If for nothing else, if for absolutely nothing else, Matthew Edward Harvey makes 2013 a year worth watching in New York Mets baseball. Ever since he was drafted seventh overall by the Amazin’s in the 2010 draft, we have patiently anticipated this time to come. We have anxiously awaited his name to move from the top of the prospect rankings to the top of the Mets rotation. We had a nine-start taste of the future; but now, in 2013, we will lay witness to the present; Matt Harvey.
It’s not just the pure talent of the right-hander,–which alone would still be very exciting–but his maturity, his mental toughness and above all his competitive nature and self-motivation. Harvey was furious with himself last week when he went 2 2/3 inning allowing just a lone run on two hits, and vowed he would do better; and that he did. As many of you know by now, Harvey dominated, and I mean dominated the Miami Marlins (or what’s left of them) over 4 1/3 innings no-hit innings and punching out a quintet on just 48 pitches, 35 for strikes.
Of course these are just two Spring Training starts, but their two outings that are a microcosm for just the type of athlete, the type of competitor that this future–soon to be present–star is. Someone that isn’t satisfied with “okay” or “good enough” and won’t satisfy until superlatives such as “best”, “greatest” and above all “champion” apply. He leads a pack of young talents entering this organization that want to win and will not accept anything less; a breath of fresh air from the passive groups who have called Citi Field their home in recent years.
Harvey is simply an exciting player to watch. If he isn’t dominating, he’s battling. It is one thing to have a top-flight young pitcher breaking into the big leagues, but to have one with so many intangibles is something that will not only bring fans to the park and excite a fanbase, but inspire other players to bring their game to the next level. Whether Harvey is tossing up goose eggs or throwing batting practice, he is always fired up and making those around him fired up and ready to fight. Success is contagious, but even more so is a positive attitude.
There is plenty to be excited about with these 2013 Mets, but easily number one on my list will be getting to see Harvey in Flushing as an every day big-league starting pitcher.
https://youtu.be/GHEUsGhUtgg
