Clay Gregory, An Amazin' Spring So Far

 

Spring training is for hitters working on their timing at the plate and pitchers working on their repertoire for the upcoming season. The Mets are working on those things, of course, but from what it seems by watching their games, this team is competing but having a lot of fun. Last night's game against the Marlins saw players having some fun in the dugout featuring new superstar Juan Soto. The fact that Soto is already fitting so well is a testament not only to Soto but to his teammates as well.

A lot of the chatter around social media seems to be that Francisco Lindor should be named captain. I can see why, as he leads by example and puts in the work with his work ethic and how he interacts with teammates. Brandon Nimmo is the longest-tenured Met at the moment, and maybe the fact could be made that he should be the Met's first captain since David Wright. Still, in my opinion, I like that there has not been a captain chosen officially because this team holds each other accountable, and it has the feeling that many players on this team are unofficial captains.

Speaking of spring training, Kodai Senga threw a solid two innings last night and then went to the backfields to continue his work. He is a perfectionist, and the fact that he pitched two scoreless innings and was not satisfied has me believing that he is ready to put last season behind him and show the fans that last year was just a fluke. David Peterson came in after and threw three scoreless innings and continues to show that he is a new pitcher since his hip has been fixed. Although injuries have happened early this spring training, especially with Sean Manaea, the fact that Senga and Peterson look good early on is a good sign.

I remember when Mike Piazza first came to the Mets and how excited I was and I still have that feeling when it comes to this team. Pundits may say the rotation is the Met's Achilles; I do not agree with this sentiment as I think even with injuries, the rotation is better than they are given credit for. Brandon Sproat's showing out the other day showed that future arms are on the horizon for the Mets and provides reason for excitement and future rotation predictions.

1986 was a long time ago, and for a fanbase that has deserved a couple of world championships since then, it may be the year it finally happens. Yes, the Dodgers are loaded and signed almost every free agent not named Soto this offseason. The forecast predicts that the Mets and Dodgers will meet again this upcoming postseason. Until then, a season has to be played, and we are still three weeks away from spring training being over. Just like the Mets are having fun this spring training, the roller coaster called the season is right around the corner, and I cannot wait. LGM.