Wednesday, April 9, 2008By Mike Steffanos
I'm not happy about the Mets start, particularly with the similarities between how they lost the last 3 games and how they played last September. I'm not immune from worries that what we saw back then might be what this club really is. My makeup as a Mets fan does indeed include the requisite angst.
On the other hand, I've seen a lot of seasons go by, and learned my share of lessons along the way. One lesson that was reinforced to me last year was that a team reveals its character slowly during a 162 game season. I thought, based on the early returns, that the 2007 Mets had the same grit and determination as their 2006 processors. This proved to be false, and a lesson was re-learned. I'm not going to make the same mistake a year later and start pounding the panic button six games into the season.
Remember 2005? Five losses in a row, and some people were ready to declare the season a disaster. Yet that club turned it around and actually contended into the last month of the season.
I know there are a few fans out there who are just angry and want to see someone take a fall for what happened last year. I think the vast majority of fans, however, want to see the club start playing well and competing hard so they can forget last year.
Jose Reyes has gone 2-14 during this 3-game losing streak. David Wright has been 1-10. The Mets need those two to produce, and I believe they will.
I never thought this would be an easy year. This club has some weaknesses. Still, I don't believe the last 3 games are the blueprint for 2008. Give the season a chance.
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Comments (5)
Mike, I agree with you, it's just that rooting for this franchise for most of us has been quite the experience. I guess it happens when your a kid playing little league, or watching a ball game with your dad, you form these alliances. The emotions that you have when your rooting for your favorite team/ball player. The disappointment when you believe so much that they can, and then they don't get that timely hit or win that crucial (or at least what we deem crucial) game. Growing up in NY before the late 50's you were etiher a Bum, a Yank, or a Giant. Now your either a Yank or a Met. When the Mets won or went to the postseason there was a special feeling of I told you so when so many doubted. I remember watching games at Shea or on WORTV channel 9, and seeing Seaver, Koos, Matlack, Milner, Kranepool, McGraw & others and taking it to the heart when the lost. In the lean years I remember my friends who were Yankee fans rubbing it in as the storied Yankees won or grabbed back page headlines about "The Boss" or Martin, while the Mets were hardly mentioned. When the "resurection" came in the Mid-80's all was right in Metsville, then came the "worst team money could buy". Then Bobby V's boys put the team back on the map again, then another lull. Now Omar's crew has pumped us up and I think we are due at least a consistent winner. For the money that they have shelled out, and the way tickets, merchandise, and concessions have skyrocketed, yes I do expect more out of my ball club. I am all the way in Atlanta, and have to deal with this Braves crap, so in order to get my Met fix, I ordered MLB the past 3 seasons, $150.00 each season for that alone. We Metsies have had more of our fair share of disappointments (not to mention last years debacle) so if I am edgey it's with good reason. Too many "wait til next year" for me. All I want is consistancey at a winning level, a Chanmpionship or two and to shut the lousey Phils and Braves up!
Posted by L.J.Phipps | April 9, 2008 2:30 PM
I hear you LJ. I have the same heritage, the same feelings from too many disappointing seasons. I just think it's crazy to give up on this one 6 games in.
Posted by Mike Steffanos | April 9, 2008 2:55 PM
I haven't given up I just have trouble getting started!Winning a few series would really help alot. Beating Philly would make me rejoice and give me new life.I don't think that's too much to ask for.
Posted by REV AL | April 9, 2008 5:02 PM
That prayer was answered. Now maybe they can take the series and really make us rejoice.
Posted by Mike Steffanos | April 10, 2008 1:33 PM
L.J., I hope you had to work today because it wasn't good. Actually quite typical. This team doesn't hit when they have an ace out there. If you follow them like you say; you're nodding in agreement as you read this. it's tough when you guys read some of my comments because they do seem so negitive. Listening to the pregame and postgame comments piss me off more than anything. Our manager said, damn, I'm really trying not to bash him Mike but he has it coming after his quote that when Alou returns,Pagan sits. What if it's the all-star break, Alou still isn't quite ready and Pagan is batting 350? You know just as I do that he'd be benched. He needs to go and I mean now!! Bottom line L.J., I like your comments. You've been a Met fan as long as I have. Until that man is gone, it's going to be tough to watch these guys because finally we have the guys to root for but no operator to run the machine.
Posted by william daggett | April 12, 2008 5:56 PM