PORT ST. LUCIE — Francisco Lindor totally appreciates the fact he’s no longer the new kid.
Some 2 ½ weeks into a truncated spring training — his second camp with the Mets — the star shortstop knows most of the nooks and crannies of the team’s spacious workout facility and doesn’t have to ask directions.
He also knows, beyond names and faces, most of the personnel that pass through the clubhouse.
“I know everybody except the coaching staff, but I am familiar with everything around here,” Lindor said. “It’s hard to get to know everybody. You know [the coaches], but you don’t know them. You know what I am saying? I’m still trying to get used to them.”
There has been plenty for the Mets to like about Lindor’s spring. On Tuesday night, he blasted his fourth homer in six games in the exhibition season, leading a 10-0 victory over the Marlins in Jupiter. But other than the small sample size, there is the fact it’s only spring training.
Francisco Lindor Corey SipkinLindor understands this better than most. Last year he enjoyed a strong Grapefruit League season, only to start horrifically in a regular season that didn’t get on track for him until it was too late.
“I am trying to build from what I did last year, late in the year,” said Lindor, who smashed nine homers in September. “The last however many games I played after I came back from the injured list.”
Returning Mets players have spoken about the “chip” on their shoulders after last season’s 77-85 disappointment that led to an overhaul. Lindor, who signed a 10-year extension worth $341 million that begins on Opening Day, might be hauling the largest chip.
Lindor’s final numbers included a .230/.322/.412 slash line with 20 homers and 63 RBIs. Defensively, he remained an elite shortstop.
“We have a love and respect for him because we know what type of player he is and what he can do for this organization,” Dominic Smith said. “He didn’t hit what everybody would like him to, but he still improved this organization in so many different areas, even offensively, but especially defensively. But he was definitely a very impactful player and a real good player for us.”
Lindor said he’s taken a fast liking to hitting coach Eric Chavez, who replaced Hugh Quattlebaum after last season. The Mets began last season with Chili Davis in the position, but with the offense struggling fired him in May.
“[Chavez] is very laid back and he has a plan and an approach and being a former player that has been very successful,” Lindor said. “Like the other day I was practicing approach with people on base. It’s good to have some input from people I grew up watching. In Oakland he was a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger. I remember he was in video games.”
Ask Lindor which prospects — many of whom have since been reassigned to minor league camp — impress him, and names such as Francisco Alvarez, Mark Vientos, Brett Baty and Jake Mangum are mentioned.
“Baty’s professionalism has been outstanding,” Lindor said. “Jake Mangum has been very spot on, detail-oriented guy. Very professional.”
Lindor said he keeps in regular contact with Steve Cohen and speaks with the Mets owner at least once a week.
“Good guy,” Lindor said. “I am glad I am working for him.”
A few lockers to Lindor’s left sits Robinson Cano, with whom the shortstop became acquainted last season during phone conversations. Cano, who was suspended for the season following a second PED infraction, said his relationship with Lindor has blossomed in spring training. He also expects Lindor to help carry the Mets lineup this season.
“Last year is just one year,” Cano said. “It doesn’t mean [Lindor] forgot how to play baseball. The guy is going to be here for the next 10 years. You just have to give him a chance and give him time to really show the player that he is.”







