Mets Opening Day: Trying Out a New Thing Called "Optimisim"

Last season I got so disgusted with the Mets, I ostensibly went on strike. That’s right, by June of the ’09 campaign the Metros had driven me into rehab. That is what this team does to its fans. Yet, I’ve come to realize we do it just as much to ourselves. In a way, this self-pity path is our only identity, so we cling to it like a baby addicted to the pacifier. Disastrous strings of injuries. Inexplicably dropped pop-ups against crosstown rivals. Freak thyroid elevations. These things happen to the Mets, and it seems only to the Mets. And, in a sad way, it somehow gives us fans license to continue our moans of misery.

Well, on the eve of another opener, I’m going to try a different route – just for s%$!s and giggles. I’m going to try embracing a strange word in the realm of Mets fandom that I rarely hear uttered. Optimism. Yes, you heard that right. I’m going to give this whole glass-half-full thing a try and see where it nets out. Power of positive thinking right?

I will not bemoan the fact Alex Cora sits atop Jerry’s opening day lineup card. Nor will I pay any attention to Mike Jacobs cleanup spot and Jason Bay’s #5 slot in the order. Angel Pagan’s absence will be of no consequence in terms of my attitude. The Mets season begins tomorrow, and I am choosing to believe — partly because this is a time where logic demands otherwise.

We’ll see how long this lasts.