Mets: Three takeaways from Thursday’s win over the Nationals

Sep 21, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Mets second baseman Wilmer Flores (4) turns a double play past Atlanta Braves third baseman Chris Johnson (23) during the sixth inning at Turner Field. The Mets defeated the Braves 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wilmer Flores needs to work on his throwing

During Spring Training, there were a number of times when Wilmer Flores bounced throws to first base – ordinarily on routine plays. Some of those throws went for errors, and some were saved by whoever was playing first base.

On Thursday in Washington, Flores made his first error of the season, spiking a routine Ian Desmond grounder that Lucas Duda couldn’t scoop out of the dirt.

The play was pretty routine, with Flores charging in a bit but having lots of time to throw. Instead of slowing himself down, Flores threw completely on the run and bounced his throw.

Overall during the spring and so far during the season, Flores has acquitted himself well at shortstop. He’s been sure-handed, made a handful of impressive plays, and has displayed a strong arm. However, he needs to stop bouncing the ball so often on plays that should result in routine outs.