Sports

The Juan Lagares hype builds after seeing swing doctor

PORT ST. LUCIE — The launch angle is new and improved, and we soon will see if Juan Lagares can have the same type of success in spring training games as he is having during batting practice.

Lagares hit in a group with Yoenis Cespedes on Saturday on Field 2 at the Mets’ First Data Field complex and bombed some balls into the palm trees. Cespedes, who knows home runs, told Lagares that he looks “way better.’’

Instead of ground balls to third, Lagares is getting that valued loft, but this is Stage 1.

“I feel a little weird,’’ Lagares said. “When the games start I have to make sure I do my thing. I needed a change.’’





Lagares went to California to work with hitting guru Craig Wallenbrock, who redesigned the swings of J.D. Martinez and Chris Taylor. With Michael Conforto out at least a month, Lagares will get plenty of time in center field. Lagares needed a change because his slash line over 1,770 career plate appearances is .257/.297/.366.

He said he is not going to change his aggressive style in the field, even though he has been injured playing that way. He now has an aggressive home run swing, too.

No one covers ground like Lagares, and on Friday when bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello made a diving catch in center field during BP, Lagares cheered.

“That was good, probably he watched me a lot,’’ Lagares said with a smile.

Right-hander Robert Gsellman (8-7, 5.19) learned much last year, including not to take on general manager Sandy Alderson. When Alderson said Gsellman needed to pitch better, Gsellman responded with this comment about Alderson’s critique: “I don’t really care.’’





He soon apologized to Alderson.

On Saturday Gsellman said this is what he learned from that experience: “Just watch what you say. Last year was a learning experience. I’m older now and more mature. Just say to myself to stay quiet and go about your business and I’ll be fine. … We dropped it as soon as it happened. It’s a new year, so we don’t really talk about it.’’

Gsellman is close friends with Noah Syndergaard.

“I learned so much being around him and he’s a pretty nice guy too,’’ Gsellman said.

Gsellman did a lot more running to get in better shape this offseason and improve his athleticism.

As for Thor, he noted: “He’s just not athletic. He is just like a fat guy running in flip-flops.’’





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