The Mets have an abundance of outfielders on their roster right now, and it’s up to manager Terry Collins to figure out how to find them playing time while maximizing all of their production.
For now, Collins’ formula will be to play the people who are producing the most at the plate, regardless of salary or tenure.
“I don’t know how we’re going to balance it. We’re going to play the best guys each night that can help us win on a nightly basis, whoever that may be,’’ Collins explained on Monday afternoon. “I don’t have an answer, except we’re going to put together the lineup we feels gives us the best chance.”
That could mean any number of things for Michael Cuddyer and Michael Conforto.
Conforto earned his keep early Monday when the team decided to option Eric Campbell to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Cuddyer, who was activated from the disabled list ahead of their 4-2 win over his former club, the Colorado Rockies.
“I don’t really know what the role is going to be, but whatever’s asked of me, I’m all in. I’m just here to do what I can to help the team get as many wins as we can. That’s my role,” Conforto said.
At times, Conforto has appeared overmatched, particularly against good breaking balls. But he’s been able to adjust at others, shortened his swing and hit the ball to all fields, something which could be valuable for the team as well as his development, which is already well beyond his years as a professional.
It’s possible both Cuddyer and Conforto could be used in some kind of platoon, with Conforto getting the bulk of the time against right-handed pitching.
Sandy Alderson hinted at that scenario before Monday’s game.
“We’re looking to play the best nine players we can in any given game,’’ Alderson explained, “and, [Conforto] qualifies in those instances, particularly against right-handed pitching.”
Cuddyer could also be used in a platoon with Curtis Granderson, who badly struggles against left-handed pitching. In fact, Cuddyer found himself in right field during his first rehab game with Single-A St. Lucie on Friday night.
There’s also the possibility Conforto may see time at first base, perhaps against a tough left-handed pitcher which would also afford necessary rest for Lucas Duda.
Such a scenario would be most ideal, as it would maximize Conforto’s playing time, it would protect Granderson’s glaring weakness at the plate, get Cuddyer his at-bats and get everyone the rest they’ll need at times down the stretch of the season.
Cuddyer remains on-board with whatever gives the club the best chance to win.
“Like I said from Day 1, I’m up for whatever. Whatever Terry feels is going to help us win the game, that’s what I’m about,” Cuddyer explained. “I’m excited to get back. Now I’m excited to not just be a cheerleader on the bench, I can go out there and contribute on the field.
“Obviously we’re winning. That’s the bottom line. We have guys in this clubhouse that are on board with that, which is what you need to succeed.”
One thing which seems clear for the rest of the season is Yoenis Cespedes will be the regular centerfielder, with Juan Lagares has been relegated to part-time duty and a defensive replacement.
Lagares’ struggles have been well documented throughout the 2015 season, as he’s posted just a .282 OBP and .617 OPS with moderately higher than league average defense in 103 games this year. He has entered six games in the seventh inning or later and started just one since the Mets activated Cespedes on August 1.
Of course, it’s clear his regression was one of a few reasons the Mets pursued an upgrade in the outfield to begin with.
But his glove and defensive skills unquestionably provide great value to this team – it was the main reason the Mets gave him a long-term contract in March.
If he can serve in the capacity the Mets need him to through the end of the year, the Mets should realize an early benefit of their investment, with hope his problems at the plate can be ironed out in time.
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