One thing is for certain. No matter what the Mets do in the off season there will be people disappointed that they didn't do enough to construct an undefeatable team that is absolutely guaranteed to win the World Series.
Yeah, right...
Everyone should know that contending for first place involves hitting, pitching, fielding, base running, health and managerial strategy. Just as no one knew going into the start of 2022 that Jacob deGrom would only make 11 starts and uncharacteristically produce an ERA over 3.00, neither did anyone know that after a highly disappointing 2021 season that saw Jeff McNeil hit just .251 that he would go on to lead all major league hitters with a .326 batting average last season.
Consequently, going into the 2023 season there are people having hissy fits because the club didn't land Carlos Correa, there are others reveling in the offseason already putting cases of champagne on ice for October baseball. Neither extreme is accurate, but it's the nature of the human mind where pessimism and optimism tend to skew to the worst and best possible conclusions while dismissing reality.
Going into next month's Spring Training, everyone assumes that the infield of Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Francisco Lindor, some third baseman and some catcher will be just fine. They feel that Mark Canha, Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte make for a professional set of ballplayers for the outfield.
They anticipate that the starting rotation of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander (sorry, just going alphabetically for the multi Cy Young winners), Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana and Carlos Carrasco will be top notch.
They feel that the bullpen that includes Edwin Diaz, David Robertson, Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, Drew Smith and others should be able to support the guys who start the games. No one is debating the skills of the again Manager of the Year, Buck Showalter.
So what is the problem then?
Well, many are unsure about Raley's ability to replicate what he did last season. No one knows how Senga will react to a new country and a new league.
Take a deep breath and repeat after me...
Players perform well. Players slump. Players get hurt. It's just the nature of the game as it is played. You cannot insure that only the positive will happen any more than you can go to the bank that the worst of all possible outcomes will occur either.
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Understand we're all getting itchy for the sound of wood on a horsehide covered sphere, that same sound as it thwacks a catcher's mitt, and yet another reason to take a break from the reality of our lives to escape for 2.5 to 3.5 hours at a time to cheer, to moan and to ingest adult beverages. The sounds of the announcers have been silent for way too long already.
Play ball!
I always briefly have a fleeting thought going into the season that the Mets could lose the first, the second, the third.....and end up 0-162, which is of course impossible. You realize there is a likely range of outcomes - for this team most likely between 90 wins and 108 wins. Every team has a range - better that range than expecting 60-75 wins.
ReplyDeleteAs Correa goes, what if you could acquire a guy who in his last 55 games in 2022 went 55 G, .276/.333/.503. Well, that's Eduard Escobar, so maybe he and Baty will collectively make the Mets think, "What were we THINKING? Or not - that is why they play the games (besides needing to generate revenues to cover costs.)
Lastly we have two Senga insurance policies - named Peterson and Megill. I am not worried there.
People will always find something to complain about. It's too long to get from Manhattan to Flushing on the subway. Parking and tolls are too expensive if you drive. The price of single game tickets are rivaling TKTS for Broadway theaters. The cost to buy a hot dog or a beer makes you think you're dining at five star restaurant instead of the fast food stand at a stadium. As Roseanne Rosannadanna once famously said, "It's always something!"
ReplyDeleteAren't the games on NYC TV?
ReplyDeleteYes, Mack, but only ALL of them.😅
ReplyDeletethat's my point
ReplyDeletestop complaining and stay home and watch them
Personally speaking...
ReplyDeleteI for one am not sweating it at all. Antiperspirant free, you might say even. I am totally confident in how the player personnel program has gone this off season. deGrom was not just a risk, but a high-end risk with his lettuce arm. This was a way better off season with the way risks were eliminated and strengths enhanced. Kudos out to the Mets GM, owner, and manager.
My own hopes for 2023 are just these few.
I do hope that Mets brass can look beyond maintaining just status quo on the Designated Hitter spot. I think this spot could be more. Personally, I would like to see either Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio onboard as both a DH and utility infielder. With second and shortstop both taken ahead of them, I think this could be an ideal thought. If you have not seen these two at the plate, please go watch them on youtube to get an idea of what I am speaking of. Vientos has smooth as glass homerun capability that will only grow. While Mauricio sort of reminds me a bit of ex-Met outfielder George Foster with the awesome arm powerful swing he brings to the plate. Plus, Ronny is a switch hitter too.
Even without Dr. Fibula, this 2023 NY Mets team really does have all the proverbial bases covered most admirably. Brett Baty could win the third base job coming out of Spring Training. He is that good people. It's obvious to predict very big things ahead for Brett this season. But even so here at third base, there is perfect depth here already with both Eduardo Escobar and Jeff McNeil who could be moved over this opening up second for maybe one of the Vientos/Mauricio kid players.
In summary, the bigger risks were eliminated this off season, and the team got way stronger and deeper with smart additions and soon rookie looks come Spring Training. Keep an open mind with these kids.
I for one am absolutely delighted. Thank you all involved in this fabulous NY Mets off season strategizing. You did us fans very proud. I cannot wait to get this season started!
Dear Mack:
Mr. Eppler told me to tell you, that when you get to Spring Training Camp next month, you and Jerry Seinpost will both be put on the "Carlos Oviedo Diet and Workout Plan" for three weeks straight. So maybe start getting ready for this now could a be a good idea?
PS And please bring your Boyer spikes and glove because you are officially the third string third baseman after Baty and Escobar. Excuses unacceptable.