
MONTAUK COLUMNS Return Engagement? by Joe Pietaro Mets Hoping to Find Themselves Back in the Postseason Picture A two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning of a 1-1 game was the difference between representing the National League in the 2006 World Series and going home. Two teams pitted against one another in Game 7 at Shea Stadium last fall. The St. Louis Cardinals and the heavily-favored New York Mets. When catcher Yadier Molina put one over the left field wall off Mets’ reliever Aaron Heilman, it was a huge blow in more ways than one. All along, the Mets and their fans could not admit that the Cards could oust them. But at that moment, it seemed possible. Even when the Mets threatened in the bottom of the ninth, the result was the same. Many teams reach a certain plateau and then disappoint the following season. That is not the case with this team. The Mets have played outstanding baseball once the bell rang (and the exhibition schedule came to a conclusion). They have held a slim lead over the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies over the first two and a half months of the regular season, and have survived the injury bug due to a depth of replacements on the bench and in the minor leagues. Going into spring training, the thought was that the starting pitching was going to be the biggest concern. With Pedro Martinez having shoulder surgery and out until at least the All-Star break and Tom Glavine and Orlando ‘El Duque’ Hernandez both in their twilight years, the Mets were crossing their fingers that youngsters John Maine and Oliver Perez could duplicate what they did in the playoffs. All have pitched well so far, along with reclamation project Jorge Sosa, who won six of his first seven decisions since being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans. “Going into spring training, the number one priority was starting pitching,” said Gary Cohen, the Mets play-by-play announcer for SNY. “But it’s been far better than anyone had expected.” Martinez, who is the ace of the staff when healthy, has made strides rehabbing down in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He commented on his return to reporters, “I wish I could get back tomorrow. But the doctors will determine when I’m ready to go. I’m taking my time to be ready.” With the expected return of Martinez, the Mets look to have a formidable starting rotation. Their bullpen is also deep, with middle men Heilman, rookie sidearmer Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Guillermo Mota bridging the gap to closer Billy Wagner. Pitching and defense wins. And the Mets cover both ends of that formula. David Wright has improved at third base and Carlos Delgado is more than sufficient at first, especially digging out short-hopped throws. Up the middle, Jose Reyes and Jose Valentin are strong. The outfield defense is perhaps the weakest link on this team. Centerfielder Carlos Beltran can cover a lot of ground and needs to with veterans Moises Alou and Shawn Green having lost a step. Catcher Paul Lo Duca brings veteran leadership and a fire to the field. The bench is a little thin, with injuries to Alou, Green and Valentin exposing it somewhat. Damion Easley is versatile and took over for Valentin fairly well. Endy Chavez can play all three outfield positions, but has had his own difficulties staying on the field. The ageless Julio Franco is usually the main pinch hitter in the late innings. A well-rounded club, the Mets should be the favorite in the senior circuit come October. General manager Omar Minaya always has dealing on his mind and should be able to strengthen the outfield depth with a trade before the deadline in July. After the disappointment last year, nothing short of a World Series appearance will do. (Joe Pietaro is the Editor-in-Chief of “New York Sportscene” magazine.)
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MONTAUK COLUMNS

Return Engagement?
by Joe Pietaro

Mets Hoping to Find Themselves Back in the Postseason Picture

A two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning of a 1-1 game was the difference between representing the National League in the 2006 World Series and going home. Two teams pitted against one another in Game 7 at Shea Stadium last fall. The St. Louis Cardinals and the heavily-favored New York Mets.

When catcher Yadier Molina put one over the left field wall off Mets’ reliever Aaron Heilman, it was a huge blow in more ways than one. All along, the Mets and their fans could not admit that the Cards could oust them. But at that moment, it seemed possible. Even when the Mets threatened in the bottom of the ninth, the result was the same.
Many teams reach a certain plateau and then disappoint the following season. That is not the case with this team. The Mets have played outstanding baseball once the bell rang (and the exhibition schedule came to a conclusion). They have held a slim lead over the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies over the first two and a half months of the regular season, and have survived the injury bug due to a depth of replacements on the bench and in the minor leagues.

Going into spring training, the thought was that the starting pitching was going to be the biggest concern. With Pedro Martinez having shoulder surgery and out until at least the All-Star break and Tom Glavine and Orlando ‘El Duque’ Hernandez both in their twilight years, the Mets were crossing their fingers that youngsters John Maine and Oliver Perez could duplicate what they did in the playoffs. All have pitched well so far, along with reclamation project Jorge Sosa, who won six of his first seven decisions since being recalled from Triple-A New Orleans.
“Going into spring training, the number one priority was starting pitching,” said Gary Cohen, the Mets play-by-play announcer for SNY. “But it’s been far better than anyone had expected.”

Martinez, who is the ace of the staff when healthy, has made strides rehabbing down in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He commented on his return to reporters, “I wish I could get back tomorrow. But the doctors will determine when I’m ready to go. I’m taking my time to be ready.”

With the expected return of Martinez, the Mets look to have a formidable starting rotation. Their bullpen is also deep, with middle men Heilman, rookie sidearmer Joe Smith, Pedro Feliciano and Guillermo Mota bridging the gap to closer Billy Wagner.

Pitching and defense wins. And the Mets cover both ends of that formula. David Wright has improved at third base and Carlos Delgado is more than sufficient at first, especially digging out short-hopped throws. Up the middle, Jose Reyes and Jose Valentin are strong. The outfield defense is perhaps the weakest link on this team. Centerfielder Carlos Beltran can cover a lot of ground and needs to with veterans Moises Alou and Shawn Green having lost a step. Catcher Paul Lo Duca brings veteran leadership and a fire to the field.

The bench is a little thin, with injuries to Alou, Green and Valentin exposing it somewhat. Damion Easley is versatile and took over for Valentin fairly well. Endy Chavez can play all three outfield positions, but has had his own difficulties staying on the field. The ageless Julio Franco is usually the main pinch hitter in the late innings.

A well-rounded club, the Mets should be the favorite in the senior circuit come October. General manager Omar Minaya always has dealing on his mind and should be able to strengthen the outfield depth with a trade before the deadline in July. After the disappointment last year, nothing short of a World Series appearance will do.

(Joe Pietaro is the Editor-in-Chief of “New York Sportscene” magazine.)

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MONTAUK COLUMNS

Return Engagement? by Joe Pietaro

Return Engagement?
by Joe Pietaro