PORT ST. LUCIE — On the field Friday, the Mets started to practice what they preach. Situational hitting, more focus on baserunning and defense and overall aggressiveness in all phases of the game.
This was a sneak preview of the new Mets.
Instead of using pitchers, the Mets ramped up a pitching machine to 90 mph about 50 feet from home plate to keep the action going. For fun, they dressed up bullpen catchers Dave Racaniello and Eric Langill as football refs, via Amazon shopping, whistles and all.
Spring training games start Saturday, but this scrimmage was telling and one of the most interesting features of the day was located behind the batting cage.