PORT ST. LUCIE — Cliff Lee’s arrival at Phillies camp yesterday generated buzz. Chris Young’s arrival at Mets camp? Not so much.
If healthy, Young has the best chance among the Mets’ new additions to fill a gaping hole within the rotation, but for now the veteran right-hander is just one more pitcher in camp with something to prove.
“Everything in this game is earned, without a doubt,” Young said after a bullpen session. “I signed here because it’s a great opportunity. I feel like if I’m healthy I can go out and compete with a lot of good pitchers in this game. That’s what I look forward to doing.”
Young, who received an incentive laden contract worth $1.3 million, represents the closest thing general manager Sandy Alderson had to a notable signing this winter. Young made 30 starts for the Padres in 2007 and posted a 3.12 ERA, but shoulder problems have sabotaged his career since then. Last year he made only four appearances for San Diego.
Young joins Chris Capuano and Boof Bonser among the reclamation projects in camp competing for jobs in the starting rotation. Young said he can finally concentrate on pitching again instead of just strengthening his shoulder.
“My seasons were so broken up that I really had no extended time period where I could work on my mechanics,” Young said. “I think it’s the culmination of things. My focus has always been getting back and getting healthy versus being able to work on things. Now I’m at a point where I’m able to work on things and I’m real excited about it.”
Though he stands 6-foot-10, Young relies on finesse and arm angles. He has no plans to change his style.
“I don’t feel I have to add pitches at this point,” he said. “I feel like the stuff I’ve had in the past has been good enough and I want to continue to just bring that along and evolve it and improve it. That’s been my focus, and I think that being able to work on my mechanics and being healthy, the two things will in turn make stuff a little bit better. At least that’s what I tell myself.”
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The Mets will start spring training with 55 players in camp, including 26 pitchers.
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Closer Francisco Rodriguez
is expected to report today — the deadline for pitchers and catchers — but likely won’t make his first appearance at the team’s complex until tomorrow, when players undergo physicals.
The first mandatory workout for pitchers and catchers is Thursday.