EXPECTATIONS FOR 18: Jacob deGrom

[Edgy MD]

Everything went south last year. Well, almost everything. I didn't. I mean, there were two or three starts in the middle when I couldn't get anybody out, including one where I literally went south, to Arlington, Texas. But it was a damn good year.

Maybe it's because I've already had my surgical adventures in the minors, or maybe it's because I'm not trying to put muscles on my muscles, but for most of the past four seasons, things have gone just about as good as you can hope. And now, unless my luck runs out, I'm set to become the ninth opening day starting pitcher for the Mets in nine years.

So, is this the good news, or is this just the bad news waiting to happen? Let me know! I need to know if I have to put my Stetson U. education to use.

[fimg=126:1mksebr4]http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.3009051.1490469471!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/degrom26s-1-web.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4] [fimg=298:1mksebr4]https://content.sny.tv/assets/images/8/5/2/236159852/cuts/AP_17097810157784_37r8g28q_rw5mh2l2.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4] [fimg=276:1mksebr4]http://dailystache.net/wp-content/uploads/102715-mlb-Jacob-deGrom-pi-mp.vresize.1200.675.high_.60-660x400.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4]
[fimg=261:1mksebr4]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTH8Dn2p8UbboycIzpc2Fwn61dcjO0xtz8YgUHR72bARqWYXndC[/fimg:1mksebr4] [fimg=129:1mksebr4]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Jacob_deGrom_on_May_6%2C_2015.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4] [fimg=310:1mksebr4]https://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.14089779.1503672395!/httpImage/image.jpeg_gen/derivatives/landscape_768/image.jpeg[/fimg:1mksebr4]
[fimg=289:1mksebr4]https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xRLXk9m6AUstMwaImBEF6yqr1D0=/218x115:1857x1272/1200x800/filters:focal(909x174:1253x518)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54395829/usa_today_10015873.0.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4] [fimg=282:1mksebr4]https://media.spokesman.com/photos/2016/04/10/Phillies_Mets_Baseball.JPG.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4] [fimg=129:1mksebr4]https://scoutsaysweitersisabust.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/hair_degrom_main1a.jpg[/fimg:1mksebr4]

If nothing else, let's keep one thing going this year. Let it be me.

[youtube:1mksebr4]TSWRapwSeX0[/youtube:1mksebr4]

[Zvon]

That wall of deGrom pics is perfectly laid out. That had to be difficult to do. *APPLAUSE!

Newsday reports: According to Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record, deGrom, who is recovering from lower-back stiffness, will need to face live hitters four more times, either in simulated games or actual Grapefruit League action, before the Mets clear him for the regular season. The multiple checkpoints leave deGrom's availability in question for Opening Day, though the Mets are optimistic the right-hander will at least avoid a stint on the disabled list.

I'll say 32 starts, 17 wins, 256Ks, 3.41 ERA. One bad bump before the ASB, not an injury but a shelling, misses one tired turn, and then smooth sailing to the post season afterwards.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I'm a little worried he hasn't been out there yet.

14-9, 3.50 in 27 starts/180 IP, 10-3 k/BB

Hits 250 with 8 xbh

[Edgy MD]

Zvon wrote: That wall of deGrom pics is perfectly laid out. That had to be difficult to do. *APPLAUSE!

Thanks! I WORK on this stuff!

[Guest d'Kong76]

Heavy Cy Young candidate, #1 in Shaefer/CPF rankings and 16 wins.

[Ceetar]

3.26 ERA. 30 games. 201.1 IP. 2 cy young points. CG shutout in game 4 of the NLDS.