As the 2017 season begins to creep closer and closer to becoming a reality, the predictions will begin to roll in as far as to where our favorite team may find itself come October.
Former Major League pitcher and current SNY broadcaster, Ron Darling, gave his thoughts on what may become of the Mets this upcoming season as he spoke with Bob Klapisch of NorthJersey.com.
“I can see them in the post-season, that much I can project. But it’s difficult once you get there; that’s just baseball,” Darling said.
“Think of how much easier it’s been for the Patriots to get to the Super Bowl than for a great major league team to get to the Series. There’s no comparison between football and baseball in that regard. The Patriots won their division and it’s made their lives a lot easier.”
There is no question in just how undpredictable the postseason can be once you get there. It though is encouraging for Darling to project this Metropolitan team to reach the playoffs for the third consecutive year for the first time in franchise history.
Klapisch went on to question Darling on why he may be so optimistic in his outlook for the 2017 club, considering all the injuries they had to deal with this past season to so many of their key players.
“Syndergaard is building on a season that already puts him among the top five pitchers in the National League. DeGrom is at a compensatory place, this is his time to shine and get paid for what he deserves as a pitcher of his talent,” Darling said.
“Harvey is getting the opportunity to get back in the game, not just with the Mets, but to be the kind of pitcher he was in the past. And as for Matz, he has something to prove this year, making people forget his injuries. He wants to show he’s capable of making 30 starts.”
We see a theme building here from all of those who predict how the Mets may fare in 2017. It will all come down to the pitching. This staff has the ability to carry the kings of queens all the way to a World Series championship, if healthy. It is all a matter of being able to put it all together at once, something we have yet to see.
Darling gives his thoughts on many other topics in the interview with Klapisch, including his thoughts on Matt Harvey‘s ability to return to dominance, becoming a member of the media, Lenny Dykstra and more. Check it out at the link above for some interesting insight from the Met great.
