Apr
6
2011

Mets Must Channel Their Early Energy And Passion

An article by Jim Mancari

Energy and passion.

While these two attributes have been lacking from New York Mets baseball for the past few years, the team has shown a year’s worth in just four games.

After the ugly Opening Day loss, the team has responded in a big way. That first game was the type of loss that can bury a team right out of the gate, but the Mets found a way to win the next three, albeit in peculiar fashion on Saturday.

What’s more special is that they started on the road in two stadiums where they are known to struggle: Sun Life Stadium in Miami and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The Mets didn’t win their first road series last year until mid June when they swept the Baltimore Orioles.

If the Mets can win just one of the next two games (preferably both but they have a better shot tonight against Joe Blanton than tomorrow against Roy Halladay), this first road trip would be everything a Mets fan could ask for.

The team has been stealing bases, taking the extra base on hits and hitting well with runners in scoring position. For example, during last night’s six-run rally in the top of the third inning, the Mets didn’t even have an extra base hit. They instead put together six singles (two by starting pitcher Chris Young which set a news Mets record) and two walks.

The Mets have had success against Cole Hamels, and it was great to see them knock him out early. The hype in Philadelphia may be all about the “four aces” this season, but until they each pitch like an ace, they’re just a regular staff.

Jose Reyes, Angel Pagan and David Wright all seem rejuvenated so far. They must continue to lead by example and create things for the middle of the order.

Though Carlos Beltran is off to a slow start, the players around him are picking up the slack. You have to remember, he played just three games in spring training, so he’s still getting a feel for right field and at the plate.

Terry Collins could possibly consider moving Beltran down in the order to take some of the pressure off him. Ike Davis is off to a hot start and can hit fourth, so Beltran can slide into the fifth or sixth hole (when Jason Bay returns).

While the Mets have only played four games, all of a sudden some of the doubters this season have begun opening their eyes. They may still believe the Mets are destined for a fourth or even fifth-place finish, but they must agree that this energetic play has surprised them.

The diehards, myself included, knew this team could play like this all along. In fact, since the Mets roster may not rival that of the Phillies or Braves, this is the way the Mets will have to play each night to put up wins.

The team seems to be buying into Terry Collins’ philosophy as well.

“One game at a time.”

The New Jersey Devils used this phrase as their motto the last two months as they made a playoff push after a terrible start to their NHL season. While the Devils will come up short of the playoffs, they went on a streak unmatched by any team this year and have now set the bar high for next year.

The Mets can learn something from the Devils: A late season streak is useless if your team is already too far out of contention.

The goal for the Mets will be to take “one game at a time,” and see where it takes them.

Win or lose, all I know is Mets baseball is exciting once again.

Follow me on Twitter @JMMancari.

About the Author: Jim Mancari

Jim Mancari hails from Massapequa, N.Y. He recently earned a Master's degree in Journalism at Hofstra University. He is a devout Mets fan and takes pride in his team, despite their lack of success over the last few years. Like all Mets fans, Jim has plenty of hope. He also writes as the sports reporter for the Brooklyn Tablet newspaper and the senior editor of metroBASEBALL Magazine. Click my name to view my personal website.

5 Comments + Add Comment

t agee April 6, 2011 at 10:13 am

I have really enjoyed watching this team play so far this year. I like that so far you see everyone getting on the field. That is so important for this team not to have any drags on it. Get and keep everyone involved upbeat and positive. At many times in the last two decades their has been a lethargic vibe around the team. I am of the very strong belief that it is caused by having unhappy players on the roster. Players who never play, Play everyday and take their starting spot for granted because the back up(s) is someone you want to avoid putting on the field at all costs or someone who’s just here on their last contract. Keeping everyone on their toes and everyone involved helps a team develop a team first mentality. Another thing that has not always been on display around here.
JerseyGuy276 April 6, 2011 at 10:22 am

One game at a time. Seems like all my favorite teams are taking their season that way. I’m good with it.
Metsie April 6, 2011 at 10:27 am

The main difference between last year and this year so far is that Wright is hitting and not slumping.
And while Beltran may not be lighting it up you have to give him some credit for that as he is protecting Wright much better than Bay did last season.

If this team stays healthy anything can happen, but that health is hanging by a thread!
scottydoesn'tknow April 6, 2011 at 11:47 am

Four Horsemen My ASS!!!

I think this 2011 Mets team is going to shock a lot of people. Now I am not going to get carried away and start saving money for World Series Tickets, but this team is definitely more than capable of competing with the rest of the division, and last night showed just that. Big Sticks and Cy Young pitchers don’t always equal wins. Something must be said for the team that grinds it out, runs hard, does the fundamentals perfect every time and plays the game right.

As for the Phillies, they looked awful. Rollins has no range, the outfield is slow and has no arms, heck Ibanez was clueless thinking he had Francouer’s arm out there in left field. Ryan Howard did everyone in the NL east a favor by tinkering with his swing in the offseason, the loss of Werth and the injury to Utley seems to be ever-more devastating for there club. There bullpen is a average, but a healthy/unhealthy Lidge always leaves a door open. All they have is there starting rotation, and unless they all start pitching complete games, I think the Mets can eventually get to the Phillies pitching staff.

I’m not making any predictions for the Mets, but if they continue to play like they have these first 4 games, over the rest of the season, we will be in a good place come October.

Let’s Go Mets!!!
LongLivePiazza April 6, 2011 at 12:23 pm

It’s great to see these guys playing with this chemistry! Collins’ energy and passion for the game is being spread through these guys. So far, this ‘new start’ has been better than advertised. I would like to see Bay’s injury handled somewhat more cautious than normal because we need him to be the Bay of ’09, and he can’t be that guy if he’s battling nagging injuries. As Metsie said, Wright hitting is huge for our lineup. Bullpen has been impressive as well (minus Frankie speed bump).

On a separate note, I don’t know if anyone noticed but Keith and the boys in the booth seemed to be doubting Beltran’s abilities in right saying that the interference call was (paraphrasing) ‘Possibly due to his reputation.’ Anyone else get that feeling? I personally think the move to right was best for us, and showed Beltran’s commitment to the team and winning.

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