" From the ashes we will arise !!!"
Ok I know you have just read the headline to my column for today and you are asking yourselves ” damn is he hitting the herbal cigarettes again?” First off the answer is that is none of your business. Secondly When you look at the history of the New York Mets they have lost just ten opening days. In two of those seasons the Mets have won it all ( ’69 and ’86).
Look I am not saying that this team is bound to to be immortalized with those two teams, but maybe – just maybe this team will blow all the naysayers predictions out of the water and make a passionate charge for the pennant – or at least the Wild card six months from now.
I watched last nights game and yes I admit I was disheartened to see the Mets offence stymied by the Florida Marlins. But we have to keep this is in perspective. First we were going against their ace, Josh Johnson – who when on his game is nearly unhittable. I feel that Pelf pitched pretty well despite being squeezed by the home plate umpire Jerry West. I was happy with what I have seen by our two Rule Five draft picks, Pedro Beato and Brad Eamus, as well as the aggressive base running of Willie Harris. Carlos Beltran looked good – yet tentative in right field last night. He seems to need a little more time to adjust to his new position and to shake the rust off from his recent inactivity in the field.
The hitting will wake up and the bullpen will improve, I can sense that this team was a bit psyched out over last night and I feel that they will adjust accordingly. I don’t know why but I still feel extremely positive about this team . It’s either that – or gas.
And with that said… HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes:
Mets weak hitting shortstop from ’68-71, Al Weis is ’63 (1938). Although Al was never a wizard with the bat, he was a great asset to the Mets infield. He also had a clutch hit in the ’69 World Series.
Mets reserve outfielder from ’81-’82, Mike Howard is 53 (1958).
Pitching bright spot from last years dismal team, Hisanori Takahashi is 36 (1975) . Good luck in Cali Taka !!!
Sadly on this date in 1972, the heart and soul of the New York Mets, Gil Hodges passed away. To read Jerry Koosman’s account of his passing please read the Book “Amazin – The Miraculous History Of New York’s Most Beloved Baseball Team” by Pete Golenbock.
New York Mets signed free agent utility infielder, Phil Linz on April 2, 1968.
The New York Mets traded second baseman, Tom Veryzer to the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitchers, Craig Weissman and Bob Schilling on April 2, 1983.
The New York Mets traded shortstop, José Oquendo and minor league pitcher, Mark Jason Davis to the St. Louis Cardinals for minor league pitcher, John Young and minor league shortstop, Argenis Salazar on April 2, 1985. Jose is currently a coach for the Cardinals.
The New York Mets traded middle reliever, Doug Simons to the Montreal Expos for minor league outfielder, Rob Katzaroff on April 2, 1992.
The New York Mets traded pitcher, Matt Ginter to the Detroit Tigers for minor league pitcher, Steve Colyer on April 2, 2005.
And before you go out to the liquor store to by a case of Jack Daniels, just remember that there is just 6 days until the Mets 2011 home opener against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
Mo Vaughn claims he could hit Josh Johnson !!!!
3 comments
metsfan4decades
4/2/2011-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Agree. It wasn’t a total debacle last night.
Pelf didn’t look comfortable at all but he was one good pitch from doing major damage. Didn’t happen.
According to Bobby O last night if he doesn’t get that FB up and doesn’t get hitters off the plate, he’s going to struggle like this all year. We’ll see how it goes.
Pelf is never going to replace Johan as the ace.. Since JJ was in typical ace form last night for him, it was going to take keeping the Marlins off the base paths to win. Pelf just didn’t get it done.
At least we scored some runs in the later innings and didn’t lay down and die as we’ve seen so often in the past few years.
Looking forward to see how Niese and Dickey fare this weekend.
stickguy
4/2/2011-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
realistically Dickey was the ace last year (after Johan), and IMO Neise will quickly establish himself as the 2nd best SP on he staff.
so if it makes everyone feel better, he is really the #3 SP, who was just given the OD start as a nod to seniority.
metsfan4decades
4/2/2011-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
Reading comments on other blogs this morning, I think the anger some fans have is they thought Pelf was going to morph into an ace with Johan out. Unrealistic, IMO.
I don’t see Pelf going backwards this year. I also don’t see him being that much better either. This is sort of his ‘turning point’ year but I don’t expect him to become much better than he is right now. Not necessarily a bad thing b/c every staff needs a good, durable pitcher. The expectations though that he’s gonna make some transition to an ace just b/c Johan is out is going to lead to major disappointment, IMO. If I’m wrong, well even better!
I think Niese has the potential to become better than Pelf but obviously that remains to be seen.
And count me in the camp of those who believe RA will repeat and have a very good year.