Port St. Lucy – Lewis Torrens helped inject life into last year's Mets season, but now faces even greater responsibility with the team.
It will become 28-year-old Torrence, a catcher who was extended to start the season as Francisco Alvarez was sidelined for 6-8 weeks after breaking Hamate's bone in his left hand last weekend. It's not ideal, but it's not a difficult proposal for the Mets, given the reliability established last year.
Alvarez is scheduled to undergo surgery in Pennsylvania on Monday, and has since rejoined the team in spring training to begin rehabilitation.
“We're pretty comfortable [Torrens]Director Carlos Mendoza said at Clover Park. “He's a guy who does a really good job dealing with pitching staff, just like his leadership skill, Alvi. This is a guy who can receive and he can really throw.
“And offensively, this is the guy who gave us a really good batting time, so I'm very confident in Loui behind the plate and we have to take care of him too.”
Torrens has excellent control over the running game and threw out a 28-13 (46.4%) base steeler last season. Catchers averaged only 20.3%.
Offensively, the Mets received early results from Torrence after arriving on a contract with the Yankees on May 31, but his numbers were leveled considerably in the second half. Overall, he produced the .229/.292/.373 slash line with a 130-plate appearance with three Homer and 15 RBI.
“This is a great opportunity for me to come out there every day and try to help this team win. [Alvarez] Back, the plan is to put this team in a good position,” Torrens said through an interpreter.
Torrens added that the relationship he formed with many pitchers last season provides him with a certain level of comfort.
“I think we've been able to build it since last year,” Torrence said. “Since we got here, we've been working really hard with it. Since we started training this spring, we've been able to bolster it.”
Alvarez missed seven weeks last season after undergoing surgery in April and repaired a torn thumb ligament. The Mets used Thomas Nido and Omar Narvaes tandems for most of their stretches. However, it was inserting into Torrence's lineup in early June that would help stimulate the team until Alvarez returns.
“[Torrens] He's done a lot and he showed he can handle it,” Mendoza said. “He was getting a big hit for us. At that point, when we turned the season around, he was a big reason. There were a variety of reasons and he was one of them, so I think this was a really good opportunity for him and he's able to do it.”
The Mets are expected to evaluate backup catcher options that may become available, but otherwise they will choose Jackson Leats, Haydensenger and Chris Williams (all of whom are in camp).
Reetz and Senger are highly praised for their reception and defense. This is the main attribute that you want to have a backup role.
“We're looking for someone who can lead the pitching staff, take care of the pitchers, and call, receive, block and throw games,” Mendoza said. “The whole picture.”
