For as long as I can remember, the Mets have struggled to find a catcher that is the total package. Lo Duca is the last to come to mind who was solid behind the plate and at the plate. Since then, it's been a mirage of guys with some pop in their bats who don't hit for average or guys who have the glove and couldn't hit the ball off a tee.
James McCann looks like he might be the backstop we've been looking for.
With the Mets holding a one-run lead and Trevor Story, the '20 stolen base leader, on first, McCann threw an absolute seed to gun him down and end the ballgame. Lindor slapped the tag down as quickly as the ball got down there and was PUMPED up. Hell, I was pumped up.
How often do games end like that? Better yet, when is the last time you remember a Mets catcher throwing someone out in a big spot?
Nothing comes to mind for me. The Mets are finding a variety of ways to win and a variety of faces are making it happen. McCann's bullet down to second is just the latest, and I can't get enough of it. The play happened 30 mins ago and I've already watched the highlight a good 30 times.
Damn, does it feel good to have a catcher! There's nothing like a good old fashion duel between a base stealer and a catcher. McCann gunned him down and sent a message to the league he's not to be messed with. There's an energy that comes from arm speed beating foot speed. Whether it's throwing a guy out from the outfield or on a stolen base attempt, there's a few seconds of excitement where everyone watching gets up on their feet of shirts toward the edge of their seats.
McCann made us all feel in a way I haven't felt about a Mets catcher in a long, long time. He can hit. He can throw. He can do it all. I'm not out here trying to tell you McCann is the best catcher in the world. I am here to tell you that McCann is a solid, all-around catcher and it's something fans already can't get enough of.
Now excuse me while I go back to watching the highlight on repeat.
If you haven't hit a tailgate this season, you have one last chance! Come close out 2023 on Sunday October 1st at Citi Field. Kick the day off with us in the Marina Lot as we put a bow on this season.
Tailgate with us on Saturday September 16th at Citi Field! Kick the night off with us in the Marina Lot! The Mets take on the Reds at 7:10pm so we expect fans to start showing up around 3pm. If you can't swing that early, just get there when ya get there.
The Mets stink. Let's drink! Responsibly of course. The stage is set for our first trip to Minnesota on September 9th 2023! We're rolling with 700 DIE-HARD METS FANS to this one.
Tim Reilly
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T7L contributing blogger - Follow Tim on Twitter