Mets Opening Day Mailbag: Is Kodai Senga on a pitch limit, can Brett Baty 'Wally Pipp' Jeff McNeil?

SNY's Andy Martino is responding to and breaking down answers to Mets questions from readers. Here's the latest...

Is Kodai Senga on a pitch limit, for sure? – @KrankingKranick

I’m told that all Mets starting pitchers, including Senga, will be on a somewhat limited pitch count in the early part of the season. This isn’t Senga-specific, though he might be built up a bit less than the others.

Big picture, the best way to talk about the Mets’ pitching might be to think of it in terms of a staff rather than a "rotation.”

The Mets will be comfortable using their bullpen aggressively behind all their starters and will expect to use their organizational depth – not to mention external additions – to cycle through fresh arms over the long season.

The front office has acquired, and the player development staff has developed, pitchers with high-end stuff, many of whom are relievers. Manager Carlos Mendoza will utilize these pitchers at all points in games.

The philosophy will, at times, challenge traditional baseball discussion. If Mendoza removes, say, a reasonably effective Tylor Megill with one out in the fourth inning at 75 pitches, some talk radio callers will go bananas. But it’s worth noting at the outset of the season that this is the expected approach.

Does Brett Baty have a chance to ‘Wally Pipp’ Jeff McNeil? And do you see him sticking around once McNeil returns if not? Are the Mets happy with the Jose Siri/Tyrone Taylor platoon in center? – @tmcgrathBC

To cut to the very heart of your first question, it’s not clear that either of the players you name will be the Mets’ long-term solution at second base. McNeil’s hold on the position has clearly weakened over the past year, but David Stearns and Mendoza value plus defense up the middle. McNeil offers more of that than Baty, who, through no fault of his own, was born with the body of a corner infielder.

Baty dove wholeheartedly into learning second base, taking great pleasure in the newness of positioning, cuts, throws, etc. The Mets are lucky to have a touted prospect so willing to do whatever he can to make the roster. Not long ago, teams valued offense more than defense at second base – remember the Dan Uggla era? – but that is generally no longer the case. On the plus side for Baty, he has a strong throwing arm, an underrated tool at second that is useful in turning double plays.

Consider this, though: Baty is on the team essentially as Jose Iglesias’ replacement. Remember Iglesias’ above-average range and magic hands? If McNeil and Nick Madrigal (the infielder originally signed to replace Iglesias, who is now out for the year) were healthy, it’s hard to see Baty making the Opening Day roster. He remains an imperfect fit for that role. But he has worked his tail off, and he can hit. Let’s see what happens.

To answer your second question, the Mets are in great shape in center field. Siri is an elite fielder in the Harrison Bader mold. Count on Stearns to always bring in a plus-plus glove at that position to help offset Juan Soto in right. The Yankees were unable to this last year with Aaron Judge in center, but Stearns will not fall into that trap. Siri will also contribute power from the bottom of the lineup. And Taylor’s ability to play whenever and somehow produce makes him a manager’s dream.

Do you think Stearns will make a move for a high-end starter this year? – @StengelCase

Yes.

Who do you see as the top pitcher at the end of the year for the Mets? It can even be a player the Mets trade for. – @TaddHilyard3

Dylan Cease or Michael King.

If Pete Alonso struggles in the 3 hole, how long till Mendy makes a change? – @steve60264894

Mendoza will not have this problem because Alonso will hit at least 50 home runs this year. I mean it.

Why you always talking about the Yankees? – @kelsan2415

Here at SNY, we are proud to offer coverage of the entire New York pro sports scene. My question is, why you mad about it?

Are you excited or are you excited? – @metsandanime

I am excited.