Matt Harvey's a winner and Alex Rodriguez is gaining fans

In his first regular-season start since 2013, New York Mets ace, Matt Harvey, returned to the mound in respectable fashion. In his first outing, Harvey shut out the Washington Nationals for 6 innings as the Mets won 6-3, which was the rubber game of the series.

After a year-long suspension, Alex Rodriguez, is rising to be the New York Yankees best player. A-rod hit his first home-run in a 6-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. A-Rod is five homers away from Willie Mays home-run record of 660. Should this be a cause for celebration?

New York Mets Remaining Players Have To Carry The Load

First-it was Zack Wheeler and Josh Edgin who both required Tommy John Surgery to repair a torn UCL (Edgin-Bone Chip in UCL), discovered during spring training.

Then, the projected closer, Jenrry Mejia, who felt elbow stiffness and was placed on the DL-April 7th, was suspended 80 games for using performance enhancing drugs.

From that same bullpen, Vic Black is currently progressing through a Double-A rehab assignment, recovering from right shoulder tendinitis.

Even without the men listed above, the New York Mets got off to a hot start, and claimed an early lead in the National League East, currently 11-3 on the 2015 MLB season, which unfortunately came with a price.

In their series-clinching game against the Miami Marlins, a 7-6 win which capped off a 4-game sweep, the Met's lost reliever and lefty-specialist, Jeremy Blevins-in the 7th, on a Dee Gordon come-backer which fractured his left forearm and Travis D'Arnaud later in that inning on a hit-by-pitch.

And add "The Captain", well, our captain, David Wright, who was off to a torrid start-hitting .333, with a homer and four rbi's, who found himself on the DL, just last week with a mild right hamstring strain.

In the third week of the season, the Met's, the 2015 Met's, whose off-season's theme centered around an organization moving in the right direction, minus the last eight years, due to an abundance of young and live arms, a revamped farm-system and a mixture of veterans and young position players will face their toughest test of the season, now.

Will they survive?

It's pretty obvious that the Met's have put the National League East on notice, early this season and I'm pretty sure the baseball experts and analyst did not pick the Met's as the division leaders, despite this small sample size.

Even still, here we are, and the Met's, currently on a nine-game winning streak, a feat they haven't accomplished since the 1985 season, with their 7-1 win against the Atlanta Braves last night (first game of a three game set), will have to do what is necessary to remain on top until the cavalry arrives.

The Met's will have to rely on a select few of individuals to offset the injuries and of course persevere collectively.

One of those individuals is the no.2 prospect in the Met's farm system and the no.6 overall catching prospect according to MLB.com's, 2015 Prospect Watch: Top 10 Catchers, by Jim Callis, in Kevin Plawecki, who has been optioned up to fill in the void and become the everyday catcher, with Anthony Recker remaining as the back-up.

In his major league debut against the Braves, Plawecki caught a one-run game thrown by Jon Niese, who picked up his second win of the year, while collecting two hits and scoring twice.

It’s exactly the type of debut that gives the fans, the Met's and their front office the confidence that Plawecki can perform in D'Arnaud's absence.

Plawecki contributed to the win, added to the momentum and did it all in his first game in the big leagues, looking like he's been there before.

"It's special, we’re here to win, I'm just happy to be a part of it and happy to be along for the ride," Plawecki said post-game to SNY's Steve Gelbs.

Like Plawecki, who has to step up and be the everyday catcher, Alex Torres has to step up and become a player he was not destined to be, at least for the start of this season.

Torres was brought here from the San Diego Padres to give the Met's lefty insurance out of the bullpen, along with Blevins who was acquired for the same role in the aftermath of Edgin's season ending injury.

And now with Blevins out for the foreseeable future, Torres has to claim that role, something he is not used to doing, but tonight, with his protective hat and all, Torres relieved Eric Goeddel in the bottom of the 7th, and with two men on-base, struck out Freddie Freeman after falling behind in the count to end the inning.

That was big.

Another name that has to perform and or continue to perform is Eric Campbell, the versatile utility-man optioned up from Triple-A Las Vegas last week to fill-in at third-base.

Since his call-up, Campbell has responded picking up five hits in his first eighteen at-bats of the season, three rbi's and seven runs-scored, including two runs scored in the Met's 7-1 win over the Braves.

The Met's don't need Campbell to be Wright but to be the best version of Campbell he can be and so far, his exploits at the plate, on-base and on the field will do.

Continuing on the bases, position players like Curtis Granderson, Michael Cuddyer and Lucas Duda have to lead this squad until some of the core players return.

They are veterans and fortunately for the Mets, all three haven gotten off to great starts.

Granderson, placed at the top of the order, leading-off, which almost seemed like a terrible call by manager Terry Collins, has paid off for the Mets, as Granderson has gotten on-base with consistency (leading the league in walks-12) as well as come-through with the bat like he did tonight.

Granderson picked up three-hits in five at-bats, driving in four runs.

That has to continue.

Although Duda went hitless in this game, to start the season, the first-basemen has arguably become the Met's best hitter leading the team in batting average, .327 and second in rbi's in eight.

Also must continue.

And Cuddyer is actually in a three-way (Granderson, Duda other two) tie with runs-scored in eight.

You know the rest.

It doesn't hurt that Juan Lagares, a gold-glove honoree and Wilmer Flores, a capable short-stop are finally joining the party at the plate.

We all know what the starting pitching will bring so there's no reason to further their praise, but I will anyway.

In the Met's 11 wins presently, the pitching staff of Bartolo Colon, Jacob DeGrom, Matt Harvey, Jon Niese and Dillon Gee, along with the bullpen have limited teams to three-runs or less including four, one-run games and a shut-out.

Harvey and Colon lead the league in strikeouts per walk, 24.00 and 18.00 respectively and Jeurys Familia, who is the closer replacing Mejia, is in a tie with Atlanta's Jason Grilli for the most saves thus far in six.

I believe the Met's can continue this trend.

They just have to continue to pitch well, hit in critical spots and avoid additional injuries to anyone else.

In other words, they just have to play survivor.

Granderson Ditches Pinstripes for Blue and Orange and the No. 7 Train

One of the reasons why the No. 4 train, beginning its journey in the borough of Brooklyn, New York and concluding its route in another borough, the Bronx, piques the interest of most New Yorkers and tourist from around the globe is the fact that one of its stops features more history than most. The stop at 161st Street equals Yankee Stadium, the place where the New York Yankees call their habitat. And yesterday, December 6th, 2013, one of its members has decided to flee, seeking other opportunities.

The ex-member happens to be former Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson. He has agreed to a 4-year $60 million dollar contract to become a New York Metropolitan. From the No. 4 train line to the No. 7. From the "Boogey Down" Bronx to Queens. From pinstripes to orange and blue. To say that this addition to the Met's is just another signing is an understatement, considering the team's recent past that has already been cemented into its franchise history.

The 2006 Mets represented what could have been and what may never be. The team spearheaded by young stars in SS Jose Reyes, 3B David Wright and sluggers CF Carlos Beltran, and 1B Carlos Delgado have long been removed as the face of this franchise while one has remained. The inexistence of 3 out of the 4 players previously listed has resulted in the Mets failing to qualify for postseason play since October of 2006. It is now 2013, and the Mets faithful has experienced enough pain to warrant an arrest against the Wilpon family, the executives of the organization but that's another story for another day. What's important is the here, now, and going forward. It's no question that's what current Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson is focused on with this deal confirmed.

With the emergence of SP Matt Harvey establishing himself as one of the premier young pitchers in this league albeit his absence from the upcoming 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery to repair his right elbow, the rise of SP Zack Wheeler looking to follow in his footsteps, and solid rotation starters in Jon Niese and Dillon Gee, the Mets finally have the pitching to make a statement moving forward in a National League that will potentially be up for grabs. There has to be balance between the pitching staff and the group responsible for converting the 0's on the scoreboard, which is one of the complications the Mets have suffered from in recent years.

Enter Granderson. He has the capability to reverse that. For those unaware of the services that Granderson can provide, here is some data. Granderson is a 3-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger award recipient, the AL RBI leader in 2011, led the MLB in triples, back-to-back years 07-08 and a member of the 20-20-20 club, which constitutes for 20 doubles, 20 triples and 20 homeruns. Now this is the Granderson at the age of 32, still in his prime. Two freak injuries featuring a right forearm fracture and a broken knuckle in his left pinkie reduced his production to 61 games through the duration of the 2013 MLB season with his former employers in the New York Yankees, where he managed to manufacture a .229 batting average with 7 homeruns and 15 RBI's. The previous year he recorded a .232 batting average, launching 43 homeruns and 106 RBI's. Granderson does strike out, but 43 homeruns is 40+ more homeruns that the Mets have not managed to duplicate since Beltran in 06, Todd Hundley in 96 and Mike Piazza in 99. Forty-three homeruns is what Granderson can belt and even though it is not a lock that he will launch that particular number, it is a possibility.

The Mets need his presence to protect the likes of the captain in Wright. The Mets need his bat. The Mets needed this splash to convince the fan-base that they indeed have a pulse and plan to move this franchise back to respectability. Granderson is just a piece added to a projected outfield that presents Granderson in left, promising Juan Lagares in Center and newly signed Chris Young in rightfield. With Granderson inked, the Mets need to fill the void that Harvey has left whether it stems from the minor leagues, most notably P Noah Syndergaard awaiting stage left or the free agent market. Another outfielder is needed and what's to become of the first base position must be dealt with regarding Ike Davis and Lucas Duda. Granderson does not amount to the creation and fullness of an entire cake, but in this case the correct batter has been bought. Let's see what else the Mets add to this mix currently in progress.

"Can't Stop, Won't Stop," seems enough of an appropriate title for this post due to the constant action the New York Mets are displaying, led by GM Sandy Alderson. The phrase "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" is more than a phrase used for motivation, it is also a novel, the title of an album by a group called The Maine and has served as the title for two songs from recording artists Usher and the Young Gunz. Now let's dive into what's significant and what is current at the moment. The Mets have agreed to a 2-year $20-million contract with free agent starting pitcher Bartolo Colon.

Toyota promotes the moving forward campaign and that's exactly what the Mets are executing. Met fans may miss Matt Harvey on the field in 2014; it is a tough steak to chew and digest. However, the signing of Colon has the potential to aid and provide the gravy we will need to digest that loss. Here's why: Colon, 40 years old (40 is the new 20 by the way, get over it) is coming off a year where he finished sixth in the AL CY Young voting. He also manufactured an All-Star appearance, an 18-6 record and a 2.65 ERA. Sounds good enough to me.

Colon was tested for PED's, suffering a suspension on August 22, 2012 for 50 games by the MLB police, who in the last decade has prioritized disinfecting MLB. Colon's resurgence with the New York Yankees, as Mr. Clean has only added to his stint with the Oakland Athletics, re-establishing his pitching prowess and his future with the Mets. This move further displays Alderson's understanding of the fan base and its desire to win now. He's fully taking on the challenge to resurrect the Mets franchise back to shades of 2006. Hopefully the addition of Colon relieves the Mets of finding a starter to replace Harvey while also fusing him with what's left of the starting rotation of Zack Wheeler, Dillon Gee and Jonathan Niese. The 5th spot in the rotation will now feature a competition between the likes of Jenrry Mejia, Carlos Torres and possibly farm-hand Rafael Montero. Colon's presence alone will have a positive impact on the next generation of arms that the Mets have at its disposal in a nurturing effect, with his pitching style in pounding the strike zone, which can influence many. Like Harvey's ascent to the majors, Colon's presence will provide enough time to thoroughly promote top pitching prospect Noah Syndergarrd to the big stage, a process which appeals to Alderson, as he very much dislikes rushing young talent.

All in all, the Mets are not done and they should not be satisfied with this recent player confirmation. The shortstop position must be addressed due to SS Ruben Tejada's inability to advance the ball past the infield. For positive momentum, as well as, finding a suitor to unload either 1B Ike Davis or Lucas Duda, preferably Davis, who has already uninspired and frustrated the fan base due to his struggles so early into his career. With OF's Chris Young, Curtis Granderson and now Colon in the mix, it sparks excitement to see who else we will welcome to the city that never sleeps. At this time, I guess the Mets are wide awake.

The pain of what used to be has not left us. By us I mean New York natives. By pain I mean what could've been of the 2006 assembled New York Mets. I loved that team. As someone who bleeds orange and blue, you are aware of the success of the neighboring baseball club in the New York Yankees who reside only a borough away. We share the state with their fan-base, we can't escape their cockiness, confidence or spoiled golden spoon of a fan mentality. We are fully aware of the 27 world championships and 40 American League Pennants. We have been educated about their dominance and rich history, literally and literally.

That's why 2006 was supposed to be our year as Mets fans to reclaim the city and the hearts of all New Yorkers, because when the Yankees win, its expected and envisioned but when the Mets win, the entire state rises. That's what the Mets were capable of. That offseason featured a class of players who help the Mets ascend to the top of the National League East and eventually, one win away from a trip to the World Series. That class includes, Xavier Nady, Carlos Delgado, Paul Lo Duca, Billy Wagner, Julio Franco, and Kris Benson.

These off-season acquisitions were additions to a team that already featured a young and talented core of Jose Reyes and David Wright, the best left-side of the infield in the majors at that time. An All-Star center-fielder in Carlos Beltran was already in place. The Mets had an ace in Pedro Martinez, a Hall-Of-Famer in Tom Glavine and other complimentary starting pitchers in Steve Trachsel, John Maine, Orlando Hernandez and Oliver Perez. This team finished their regular season with a 97-65 record, winning the NL Eastern Division. It was safe to say that current GM at that time in Omar Minaya was definitely earning his salary. For the season and memories he provided due to his responsibilities as a GM for the New York Mets, he should have a statue.
In that post-season, the Mets easily eliminated the Los Angeles Dodgers, sweeping the series, three games to none. In the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Mets fell one game shy of a World Series berth by one pitch that froze Beltran at the plate with two outs and the bases loaded. The Mets haven't recovered since then. It's been six years since the Mets have qualified for the post-season and like the team, the fans have suffered enough.

It's 2014, and this offseason for the Mets, sings a different tune from those of recent years. Here's why: Current GM Sandy Alderson was brought in to be the successor of Minaya, following the 2010 MLB season. Since his entry into the New York Mets front office, Alderson has revamped and vastly improved the Mets farm system, acquiring Zack Wheeler from the San Francisco Giants for Beltran and cash, Noah Syndergaard & Travis D'Arnaud from the Toronto Blue Jays for R.A. Dickey, Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas. As far as drafting, Alderson has selected Matt Harvey in his initial first draft of 2010 and in years 2011, 12 and 13 has drafted Brandon Nimmo, Michael Fulmer, Gavin Cecchini, Kevin Plawecki and Dominic Smith, respectively. Acquiring these top prospects through deals and the drafts has been acknowledged by ESPN analyst and Prospect Expert, Keith Law who rates the Mets farm system 6th overall in the MLB. That's high praise. That means Alderson has been doing something right. It means Alderson's prospects aren't just showing up to play, they're making their presence felt in the Mets organization knocking on the doors of the big leagues to join the show.

That impact is Harvey taking the baseball world by storm in the 2013 MLB season displaying his dominance as the Mets ace, going 12-10, striking out 261 batters, all while posting a 2.39 era, which earned him his first All-Star selection. Its Wheeler, who was ranked 6th overall in MLB.com's top 100 prospects list and 4th in the Right-hander Pitchers list, being brought up to the major leagues during the 2013 MLB season exhibiting a pitching repertoire along with the results of a 7-5 record and 3.42 ERA, striking out 84 in a short stint, which has solidified his spot in the starting rotation for immediate future. It's Syndergaard, who was selected to represent the Mets in the 2013 All-Stars Futures Game at Citi Field, possessing a 95 mph four seam fastball, and 80 mph curveball also throwing a two seam fastball and a circle change-up. Its D'arnaud who in 2013 was ranked 6th in MLB's Top 100 prospects list only to have his ranking slip to 23 due to injury, take the helm as the Mets catcher now due to his bat, defensive capabilities and game-managing potential.

The Mets have prospects who are ready to contribute now to conclude the Mets dry spell in postseason play along with a 2013-14 offseason class in which the Mets made headlines for the first time in a long time. Former All-Star, Chris Young was signed to a one-year $7.25 million dollar contract on November 22, 2013 to help shore up the Mets outfield. On December 6, 2013, Curtis Granderson was lured away from the Yankees and the OF market agreeing to a four-year $60 million dollar contract signed December 6, 2013 with the Mets to bring power to a Mets lineup that has lacked that aspect of their offense. With Harvey expected to miss the duration of the 2014 MLB regular season, Bartolo Colon, fresh off an 18-6 season for the Oakland Athletics, posting a 2.65 ERA, has signed on to join the Mets cause as insurance in the starting rotation, confirmed December 11, 2013. With All-Star third basemen David Wright already in the fold along with solid rotation starters Jon Niese and Dillon Gee, starters who have yet to reach their full potential, the culmination of prospects, starters, and all-stars suggest the Mets should contend for a playoff spot this upcoming season. Nothing is easy when it comes to the Mets, which is exactly why making the playoffs isn't a sure definite.

Questions that have yet to be answered throughout this spring still linger. Who will command first base? Alderson has offered Ike Davis and his services to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles, all teams who have pressing first basemen needs due to his struggles at the plate while Lucas Duda faces a similar predicament despite both having moments this spring as they make their cases to man the right-side of the infield. Who will solidify themselves as the everyday shortstop? I have absolutely no faith in Ruben Tejada who posted .202 Avg through 57 games last season, which is why Wilmer Flores has been given ample time to prove himself defensively between 2nd and 3rd base as his bat is too pure to keep him from the lineup. Can the Mets hit enough to support their solid pitching staff? It's no secret that the Mets rotation will continue to improve but wins aren't being registered by pitchers due to the poor offensive production. Maybe the additions of Young and Granderson can alleviate the pressure on the pitching staff to toss zeroes every outing.

Can the Mets stay healthy? One of the reasons why the Mets have failed to qualify for postseason play is due to the fact that they cannot stay on the field. If the Mets can answer half of all of these questions, the Mets will rock Citi Field like Shea Stadium did in 06. I'm praying on it, and I believe. I believe in the Mets. When they win, life is just better. Maybe in the not too distant future, we can experience another 06 in this new decade.