Cespedes is Confident


Yoenis Cespedes -- who hasn't played a full season since 2016 – is telling reporters that he will be part of the Mets lineup when they open against the Braves on the 24th. That's certainly encouraging since the Cuban-born slugger hasn't played even 100 games in a season since 2016. 

And it's better news than Mets fans were getting during February and March when Cespedes wasn't ready to play in Grapefruit League games. If he's even 80 percent of the force he was when he helped lead the Mets to the post-season in 2015 and '16, the Amazins could have one of the best lineups in the National League. Start with sweet-swinging Jeff McNeal, Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso, hard-hitting JD Davis, Michael Conforto, Wilson Ramos and the improving Amed Rosario. Then, tack on Robinson Cano, if he can get off to even an ordinary start.

Let's see if #52 is in Luis Rojas' lineup Saturday night when the Mets and Yankees play their first summer exhibition game.

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