JUPITER, FLA. – Al Leiter was jacked up on “five shots of latte” by the time he drove manager Buck Showalter to the Mets’ game against the Marlins on Tuesday. After Showalter spent 30 minutes on I-95 with the two-time World Series champion, the Mets skipper was ready to take control of the driver’s seat.
“Pick a lane!” Showalter said of Leiter’s driving. In all seriousness, Showalter was glad to have Leiter back at Mets camp, as the former Amazin’s star pitcher continued his tradition of instructing players at spring training.
“He’s great. We all love Al,” Showalter said. “I’ve known him since he was 19 in Oneonta. The players love him. You can tell he’s got no ego. He loves the Mets. He has great memories and stories from his time here. He’s fun to have around.
“And, he’s got something to offer,” Showalter said. “I’ve seen him having some serious conversations. He’s engaged. He’s not here to kiss babies and sign autographs. He’s here to do both. He’ll kiss your baby if you want him to.”
Leiter said: “Every time I come back to camp, it just feels right.”
When asked which Mets arms have impressed him, Leiter didn’t waste any time before bringing up Tylor Megill. He likes Megill’s changeup, which he hopes will lead the young right-hander to understand that he can get outs not just from his 98-mph fastball or 91-mph slider, but from more tools in his arsenal, too.
“He just has the look,” Leiter said of Megill.
Leiter’s son, Jack, was drafted by the Texas Rangers last year and the 21-year-old is now ranked as their top overall prospect. Leiter said when he coaches his son, Jacob deGrom’s delivery is always the go-to benchmark. In Leiter’s opinion, no pitcher in baseball has a better delivery than the Mets ace.
But when it comes to whom Leiter most relates to on the mound, it’s Max Scherzer. Leiter and Scherzer both display bizarre antics while they pitch; Leiter used to bite his glove and Scherzer frequently yells at himself, or anyone who’s listening, when he’s on the mound.
“He gets me and I get him,” Leiter said of Scherzer.
