I will not lie: I am ready for Syndergaard-Mania to run wild this year for the New York Metropolitans.
It’s going to happen. Ever since the 2014 Spring Training campaign, people have been clamoring for Noah Syndergaard to be a part of the Mets. People were clamoring about his firepower, combined with his youth. Hell, Terry Collins’ quote of Syndergaard’s “Hook from Hell” curve ball forced die-hard Met fans to salivate at the heir apparent coming up to the team.
It’s going to happen. Ever since the 2014 Spring Training campaign, people have been clamoring for Noah Syndergaard to be a part of the Mets. People were clamoring about his firepower, combined with his youth. Hell, Terry Collins’ quote of Syndergaard’s “Hook from Hell” curve ball forced die-hard Met fans to salivate at the heir apparent coming up to the team.
However, Syndergaard did suffer through a rough season in Triple-A throughout 2014. He dealt with injuries to his right elbow and left shoulder over the first few months of his season. He went 9-7 with the Las Vegas 51’s, and although he led the Pacific Coast League with 145 strikeouts, he had a 4.60 ERA, which for a starting pitcher, is not that solid. The hype that was placed on him last season possibly caused a bit of angst and pressure on his psyche. Ultimately, Syndergaard was NOT called up in the September call-ups by Terry Collins.
Headlines came up over the past few days that Syndergaard is fueled with motivation over the fact he was “snubbed” on those call-ups. Granted, it probably did frustrate him, but it was the BEST thing for him. The Mets did not, from a marketing standpoint, want to waste his Major League debut on a meaningless September start. Plus, he might not have been mentally ready for that opportunity.
Now, he’s 22 years old, a year wiser and a year smarter. He has an aura around him yet AGAIN, but he seems like he’s living up to the pressure a tad better. Today, Adam Rubin from ESPN reported this today, on the news of Matt Harvey’s first day of pitching to batters since his Tommy John surgery…
Headlines came up over the past few days that Syndergaard is fueled with motivation over the fact he was “snubbed” on those call-ups. Granted, it probably did frustrate him, but it was the BEST thing for him. The Mets did not, from a marketing standpoint, want to waste his Major League debut on a meaningless September start. Plus, he might not have been mentally ready for that opportunity.
Now, he’s 22 years old, a year wiser and a year smarter. He has an aura around him yet AGAIN, but he seems like he’s living up to the pressure a tad better. Today, Adam Rubin from ESPN reported this today, on the news of Matt Harvey’s first day of pitching to batters since his Tommy John surgery…
Noah Syndergaard alternated simulating pitching innings with Matt Harvey: pic.twitter.com/HYNAB5KOFV
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 27, 2015
I think he’s ready. I don’t think Terry Collins, Dan Warthen, or the Mets coaching staff would have him work with Harvey in case he WASN’T ready for the 2015 roster. Plus, just by listening to the SNY Podcast with Syndergaard (http://metsblog.com/sny-tv-podcasts/) from a few days ago, he just has a poise about him that showcases his mental toughness. He comes off like ALL business.
Add in the fact he now has Mike Pelfrey’s #34 as his jersey number, Syndergaard has been groomed for this opportunity. He’s ready. I’m ready for the “Hook from Hell”. Is the Mets fan base ready for this 6’6 hoss that can through a 97 mile-per-hour heater?
I think we are.
Jon Harder
jon@thejonharder.com
Add in the fact he now has Mike Pelfrey’s #34 as his jersey number, Syndergaard has been groomed for this opportunity. He’s ready. I’m ready for the “Hook from Hell”. Is the Mets fan base ready for this 6’6 hoss that can through a 97 mile-per-hour heater?
I think we are.
Jon Harder
jon@thejonharder.com