Here are links and stories about Matt Harvey’s first spring start on Friday:
MLB.com
Richard Justice writes, “Harvey might not be the difference between the Mets making and missing the postseason, but his importance would be difficult to overstate.”
Anthony DiComo believes Harvey is, “the Mets’ best chance at contention and the most outsized personality within their clubhouse.”
New York Post
Joel Sherman says, “[Harvey] is Namath returning from knee surgery — but, hopefully, for the Mets, with a happier, less painful ending.”
“Any game in which Harvey pitches this season has the potential to have the electricity of Opening Day,” writes Mike Puma.
Daily News
Harvey, “Finally back on the mound on Friday, he quickly made everyone forget about the surgery and the year off,” says Kristie Ackert.
Newsday
“Friday was a good day for the Mets. A really, really good day,” writes David Lennon.
Marc Carig explains, “It was vintage Harvey. With a straight face, he paid lip service to the idea of taking his time. But on the mound, he pitched with the intensity of a playoff game.”
Star Ledger
“Friday, with each minute, the hope reached a new crescendo. That the Mets would finally get their ace back,” explains Mike Vorkunov.
Bergen Record
“This was Harvey as we remembered him in 2013 – a swing-and-miss machine who grinds hitters into fine powder,” says Bob Klapisch.
New York Times
“After taking the mound, [Harvey] put on a show. His first pitch was 96 m.p.h. His second pitch went 104 m.p.h., according to the scoreboard,” writes Tim Rohan.
Wall Street Journal
“There is no denying Harvey’s importance to the organization, as it seeks to end a six-year playoff drought,” Joe LeMire explains.
Just Mets 