Looking at the Positives for New York Mets
Added by Laura Ludlum on August 11, 2012.
With his play this season, Ruben Tejada could prove to be a better value than Jose Reyes.
Well, with all this recent losing going on, and the season seeming to come to an early end, it’s important as a Mets fan to remember what Monty Python taught us, and that is to “Always look on the bright side of life.”
So, the Mets lost two out of three to the Marlins. What can we take from that series? Well, first of all, the one game the Mets did win 6-1 snapped their nine game losing streak at Citi Field. So maybe now you will feel a little more confident in going to the ballpark and believing you could witness a victory. If you don’t feel all too confident in that still, then here is a bonus positive: Pat Lafreida just debuted a filet mignon steak sandwich at the ballpark, and it’s supposed to be unreal!
Also, I think that series made us fans all realize just how much we don’t miss Jose Reyes. I personally didn’t miss him from day one. Aside from the fact that he seemed to get injured every time he sneezed, his ego was absolutely huge. I don’t know how his head even got through the dugout door. Beyond those issues, I will tell you statistically why I do not miss Jose Reyes.
Ruben Tejada’s batting average is 33 points higher than Reyes’, and his OBP tops Reyes’ by 17. Okay, now I’ll give the point to Jose for the stolen base category, but for a 9.5 million dollar discount, there is no question that I would rather have Ruben Tejada at shortstop. (Note: I will admit that I miss the Jose…Jose Jose Jose… Joooseee… Jooooseeee song.)
I also feel confident in Tejada’s defensive abilities, and I love that I always feel like he is trying his hardest out there. Not for one second have I felt that he has gotten too comfortable or has taken any kind of shortcut. The guy simply hustles.
Even after last night’s 4-0 loss to the Braves (who by the way I really miss the 90′s rivalry with. Sometimes I want to get my tomahawk-mockery on, or scream out Laaarrrryyyyy from the top of my lungs, but it’s just not the same anymore), it’s important to focus on the positive in Matt Harvey.
Although I know some fans expected him to be the spark that lit a fire under this team, it seems that didn’t happen. While I am still hesitant to join the Harvey party, he is pitching very well for a young prospect. Okay, so he’s 1-3 with a 3.63 era, but the pitcher who was supposed to be our “ace” this season, Johan Santana, is 6-7 with an era of almost 4, not to mention he’s another one who tears a muscle when the wind blows.
But I digress, as this post is meant to bring out positive reminders. So I will end with these two things:
1. Thank God for R.A. Dickey, who has been an incredible story to follow this season, and I hope he is a serious candidate for the Cy Young award at the end of the year.
2. Technically, the Mets are still in it. Ya gotta believe!
