Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
During his tenure with the New York Mets, Matt Harvey has propelled himself to superstardom on and off the field.
A consistent 95-plus MPH fastball, a devastating 90 MPH slider, an 80-plus MPH changeup, and his new addition, an improving curveball all reside in the arsenal of weapons Harvey uses against his opponents. I like to call that his utility belt.
Those pitches are nothing to shrug at, but the manner in which he pitches and the way he carries himself while he’s on the mound are truly something to marvel at. His competitive attitude, aggression, and the belief that he’s the best player on the field are what has led him to be so dominant.
As the Mets sit atop the NL East with a 20-14 record, they’re amidst their most competitive season in half a decade. Although he neither started the season nor home opener, have no doubts about it: Harvey is the leader of the pitching staff. In his first seven starts, he’s gone 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA, 9.1 strikeouts per nine, and an otherworldly 0.92 WHIP. Not to mention, he’s also got 47 strikeouts to seven walks in 46.2 innings pitched.
Harvey Day has become something of a mini holiday among Mets fans. No matter how well the rest of the Mets’ pitching staff is playing (and they’re all pitching very well), Harvey’s starts are something special.
Especially this year.
Harvey had contentions with the Mets’ front office. He wanted to return in 2014; they wanted him to wait. But that’s what makes him so special.
The self-given moniker of the Dark Knight has become more than fitting. Harvey’s attitude, reputation, and complete dominance over his opponents mimic the original Dark Knight’s persona so perfectly. Perhaps in the future he’ll be at the center of controversy again. It’s more than likely, in fact — especially when contract negotiations begin. However, that’s just part of the parallel.
The only way that Harvey could more resemble the Dark Knight is if the Mets were to revive their black jerseys so that they could at least wear the same colors. But some things should just be left in the past.
As the similarities between Harvey and his comic counterpart continue to rack up, on the other hand the hero the Mets deserve has to be David Wright. He’s more of a white knight, the perfect symbol of what a team leader should be. He leads by example and lets his play do the talking for him. He isn’t the center of attention off the field.
However, Wright is on the disabled list right how. He has been for a few weeks, and it seems he’s there to stay for at least one more. The Mets are in need of a leader. If there was ever a time for Harvey to take over the team, it’s now.
Matt Turner is a New York Mets Writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @MTurnerNY, or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.
