Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Changing Of The Guard In Queens

There's a changing of the guard in Queens this winter. One ace out, another ace in. Jacob deGrom has taken his talents elsewhere. So to replace him, Justin Verlander has been brought in.

Losing Jacob deGzrom does sting a little, as he's spent his entire nine year career in the blue and orange. During that time, he won 82 games, struck out 1,602 hitters and had a 2.52 career ERA in New York, four of those years resulted in an all star game appearance. Oh and he managed to win a pair of Cy Young's and a rookie of the year. Now, he's taking those talents to Texas, signing a five year deal worth $185 Million.

It's kind of understandable why deGrom took off for Texas, he felt a bit of disrespect from the Mets organization. He was the team best pitcher but never fully got treated like it. It seemed as if he was playing second fiddle to Matt Harvey and even Noah Syndergaard. Both of whom the Mets put in higher esteem for whatever reason.

He hit the free agent market and landed in Texas. According to reports, deGrom liked the winning culture that's building around the Rangers. Part of it, from my point of view, is that he wanted to be a on a club where he was the true ace and he felt that way going in. He never truly got that in New York, and it wasn't helped any by adding Max Scherzer last year.

On a personal note, I know with injuries and him leaving, things kind of went south for Jake on the way out of Queens. But having said that, I want to thank deGrom for all that he did for this team and the memories he provided for the franchise.

Now the Cy Young winner from the AL last year, Justin Verlander comes into the mix. He comes to Queens on a two year deal worth $ 86 million. Verlander brings 17 years experience and 244 career wins into the mix. With almost 3,200 career strikeouts, a career 3.24 ERA, 3 Cy Youngs and a world series title. He reunites with former Tigers teammate Scherzer at the top of the Mets staff.

What worries me a little is Verlander age, he is 39 years old. He still got great stuff, there's no denying that. If he can stay healthy there's still plenty left in the tank for Verlander to be very good and very effective in Queens.

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