An MMO Fan Shot by Laura (Mookie4ever)
Matt Harvey was asked recently about an extension deal with the Mets, and he said he would not shy away from it, and would consider it if the Mets offered. While not exactly a ringing declaration of lifetime Methood like other teammates have given, it seemed like a step in the right direction, at least.
Certainly, it was the polar opposite of what we all have been led to believe. Immediately, media and fans alike downplayed it as him just saying the right words or what we want to hear. The reaction went something like; 1 – Everyone knows Boras clients never sign extensions, they always go straight to free agency; 2 – We know greedy Harvey wants to get every last million he can, and 3 – He grew up a Yankees fan and he wants to be a Yankee.
Well, I submit a radical opposing viewpoint. What if not all of those assumptions are true? Suppose the “foregone conclusion” can still be changed, suppose if Harvey felt as happy with the Mets as Cespedes apparently does, what could the future hold? If we could do one thing to influence his future decision-making, it would be this: how about actually treating him as a Met, whose players we love, root for and wish good health and great careers?
It’s time to cut Matt Harvey a break. He worked incredibly hard to come back as good as ever from Tommy John. He had a beast of a season in 2015, pitched way beyond his doctor-recommended innings FOR THE GOOD OF HIS TEAM, and proved he is a dominant force in the game. He shows the extreme competitive drive and confidence of a true ace. He also has the huge ego and sense of infallibility that has to come with that. Make no mistake, Harvey is the real deal, a once-in-a-generation-pitcher, and Mets fans should know how to recognize that more than most, seeing as we’ve had two already.
So he got scared about his future at one point, can’t blame him for that. Mets don’t exactly have the best track record with pitchers’ health although that could be changing. Harvey erased any doubt about his desire to pitch and help his team win when he overruled Boras down the stretch. You could see during the clubhouse celebrations how much his team’s success meant to him; he was so emotional and spoke with such pride about how they got there together:
And he handled the aftermath of WS Game 5 professionally, no temper tantrums, no hiding from the press, no finger-pointing. What more could we possibly ask of him?
Remember, he is just 26 years old, a millennial who is mature beyond his years, but still a millennial. I don’t know about anyone else, but I certainly don’t think my 26-year-old son could handle this turbulent year in the public eye as well as he has. Most millennials are still figuring out how to make it to work on time, which, come to think of it, Matt had a bit of trouble with as well.
On the personal side, Harvey ruffles feathers with his outspokenness and high profile. I’ve never quite gotten why. He has a big personality to match his talent; seems to be a perfect fit for NY. Big deal, Matt runs around town dating models and making TV appearances. He’s young and having fun in the best city in the world for that. A lot of NY athletes have made much poorer choices than playing a raunchy game with Andy Cohen and Connie Chung! I thought it was fun to see Matt’s less intense, somewhat goofy side, as well as his obvious attachment to his family.
I believe he’s poised to take a run at 20 wins and the Cy Young this year as he and his fellow horsemen try to lead the Mets back to the World Series. We Mets fans need to stop assuming we know exactly what his future plans are, and stop the nasty “use him up and trade him” talk. It’s just hurtful and creates bad vibes.
Instead, we need to root for him, cheer him on, and embrace him the way only NY Mets fans can. They are going to need ALL their young studs for as long as possible to try and take it all. You never know, we just might be surprised how a ring and a chance for more can change the way things are “supposed” to go down. Above all, let’s just enjoy this very special time with these amazing young pitchers, Matt Harvey included.
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This MMO Fan Shot was written by MMO reader Laura (Mookie4ever). Have something you want to say about the Mets? Share your opinions with over 30,000 Met fans who read this site daily. Send your Fan Shot to [email protected]. Or ask us about becoming a regular contributor.
