It’s Opening Day, and what could be better?
There’s a little extra kick in your step this morning and getting out of bed wasn’t the drag it usually is… You woke up smiling as the little voices in your head said, It’s Opening Day, baby!”
The Mets and you are tangled in a deep, long-term love affair… And every year at this time your palms get a little sweaty, your heart is racing, and you find yourself constantly checking the time as we get closer and closer to the first pitch and the sounds of leather popping and the crack of the bat. It has all the feel and excitement of a first date and in many ways it is. For most of us the Mets represent the longest relationship we’ve ever had in our lives. We’re never gonna divorce them, we’re never gonna leave them. Face it, this is true love.
This Opening Day in particular feels extra special compared to years past. I’ve completely bought into the plan and I’m emotionally invested in this team and all the players.
Like any other MLB team, the Mets begin the new season with some questions and are far from perfect, but you just know that this year is going to be different. This year is going to be special. I’m not saying we’re gonna win 108 games and bulldoze through the league and the division. But I believe we have an 86 win team with a chance at 90 wins if things break right, and after the last six seasons I’ll take it!
I’m excited to see Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom pitch together for the first time ever and form one of the most lethal 1-2 punches in the league. I’m looking forward to seeing Juan Lagares develop into the rising star I always believed he’d be. I’m dying to see Jenrry Mejia do that thing he does after closing out a game, and watching Lucas Duda launching baseballs over the wall and chugging around the bases.
We have a great team! I love the blend of young emerging talent and the proven veterans. Suddenly we went from having one player with post season experience in David Wright, to having Granderson, Cuddyer, Mayberry, Colon, Blevins and Torres, all with postseason experience, and don’t underestimate the importance of that.
And what about Steven Matz, Noah Syndergaard, Akeel Morris, Matt Reynolds, Kevin Plawecki and all that other great talent on the way? This team is finally built for success and we have the minor league pipeline to sustain it.
For once I actually agree with manager Terry Collins who said, “We have high expectations. This is the year. It’s time to win. We’ve got a good team. We’ve got a great clubhouse. We’re going to compete.”
Yes, we still have some questions, but who doesn’t? The important thing is we have the elite pitching and once you have that the rest is just small potatoes. Great pitching always beats great hitting. Great pitching wins championships.
It’s Opening Day! So don’t be afraid to Dream a little, and it’s okay to Believe for a day… That’s what it’s all about.
It’s Opening Day, and what could be better.
