Jay Bruce trade complicates Mets" muddled outfield

NY Mets Improve Offense In Trade For Jay Bruce

Jay Bruce likely will be slotted in rightfield upon his arrival from the Reds, according to sources, but he also might be approached about his willingness to play centerfield.

Whatever the Mets decide with the new bat in the middle of their lineup, they must figure out how to arrange their suddenly muddled outfield. Its not an absolute perfect fit for us, general manager Sandy Alderson said Monday. We start with the need for offense and work from there.

Indeed, Bruce has hit 25 homers and leads the National League with 80 RBIs. But he is a lefthanded-hitting corner outfielder, joining Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto, Alejandro De Aza and Brandon Nimmo. Yoenis Cespedes, who did not start last night because of his sore right quadriceps, must stay in leftfield because his injury compromises his ability to cover ground in center.

With Bruce expected to play rightfield, Granderson will be displaced, likely forced to play centerfield. Ive played center, he said. Like I told you guys a million times before, it doesnt matter.

Despite that willingness, though, sources said his preference is to play in the corners.

Bruces addition also seems to squeeze out Conforto, who recently began playing centerfield. Like Granderson and Bruce, he profiles best as a corner outfielder. Well just wait and see what happens, Terry Collins said. And well make those adjustments every day and make sure guys are rested and get playing time.

Source: http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/jay-bruce-trade-complicates-mets-muddled-outfield-1.12120928