In 13 days the gates at Digital Domain Park in Port St Lucie will open and the Mets Spring Training of 2012 will commence. It is safe to say this upcoming season will be one of low expectations as well as lower attendance.
But the question remains – what can we expect from this spring training ? Well if you think that the energy level will be lower now that Jose Reyes won’t be manning the shortstop position – think again. I think this years roster will come into camp with a positive attitude and a chip on their shoulders. I think many players such as Pelfrey, Murphy and Duda have something to prove. I think Jason Bay will be trying in earnest to regain the power stroke that has eluded him since he signed that white elephant of a contract. I think Johan Santana will be trying his best to push his surgically repaired arm – without re-injuring it.
I think David Wright will have the toughest assignment this season which is to tune out the trade talk rumblings – especially if he returns to the form that made him one of the leagues elite third baseman. And lastly we will be getting glimpses of Mets prospects such as Harvey, Famillia and Captain Kirk – players that might get the call up by mid season if their services are needed.
I looked at my magic Mets 8 ball for guidance and it said that the future is too fuzzy to see. Will this season see the continue freefall of the organization that we love most of the time ( with ownership we loathe) or has this team hit rock bottom and ready to rebound ? We won’t find out for another 8 months – but it will be must see television nonetheless.
And with that said…. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes:
Reserve outfielder from the ’74 and ’76 seasons, Benny Ayala is 61 (1951).
Starting Pitcher from ’81-’82, Charlie Puleo is 57 (1955).
One of the most beloved Mets of recent memory, reserve outfielder from ’06-’08, Endy Chavez is 32 (1978).
The New York Mets traded pitchers, Hank Webb and Richard Sander to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league shortstop, Rick Auerbach on February 7, 1977.
One time Cy Young award winner, Mickey Lolich announced his retirement on February 7, 1977. Loilich – who many
Mets fans unfondly remember as the guy the Mets traded Rusty Staub for suddenly unretired from baseball the very next season and signed with the San Diego Padres.
The New York Mets released reserve infielder, Ross Jones on February 7, 1986.
The New York Mets claimed utility infielder, David Lamb on waivers from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on February 7, 2000. Lamb only played seven games with the Mets that season, and he batted .200 in five at bats.
Mo Vaughn is plotting to hijack the Giants Super Bowl ticker-tape parade !!!!
4 comments
Ceetar
2/7/2012-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
The same thing you expect every Spring Training. It’s the great equalizer. It’s baseball, there’s buzz, everyone is tied for last..
But mainly, no injuries. Most of the roster is set, barring some minor bench/bullpen roles. Hopefully it stays that way, with the biggest guy at risk to have a setback being Santana.
There will be buzz for some of the prospects, but while people will ooh and aah the pitchers, they’re not ready. Guys like Nieuwenhuis will get a lot of attention. Matt den Dekker is hoping for a big league camp invite so he’ll be fun to watch too. Expect to see Valdespin getting some time in the Middle Infield.
Can’t wait.
Mr North Jersey
2/7/2012-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
I think you just about covered it.
MetsFan4Decades
2/7/2012-9:33am at 9:33 am (UTC -4)
I can only hope we’ve hit rock bottom and are on our way back up. Although I won’t be surprised if we lose a few more games this year than last.
First time in a long while I’m going into the season with no expectations – right off the bat. Regardless, I’m looking forward to the start of ST and the season. In fact, I can’t wait.
As Rusty has mentioned, there’s much to look forward to in the future, not the least of which is some of our prospects on the farm. I love ST alone for that reason. Get to take a look at the handful they invite from the minors, plus there’s a time or two they pull a couple of players off the back fields to play a couple of innings. Think that’s how I got my first look at Cory Vaughn.
Even though we’re predicted to finish last – and that’s a fair assessment right about now – I’ll be tuning into every game. Thank the gods for GKR.
Play Ball!
kingman 26
2/7/2012-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
Well, while I expect a last-place 75-or-so win team, I am hugely looking forward to ST, with the enthusiasm ratcheted up since the NFL season is over and the Nets again suck.
I think there will be a lot of enthusiasm in camp, which is guaranteed by the combo of Collins, young players, and folks realizing there are jobs to be won and careers to be made by a lot of players, ranging from Murph/Duda/Thole/Gee to all of the hopeful minor leaguers.
There’s something wrong with fans who aren’t psyched right now.
Why, you could just go to MMO and see constant examples of this!
Seriously, I cannot wait for the first spring game, and as I keep telling myself, it really is about 1981 or 1982 right now. The groundwork is being laid for the future, and let us pray that Wheeler/Harvey/Familia/Mejia are a lot closer to Gooden/Darling/Aguilera than they are to Isringhausen/Pulsipher/Wilson.