Mets manager Terry Collins met with reporters before Wednesday’s game in Washington against the Nationals. Here’s what he had to say…
The front office has never dictated to him what the lineup should be or who plays.
As he said on Monday, Collins once again insisted he and his coaching staff are responsible for creating the starting lineup everyday. In the end, who knows what the truth is and what isn’t, but as I wrote this morning, it’s not terribly important who comes up with it as long as Collins, his staff and the front office are all in agreement.
Bob Geren came up with the Opening Day lineup in February.
That’s great. Again, as long as everyone is in alignment, it doesn’t matter.
John Mayberry Jr. should get a start this weekend, Lucas Duda could sit down.
The Mets are facing LHP Eric Stults and LHP Alex Wood this weekend in Atlanta. As such, Collins said Duda may get a day off and Mayberry could get a start in one of those games with Michael Cuddyer at first base. If I had to take a guess, that day could be Sunday.
This is notable because Collins had said repeatedly during camp Duda was going to play everyday, regardless of the lefty/righty matchup. Within the first week, Duda could take a seat against a lefty which, while it may not be a bad thing, differentiates from what was believed to be the early season plan.
Jeurys Familia isn’t necessarily the closer.
Collins hinted he could use Jerry Blevins or one of his other left-handed relievers in close games in the ninth inning. It will depend on the matchup, but Familia won’t necessarily own the role while Mejia (or Bobby Parnell) are sidelined.
Just Mets 