I’m probably in the minority but my baseball viewing time is being spent on Mets Spring Training games, rather than the WBC.

As a kid, it was my thought that the Olympics were great – whether that was Olga Korbut in ’72, the U.S. Boxing Team in ’76 or the U.S. hockey team in ’80. But I can’t recall the last time I specifically carved out time to watch the Olympics. Sure, I’ve seen an event here or there but always by accident. And there are many reasons for this but mostly it’s because of my distaste for the nationalism the event promotes. And it’s the same for the WBC.

Yeah, you can’t help but hear the stories about how it means so much for players to represent their country in the WBC. There’s no hate from me towards anyone who feels that way – it’s just not my cup of tea.

I’m just way, way more interested to see how Tylor Megill and David Peterson pitch than if Puerto Rico can beat Nicaragua or if the U.S. can win it all.

19 comments on “Wednesday catch-all thread (3/15/23)

  • Metsense

    Are the Mets going to carry a long relief pitcher? Who is going to replace the 90 innings and the 3.21 era of Trevor Williams?
    Pearson should replace Quintana in the starting rotation. He had a good season last year, was effective as a starter, has experience, has pedigree as a number one draft pick and a bonus of being left-handed in a right-handed rotation.
    On the other hand, Megill would be a good candidate to take Trevor Williams position. On shorter outings of two four innings he can crank up the velocity. He can also spot start just like Williams did. Lucchesi, Hernandez and Butto would be the depth starters on Syracuse. Megill on the major league roster would serve better for the Mets than him being on the Syracuse roster.

    • Metsense

      Peterson not “Pearson” – the site it didn’t allow me to edit

  • Brian Joura

    Justin Verlander was terrific today. It wasn’t the “A” lineup for the Cardinals but Verlander had his pitches working and generally toyed with the hitters. 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB 8 Ks.

    He threw 71 pitches. He’s likely to have two more starts in ST. He should be ready to throw 90+ on Opening Day.

  • NYM6986

    Agree on not really caring about the WBC and while I too watch some of the Olympics, I don’t have a burning desire to do so. I’d rather watch a team that I root for in whatever sport is available versus an two all-star teams playing each other. And the small countries, like the small market baseball teams, have little changed to come out on top. How did the bobsled team from the Bahamas do last time? Lol

  • Mike W

    I think it is silly when you get Matt Harvey playing for Italy. Players should play on the team from where they were born or raised, not to “honor” their family heritage.

    I try to be interested in the WBC, but I am not. At this time of the year I’d rather watch March Madness and then opening day rolls around, hooray.

    • Brian Joura

      I don’t disagree with you. But the plain fact is if Italy had to rely on people born/raised there – they wouldn’t have much hope of fielding a competitive team. If you want a field bigger than 8-10 teams, you have to make allowances like these.

  • Boomboom

    Diaz down. The Mets should pull everyone of their remaining players from this stupid tournament. 3 pitchers injured and our closer possibly out for the season because they were celebrating an ultimately meaningless victory which other teams owners and ours are paying for.

  • Brian Joura

    From ESPN:

    “Diaz was soon swarmed by teammates after the final out; the group was jumping together in the infield when Díaz collapsed to the ground near the pitcher’s mound, and he immediately reach for his right knee.

    Díaz was in tears and did not put any weight on his right leg as a coach and trainer helped him limp toward the dugout. He was then placed on a wheelchair in foul territory, his right knee extended. He saluted the fans as he was wheeled off the field.”

  • Metsense

    WBC is a bogus tournament. It detracts from the upcoming baseball season. It is fraught by the risk of injury. If they want to have a WBC then have should have it after World Series and stock the rosters with retired players, free agents and amateurs, not any players signed to a MLB contract.
    Diaz injury should have been avoided and was really foolish.

    • Boomboom

      Right knee injury. He s not going to pitch this season. Absolutely unbelievable and yet…totally believable.

  • Brian Joura

    The official comment from the Mets:

    “Edwin Diaz injured his right knee after tonight’s WBC game. He will undergo imaging tomorrow and we will update when appropriate.”

    • Boomboom

      Just a pure nightmare. Welcome to the Mets Zach Britton.

  • Mike W

    What a disaster. Jumping up and down like they won the World Series. Yikes, now what do we do.

  • Mike W

    Well, it may be time to trade Vientos for a closer.

    • JamesTOB

      Someday we will all be glad the Mets didn’t trade Vientos, esp. for a relief pitcher. We have a number of guys who could close. No need to panic.

  • T.J.

    Without knowing the actual injury, it’s hard to imagine a worse WBC outcome for the Mets. Just horrible.

    That said, the loss of Diaz does not end the season for the Mets, even in the highly competitive NL East.

    Perhaps, for once, the Mets can produce an unexpected back-end reliever/closer unexpectedly. Other teams have.

    • Mike W

      Montes De Oca was showing some life. Gaining some control with his 102 moh heat.

      • T.J.

        He’s got arm issues.

  • Denis Engel

    We’re not allowed to have nice things.

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