The Mets get ready for the exhibition schedule to begin

The New York Mets will play an intrasquad game on Tuesday and begin their exhibition schedule on Wednesday.  Matt Harvey threw live BP on Monday and there was a lot of talk about that.  David Wright brought a fan down for a lesson on the field, that was pretty cool for the kid.  Sandy Alderson spoke and here are some highlights of what he had to say. 

The Mets could realistically win up to 89 games this season and that is without everyone having great seasons.  Alderson said that Harvey will have a normal spring and start the season as the team planned.  Wilmer Flores will have every oppurtunity to win the starting job at SS but Alderson said there are a few guys in camp who could challenge him. 

The Mets had conversations with the Phillies about trading for SS Jimmy Rollins but couldn't get a deal done.  Rollins just said over the weekend that the Mets were his second choice behind the Dodgers where he ended up.  Alderson said trades during spring training are tough but he will keep all of his options open. 

The Mets are working to limit Juan Lagares throwing this spring, in an effort to monitor the strained elbow that ended his season early last year.  Harvey threw 26 pitches to four batters on Monday.  The four batters were Curtis Granderson, Michael Cuddyer, Wright and Daniel Murphy.  Harvey later announced that he can now throw a curveball.  Harvey said he is ready to face the Tigers on Friday and will throw 35-40 pitches in the game. 

It will be more interesting now as the games are about to begin.  The Mets though will get a intrasquad game out of the way first on Tuesday before starting the games on Wednesday.  harvey wil be a big story on Friday when he gets into his first game action since his Tommy John Surgery.