On Tuesday, I wrote in
Part 1 about the Mets' high quality pitching staff going into 2015, despite
injuries to Josh Edgin and Zach Wheeler.
All of the other pitchers I wrote about CAN play this game.
Pitching is a clear strength for this team.
Now let's get down to the
good stuff:
OFFENSE
Please take no offense
when I say the Mets' offense is offending other teams mightily this spring. In
fact, the Mets have scored nearly 60 runs more (2 runs more per game) than
their vaunted (or is it lowly) competitors, the Nats.
Man, I know a lot of
offense has come from borderline guys...ones who will make the team as subs or
head back to AAA - or get dealt like Matt den Dekker.
I LOVE OFFENSE - SO WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE HERE?
OK, d'Arnaud is not
hitting a ton, but he will - up into the.230's thru Tuesday...and catcher
Johnny Monell has hit real well in his bid to unseat Recker as back up catcher. So the catcher’s spot is fine.
Duda? I think he is
on the rise, and will have a bigger year than 2015, as he has new levels of
confidence and seems to be ready to challenge lefties, unlike 2014. After
a glacial, injury-slowed spring start, he is thumping like the Babe this week.
Let’s gingerly slide over
to 2B. Murphy ought to be Murphy once
his leg is 100%. If still hurt by opening day, Reynolds, Muno, and Tejada
provide quality back ups. Take your pick.
SS? Wilmer Flores
will likely hit better than most Mets shortstops in their history that are not
named Reyes.
3B David Wright looks more
like his former All Star self this spring. The lone remining MLB Captain is
showing he still has it.
Moving on to the green,
green grass of the outfield:
Cuddyer? Terrific hitter,
terrific spring. Met fans are starting to feel terrific about MC Hammer.
Lagares? Like Duda,
a bat in ascension. All star team? Maybe.
Granderson? Night and day better than last year.
Other-worldly so far. Better than
fixed. Thank you, Dr. Long.
What About Dem Other Subs:
From the grouping of
Mayberry, Nieuwenhuis, Campbell, and Puello? I can't complain
there. Mayberry in particular is having a simply spectacular spring...hopefully a
glimpse of things to come this season for big John. the other 3 have had a solid spring too.
A conclusion is self-evident:
All of them can play this
here game. Lots more offense appears to be in store for 2015.
Let's get the party
started. Add in health and a fair measure of good fortune, this team
ought to win a lot more than last year's 79 games. I am starting to think
that 90 might be a bit of a disappointment. C’mon Sandy, 95 wins would not
surprise me.
Starters, bullpen, offense
- everyone is just better than last year.
Like the pitchers, when I
ask myself regarding the hitters, “CAN ANYONE HERE NOT PLAY THIS GAME?” the answer
is it sure seems like ALL OF THEM can.
Of note, after the article, Puello put on waivers.
ReplyDeleteNow the question is who will lead them? Surely not the manager...
ReplyDeleteReese, if Casey knew Terry Collins was manager, he'd shut both eyes. Can anyone here manage this game?!
ReplyDeleteReese,
ReplyDeleteAs the Baseball Bible says in the Book of Alderson, chapter 2015, "And two men from Tidewater, Virginia will stand as brothers and lead the anointed Mets through the valley of Nats to reach the Promised Series."
Besides, if Terry screws up too badly, David, Mike, Curtis, and Matt will lock him out of the clubhouse!