Yep, Gumby! So happy about this season, been nine years since we last went to the playoffs and between then and now the Mets fans have been put through the ringer but things just came together and the trade deadline deals that brought us Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson, Tyler Clippard and especially Yoenis Cespedes really proved the Mets were all in this year and since then we've played like a 67% win percentage which fueled our lead and left Washington in the dust. Classy thing by Bryce Harper to wish the Mets luck and to win the World Series.
So happy for David Wright after all he has been through validating his decision to see it through onto beter and brighter days and re-up with the Mets when he just could have said it was time to go. He said it Saturday after the clinching that he bleeds Mets orange and blue and is so happy especially for his teammates and for the Mets fans who have been so patient and deserving of a strong playoff team. Fitting his three run homer in the ninth inning in Cincinnati was the icing on the cake certifying the clinching and putting an exclamation point on his joy and appreciation of being part of this Mets team, putting the Mets to a 10-2 lead. Also so nice to see thousands of Mets fans who made the trip just to be part of this amazing run and support their boys.
So great for Terry Collins as well, the guys seem to all love him and he is fiercely loyal and supportive. First time as a manager he ever saw the playoffs after two dreadful situations with the Angels and Astros. He was intense and too combative back in those days but his years afterwards in developing farm systems, especially with the Mets organization, matured him into a true professional who remained passionate but learned how to channel frustrations much better and really become a strong communicator and leader towards his players. Is he the best tactical in game manager? No, but he has some really inspired moments and his faith in his players, his unyielding support and respect in the clubhouse has to be considered as well.
Thanks to Sandy Alderson who knew just when to go all in right before the trade deadline and made a couple of really god additions which laid the foundation to fuel the pennant stretch effort with the Uribe/ Johnson and Cespedes deals. Also adding Tyler Clippard as well when there were to many injuries and questions regarding the Mets bullpen.
Lucas Duda has really gone into another out of this world power streak and Curtis Granderson's average may not be great in the mid .250's but his walks, doubles, home runs and clutch hitting overall in the leadoff spot have been incredibly valuable this season. Daniel Murphy has had a few injury stretches but has been magnificent in the last few weeks at the plate. The Irish Hammer has 38 doubles, tied his career high with 13 homers, and just shows he's a professional who is solid and dependable, and really feels god to see his hard work being rewarded with his first trip to the playoffs. Michael Conforto already looks like an old pro in his rookie year with good power and even more impressive ability to hit to the opposite field, and has done a really good job defensively as well. Travis d'Arnaud has made great strides this year again after battling injuries with his power, most impressively to the opposite field. And again have to mention captain David Wright.... missed so much of this season recovering from spinal stenosis and the expectations were very muted once he came back but he has looked really good lately and seems to have few if any visible ill effects from his back problem, which does need constant monitoring but as he's showing doesn't mean his career is near over.
So many making contributions.... Wilmer Flores has been kind of quiet at the plate lately but he did some real damage in critical games, as even Ruben Tejada and Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who was out of the Mets organization earlier in the year traded to the Angels, til released by them and finding his way home to the Mets. Michael Cuddyer now that his knee is better from a earlier season frustrating bone bruise has shown flashes of his veteran clutch ability.
Matt Harvey showed heart and determination in yesterday's clinching game.. not his best effort but walked no one, struck out six and where people were expecting him to leave after only five innings, perhaps less and continue to restrict innings as he comes back from Tommy John surgery.. he and Terry Collins determined he would go close to 100 pitches and that took him six and two thirds innings. Matt took a lot of heat for agent Scott Boras' infamous bleating about limiting his innings to 180, as per recommended by noted surgeon Dr James Andrews but the guy wants to be in there giving his all for as long as he can and proved his toughness and heart by taking the bull by the horns and giving the Mets a very professional effort. Nine hits were a lot but they were scattered, and after giving up twoi runs early whenever he needed to make the tough pitches he did unfailingly.
Noah Syndegaard has also showed he's a beast on the mound, an Jacob de Grom has been returning to form and making it look easy again after a few shaky outings. Jonathan Niese is going to the bullpen because o f his left handedness and even though he was one of the few shaky spots in recent weks his last two starts, especially his most recent one, have been much better... much more like the dependable if unspectactular lefty we have known from previous years. Steven Matz returning from a pulled lat muscle has given a god overall impression and all he needs is healthand consistency but the talent and stuff are there. And next year come after the All Star break we get Zack Wheeler back hopefully as good as ever from Tommy John surgery.
After previous closer Jennry Mejia foolishly, recklessly screwed the Mets and himself again with yet another ban for chemical aid usage just as the season was about under way last year's valuable set up man, Jeurys Familia, stepped up as close and did wonderfully.. didn't miss a beat. Nice to se him get the last out as a swinging strike and the celebrations started with everyone on the field.
I just want to say as happy as I am about our Mets that this year has been kind of rough here not having Sonny around truy to enjoy this amazin' season. I've tried to message him here and I gather others who post or view here may have done the same.. no reply all year and I hope Sonny is okay. It's unthinkable he would miss this for the world, though maybe there are private concerns that haven't allowed him to return here. At least I hope that's all it might be.. I want him to be all right.
This is just the first step however hopefully the Mets will continue their strong play and win home field advantage over the first playoff challengers they must face, the LA Dodgers. It's such a thrilling, happy recap to Mets fans who have been waiting since 2006 and the devastating collapses of 2007 and 2008. Hope some of those fans here keep reading and posting and let's enjoy the ride as far as it will take us!
