It’s go time
Posted by keithosaunders on October 13, 2015
If you had told me on April 6th when the Mets opened In Washington against the Nationals, that on October 13th they would be playing a playoff game against the Dodgers that could propel them to the NLCS, I would have laughed in your face. But here they are, poised for success in this most improbable season that turned on a dime with the July 31st acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes.
Matt Harvey was mediocre last night versus the feckless Dodgers, but when you’re facing third-rate starters such as Brett Anderson and your lineup possesses gamers like Curtis Granderson and the aforementioned Cespedes, it doesn’t much matter. The Dodgers [probably wisely] sat Chase Utley, but at this stage of his career he is not an impact player unless you count chippy slides.
As for Harvey, I don’t blame him for not being sharp, what with nearly a two week layoff. In this era of pitch counts and coddling it is unrealistic to expect your ‘ace’ starter to have any kind of rhythm in his biggest start of the year. I wonder what Juan Marichal and Bob Gibson think of today’s crop of tin-men. Hopefully, if the Mets move on, Harvey will be stronger in the NLCS. They will need him against a frothing-at-the-mouth, too young to be scared Cubs lineup. (yes I have written the Cardinals off)
In the meantime the Mets have a game to win. Rookie Steven Matz and his sore back will face Clayton Kershaw, who will be starting on three days of rest. The realist in me wants to believe that the pressure of pitching in a closeout game in hostile Citi Field will be too much for Kershaw, who thus far in his storied career has been a playoff washout. The fatalist in me, however, hears a voice buried deep inside of my head saying, ‘He’s due. He’s due.’
This is it, Mets. FINISH THEM.
sportsattitudes said
There probably couldn’t be a better situation to put Kershaw in.Short rest, a history of coming up short when it counts the most…and Citi Field baby. It’s a perfect recipe for victory.
keithosaunders said
I expect the Mets hot bats to continue but you never know. Kershaw is so due for a playoff gem. The thing is that you know Mattingly won’t let him work through tough spots. I just want to see that Dodger bullpen from the 6th inning on. Is that too much to ask?
verdun2 said
Apparently it was. Mattingly left him in through 7. I thought for certain he’d pull him after 6.
v
keithosaunders said
My brother and I thought Mattingly should have left him in for the 8th but as it turned out it didn’t matter since the bullpen was good. It’s going to be tough for the Mets to win Thursday but I’m hoping for a miracle!
keithosaunders said
Also, I think the Cubs are better than both of these teams.
verdun2 said
Agree about the Cubs.
v