The Mets have never appeared in three straight postseasons, but according to Terry Collins, there is a first time for everything.
“We can do some amazing things,’’ Collins told Kevin Kernan of the NY Post. “Last year we showed so much character. Two years ago everything went our way. Last year we had to make it go our way. We’ve got some big pieces. You’ve got to say we’re a playoff team again. I want us to grasp those expectations that are in front of us, and run with them.’’
“I think this could be our most exciting year,’’ Collins said. “I just hope we don’t lose guys for three months. I told Dan [Warthen] the other day, wouldn’t it be exciting to see the guys go out and make 30 starts? We have the potential to have a Cy Young winner on this staff.’’ He continued, “Matt looks in great shape. His ability is still off the charts. He just lost his feel for both sides of the plate last year.’’
He compared the Mets to the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs (still getting used to typing that) saying, “The Cubs showed the value of athleticism. With Jose backing up that infield, you can give anybody a day off and not miss a beat, that’s important.’’
When most people around the league, even Mets fans, say the Mets can be contenders, they always add ‘if they can stay healthy’ at the end of their sentence. Collins knows this, saying, “The injury stuff was a huge subject but I am going to try to take that away early. Everybody’s healthy, let’s talk about being healthy. We are going to move on. Let’s figure out how to stay healthy.’’
The Mets haven’t added any new players, but will hopefully be getting more production out of players like Lucas Duda, David Wright, Neil Walker, Matt Harvey, and others that missed a lot of time last year due to injury. They might also get increased production out of Michael Conforto, Travis d’Arnaud, and Jay Bruce, as well as benefit from a full season from Jose Reyes.
Terry Collins expects amazing things out of this team, and I do too. I am more excited about this team than any of the previous seasons, and let me tell you, that says a lot considering I am one of the most optimistic Mets fans you’ll meet. In my opinion, the Mets are one strong reliever away from being a team with no huge holes. If they sign Sergio Romo or Jerry Blevins, look out.
