The stage is set. The New York Mets will be taking on the San Francisco Giants in a win or go home Wild Card game, tonight at 8:09 PM. This is Yoenis Cespedes‘ time to shine.
Cespedes came back to the Mets this season in hopes of returning to a World Series. That opportunity is within reach to yet again as the team punched their way into the postseason for consecutive years for only the second time in franchise history. This Wild Card game means everything to the Mets slugger.
“It means a lot for me, it means a lot for any ballplayer,” Cespedes said through a translator. These are the fruits of our labor to be out here after everything that we have done and everything we have practiced and worked for so I know we are going to go out on that field Wednesday night and give absolutely everything we have for that one game.’’ (NY Post)
It was another great season for Yo, who hit to a .280/.354/.580 batting line to go along with 31 homers and 86 RBI. He yet again carried the offense at numerous points in the season, showing that 2015 was no fluke.
Cespedes ended the season in a bit of a funk, going 5-for-30. He was reportedly so upset with his play that he opted not to celebrate with his team after they clinched the right to play in the Wild Card game. He though advised he was saving all celebration until the Mets defeated the Giants and moved on to the NLDS. He is focused and ready to go.
“I think whatever happened in the past, is the past, I’ve already forgotten about it,’’ Cespedes said. “Mentally and physically I’m ready for Wednesday night.”
“The season is very long. And we all end up playing through some injury and some pain, not just me, every ballplayer. I think these couple of days helped everyone out, myself included.’’
The Mets would not be in the playoffs without Cespedes, he is the heart of this offense. One of a few players in the game who can legit carry a team on his back to victory. Going up against a tough pitcher like Madison Bumgarner, Cespedes could be the true difference in if the team succeeds against San Francisco.
Maybe to add to his luck as well, Cespedes has reportedly joined Jose Reyes, Asdrubal Cabrera and Jerry Blevins, dying his hair and becoming part of the blonde bombers.
