A New Hope
I don’t apologize for my faults. They are what they are and I am who I am because of them. When I started watching baseball, I was living in Queens and like many of my fellow Queens natives, the New York Mets represented my town so I supported them. I proudly root for the Mets even though I’ve seen more heartbreak than victory, more defeat than triumph, and more blunders than not. I’ve seen great prospects (like Paul Wilson) flame out and I’ve seen former greats (like Mo Vaughn) contribute nothing. For years, people say the Mets have always been that team where careers go to die. And for the most part, its been true. Every so often though, there are a few guys that come up through the farm system and give the fans of this organization hope. Once upon a time it was Seaver and Koosman and Jones and Agee. Then it was Darryl and Dwight and Ron and Keith, Jesse and good old Gary. At some point, the Mets got away from what made them great – cultivating the young guys and building through the farm system with youth. Sure, we’ve seen flashes of it. When Reyes and Wright were together manning the infield, the Mets didn’t keep building, rather they chose to bring in established stars, either in their prime or just past it. Mets fans are grateful for what the Carlos’ did but it just wasn’t enough. Plus Adam Wainwright’s curveball was untouchable that postseason. Now we have a new group of young players coming up through the farm system that are giving Mets fans hope. Just like Seaver. Just like Dwight. Just like Wright.
Bobby Valentine recently said that Matt Harvey is the best pitcher to ever wear a Mets uniform. While I am a fan and I think highly of young Harvey, its too early to say something like that. He’s only had 13 major league starts and while he’s been very successful, a lot of guys who had early success flamed out. Harvey (3-0 .82ERA, .54WHIP, 25K) is only the first of several minor leaguers who will have an impact on the Mets in the future. Zach Wheeler, the prized prospect in the Carlos Beltran trade, is a guy scouts are saying is going to be better than Harvey is. Its still early to say and as of right now, he’s 0-1 in two AAA starts with a 3.12ERA. He’s projected to be an ace and if the Mets can build a starting rotation with the proven guys they already have (Niese and Gee) and guys like Jeurys Familia and Jennry Mejia, Sandy Alderson’s plan might become a reality.
If the future of the pitching staff isn’t hopeful enough, there are position players like Travis d’Arnaud (who came in the RA Dickey trade), Wilmer Flores, Juan Lagares and Zach Lutz who should have an impact in the majors. While I am hopeful for the future of the team, I’m also realistic. The outfield prospects aren’t exactly blue chip guys, they have a lot of potential. Its taken some time but fans are smart and they can see the road that the front office has laid out. Personally, I think the organization is on the right track and the only thing that stands in their way, ironically, is the Wilpons and the ownership…but thats a story for another time.
