Kevin Long eager to hit it off this offseason with Mets' bats

Not long after his crosstown move became official, former Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long received an iPad, which contained three hours of video on each of his new charges on the Mets.

He wasted little time scouring the film.

"We're busy at work," Long said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters. "We've got quite a few plans."

Those plans include visits with David Wright, Travis d'Arnaud and potentially Curtis Granderson, who thrived under Long when both were with the Yankees.

The Mets ranked eighth in the NL in runs (629) and languished in the middle or near the bottom in most every other significant offensive category. But Long insists he sees plenty of upside, one of the reasons he chose the Mets after he was let go by the Yankees.

"I look at a unit that certainly has the potential to score some more runs and be efficient," said Long, who was hired on Oct. 23.

While with the Yankees, Long gained respect from players for his willingness to do in-person work during the offseason, a practice he seemingly already has imported to the Mets.

Long, who lives in the Phoenix area, took advantage of his proximity to the Arizona Fall League. He recently met with prospects Matt Reynolds, L.J. Mazzilli and Brandon Nimmo.

But his most pressing work will come later in the offseason, with some of the most important bats in the Mets' lineup.

Wright plans to visit with Long in Arizona in January, perhaps to get a head start on bouncing back from a 2014 season marred by a serious shoulder injury. D'Arnaud will also drop in since he was already planning to be in town for catching instruction from bench coach Bob Geren, who also lives in the Phoenix area.

Granderson and Long have yet to hash out details, but it's likely that the duo will also work together this winter. It wouldn't be the first time.

Long solidified his reputation as a teacher in 2010. Granderson's first season with the Yankees started so poorly that by August, he and Long agreed to attempt an in-season swing overhaul. That work helped to transform Granderson into a threat against lefthanders and provided the foundation for 40-plus homer seasons in 2011 and 2012.

Though injuries limited Granderson in 2013, the Mets signed him to a four-year, $60-million deal last December, and promptly watched Citi Field sap his power. He hit .227 with 20 homers but endured wild swings in production throughout the season.

"The first time you come into an organization and you signed a big contract, I think it's a little more difficult than it might seem," said Long, who likened Granderson's struggles to those of Brian McCann with the Yankees last season. "With Curtis' case, that probably played into it."

But in reviewing video, Long said he already has spotted several minor adjustments that will help Granderson, such as reducing excess hand movement in his swing.

Said Long: "Curtis and I are very excited to get to work."