Here We Go

During Spring Training I was suffering a condition that many NY Mets fans fall victim to, a naive sense of optimism. I was washed away in the wave of hope that came with GM Sandy Alderson and Manager Terry Collins coming aboard. The team seemed motivated and determined not repeat the sins of the past. Carlos Beltran seemed healthier, Jose Reyes was full of spunk, and Jason Bay got over his concussion. I was even patient with the pitching squad building up their strength and speed. Then as we got closer to the beginning of the season the cynicism kicked in. Now I hope that we win at least 80 games. This is the curse of the Mets fan. We all want to be loyal excited fans wishing for the best, but really all we do is hope the team doesn't suck to bad.

Last night, in sunny Miami, was the start of the 2011 season for the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins. With Johan Santana out for the first half of the season, it is up to Mike Pelfrey to take the helm. Unfortunately Pelfrey faced off against the Marlin's star pitcher Josh Johnson.

I am not going to put all the blame on Pelfrey, or compare Pelfrey and Johnson as pitchers. That would be unfair. Pelfrey did load the bases in the fourth inning and give up a grand slam. So I am mad at him for that fiasco. The question I have is what happened to the rest of the team during the game? Johnson pitched a no-hitter for six innings. There was a spark of action from Carlos Beltran and Willie Harris in the seventh, but nothing I would get  super excited about. The Mets just were unable to make anything happen against a pitcher who could actually throw in the mid 90s.

It was only the first game. As David Wright said, "It is what it is: a loss. Let's move on." So all I have to say about tonight's game is, go out there and kick some ass.