Terry Collins talks to reporters about Mejia, Turner, others

Today at the Winter Meetings, Terry Collins sat down with reporters and answered a few questions about the team for next season, and basically said the following.

• Brandon Hicks will serve as the the team's backup infielder.
• Tim Byrdak will begin a throwing program in May, and could join the team in the second half.
• The team expects Johan Santana make between 28 and 30 starts on the season.
• Darin Gorski could get a look as a lefty specialist in the big league bullpen.
• He will give Justin Turner a look in the outfield during Spring Training. 
• Zack Wheeler could get a shot at the big league rotation if the club trades a pitcher this winter.

Well, I don't expect Collins to stick to his word about some of these points, but they are interesting nonetheless. I'd be surprised if Hicks made the club, but he would obviously be a bench player at best if he happens to make his way on the 25 man roster. I wouldn't be surprised to see Byrdak contributing to the club sometime in August or so, because he seems like he is way ahead of schedule on his rehab program. Last year he had a knee surgery to deal with, and only took a few weeks to recover, and at age 39, that is impressive. The Mets would be lucky if they got Santana to start 28-30 games in 2013, and I still feel like if he plays well, then he'll be dealt at the trading deadline. The Darin Gorski case is very interesting, because here we have a hard-throwing lefty who has had a good amount of success in the minors. I don't quite understand why they would put him in a bullpen role when they have Josh Edgin, who I believe is a left handed specialist in the making. Gorski has always seemed like a second-tiered prospect to me, and I'd prefer if he got a chance to make the rotation. As for Turner, it is obvious that Collins and Co. likes his presence  and understands that his versatility is very important to the club. He has a knack for hitting with runners in scoring position, but I don't know how he'll fare out in the outfield. And finally, I'd be very excited to see Wheeler make the Opening Day roster, but I just hope they don't rush him. He better be lights out in Spring Training or else he is staying in the minors to continue his development.