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Mets need Wilmer Flores to handle new role 'like a veteran'
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Mets need Wilmer Flores to handle new role 'like a veteran'

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PORT ST. LUCIE — All last spring Sandy Alderson kept repeating it like a mantra: Wilmer Flores is our shortstop. The general manager answered every question about his infield with the line that Flores was the Mets’ starting shortstop. Even after the Mets had moved Flores, citing the loss of David Wright, they continued to say he was a capable starting major-league shortstop.

They said it so many times, even Flores believed it.

So after playing short for the Mets in the World Series, it was a bit of a blow to Flores when the Mets signed veteran shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera this past winter.

“I was surprised,” Flores admitted. “My agent called and told me when it happened. I didn’t know what it meant for me.”

Flores had the team and city rally around him last season when he cried on the field in reaction to the news that he had been traded to Milwaukee — only to find out later the deal had fallen through. So when his job was given away, Flores worried about his future with the team.  

RAISSMAN: YOENIS CESPEDES’ EXCESSES ARE METS’ NEW REALITY

The Mets insist he will be a crucial part of the team as a utility infielder. They will use him to back up Wright to try to keep the third baseman, who is playing with a degenerative back condition, healthy. They also want to use Flores at first base or second base when they are facing lefthanded pitchers, since his numbers against lefties are better than the ones Lucas Duda and Neil Walker have put up. And they even may use him at shortstop. A lot rides on Flores assimilating into a utility role.

“Last year, our bench was huge for us down the stretch,” Terry Collins said. “Kelly Johnson and Juan Uribe helped change the team in the second half. Wilmer is going to have a big role and we need to see him in it this spring.

“Kelly and Juan were veteran players,” the Mets manager said. “This is a big role we are asking of a young player. We need Wilmer to handle it like a veteran.”

The Mets bench as projected now is pretty light on experience with Alejandro De Aza, 31, the sole veteran with catcher Kevin Plawecki, outfielder Juan Lagares, Flores and infielder Ruben Tejada, if he is on the roster.

“The big difference is that veterans can slow the game down when they need to,” Mets infield coach Tim Teufel said. “But I think Wilmer has gotten past that learning curve, really. I saw him really start to slow it down last fall, when Ruben (Tejada) was hurt in the playoffs and he had to play shortstop through the playoffs. Wilmer really played well, he seemed really comfortable. I think he will be fine.”

Teufel sat Flores down last week and explained the Mets’ plan. Flores, who changed positions several times throughout his minor-league career because of the Mets’ needs, feels like it is a role he has been well prepared for. “I have moved around my whole career so I will be ready for whatever they want me to do,” Flores said. “I haven’t played much first, but I know I can learn.”

On Thursday, Flores will start at third base in the Mets’ Grapefruit League opener against the Nationals in Viera.

Flores did drills at third base one day last week learning from Wright and the next he was at first getting reps and tips with Duda. Working at third, Flores’ only issue was remembering to face the shortstop to relay signs.  

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“On the other side of the field, there are different angles, I am trying to get used to that,” Flores said. “I just need to keep working there.”

The Mets need Flores to find his comfort zone at first — and third — quickly.

Tags:
new york mets ,
mlb ,
wilmer flores ,
asdrubal cabrera ,
david wright ,
terry collins ,
alejandro de aza ,
juan uribe ,
ruben tejada ,
kevin plawecki ,
juan lagares

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