N.Y. Mets: The Buck Showalter Era Begins

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Mets Manager Likes to Laugh and Joke, But He Doesn't Play!

Don't make me Buck you up!  

At least that was the look on Buck Showalter's face as he stormed out of the dugout after Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch during Friday evening's game.  

It has become crystal clear that Washington pitchers are being told to throw high and tight because in my world, once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  James McCann was hit twice in Thursday's season opener and Pete Alonso once.  Lindor then became the third player and fourth Mets batter hit by a pitch in only the first two games this season against the Nationals.

The point here is team leadership, clubhouse command, and locker room control.  When an enraged Buck Showalter stormed the field, Mets players (including the bullpen) followed in lockstep behind their skipper.  Although no punches were thrown and cooler heads prevailed, the Mets nonetheless flipped the script and took the Nationals from their own perceived comfort zone.  All of which was reflected on the scoreboard. 

Buck Showalter instigated a call to action, and the Mets responded ... and this is just game two.  

He has also reclaimed the team's narrative, unlike any Mets manager since Terry Collins.

Buck likes to laugh and joke, but he doesn't play! 💪 #LGM

— The Metsian Podcast with Sam, Rich and Mike (@THEMetsianPod) April 9, 2022