today’s games will be televised. You can watch the Mets and Cardinals via MLB Network and MLB.tv, and you can watch the Mets and Astros via SNY and MLB.tv.
Just Mets 