Jacob deGrom made his Grapefruit League debut in yesterday’s 3-1 win over the Braves at Tradition Field and allowed a run on two hits with a strikeout in three innings.
DeGrom should have gotten out of the third inning unscathed, but John Mayberry’s inability to catch a throw from Wilmer Flores spoiled what would’ve been an inning-ending double play, which scored Eury Perez.
While I was watching yesterday’s game, I couldn’t help but compare deGrom’s debut to Harvey’s. One came with fanfare, hype, intrigue and anticipation (Harvey), the other I actually forgot was taking place (deGrom). That’s kind of been a recurring theme this spring since the story has been Matt Harvey, but I also don’t think that’s a bad thing for deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and the other pitchers on the staff.
In comparing Harvey and deGrom, they’re two completely different personalities, both personally and in the way they go about their business, yet they both can be just as good as one another. Both are personable, both have great senses of humor, and both are very intelligent baseball players.
But simply put, Harvey seems to feed off the attention he receives, whether he’s pitching or not. That’s not a bad thing, as the Mets could use that kind of star power and celebrity presence as they enter their next stage of evolution.
Then there’s deGrom, the quieter ace who arguably has accomplished more than Harvey to date. Yet is one of those players who goes out there, does his job and goes home at the end of the day. He’s a blue collared star in comparison with substantial accolades and credentials already established.
And, now that Harvey’s back, both stars should complement each other well in 2015.
Read more about deGrom’s outing from MLB.com’s Steve Dorsey.
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