I was there as a young 13 year old Met fan on August 5, 2010 at a Florida State League game between the St. Lucie Mets and the Tampa Yankees.
When the game was about to start there were only about 400 people who showed up for first pitch I saw someone that looked important walk in, talk to some players and leave. I asked him why he was leaving before the game even started and he told me Jennry Mejia a mets top prospect was suppose to pitch but got scratched and wasn’t even with the team. I then asked are there any other players that have a chance to make “the real life” Mets. He named me three, a kid with an attitude problem who would bat lead off that game, Jordany Valdespin (we all know how that turned out, SEE: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/11/jordany-valdespin-isnt-making-many-friends/ or http://www.sportsworldnews.com/articles/3686/20130715/jordany-valdespin-calls-mets-manager-terry-collins-cocksucker-demotion-triple-a.htm).
Then there’s a 21 year old who was the starting shortstop that night Wilmer Flores (he told me he could be a great hitter but they just don’t really know where to put him in the field (funny how sometimes scouts are right on). And lastly a big strong starting pitcher who was struggling with his command (walking 5.5 per 9 innings) but also was striking out over a guy per inning. This big strong 6″3 240 pound man was named Jeurys Familia.
Because I got his autograph I followed him intensely throughout his rise to the big leagues. Always a hard thrower you knew he had the stuff to be a successful pitcher for the mets one day, all he needed was the control. As the years went on he has gotten better and better, last year he took a big step up as the setup man. What he has done this year has been remarkable.
Coming into the season he had 7th inning role locked down with Meija and Parnell with the eighth and ninth covered. By opening day Meija was hurt next thing you know he’s suspended 80 games. Parnell still hasn’t pitched as he’s been filled with set backs. So Mr. Familia has stepped up and has been Better with each appearance. Jeurys had 10 straight appearances with a save which is remarkable. He throws a devastating 97 MPH fastball which cuts in on the lefties and jams them every time.He looks more dominant every time striking out guys left and right and it should be a privilege to watch him continue his success for weeks to come.
