It’s hard to believe that a season that offered so much promise is going to conclude with a likely fourth place finish. And it’s hard to recognize what’s left of the team that trotted out so many star players in spring training and now showcases marginal prospects, career minor leaguers, and veterans hoping to hold on. Still, for fans like this writer who stand by the Mets even under the worst of circumstances, there are plenty of reasons to tune in this weekend to watch them play one last three-game series against the Phillies.
1 – Matt Harvey. The artist formerly known as the Dark Knight will take the mound one last time tonight. Despite his lack of command and secondary pitch bite, the velocity is there. Ending his lost season on a high note would be great for his confidence and give the Mets and their fans reason to be hopeful for a bounce back campaign in 2018.
2 – Jacob deGrom. Our ace will make one last start tomorrow in a bid to pad the stats of a pretty remarkable season. He can add a 16th win and add to his gaudy innings pitched and strikeouts.
3 – Noah Syndergaard. The fearsome righty is expected to make another appearance. Who wouldn’t love to see Thor take the hill and strikeout the side at Citizens Bank Park?
4 – Jeurys Familia. Our closer has looked wildly inconsistent since returning from a shoulder injury. Can we be confident in him closing out games next year?
5 – Amed Rosario – He’s got skills, speed, youth, and charm. Can he learn to lay off the bad pitches a bit to reduce strikeouts and draw a walk here and there?
6 – Dominc Smith – The bat seems to be coming around, but where’s that future gold glove we kept hearing about?
7 – Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera – Will this be the last time we see these two veterans on expiring contracts in a Mets uniform or will one or both be back next year?
8 – Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki – Is it just a September mirage or are these two really suited to handle the backstop next year and let the front office focus on upgrading at other positions?
9 – Dan Warthen, Kevin Long and the rest of the Mets coaching staff. Is this the last we see of these guys?
10 – Terry Colllins – Sunday will likely be Collins’ last game coaching the Mets. His seven-year stint at the helm will come to a close. How will the players greet him after the game and how will the announcers reflect on his time as manager?
Not sure compelling is the word I’d use. Some of it is hoping for a silver lining and some of it is trying to figure out what to do with dead weight.
You are a true fan, Matt, steadfast to the end. I’ve appreciated your hopefulness and optimism all season long.
That final game was brutal.