Here in the Big Apple the press has begun describing the Mets as the “Team that Refuses to Die.” The most likely reason for their remarkable success is among the oldest stories in professional sports.
“Just about everyone on this club is a reject, a castoff who didn’t make it elsewhere,” said broadcaster Gary Thorne. “They come here with the attitude, `I’m going to show you!’ We have a whole bunch of those guys.”
And last Friday night two more climbed aboard: outfielder Brian McRae and relief pitcher Mel Rojas, both of whom have had a disappointing season with the Cubs. For McRae, Rojas and reliever Turk Wendell, the Cubs received veteran outfielder Lance Johnson, one of the best leadoff men in either league, and two lesser players.
Neither of these players was identified, but they are believed to be right-handed pitcher Mark Clark and Manny Alexander, a shortstop who is expected to be Shawon Dunston’s successor. In the transaction, the Cubs may also save as much as $4 million in annual salaries. Forgetting the money, it appears to be a good deal for the Cubs.
That the Mets were willing to go for broke is further evidence ownership is convinced they have a good enough chance to catch the favored Florida Marlins in the race for the National League’s wild card. After whipping Houston 6-1 Friday night, the Mets had only two fewer victories than the Marlins.
Bobby Valentine, in his first full season as the Mets’ manager, made it clear Rojas and Wendell were the key acquisitions; the deal was made essentially to strengthen what already appears to be a sufficient bullpen.
John Franco, a left-hander who is among the best closers in the National League, will continue as the late man. Rojas, according to Valentine, will be Franco’s setup man. Wendell and holdover Greg McMichael also will work late.
“We now have four good pitchers for the last three innings,” Valentine said. “I think the game is saved in the seventh inning as well as in the ninth.”
Valentine acknowledged that Rojas, whom the Cubs signed last December for a bundle, was terribly ineffective, especially in the first half.
“It seemed like his splitter (split-finger fastball) gave him a lot of trouble, but his velocity has been good,” he said. “We expect him to be a big help.”
Franco wasn’t quite as encouraging.
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“If he helps us, fine,” Franco said, speaking of Rojas. “But he won’t help if he pitches the way he’s doing.”
Franco found a bright spot.
“He’s a flyball pitcher,” he said. “He should do better here. This (Shea Stadium) is a bigger ballpark.”
Todd Hundley, the Mets’ All-Star catcher, was more optimistic.
“We’ve strengthened our bullpen,” Hundley said. “No question about that. But we lost the best leadoff man in the game. Nobody’s better than Lance.”
Minutes later, Hundley was more diplomatic.
“Brian (McRae) is a quality player,” he said. “It’s tough to compare him with Lance Johnson.”
Of the three ex-Cubs, only McRae arrived at Shea Stadium in time for Friday night’s game. Valentine had him in center field, leading off, and McRae responded with a memorable Mets debut. He reached in each of his first four appearances with a walk, a triple and two singles.
Before the game, McRae submitted to heavy interviewing, but not once did he utter an unflattering word about the Cubs. He, however, did mention he was pleased to be with “a contending club” that has “a good chance to make the playoffs.”
Valentine, who could be a strong candidate for manager of the year, has turned the Mets around. They finished fourth last season, 25 games out of first place and 20 under .500. They have improved to 16 over, only 7 1/2 games out of the lead.
Valentine downplayed his contribution and insisted the players, not he, are responsible for the turnaround.
“I don’t think I’ve made much of a difference, one way or the other,” he said.
But he did acknowledge his club has a “good” attitude.
“We don’t quit,” he said. “Our season could have been over after the first two weeks when we were 3-9. But when spring training began we said we would play from the first out to the last out, regardless of the score. And that’s what we’ve done.”