The Mets didn’t get the four-game sweep over the Washington Nationals. There was, however, plenty to take from their season-opening series.
If taking three out of four from the young Nationals showed us anything, it’s that the Mets are approaching 2022 like a team that belongs in the conversation for championship contenders.
New manager Buck Showalter brings 21 years of managerial experience to Queens. Moreover, he brings credibility to a team that in recent years has underperformed.
The Mets are a legitimate team worth watching this season. There’s a new voice in charge along with an aggressive ownership group.
Therefore, with expectations high, the need to get off to a fast start is important.
Getting off to a fast start will excite the fan base and energize the players. Furthermore, it will take some of the stink off the game caused by another work stoppage.
Throughout their weekend in D.C., the Mets played the game with toughness and moxie.
The batters are going to show discipline and work the count against pitchers. Meanwhile, the pitching staff is going to come after opposing hitters, no matter their stature in today’s game.
“I don’t care who you are, I’m coming after you,” Chris Bassitt said after an impressive debut Saturday night. “I mean, I faced Ohtani a lot, I faced Trout a lot, I don’t care (about) the name on the back of your jersey. I’m coming. That’s been my mentality no matter who I face, I know he’s probably the best hitter in the world, but I don’t care.”
This came after watching Bassitt fall behind 3-0 to the dangerous Juan Soto, and then battle back to strike him out.
It was an impressive moment, and a bold one. An early indication of what to expect from the 2022 New York Mets.
Image: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
