With pitchers and catchers set to report tomorrow, the manager gave his first press conference of the spring.
Interesting tidbits:
• Asked to identify the areas of competition on the team, Collins named second base, the final two spots in the rotation behind Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese and the bullpen, which he said the organization needs to "recreate."
Collins acknowledged projected rotation members Chris Young and Chris Capuano are "up there" in the competition, but he also identified Dillon Gee, D.J. Carrasco, Oliver Perez and Jenrry Mejia as candidates. The manager added that Mejia is likely ticketed for Triple-A to work on his secondary pitches.
• Asked for "slam dunks" for the bullpen, Collins mentioned K-Rod, Bobby Parnell, Carrasco (if he's not a starter), Tim Byrdak and Taylor Buchholz.
He also said he planned to have a long man, with Pat Misch a logical candidate and Ollie perhaps in that mix.
• Collins did not dismiss Luis Castillo as a second-base candidate, but this comment was telling: "I do believe today second base has become an offensive position." That bodes well for Daniel Murphy, who should be on the team in some capacity, as well as Rule 5 pick Brad Emaus.
Collins expressed full confidence in Murphy as a second baseman, noting how Wally Backman and Tim Teufel were among the coaches working with him Wednesday. "Somebody is going to teach him to turn a double play," Collins said.
1 comment:
Meanwhile, there are still no grownups in the ownership suite as the Wilpons expect someone to fork over enough $ to own 30% of the team and yet be a totally silent partner.
Good luck with that, and if you happen to find that investor can you point him my way?
Post a Comment