This afternoon I picked up the last couple innings of a game replay from May 29th, 2007. Any self-respecting Mets fan will remember the game. Joe Smith gives up a run in the top of the tenth on a close play at the plate. Armando Benitez promptly implodes in the bottom half, walking Reyes, balking twice to tie it up and serving up a walk-off long ball to Delgado.
Immediate thoughts about the game. I remember there being some great times watching baseball that season. I remember that game too. Being P.O.'ed that Joe Smith had been so good, yet he had nothing that night. Going nuts when Benitez balked the second time and scored Reyes to tie it. Seeing Delgado score after hitting the home run and getting totally mobbed.
I also remember the pain that came at the end of the 2007. How close to the playoffs the Mets were, only to have the finality of the blown lead end the season so abruptly. It hurt a little, but made me want February to be here for pitchers and catchers.
So, what did I see second time around with the hind sight I have now? I saw a couple things. First, I saw a smiling, shaved head version of Jose Reyes. He was bouncing around the dugout during a rally. Barely able to contain his energy, he almost looked like a caged animal. That is the Jose Reyes I miss. The one we need in 2010. Secondly, I saw the intensity of a man teammates used to call, "Captain Red-A$$." The piercing eyes of Paul LoDuca reminded me of a fire that this team lacks.
I am hoping to see both of these occurrences this year. Reyes being Reyes and someone stepping up with some intensity. I think Jeff Francoeur, with a spring training and his second season with the Mets under his belt, could be the intense guy.
Tonight I got excited for baseball again and look forward to putting that ugly 92 loss season behind us.
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