It’s almost
73 years since I was at the Polo Grounds when Bobby Thomson hit “the shot heard
round the world”. One of the most disappointing
days of my young life. Today the improbable happened and the Mets have made the
playoffs.
Back on
December 13, 2023 I made my way too early predictions on the 2024 season. I said we would make the playoffs and contend
with the Braves for the title. I thought the Braves would suffer significant injuries
with underperforming pitching. I did not
see the Phillies running away from the pack.
I predicated
that Lindor would have a MVP caliber year and he has. His home run in the first
game was one of the most clutch hits I’ve seen in my 62 years of following this
team. I claimed that the revamped pitching staff would keep us competitive in
most games and the return of Diaz would solidify the bullpen.
I was way
off base with Alonso and he did not come close to meeting my expectations although
I was close with his BA .242 vs .240 actual. I expected major contributions
from the “baby Mets” and that did not happen. Mauricio got hurt and Baty did
not perform. And it’s only recently that Alvarez looks like the baby bull that
he is.
I suggested
that the Mets manager would be a candidate to be named Manager of the Year. Carlos
Mendoza probably won’t win the award, but he should be under serious
consideration. Nearly everyone thought this would be a transition year and the
team would be fortunate to break even. I thought they would win more than 89
wins.
I did not
believe the Mets will be able to sign Alonso because of his extravagant demands
and should focus instead their attention on bringing either Soto or Guerrero on
board for ’25. I saw McNeil returning next year as a super-utility player. My opinion here has not changed.
I wondered
where Acuna would fit on this team next year. Looks as though that question has
been answered.
Subsequently, in my March 15th post, I reiterated that the Mets are playoff bound with the return of Diaz worth at least 6-8 additional wins over 2023. I liked the selection of Mendoza as manager and the stability to the front office with the Stearns hire.
I thought that the Senga injury would turn out to be a
blessing in disguise and Megill would have a chance to shine. No one could have
predicted that Senga would miss the entire season.
I did not
anticipate that we would sign JD Martinez and demote Vientos to the minors. I
always thought the JD signing was short sighted but fortunately Vientos was
recalled to have a solid season.
It would be
pretty cool if we can move on to the next playoff level.
Ray
October 1,
2024