29
2011
Opening Day Just Days Away
An article by Former Writers
This weekend, I ventured down to Port St. Lucie to catch two late-March Spring Training games. It’s been a routine trip I make each year, typically toward the end of March, that way I can catch as close to the Opening Day lineup as possible.
The Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 16-3, Thursday, March 24, behind home runs from Angel Pagan, Matt den Dekker, David Wright, Brad Emaus and Josh Thole.
Thole blasted a shot to right field and over the fence at Digital Domain Park — and yes, it probably would have been gone at Citi Field, too.
Then, on Saturday, March 26, I saw the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves, 8-2, behind a solid start from Mike Pelfrey (5 2/3 innings, two earned runs, seven hits and finishing with a 5.63 ERA this spring). Also, Brad Emaus doubled and scored a run.
Throughout the spring, I’ve heard Emaus’ playing style compared to Dan Uggla. Essentially, that means he’s more offensive-minded and an average defensive player. Basically, from what I saw this weekend, I don’t see why the 25-year-old Emaus won’t get the nod to start the season at second base. Sure, anything can happen over the course of the season, but I think the best bet for the team is to have Emaus at second and let Daniel Murphy play that “super utility” role.
And I know it’s only Spring Training, but it was pretty cool to see the Mets win two games while I was down there watching. That all plays in to the mentality I have as the season is about to begin: There’s no pressure for the Mets. Most — if not all — of the pressure is on the Phillies. If the Mets can play, and, as David Wright says, have “swagger,” perhaps they can surprise some people.
Only time will tell, though, right?
In the meantime, who do you think the starting second baseman should be?
About the Author: Former Writers
8 Comments + Add Comment
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For someone who has never shown any swagger, I find it funny that David Wright even mentioned the word.
The swagger may have been MIA the last 2 years, but NEVER is wrong, or have you only been watching or remember last year?
Devin:
I wouldn’t say David Wright has never shown swagger. He may not always be the most dramatic and show it, but there’s no doubt he’s crucial to this team and a lot of the players look up to him. I also think a new manager can instill a sense of “swagger” into Wright and the other players, too.
Well I disagree that Collins will give them swagger.
If you know Collins’ history he has always been the hard working underdog! Not the Swaggering pirate who was always confident of his abilities.
Davey Johnson had that, Collins has always been the guy who knew he wasn’t great but had to work hard for everything he got.
And the truth is that is more what this team needs right now if you ask me.
There’s never anything wrong with working hard for everything you want! And, to your point, Metsie, I can agree with that. I’m a fan of the hard-working underdog… so whatever gets the job done, I’m on board.
Collins is the right choice from everything I have seen so far.
He has a sense of urgency about him and does seem to be the type to constantly prove himself.
The team needs that right now!
If they do that then the Swagger will follow the wins!
I am so looking forward to opening day.
I don’t have any delusions of grandeur, but I think we are going to surprise a lot of people and that we are going to battle from beginning to end. Lets Go Mets!!!
Collins is high energy as is Jose who brings that to ball park when he is healthy and I believe that Jose knows that in the past there were times when he did not put out as much as he knew he should of. Maybe the injuries, Manuel and his “meditation” approach to managing that I am glad is gone along with Collins intensity will help Jose return to being the lead off sparkplug that he can be so that he re-signs with Mets.
With no expectations from the media only put downs, Mets with a healthy lineup and return of Santana in Aug will compete and I, being the eternal Mets optimist, see at least a run for Wild Card.
The fact that we have some proven depth in minors, Gee and Misch and possibly Mejia, makes me confident that if Young or Capuano slack off we can call up a pitcher that has pitched with some success in majors.