The Mets Police

I understand the analogy that these Rays are the ’69 Amazin’ Mets of this generation, but I don’t necessarily buy into it. Yes, like the ’69 Mets, the Rays have come from an entire existence of being in last place to where they are now, but I just believe these Rays are better than those Mets were, and will be legitimate contenders for a longer period of time than those Mets were.

Of course, it never hurts to have a pitching staff that includes Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, Nolan Ryan, Tug McGraw and Ron Taylor as the ’69 Mets had. And though the 22-year-old Ryan did go 6-3 for those Mets and did pitch 2.1 scoreless innings in the World Series that year, his importance to that particular staff has kind of grown with legend. The Mets did, after all, trade him (for Jim Fregosi?). Still, not a bad spot starter and long reliever to have.

What we have in these Rays is the post-steroid era blueprint for success: Homegrown talent with baseball skills and athleticism to boot. Power is not emphasized as home runs will take care of themselves. What the Rays hone are baseball skills and awareness, defense and pitching. Speed is not an option; it’s a requirement.