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Mets news you may have missed: Pete Alonso, James McCann join WCBS-AM special

By Nicholas Kyriacou

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: James McCann #33 of the New York Mets in action against the Houston Astros in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 16, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: James McCann #33 of the New York Mets in action against the Houston Astros in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 16, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – MARCH 18: James McCann #33 of the New York Mets doubles for a run in the first inning against the Washington Nationals in a spring training game at Clover Park on March 18, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Speaking with Mets radio host, Ed Coleman, McCann stated,  “I couldn’t be happier right now.” Since signing to a new four-year, $40 million deal back in December, McCann has had a remarkable impact on his new team.

“… I really think that part of that journey and part of my job, as a guy that’s been around, is to share my experiences and share what I know. You know, be a veteran guy that can help those young players to realize that everyone’s going to go through a slump, everyone’s going to struggle at times. But what helps you come out of those bad times is what makes you a good player.”

Alluding to that point, Coleman brought up how Mets icon, and Hall of Fame Catcher, Mike Piazza spoke “glowingly” about him in an earlier interview. So far, a lot of the young guys have gone to McCann for advice – Alonso being one!

After a swift rise to being a top leader in the clubhouse, the 30-year old veteran is aware of what his presence means for his younger teammates. On the impact McCann will have this season, Alonso described, “He’s a great defensive mind behind the plate with trying to get his pitching staff to attack opposing hitters.

“I mean, also, he can swing it, he’s a threat at the plate. And also he provides a pretty unique perspective because being a catcher you have a very good idea of what other  people are trying to do. He does a really good job of explaining how opposing pitchers are trying to attack out hitter. Having his perspective, his baseball IQ is off the charts, and having his knowledge is absolutely fantastic … It’s awesome having him.”

Playing alongside Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez during his early career in Detroit, McCann noted his early development and how, “As much as it was a blessing coming up with guys like that, it was as much of a curse as well. Seeing the things that they did, trying to do exactly what they do, and it took me a little while to realize that I can’t do the things [they do], but I can do the things James McCann can do. And being content with that … is what led me to where I am today.”

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