PORT ST. LUCIE — In preparation for a rule that would ban home-plate collisions, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson was on the field providing instruction to his catchers on Friday.
But it remains unclear, according to Alderson, when the new rule will be implemented as Major League Baseball and the players’ union attempt to reach agreement on the proposed change.
“There are some clubs who are already assuming that a rule of this type — avoiding collisions at the plate — will be adopted either this year or next year,” Alderson said. “And so they’re instructing their catchers accordingly and may have them handle plays at the plate consistent with a potential rule change. Not because the rule has been changed, but because that’s how they want their catchers to handle a potential play at the plate.”
Last year the Mets instructed Travis d’Arnaud to avoid home-plate collisions, and that idea was reinforced Friday.
D’Arnaud indicated he will stand on the left border of the plate to provide a lane for the incoming runner. The catcher will then reach to make a tag.
But d’Arnaud indicated change won’t come easy.
“It’s part of being a catcher,” d’Arnaud said. “Say it’s Game 6 of the World Series and I’m told I can’t block the plate, my instincts are going to tell me to save that run from being scored. That’s part of the game that every catcher enjoys, that thrill.”
Bobby Parnell was scratched from his Friday bullpen session for precautionary reasons, after informing the medical staff he had discomfort in his left quadriceps. Manager Terry Collins is hopeful Parnell will return to the mound on Saturday.
Matt den Dekker is still a “huge” prospect, according to Collins, and he gives the Mets insurance should they have a vacancy in the outfield because of injuries.
Last year, den Dekker was in the mix to break camp with the Mets before he sustained a broken right wrist diving for a ball in the outfield.
“He is still very highly thought of, tremendous defender as we know,” Collins said. “One of the things you’ve seen in his career is he gets to a level, he may have a rough time in the beginning, but the next time he goes to that same level, he advances. We’re hoping the same thing occurs now.”
The Mets will play an intersquad scrimmage on Thursday before beginning their exhibition season on Friday against the Nationals at Tradition Field. In an effort to get more work for the 33 pitchers in camp, the Mets have added spring training “B” games to their schedule on March 6 and 10.