Wild Card or Bust
Daniel Murphy could make a huge difference if he takes a step in the right direction. (PHOTO BY ICON SMI)
BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR
On a day that some consider to be the biggest of the year in professional sports, I find myself thinking endlessly about the Mets. Surprising right? I started to evaluate the team that it looks like will be on the field when we get going, and it looks like it will be a tough hill to climb.
But for some reason, I am strangely confident. One thing is for sure. The Mets weren’t as active in the off season as we might have thought that they were going to be. Sure they brought in Jason Bay to fill the void in left field, but there are several other questions that remain unanswered about their future. What’s going on in the bullpen, first base, catcher and the rotation?
The Mets need guys to step up.
I think it’s safe to say that the Phillies are the best team in the Division, but I don’t see any reason why the Mets can’t compete for the wild card. It isn’t Bay that’s going to make the ultimate difference, but it’s the complimentary players who are going to need to step up and provide some spark.
It all begins with Daniel Murphy. I think the Mets are selling him short. First of all, he has never gotten the chance to see extended time against left handed pitching, and we know he is capable of hitting the baseball. He did an adequate job in the field, but his bat is what is going to keep him in the lineup. If he fails, we get to see the Fernando Tatis circus go on tour again, and that is when the spiral of losing commences.
The bullpen consists of a couple of interesting options. What does Kelvim Escobar have left? What about Igarashi? Will he be able to harnass his control, or will he fit right in with the other problem children that the Mets have on this pitching staff?
What about the rotation? Who is the number five starter? Will John Smoltz be brought in, or do we have to watch Nelson Figueroa every fifth day? Sure, I loved his story just as much as the next guy, but the Mets need a guy who can win. Figueroa is nothing more than average. He’s what you call a AAAA pitcher. He’s too good for the minors, but he’s not good enough to be counted on in the majors.
Are their unanswered questions? You bet, but the beauty of it all is that anything could happen. Just ask the 2007 Red Sox.
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Mike, I agree that Murphy needs to step up. This should be his breakout year. In spring training Jerry should give him the chance to hit against left handed Pitching, I think now that he is comforable at First Base, he will raise his average against lefties. He has gained 7 Lbs ,more muscle and less fat. He should double his HRs to 24 this year with the extra power. Some that were doubles last year will go out. No platoon please with Tatis. If our pitchers return to form of 2008 we should have a good team.Neive or Neise could be 5th starters. Lastly the pen has to be able to take some innings and finish the game. LETS GO METS
I think Niese should start at AAA. Let Figueroa, Fogg and Nieve battle it out as 5th Starter to begin season. Bring up Niese at break. The Mets are trying to sign Mike Jacobs to a Minor League deal. With Ike looming and Jacob possibly in the picture Murphys going to be on a short leash.