Stroman talks a big game, and he has the game to back it up

by Ricky Diffendale March 02, 2021

We’re all in agreement that 2020 was an absolute shit-show in every possible way. I refuse to hold the fact that Marcus Stroman opted out of the season against him. Some things are bigger than baseball; bigger than sports.

When the Mets traded for Stroman in 2019, I was all about it. There’s something about having a local guy in the fold that makes me want to root for them that much more. I think most of us were disappointed (not angry) that we didn't get to see 'Stro on the mound in 2020.

But...

It’s 2021 now, and Stroman signed a qualifying offer with the Mets because he wants to be here. I’m not blind to the fact that he had about 19 million reasons to stay in Queens, but he could’ve gone elsewhere for a hefty sum. Look around at what quality pitchers were getting on the market. Nevertheless, Stroman and his bravado are back in Queens and that’s a damn good thing.

Stro has a big personality and he loves to talk. That’s fine, but if you’re going to talk to the talk, you better be able to walk the walk. In his spring debut, Stroman threw two perfect innings while striking out two. After the game he said, “my stuff is nasty.” He's not kidding. The new split change pitch in his arsenal is something else...

Marcus Stroman's Debut of his new Split Change. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/nB7okhkFEO
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 2, 2021

Stroman's confident, Stroman's in your face, and Stroman's a Met. If you aren't already, get behind Stroman, Mets fans. He plays with some of the same swagger we loved in the '80s and guys like Reyes brought back in the mid-2000s.

"My stuff is nasty," said Mets pitcher & Medford native Marcus Stroman. Let this be a lesson to all young pitchers that breaking the radar gun isn't everything. @STR0 @PatMedAthletics @KingsParkBSB @lihotstove @News12LI pic.twitter.com/EcKP2dE7KQ
— Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) March 2, 2021

We know what deGrom brings to the table. What he needs is a sidekick. A no. 2 who keeps the momentum going down the line of the rotation. Sure, Syndergaard has the potential to be that type of guy. We've seen it in the past. We've seen it in Stroman's past, too. Thor is sidelined to start the season. Stroman is here. Take that no. 2 spot and run with it.

The way Marcus carries himself may rub some of you the wrong way. Try to get past that. He wants to prove he’s the real deal, and I badly want him to be. Feel free to talk, and talk and talk, Stro. Just make sure you keep that “nasty stuff” coming every fifth day and walk the walk.

So far, so good.