There was a time that the lineup you used on day one of Spring Training was the lineup you expected to use on the opening day of the season. Of course, positions could be won or lost and deals could still be made, so it was not always a sure thing. Still the bulk of the players who started that game would start opening day. Then, for a good portion of the spring, you would rotate various players in and out and see what they looked like and towards the end of spring, you would again use what you expected to be your regular starting lineup.
Them days are gone. The Mets play their first spring training game of the year tomorrow. I won’t even talk about starting spring training in February, that an entirely different article. But, the Mets starting lineup is probably going to be a far cry from what they field on opening day.
Mike Pelfrey is the starter. Pelfrey is not even guaranteed a spot on the roster and if he does make it, it may not be as a starting pitcher (but it probably would be). I feel pretty safe in saying, Mike Pelfrey is not going to be the opening day starter.
The Mets are playing the Tigers in Lakeland and they are predicting inclement weather. Considering the knee surgeries that Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo underwent, they will not be starting this game. A number of Mets regulars are not even slated to make the trip so it will be very interesting to see what the Mets put on the field.
Regardless of the ‘A’ Team or not, Regardless of February or not, considering the collapse the Mets suffered at the end of last year, it would be a lot of fun to see them take the field and get ready for the season, showing an attitude of self confidence and expected domination.
Let the games begin!
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