With each stellar start by Jacob deGrom, the debate among Mets fans gets even more heated: Who would you rather have start a one-game playoff, deGrom or Matt Harvey?
For MLB Network host and former player Mark DeRosa, the answer is a no-brainer.
“I don’t think there is any question right now. You’re getting the ball to Jacob deGrom,” said DeRosa, on the latest episode of the Daily News Sports Talk podcast. “I don’t think it’s close.”
DeRosa, a Jersey guy who is the co-host of MLB Central weekdays (10 a.m.) on MLB Network, said he wasn’t trying to slight Harvey, instead take the guy who has been red hot.
“That’s not being anti-Matt Harvey,” said DeRosa. “This guy is fresh off Tommy John. Can we give him a seond? I know he’s the Dark Knight and everyone loves him and wants him to win every ballgame, but the bottom line is he hasn’t been in this league very long, the back of his baseball card is not very extensive; the talent is there. I’d almost take a little pressure off the guy and let him relax a little bit and not make him feel he has to throw a no-hitter every time out there.
“(deGrom) burst onto the scene as Rookie of the Year and he comes out this year throwing even harder,” said DeRosa. “The All-Star Game, he let the world know. I think he woke himself up like ‘I’m this good.’ Right now, it’s deGrom.”
Of course, the Mets have to make the playoffs first and DeRosa thinks Juan Uribe, his former teammate on the 2010 Giants who the Mets acquired in a trade Friday, could be a big key to the team getting to the postseason, not just because of his talent, but also due to his approach.
“He enjoys life, he’s playing in the big leagues. He occassionally goes deep, he plays a Gold Glove third base and he puts team first.”
As for the Yankees, DeRosa said he felt before the season began the Yanks could win the division, but even he didn’t see Alex Rodriguez having such a huge season.
“I’ve liked the Yanks from Day 1,” said DeRosa. “Everything that was a question mark has worked. A-Rod, what he’s doing is borderline crazy.”
But DeRosa said the Yankee starting pitching is what could make the Bombers practically impossible to catch in the AL East.
“If Pineda steps up and pitches like a one down stretch, they will run away with it.
“There is a lot to like about the Yanks.”
Produced by Bill Price
Edited by Frank Posillico
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