Phillip Evans/Photo Ed Delany
Despite both players having uphill battles to make the Opening Day roster this Spring, the New York Mets have announced utility player Phillip Evans and right-handed reliever Jacob Rhame have made the team. Both players were able to overcome these long odds by having terrific Springs.
Evans really did all he could do to make the roster. In 22 games, he hit .261/.382/.456 with two homers and seven RBI. More than his play at the plate, the already versatile Evans has worked at becoming a catcher. Despite never having previously playing the position, Evans would make two appearances at catcher during Spring Training. Overall, Evans would appear at six different positions this Spring.
If Evans repeats his success at the Major League level last year, he has a chance to stick for the long term. In 19 games last year, Evans hit .303/.395/.364 two doubles and an RBI. It was not enough to keep him on the 40 man roster, but it was enough to have the Mets sign him to a minor league deal and invite him to Spring Training.
Evans is joined on the roster by fellow rookie Rhame. Last year, the Mets obtained the flame throwing right-handed reliever from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Curtis Granderson.
In his rookie season, Rhame mostly struggled going 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA and 2.111 WHIP in nine appearances. This Spring, Rhame looked much more confidence, and really, he looked like a much better pitcher. In 10.2 innings, he would strike out 10 batters while walking just one batter.
It will be interesting to see how long Rhame stays on the Major League roster. He partially earned the spot because left-handed starter Jason Vargas will begin the season on the disabled list. However, with the Mets having the mantra this year of only carrying their best players on the Major League roster, Rhame will have an opportunity to show the Mets he should stay on the Major League roster even with Vargas is healthy enough to pitch.
