SPORTS
WILL THEY PLAY BALL?
24 Port St. Lucie Magazine
RUSTY DURHAM
An aerial view of the revamped Clover Park shows the new 360-degree walkway and in the upper left of the photo, the promised turf practice field is visible.
As of presstime, Major League Baseball owners and the players union had
yet to resolve their differences over a new contract, which may mean a
truncated spring training.
The two sides have agreed on some issues including a universal
designated hitter, according to baseball commissioner Rob Manfred. But they still
need to find common ground on extending playoffs and revenue sharing.
Meanwhile, new Mets manager Bucky Showalter, who signed a three-year contract
in December, was expected to greet pitchers and catchers the week of Feb. 14 with the
rest of the squad due shortly after that. Spring training games are scheduled to begin
Feb. 26, contingent success at the bargaining table.
If the season proceeds, Mets fans can look forward to seeing two of the best
pitchers in the game today, Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, taking the mound.
Fans will also be hoping for an improvement from shortstop Francisco Lindor, the
$341 million man, in 2022.
And, as always, it’s fun to think of what effect talent from the Mets’ farm teams,
including the St. Lucie Mets, might have on the big club.