As usual I was doing my morning reading and came across what I thought was another very good article from Mets Merized Online. I know some with disagree with a few points in this story, however I believe it sums up why a lot of us are still very optimistic about the upcoming season. Yes we are going to battle with the realist everyday both on the screen, in the bars and in our own heads. Yet as a baseball fan with opening day looming I can’t help but get excited for the coming season.
Apr 01
This Sums Up How I Feel: Optimism vs. Realism from Mets Merized Online
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84 comments
prismo
4/1/2010-8:50am at 8:50 am (UTC -4)
Hah, just got finished reading that. I’m a realist in that I believe the season can go either way, despite Spring Training results. Just wait and see…
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-8:53am at 8:53 am (UTC -4)
Chris Carter and Russ Adams are “young bats?”
WOW! You are scraping the UNDERSIDE of the bottom of the barrel for stuff like this!
trs86
4/1/2010-8:56am at 8:56 am (UTC -4)
“I know some with disagree with a few points in this story, “
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:10am at 9:10 am (UTC -4)
Have you looked at Russ Adams’ career?
“Young bat?”
I am going to bow out, as you clearly said yesterday that you don’t want to hear realism, oops, negativity, and I hope Wanny is nice today.
Let’s Go Mets!
trs86
4/1/2010-9:14am at 9:14 am (UTC -4)
Kingman I don’t even agree with that part of the story. Do I have to agree with EVERY part? The theme of the story sums up why I am still optimistic. I don’t see why we should not be optimistic. You can be both optimistic and realistic. I think all of us picked the Phillies to win the division. That’s obviously realistic. Then a lot of us picked the Mets 2nd and winning the wild card. That’s realistically optimistic.
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
King, are you officially off the float of positiviality?
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:08am at 9:08 am (UTC -4)
Well, I am definitely off the float of absolute ridiculousness, which this really silly article represents.
No, I am NOT off the float.
I love our offense, and think our overall defense and team speed will be very good too.
I love Johan and KRod, and LOVE the Junior Core in Buffalo.
I think the window for this group is most definitely not nearly closed, but I am simply worried about our entire pitching staff, which looks like a mess right now.
Citing an article by a writer who uses Chris Carter and Russ Adams as “young bats” is, well, I respect TRS too much to really describe it.
Go look up Russ Adams at baseballreference.com.
trs86
4/1/2010-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
Damn Kingman it’s one line in an entire story. If you want to focus on that one line and it ruins the entire story for you feel free. It does not for me and I still feel it represents the way a lot of us feel.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
One line which pretty much shows that the author knows less than nothing about baseball my friend.
One line which is SO completely asinine that Cerrone would have laughed it off, and one line which invalidates anything else the guy has to say.
The last time I was at that site, an author wrote that Figgy “Badly outpitched” Pelf and Ollie and others last year.
dirtysanchez
4/1/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
well, at least he spelled it right
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
LoL, oye Dirty did you see the Mets signed Abril Tonto?
trs86
4/1/2010-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
Hey, Adams is a former 1st round pick. LOL. He’s not 30 so that’s young right? Not to mention he grew up in NC and went to UNC.
Carter is 27, that’s still youngish.
But yeah those are really bad stretches.
rustyjr
4/1/2010-8:56am at 8:56 am (UTC -4)
I got into a war with reality – reality won
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:12am at 9:12 am (UTC -4)
I will be watching and rooting like everyone else…sorry Rusty, I have not been abducted and brainwashed by Fong and Oleo; I just made the mistake of watching Pelf and Ollie try to pitch recently!
trs86
4/1/2010-9:03am at 9:03 am (UTC -4)
Hey I have no fear. The Mets will finish 84-78 while the Phillies will finish .500. That’s what their spring training stats show so it must be true.
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:17am at 9:17 am (UTC -4)
I’m a realist with the ‘glass half full’ type of mentality.
He asks:
‘Would you feel more at ease if the “Big Three†shut down every batter they face but then when they face continuous ML-ready competition, they gave up meatballs constantly? Or would you prefer them to do what they have done this spring and then when the Opening Day bell rings, they compete?’
I’ll take door Number 3: I would have felt more at ease if I saw see week by week, the pitching showing they were going longer, being more effective, throwing strikes, getting outs. Then take that readiness into Opening Day.
trs86
4/1/2010-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
So would I. I did not really care for that exact part either. I think his point was, however, that most likely it will be in the middle. Regardless of ST stats. I do agree that we need to decide either that ST stats matter a lot or don’t matter a lot.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:18am at 9:18 am (UTC -4)
I heard that Cat and Jacobs will get the nod over Carter. Can anyone confirm this?
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Also read that Jacobs is our starter.
And Cat has to make it—Carter only plays first and OF and Cat plays all over the place; with Jose out and our middle infield, gotta have a guy who can play elsewhere.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:26am at 9:26 am (UTC -4)
I think Cat plays 1B, 2B and OF. The Mets already have Cora to backup Castillo. So Cat’s versatility is non-factor here.
I believe Cat plays better defense, but lacks power.
FWICG has a good post about it. I really don’t see why the Mets would go with Cat over Carter.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:37am at 9:37 am (UTC -4)
Well, Cat’s versatility MIGHT be a factor, as Cora can’t back up Castillo when he is starting at SS.
Cat can play all over the field and is a proven major leaguer who can hit.
Carter is a career minor leaguer who can only play 1B and OF.
stickguy
4/1/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
cat is a career back up that isn’t much good anymore though.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:54am at 9:54 am (UTC -4)
At least he ONCE was.
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:24am at 9:24 am (UTC -4)
No, can’t confirm. I’m assuming you read that over on MC’s blog.
And how scary is this that I actually agree with his opinion here:
‘i’m thinking one of carter or catalanotto will make the roster… along with jacobs… i would keep both carter and catalonotto and cut jacobs loose.’
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:27am at 9:27 am (UTC -4)
I heard it on the radio coming into work. Adam ‘ESPN NY’ Rubin said that it will be Cat and Jacobs. WTF is Omar/Jerry thinking??
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:32am at 9:32 am (UTC -4)
I’d have a tendency to believe ESPN NY more…
I have no idea what they’re thinking. I can only assume they’re going with Jacobs b/c he’s at least labeled a 1st baseman, albeit no matter how bad his defense might be.
It’s close between Cat and Carter but I still think Carter has more upside. If Murphy will be out the long side of 6 weeks, well a month and a half is a long time.
trs86
4/1/2010-10:00am at 10:00 am (UTC -4)
Could be the fact that Carter has options and those 2 do not?
udontmesswthejohan
4/1/2010-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
TRS,
Not to beat a dead horse here, and not to put you on the spot, but yesterday you said something along the lines of “well the season hasn’t started yet, what’s wrong with ‘blind optimism’?”
Again, not to belabour semantics, but I think there is a huge difference b/w optimism and blind optimism. I am optmistic that I am wrong about this team and that they are able to contend throughout the season. Blind optimism indicates an unwillingness to take into account any of the real life issues this team is facing.
Additionally, the world is not black and white. I can’t tell you how angered I am watching basically any cable news show, whether it be FOX or MSNBC, and seeing the entire electorate put into seemingly totally opposite camps (left and right). In reality, most people take each issue as it comes and make up their minds.
The point is, I don’t think it is fair to label those of use who think this year might be a struggle (i.e. realists) as being a negative bunch. We are not the Alex’ of the world from the old days at metsblog. I think it’s unfair to discount our opinions and say simply that we are pessimists.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:25am at 9:25 am (UTC -4)
+ Infinity.
Actually, plus even more for the incredibly wise comments about cable news shows.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:29am at 9:29 am (UTC -4)
Alex & Mr Bill!
jajajajajajajaja
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:32am at 9:32 am (UTC -4)
LOL.
dirtysanchez
4/1/2010-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
THE BLACK MAMBA!
trs86
4/1/2010-9:44am at 9:44 am (UTC -4)
Never said you were constantly negative. However, I think there is still a battle between optimism and realism. I am a very realistic person and over think everything. I know very well how difficult that it will be for the Mets to reach the playoffs this season. That’s not the point. As a baseball fan and a Mets fan I am VERY optimistic about this season. I am optimistic that the best case will happen and all 3 will pitch average or above, Beltran will come back healthy where he left off and Reyes will return to MVP type numbers. I am optimistic in the fact that Green and Parnell were in last year’s pen and now suddenly are not good enough to make it. I am optimistic that we have near MLB talent that could be ready to step in if MOP, Murphy, Castillo or Frenchy falter.
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-9:31am at 9:31 am (UTC -4)
I think a lot of people are confusing Realism with Pessimism.
Optimism – MOP will pitch well, the bullpen has a lot of talent and the offense will be dominating
Realism – the offense is well above average, the bullpen has talent but has yet to prove itself and while healthy, the starters are not instilling confidence with their spring training performances. There are questions for sure. We’ll see which side of the coin is facing up soon enough.
Pesimism – MOP were horrible last year, have shown no progress this spring and will continue this trend through the year. Injuries are already beseaching the Mets (Beltran, Reyes, Murphy, Escobar) and will continue to trend this way. All the prospects will be rushed and will fail due to being rushed, oh whoa is me oh whoa is me.
Yes, I understand we have questions, and big ones, but at this point, 4 days before the season I can’t help but feel giddy to have baseball back and I can not sit here and feel that the season is shot until I hear a “that’s the ball game” or hopefully a “put it in the books!”.
ceetar
4/1/2010-9:32am at 9:32 am (UTC -4)
you forgot “taking care of business” cause I’ll be hearing the win at the game!
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
+
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:34am at 9:34 am (UTC -4)
Put me in the camp of realism then.
And you won’t hear me giving up until mathematically eliminated.
trs86
4/1/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
Completely agree. The author left off another category. Pessimistic. Most likely the results will fall right in the middle. The Mets will be in competition in September and things will have to break their way for them to win. I don’t have a problem with that. However, saying the season is over and go Mets in 2011, I have much more of a problem with.
metsgirl31
4/1/2010-9:36am at 9:36 am (UTC -4)
Optimism/realism/negativity…I don’t care what you call it. I am excited for the season to start. Do we have question marks? Sure but so do other teams and its a long season and anything can happen. I believe in my guys, ALL of my guys. I intend to bring positive energy and leave the negative thoughts at the door. And I’ll deal with reality when and if I have to but I’m starting out on the positive train.
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:38am at 9:38 am (UTC -4)
+10
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
Me too.
trs86
4/1/2010-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
+ Infinity +1,000 x .89 x 1000.899 * distance to sun from moon.
There that should up Kingman.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:51am at 9:51 am (UTC -4)
REALLY like ya and respect ya Chief, you always know that I hope.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:55am at 9:55 am (UTC -4)
That should still sum up to infinity.
trs86
4/1/2010-10:01am at 10:01 am (UTC -4)
+1
stickguy
4/1/2010-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
busy morning. Same debates I see!
I did like that article. Even with the faux pas about Adams. ANd, nice to see Alex found Kingman! Buddies on the dark side!
Tx did a pretty good job defining positions. I also think, from reading a lot of posts and comments, that using his scale, the debate is usually between the realists (mislabeled as optimists) and pessimists that call themselves realists!
Realistic is the team has talent, but needs some guys to stay helathy first and also step up to win enough to get int he playoffs. And of course, most pitching hasn’t been pretty in the spring, but that really means nothing in the big scheme.
And the gist of the piece is that until we get a snapshot of the real season, who the hell knows, so might as well take the optimistic approach and hope for the best (although I think all the optimists, including me, Ceeter and TRS, will readily admit that the worst is certainly possible).
ANd hell, if the pitching can be this bad and they are still well over .500, think of what happens when reyes and beltran ar e back, and the pitchers are settling in?
1st place baby! Smell it! Plenty of seats available on the float!
trs86
4/1/2010-9:48am at 9:48 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. It is funny how both sides feel they are being realistic. LOL.
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
I don’t understand this need to put people into categories? It borders on insanity lately. Optimist, realist, pessimist, Mr positivity or NABOB of negativity.
We are all Mets fans or else we wouldn’t be here. Some feel the team will be bad some don’t. I am pretty sure that the Mets fan that believes the team will be bad/suck hopes he/she is wrong and the Mets fan that believes the team will be good/great hopes he/she isn’t wrong.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
First of all, it is NABOB, not naboob.
And it should be capitalized.
And of course I pray I am wrong as hell about MOP and the pen behind KRod and Feliciano.
Thank you, and have a nice day!
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-9:50am at 9:50 am (UTC -4)
Just for you I corrected it.
Kingman 26
4/1/2010-10:00am at 10:00 am (UTC -4)
HAHA!!!
You da man!
NOW I really gotta go…have a great day Mr North!
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-10:04am at 10:04 am (UTC -4)
You too.
stickguy
4/1/2010-9:42am at 9:42 am (UTC -4)
for the roster, I prefer carter, but I expect we are getting stuck with jacobs.
And if so, cat gets the other spot if Reyes really does start ont he DL, otherwise you only have tatis on the bench that can play MI.
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-9:47am at 9:47 am (UTC -4)
When do we think the roster will be finalized? Last day? Or at least down to 29-ish with a couple extra pitchers for the last game or two?
trs86
4/1/2010-9:52am at 9:52 am (UTC -4)
Most likely won’t be finalized until both Reyes comes back and it’s Ollie’s turn to pitch in the rotation?
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-9:56am at 9:56 am (UTC -4)
Well, I meant for opening day, but yeah, I get your points there. Even if Ollie implodes, I think he gets at least 3-4 starts to work out the kinks.
trs86
4/1/2010-9:58am at 9:58 am (UTC -4)
Yeah I know but my point was that the first week a lot of times you have guys like Evans that are only there for a week or a guy like Adams this year.
ceetar
4/1/2010-9:48am at 9:48 am (UTC -4)
Tatis can only ‘play’ MI. (and OF) quotes needed.
4 days..4 days from now I’ll be in McFaddens, or walking around Citi Field taking a billion pictures.
Speaking of which, if anyone out of town wants me to take a specific picture of something, let me know, I plan to wander all over the place anyway.
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-9:53am at 9:53 am (UTC -4)
Can you take a picture of Jose at SS and Beltran patrolling CF?
LOL…..
ceetar
4/1/2010-10:07am at 10:07 am (UTC -4)
ouch. heh.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-9:56am at 9:56 am (UTC -4)
No can we discuss some real baseball topic??
I heard a rumor that the Mets are looking to trade Wright for Pujols….
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
Wright is younger and they would have a better chance of resigning him when his contract comes up…
trs86
4/1/2010-9:57am at 9:57 am (UTC -4)
Catalanotto has not played more than 7 innings at 2B since 2002. He has not played SS since uh… ever. He has not played 3B since 2001 and has only played 35 games there total, 21 of them in 1999. Thus really the only IF position that he has recent experience at is 1B, same as Carter.
ceetar
4/1/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
He’s been working at 2B this spring though. (not sure why, really.) But He said he’s worked with Hale at first and second and with Razor in the outfield. Not that a couple of practice games at 2B counts as ‘experience’, but it’s something.
stickguy
4/1/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
good info. Now I have no idea what the point of having catallenato is.
trs86
4/1/2010-10:14am at 10:14 am (UTC -4)
Neither do I. Realistically, and that is the key word around here, he will not help us in the field anywhere. His best IF positions would be 1B and 2B. 2B is basically covered, 1B will have who ever starts and Tatis. OF we have a backup OF in GMJR who can play all 3 spots and Tatis who can play 2. You may say that Tatis is bad at the spots he plays but not really having seen the Cat, according to stats he is just as bad or worse.
If he only really helps us at 1B and OF why not give Carter the chance?
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
+ infinity
trs86
4/1/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
Hey I am getting my mojo back.
DNDJohan aka kistics
4/1/2010-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
That’s my point exactly. Versatility with Cat is non-factor here. The only advantage I see in Cat is his defense at 1B over Carter/Jacobs. But is his defense THAT much better? I don’t think so. And that’s why I think Carter should take the last spot on the bench over Cat.
trs86
4/1/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
It’s hard to even know his abilities at 1B. He has such a limited sample there.
trs86
4/1/2010-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
Today, mus,t b,e comma , day at MB,
At least I think I agree with part of what he said. It was too hard for me to read completely.
“I understand the Mets have questions, lots and lots of questions, yet they also have a $120 million payroll. Believe me, I know, I don’t understand. Yes, I have doubts and concerns. But, the season hasn’t even started, and to act like they’re 10 games out of first place before a meaningful pitch is thrown is a) not fair, and b) no fun. I mean, really, what’s the fun in giving up… i don’t get it… why bother. Instead, I rather be hopeful, yet skeptical, and take it as it comes. Look, if they win, great, let’s enjoy it – and if they lose, we’ll talk rebuilding. But, I can’t help and wait to see what happens first. I realize that approach doesn’t sell newspapers or inspire people to call talk radio, but, for me, as one fan, it’s the only way i know.”
njstuckintx
4/1/2010-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
22! 22 commas, ah ah ah…
trs86
4/1/2010-10:15am at 10:15 am (UTC -4)
Nice.
prismo
4/1/2010-10:13am at 10:13 am (UTC -4)
It’s OK to be wrong.
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
You notice it’s always about wait and see?
We went into the off-season and it was let’s wait and see what the Mets do in the off-season. Then when we got into December it was let’s wait and see what teams goes to Spring Training. Then it was let’s see what team goes North. Now it is let’s see what this team does in real games. Soon to come is Let’s wait till the All Star break to see if they can right the ship. Followed by let’s wait to see what the Mets do in the off-season.
Of course I am hoping I am hoping for a Let’s wait and see what those W.S. Shirts will look like in 2010.
trs86
4/1/2010-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
Until it’s over how can you defeat the wait and see premise?
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
exactly
stickguy
4/1/2010-10:11am at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
actually a good post up on this topic over at FWICG. MC summed up my feelings pretty well.
I still don’t want to see Jacobs. How about keep them both and alternate?
although right now, Carter has to get all the starts against LH pitching (oh damned it, that will be Tatis).
maybe Garko isn’t such a bad idea after all!
trs86
4/1/2010-10:19am at 10:19 am (UTC -4)
I would like to see Garko brought in but lets look at something.
Jacobs used just against RH pitching has shown the ability to hit MLB pitching. He has had an OPS near .900 and even in his worst season (last year) he still had a .758 OPS vs RH pitchers. While not ideal if you platoon him we could get by.
dirtysanchez
4/1/2010-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
There are alot of people that fall on both sides of the fence with optimism and realism. My “beef” with realism is the fact that in reality…NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT YEAR. How can you base your “realism” on a set of events that have not even transpired yet? 100,000,000 can happen from April-October. Given that you can either be optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the mets at this point because there are no “facts” on the upcoming season that you can be “realistic” about. If your pointing out stats and situations that would shed a negative light on the upcoming season, your a pessimist. Bottom line, all this rhetoric I honestly believe is a bunch of fans who are itching for the new season to start.
Some choose to take the “prove me wrong” standpoint, aligning all the stats and situations that would indicate they believe the Mets will be the worst. Some choose to take the “reasonable expectation” standpoint, realizing that while the Mets are not the best team in the league, they are far from the worst in the league and every team has problems. Some choose to take the “Met Koolaide” approach and think the Mets will go 162-0. Not sure where everyone lands but I just want the games to start counting and speculation to end.
Mr North Jersey
4/1/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
What, you mean to say you don’t think they will go 162-0? You sir are a fraud.
dirtysanchez
4/1/2010-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
dammit…you have exposed me for who I am…it is true, I do not believe they will go undefeated…
trs86
4/1/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think I have seen many Koolaide guys around for sure. I have not even seen many on here predict the Mets to finish ahead of the Phillies. Most have picked them 2nd. I think that’s realistically optimistic. LOL>
metsfan4decades
4/1/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
I’d gladly drink that Koolaide if we could go 162-0. LOL.