New York Mets (SNY)

You smell that? That’s the smell of Mets baseball coming back after a brief hiatus.

The New York Mets started off the 2017 baseball season with a bang…literally. Facing the Red Sox in their first Spring Training game of the year, the young players looking to join the team put on a show. Backed by a strong pitching effort that included several relievers, the Mets defeated the Sox yesterday 3-2 at JetBlue Park.

Some highlights from yesterday’s game:

Travis d’Arnaud went 2-for-2 in his spring debut. While that may not seem that special, it’s the fact that he was able to hit off of a lefty that caught my eye. After a down year that was filled with injuries, d’Arnaud is looking to prove he is the real deal in 2017.

Michael Conforto is a man without a position, as he must fight his way to get some playing time with a crowded Mets outfield. He did everything in his power yesterday to convince coach Terry Collins to let him play. “CoFo” had two hits, one a home run in the third.

The Mets kept the Red Sox hitless through six, and it all started thanks to Seth Lugo. The 27-year old pitcher allowed zero hits, walked two batters and struck out three in three innings. The no-hitter was kept alive by Marcos Molina and Rafael Montero before Josh Edgin gave up a hit in the 7th. Lugo is one of the several contenders for the fifth spot in the starting rotation for the Mets. Seeing how solid he was last season, it would not surprise me if he got the job.

Gavin Cecchini, the Mets’ number 7 prospect, drilled a home run over the replica Green Monster in the second inning. Someone who was also pretty impressive was Wilmer Flores, who looked slimmer compared to last year. Playing first base, Flores robbed Allen Craig of a hit with a nice diving stop. A man also looking for some playing time this season, Flores could prove his worth during these Spring Training games.

The young guns the Mets trotted onto the field yesterday have a lot to prove. While some of them have played in the majors already, showing they belong is a huge opportunity for them. Terry Collins will have a lot to think about if they continue to produce.

Up next for “The Amazin’s”: The Mets face the Nationals today at 1:10pm at First Data Field. Sean Gilmartin will be pitching while Yoenis Cespedes, Curtis Granderson and David Wright are expected to make their spring debuts. The competition for a roster spot has officially begun.