The Mets sent a press release out yesterday about the Dave Matthews Band shows just announced for Citi Field, on July 16 and 17. Sure, this is significant for you DMB fans (tickets go on sale February 26), but the problem is, it also might be the most significant event at Citi Field this season. Because by mid-July, it’s quite possible the Mets could be out of the playoff race.
It’s easy to be skeptical after the debacle of 2009, and I know many of you probably want to throw rocks at me for being so negative, but I just don’t see any real improvement beyond adding Jason Bay to the roster. Gary Matthews, Jr.? Henry Blanco? Kelvim Escobar? Um, okay. And a guy the Mets have coveted, Ben Sheets, just signed with Oakland.
To make matters worse, I saw the complete MLB schedule that was printed in yesterday’s USA Today. Aside from three games against Washington in early April, the rest of the first month of the season features games against potential contenders–including games against every 2009 playoff team: Los Angeles, St. Louis, Colorado and Philly. Of course, interleague play does the Mets no favors when they have to face the World Champion Yankees twice, but they also drew Detroit and Minnesota this time around, the two teams who battled it out for the AL Central title last season. And one more thing….the second half of September has the Mets facing Atlanta, Florida, Philly and Milwaukee.
Can we take a rain check on this season? The Wilpons, Minayas and baseball gods sure are not making it easy on us, are they? Well, at least we can go check out the Dave Matthews Band right after the all-star break.
