Ley: So, Gary. What is the deal between yourself and Orioles Captain Scott Debiase? When did all this tension begin to take place, and does it have anything to do with your time together on the Padres?
Gary Merritt: Bob that is a very good question. I obviously can't say anything for Scott but I did not have a problem with him until recently. Last season on the Padres I did not like the way he ran the team, I believe he set us up to fail, perhaps worse then had to be. For starters he basically told us not to swing, which in my opinion was a foolish thing to do. With so many new players to the league on the team, it would take some time to get use to the pitching. Basically to use a football term, he was putting us in the prevent defense… only problem with that is that the only thing it prevents you from doing is winning. Anyway, I could go on forever about this, but after awhile I really got fed up with it, and didn't feel I could go through another season with Scott as the captain, and believe me I wasn't the only one who felt that way. Mike Curtin and I got to talking, and thought it would be a great idea to start up a Mets team. This brings us to this season. Mike, originally, was supposed to be a Met. Being a reasonable guy and due to the fact that I respect Mike, I understood that he wanted to play with his friends. That was when he went back to play for Scott. I still think it was a poor decision, but it's his poor decision to make. Later on, he came up to me and “I'm a Met.” Great, we got the big bat that we've been looking for. Next thing I know Scott is contacting me saying that I shouldn't make Mike feel bad if he wants to play for the Orioles. I didn't say a thing to Mike about anything, but I told Scott that I wasn't twisting Mikes arm to play for the Mets, although he should feel bad if he does go back. So anyway Scott keeps attacking me for no reason at all, and the next thing you know you get what we've all seen on the forums. I lost my cool, and I admit it. I still have no respect for Scott, but I'm done arguing with him on the forums. The Mets will see him and Mikes Orioles opening day, and then at that point… it's just another game. Mike has managed to put together a talented team and I think as long as Scott stays out of the decision making they'll do just fine.
Ley: Who wins in a physical confrontation, Scott or yourself?
Merritt: Is this a serious question? Scott wouldn't stand a chance… I wouldn't be surprised if he couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag!
Ley: What's the pitching situation on the Mets? By all accounts it looks like you might struggle to keep other teams from scoring.
Merritt: This is a concern for us, although not a huge one at this point. I believe that I have the potential to be a decent pitcher in this league if I can master my control. Last season I was basically pitching injured. I later found out that I have rotator cuff tendonitis which would bug me after about an inning of pitching. Regardless I believe that I now have that under control, and will not only be able to throw harder, but with some more practice more accurately. Also I believe that Devin Zielinski, and Anthony Phillips will be able to contribute to the pitching game to some degree. Devin is up at college right now but has told me that he's going to go out and purchase a few wiffle balls so he can practice. Dedication, you have to love it. I also know that Tim Goyette is interested in pitching, and I'm sure with some practice he'll be able to contribute in some capacity.
Ley: How do you see this season playing out for the Mets? Do you believe you'll have a chance to make the play-offs?
Merritt: I think it's too early to tell. I like the team that we have put together, but I'm still looking to add a big time bat to the line-up. If we can manage that, I believe we'll be able to put up some runs, and it will come down to whether or not we can consistently pitch well enough to keep us in games. If we can add Jay Rozell that would be great, but if not, then I believe we'll be able to find somebody who can contribute.
Ley: Where do you think the Mets will finish this season in the Hess? Who do you see playing for the Championship, and who wins it all in the 2010 HFWB Season? |
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Merritt: This is a tough question to answer, especially since our roster is not yet complete. I believe that we will be able to at least compete with the Orioles, and the Red Sox . The Indians and Braves are going to be tough to compete with because they've proven that they can pitch, and both teams have improved their offense this off-season. If I were to be realistic, I'd say we have a fair shot at finishing last in the Hess… but then again no one expected anything from the '69 Mets either.
As for the Big Game. Well out of the Hess I see the Braves and the Indians dueling it out for supremacy, and if Hess is back at 100%, it's tough to pick against him. Out of the Lamb I think it's a 3 horse race. You have the ever consistent Angels, the Rockies, and now the Cardinals. Depending on the Rockies roster, they could potentially have an up and down year, but I see them coming out strong, just not being able to get it done in the play-offs. The Cardinals have evidently just signed Tierney who is going to help them out in all facets of the game, and I don't think they're done making moves yet. In the Lamb League Championship I see the Cards pulling out the upset over the Angels with Tierney getting a big time win to shut them up.
Braves/Cardinals… this is tough, but I'm going to say that the Cards pull off another upset and knock off the defending HFWB Champions.
The Mets are set to kick off their new franchise for the 2010 season. What's up with their rivalry with the Orioles?