Opening Day 2008

Happy Opening Day!!  It's finally here! I will be the first to admit, last night I was not ready for Opening Night.  Other things (ahem, WM 24) consumed my evening.  But today I am ready.  The Mets should be ready.  Johan should be more than ready.  I'll be in and out throughout the day, but I hope to recap some more later this evening.  

Enjoy the day everyone!!  Let's Go Mets!

Ready for 2008

I apologize for being so scarce.  Later this week I will update you on the career side of my life, but for now the focus is on Spring Training.  I had intended on taking an adventure to Port St. Lucie this year, but things did not go as planned.  Needless to say, SNY is filling my craving for baseball. I'm chomping at the bit though and ready for the real '08 season to begin.

As April is fast approaching, there's a few things to discuss.  The Johan Santana phase has begun in Queens.  It's exciting I know.  I'm swept up in it too.  I actually am obsessed with Johan's Malta Regional commercial.  Please check it out if you haven't seen it yet.  I also bought my Santana shirt already.  I got caught up in the craziness, as we all did. But, let's not all get delusional.  Johan Santana is not the wonder drug. He is not the answer to all Mets woes.  He is a miracle, but not the punched ticket to the World Series.

The Mets are already being plagued by injuries.  Luis Castillo is still on crutches; Moises Alou is going to spontaneously combust at any second; El Duque has 15 bunions; Carlos Beltran has bad legs; etc, etc.  The Mets are a bit exposed in the outfield.  Will Angel Pagan continue to lead the majors? Uhh, no.  So there's reason for concern.

Is Carlos Delgado ever going to "return to form?"  In my opinion...no.  I know he's been a hurting unit, but have you tuned into a game lately?! He just looks downright silly at the plate. I can't turn on a major league fastball, but Carlos Delgado is just getting schooled.  I don't want him to be done, but I just can't wholeheartedly believe there's much left in the big guy's tank.

Will the real Mike Pelfrey please stand up?  I want to cheer for Big Pelf. He's got an endless amount of potential, but we can not put pressure on him.  I want to believe he has grown and matured since last year, but as much as I want to see him succeed in the big leagues, he can't withstand another 0-7 start.  Can he consistently find ways to minimize a big inning and maintain confidence in his stuff?  I sure hope so.  I like Pelf, but I don't want the Mets to be blinded by another good Spring.  I honestly think he should start in New Orleans and we'll see how it goes from there.

And last but not least, my friends in the bullpen.  I wish Billy Wagner would shut his trap.  It never ends with him.  I will not put any stock in Duaner Sanchez.  Anything I get from him is a bonus...as long as it's good.  The bullpen is mediocre at best.  Matt Wise is not the key to a WS my friends.  Joe Smith is not ready for NY yet.  Scott Schoeneweis is merely an afterthought to me.

Are the Mets the team to beat in '08?  I don't know if I would be as bold as Mr.Beltran.  The Mets are going to have some tough competition this year.  I am looking forward to a few things this season.  I'm anxious to see John Maine continue his development.  He has shown so much promise as a Met and is such a likable guy.  I'm rooting for John Maine in '08 and I think he'll be a joy to watch.  I want Jose to continue being Jose.  I don't want him to lose his enthusiasm for the game in his quest to be serious.  I want him to steal less bases and continue to be our spark.  September was so depressing watching Jose.  I don't ever want to see that again.  I want David to just continue to be himself.  He has turned out to be such a gift to Mets fans and I expect him to be an even better ballplayer in 2008.  

This coming week, I plan on getting back on track.  I apologize again for the lack of posts, but as the season gears up, expect more.  Next week, I'll breakdown the 2008 rotation in depth, talk about the left side of our infield, and fill everyone in on my summer plans.  Meaningful baseball, please come quick!

New York State of Mind

There are very few weeks that can trump one such as this one for those who are diehard NY sports fans.  For Mets fans, Christmas came late for those of us holding our breath throughout the off season.  As the contract negotiations came down to the wire with Santana & the Mets, I decided to wait until this deal was totally official to comment on a franchise-altering trade.  I don't care what any has to say about the prospects the Mets dealt to Minnesota, but hands down the Mets stole Johan from the Twin Cities.  I wish our former prospects the best of luck, but by retaining Martinez & Pelfrey, this trade was a no-brainer.  Does Johan deserve the contract he received?  Well in all honestly, salaries in baseball have become ludicrous.  At the same time, why shouldn't he get what the market dictates.  Does Johan deserve more than Barry Zito?  In my mind thee is no argument there.

I cannot get enough clicks on the Mets 40-man roster, which now include Johan Santana #57 as a New York Met.  As much as this seemed like wishful thinking, it is hard to wrap my brain around the concept of #57 on MY team; OUR team.  Omar & the Wilpons had to make this move to keep the fan base alive; talk about reenergize your fan base.  This is the perfect medicine.  Was I excited to buy tickets before Friday?  Not so much...but that catchy email stating "Johan's coming...when are you?" officially sucked me in.  We are a fortunate bunch now Mets fans.  We get to sit back and watch 2 young stars in the game alongside the best pitcher in the game for a good chunk of years.  Not too mention, open a brand new ballpark in 2009 with quite the lofty roster.  I'm officially excited for 2008.  Don't forget to tune in and watch the official presser on Wednesday.  More about Johan later this week...

What else could signify the start of baseball season but the end of football season.  Not just any end of football season, but the New York Football Giants stopping the perfect season.  As someone rooting for the Giants, I questioned if the Giants could overcome this Patriots team. But they did and where this game will rank all-time will be decided once the reality sets in.  The Giants played one helluva game.  Does it make this win bigger considering now New England can sit at 18-1? Of course it does.  Has Eli Manning earned respect in this town?  Has he ever! This kid was as poised as ever in this game.  A stellar performance by the Giants. Period.  Possibly as great a Super Bowl as I have ever watched.  

It's hard to believe but it's time to celebrate New York!!  Enjoy every second of this championship!  In about a week our attention will move south to the Florida fields and the first sights of summer.  And one can only hope this is not the only celebration New York will see in 2008.