The Mets start Spring Training starts today with an Intrasquad followed by the Nationals on Saturday, Michigan on Sunday, Astros on Sunday and the Nationals again on Monday. The following pitchers are slated to go:
Intrasquad: Gonzalez German, LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Rice, Collin McHugh, Elvin Ramirez, Greg Burke, Robert Carson, Brandon Lyon, Pedro Feliciano
Nationals: Shawn Marcum, Zack Wheeler, Cory Mazzoni, Dan Gorski, Jeurys Familia, Bobby Parnell
Michigan: Jon Niese, Dillon Gee, Brandon Lyon, Hansel Robles, Rafael Montero, Carlos Torres
Astros: Matt Harvey, Jeremy Hefner, Aaron Laffey, Pedro Feliciano, Scott Atchison, Josh Edgin
Nationals: Collin McHugh, Gonzalez German, Elvin Ramirez, Greg Burke, LaTroy Hawkins, Robert Carson, Scott Rice
In these first five games we get the sense that some of the relievers are starting to be put on a schedule to get regular work in, thus starting to shape up the bullpen race.
Pitching Highlights:
Intrasquad: I’m vary curious to get a first look at Greg Burke and Brandon Lyon. However, it is an intrasquad game so whatever.
Nationals: Wheeler is the big ticket item for Saturday, a game that will be televised on SNY/MLB Network. Overall, Saturday has the best pitching roster. We’ll get our first game look at Shawn Marcum and our probable closer Bobby Parnell. Also a look at bullpen contender Familia.
Michigan: Jon Niese, for the moment, is the front line starter the Mets have in terms of ability, years played and health (knock on wood). Dillon Gee is also going for a rotation spot. We’ll get first “game” action for Brandon Lyon and exciting prospects Montero and Robles. This is the second best pitching roster of the five games.
Astros: First game look at Harvey, which is exciting. Also a preview of a bullpen battle between three pitchers who could each land a spot (Feliciano, Atchison, Edgin)
Nationals: Out of all the games, this is the pitching lineup I’m least excited to see and it will be on SNY. There’s a serious bullpen battle in this game as well with Burke, Hawkins, Ramirez and Carson. In addition the Mets will be giving another look at Scott Rice.
