This year’s Opening Day snuck up on me. I, unlike so many others, didn’t have a countdown going. To tell you the truth, after what the Mets went through this winter with the Madoff nonsense and the lack of any serious acquisitions, I just plain put the start of the 2012season on the back burner.
Earlier this week, I sat down at this very laptop and began writing about how the Phillies might have a tough summer. Then I changed my mind and began thinking about how the other teams in the East might not be as strong. Wishing thinking I know.
And then it hit me….I’m so busy Hating that I forgot.
I have this problem that I want to share. You see, I want every team to fail….miserably. I watched the Marlins get beat by the Cardinals and loved every second of it. Although I wrote a while ago that I wouldn’t boo Jose Reyes when he ever returned to Citi Field, I would have to admit now that I might change my mind. I want the Marlins to fail, along with the Phillies, Braves and Nats. But you know as well as I do that it just can’t happen. The Phillies may have a tough year but they are a serious contender….along with the Braves and possible Marlins.
That was my mindset Tuesday night. It was like the season was already over and Johan didn’t even get a chance to throw a strike.
And then 1:45 occurred. That’s was the time yesterday when I got in my car and turned on the WFAN.
Something miraculous happened….I forgot about the other teams.
I forgot all that happened this winter.
I forgot all the negative press and jokes.
I forgot about all the predictions.
I forgot all this and listened to the sweet sound of broadcasted baseball over free radio….just as it was meant to be.
I realized that it wasn’t some divine intervention nor a miracle, it was Opening Day when every team in the league has the same record.
For three hours yesterday, everything evaporated into vapor and it was just me and the Mets.
Within minutes of my drive, I was banging on the dashboard in my car when Johan got out of the base loaded jam. I found myself screaming when David Wright knocked in the first RBI of the season…God I love this team. Tell me is there any better?
After an awkward park of the car in the street in front of my house, I managed to run inside to at least hear Gary Kieth and Ron put the game to bed.
Like always, when the last out was recorded, I marked a W on my cut out Daily News Met schedule taped to my refrigerator.
It never gets boring…..ever.
Hey did you check the standings this morning? The Mets are tied for first in the N.L. East.
I figured I would warn you of that lame joke some Yankee/Phillie/Met Hater will tell you.
When you hear it, just smile.
After all, for the day, it’s true.
15 comments
Stick
4/6/2012-9:04am at 9:04 am (UTC -4)
I was excited. always am. And this year, like you said, it was even better to get something “real” to talk about, instead of the incessant negative press, woe is me, and Madoff crap!
Stick
4/6/2012-9:09am at 9:09 am (UTC -4)
also, I still think this team is not as bad as many people seem to think (100 loss territory, no chance to break 70 wins, etc.). THey do have talent, and experience.
srt
4/6/2012-9:09am at 9:09 am (UTC -4)
I check the standings every day during baseball season. Nice to see the ‘tied for first’, even though we know that likely won’t last very long.
So glad baseball season is finally here.
Stick
4/6/2012-9:32am at 9:32 am (UTC -4)
and the Marlins in last, 2 GB in the loss column?
At risk of upsetting Salty, stick that Alex!
saltygary
4/6/2012-9:44am at 9:44 am (UTC -4)
Please don’t take my pessimistic view to mean I am rooting for my prediction over my team. I do feel The marlins will only have a .500 record. They only had 72 wins last year, did they really upgrade that much?
Stick
4/6/2012-9:52am at 9:52 am (UTC -4)
I agree that the marlins are over hyped.
I was just apologizing, since weren’t you the one that went on a rant yesterday about us wasting our time commenting on the MMO core or idiocy?
Ceetar
4/6/2012-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
hey, does the LoMo’s awesome on Twitter bit make him get overrated? Because I’m not sure he’s actually very good at the baseball (or defense)
saltygary
4/6/2012-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
I think I’ve been the one that has been ranting every few days about MMO.
srt
4/6/2012-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
I don’t see how the Marlins improved enough to go from last place to first.
As to where they do wind up, it’s anyone’s guess. I do believe the NL east might be a bit more competitive in years past – meaning I don’t see there’s anyway the Phillies win 100 games this year.
Stick
4/6/2012-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
We hate the phillies.
MF, I took the liberty to speak for you here also!
srt
4/6/2012-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
LOL, goes w/o saying. I’d love nothing better than to see them really fall and finish in last place.
srt
4/6/2012-9:27am at 9:27 am (UTC -4)
OT: Ruben linked to this story a little while ago:
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/41898/video-inside-johan-santanas-surgery
The Hospital for Special Surgery shares this exclusive behind-the-scenes video with footage from Johan Santana’s Sept. 14, 2010 anterior capsule surgery as their doctors narrate the procedure.
I almost didn’t open this as I’m not one for the ‘up close’ type medical shows. Thought it was going to be mostly all footage from his surgery. Thankfully, it was not. Just a short clip narrating when he first realized he was injured to his second ST BP session.
Doctor commenting that Johan is not your ‘average’ individual. I think we all knew if anyone could make their way back from this surgery, it would be Johan.
Ceetar
4/6/2012-9:42am at 9:42 am (UTC -4)
Gonzo you’ve hit on the Optimistic Mets Fan creed.
“And then it hit me….I’m so busy Hating that I forgot.”
It’s not about rose-colored glasses and spin. It’s about remembering and focusing on what’s important.
“Within minutes of my drive, I was banging on the dashboard in my car when Johan got out of the base loaded jam.”
Mets baseball is fun! Go ahead and have your doom and gloom predictions. Tell me (and support it with facts please) why you think Pelfrey will have a 5.5 ERA this season. But when the clock strikes 7:10, it’s time to root for the Mets like they’re chasing the pennant. Because one day you’ll look up, and they WILL be chasing the pennant.
Prismo
4/6/2012-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
I think what you’re missing is that those who predicted (let’s say) 75 wins…are still predicting the Mets will win 75 games this season, which is a lot (just as a number). You’re also missing that making that prediction doesn’t preclude those fans from rooting for the Mets in 162 games, and hoping they exceed expectations.
Ceetar
4/6/2012-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
I’m not painting with broad strokes here. But there are some that don’t seem to root for the Mets in 162 when they predict 75, or 65, or 5.
Ultimately it’ll shake out where it shakes out, but I don’t need “Oh, well they’re not going to win 90 anyway” remarks when Acosta gives up a bomb in the 7th or Bay strikes out with the bases loaded.
And I don’t need “Oh, just release Bay, I don’t care if Den Dekker hits .110 in left field because this season doesn’t matter.”