Kim Jones has always had her eggs in a lot of baskets, whether it’s being a television reporter for the New York Yankees, a radio host on WFAN, an NFL Network reporter or a NFL.com columnist.
Today, she plays the roll of Mets critic as she looks at the Amazins’ and their season ahead and gives us her take on today’s edition of #9innings.
For previous editions of #9innings, click here.
Here are her thoughts:
What do you make of this Mets’ team as currently constituted? Are they ready to contend?
For years, we’ve talked about “next year” for the Mets. Well, this is “next year.” The pieces are mostly in place. Matt Harvey’s back. Kevin Long’s presence – and suggestions – will help Curtis Granderson. David Wright is healthy. And Michael Cuddyer is, I presume, still doing magic tricks. (As he used to show us on pregame interviews on YES Network when he was in Minnesota.) This should be a fun year of big crowds at Citi Field. I think.
If they’re missing something, what is that piece? Who would be the guy you’d go out and get and why?
The easy answer is shortstop. Asdrubal Cabrera signed for, what, $7.5 million on a one-year deal with the Rays. Would he have helped?
How do the Mets compete with the Nationals with that superstar rotation? Is the NL East title a distant pipe dream?
The Nationals are everyone’s pick. If I’m the Mets – or one of their devoted fans – I wouldn’t worry about Washington. I’d want my team to be in position to contend. There’s nothing wrong with being a wild card.
David Wright had a career-worst year in 2014. Do you think we should expect a marginalized player moving forward or do you have hope in a resurgence?
In almost every circumstance, I find reason for hope. And I wouldn’t use “marginalized” to describe David Wright, who has been such a professional and seems to play through injuries that he doesn’t like to talk about. I suspect every player in the Mets clubhouse would benefit from having legitimate hope. I’d put Wright at the top of that list. Never underestimate the effect confidence can have on an athlete or a team. With Wright, I’d add the effect of being healthy coming into the season.
Who’s the guy who needs to step up to put the Mets offense over the top?
The cop-out answer is everyone. So I’ll go with that. If Wright, Granderson, Murphy, Lagares and d’Arnaud all pick it up to some degree, imagine how much better off the Mets would be. They’d score more than two runs when Harvey pitches!
What are your thoughts on the Mets? Do you hate them? Do you understand why many Mets fans have so much animosity towards the Yankees?
How could I hate the Mets? I’ve liked the Mets since I moved to New Jersey in 2000. Before I joined YES in 2005, I probably watched as many Mets games as Yankees games. During the summer – when I do fill-in shows on WFAN — I root for both the Mets and Yankees to be viable and on their way to contending. Having hope makes for better radio, especially when the season still has weeks and weeks to go. Do I understand animosity toward the Yankees from Mets fans? Sure, I do. The Yankees, as a brand, are incomparable.
If you could have one team as currently constituted, farm system and all, would you rather have the Mets or the Yankees? Why?
I’m no farm system guru. (Contrary to popular belief.) Given the choice, I’d combine the Mets young pitching with the Yankees payroll and financial flexibility.
What’s the best thing to eat or drink at Citi Field?
It’s gotta be the frozen custard at Shake Shack. But if they should open a Porkchop on a Stick stand…
Finish this sentence. By the end of the season, the Mets will be…
Spraying champagne like wild cards do.
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