Ready to move on from the Phillies series? Taking 1 of 3 games works for me, and I was glad to see the Nationals’ play improve as the series progressed. Maybe we can take 2 of 3 from the Mets?
As we turn to the Mets, I have a little confession. In 2008 and 2009, I had a Mets fan in my season ticket group. In our 2008 ticket draft, Jeff the Mets fan (JTMF) selected as many Mets games as possible, and I exchanged all of his non-Mets tickets for … Mets tickets. I sold tickets to JTMF again in 2009 because he paid me on time and his money was as green as that of the Nationals fans in my group. Please don’t chase after me with pitchforks, Jeff’s a good guy.
With the goal of gaining some insight about our next opponent, I decided to check in with Jeff.
JENN-It’s a new season, which means hope for all baseball fans, including both Mets and Nationals fans. I think a lot of Nats fans are hoping to finish ahead of the Mets this year. What are Mets fans hoping for?
JTMF-A season that doesn’t leave us hating our team when it ends. In 2007 and 2008, they fell apart at the end of each season. The collapse in 2007 was low-lighted by two losses to your team at RFK. I remember looking forlorn and the end of one of the games when your mascot, the effeminate chicken, came by and mocked me. I hate that thing. Worst mascot in sports.
Last year was a disaster from start to finish. This year, I don’t have any expectations. I’m picking a .500 record and do not have any delusions of a post-season appearance, so it won’t take too much to make me happy this year.
JENN-Sometimes I think it must be tough to be a Mets fan. Being a Nationals fan is easy if you have reasonable expectations, and then enjoy happy surprises, like those games in 2007 that you mentioned. Being a Mets fan has got to be harder because I assume your expectations are higher. How do you manage to stay upbeat?
JTMF-Upbeat? I think that my team will be mediocre this year in a division that is there for the taking. Our front office is inept and failed to upgrade the rotation, leaving the team with a stud SP and four #5 guys. I wanted Jason Marquis—New Yorker, Member of the Tribe—but Omar either saw something negative or didn’t want to spend the money (at this point, you might not want him either). I’m upbeat because it’s baseball and it’s the Mets and I love them both but I’m far from upbeat about the 2010 Mets.
JENN-You might have heard that Phillies fans booed an Opening Day presentation of Ryan Zimmerman’s Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. I’m sure that Mets fans would have been classier and cheered for Ryan’s accomplishments, right?
JTMF-Saying that Mets fans are classier than Phillies fans isn’t surpassing a high standard. Mets fans would have ignored it. We know that Wright wasn’t as good a fielder as Zimmerman was last year. Our booing was directed in-house on Opening Day as the fans booed the trainers, holding them partly accountable for last season’s parade of injuries.
JENN-What will be the key to the Mets success or failure in this week’s series with the Nationals?
JTMF-That’s simple: Mets pitching. Your lineup is excellent. Johan will pitch well on Sunday, but as Gary Cohen, the best TV play-by-play announcer anywhere, said “there’s no complement to Johan Santana.” Pelfrey pitches on Friday, he had a lousy spring and he can implode at any time. Oliver Perez pitches on Saturday, he had a lousy spring too, and Omar Minaya hasn’t agreed with my suggestion to option him to Siberia. The best news is that Jose Reyes returns on Saturday. One of the most exciting players in the game and he hasn’t played since May.
Thanks for inviting me over.
JENN-Thanks for talking with me and good luck this season, except when you play the Nationals, of course.
Original Story:
http://wevegotheart.com/2010/04/08/sc...
