College basketball fans got quite the teaser with the First Four games of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. Eight teams got to open up the tournament with play-in games to get to the true dance floor. On Tuesday night, UAlbany got it together late to defeat Mount St. Mary's, 71-64, to play top seeded Florida. North Carolina State routed Xavier, 74-59 to gain their admittance. Wednesday night saw the team with the worst record in the tournament, Cal Poly, defeat Texas Southern, 81-69. Hey, if they win the tournament, they'll finish with a winning record. To cap it all off, Iowa and Tennessee battled into overtime where the Volunteers got their dancing shoes strapped back on with a 78-65 victory.
Only the best dancers survive on this floor.
It all starts on a dance floor in Buffalo, and concludes on another in Spokane on Thursday. Still need help filling out your bracket? Here's a nice rundown of the games Thursday.
(6) Ohio State Buckeyes (25-9) vs. (11) Dayton Flyers (23-10), 12:15 p.m.
The Big Ten was arguably the toughest conference this season every team they sent is a reason why. Ohio State is no different. As for Dayton, the Atlantic 10 sent six teams, but still lacks respect from the other major conference. I'm not saying it's on the same level, but the A-10 is a tough conference. Dayton can play with the bigger programs, but their only game against a ranked opponent from a major conference was a 67-66 loss to Baylor early in the season. Ohio State hasn't been the same team Thad Matta used to coach in the past. However, his team has more experience in the tournament, and even if he has struggled lately, Aaron Craft is still one of the most clutch players in the nation. Ohio State moves on, 74-70.
(2) Wisconsin Badgers (26-7) vs. (15) American Eagles (20-12), 12:40 p.m.
The Badgers have been a consistent player in the tournament lately. Bo Ryan runs a solid program up there in cheese country. It's the tournament that seems to be Wisconsin's nemesis. As high as they're seeded, they never seem to live up to expectations. Coach Ryan's boys will look to break the spell. They won't slip up against an American team that won the Patriot League title. Wisconsin, 82-65.
(8) Colorado Buffaloes (23-11) vs. (9) Pittsburgh Panthers (25-9), 1:40 p.m.
Coach Jamie Dixon and the Panthers played well in their first season in the ACC. Coming from the Big East, Pittsburgh still proved they're a force in college hoops. As Stats Guy Cody Marshall would say, the Pac-12 is a weak league for major conferences. I like the style of play Pittsburgh has, and the momentum coming off the run they made in the ACC Tournament. In one of the best games of the opening roung, Pittsburgh, 69-66.
(5) Cincinnati Bearcats (27-6) vs. (12) Harvard Crimson (26-4), 2:10 p.m.
Harvard has a nice run in the tournament last year, and they became a team to watch. These boys aren't just brainiacs, they can play some basketball. However, Cincinnati is one of the most physical team in college basketball. Mick Cronin has kept his Bearcats in the picture the last few year in the Big East and American Athletic Conference. In fact, Cincinnati finished 15-3 in their new conference. The physicality on the boards and in the games overall will be too much for Harvard. Give me Cincinnati, 72-54.
(3) Syracuse Orange (27-5) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (23-9), 2:40 p.m.
Remember when we thought the Orange was a lock for a 1 seed at 25-0? Then came a 2-5 finish to the season, and stunning exit in the ACC Tournament. Their entire tournament will depend on which team comes to play. The team that can play lockdown 2-3 zone defense and score at will, or the non-chalant Orange that always seem to make an appearance late in the season. I like Syracuse as a tournament team, and they've got to prove themselves all over again. Syracuse, 69-60.
(7) Oregon Ducks (23-9) vs. (10) BYU Cougars (23-11), 3:10 p.m.
BYU isn't the home of Jimmer Fredette anymore, he's in Chicago. Oregon had a solid in last year's tournament, and is looking to go further this year. BYU's inside presence needs to be physical and get their share of rebounds or Oregon is going to blow this game open. These two teams met this season to a tune of a 100-96 overtime win for the Ducks. It's hard to beat a team twice in the same season... especially in the tournament. Fredette about it Ducks! BYU, 84-83.
(1) Florida Gators (32-2) vs. (16) Albany Great Danes (19-14), 4:10 p.m.
The Gators are the hottest team in the nation entering the chaos of March. Their first task is an Albany team that has proven it can compete in the tournament. See 2006 vs. Connecticut and last year vs. Duke. Florida is one of the most athletic teams in the nation, and Albany has an average at best inside presence with John Puk. For a 6'9" he won't be able to compete underneath with the skill of the Gators. You need to beat the Gators inside or via the 3-ball. Albany isn't highly touted at either. Florida, 87-70.
(4) Michigan State Spartans (26-8) vs. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens (25-9), 4:40 p.m.
ESPN analysts have already pegged the Spartans as their favorite to win the national championship. Delaware is first on that trek. Health is the only thing really standing in the way of the Spartans on their run. Health won't play much of a factor here. Sparty moves on, 83-72.
(7) Connecticut Huskies (26-8) vs. (10) Saint Joseph's Hawks (24-9), 6:55 p.m.
Connecticut enjoyed a lot of success under Jim Calhoun, and now those reigns have been turned over to Kevin Ollie. Ollie gets his first chance in the tournament, but it's not an easy path. Shabazz Napier continues to be a strong player offensively for the Huskies. The Hawks are looking to prove further that the A-10 deserves some respect. In fact, the Hawks won that tournament. Ollie's first tournament experience won't last long. In the best game of the day, St. Joe's, 81-79.
(2) Michigan Wolverines (25-8) vs. (15) Wofford Terriers (20-12), 7:10 p.m.
Runners-up last year, the Wolverines... enough said. Michigan, 90-63.
(5) Saint Louis Billikens (26-6) vs. (12) North Carolina State Wolfpack (22-13), 7:20 p.m.
The Billikens looked like they could match Wichita State step-for-step in mid-major teams making runs towards an undefeated season. However, Saint Louis took the Syracuse like approach, and stumbled hard along the way. North Carolina State comes into the game with solid momentum after knocking off Syracuse and Xavier. The 'Pack can play on big stages. Saint Louis needs to find their early season rhythm, or it'll be a final stumble early in the tournament. NC State, 75-66.
(5) Oklahoma Sooners (23-9) vs. (12) North Dakota State Bison (25-6), 7:27 p.m.
Oklahoma seems to have gone under the radar this year. The Sooners finished second in the Big XII this season, and they haven't lost a game to a team like the Bison. With solid wins over tournament teams like Baylor, Iowa State, and Texas, the Sooners could go under the radar in the tournament. Boomer Sooner, 75-69.
(2) Villanova Wildcats (28-4) vs. (15) Milwaukee Panthers (21-13), 9:25 p.m.
The Wildcats are coming off of the biggest disappointment of the Big East tournament. A loss to Seton Hall didn't help them with the seeding committee, and I'm sure that's translated over to a lot of fans' brackets. The Panthers have a history of upsets in the tournament, but Nova survives this round. However, I don't think they last much longer. Villanova, 81-70.
(7) Texas Longhorns (23-10) vs. (10) Arizona State Sun Devils (21-11), 9:40 p.m.
The Longhorns defeated Iowa State, Kansas State, Baylor, and Kansas consecutively at one point during the season. I like the Longhorns to do damage in this tournament. Another team that can go under the radar like Oklahoma. Arizona State is another under the radar team, but in another way. The Sun Devils' best win was an overtime victory over Arizona, but they're a weaker team from the Pac-12. Hook 'em Horns, 86-73.
(4) Louisville Cardinals (29-5) vs. (13) Manhattan Jaspers (25-7), 9:50 p.m.
Manhattan! You're playing the defending champions who got spurned by the committee. You're playing a defending champion with something to prove. Add that to Rick Pitino and "Rusdiculous" Russ Smith... Louisville, 95-65.
(4) San Diego State Aztecs (29-4) vs. (13) New Mexico State Aggies (26-9), 9:57 p.m.
If you want the best defensive basketball in college hoops, Coach Fisher and the Aztecs got it. If you want to see their defense face a unique challenge then Aggies center Sim Bhullar at 7'5" will give the Aztecs just that. Neutralize Bhullar, and the Aggies will be one dimensional. Fisher will figure things out. Aztecs move on, 79-75.
Get the markers ready to adjust your brackets, folks! Meanwhile, I'll hope St. Joseph's, North Carolina State, BYU, and Pittsburgh move on in my upset picks of the day. Welcome to the dance, partners!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Sibling Rivalry: The Stats Guys' Debate
In the Sibling Rivalry segment, The Stats Guys debate the biggest topics in the sports world. This time you'll get their perspectives on the First Four NCAA Tournament games, the best NFL free agency signings, top stories out of Spring Training, and their NCAA Final Four picks. Embrace the debate.
NCAA First Four Games
It's NCAA Tournament time, and for the die-hards who look for serious points in their pools, the First Four games are easy ways to win points. The Stats Guys went to their brackets to give you their picks for the First Four games, set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Tuesday:
(16) Albany Great Danes (18-14) vs. (16) Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers (16-16), 6:40 p.m.
Shane's pick: With Peter Hooley tearing through the America East tournament, the Danes are on a roll to close out this season. It's no secret this team isn't as good as last year, but as a Sophomore, Hooley is averging 23.7 points per game in the postseason. I don't think Mount St. Mary's will have an answer for Hooley. UAlbany, 72-61
Cody's Pick: If you look at how Mount St. Mary's played in the Northeast Championship against Robert Morris, then it really depends on which UAlbany team shows up. They've played strong defensively against Vermont and Stony Brook. Add that with their experience from last year's tournament, and UAlbany looks good. However, the Danes will definitely need contribution from 6'9" center, John Puk. UAlbany, 74-65.
(12) North Carolina State Wolfpack (21-13) vs. (12) Xavier Musketeers (21-12), 9:10 p.m.
Shane's Pick: The Musketeers usually spark up talk every season, however they've entered this tournament pretty quietly. NC State, on the other hand, knocked off Syracuse in the ACC Tournament and played a competitive game against Duke in their exit. I like NC State to pass through Xavier, and then through Saint Louis. NC State, 79-72.
Cody's Pick: This is the most interesting of the First Four. T.J. Warren is the ACC's leading scorer, and the Wolfpack have momentum coming from their tournament run. The Wolfpack also played better competition in the ACC, than Xavier in the Big East. NC State, 88-82.
Wednesday:
(16) Cal Poly Mustangs (13-19) vs. (16) Texas Southern Tigers (19-14), 6:40 p.m.
Shane's Pick: It'll probably be the lowest scoring game, but I like the play of Ridge Shipley. The Freshman played a heck of a Big West tournament. Averaging just under 11 points per game off the bench, look for him to contribute with Dave Nwaba and Chris Eversley for the Mustangs advancement. Cal Poly, 63-50.
Cody's Pick: Cal Poly shouldn't be in this tournament. With that mindset, what do they have to lose? Texas Southern won't be able to match the Mustangs intensity. Cal Poly, 55-51.
(11) Iowa Hawkeyes (20-12) vs. (11) Tennessee Volunteers (21-12), 9:10 p.m.
Shane's Pick: Iowa is finally where they want to be. After two consecutive postseason trips to the NIT, Fran McCaffery is once again in the NCAA Tournament. Name not familiar? He led Siena to the tournament three times, and upset Vanderbilt and Ohio State. This is a dangerous team in Iowa, and Tennessee hasn't been the same since Bruce Pearl had them atop college basketball. Iowa, 70-55.
Cody's Pick: Iowa was a lock in the tournament field until they struggled late in the season. For Tennessee, the SEC for basketball isn't what it is for football. I like Iowa coming from a strong Big Ten Conference. Don't forget McCaffery, he's got experience and wins from his time at Siena. Iowa, 64-59.
Best NFL Free Agency Signings
Cody:
Offense- Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets
Decker was a large part of the Broncos offense the past few seasons. Coming out of Minnesota, I didn't think he'd make this large of an impact. The Jets needed a wide receiver, and a face of the franchise. Santonio Holmes was getting old. However, the Jets still need to add another wide receiver.
Defense- DeMarcus Ware, DE, Denver Broncos
When a player is this good, money shouldn't matter. For the Cowboys, the linebacking corps. wasn't the problem, it was the secondary. Now Denver adds Ware to it's corps with Von Miller. Ware can get after the quarterback, play linebacker or defensive end, and he's highly effective in pass coverage.
Shane:
Offense- Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets
Call me bias, because I'm a die-hard Jets fan, but this is the best offensive addition so far this offseason. Decker finally gives quarterback Geno Smith a reliable target, provided he can stay healthy. While I truly believe the Jets still need another wide receiver, such as Sidney Rice, the receiving corps improved with this signing. Keep in mind the Jets were 8-8 being very thin at the wideout position.
Defense- Julius Peppers, DE, Green Bay Packers
In a slight edge over Ware, I have to go with Peppers. The Green Bay defense has been terrible since they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl a few years ago. They can't stop the run, and looked worse against the pass. Peppers brings Pro Bowl talent to Lambeau and it's faithful. Granted he is older, but Peppers can still be a force every down. Nobody needed and got more help defensively than the Packers did with this signing. Dallas, take notes.
Best Story in Spring Training
Cody:
Masahiro Tanaka, of the New York Yankees, has to be my spring training story. I'm not a fan of his enormous seven year/$155 million contract because Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideo Nomo before him have struggled for the most part since coming from Japan. However, Tanaka is getting outs, and isn't getting in too many jams so far. He and Yu Darvish could be the first Japanese pitchers to perform well in the MLB.
Shane:
Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
For those of us that love a short guy like Dustin Pedroia being able to lead his team, and smack the baseball to every corner of the ball park, Wong is that guy. At 5'9", Wong has already jacked two homers in Spring Training for the reigning National League champs. Wong's bat fits in perfectly with the Cardinals lineup, and his only questions loom defensively.
NCAA Final Four Picks
Cody:
South: Florida over Kansas
East: Iowa State over Michigan State
West: Arizona over Creighton
Midwest: Louisville over Michigan
Shane:
South: Florida over Kansas
East: Michigan State over Iowa State
West: Arizona over Baylor
Midwest: Duke over Wichita State
That concludes Tuesday's edition of Sibling Rivalry. Check back later for our Final Four and National Champion picks, as well as our reactions to Opening Day of the MLB season looming right around the corner.
NCAA First Four Games
It's NCAA Tournament time, and for the die-hards who look for serious points in their pools, the First Four games are easy ways to win points. The Stats Guys went to their brackets to give you their picks for the First Four games, set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Tuesday:
(16) Albany Great Danes (18-14) vs. (16) Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers (16-16), 6:40 p.m.
Shane's pick: With Peter Hooley tearing through the America East tournament, the Danes are on a roll to close out this season. It's no secret this team isn't as good as last year, but as a Sophomore, Hooley is averging 23.7 points per game in the postseason. I don't think Mount St. Mary's will have an answer for Hooley. UAlbany, 72-61
Cody's Pick: If you look at how Mount St. Mary's played in the Northeast Championship against Robert Morris, then it really depends on which UAlbany team shows up. They've played strong defensively against Vermont and Stony Brook. Add that with their experience from last year's tournament, and UAlbany looks good. However, the Danes will definitely need contribution from 6'9" center, John Puk. UAlbany, 74-65.
(12) North Carolina State Wolfpack (21-13) vs. (12) Xavier Musketeers (21-12), 9:10 p.m.
Shane's Pick: The Musketeers usually spark up talk every season, however they've entered this tournament pretty quietly. NC State, on the other hand, knocked off Syracuse in the ACC Tournament and played a competitive game against Duke in their exit. I like NC State to pass through Xavier, and then through Saint Louis. NC State, 79-72.
Cody's Pick: This is the most interesting of the First Four. T.J. Warren is the ACC's leading scorer, and the Wolfpack have momentum coming from their tournament run. The Wolfpack also played better competition in the ACC, than Xavier in the Big East. NC State, 88-82.
Wednesday:
(16) Cal Poly Mustangs (13-19) vs. (16) Texas Southern Tigers (19-14), 6:40 p.m.
Shane's Pick: It'll probably be the lowest scoring game, but I like the play of Ridge Shipley. The Freshman played a heck of a Big West tournament. Averaging just under 11 points per game off the bench, look for him to contribute with Dave Nwaba and Chris Eversley for the Mustangs advancement. Cal Poly, 63-50.
Cody's Pick: Cal Poly shouldn't be in this tournament. With that mindset, what do they have to lose? Texas Southern won't be able to match the Mustangs intensity. Cal Poly, 55-51.
(11) Iowa Hawkeyes (20-12) vs. (11) Tennessee Volunteers (21-12), 9:10 p.m.
Shane's Pick: Iowa is finally where they want to be. After two consecutive postseason trips to the NIT, Fran McCaffery is once again in the NCAA Tournament. Name not familiar? He led Siena to the tournament three times, and upset Vanderbilt and Ohio State. This is a dangerous team in Iowa, and Tennessee hasn't been the same since Bruce Pearl had them atop college basketball. Iowa, 70-55.
Cody's Pick: Iowa was a lock in the tournament field until they struggled late in the season. For Tennessee, the SEC for basketball isn't what it is for football. I like Iowa coming from a strong Big Ten Conference. Don't forget McCaffery, he's got experience and wins from his time at Siena. Iowa, 64-59.
Best NFL Free Agency Signings
Cody:
Offense- Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets
Decker was a large part of the Broncos offense the past few seasons. Coming out of Minnesota, I didn't think he'd make this large of an impact. The Jets needed a wide receiver, and a face of the franchise. Santonio Holmes was getting old. However, the Jets still need to add another wide receiver.
Defense- DeMarcus Ware, DE, Denver Broncos
When a player is this good, money shouldn't matter. For the Cowboys, the linebacking corps. wasn't the problem, it was the secondary. Now Denver adds Ware to it's corps with Von Miller. Ware can get after the quarterback, play linebacker or defensive end, and he's highly effective in pass coverage.
Shane:
Offense- Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets
Call me bias, because I'm a die-hard Jets fan, but this is the best offensive addition so far this offseason. Decker finally gives quarterback Geno Smith a reliable target, provided he can stay healthy. While I truly believe the Jets still need another wide receiver, such as Sidney Rice, the receiving corps improved with this signing. Keep in mind the Jets were 8-8 being very thin at the wideout position.
Defense- Julius Peppers, DE, Green Bay Packers
In a slight edge over Ware, I have to go with Peppers. The Green Bay defense has been terrible since they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl a few years ago. They can't stop the run, and looked worse against the pass. Peppers brings Pro Bowl talent to Lambeau and it's faithful. Granted he is older, but Peppers can still be a force every down. Nobody needed and got more help defensively than the Packers did with this signing. Dallas, take notes.
Best Story in Spring Training
Cody:
Masahiro Tanaka, of the New York Yankees, has to be my spring training story. I'm not a fan of his enormous seven year/$155 million contract because Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideo Nomo before him have struggled for the most part since coming from Japan. However, Tanaka is getting outs, and isn't getting in too many jams so far. He and Yu Darvish could be the first Japanese pitchers to perform well in the MLB.
Shane:
Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
For those of us that love a short guy like Dustin Pedroia being able to lead his team, and smack the baseball to every corner of the ball park, Wong is that guy. At 5'9", Wong has already jacked two homers in Spring Training for the reigning National League champs. Wong's bat fits in perfectly with the Cardinals lineup, and his only questions loom defensively.
NCAA Final Four Picks
Cody:
South: Florida over Kansas
East: Iowa State over Michigan State
West: Arizona over Creighton
Midwest: Louisville over Michigan
Shane:
South: Florida over Kansas
East: Michigan State over Iowa State
West: Arizona over Baylor
Midwest: Duke over Wichita State
That concludes Tuesday's edition of Sibling Rivalry. Check back later for our Final Four and National Champion picks, as well as our reactions to Opening Day of the MLB season looming right around the corner.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Kalinkewicz Sees Talent On Roster, Garners Support
The Mark Kalinkewicz era at Galway High School has begun. Last week, the new varsity baseball coach practiced with his new team for the first time, as players fielded, threw, and hit in the high school gym.
It’s
a seasonal tradition for practices to start indoors, which is one disadvantage
of the northeast baseball season. For the first few weeks, Kalinkewicz and his
staff have a limited angle on scouting the talent they have. “It’s hard
throwing indoors,” said Kalinkewicz. “But, it looks like everyone can hit.”
Kalinkewicz
said that his primary goal is to go out and be competitive every game. He
believes that goal is something his players should all expect from themselves.
In the Western Athletic Conference’s North Division, Kalinkewicz & Co. will
test themselves against schools that have produced state champions in recent
years, Saratoga Catholic and Fort Plain. “I want to see what Spa Catholic has,”
said Kalinkewicz.
A
sectional berth is on the new coach’s agenda as well. But, first, he wants to
work on getting players acclimated to the speed of the game, and get reacquainted
with his players.
A sectional title would be Galway’s first
since 1986.
Galway
alum Neal Evans, 67, has been around Galway sports since he was in high school
as a student. He’s coached for 40 years, and spent 18 of those years coaching
baseball. He said the hiring of Kalinkewicz has a key element Galway has been
lacking in recent head coaches. “I think he does have an advantage knowing the
students and their parents,” Evans said. Evans was the last coach to lead a
Galway team to a sectional title, with the 2007 boys’ soccer team. “One problem
is that [baseball] coaches were not Galway people, and were unable to spend the
necessary time on the total program,” Evans said. Coaches would typically work
with the team from early March to the end of May, and wouldn’t organize summer
teams. Kalinkewicz said that his staff was trying to get more players to play
organized summer ball.
Evans
said that Kalinkewicz’ toughest task will be decisions like who should bat
clean-up, or fourth, in the lineup, and who should be the ace of the rotation.
“Figuring out the composition of the team will be the hardest thing for him to
do,” said Evans. “And, he will.”
Class
of 2012 alum Cody Marshall played for Kalinkewicz’ predecessor, Toby
Youngblood, and says Kalinkewicz is a “great fit with what they’re trying to
do, and wants to make each player a better person.” Marshall believes coaching
isn’t about being familiar with the area. “It’s more about creating your own
system and getting players to buy into it,” Marshall said.
Both
Evans and Marshall agreed a new coach shouldn’t shy away from setting a
sectional title as a goal. “I think it should be a goal every year,” Marshall
said. “But, it isn’t necessary for a successful season.”
Kalinkewicz’ first test is slated
for March 31st, against the Schoharie Indians
Monday, March 3, 2014
Bold Statement: Noah Syndergaard Should Be A Met Come April
With the nickname "Thor", you'd think Noah Syndergaard's pitching would be otherworldly, possibly from Asgard. Syndergaard has the "hook from hell" (according to Mets manager Terry Collins), and can dial up the heat on his fastball. After making his first start of Spring Training, the 21 year-old has put himself in contention for the Mets fifth spot.
With ace Matt Harvey out for the season, the Mets are looking for a five man rotation of young heralded prospects and veterans to anchor a pitching staff that has been inconsistent for, arguably, the past eight years. Task someone with trying to peg the Mets rotation this year, and the easy answer would be Jonathan Niese, Bartolo Colon, Zack Wheeler, and Dillon Gee. Easy answer, but still only four-fifths complete. That's where the pegging becomes more like throwing darts, with a blindfold.
The Mets have brought in low-cost talent in John Lannan and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Both pitchers were formerly aces for the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox respectively, but both have seen their career numbers start to decline. Matsuzaka hasn't posted double digits wins or posted an ERA under 4.42 since 2008. Lannan hasn't made more than twenty starts since 2011, and is trying to regain form from a season-ending knee surgery last season.
Syndergaard has only pitched two innings this spring, but he's getting attention. If the Mets want a low-cost, effective pitcher to fill the fifth spot, why not Syndergaard? After all, how many guys sit down Jason Heyward and the Upton brothers in their first time facing them. If the Mets want to win now, this is a risk worth taking. If not, it's understandable, given the way Sandy Alderson has been conservative his entire tenure with the Mets. Regardless, Syndergaard has definitely begun a case to start for the Mets come April.
While Syndergaard is still young, he just might be the guy to round out the rotation with. "Thor" might just be able to remove the blindfold, right before you hit the bulls-eye.
With ace Matt Harvey out for the season, the Mets are looking for a five man rotation of young heralded prospects and veterans to anchor a pitching staff that has been inconsistent for, arguably, the past eight years. Task someone with trying to peg the Mets rotation this year, and the easy answer would be Jonathan Niese, Bartolo Colon, Zack Wheeler, and Dillon Gee. Easy answer, but still only four-fifths complete. That's where the pegging becomes more like throwing darts, with a blindfold.
The Mets have brought in low-cost talent in John Lannan and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Both pitchers were formerly aces for the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox respectively, but both have seen their career numbers start to decline. Matsuzaka hasn't posted double digits wins or posted an ERA under 4.42 since 2008. Lannan hasn't made more than twenty starts since 2011, and is trying to regain form from a season-ending knee surgery last season.
Syndergaard has only pitched two innings this spring, but he's getting attention. If the Mets want a low-cost, effective pitcher to fill the fifth spot, why not Syndergaard? After all, how many guys sit down Jason Heyward and the Upton brothers in their first time facing them. If the Mets want to win now, this is a risk worth taking. If not, it's understandable, given the way Sandy Alderson has been conservative his entire tenure with the Mets. Regardless, Syndergaard has definitely begun a case to start for the Mets come April.
While Syndergaard is still young, he just might be the guy to round out the rotation with. "Thor" might just be able to remove the blindfold, right before you hit the bulls-eye.
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