Major League Baseball owners’ non-sensical lockout of its players puts Spring Training in jeopardy; maybe even the season. With the school year calendar no longer an issue for my household, I entertained thoughts of attending Spring training to watch my team some. Of course Covid-19 and reports by friends in South Florida how seriously or not many Florida residents take precautions makes me wary. Of course, the lockout’s length may obviate any need to make a final determination. That said I remain optimistic about my team – just everyone knows which one especially if the see me on Zoom sporting a New York Mets baseball cap.

I look forward to opening day, the retirement of Keith Hernandez’s #17 on July 9 (putting a group together for this one, and of course Gotham’s outing to Citi Field to watch the Mets v. the Yankees on July 26 (very few tickets remain). Additional “field visits” remain in play. 

Ahead of this weekend, the Mets announced their coaching staff – many names we already knew but it followed an already strong selection of a manager coveted by a number of Yankee fans unhappy with their incumbent. Hopefully Buck Showalter’s presence means a few less losses (My view is managers lose games so the presence of one who causes less losses works out just fine.).

We will not know until the lockout ends whether the Mets look to make further moves. Some fans certainly want additional changes. I just know options exist and that makes for interesting discussions on what makes sense. What fascinates remains the options. Several good players may be looking for roles, especially if a universal DH (designated hitter) fails to make it into the new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). Absent any trade, a lineup of eight or nine – DH dependent – comes from the following group:

Pete Alonso

Mark Canha

Robinson Cano

J.D. Davis

Eduardo Escobar

Francisco Lindor 

Sterling Marte

James McCann

Jeff McNeil

Thomas Nido

Brandon Nimmo

Dominic Smith

(There may be other you suggest and signings and trades may adjust the above list.).

I certainly like the options.

I look forward to a season that we lack any “intell” on when it’ll start.

Last season let many of us down. More reasons to exude optimism exist this time out.

Just end the lockout, make an agreement and go play!