Before the season started, the Mets were picked to finish close, if not in last, by most writers. I was not one of those people. I knew they had problems, but I saw this as a .500 ball club. So far, they are right on target.
For the first time in a long time, I have a team I can be somewhat proud of. Even last year when they went on their run into first place, I didn’t see it lasting. But this season, I see a team with heart, passion, grit and some old school mentality. I see a team with a bright future.
This all starts with the front office. Sandy Alderson and co. have done a lot with very little. Their biggest move thus far was naming Terry Collins as manager. So far this move has paid off. He is the type of guy who can get the most out of his players, and he isn’t afraid to put the hot hand into the lineup. Look at where this team is…they have been without Reyes, Pagan, Bay, Davis, Wright and Young for extended periods of time. And the team hasn’t missed a beat. This comes from the manager.
The pitching this year has been very good as well! In April and May, the Mets’ best pitcher was Chris Young. Everyone else was struggling. When he went down, we all thought the worst. But since then, Dickey, Niese, Gee and Capuano have pitched very well. Big Pelf has been up and down, but thats Big Pelf for you. The Mets have been winning with good pitching and timely hitting from some unlikely sources. But what about the big names on the team?
I know we have said this in years past, but imagine what we could do with a healthy lineup! That might not be too far away. Davis, Wright and Reyes should all be back in the coming weeks. This really excites me. Now that Jason Bay has begun hitting, we might actually get to see a Major League lineup when we go out to Citi Field.
So whats next for the NY Mets? A Wild Card? Division Champs? Or another year at home in October? The odds are, the Mets wont make the playoffs. The division is out of reach, and the Wild Card is held by a stronger Braves team. I have come to grips with the fact that the Mets might miss the playoffs. But that’s ok! This year was about getting the team steered in the right direction. So far it appears they are going that way. And who knows what will happen. As we stand today, the Mets are 7 1/2 back in the wildcard. There are a lot of games to be played. But win or lose this season, I think we can all be proud, once again, to declare, “I am a Mets fan.”
Thanks for reading! Enjoy the all-star break.
LETS GO METS GO!
