BY JOSH ROGERS | Mets fans, this is the moment to savor — the 2015 team is the one to love more than any roster before it.
Yes, the 2015 Mets have not won the World Series — not going to jinx anything with the Y-word that rhymes with Met — and like any true fan of the Amazin’s, I know heartbreak is always possible. I’m as hopeful as anyone about their chances against the Kansas City Royals, but whatever happens, I have fallen harder for these Mets than any other of their teams from the past, and you should too.
Hold off on that angry post if you’re a Met fan older than me. The ‘69 Miracle Mets were before my time — so if that group is your truest love from afar as far as teams go, I can’t tell you to move them from that most special place in your baseball heart.
So what about ‘86, the only other Met championship team? Without a doubt they were one of the most talented teams of all time, and had plenty of heart and character. I still remember the painful feeling when it looked like the Red Sox would win — and the joy when Mookie’s grounder went through Bill Buckner’s legs. But…
That team had the talent to win more than once, and whether the culprit was cocaine, egos, or something else, it does take away some of the luster. And no doubt, back when I was younger than the players, the team’s cockiness was more alluring than it would be to me now. Not that I have any revisionist feelings.
I loved them then, love them now, and that will never die. It’s just sorry Mex, Doc, Mookie, Ray, and the rest, the 2015 Mets are now my special team.
Even Ron Darling, the ‘86 star who is unfortunately not going to be announcing in the Series as he did in the playoffs, told SI.com that this year’s team “is a much better story, ’86 was a team of superstars that were supposed to win it.”
He’s right, but this team also has loads of talent. Start with the starters. As an MLB Network commentator, comparing the 2015 pitching staff to 1986’s, said, it’s like they “have three Doc Goodens.”
Not only do deGrom, Harvey, and Syndergaard have dominating, overpowering stuff, they’ve managed to not let their talent or youth get in the way of the team. That wasn’t so much a problem almost 30 years ago either, but back then Gooden was the undisputed ace, and even if the pitchers did get along, there were clearly personality clashes elsewhere on the team.
Has there been any sign of jealousy among the young phenoms or anyone else this year? It appears not.
Harvey and deGrom had strong claims to be the Game 1 starter Tuesday night, but deGrom took his assignment Wednesday in stride.
It’s been sheer joy to watch the star pitchers’ talent and maturity grow, especially deGrom’s grittiness on nights where he wasn’t at his best.
Jeurys Familia’s near perfection out of the bullpen against the Dodgers and Cubs has almost been an afterthought, and the fourth starter, Steven Matz, could turn out to be as good or better than the other three. It’ll be fun to take the time to see.
There are so many other things that add to the pitching. Daniel Murphy, always a good hitter, has not only been unreal at the plate against some of baseball’s best pitchers, he’s also making smart decisions on the bases and even a few nice plays in the field — two very pleasant surprises for long suffering fans.
Murph, who has carried the offense some games, has stayed humble as announcers and reporters strain to get him to talk about himself in post-game interviews. Players said all of the right things when they got up 3-0 on the Cubs.
When Dodger Chase Utley went out of his way to hurt Ruben Tejada in Game 2 of the division series, the umpire’s blown call probably cost the Mets the game, but the team didn’t complain much and ignored the desire for revenge. They focused on winning.
Whatever happens against the Royals — and damn, I do want to win — those moments against the Dodgers and Cubs are forever, and given where this team was on April 1 and even July 30, the day before the Mets traded for Yoenis Céspedes, this is still the most special season.
Next year, there is a good chance Murphy or Céspedes won’t be back, since both are free agents.
The starting pitchers hopefully will be there the next few years, and could be joined by Zack Wheeler, who was injured this season. But even if they stay healthy and as effective as they are now — two big ifs — the realities of baseball economics are that the Mets won’t be able to keep all five for many years. And even if they could afford it, at least one or two or –– yikes –– more may be tempted to go elsewhere to be the top guy. This is a special staff to enjoy while we can.
But that’s all stuff to worry about another day. I’ve learned that when things are going well, enjoy it.
This love may last a week, a year, or if we dare to dream, maybe even 10. But however long it lasts, it’s a moment to savor.
Let’s Go Mets.
