Opening Series Thoughts

I missed opening day but it seemed that it was everything a Met fan could hope for. I did watch all of the next two games, both losses and came to a few conclusions.

I had high hopes for John Maine this season, hearing that he was finally healthy from arm injuries that derailed him in 2008 and especially 2009. His first start of the season had red flags all over it. Everything about it echos what myself and many other Met fans said throughout the entire off season. Can this team really compete with the staff we have behind Johan Santana. John Maine was mediocre on Wednesday, most concerning was his seemingly lack of confidence in his fastball which was barely touching 90 mph. When Maine was pitching well in 2007, his fastball had a lot of life and was usually around 94 mph. Now i know it was the first start of the season but Maine has never relied on his secondary pitches to pitch well. His bread and butter has been his fastball and it failed him on Wednesday. His change up lacked the control and command needed to be successful and once again, Maine had trouble missing bats. He gave up far too many hits and once again ran up a high pitch count that only saw him throw five innings.

The funny thing about this Mets staff is that there is no 2nd 3rd 4th or 5th starter. THAT'S A PROBLEM. It speaks to the lack of skill and pedigree these guys have. Not one guy, Maine, Niese, Pelfrey or Perez sticks out ahead of the others and this wouldn't be a problem so much if these guys were good. The struggles they showed in 2009 and so far in spring training is a cause for concern. Bottom line, you need your starter to go at least 6 innings. 5 innings of mediocre pitching will not win the Mets many ballgames with the lineup this team has right now.

Again not to overreact after 3 games but nothing has surprised me about this opening series. Our horrible record in rubber match games in 2009 carried over to Thursday night where a lethargic looking Mets team showed little fight in losing to the Marlins 3-1. The offense which was pitiful last night managed only 6 hits, one being for extra bases. While there are key guys missing, certainly more needs to be done against Nate Robertson. It was unfortunate to have to waste a respectable and solid start from Jon Neise who looked pretty impressive for 6 innings. The run in the first could of easily not happened either of the two sharp grounders been played by either Tatis or Wright. I though Niese had great location for most of the night, mixing each side of the plate. The times he got hit was when he left his fastball down the middle, which got hit around the park. Unlike Maine though, Niese kept the ball in the park. As the season goes forth, I see Niese being a solid number 4 or 5 starter for this team.

I'm not overly concerned though. The Mets' most dynamic player Jose Reyes comes back on Saturday which completely changes everything about this team. While Wright is the better hitter, I think Reyes is the most important player in this offense. His prescene at the top of the order, his speed and the pop of his bat is so important in setting the table for this offense. So while the offense against the Marlins didn't really come to life, it will get its heart beat back this Saturday. Looking forward to seeing Reyes back on the field, certainly a game changer that all Met fans will remember immediately