Every season, fans can look back and think of a plethora of words/phrases to describe a season. In recent years, it could be inferred that the best word to describe the Mets has been “disappointing” or even “failure,” but looking ahead to 2015, that word will be “exciting.” Why? The Mets have some new/returning stars predicted to be in the lineup this season, all of whom will be exciting to watch. But most importantly, the word has already been coined for the Mets by their star pitcher Matt Harvey in his most recent press conference.
Heading into 2015, the Mets will have new players such as Michael Cuddyer and Noah Syndergaard joining their ballclub, as well as Harvey, Bobby Parnell, and David Wright all returning from an injury plagued season. Of course, there is no telling whether or not these players will perform to their full potential throughout the season; but either way, it will be exciting to watch these players play their hearts out in a Mets uniform while competing for a pennant. According to the predictions on fangraphs.com, both Wright and Cuddyer should hit around 20 home runs in 2015 with mid .200 batting averages, and Harvey should have a winning percentage above .500 and 10+ wins. Syndergaard and Parnell will probably be joining the ballclub later in the season, but even they are predicted to do well in 2015, being that Syndergaard is one of the top prospects in the game and Parnell has electric stuff for a closer.
A few days ago, Harvey spoke to reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and he did not hold back from showing how excited he is for the upcoming season. In fact, within his 20-minute interview with reporters, he mentioned the word “exciting” and “excited” exactly 21 times. This, of course, is coming from a man who has had his share of problems with the media due to how open/talkative he can be, but he did have a point when saying it. Harvey is going to be the premier star in New York sports this baseball season, so there is no reason he should not be excited for it. Also, he has the potential to be one of the top three pitchers in the National League, and possibly the best pitcher in the NL East (and yes…that does mean he is better than Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals).
Choosing a word to describe a season that has yet to occur can be difficult, but when it comes to the Mets in 2015, it is clear that the word will be “exciting.” Although it may sound crazy, the PECOTA rankings, which have the Mets finishing in second place in the National League East, may not be too far off. The Mets may not make the postseason in 2015 (unless they acquire a premier shortstop), but there is doubt that in this upcoming season, the Mets will be the most exciting team in all of Major League Baseball.
“but looking ahead to 2015, that word will be “exciting.”
90% of all ML teams are looking ahead to the coming season every year in February and saying it will be exciting. I want to look back in November after a season and say “dang that was exciting” for once.
“the Mets will be the most exciting team in all of Major League Baseball”
Dan, please. Dont tell that to Cubs, White Sox, Pads, Dodgers, Cards, Nats….oh nevermind. The list is too long.
I think the Mets will be newsworthy nationwide.
While we eagerly await 10 more wins show up and talk of the playoffs before a single pitch has been thrown, I think it would be interesting to see what the competition for 2 NL wildcard teams will look like. Meaning what teams will the Mets need to beat. I’m prepared to start with what appear to be locks at this point, and likely division winners:
Dodgers, Cards, Nats. Ok, sure, who knows, but I’d be willing to bet these three teams will be in the playoffs even if not division winners. Who does that leave for the final 2 spots?
Giants. It’s an odd year, so all the suddenly they suck. Don’t count on it.
Padres. I think the wholly revamped team can reach 88-89 wins.
Pirates. Legit contenders for the the division. They have the best OF in the mlb.
Reds. Votto, Frazier, BP, Cueto, Chapman, Byrd
Marlins. Sorry folks, the moves made in South Beach look legit to me.
Mets. I see us improving, almost entirely hinged on the starting rotation.
I still see the. Mets on the outside looking in, and hold Alderson accountable for failing to build a legit contender while we have the rotation blooming. I mean seriously, we are still looking at no answer to short that is mlb-proven in 3 years. It’s time to reason the question from 2 years age: what outfield? Aside from the defense of Lagares, the gloves are suspect and there is no sure lock on a 36 yo Cuddyer and the Jeckyll and Hyde production of Grandy. I think this is a team improving, but sadly, I see another experimental year testing youth to see if they are legit, and paying a fortune for 2 aging corner outfielders. Our promise is linked completely to a starting rotation keeping the runs against numbers as minuscule as possible.
Chris reminds me of the ’69 Mets minus Hodges. The team has depth in certain places (SP) and sorely lacks in others. Since Reyes the Mets (Alderson) is still searching for a lead off hitter after how many seasons? It’s nice to have so many quality young arms. But there is no consistent offense to balance the team. I still believe the first priority for the Mets is the payroll. How else can you justify to the fan base Tejada being your starting SS when there were and still are better options available?
+1
Mets word of the season: Potential
Potential that the young players improve further and add to their resumes.
Potential that Wright rebounds from his injury season to be close to his old self.
Potential that Granderson isn’t washed up and Cuddyer has a good season.
Potential that the team may make the playoffs.
Looking back over the last four years, I thought that the team would be further along.
Wasn’t all the penny pinching while all the principals claimed our finances were ok supposed to be so that when we had the base ready to be able to add the last couple of missing pieces?
83 we add Hernandez and 84 we add Carter and 85 Ojeda now those are difference makers that take you to the next level.
2014 we add Granderson and Colon and 2015 we add Cuddyer and Mayberry’s kid, doesn’t look like the same efforts are being made to bring home a winner.
I couldn’t agree more I am very disappointed because they have either been lying for years that finances are ok (surprise, surprise) or they don’t have the cojones to pull the trigger on a trade to bring in the missing pieces.
Personally I think it is a combination of both because there were trades out there that didn’t cost big money but would have cost prospects and they passed them by., I think Alderson is scared to death to trade any top prospects because let’s face it, it is the only thing he has to hang his hat on in over 4 years. If he blows a big trade with some he will have completely obliterated most of the good he has done.
I think barring injury the earliest you see Thor would be at the All-Star break. That is with the assumption that the Mets are still vying for a wildcard. I just would temper my joy simply because the team still has the Wilpons as owners and that is not going to change for the foreseeable future. Can you imaging how much joy there would be in Metsville if the Wilpons were gone? That would be a day to mark on your calender.As for the players I can only hope Cuddyer stays healthy enough to play in 130 games. New faces. Same owners. The word for the team is maybe. Maybe if Everything falls into place and Terry Collins can re-invent his managing skills the team has a very good opportunity to sneak into the playoffs as the last wildcard. One last thought. If the Mets cannot improve their record at home I doubt there is any chance they get in.
Hey Brian! Sorry about that! I haven’t changed my name! Can you change it to Pete? Its been a long day.
You want one word to describe a season that hasn’t been played yet? That’s a tall order. It could be a lot of things — none of us can see into the future — and those words might range from “depressing” to “exhilarating.”
The one word I’d nominate?
If.
Totally off topic.
Can anyone help me with the timing and origin of the old slogan: WAAM – we are all Mets?
Any help appreciated.