Pinball Mets Wizard

As we get to the first milestone of the season (Memorial Day), I think I can speak for all Mets fans when I say I'm thrilled with the performance thus far. However, the first 48 games have me thinking about the Mets connection to The Who, and their hit, Pinball Wizard. Asking for the band's apologies, I paraphrase them below:

"How do you think they do it, I don't know, what makes them so good?"


Not to sound like a caller to WFAN, but I've been a baseball fan for 40 years. I think I know a little. I just can't figure out how this team wins. Let's take a look at some top-level thoughts on the 2012 Mets.

1B- the guy is hitting .160 and on pace for 200 Ks. Really? Isn't this an offensive position?
2B- singles hitter batting around .300, who is learning the position in the big leagues. No speed
SS- rookie who is hurt. Limited speed, solid if not spectacular in the field. No power. Career backup playing now.
3B- all-star having an outstanding season in the field and at the plate. He's hitting .390.
LF- injured veteran, replaced by the likes of Vinny Rotino and rookie Nieuwenhuis.
CF- veteran who is hitting .200, spelled by Nieuwenhuis, who is on pace for 200 Ks in a full year.
RF- slugger who does not slug, decent OF defensively (surprise), batting around .270. Only 5 HRs
C- injured starter who is defensively challenged. Backups are hitting around .200.
Bullpen- close to last statistically, a collection of cast off pitchers and a hard-throwing right-hander.
Starters- number 1 and 2 are outstanding. 3 is inconsistent, 4 is a cast of characters (including a 41-year-old poet who is injured) and 5 is an inconsistent second-year guy. Injury to original number 4.
Bench- solid PH in Baxter, cast-off backup catcher, K-prone rookie, career utility IF who walks up to "Call Me Maybe".

There you have it. Look above. If that's all you had, where would you place these guys after 48. 18-30? 20-28? That's where I'd place them, but they win. The sum is greater than to total of the parts. Which brings me to my final point for this post. The manager, who turned 63 yesterday, deserves a ton of credit. This guy moves and maneuvers his players, getting the last drop out of them. Look at today's lineup. Turner is lead off. I'm not kidding. Yet, you just feel they can win this game. There's an aura, a vibe going on. They believe in themselves, and we're starting to believe in them. Good job, TC. At some point, people are going to start giving that man the credit he deserves. In the meantime, let's just enjoy it, and remember to thank all of those who serve to protect our freedom.