Mets: Four reasons Michael Conforto deserves an Opening Day roster spot

By Bryan Carroll
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits a solo home run during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Conforto can plain and simply hit the baseball

It’s incredibly easy to see that the kid can hit. Conforto has always been able to be a terrific middle of the lineup hitter. His quick success at the plate in the minor leagues was a vital factor to bringing Conforto into the Mets lineup throughout the end of the Mets 2015 season and through the playoffs.

Last April, Conforto was one of the hottest hitters in baseball. The Mets played 22 games, in which Conforto played in 21. Throughout these games he hit .365 with a .676 slugging percentage. Topped off with four home runs and 18 RBI, Conforto’s month was one of the best in the league.

Following April, he hit a steady decline, which I believe was partially sparked by Madison Bumgarner. May 1st, Conforto went 0-5 with three strikeouts against MadBum. Following that game, he never caught back up.

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However, once he got to Triple-A, he couldn’t be contained. In 33 games with the 51’s, Conforto hit .422 with a .727 slugging percentage, nine home runs and 28 RBI. Conforto proved that he had found his April swing.

Once he was recalled to the Mets, he was steady for the remainder of the year. Now, throughout Spring Training Conforto is doing everything to prove he’s back. This spring he’s hitting .356 in 45 at-bats.

Compared to just about this time last spring, in 50 at-bats he was hitting just .200. Yes it’s just Spring Training, but the numbers don’t lie. Conforto is seeing the ball better, he’s proving what everyone already knows, the kid can hit.

What’s the one thing the Mets have struggled with the past two seasons (besides injuries)? Offense. Michael Conforto can hit the baseball and provide another .300 hitter with Yoenis Cespedes. He provides offense that the Mets are always desperate for. He’s much different than the Mets typical, home run-or-bust hitter.

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