Feb 12 2014 10:30 PM
Revamped Duda impresses during Mets’ workouts
By Kevin Kernan February 12, 2014 | 2:15pm
| PORT ST. LUCIE — You had to like what you saw Wednesday in Lucas Duda. And not just because he was hitting the ball with authority and was balanced in the box his first day at Mets pre-camp. Duda did not look hesitant when he spoke to a group of reporters. He looked them in the eye. He didn’t seem like he was in psychological pain simply answering questions. He even stood his ground. Duda, in the past, sometimes would move backward doing interviews. He would start out in front of his locker and by the time the last question was asked, he had retreated to safer ground. Let the first-base battle begin between a rebuilt Lucas Duda and Ike Davis. Duda, 28, said he believes he has improved across the board after attending a fitness and nutrition camp in Plymouth, Mich., that ran for eight weeks over two segments this offseason. “I feel more coordinated,’’ Duda said. That’s a good start. “I feel faster. We’ll see if it translates,” he said. “I feel looser in my hips and am rotating better.” “All that should help him,’’ hitting coach Dave Hudgens told The Post. Duda put on an impressive display in batting practice, but he has to succeed in spring games or he could wind up back in the minors. Duda said it was not a difficult decision to go to the lengthy offseason camp and to leave Southern California and spend so much time in the Michigan cold “because I’m trying to better myself and better my career and hopefully it will translate.’’ Strong body, strong mind. Asked in what areas he has improved, Duda said, “Obviously strength. I worked on my running techniques so hopefully I am a little faster. I feel good. I jumped at the chance to go. “I changed the diet up a little bit.’’ The 6-foot-4 Duda lost 10 pounds and weighs in at about 255. He said he misses the foods he used to eat. “Everything,’’ he said. “Candy, cookies, whatever, you got it. I’m just making smarter choices, eat more chicken.’’ Duda is not changing his offensive philosophy, though. And that’s fine. Some have criticized Duda for not being aggressive enough in RBI situations. “My number one goal is to stay healthy,’’ he said. “If I can stay healthy I can put some numbers up. I’m just going to stay myself. I’m a guy who likes to take my walks, and I am going to continue to do that.’’ Duda batted .223 last season with 15 home runs and just 33 RBIs. He walked 55 times, pushing his on-base percentage to .352. His OPS was .767. Shortstop Ruben Tejada and infielder Wilmer Flores also attended the camp. Duda said both made huge strides as well. “Those guys look great and are moving outstanding,’’ he said. There still is talk Duda could wind up in the outfield, but that remains to be seen. The loser of the first-base job could wind up back in the minors, according to general manager Sandy Alderson, who is scheduled to arrive here Thursday. “They said I might play a little outfield. I’m up for anything,’’ Duda said. “I just want to help the team. I’m just going in there to have fun, and let the chips fall where they may.’’ Duda is friends with Davis, no matter what, noting, “I love Ike.’’ Is he surprised both still are with the Mets after so much Davis trade talk? “You don’t get too caught up in that stuff,” Duda said. “Let’s see how I do at first base. My approach is the same. Some people are making a big deal [out of the competition], but I’m just going in to have fun.’’ Duda admitted being in “Michigan that long was tough. It was snowing almost every day. So that was a little different.’’ It was time to try something completely different. This day was a good start. |
http://nypost.com/2014/02/12/dudas-diet ... te-doesnt/
