Hi everyone… I’m not exactly 100% back yet, but I wanted to write a few words of thanks for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I was so overwhelmed by the great outpouring I received via email, comments, texts, and even get well cards. You sure know how to make a guy feel good even when he’s feeling down in the dumps. Thank you so much!
By the time Opening Day comes around I should be back to normal with regards to my regular posting routine on MMO, but it looks like the site didn’t miss a beat while I was gone thanks to an incredible team of great people I’m privileged to write with. They really are so amazing and I want to thank all of them as well. Thanks for not burning the place down! 😉
I watched the game yesterday… It was the most fun I’ve had in seven days… Here are some thoughts…
Josh Edgin – Are you kidding me or what? Did you catch Edgin’s performance on Sunday? He has been a revelation. The kid comes to major league camp to lend a hand after Byrdak goes down, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that he’s now the best reliever the Mets have in camp this spring. He has a consistent, smooth delivery, throws hard, and isn’t afraid to come inside on hitters. Color me impressed. He’s pitched ten innings, has yet to give up a run, allowed just three hits, and has 13 strikeouts. Edgin was optioned to the minors immediately after the game, but we’ll be seeing him again… sooner than you think.
Jason Bay – Remember how we steamed and vented over Luis Castillo’s $24 million contract and Oliver Perez’s $36 million contract? It feels like Jason Bay, who makes more than both of them combined, continues to get a free pass. Or maybe not… Mike Puma of the post says bay is on a short leash – a six week long leash… It’s about freaking time. Bay looks so clueless and lost at the plate, and he’s become a shell of his former self. I don’t think he’s ever going to regain the stroke and swagger that once made him a feared slugger. It’s time to cut bait and give someone younger a chance. By the way, this platoon process should have started last August.
Mike Pelfrey – This guy’s an enigma. If anybody on this team is in desperate need of a change in scenery, it’s definitely Pelfrey. He’s not long for this team and the writing’s on the wall.
Rauch, Ramirez, Francisco – The only Met pitcher with a worse ERA this Spring than these three is Mike Pelfrey. I kid you not. This was not the start anyone was hoping to see from the three most costliest additions of the offseason. The signing that irked me the most was Rauch who got $3.5 million coming off the worst season of his career. What was up with that?
Johan Santana – Wow, he’s starting on Opening Day… Yep, he’s a warrior alright… I wonder what he has up his sleeve? Seven shutout innings against the Braves? Come on you know you’d all love that….
David Wright – I think he’s gonna be just fine. He’s taking his new leadership role pretty seriously as the longest tenured Met. A return to Pre-2009 form would not surprise me in the least.
Jon Niese – The Mets are filing for bankruptcy. A potential five-year, $30 million dollar contract extension for left-hander Jon Niese? Where did that come from? If it happens I’ll be happy. Basically all they’re really doing is buying out his arbitration years, but the psychological effect that things are getting better in Flushing could be huge. This is a win-win, and by the way, I’ve always been high on Niese. 2012 could be his coming out party and I’m expecting a big step up for him.
That’s all for now, but make sure you check out our MMO 2012 Mets Annual – Good Stuff!
