PORT ST. LUCIE — Glenn Sherlock is listed as the Mets’ third-base coach, but his primary responsibility within the organization will be mentoring Travis d’Arnaud.
After enduring a season without a catching instructor on the coaching staff, the Mets hired the 56-year-old Sherlock this offseason, hoping he can fix d’Arnaud defensively, possibly leading to a resurgence from the player offensively.
“I see a real good athlete, and that is what excites me the most about [d’Arnaud],” Sherlock said Thursday. “Usually, athletes can do some pretty amazing things.”
The two started becoming acquainted in December, when d’Arnaud visited Sherlock in Phoenix, where he operates a catching camp. The following month, Sherlock spent a day with d’Arnaud near the catcher’s home in Southern California.
“We basically talked about spring training, preparation, things that are important to him, things that are important to me and kind of put a plan together,” Sherlock said. “He’s been great, he’s excited, very focused, he’s been getting out there early and we’ve been doing our work.”
Last season, d’Arnaud threw out only 17-of-61 (22 percent) of the runners who attempted to steal against him. Team brass has indicated d’Arnaud may have suffered offensively because of worries about his defense.
But d’Arnaud also spent two months on the disabled list early in the season. After he returned, manager Terry Collins continued to play backup Rene Rivera on a semi-regular basis because of his strong defense.
Sherlock was asked if he believes d’Arnaud’s throwing problems were mechanical.
“I have watched a lot of video over the winter, but it’s different when you see players on the field,” Sherlock said. “I want to save and see what they do, see how they warm up. Those are the things that I am watching right now.”
Sherlock also will coach third base — he last had that job in 2014 with the Diamondbacks — replacing Tim Teufel, who was reassigned within the organization.
“I have to get out there and get back with the speed,” Sherlock said. “Find out not to stand too close to the hitters right now.”
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