First impressions mean everything in the close-knit world of baseball, and new Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is off to a flying start.
“I think it’s an exciting time for the Mets,’’ lefty Steven Matz said Thursday night at his Tru32 charity bowling event at Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square. “Brodie did reach out to me already, which is really cool just to get to know him, and he kind of said, ‘If you need anything just give me a call.’ ’’
Van Wagenen is making the adjustment from big-time agent to big-time GM and understands the value of relationships. One source told The Post Van Wagenen has reached out to all players on the Mets roster as he builds a GM foundation.
“I think it’s a unique situation for sure,’’ Matz said. “I think we are all excited about it. Brodie reached out to me, which is really cool and I’m sure he is doing that to all the other guys as well. I think everybody is excited. It’s a new year, we got Brodie coming in and let’s see what he can do.’’
As for the Mets rotation staying together Matz said, “That’s something for Brodie to navigate, but it is something we have special going for us, our pitching staff. We’re all really close. We enjoy watching each other pitch and building up each other, motivating each other, so we will see what Brodie has in store.
“Getting 30 starts was a big mark for me and this year I would like to get more innings per start and that is something I can look towards as a goal.”
Matz hosted his “Strikes with Steven’’ event to raise money to fund scholarships for children of New York City first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“These people go to their jobs every day and they are sacrificing their lives in the line of duty,’’ Matz said. “Unfortunately tragedy strikes and we just want to be there for the families. I support military. I support firefighters and I support police, especially in the New York area. You look out and realize how great this city is and how big it is and without our police and firefighters it really would be a mess.’’
Matz, 27, has picked up a major workout tip from his close friend Jacob deGrom, who Matz said is in “lock-down mode’’ to win the Cy Young award next week.
Asked what he learned about deGrom this past year, Matz smiled and said, “The only thing I learned is that he is a freak. The biggest thing I learned is that he threw all last offseason and that is something that I’ve implemented this year, keeping everything going.’’
Matz is happy pitching coach Dave Eiland and manager Mickey Callaway are returning.
“They really helped me a lot, it’s going to be good to have him back,’’ Matz said of Callaway. “He got to know me this year, know the team and get his bearings down.’’