By WFAN.com
Mickey Callaway joined Mike Francesa on the eve of Opening Day to discuss the Mets' final preparations for the 2019 season.
"Everybody seems raring to go," Callaway said. "So, I'm excited about it."
The Mets will look to improve on last year's record of 77-85. New York finished 13 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves. The additions of Robinson Cano and Wilson Ramos should boost the Mets' offense. Fans are excited about promising youngsters Pete Alonso and Amed Rosario. 2018 American League saves leader Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia have bolstered the bullpen.
"I think that we have more diversity throughout our whole roster," Callaway said. "I think that (we have) players that are capable of winning and accomplishing things different ways. I felt last year, we had a talented roster. I felt everybody kind of tried to do the same thing in the lineup – had the same strengths. This year, I think our hitters complement each other a little bit better. I think our bullpen kind of speaks for itself. The moves we've made there, we have more experienced guys. We have guys that have excelled in certain roles. We're much deeper – and then our rotation is very solid again. Overall, we complement each other as a team better. That should show up in our win totals."
Francesa mentioned starter Zack Wheeler as a key player after coming off a strong second half in 2018. Wheeler went 9-1 in the second half with a 1.68 ERA in 11 starts.
"I see the same confidence," Callaway said. "I think he understands what it took for him to be successful last year and he's healthy. That was the biggest step last year. He felt healthy every day, he went out there – no arm problems and he was able to pitch like he's capable of."
A big topic is the Mets' plans for first base. Alonso made the Opening Day roster following a strong spring and Dominic Smith returns for his third season. Callaway is adamant that there won't be a platoon.
"That's something that's going to be fluid as we go," Callaway said. "I'll tell you what Mike, it's not going to be a platoon situation. You're going to find that out tomorrow very quickly. (Alonso) is going to be starting tomorrow."
Callaway expects Alonso to perform well against big league pitching.
"I've seen the way he takes pitches, how quiet he is even against the best of the best that we face in spring training," Callaway said. "I think that his ability to go the other way, cover the lower-half of the plate, the upper-half of the plate – if anybody gets it above or below those spots – people are going to struggle. But he doesn't chase those. He does a great job with his plate coverage, he does a great job with his plate discipline. He's got power. So, it's not just hitting the ball out of the park. He hits the ball on the screws and hits it hard. Those end up being base hits because they get through."
Callaway stated that Alonso would hit in the middle of the lineup. Francesa asked if Callaway would consider batting Alonso fourth.
"You know Mike, you might see more pressure than that," Callaway said. "That's all I'll say. We have a lot of confidence. That's for sure."
Francesa speculated that Cano will bat second and Alonso will bat third on Opening Day. The Mets open the season in Washington at 1 p.m. Thursday.
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