David J. Rubin At Large - Random Thoughts On a St. Lucie Mets Game

Frank Elissalt, Photo by David J. Rubin 

Editor's Note: Mets News and Links Contributor, Baseball Writer and Longtime Mets Fan, David J. Rubin took in a St. Lucie Mets Game on July 1st (Box Score).  He provides the following random thoughts on the game:

It's amazing how, over the years, Port St Lucie grew from a tiny backwater town to a thriving city, and I would like to think, whether true or not, that the Mets had a lot to do with that. The ballpark (far too small to call a stadium) remains quaint yet thoroughly modern with fantastic site-lines & wonderful remembrances of Mets players from years past. Even when we don't have a great team there, it's still a pleasure to watch a game at and here's hoping that the just concluded draft will provide reinforcements to the pitching staff.

I know that most writers don't share my enthusiasm for SS Jeremy Rodriguez, but  ever since the trade with AZ I have been expecting him to have a breakout season. I still have hopes it will be this year, but if not my hope will spring eternal once more next February.

Catcher Daiverson Gutierrez handled the staff well (as most of our catchers seem to do, thank goodness) and for one game at least looked good at the plate. It would definitely be nice to see his offense take a big step up.

Trey Snyder 2B wielded a strong bat when we saw him, and I look forward to watching him progress to the next level to see if he can also take that big step up towards the pros.

Starting pitcher Ernesto Mercedes wasn't too impressive, with a heater straddling the 91-93 mark, but he was relieved by the 23 year old Frank Elissalt who mixed in some strong off speed stuff with a fastball that was popping the catchers glove to the tune of 95-96 mph! Maybe it's because he's older in a younger man's league or maybe it's because he's starting to put some things together, but it would also be nice to see him step up towards Binghamton to see if he maybe has a bullpen career in the bigs on his docket in a few years.

Finally the St. Lucie Manager, Luis Rivera, had the hot hand in contesting umpire ball & strike calls all night as every one was in his favor - and there certainly are a number of them. 

If you have the chance, whether in the spring or during the season, I always recommend catching a game in Port St Lucie & I'm sure I will get out to the ballpark a few more times this season.

Daiverson Gutierrez, Photo by David J Rubin