MET NOTES
PORT ST. LUCIE – The man with the most potential in the Mets’ fifth-starter derby hasn’t been a regular starter since 2000. Then again . . .
“It’s probably the best I’ve felt in three years,” Grant Roberts said.
That’s precisely why the 26-year-old right-hander is such an intriguing candidate in the fifth-starter’s race. The competition includes veterans looking to rebound (Scott Erickson, James Baldwin), youngsters hoping to emerge (Aaron Heilman, Jeremy Griffiths) and finally, hard-throwing (Roberts, Tyler Yates).
But while the favorite is probably Erickson because of his experience, it’s Roberts, who pitched out of the bullpen when he wasn’t battling biceps tendinitis the last few years, who’s the one to watch. He owns an explosive fastball (76 strikeouts in 97 big-league innings), and on a Mets staff that doesn’t feature many flamethrowers, he could deliver an enticing repertoire.
“It’s definitely what I’d want to do,” Roberts said. “If I can give them a different look, I think that’s a good thing. But what it’s all going to boil down to is who’s getting guys out.”
Last season, Roberts appeared in 18 games, all relief outings, going 0-3 with a 3.79 ERA and a 10:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He’s been down in Florida working since late January, his arm feels strong and he’s looking at his situation as a no-lose.
“If it works, great,” he said. “If it doesn’t, I’m stretched out and ready to go in the bullpen.”
*
Jerry Reuss, who won 220 games over his 22-year career, is the new pitching coach for Double-A Binghamton. He replaces Bobby Ojeda, who has left the organization . . . A Cincinnati report said that David Mattox, who was picked from the Mets in this year’s Rule 5 draft, is the frontrunner for the Reds; No. 5 starter role. Since the Mets need a fifth starter themselves, the 23-year-old right-hander’s performance bears watching.
—
Bat men
According to mlb.com’s fantasy rankings, only three Mets are in the Top 10 at their respective positions among all major leaguers. They are:
POS. + MET + RANK
C Mike Piazza 4th
SS Kaz Matsui 9th
2B Jose Reyes 10th