Michael Baron began
photographing baseball games in high school, which eventually hooking up with Mathew Cerrone, head honcho of the 4th
largest sports blogs in the country, www.metsblog.com.
Afternoon Michael, and
first of all, Happy Birthday. I know you’re thrilled to be at spring training,
but I’m sure you’d rather be with the family tonight.
Let’s talk Mets…
1. Well, I can't speak for you, but I'm
thrilled the Bourn mess has come to an end. In your opinion, was $48-60mil
worth it for someone who bat left, is over 30, and everyone just didn't seem to
sign off on off under normal circumstances?
Absolutely, Mack - I'm happy to at least be
moving on from the discussion.
Was it worth it? If they could have retained
the draft pick, yes. The Mets do not have any outfielders on the horizon, nor
do they have any catalyst for the top of the order at the top of the farm
system either. Bourn would have helped bridged that gap, despite his
shortcomings. Is he the perfect player? Absolutely not. But he would have
filled a need for the next four years and something the Mets simply can't expect
to produce over that time. And, he would have filled a hole they will likely
need to address next winter as well.
2. Michael, you spent a lot of time last year
photographing and analyzing the great pitching rotation that the Brooklyn
Cyclones had. Was there any one particular starter you liked better than the
others, and why?
I actually didn't have an opportunity to watch
Brooklyn last year, but I did get to see St. Lucie on several occasions. One
pitcher who stood out to me was LHP Jack Leathersich. He's small, but very deceptive and is a
strikeout machine. He could be someone worth watching as the season progresses.
3. There have been a bunch of nice guys
that are no longer in the Mets clubhouse. We all know how important team
chemistry is both on and off the field. I know’s it’s early in camp, but are
you getting the feeling that this team is pumped?
Yes I do, of course being pumped and executing
are two separate things. I like how everyone seems to get along. Terry has
created a very open and energetic environment, and it's fun to be around them
and associate with them, as both someone who covers them and as a fan of the
team.
4. You, Matt, and the guys over at
MetsBlog have quite the success on your hands. Everybody likes to take shots at
you, but, by the end of the day, you have quite the success on your hands. Any
advice out there for a young blogger just starting out trying to make a name
for herself (himself)?
Find a unique niche, and press on, even if success
is hard to find at times. Most of all, have fun, stay passionate and dedicate
yourself to your niche and unique angle.
5. Lastly Michael (and thanks for your
time), tell us five things that are going to surprise us by the end of the
season?
That's a tough question, because I think there
are a lot of moving parts with the Mets. But, ill give it a shot:
1) Wilmer Flores will emerge as a second baseman, even if he
doesn't make it to the major leagues this year.
2) Reese Havens and Zach Lutz will stay healthy.
3) Matt den Dekker will be a starting outfielder before too long.
4) The bullpen is going to be an
under-appreciated component of the team.
5) The Mets will win the subway series in 2913.
3 comments:
I realized it was a typo, but I laughed at "The Mets will win the Subway Series in 2913".
I've been enjoying these Q&A's Mack. Good stuff.
Me too Mack...thanks for going out and getting these guys to answer questions. I have always loved MM's. keep it up.
Justin, I'm not sure it was a typo
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