Mets manager Terry Collins stated a preference today for Juan Lagares over Curtis Granderson as the leadoff hitter.
Lagares has the speed, but strikes out too much and doesn’t have the on-base percentage – at least not yet – needed for that slot in the order. Lagares’ on-base percentage last year was .321 and Collins said he’d like it to be in the .330 to .340 range.
“You’d like it higher, but we’ve got to start with a reachable number for sure,’’ Collins told reporters today in Port St. Lucie.
TODAY’S PRACTICE RAINED OUT: As they are several times every spring, rain forced the Mets into the inside today.
The Mets have batting cages and pitching mounds under cover, and there’s always a contingency plan for practice inside in case of inclement weather.
Both in good weather and bad, nearly every minute is scripted and accounted for.
HARVEY UPDATE: On the day after throwing 43 pitches to non-swinging hitters Friday, Matt Harvey reported no pain in his surgically-repaired elbow today.
Harvey is expected to throw batting practice Monday and start the March 6 exhibition game against Detroit at Tradition Field.
The Mets’ exhibition schedule begins Wednesday against Atlanta at the Disney complex in Orlando. Dillon Gee is scheduled to start, thereby starting the showcasing.
The Mets will hold an intrasquad game Tuesday.