Sunday morning...1am. Can't sleep because I'm like a 6 year old kid waiting for the guy in the red suit...or more like the 23 year old waiting for the blue and orange. In the morning, I'll pack up my little crap car & make the 5 hour drive to the city/New Jersey. And when I wake up Monday morning, it will be time to open the presents.
I've been a Mets fan as long as my memory serves me, yet have lived a bit too far north of Queens to frequent Shea. When the Expos still existed, that was how I got my Mets fix. Otherwise it was strictly the days of Channel 9, MSG, and Fox Sports NY to get me through. Finally, I made it to Shea in 2001, and not again until last August. Last summer I was fortunate enough to be at the comeback game vs. the Cardinals...a mere miracle considering I planned the trip 3 months before. Monday I'll witness what I've seen for so many years through a 20-inch screen...Opening Day. If I could find the words to describe my excitement, here is where they would be.
Beyond that I'll be in town to catch the rest of the series against the Phillies. It should be a fabulous (yet frigid) week in the city. I've been practicing my boo-birds for Mr. Rollins. I've packed 16 layers for the week & a pair of winter boots. I'm ready for what will more than likely being my one and only opening day at Shea...even if there is some snow on the ground. Christmas in April...that's what I said.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Straight from the Gate
I know, I know. Willie says this is just the beginning...just like any other game. But the truth of the matter is...it's not (at least not for the fans.) The first game, the first series; this was the first impression & you don't get a second chance at a first impression. The Mets needed to hammer the Cardinals. They needed to come out of the gate strong & make a statement...
The Mets we saw in the first 3 games of a young season looked like they didn't miss a step from last year. This team is as determined to succeed, if not more. Their defense was rock-solid and the bats have been dusted off from the sunny days in South Florida. It was almost as if with every hit, every pitch, every DP, this team was saying, "we deserved it & we'll have it this time." Statement has been sent, first-class mail.
Mets pitching is toying with early season brillance right now. Of course, no one can jump to conclusions until Perez takes the mound & Pelfrey gets his turn in a couple weeks. It is going to be incredible to watch Glavine notch his 300th with this squad and El Duque will be a stopper for us, even if he does turn 74 while doing so. John Maine can be the dark horse of this squad. As the #3 man he's expected to be a fairly solid pitcher, but I've always believed he is the deciding factor of the state of this rotation. He is the middle man who can change the face of the rotation. If Maine has an outstanding year, the rotation is no longer "Glavine, Hernandez & the young guys." Maine has to set the tone for Perez and Pelfrey...and turn heads with the potential of this rotation.
Yes, I know this is only 3 games. There are 159 to go...but these guys look like they mean business. Now the Mets must show this is more than just revenge juice, and take their punches to Atlanta and Philly over the coming week.
The Mets we saw in the first 3 games of a young season looked like they didn't miss a step from last year. This team is as determined to succeed, if not more. Their defense was rock-solid and the bats have been dusted off from the sunny days in South Florida. It was almost as if with every hit, every pitch, every DP, this team was saying, "we deserved it & we'll have it this time." Statement has been sent, first-class mail.
Mets pitching is toying with early season brillance right now. Of course, no one can jump to conclusions until Perez takes the mound & Pelfrey gets his turn in a couple weeks. It is going to be incredible to watch Glavine notch his 300th with this squad and El Duque will be a stopper for us, even if he does turn 74 while doing so. John Maine can be the dark horse of this squad. As the #3 man he's expected to be a fairly solid pitcher, but I've always believed he is the deciding factor of the state of this rotation. He is the middle man who can change the face of the rotation. If Maine has an outstanding year, the rotation is no longer "Glavine, Hernandez & the young guys." Maine has to set the tone for Perez and Pelfrey...and turn heads with the potential of this rotation.
Yes, I know this is only 3 games. There are 159 to go...but these guys look like they mean business. Now the Mets must show this is more than just revenge juice, and take their punches to Atlanta and Philly over the coming week.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Let the Games Begin...
Opening Night 2007. When we lived through the infamous called third strike that brought an abrupt end to the 2006 season...it seemed as though it would be impossible to survive until April 2007. Now here we are on the cusp of a brand new season, with that October night at Shea still so fresh on our minds. It seems like just yesterday "the bad guys" celebrated on our turf. Starting the new season in St. Louis is nothing more than a double-edged sword. It seems only fitting that we begin right where we ended; to be given a chance to right the ship; send a new message to Redbird nation. And yet, a bit gut-wrenching to watch the Cardinals raise their banner; a reminder of what 2006 could have been....
So many questions surround the 07 Mets squad; questions that can only be answered by tossing the first pitch. I sit here in anticipation of what this season may bring...yet it's bittersweet to officially see 2006 become "last year." I do not doubt that these Mets will bring us new memories to make 2007 stand out...but to top last year; there are some faces that need to stand out as well. High hopes rest on the shoulders of our young arms, while more of the same is anticipated of our veterans. And prayers are being said from Mets fans coast to coast that this year does not become another "they fell just short."
It's hard not to get ahead of ourselves...this is just the beginning of a very long season; a marathon of sorts. We may see some adversity along the way; so fans better have the endurance to make it to the end. Although many of us can't be in St. Louis, it's time to throw some hot dogs on the grill & cozy up on the couch. 2006 is behind us; Spring Training records are wiped clean; Preseason predictions mean nothing. Summer for a baseball fan has officially begun...so let the games begin.
So many questions surround the 07 Mets squad; questions that can only be answered by tossing the first pitch. I sit here in anticipation of what this season may bring...yet it's bittersweet to officially see 2006 become "last year." I do not doubt that these Mets will bring us new memories to make 2007 stand out...but to top last year; there are some faces that need to stand out as well. High hopes rest on the shoulders of our young arms, while more of the same is anticipated of our veterans. And prayers are being said from Mets fans coast to coast that this year does not become another "they fell just short."
It's hard not to get ahead of ourselves...this is just the beginning of a very long season; a marathon of sorts. We may see some adversity along the way; so fans better have the endurance to make it to the end. Although many of us can't be in St. Louis, it's time to throw some hot dogs on the grill & cozy up on the couch. 2006 is behind us; Spring Training records are wiped clean; Preseason predictions mean nothing. Summer for a baseball fan has officially begun...so let the games begin.
A Quick Little Intro
Hi everyone...to those reading, most of you will probably fall upon this as Mets Fans. The past few months I've read many different blogs & enjoying seeing other people's opinions and views of the Mets and baseball in general. I've been a fan of the Blue and Orange for as long as I can remember, as it was my grandfather who planted the seed. My days may only date back to the late 80s of this organization...but I've seen enough to see the peaks and valleys of these Mets over the course of time. Although I can't get out there & hit balls out of the park, baseball is easily my biggest passion. Hopefully as a fellow fan you'll enjoy the blog. Feel free to comment & have some friendly banter. I'm going to try to keep my blog updated frequently with Mets news, as well as other things around the major leagues. Enjoy kids...and here's to a fabulous 2007 season.
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