THE QUEENS RISING

Yogi once said, “It’s Déjà vu all over again.”  I remember the mid 1980’s.  It was an unhappy time in the Bronx.  We had some big names, some big contracts and even bigger disappointments.  Meanwhile in the borough that shall not be named, it was a glorious time.  New York’s other team was in top form and blue and orange clad loudmouths weren’t shy about letting us all know about it.  Guess what, gang…THEY’RE BAAAACK.

The Mets are good…really good.  They hit (timely).  They pitch (dominantly).  They hustle (heartily). They play defense (expertly).  They scariest thing about these Mets is that the KNOW they’re good.  They believe they are right where they are supposed to be.  The play the game with a confidence that once cloaked the New York Yankees.

Now, the Bronx Bombers have shown signs of life as of late.  Our staff is much better than their overall record in my opinion.  CC has been a wonderful surprise.  He handcuffed arguably one of the most unforgiving lineups in baseball with his complete game against the Tigers.  Adam Warren is an above average number 5 (no need to rush back Capuano).

Tanaka looked like Tanaka.  Mikey is nasty.  If he can keep his head on straighter than his cap he could be a CY candidate.  The ball jumps out of his hand and the late life is ungodly.  When people ask, “How long have you been hiding that cutter?” and you can say, “I don’t throw a cutter.  That’s my fastball.”  You best believe you are a number 1 type arm.

The bats have been pretty good recently as well.  ARod is quickly winning hearts back in the Yankee Universe.  The sad FACT is Alex NEVER needed the drugs.  The Almighty made him to be one of the most naturally gifted ballplayers of all-time.  It is tragic to see that he could do this all along here in the twilight of his career…a career now forever scared no matter how he finishes his last seasons.

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS!  THIS NEVER HAPPENS! EVER. Tex found the pop in his swing.  He CAN leave the yard with authority.  Now, before you start asking how the crow tastes let me caution you.  A cleanup hitter has to yoke dingers, BUT a cleanup hitter also HAS to hit well over .200 and WHEN IT COUNTS MOST.  I will not say Tex is now free of my venom spitting…but he is just left of the cross hairs for now.

We really need Jacob, Beltran and Didi to start to earn their keep.  Carlos has shown some signs that he can still hit, but more often than not he just looks OLD.  Thank you Chris YOUNG! This guy is the player the Mets thought he was…maybe he didn’t like Queens…can you blame him?

Ellsbury is quiet…but he needs to get louder and fast!  175 million?  The Bronx Faithful will soon ask, “Hey Jacoby, you need directions back to Boston?”  He is a very talented player.  I think it will click soon for the centerfielder…although somebody see if Bernie is 100% about the whole retirement thing.  I mean he waited this long…what’s another 140 some games?

Didi…well…  Look, I don’t know what to say about Didi.  I know that Drew can play short and that we have 2 young guns on the farm that can come up and play 2nd…and both hit.  I feel for the kid.  This isn’t an easy town to struggle in…and replacing a Captain and Legend? Well, Didi…hang in there.

The Mets and Yankees will duke it out this weekend.  The Mets are the kid that got picked on freshmen year, hit the weights over the summer and came back in shape as a sophomore.  The Yanks are the new kid in town that has a reputation for being a tough guy, but has been sort of distant and looked unsure of himself in his new surroundings.  But its go time in the schoolyard…be in the parking lot at 3:00pm.  We’ll find out who is tough and who is simply talk.

One thing is sure, Yankee fans…the 1980’s ended and so will this Mets celebration.  Remember they rent space in this City…the NEW YORK YANKEES OWN.

** Here is the number one song the last time the Mets won it all.  I for one am less than happy to be stuck in the same city with the team from Queens…but Huey is like the Mets.  I don’t hate him…I just don’t listen to him.**



 
--Mike O'Hara
Senior "Features" Writer
Twitter: @mikeyoh21



 
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