Opening Day has officially arrived and optimism is high for every team. Everyone stands a chance and that is especially true for both the Washington Nations and New York Mets. Expectations are high as always as the National League East looks improved from last season. After both the Nationals and Mets hit skids last year that ended their playoff chances, 2014 is expected to go much better for both franchises.
The Nationals had everything going for them in 2013. Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper were both hitting their strides and an October run was in Washington's grasp. However, a skid caused them to miss the playoffs at 86-76, but the team is returning as a popular pick for the World Series in 2014. With the National League East looking much improved, the Nationals' climb to the top will not be easy.
Strasburg gets the Opening Day start for the team. According to the Nationals, he has a new pitch in his arsenal that has the team coaching staff very excited. He underwent an operation in October to remove bone chips in his elbow, but has returned nicely and now has a slider to go with his other hard-throwing pitches. Along with Strasburg is a Nationals' lineup that features Harper, Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond who can all be as dangerous as the pitcher.
The Mets have won 20 of their past 22 season openers. However, coming off five straight losing seasons, that stat does not mean much. The Mets are once again trying to push for the playoffs in a competitive division. Dillion Gee will get the marquee start for New York at Citi Field. He certainly was not the team's first choice, but an injury to Matt Harvey forced Gee into the spotlight. The right-hander put up a 2.71 ERA in the final four months of the season after almost losing his starting spot earlier in the year.
The Mets made a few solid free agent signings that could help their season in 2014. Joining David Wright will be Curtis Granderson and Chris Young who both were added to the lineup during the offseason. Despite the two additions, questions still remain around several players. Ruben Tejada is once again not off to a great start and trade rumors are circulating Ike Davis and Lucas Duda after both players suffered leg injuries in spring training.
Both the Nationals and Mets are expected to have turn-around seasons in 2014. Competing against the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies will not make that easy, but getting a win on Opening Day will certainly start the momentum.