Ya Gotta Believe
A place for New York Mets fans made by a New York Mets fan. If you love baseball, you will love this blog.
4.17.2006
Overview: the First Two Weeks
Could you have asked for anything more in the first two weeks of the season? We're in first place and we have a five game lead over the second place team. Oh, and that team is the friggin' BRAVES! haha. I couldn't be more giddy, but we have to calm down. It's only April and you know the Amazin's....
There are so many positives I can talk about that it is overwhelming. Here we go...
-David Wright is the best baseball player to ever walk on the infield of Shea Stadium. He's batting well over .350 and his hitting to all fields. He's driving in runs however he can. His biggest improvement is his defense. His hands seem to be a lot softer when receiving the ball and his throws are much more accurate and relaxed. He is quickly developing into a very complete player.
-Xavier Nady is being an absolute hero in right field. He is hitting close to .400 and his power is surprisingly terrific. Nobody was expecting much from him with all the heavy hitters in front of him, but with the recent rash of injuries, his bat will play a huge role.
-Tom Glavine is pitching like he actually likes pitching for the Mets. With a 2-0 record and a 1.50 ERA, he looks like a vintage Glavine. Also, his 21 K's are an added bonus. He looks controlled, poised, and like he wants to be an ace again.
-Brian Bannister has emerged as Major League ready. Although his control is lacking, he is giving the Mets a chance to win every time he takes the mound. An 2.50 ERA and a 2-0 record is terrific and hopefully he can keep it up.
-Duaner Sanchez is one of the most exciting pitchers to watch. His enthusiasm and intelligence makes a tight 8th inning more comfortable to watch as a Mets fan. He has only given up 2 hits to go along with his 10 K's in 9.1 innings of work.
-Since our lineup is so good, we can forgive Anderson Hernandez for his hitting woes. He has been spectacular in the field and only adds to a stable middle infield.
With so many positives, there are some negatives that will need improving if we are to live up to "the best team in baseball" title we have been given prematurely.......
-Beltran needs to increase his RBI and HR totals. His average is something that will never be amazing, but he needs to be a 30 HR and 100 RBI guy. His recent injury is also alarming.
-Cliff Floyd needs to catch fire. He is a guy who plays hurts and plays hard so I have nothing but respect for him. He was a great mentor for Wright and I appreciate what he has done for this team. I want him to be rewarded for his sacrifices this season so I hope his injury will not hinder that.
-Victor Zambrano is a plague and should be locked underneath Shea Stadium until November. His ERA is 9.00 and he clearly cannot control his stuff. I am terrified every time he takes the mound.
-The injury bug is looming. With Beltran, Floyd, and Hernandez on the sidelines, both the lineup and defense will struggle. Let's hope nothing serious is on the horizon.
-Kaz Matsui will return soon. That's all I have to say about that.
Overall, what an exciting two weeks to be a Mets fan. When was the last time the Mets were atop the MLB power rankings on ESPN.com? The positives are greatly outweighing the negatives. Let's hope that this will not be a fluke and they can carry this energy and talent all the way to October.
2 comments
Comments:
The pitching staff looks uncharacteristically strong at this point. With the obvious production from Pedro and Tommy G, the team is setting up the bullpen to continue its respectable work thus far. Francisco-Rodriguez-esque Duaner Sanchez has impressed me and the addition of Billy Wagner, replacing the likes of Braden Looper and John "Yes, I remember the Civil War" Franco, should prove to be another one of Omar Minaya's successful big name investments. Why is Xavier Nady hitting well? Who knows, doubt that will last. But I agree with you; it's April, these are the Mets...don't get too excited. As a Red Sox fan, however, the Mets are far and away my favorite NL team to watch, combining speed, small ball, and solid work from Randolph and the rest of the bench.
# posted by 
: 9:16 AM
: 9:16 AM
So far the Mets are one of the most exciting teams to watch. But the question is will they keep it up. They havent really played any talented teams until this weekend against the Braves who absoluelty shut down the Mets offense while raking in 7 runs. Right now there's too much up in the air so i dont wanna get my hopes up but im enjoying the ride.
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# posted by : 10:24 AM
: 10:24 AM
