Last season I ventured up to New York to catch a Mets-Giants game at brand new Citi Field in beautiful Flushing, Queens. Always one to brag about my devotion to collecting baseball stadiums, I fired off a text to my friend LD to let her know I would be seeing her favorite team play in their new park. As luck would have it, 2 things happened that day: 1) She also happened to be at the game and 2) The Mets staged a valiant comeback only to lose in extra innings. Oh, and David Wright got clunked on the noggin by Matt Cain. All in all, the game was a nice summary of the Mets not-so-nice 2009 season: injuries, near-misses, and agony all set in a bright new ballpark. It was a rough year for Mets fans and I appreciate LD's willingness to give us a brief commentary on the State of the Mets. Enjoy!
--TQ
Despite the hype of a new $850-million stadium, the New York Mets finished last season winning a mere 70 games and going yard only 95 times, leaving them fourth in the National League East and fans wanting more. Granted, the inaugural season was not without its milestones, among them Gary Sheffield knocking out his 500th homerun. But visiting teams saw arguably more success in the stadium than the home boys did: New York Yankee Mariano Rivera recorded his 500th career save, becoming only the second relief pitcher to do so, and the Philadelphia Phillies’ Eric Bruntlett recorded a game-ending unassisted triple play, only the second in Major League history.
So, where does that leave the Mets this spring?
For starters, the Mets will have to exterminate the injury bug plaguing the clubhouse. It seems there is still speculation on whether shortstop Jose Reyes will be on the field for Opening Day after he was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid condition during spring training. Without his offensive drive, the lineup will be hurting. Centerfielder Carlos Beltran has come up big several times for the team since his acquisition, but his health has been on again, off again as well. A knee injury will keep him off the field in the beginning of 2010.
Offensively, the Mets need thirdbaseman David Wright to step up to the plate – literally – and get back to his old self, as well as bring his consistently solid defensive skills. Newcomer Jason Bay, an outfielder, is also expected to be a strong offensive contributor.
Starting pitchers may also present some issues. Johan Santana has established himself as a solid bet, but after him, reliability dwindles. John Maine and lefty Oliver Perez are recovering from injuries, and though Mike Pelfrey and Maine have come through for the team before, neither have secured the votes of confidence the Mets need.
Let’s hope the team gives Mets fans something more to cheer for this season than the Yankees to lose.
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