Spring Training Is All Sunshine and Rainbows Regarding The Mets

Optimism is running wild in every major league camp. There’s sunshine, baseball’s being thrown, hit and every team is a contender. The New York Mets aren’t shying away from having a strong roster and are going with the World Series or bust as a goal. That’s all expected. The number one issue for them will be the juggling of the pitching staff. Justin Verlander should start the season in Miami, and it’s been said that Kodai Senga will pitch in that series too, so it’s controlled and warm for his first major league start. Max Scherzer will go during that series as well and then it’s a guessing game who starts the home opener? My guess is Senga goes out there in 50-degree weather, not the older pitchers. 

Zack Britton Could Be a Met 

Zack Britton used to be a terrific reliever in Major League Baseball. The fact that Buck Showalter managed him gives him an inside track to being signed by the Mets. Getting former Orioles players that Buck likes haven’t panned out very well and this one won’t either. There are conflicting reports about whether the Mets want him or not but they did attend his throwing session along with the Phillies, Giants, Dodgers, and Cubs in the National League. His velocity is down, and the advanced stats don’t lie.  

Cole Hamels is Throwing for the Padres 

Cole Hamels proclaimed he was going to try and get back in the game this year. His old team the Phillies don’t seem to have any interest in him so he’s looking. He last pitched in 2020, then he got shoulder surgery. Now at 39, he’s giving it one more kick at the can. He looks like he’s in baseball shape but questions about his velocity and location will probably be out there until he makes the rounds and even then, he might have to start out in the minor leagues. Would he do that? That’s a fascinating question. Let’s see how this progresses. 

Brandon Williamson To Start Reds Cactus League Opener 

The Cincinnati Reds need some hype. And they need players, so naming Brandon Williamson to start their first spring training game is smart. The Seattle Mariners drafted the 6’6” pitcher in the second round of the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft. The Reds acquired him in a trade last March. Soon to be 25, he was 5-2 last season in AA, and he had 74 strikeouts in 67 innings. If he can make the Reds’ roster, this could be a big addition for them so this will be a well-publicized game. Hunter Greene is the ace of the starting staff and he was 5-13 last season so there is a lot of opportunity for Williamson to find a job.