30
2010
It’s All The Little Things That Make These Mets Legit
An article by 
Brian Costa of the Star-Ledger just posted an update to his blog about the Mets being on the field for some early batting practice at Citizen’s Bank Park. Nothing big really, every team on any given day will have a few players go out and take in some early swings before the mandatory reporting time. But I couldn’t help noticing something that Costs added at the end of his post,
It’s not unusual for the Mets to take early BP before the first game of a road series, especially if they were off the day before. But I’ve never seen so many players out this early before a game. They’ll still take regular batting practice around 90 minutes before first pitch.
Sometimes, all it takes is just one guy to reinvigorate a clubhouse and get them motivated and excited and focused on the big picture which is winning baseball games.
The change in the clubhouse started when Jeff Francoeur arrived, and it’s taken longer than I expected for everyone to start coming around, but ultimately they have and that’s what is most important.
The arrival of Ike Davis was the finishing touch on what is now a rejuvenated clubhouse that once again believes in themselves and are determined to elevate their level of play.
I know that there are still many of who continue to rein in your optimism. But believe me when I tell you that this bullpen is as good as, if not better, than the one we had in 2006 when we came sooooo close to the World Series. The depth which was sorely lacking last season is suddenly very good and probably the best in the NL East. Imagine when Murphy and Beltran do return and the bench all of a sudden becomes the best in the league? Pelfrey’s improvement is not a fluke, it’s just a year late, but it’s for real. The world did not fall apart with Jason Bay and Jeff Francoeur manning the corner outfield spots as some speculated. Citi Field is no longer the albatross so many believed it to be. The Mets can win in Citi Field and DO have a homefield advantage. Everyone who wondered if Jose Reyes would be the same upon his return, have seen the evidence with their own eyes. Reyes is back.
These things I just ran off are just a few of the reasons that lead me to believe these Mets are not a fluke. These Mets are completely legit.
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
Went to my first Mets game, a Mayors Trophy game at Shea, in '73. We beat the Yankees 8-4 and I was hooked. I marched in two Banner Day parades, and before the Grand Slam single, there was the "Hendu Can Do" grand slam - I was there. I've collected Mets memorabilia all my life and started Mets Merized Online to feed my addiction.
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Joe, it’s great to hear that the team is so serious and motivated. At the risk of throwing cold water on one part of your post, I don’t think this bench is very good now, nor will it get better unless Omar makes a move or two. I also don’t think we can count on Beltran this year AT ALL. Omar should be looking for a better centerfielder than Angel Pagan so that Pagan can be our fourth outfielder. When Murphy comes back, he should replace Matthews. We might also need an upgrade from Frankie C. Unfortunately, we seem to be stuck with Tatis and Cora and Blanco is a given so there isn’t much flexibility there. Damn, I wish the rosters were 26 players.
You know what… you’re spot on about centerfield. As an immediate improvement I’d like to see them cut GMJ and bring up F-Mart again. They already started his arbitration clock anyway so why not? But in the meantime, Minaya need to be looking for a starter and a veteran centerfielder in case Beltran never comes back.
JOE, ON WHAT BASIS WOULD ANYONE VOICE NEGATIVE CONJECTURE REGARDING BELTRAN’S RETURN? ISN’T THIS THE SAME BELTRAN WHO IGNORED MEDICAL ADVICE TO RETURN AFTER THE SD COLLISION WITH CAMMY? THE SAME CARLOS WHO CAME BACK TO A FLOUNDERING, HOPLESS CREW LATE LAST YR?
Too many clowns out there are conjecturing based upon the petty actions some peabrained players have resorted to in the past & trying to saddle Carlos with that same hogwash
Based upon sixty years of observing & interracting with human behavior and considering I believe Carlos has always behaved honorably depite being represented by scurlously duplicitous representation(Boras) I truly, in my heart believe Carlos was duped into believing he had the Club’s total blessings prior to latest cleanup proceedure. While he may not be back as ear;ly as we’d anticipated, the portaryal of this socalled delay from 6 weeks early May to 8 weeks, mid-late May is birdcage liner fodder to keep us riled up & buying ink on dead trees.
I DO BELIEVE he;ll return, regardless of date, based upon team’s current performance, his addition would be similar to getting a second cherry atop your sundae, unnecessary; but certainly not ruinous. Shuld retn be as late as 7/31 so what it’s like getting an additional ALLSTAR at the DEADLINE! NO?
People forget that April rosters need not resemble the roster at the all star break. You don’t have to play all your cards by opening day, especially with salaries. You have to figure the Mets have salary flexibility and if they remain competitive, they will use it.
Gimme a break! Reyes is back? Where, I havent seen him. The bullpen is great? Have you even seen Krod pitch? He’s worse than Looper and I wish Wagner was back. And who the hell is our setup guy???? The bench blows!
Is that sarcasm?
I may be guilty of being too optimistic at times, but geez if a 9-1 homestand cant cheer you up I dont know what will.
k? did u sleep through the last 8g?
I said it before and I’ll say it again…there’s just ain’t no pleasin’ a Mets fan LOL
Seriouly – some goof called the FAN the other day and said he has NO faith in any pitcher, including Pelfrey – yeah dude, the best numbers in the MLB would make me thing he sucks too………
It’s like some Mets fans eat rocks for dinner or something………
Geez