SPORTS
Page 16 Friday, August1, 1986 The Michigan Daily
Mets aren't perfect but they're the best
By LIAM FLAHERTY ROUNDING OUT what New York
Special to the Daily scribes have been referring to as the
NEW YORK - For as long as "Fab Four" is fourth starter Dwight
people have cared about sports, there Gooden.
have been attempts at describing the Wait a second. Rounding out? And
quality that distinguishes great fourth starter?
teams. Last year such associations with the
The New York Mets, 66-32, are in "Doctor" would be akin to walking to
the midst of a great season, and their the Vatican and asking the Pope
particular intangible is not hard to where the restrooms are. Yet this
see. They have been winning in an year Gooden has been exhibiting his
aggressive, explosive, almost in- mortality at an alarming rate. In this
sulting style. When the Mets win you the greatest year of the Met's existen-
can almost see a collective strut. This ce, no one in New York can get off the
has not been lost on the rest of the question, "What's wrong with
National League either. Dwight?"
THE METS play in New York, gar- THE NUMBERS are not bad (10-4.
nering media attention that is resen- 2.97 ERA), but when one has glimpsed
ted by the other teams. They have a at perfection, it's hard to settle for
catcher, Gary Carter, who is seen as mere excellence.
baseball's biggest hot dog. They have Of course, everyone has their
been involved in four bench-clearing opinion on why Gooden has come
brawls. And literally every home run down from the mountain this year.
at Shea Stadium, regardless of who Some are serious: "He's lost the
hits or when it is hit, results in a cur- movement on his fastball; he can't
tam call. get his curve over." And some are
But mainly the Mets just know how baseless and predictable, such as
damn good they are. "He's taking drugs."
How good are the Mets? And how Yet something definitely issnot right
after two seasons of second-place with Gooden despite the Mets' in-
finishes have they become the most sistence that there is no problem.
dominant team in the game? Gooden has never been hit like this
ANY DISCUSSION of the Mets must before. Shea's famed "K Corner" has
begin with their starting pitching. become subdued, and the raucous
They have four starters with at least crowds that flocked to every Gooden
ten wins, and a fifth, Rick Aguilera, start now sit nervously as he works
who is just beginning to pitch well. his way out of the first slump of his
Associated Press
Sid Fernandez, whose waist is wider career. What 'wasonce a glorious Top reliever Jesse Orosco and All-star first baseman Keith Hernandez have had plenty of wins to celebrate
than moat of the islands that make up exercise in domination has become a this season.
his native Hawaii, leads the pack. The tenuous proposition at best.
lefty's main weapons are an explosive THE RIGHTY/LEFTY com- tly mired in the bottom of the Eastern comeback. one that gelled in an off-year in the
fastball and a huge breaking curve. bination out of the bullpen, Roger division, many are saying that Car- Darryl Strawberry has posted N.L. East. But don't try to tell the
Fernandez's fastall doss not register McDowell and Jesse ', h dinals' Willie McGee and Tommy pleasing numbers, but not the kind his Mets and their fans that.
breath-taking numbers on the radar been fairly effective. But the fact isHerr had "career" years in 1985. Next clippings say he is capable of. Right now, with a lead unparalleled
gun, but ithas good movement. the starters are so durable that a 30- year they may be saying the same The Mets may be a truly great in their history, they are enjoying
The other left-hander in the rotation save man is a luxury, not a need. thing about Lenny Dykstra and Wally team, or more probably a very good winning - with a vengeance.
is Bob Ojeda, acquired last winter Except for the versatile outfielder Backman of the Mets.
from the Boston Red Sox. Ojeda's Kevin Mitchell, the Mets' every day BOTH HAVE been hitting in the .330
assortment of breaking stuff is a per- lineup remains virtually unchanged range all year, setting the table for B ase a a 's b g g est
fect com plem ent to a staff of hard from last year. the m iddle of the order. Shortstopa sweo r nf lsn
throwers. He's filling the role with Gary Carter is being touted for Rafael Santana's bat has been non-
more effectiveness than 1985 starter MVP for his handling of the pitching existent this year, and he must wake
Ed Lynch. staff and his high RBI total (73). Keith up every morning thankful that the W L 'Pct.
Right-hander Ron Darling seems to Hernandez has transformed first Mets are so good that nobody seems to
be coming into his talent. He is saving base, a position usually reserved for care. 1906 Chicago Cubs........................ 116 36 .763
cuteness for magazine covers, going corroding veterans, into a personal Ray Knight has been solid all year 1954 Cleveland Indians.................111 43 .721
right at hitters with his split-fingered highlight film. at third, and considering his dreadful 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates .................. 110 42 .724
fastball. With the St. Louis Cardinals curren- showing last year, it may qualify 1927 New York Yankees ..................110 44 .714
more as' a resurrection than a 1961 New York Yankees ................... 109 53 .673
662-6969 LOCAL 1969 Baltimore Orioles ....................109 53 .673
"A family tradition TRADE-INS Ir 1986 NEW YORK METS*.................. 109 53 .673
for over 36 years" J 1975 Cincinnati Reds ...................... 108 54 .667
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