Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke following Thursday’s workouts in Port St. Lucie…
On Bichette’s transition to the hot corner
With Bo Bichette making the move to third base this season, he was among a number of Mets position players who arrived to camp early this week.
Mendoza is encouraged by that because it allows the coaching staff to get even more hands-on work with their new infielder, as was the case on Thursday.
While both sides like what they’ve seen in the early going, there are still some things Bichette has to adjust to moving off of shortstop.
The biggest aspect, Mendoza explained, is getting used to the timing at third base.
“Those are some of the things, besides angles and things like that,” the skipper said. “It’s just the feel for the game clock and understanding the ball is going to get on you quicker at times, and you have more time than what you think.
“The other one is the double play -- you have to be quicker getting rid of the ball, you have to give the second baseman a chance -- those are some of the conversations we’re having, and I’m glad he’s early so we can get that out of the way.”
Bichette said both Mendoza and bench coach Kai Correa have been very helpful.
He feels the biggest hurdle in the transition will be working into game action, but he’s excited for the opportunity to go out and get more comfortable this spring.
What Mendy needs to see from Benge
Carson Benge has a massive opportunity in front of him this spring.
The Mets have emphasized all offseason that they want to give the youngster every chance to crack the big-league roster out of camp.
To accomplish that, Mendoza is simply looking for him to be himself.
“The conversation I’ve already had with him was just go out there and be yourself,” he said. “I know there’s a lot of noise, and you’re going to get a real opportunity here, but don’t try to go out there and do too much.
“Understanding that you’re going to 0-for at times, you’re probably going to drop a fly ball, especially with the high sky and windy conditions -- but don’t let nothing bother you, I want you to be yourself out there.”
Mendoza has only seen him in BP and live AB’s, but so far he’s been encouraged.
“A lot of the things we’ve been getting from player development,” he said. “The fact that he’s here since Day 1 that the complex opened back in January. So far a quiet guy, observant, and I think he’s just learning from a lot of the guys that are around him right now.”
Bryan Hudson to compete for spot
Mendoza said that the Mets picked up the towering left-hander in a trade with the Brewers earlier this week because they feel he has the ability to help this bullpen.
"A couple of years ago, he had a pretty good year, he was effective for the Brewers," the skipper explained. "Last year, he had some ups-and-downs, but he's going to get an opportunity and we'll see how it goes."
Hudson had a 4.80 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 15 innings with the Brewers and White Sox last season.
The year before that, his first in the majors, he pitched to a stellar 1.73 ERA across 43 appearances (62 IP).
If the southpaw can return to that form, it would be a nice boost for the Mets' bullpen that is expected to be without veteran A.J. Minter until at least May as he recovers from season-ending lat surgery.
Senga's encouraging bullpen session
Mendoza likes the intensity he saw in Kodai Senga's bullpen session Thursday in PSL.
Senga touched 92 mph, which the manager indicated is not normal for him at this point, in a good way.
"He's usually a guy who is thinking of his mechanics and things like that," he said. "Today, he got behind the baseball pretty good and used all of his pitches. It's just good to see him healthy and throwing like that this early -- we need him, we're counting on him, and we believe in him."
A healthy and dominant Senga would go a long way towards helping the Mets' rotation bounceback.