Good morning everyone, hope you all had yourselves a great weekend. This offseason has dragged on for what seems like forever, but it finally comes to a merciful end in four days when pitchers and catchers report to Mets camp on Thursday.
As far as key additions and subtractions go, you know the deal, we’re essentially replacing Eric Young Jr. and Chris Young with Michael Cuddyer and John Mayberry Jr. But as Sandy Alderson has often said this Winter, having a healthy David Wright and Matt Harvey is like signing two top free agent stars.
One American League executive predicted to reporter Mike Puma of the NY Post that the success of Mets in 2015 will come down to their offense and not their pitching.
“I don’t see why they can’t be a playoff contender,” he said. “I would think the Mets and Marlins would be very competitive teams going into September as potential wild-card teams. I could see the Mets at 84 or 85 wins for sure.”
Manager Terry Collins believes he has all the guns he needs to go to war.
“I’ve done nothing for the last four years but preach to our fan base to be patient, and I’ve been trying to be patient. Well, I think we’ve got the pieces. It’s time to step up.”
The players are all saying the right things especially Harvey who everyone seems to be rallying around. The Mets’ undisputed ace has become the heart and soul of the team with a fiery confidence that hearkens back to the days of Tug McGraw.
On Saturday, Harvey told the Daily News he wants a World Series ring and he believes the Mets have a chance to get it done with the current group of guys.
“I think it’s very realistic. I think we’re looking forward to it and we’re gonna do everything we can. We’re excited just as much as the fans are. We want to bring a championship to New York.”
After a decade of mild-mannered, soft spoken leadership, Harvey has taken the reins of this team and seems to relish and appreciate his role as the new driving force of the Mets.
And more than that, Bob Raissman of the Daily News may not be too far off the mark when he said Harvey is on his way to becoming one of the few crossover, and potentially transcendent, personalities the Mets have ever produced.
