The New York Mets play their first spring training game Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Tradition Field. Nelson Figueroa will open the Grapefruit League for the Mets while the Atlanta Braves tag future ace, Tommy Hanson, as their starter.
Figueroa, looks to make a good impression on the coaching staff as he vies for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. In his short Met career, Figueroa started last year in the Mets farm system and then was called-up due to the injuries to Johan Santana, Oliver Perez, John Maine and Jon Niese. Figueroa can also be used as a long man in the bullpen due to his "rubber arm" and his bulldog mentality.
I like him as an insurance policy and should start the season in AAA. I feel, Fernando Nieve and Niese will win the long man and fifth spot in the rotation respectively.
Figueroa is out of options so he would have to clears waivers (doubt that will happen) in order to stay with the Mets.
Tune in to SNY, Tuesday at 1 to see the Mets first spring training game. To view SNY's Mets TV schedule click here.
