After Tuesday debacle, it’s hard to believe what has happened just 48 hours later. John Maine and Oliver Perez, the two stalwart pitchers from the 2006 playoffs came to the rescue again. Its performances like theirs over the past two days that make you realize how good the Mets can be. If only they can remain consistent.
Let’s face it. Many including myself were pretty upset and pessimistic after the meltdown after the series opener with the Phillies. Give the Mets credit for showing the guts and character to win the series and move into first place. The Mets spent the last two seasons in first place until the last weekend of last season. They have not been there since April 19th of this year. Let’s not get all cozy however. There are 60 games left to the season and it’s going to be a dog fight from here on in.
Now what is all the fervor about Jose Reyes? The Phillie’s announcers were all upset because of the way Jose was raising his finger running around the bases (actually it was between first and second). One announcer actually said that a pitcher should “put one in his ear”. Wow! Did anyone point out to the announcer that Shane Victorino stood on second base clapping his hands right in Reyes’s face Tuesday night? I guess that’s completely acceptable. Look, I’m old school…er, because I’m old. I would prefer the way it used to be. When a player hit a home run in the old days, they put there head down and ran around the bases. But to assume players are going to revert back to that today is pretty naïve. The in your face, show up the opposing team attitude has been in all sports for a long time now. It’s what the younger generation has grown to expect. Maybe someday it will change and go back the way it use to be but likely that is not going to happen for a long time.
Jose Reyes is certainly not the biggest offender of this either. And it puzzles me as to why so many Mets fans seem to be irritated by his antics. For once and for all, the Mets did not lose the division title last year because of Reyes’s bat or his behavior. They lost because of their pitching. And they did not lose the last game of the season to force a one game playoff with the Phillies because Reyes showed up the Marlins the day before. They lost because Tom Glavine gave up 7 runs in the first inning!
Reyes is one of the most talented players in the game today. Embrace him. Cherish the fact that this guy is going to be at short for the Mets for a long time. Is antics are a product of his enthusiasm and his desire to win. Personally I want 25 guys on the team with that attitude.
I have been critical of Reyes in the past. The one facet of his game I don’t like is his immaturity. His temper tantrums with Jerry Manuel and throwing his glove after an error is a sign of someone who still needs to grow up a bit. But if he’s angry at himself for not making a play or not wanting to leave the game, I can live with that.
I think the Phillie’s broadcasters were more upset with the fact the Mets were beating their team. The Phillie guys are a bunch of homers and that’s okay too. But if they are to criticize Reyes first they need to take a look at some of their own.
The Cardinals come in next.
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