Regardless of how it happened, and the odds that were defied, he is a Met. The importance of this move cannot be underestimated. Yes he is one man, but one man who eats up innings, like Antonio Alfonseca eats up boulders. He has the ability to win 20 games, post an ERA under 3.00 and take some pressure of the sometimes inconsistent offense.
Yes, what he can provide is immeasurable, but the division crown should not be considered a mere formality. Let us not forget last year…as much as we want to. Let us consider the decision to offer playoff tickets and alter Shea’s seats in preparation for the playoffs before they are locked up. Now, I wouldn’t say this was the dumbest idea ever but was certainly akin to a person waving a steak at a pit bull who was chained up, only to have the chains break, and then proceed to get viciously mauled. Another terrific example would be the Patriots. They made championship party plans, and trademarked a book named 19-0: The Historic Championship Season only to have their…behinds… placed firmly on the Arizona grass over and over.
Many factors will play a part in this coming season. Can several key, injury prone, players stay healthy? (I’m looking at you, El Duque…). Can the Mets actually erase the memory of one of the worst late season collapses in history? Can they correct the most glaring issues of last season…the bullpen?
Santana may pitch out of this world and the Mets may still fail. The man is amazing, but cannot pitch every night, nor can he pitch 9 strong every time. Pedro is terrific, but is older, more fragile, and probably won’t go past 6 most nights. The bullpen will be the factor that either takes us to the promised land, or will make us witness another year of failure.
The Mets have certainly made improvements to the pen. Wise and Lugo can be pleasant surprises. These two, coupled with a healthy Duaner Sanchez, could mean a considerable upgrade from last year. However, the key move is one of addition by subtraction. Yes, you know who I speak off…Mota…Guillermo Reynoso Mota. Never have I ever had less confidence in an “athlete”, than this man. I remember going to a game last year in which the Mets were up 4-0. My friends noticed me mumbling something under my breathe. When questioned, I said they are definitely bringing in Mota…I just knew it. My friends generally dismissed my deranged rantings until the 7th inning. In comes Mota. The very first pitch he throws, turns into a laser shot off the strikeout counter in right field. Goodbye shutout. 4 pitches, a double and an error (by Mota himself) later, I was pretty sure the man would have been tarred and feathered, had the procedure still been legal.
So there it is. The potential exists for one of the most memorable seasons in the history of the franchise. The rotation is set, the players are determined, and Mota will no longer haunt or dreams. See you in April…
Keywords: Guillermo Mota, Johan Santana
