Welcome to the first addition of my State of The Union Address, where I'll give you my thoughts on the previous week of games played by the Amazin's.
I'll break this bad boy up into three categories—The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly—and players, games, or post-game quotes (see: Wagner, Billy) will fall under one of these three categories. I'll write about the week's games from Sunday to Saturday, so tonight's game against the Yankees will be included in next week's column.
I'll also respond to any comments I've gotten on my articles for the week, as well as give my overall impression of the team's direction and what I'd like to see more of as a die-hard fan.
Without further adieu, let's get this party started with the first-ever State Of The Union Address.
The Good
Even though my first two articles ripped the boys from Queens and their management, I really do love this team, and will be the first to write about the great things they do.
Friday's team meeting and Saturday's subsequent win over the Yankees.
The team held a 35-minute, closed-door meeting Friday, and I'm sure I could have devoted an entire column to what was said (obviously a sarcastic take). Whatever was said, though, it certainly looks like it cleared the air.
The Mets came out on Saturday with the emotion and fire that fans have been begging for since last September, and it immediately paid dividends with a 7-4 victory over the Yanks. The bench was alive, players were pumping their fists, and the team erupted when Wagner got the final out of the ninth inning. You could almost hear their collective sigh of relief through your television.
This team needed a win like this in the worst way. Hustle, emotion, timely hitting, good pitching, and solid bullpen work—we were once again reminded of the tremendous things this team can do, and hopefully this was a win that can carry them for a long stretch of good baseball.
Granted, the Yanks are in last place and missing A-Rod and Posada, but a win is a win.
Santana's as good as advertised.
The thought of Hank Steinbrenner sitting in his owner's box, seething as he watched Santana beat his team after he easily could have traded for him this winter, has made my week.
No. 57 wasn't at his best on Saturday, surrendering three homers—but he settled down nicely and kept his team in the game. The thing that has made me the happiest is the fact that this man is not even close to being in midseason form.
Santana is known as a pitcher who picks it up in the second half. I can see how he's gotten that reputation now that I watch him pitch every fifth day. He misses up in the zone frequently with his off-speed stuff—if you notice, the home runs he has given up have been mostly on off-speed pitches that he's missed with up in the strike zone.
These sort of things tell me he's not quite in mid-season form yet. And he's still 5-2 with a 3.30 ERA, and could make a case for being 7-1. When this guy really hits his stride, watch out.
Back-end of the rotation has great week.
2 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Dan Siegel about 1 year ago
Good one, Andrew.
I disagree about Sosa, however. A guy who has never been consistent over the course of his career is not a viable piece on what is supposed to be a championship team. The Mets do not need any more "projects."
The Mets need someone with passion, but who can also keep themselves under control to be their manager. Willie has the control, but not the passion. I think Piniella is too out of control. Bobby V. was a little too quirky and eventually got negative. You're on the right track with Carter. The members of the 80s teams have a good idea of what goes on on and off the field :).
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Eric Brenner about 1 year ago
I love how the Mets came out this weekend. It was easily two of their best games all year, if not their best games all around. BUt the true test will be how they hadle the Braves this week. Theres been too much on and off with this team. They need consistency. Hopefully this weekend was a spark and I'll be the first to admit I didnt see them winning two this weekend.
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