MMO Exclusive: Beat Reporter Justin Toscano Weighs In On Mets

Beat reporter Justin Toscano was kind enough to take some time and answer some questions as the New York Mets are set to begin Grapefruit League action this afternoon.

Justin, a San Diego native, covers the Mets for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network.

Joe D: Disappointing to see the Mets miss out on George Springer, J.T. Realmuto and Trevor Bauer. I saw reports that the Mets had slightly higher offers on Springer and Bauer. Bad luck or something more?

Justin Toscano: I think it’s just bad luck. The Dodgers flexed their muscles — regionally, at least — in the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes. But Toronto really needed a star like George Springer, and bid on him like such. The Mets couldn’t afford to wait out the catcher market for J.T. Realmuto, so they went with James McCann. Steve Cohen said the Mets wouldn’t spend like drunken sailors, and they didn’t engage in any detrimental bidding wars. They might have missed on those three free agents, but their roster still looks good.

Joe D: Sandy Alderson seems to have more pep in his step than he had in his first go-around with the Mets. He’s more aggressive, and going after what he wants. Am I just imagining things?

Justin: Nope, that seems to be the case. It might be the Steve Cohen Effect. Not only is Cohen giving Sandy Alderson a larger budget, but the Mets’ new owner is also beefing up different departments in the organization. To me, it seems Alderson is optimistic about the franchise’s direction and its limitless potential.

Joe D: Seth Lugo, out for eight weeks, he’s not even expected to throw for six weeks if everything goes right. People could sugarcoat this all they want, but this is a huge hit. Arguably, Lugo was the Mets’ best reliever (2.61 ERA, 0.968 WHIP, 5.50 SO/BB). What’s your take, and what’s the buzz around the team?

Justin: It’s a massive loss. The Mets’ bullpen is still talented and shouldn’t be bad, but Lugo is its most reliable arm. The team will need to rely on the organizational depth it built over the offseason. Still, Lugo will be missed. I think the Mets feel confident they can withstand this blow, but they understand it’s a blow nonetheless. Lugo is not only electric, but consistently reliable.

Joe D: It appears there will be fewer positional battles this spring as compared to previous Mets camps. One of the key things to watch will be who comes away with the fifth starter spot. Is there a favorite heading into Grapefruit League play?

Justin: There doesn’t appear to be a favorite just yet. David Peterson had a great rookie season, but Joey Lucchesi has big-league experience. The Mets are probably evaluating this over the duration of spring training. It should be a fun battle to follow. Remember: They could theoretically use a six-man rotation or openers, too, which might shake things up. They say they haven’t discussed those things seriously, but it’s something to keep in mind. Too early to tell who’s the favorite, though common sense might say it’s difficult to pick against Peterson after his strong rookie year.

Joe D: As a beat reporter, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced you to evolve the way you used to cover the team. What do you miss the most?

Justin: I miss the clubhouse access. The best stories come from the clubhouse. It’s a chance for 1-on-1 interviews, which are much more beneficial for a reporter’s purpose. Not only do you come away with those quotes, but you can read tone and body language much easier than on a Zoom. Plus, it’s just good when everyone has different quotes.

Joe D: As a die-hard Mets fan myself, Dominic Smith has emerged as one of my favorite players. Still, I have concerns with him in left field this season. I was hoping the Mets would sign Jackie Bradley Jr. to compensate defensively and make up some of the ground in that vast expanse of Citi Field. But that didn’t happen. Can the Mets survive an entire season with Smith in left and Brandon Nimmo in center?

Justin: I think they can. Brandon Nimmo and Dominic Smith are both young. Smith isn’t a natural left fielder and may never be good defensively there, but can he be serviceable? To me, that’s the question. More reps could equal improvement. I also think Nimmo could take a step defensively. He’s got the athleticism to do so. Let’s see what he can do over a full 162 after a rough year there in 2020. I think the Mets can survive a season with those two in the starting lineup, especially because they have defensive depth behind them.

Joe D: Have you sensed more of a comfort level by manager Luis Rojas, and how’s the confidence amongst the players?

Justin: I think Luis Rojas is a bit more comfortable, if only because this is his second season. He seemed comfortable last year, especially given he was a first-time manager. The players seem confident because they know this is a good team. They don’t have to lie and say this team can contend. No, it can actually contend. The roster is talented and deep enough to do so.

Joe D: Francisco Lindor seems to be fitting right in and should only add to the team’s chemistry. You could ideally bat him anywhere one through four in the lineup, has Rojas hinted where he plans to hit his potent bat?

Justin: Rojas has not given any solid hints at where he might hit. He’s only talked about the many possibilities on how to order this lineup.

Joe D: Justin, thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for our site. On behalf of all our readers and writers at MetsmerizedOnline, have a safe and fun season in ’21, it should be an exciting one for the Mets.

Justin: Thanks so much!

You can follow Justin Toscano at @JustinCToscano on Twitter and read all his latest articles and reports at NorthJersey.com.

The post MMO Exclusive: Beat Reporter Justin Toscano Weighs In On Mets first appeared on Metsmerized Online.