The Mets and Cardinals tied 0-0 at Roger Dean Stadium on Thursday, concluding Grapefruit League play in 2015. Here are some of my takeaways from today’s game…
Matt Harvey capped off a brilliant spring campaign.
Wow. Are there really any other adequate words to describe Matt Harvey? His final Spring Training numbers are as followed: 22.2 IP, 1.19 ERA, 3 ER, 14 H, 21 K, one walk, .215 opposing average and a 0.80 WHIP. Are you kidding me?
He may not be the Opening Day starter, but we all know that Matt Harvey is the far-and-away ace of this already impressive pitching staff. The velocity is there, the movement on all of his pitches is devastating. This guy is back, and he seems poised and ready to tear through the National League without missing a beat. I cannot wait.
Curtis Granderson left the game after being hit in the knee by a pitch.
The fanbase collectively held it’s breathe as Curtis Granderson was drilled in the knee by a Lance Lynn fastball in Thursday’s game, but he appears to be alright, giving a thumbs up to fans after coming out of the game.
Granderson initially stayed in the game to run the bases, but was removed the following half inning. He finished Grapefruit League play with a MLB-leading .435 batting average.
It’s almost time.
Grapefruit League play is officially over for the Metropolitans after today’s tie. After a month of March that seemingly always takes an eternity, we’re that much closer to real baseball being played.
While it started a down note, with season-ending injuries to Josh Edgin and Zack Wheeler, as well as dealing with injuries to Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy and Vic Black, this team looked impressive this spring. And yes, while you can never take results or records this time of year into account, it’s still good to see.
This team has talked boisterously all month, and with new approaches at the plate, the return of an ace, hot hitting by just about everyone, and acquisitions of some sorely needed left-handed relievers, they seem ready for the regular season.
Only two exhibition games in Texas against the Rangers stand in our way before Opening Day, which is now only four days away. We’re almost there people, we’re almost there…
Other notes from Thursday:
Thursday marked the only time all Spring Training that the Mets failed to score a run.
Michael Cuddyer went 0-3, but hit .315 this month and led the team with six home runs.
Ruben Tejada doubled, capping off his solid spring with a .267 average.
Carlos Torres pitched two scoreless innings in relief, ending spring with a 3.86 ERA.
Reliever Zach Thornton stranded the potential game-winning run at 3rd in the 9th.
The Mets ended Grapefruit League play with an 18-12-1 record.
Just Mets 