By metstradamus | April 14, 2021 11:29 pm
The increments are small, and the pace is slow. You don’t want this team peaking in April anyway. But the performance you saw tonight from the Mets should tell you that this team is coming.
David Peterson, having been torched in Philadelphia last week, was excellent against the same team here at Citi Field. (Editor’s note: I almost typed Shea … It’s because I had Mike Pelfrey on the brain because Gary, Keith and Ron interviewed him via phone tonight). Peterson struck out 10 in six innings while only giving up two hits, one of them being a solo HR to Met killer Jean Segura. The Mets gave Peterson a little support by getting to Zack Wheeler in the first inning on three straight hits to start the game culminating in a Dom Smith RBI single and a Pete Alonso RBI double play (yes, I know that doesn’t sound all that exciting.)
Apr 14, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Luis Rojas rolled the dice in the 7th, bringing in Jeurys Familia to protect a 2 run lead. Last night he closed out Game 2 of the DH with some good stuff, but gave up a couple of hits in the process. Tonight, it was the leadoff walk that threatened to bite him as JT Realmuto got the free pass, then ended up on third after a groundout and an infield single by Segura. At this point, Rojas dusted off Aaron Loup and took him from the box in the attic to face Didi Gregorius. Most similar circumstances have ended in complete disaster for the Mets.
I followed Peterson through his school days and he was my first choice when the Mets picked him.
ReplyDeleteI never had him as an SP1... had him in the SP3 range... and, frankly, I was about to give up on him after a so-so minor league record.
I am very happy for him now.
I cannot say enough good things about David Peterson. He definitely has the capability to be a true one or two starter, and what is this only his second season up on the Mets?
ReplyDeleteCompared to Steven Matz, what a huge difference.
Matz' whole problem (to my eyes anyway) wasn't the lack of talent but rather upstairs in him. Too frustrating to watch Steven all those years. Wore me out because his season one up wasn't bad. From there it all went kerplunk though. You watch, it will happen there on Toronto as well with him too.
Mack:
ReplyDeleteIs there any one Mets position you are even just slightly concerned about at this early on juncture?
Personally, I think that right field will straighten itself out soon. I am hoping that Michael Conforto's early decline doesn't have anything to do with his contractual issues coming up at season's end. I however do not see him as a true top tier star player though. The potential isn't that far off with him, but he isn't there yet I don't think.
But to me, Dominic Smith could turn out to be the overall better of the two corner outfielders, in both BA and HR's each season. His power uptick is happening right now before our eyes and the fans really are excited by him. Brandon Nimmo is just an amazing athlete. So right there, three really good and young outfielders all built from within. Plus, I think Jeff McNeil probably would enjoy a few turns out there as well, his natural position. But not unlike Nimmo, Jeff is a high level H20 natural born athlete too. One who could play anywhere and well. He has been a little quiet lately, but don't let that fool you Mets fans! You'll see, Jeff Is Alive!
I wonder if athletic Jeff McNeil might try pro golf after his baseball career is over. I hear he is really good.
ReplyDeleteThis team could ignite at any time. Lots of talent.