The "We-Are-Almost-To-Opening-Day-Metsie-Seemingly-Never-Ending" Spring Training Report: High Blows and.... Low Blows! Ouch!

 

While Mets utility infielder Jordany Valdespin tries to regain some feeling from the waste down thanks to a Justin Verlander fastball to the berries, David Wright is still feeling pretty good about himself after hitting that go-ahead Grand Slam in Arizona against Team Italy a couple of nights ago. 

Regardless Wright, as well as his Mets are all feeling pretty chipper; no, not because Met Killer Chipper Jones is now a retiree and will remain (sorry Mr. Cashman). The real reason is that Mr. Wright and his Mets are both representing themselves fairly well... The currently Wright-less Mets whooped the Tigers in Lakeland, FL yesterday 11-0 with contributions from the now hobbled Jordany Valdespin, as well as 4 & 2/3 scoreless innings from a solid Jon Niese. The man himself, David Wright has provided an onslaught in the World Baseball Classic thus far with, though in a small sample size, has crushed the ball batting .455 (5-11) with two of those hits going for extra bases, one of which the game-changing grand slam, not to mention he's walked 3 times and with that .455 has the highest batting average on team USA through the first three games. 

Long story short the Mets are looking pretty good. The 11-0 win on Monday was the second straight game Mets pitching has produced a shutout and oh did I forget David Wright is in seemingly Mid-Season form? Once again really small samples but .333 (4-12) through 4 games with the Mets squad and .455 (5-11) on the big stage with Team USA! Not too shabby if I do say so myself. 

All the highs aside there are a few glaring negatives here in 2013 Mets camp. Finding Johan Santana on a mound throwing anywhere (bullpen session or otherwise) is a rarity. The Mets bullpen is still a huge question mark, and the outfield could potentially consist of Lucas Duda and....... who? A currently injured Kirk? A hot swinging Byrd? A defensive magician with no bat in Den Dekker? Baxter? 

All in all things are going surprisingly well and there are positives galore in camp despite little to no 2013 expectations. GM Sandy Alderson may or may not have unrealistic hopes that the 2013 Mets can replicate the likes of a 2012 Oakland A's, but me; well I'll stick to living in the NOW and be optimistic for the THEN. Doesn't quite mean I expect success for the 2013 New York Mets. Tug said it best in 73' I guess... We coined it first people. 2013 Mets: Ya Gotta Believe! ( hehe ^_^' )

                      -  WOODY

  PS. - SORRY FOR THE LONG HIATUS!