Blogging Mets

The following is a guest post. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Blogging Mets.

The 2013 Major League Baseball season is about to start this March. Teams, especially the ones that finished poorly last season, are busy improving their roster, perfecting their system, and strengthening their mental and physical conditions. One team that doubles the effort on these tasks is the New York Mets. The Mets ended last year’s season with a .457 win-loss percentage, way below what their fans expected. They were initially viewed as contenders until injuries jeopardized their campaign. But that 2012 disaster is something that the team wants to bury. They’ve been training and making changes in their roster for the next season to give Frenchman Bruce Bochy and his San Francisco Giants a run for their money. To bolster the team, one thing that the Mets could do is to arrange a friendly game against national teams like France. Bochy is of French blood, it could be that his excellent managing skills were shaped by his mother country.

France has a national baseball team that competes at the World Baseball Classic. A game or two in the European country would give the team tougher competition and of course, a wider fan base. But more than just training, a team building tour in France can help players and management lessen the pressure they feel. Players could also tag along with Mets fan (and nearly part owner) and 2012 World Series of Poker third placer David Einhorn (left) to inspire players in playing baseball, not poker. Since arranging a poker session at live casinos can be quite time consuming and tedious, they should consider playing online at gaming portals like such as Partypoker.fr/, a website that offers fun and high-level poker games. This website is playable on smartphones and tablets. Partypoker, which gives players the chance to win cash prizes, also has tournaments that can serve as a stepping stone to qualify for the World Poker Tour. Because this website is available worldwide and is visited by enthusiasts from all over the world, players will not just enjoy, they will also learn how to play with patience, become strategic, and learn how to deliver under pressure; things that make a smart baseball player.

There are more reasons why playing against the France National Baseball Team is a good idea for the Mets. One man behind the bench of the French team is 2003 Cy Young awardee Éric Gagné. The three-time French Canadian All Star player is currently France’s pitching coach. Since signing with the European country in 2011, Gagne has already helped the team qualify for the World Baseball Classics. The Under-21 French national baseball team topped the European Championship to get a slot at the 2012 WBC. The New York Mets current line up is full of young players, especially on the pitching end. Gagne is one person that pitchers of this generation look up to. His experience would benefit the younger guys. His deep knowledge of the game could be that one big factor for the Mets to start well in the 2013 season.