Mets News: Edwin Diaz’s new spring strategy involves asking for help

Edwin Diaz hasn’t been shy this winter about improving. At New York Mets camp, the young closer was asking his teammates for feedback from the mound.

It takes a big person to ask for say this four-letter word: help. New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz is asking for plenty of it this spring.

After a miserable 2019, the kid seems determined to do whatever it takes to recapture the magic he found with the Seattle Mariners a year prior. As part of his new plan to turn things around, Diaz is implementing a different strategy during spring batting practice.

On Tuesday, Diaz was asking his Mets teammates who faced him during batting practice for some feedback. When they didn’t swing, he wanted to know why.

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It may seem like a simple enough detail to add to one’s game. Considering the inflated egos associated with professional sports, it’s not always so easy.

Diaz has gone beyond asking his current teammates for assistance. This winter, Diaz spent plenty of time communicating with Pedro Martinez about his mechanics. Picking the brain of this Hall of Fame pitcher could be yet another way Diaz turns his game around.

This change is one of many positive stories for the Mets heading into the start of spring training games.

Although we’ve endured the Carlos Beltran saga and the failed sale of the franchise, many of the players are hopeful for a better 2020.

Jeurys Familia came to camp slimmer than I think we’ve ever seen him. Newcomers Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha have said everything and seem to be fitting in already.

For all of these players, the results matter most. Fortunately, the vibe around this organization seems to be much better than it was during the two years under Mickey Callaway.

In 2018, there was a bad taste left in our mouths from the dreadful 2017 season. None of the free agent signings inspired much confidence and each lived up to the low expectations.

Last year, many of us felt a lot better about where the team was headed. The young players grew up during the 162 games in the regular season. There was something we hadn’t seen much of over the past two years: hope.

The team still failed to reach the postseason. A part of it may have been the residual effects from the past two years. The 2019 season was certainly filled with its craziness from the front office, coaching staff, and players.

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Although we’ll surely get more of the same in 2020, stories like the extra effort Diaz is putting in before the games even count are worth hanging our hats on and getting excited about.