Marc Ernay is the 1010 WINS Sports Director, a Sports Broadcasting professor at St. John’s University, a devoted husband & puppy daddy, and has been bleeding blue and orange since 1973.
Today, he plays the roll of Mets critic as he looks at the Amazins’ and their season ahead and gives us his take on today’s edition of #9innings.
For previous editions of #9innings, click here.
Here are his thoughts:
What do you make of this Mets’ team as currently constituted? Are they ready to contend?
I think the pitching is set up to remind us (a lot!) of the mid-‘80s rotation. I’m a little concerned about the bullpen, but it’s always better to have too many candidates for closer than not enough. If the defense and hitting are even slightly above average, this team is definitely in the mix for a Wild Card.
If they’re missing something, what is that piece? Who would be the guy you’d go out and get and why?
Call me crazy, but I’m content to roll the dice with who they’ve got, including Wilmer Flores. That said, if he were to start dragging the whole team down, they might have to reconsider trading a couple or three of those prospect chips for a Troy Tulowitzki type.
How do the Mets compete with the Nationals with that superstar rotation? Is the NL East title a distant pipe dream?
If the Nats’ rotation was to experience the same type of injury problems as the 2014 Yankees (and, to some extent, Braves), there’s no reason the Mets can’t be thought of as division contenders.
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?
Who’s the guy who needs to step up to put the Mets offense over the top?
If Lucas Duda can replicate his 2nd half of 2014, that’ll go a long way. And it would be extremely helpful if Curtis Granderson turns back the clock to 2011.
What are your thoughts on the Yankees? Do you hate them?
If you could have one team as currently constituted, farm system and all, would you rather have the Mets or the Yankees? Why?
The Mets, no question. Better farm system, better pitching depth, better mojo.
What’s the best thing to eat or drink at Citi Field?
I’m a purist when it comes to ballpark food. Give me a hot dog & fries (especially Nathan’s) and a decent micro-brew, and I’m a VERY happy camper.
Finish this sentence. By the end of the season, the Mets will be…
By the end of the season, the Mets will be……….reminding us (a lot!) of 1985. Ready to break through and make 2016 another “Year to Remember.”
