I have been listening to lovable lads from Liverpool and watching Mets games since I could walk. With all of the questions surrounding the Mets’ starting rotation, I think it is imperative we assign some of these hit songs to our Fab Five: Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Carrasco, Noah Syndergaard, and David Peterson.
(This is not a prediction for the order of the starting rotation or an expectation that Noah Syndergaard will be ready for Opening Day. I just wanted to go with the five who will likely be the core for the majority of the season, as things stand today.)
Jacob deGrom - Help
”Help me if you can, I’m feeling down”
Throughout Jacob’s career, we have seen nothing but pure dominance on the mound. The two-time Cy Young winner has posted a 2.61 ERA and a 2.75 FIP since his debut in 2014. In contrast to Jacob’s efforts, the batting order and bullpen have notoriously fallen short. As Jacob progresses in age, John Lennon’s lyrics about getting older and losing independence starts hitting closer to home for Mets fans.
Marcus Stroman - All You Need is Love
”Love, love, love…”
There are no “vibe vampires” allowed near Marcus Stroman. This offseason Stroman accepted a Qualifying-Offer with the Mets and his Twitter feed has been nothing but self-actualizing positivity. The 29-year old has shared his workouts and wisdom with the fanbase as we anticipate a big year from him. As he takes the mound, I will be thinking about the lyric “There's nothing you can do that can't be done…”
Carlos Carrasco - I Need You
”You don't realize how much I need you”
The Mets received Carrasco in a deal with Cleveland this offseason. While the bigger name in the deal was shortstop phenom, Francisco Lindor, it can not be overlooked how big of an acquisition Carrasco is for the team.
At the time of the trade, the Mets starting rotation was full of question marks. Other than deGrom and Stroman, we were all banking on Peterson having a follow-up strong sophomore season and Syndergaard coming back from Tommy John Surgery as effective as he was prior.
George Harrison spends the song trying to remind the love interest that she is necessary to his life, I think we should all remind ourselves how important Carrasco is to the rotation.
Noah Syndergaard - Helter Skelter
”I'm coming down fast but I'm miles above you”
Noah Syndergaard has captured the hearts of Mets fans since the first time we saw him pump a 100-mph fastball. As Syndergaard progresses through his rehab process from his aforementioned Tommy John Surgery, I couldn’t be more excited to see him return to the mound.
Paul McCartney spends portions of the song just bellowing the lyrics “Lookout! Helter Skelter!” (Also probably the lyrics that first come to mind during the pitch that was thrown behind “he who shall not be named” in the infamous “A** in the jackpot” sequence)
David Peterson - Hold Me Tight
”It feels so right now / Hold me tight”
The Mets pitching struggles were quite prominent during the 2020 shortened season. Fans who may not be up to date on the Mets Farm System probably had never heard of Peterson before his first start, but it is safe to say they know him now. The lefty-starter posted a 6-2 record with an above-average ERA+ at 123 (second in the starting rotation behind Jacob deGrom).
After his strong year, Mets Twitter has started sprinkling around the idea of moving him recently since the Reds and Cubs have been trying to shed payroll and ship out some stars. I really would like to hold onto the starter and watch him grow under the guidance of the experienced pitching staff. David Peterson is the only lefty of the bunch which made him a perfect fit for this McCartney lead pop song.
What a great take on our Metsies! Enjoyed the read and the knowledge.