The beginnings of belief

Each preseason, Mets fans defy their instincts and provide flawed reasoning to support the possibility of a breakthrough year for the team. This season, however, very few participated in the annual spring training denial party, and there were no delusions of grandeur regarding the team’s chances.
Although the Mets may not be destined for playoff glory right now, this is one of the first seasons in years when fans can, and should, experience legitimate optimism regarding the club.
This year, the Mets have been scrappy, aggressive and resilient, making them one of the more entertaining squads in recent memory. Most importantly, numerous young Mets have taken significant steps in their development.
Before injuring his ankle, Ike Davis was the Mets’ best hitter and the most feared man in their lineup. In just 36 games, Davis hit .302, blasting seven homeruns and driving in 25. I, for one, am excited about seeing Ike in orange and blue for many seasons to come.
This year we received a formal introduction to Justin Turner, who may be the solution to the team’s seemingly incessant problem at second base. Turner had an incredible streak earlier this season, during which he recorded an RBI in 13 out of 15 games, and his aptitude for providing clutch hits has been a welcomed sight in Queens.
Turner’s main competition at second base, Daniel Murphy, has also improved. “Murph” has answered many of his critics by hitting .308, launching six homeruns and driving in an impressive 44 RBI, all while logging time at first, second and third base.
Dillon Gee, who started the season 7-0, has been a very pleasant surprise for the Amazin’s. The 25-year-old right hander is currently 9-3 with a 3.75 ERA.
No single player has given Mets fans greater hope than Jonathan Niese, who stepped forth in Santana’s absence and did what Mike Pelfrey has never been able to do– deliver when the team needed an ace. In only his second year as a full-time starter, the 24-year-old Niese has won nine games thus far, while posting a 3.76 ERA and striking out 105 batters.
Along with promising youngsters already in the majors, the Mets also have flamethrower Matt Harvey starting in the minors, and a possible influx of young talent if the team trades Beltran or Reyes.
While expectations may have been low entering this season, with young Metropolitans improving each game, a fiery manager to lead them and a capable, intelligent baseball mind serving as general manager, the future in Queens may be brighter than initially expected.