By MARK HALE
I’m headed away for a weekend with my family, but here are two things:
1. I wrote a bit about Guillermo Mota today and his upcoming return, but something that I think is worth pointing out is how much the Mets need to hope that Mota is mentally strong.
When I asked Tom Glavine about the possible fan reaction for Mota the other day, he replied, “I don’t know. I’m sure it’ll be mixed. It’s kind of a hot topic issue obviously and it’s an easy issue for people to get on guys about. So I’m sure there’ll be some of that. But I’m sure that at home, if he’s doing a good job for us, he’s going to be very well received.”
Glavine added, “If he pitches well, then it’s going to be no problem. If he’s not, then he’s going to be subject to the same stuff we’re all subject to.”
I absolutely agree with Glavine that Mota will be cheered if he pitches well, but if Mota doesn’t pitch well, I think the fact that he’s coming off a steroid suspension is going to make the fan response worse. Fans will not have a lot of patience for him, and if he struggles at first, he’s going to get jeered and booed. The Mets are going to have to hope that he’s mentally tough enough to overcome that — or that he doesn’t struggle at all when he re-joins the team.
*****
It’s clear that I should now be heading to Vegas and hitting the slot machines because I’m on fire with my predictions. Three straight series have been nailed — which hopefully makes up for my terrible showing earlier.
This weekend I’m not thrilled with the Mets’ pitching matchups, and I think they’ll have problems. Milwaukee will take two of three at Shea.
My standings:
SERIES PICKED: 12
SERIES I GOT RIGHT: 6