When the Mets, pitchers, catchers and Buck Showalter all traveled to Clover Park for spring training last year, no trade-deadline sales were on the cards. Record of 75 wins and 87 losses. A story about a colleague from a team competing in the ALCS.
That never happens in the early stages of spring training. Clubhouse interviews and surprising performances in the Grapefruit League always inspire optimism. But when Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander were released mid-season, and the other players surrounding them, who had earned the highest salaries in baseball history, left for legitimate contenders, the Mets faced a reality check. He pushed forward furiously and eventually found himself in a difficult situation.
So when the Mets hold their first full-body practice in Port St. Lucie on Monday and the Yankees meet in Tampa the next day, there will still be a jolt of positivity that may seem more delusional than realistic.
A star is coming. Pete Alonso. Juan Soto. Francisco Lindor. Judge Aaron. Manager Aaron Boone has already thrown around the word “hell” to describe the Yankees’ efforts to break their World Series drought, and the Mets certainly aren’t going to produce a more disappointing campaign than last year. is.
