“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” ― Carl Reiner
Looks like we’ve got a helluva blizzard heading our way. I saw a couple of flurries when I went out to grab some coffee and a bagel this morning, and I’m hearing we’ll get anywhere between 8-12 inches by this time tomorrow. So hunker down and let’s talk some Mets!
We picked up a hundred or so new readers on our comment threads over the last couple of days and I just want to welcome you to MMO. I hope you’ll stick around for a while and enjoy what we do. We’re an independent site driven by die-hard Mets fans who are also very accomplished writers, unlike me who is definitely not. However, I’m proud to say that I recently passed a few courses I took in creative writing and I hope it helps me to produce some better content from me personally. A hat tip to Uncle Sam for picking up the tuition as part of my veteran benefits.
I don’t know about you, but I am in great spirits when I consider the Mets. The last three January’s have had me frustrated and pissed off (Thanks Fred and Jeff). But even though I would have taken a pass on Chris Young, I’m pretty stoked that we’re going to have a true cleanup hitter in Curtis Granderson hitting behind David Wright this season. That’s a pretty damn good 1-2 punch in my opinion.
And considering the plan was to grab a backend of the rotation starter going into the offseason, you gotta love the Bartolo Colon signing. He’s by no means an ace, but he should be a rock in the middle of the rotation in 2014 and clearly helps alleviate some of the loss of Matt Harvey. Colon could have a very solid season transitioning from the AL to the NL.
I’m wondering who you think will have a breakthrough season for us in 2014?
There’s plenty of players who could really impact the success of our season this year and I’m loving the upside with guys like Zack Wheeler, Travis d’Arnaud, Juan Lagares, Wilmer Flores, Vic Black, Jeurys Familia and Jenrry Mejia. Anyone of those players could step up and deliver huge seasons. I like our chances.
I asked some of our writers who their favorites were to breakout this season:
Xtreem – Juan Lagares. Other guys will step up like TDA and Flores, but they have the pedigree. It’s a little unfair to them, but they’re expected to have good seasons and contribute big. I think Lagares will be a top 3 defender in 2014 and the bat will really come around, so I guess he’s going to have the biggest breakthrough based on expectations.
Stephanie – Juan Lagares is positioned for a breakthrough. Though he’s all but won a Gold Glove in the outfield, his bat will make major improvements. His biggest tick was his plate discipline; which, with his work ethic, will take major steps forward this year. He had bright spots, but no consistency. This year, now that he has had a taste of major league pitching, he should be getting more acclimated to everything. And if his hitting really DOES improve as much as I hope it will… we have an All-Star on our hands
John G. – Juan Lagares given the opportunity will earn an everyday spot. I like what this kid has and I think we will be better off with him in the lineup.
Tom W. – Lagares is the full package. But I wouldn’t bet against Flores either, if he’s given the chance and retained. He could be an RBI machine for a decade.
Peter A. – Travis d’Arnaud
Ed (Rusty) – I am expecting Travis d’Arnaud to have a breakout year.
Jacob – Dillon Gee. Gee ended the year strong, winning five of his last eight decisions. I believe he his poised to have a breakout year.
TexasGusCC – Very tough. Don’t know about Lagares just yet, though he should improve. Same for TDA and Flores. Murphy or Wheeler? I say Murphy. I expect more power this season and can see a 20 HR/20 SB/170 (RBI+RS) player with solid average.
Big Mets Fan – Zack Wheeler. We know he’s good, but now we’ll get to see how he builds on his 2013 season.
Teddy – Juan Lagares, who will prove with the bat that he deserves center field for more than just his solid glove. Wilmer Flores will also show that his bat needs to play everyday either at first or second base. On the pitching side, I feel that Jenrry Mejia is the guy that will prove dominant when he is finally healthy for a full season. He’ll join our rotation of Aces 1A-1D.
Tommy – Jon Niese. I think this is the season he becomes a solid MLB #2 starter.
Joe D. – I think Lagares will improve at the plate and become a solid player for the Mets, but if and when Flores gets a chance to play everyday – watch out. This kid is 100% legit and there isn’t a scout who doesn’t love his bat. I also think Wheeler is going to be scary good this season.
