A Look Inside Mets First Week in 2009

With one week in the books, we got some glimpses of what this team is made of. Some good things, some not so.

Let’s start with Jose Reyes who hasn’t really gotten started yet. Reyes has it on third gear right now, and will at anytime shred it up to sixth gear in a blink of an eye.

What we saw from Daniel Murphy is a good indication of what we’re going to get from him all year. He’s going to be great in the two hole. He take pitches, he’s super discipline, and will hit for a high average. He’s doing his job by getting on base and is the team leader in runs scored with seven. We also saw some shoddy plays in the outfield and to his credit some nice ones. In learning a new position, expect more of the same all year but his bat will more than make up any lapses on the field.

Our two favorite Carlos’ have come out guns blazing with Delgado racking up eight ribbies already. I’m banking on another torrid season from Delgado. Beltran too, look out for him to put up MVP numbers.

David Wright, while decent so far with a .304 average, hasn’t been the beast that he is, yet.

With the Sheffield light under his ass, Ryan Church has been one of the biggest surprises. But when you look at what he did prior concussions last year, it really shouldn’t surprise anyone. Church is batting close to .500 with eleven hits, six of them doubles, and team leader in total bases in this early season.

Being a little negatively biased about our catching situation, I’ll try to stay objective on this one. Even though he had one big hit in the first series, Brian Schneider is only batting .200. Ramon Castro, hit-less in seven at bats. That’s all we’ll say about that.

The resurrected Luis Castillo, is it too early to call him that? Probably, but I think fans are going to be cheering this year more than jeering. After Manuel told him to be more aggressive, he busted out with a four for four game after starting off the year rather quiet.

Which reminds me of an interested point cousin Pauly brought up this weekend. If Castillo is hitting and getting on base, why not bat him second and move everyone down in the line-up. Hmmm, great point.

Let’s break it down. Reyes leads off, followed by Castillo who takes a ton of pitches and gets on base a lot. Then Murphy who takes a ton of pitches and gets on base a lot. By now the next three guys have seen a ton of pitches and probably have an idea of what to expect. Can you imagine the RBI boost potential for Beltran, Delgado and Wright with extra men on base?

Of course Castillo producing is key, but why not give it a shot if he is producing? It’s almost a waste having him batting eighth sandwiched in between two automatic outs if he is producing.

Johan Santana is giving what we expected. All I have to say is the Mets better start scoring some runs for this man soon or he is going to lose some years on his life. I’ll give Murphy the free pass on yesterdays game since he did win us a game.

Keep the tums handy for Perez, as he’s going to provide more heart aches. I will be witnessing his next start and getting my Citi initiation off on Wednesday.

John Maine showed promise. Mike Pelfrey crapped early but showed resilience. Livan Hernandez a beauty and no automatic out at the plate.

Frankie Rodriguez and J. J. Putz will bring security for fans in the late innings not seen in years. K-Rod was a little shaky in his second save opportunity but nevertheless he’s two-for-two and looks nasty out there.

Gary Sheffield has not factored in to anything yet, but word on the street is that he’s starting on Wednesday. That will be fun, maybe he’ll blast his 500th!

At the end of the day, Mets already lost games they should’ve won. Time to turn it up. Games in April count.

Citi time. Let’s go Mets…