One could have asked for a better first week. One could have hoped Jorge Julio wouldn’t implode, but then again, Billy Wagner opened those floodgates.
Save Wednesday night, it was a terrific first week for the Mets. The following are some first impressions of the new season:
- Too soon to tell on Pedro Martinez, and he’s the key. Getting six innings was a plus, but the rust is obvious and he’s right, it will take time.
- Carlos Delgado is primed for a big season. He didn’t have much of a spring training, but is stinging the ball. Expect another 30 homers.
- A lot of players talk big about change, but Jose Reyes seems true to his word about being patient. He’s off to the kind of start even the Mets couldn’t have imagined.
- Carlos Beltran will be fine. Lay off him and let him play. Don’t expect him to be Willie Mays, because he’s not.
- Kaz Matsui might have a better bat than Anderson Hernandez, but the latter’s glove makes up for it and with his speed he should hit .250 just by accident. All he needs to do is put the ball on the ground. With the Mets’ offense, they can afford to carry him, so when he returns Matsui better play at an $8-million level.
- Pitching is key, and that the Mets got six innings from each of their first four starters is encouraging.
Some things of concern:
It’s not Wagner, blown saves happen. … We still don’t know about Victor Zambrano. … Julio looks as if he’s going to be a problem. … One must be wary of Martinez’s health until a few more starts.
Players of the Week: Xavier Nady and David Wright. I think the Mets got the better end of the Mike Cameron deal, simply because he didn’t want to be here. A lot is expected of Wright, but he seems oblivious to the pressures.
Pitcher of the Week: Brian Bannister took a no-hitter into the sixth in his debut, giving the Mets more than they could have hoped.
Key Play of the Week: Paul Lo Duca’s no-tag on Alfonso Soriano Opening Day. Tom Glavine is right, sometimes you need a break.
Defensive Play of the Week: Hernandez’s diving catch.
Ooops of the Week: Wagner’s high fastball to Ryan Zimmerman.
Ugly Moment of the Week: Julio’s tenth inning Wednesday night.
