During last months Mets fantasy camp Mark Rosenman of SportsTalkNY WLIE 540 AM did an interview with Mets AAA Las Vegas 51′s manager Wally Backman in which Backman said that come Feb. 10 “it’s time to get serious” in regards to the importance of developing Mets players and trying to get them ready for the major leagues.
Wally talks about how he handles his aspirations of one day being a major league manager while still doing his current job. Backman also talks about some of the guys he will have this year and among them he says he has seen the newest Met Travis d’Arnaud 2 years ago when he faced him 35 times and knows what d’Arnaud is capable of describing him as a very promising young catcher that has a bright future in front of him.
Backman also says that it would probably be better for Zack Wheeler if he had 2 to 3 months of development cause he had such a short stay at AAA last year but depending on what happens Wheeler may get a shot (at the majors) out of Spring Training so we will just have to see.
Backman also said that while he needs to talk with the organization to see what they want to do. His personal thoughts on Mets prospect Wilmer Flores is that with Wright signing an 8 year contract Flores needs to play 2nd base. Backman notes that Flores has lost some weight and slimmed way down and though he is kind of a heavy footed guy Flores can turn the double play. Backman says they foresee Flores bat in the big leagues.
You can watch the interview (bad camera work included) in it’s entirety below.
3 comments
SaltyGary
2/10/2013-7:32pm at 7:32 pm (UTC -4)
TY for using my favorite Joe P. image.
Ya know I was definitely against his as manager a couple years ago, but he has really grown on me. He has matured a lot but is still one of the most passionate guys out there. I really hope he is next in line.
Stick
2/10/2013-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
I have never been excited about Wally coming up, but if he is on board the “Wilmer at 2B” bandwagon, I suddenly like him more.
I agree that he should get every shot to prove he can do it at an acceptable level. I know he is not supposed to have the quickest feet in the world, but everything I ever read about him said he was a competent SS (glove, arm, mental aspect), so IMO a very good shot he could slide over and handle it.
Mr North Jersey
2/11/2013-2:18pm at 2:18 pm (UTC -4)
It looks like Paul DePodesta and Wally Backman are on the same page regarding Wilmer Flores.
http://metsblog.com/metsblog/paul-depodesta-likes-wilmer-floress-potential-at-2b/