The New York Mets‘ players are working out at their respective homes, with the renewed hope that MLB and the union can soon iron things out and agree on the necessary condition for the season to start in early July.
Most of them are isolated with their families, but that isn’t the case of Marcus Stroman and Dominic Smith. They have been working out throughout this MLB suspension, and the first baseman and outfielder is impressed from what he has seen of the starting pitcher.
It is not surprising, since Stroman is actually one of the most talented and competitive pitchers in the major leagues.
When he is on, his stuff can be very difficult to square. The Mets’ 2019 acquisition has a wide array of tricks, deceptive delivery techniques, and a deep arsenal to mess with hitters.
On the latest episodes of The Cookie Club, quoted by SNY, Smith raved about Stroman’s current form.
“I’ve seen him throw all his bullpens and I’ll step in,” he said. “He doesn’t let me swing yet. He doesn’t want it right now. No, I’m just playing.”
The Mets’ starting pitcher has unmatched energy
Smith said he wants to stay around Stroman because of the energy he brings to his workouts day in and day out.
“Stroman, he’s nasty, man, and he’s locked in,” Smith said. “I’ll step in and his stuff looked really good. He was running cutters in off my hands and throwing sinkers down and away. His ball, it really dances up at the plate and I can see why hitters cannot barrel him up.”
Smith, a first round pick by the New York Mets back in 2013, is getting more outfield work in preparation for the season. His path to playing time at first base, his natural position, is blocked by Pete Alonso, and he will have to share a hypothetical designated hitter with plenty of batters. So, he needs to hone his skills out there.
Let’s hope we get to see the New York Mets this year. With the way negotiations between the MLB and the players’ association are going, it is difficult to know for sure if it will be a possibility.