Then Has Become Now

Sep 22, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets starting pitcher

(43) reacts in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PREWIRE

Throughout the last week or so I have been posting some games from yesteryear that make me all gooey and warm inside. No-hitters, Pennant Clinchers…days of rampant optimism. I felt that surge coming back but Alex Anthopoulos has me insides feeling like a fresh baked cake still warm wit da fudge all seething out…but I digress…

This off-season now shows to be a cunning 3 part trilogy of pure skill. He really is a ninja in a nice suit with a flare for the dramatic. This trilogy was a mere month and a half long starting with the swift yet deft signing of Maicer Izturis to eradicate the mess left by Kelly Johnson. That was like the sweet and subtle opener where a little surprise hooks you into watching how the first act will unfold.

The second act is usually larger. More complex. It shows you the bare core of intentions and either corrals your faith or destroys it. With the acquisitions from Florida we imported character and talent in exchange for the unknown. We chose the road less traveled (Yes I meant to infer that). We needed a change. AA flowers us with Melky Cabrera. We crave more action so the second act ends with the epic battle for R.A. Dickey.

AA has set up a rather enticing climax leading into the third act. Bringing all of the aspects into a grand finale you could hope for. But if past experiences and talent level is any indication, the final act shall be almost worth waiting 20 years for. If you were excited by the end of the second act, the third will be an astounding amalgamation of the first two acts.

With the relative inaction of the AL East teams in terms of high profile moves and a desperately-seeking-winner fan base in Toronto, AA has risen to the top of the sporting world mountain in Toronto. He saw an opening and as he has always maintained he had the resources to go for it when the time was right. That time is now.

Underneath the astounding change of our beloved Blue Jays is still a firm foundation of prospects with legitimate chances to become major league ready. A completely different story is being harnessed from kids like D.J. Davis, Aaron Sanchez, A.J. Jimenez and Anthony Gose. They are drafting the next trilogy as AA keeps acquiring assets to build a long term contender. If we lose Josh Johnson after the year I would hope one of Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek or even Dustin McGowan may be ready to step in…we have more possibilities because this team is built to contend for the next three years. Prime years for most of the guys.

So when the third act begins and your heart is palpitating from all the excitement remember to stand up and cheer this year. Let’s remind the team what it is like to play in a city brimming with optimism and hope. It feels like our year…doesn’t it?