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          New York Mets

          5 spring-training questions for the Mets

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 19, 2015, 09:00 AM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitchers and catchers officially have reported to camp. And Grapefruit League games are just around the corner, with the opener against the Atlanta Braves looming on March 4 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.

          Here are five questions to look out for in camp:

          1. How will Harvey perform? Matt Harvey had such a remarkable 2013 season before getting shut down with a torn UCL, it is unclear he could have duplicated that performance the following season even if the elbow issue that led to Tommy John surgery never arose. Harvey undoubtedly will have some rust, although he has been pleased with his control thus far. Elbow surgeries have a much higher rate of success than shoulder procedures, so Harvey ultimately figures to be just fine. His control and velocity do bear watching late in camp, though.

          2. Is the captain OK? David Wright did not appear after Sept. 8 last season because of stretched ligaments that led to looseness in his non-throwing shoulder. Wright did not require offseason surgery and professes he is fine, but the issue is one to scrutinize during spring training. Wright mustered only eight homers last season. He’s had spring-training injuries in the past, including side-muscle issues. And he’s now 32 years old.

          3. Who’s the closer? Terry Collins actually can punt on that decision during spring training, although it may already have been made. Bobby Parnell is due to open the season on the disabled list while in the final stages of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, so Jenrry Mejia figures to have the role for a few weeks. Once activated, Parnell indicated on Wednesday that he expects to reassume the closing role he held in 2013, which would push Mejia to setup responsibility.

          4. How does Flores look at shortstop? OK, we know Wilmer Flores will never be dexterous with his footwork. Remember Flores tripping over himself on a throw from shortstop at Dodger Stadium last season? Still, the Mets insist that Flores will be more than adequate defensively after spending a second offseason at Mike Barwis’ fitness and agility camp -- this time in Florida. Stay tuned.

          5. Can Duda hit lefties? The likelihood is Michael Cuddyer will start at first base against plenty of southpaws during the regular season, opening a spot in the outfield for John Mayberry Jr. Still, Lucas Duda should get a shot during Grapefruit League play to demonstrate he can handle the full-time job at first base without the need for a platoon. Duda hit .180 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 111 at-bats against southpaws last season. Collins had Duda in the lineup 15 times in 33 games against left-handed starting pitchers a season ago.