PORT ST. LUCIE — Terry Collins wouldn’t be surprised if he’s watching more innings of Mets games on television this season.
The Mets manager said the new rule change limiting collisions between catchers and base runners at home plate this season will probably lead to him and his brethren getting ejected from games more than usual.
Under the new rule, a runner can be automatically called safe if he makes contact with a catcher without the ball who is blocking the plate. Likewise, a runner can be ruled out automatically if he hits a catcher without the ball who has created a lane.
“We’re into the game and we’ve got some guys like myself who can get fiery at times,” Collins said Tuesday.
“Some of those calls, somebody is going to come in there and the catcher is going to be just off the plate and the guy is going to be coming right on the line and you’re going to see somebody hit him. Not really hit him, but him with an elbow, hit him with a shoulder and now it’s going to be up to the umpire: Was the guy in the line or was it unnecessary?”
Collins said he likes the new rule, but might have a harder time stomaching a change that would eliminate collisions between a runner and catcher blocking the plate who is holding the ball.
Bobby Parnell expects to begin pitching in exhibition games near the end of next week. The right-hander still feels “something” in his left quadriceps, but says it isn’t a concern as long as he doesn’t push too hard. Parnell, who underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck in September, long-tossed on Tuesday and will likely throw a bullpen session on Wednesday.
Rafael Montero, who is scheduled to be the Mets starting pitcher in their exhibition opener against the Nationals on Friday, was among the pitchers to throw live batting practice on Tuesday.