New York Mets controversial pitcher Matt Harvey has cleared up the 180-inning max. Now, after he’s made his intentions known, it makes sense.
By Gerard Oberle
As another famous Harvey once said: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
Fortunately for all things New York Mets and Matt Harvey, that time doesn’t seem to have come just yet.
If you haven’t heard by now, on Sunday night Matt Harvey announced through the The Players’ Tribune that he “will pitch in the playoffs.” That is of course if the Mets make it. A proposition becoming seemingly less certain by the day.
Not withstanding assertive comments from super agent Scott Boras, that his client is on a strict 180 innings cap, Harvey made it clear that he will be on the mound during the postseason. Again, assuming the Mets make it.
Less than 24 hours ago I would have called Matt Harvey a phony, akin to a fraud. Today, I’m if nothing else understanding and satisfied with the way Harvey has handled his once volcanic situation.
Yesterday I was of the thinking that Matt Harvey was on the brink of executing one of the most selfish moves in New York sports history.
Well, things have changed. I now see Matt Harvey as an almost sympathetic figure.
.@MattHarvey33 shares his decision on pitching in the 2015 playoffs. http://t.co/trCsJ6zcsc pic.twitter.com/zOBZSUJsu2
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) September 6, 2015
Yes Matt Harvey – a sympathetic figure.
In hindsight, Saturday’s whole “I’m not looking past Tuesday’s start” act may very well have been Harvey’s way of staying loyal to his agent, Scott Boras.
No player ever wants to utterly disregard what his agent has to say. Frankly, there’s a reason players choose to hire their respected agents. They (players) obviously respect their (agents) opinion(s) regarding their career. Harvey relationship with Boras is no different.
I’m not here to say that Harvey should be applauded for the way he has handled his situation. He hasn’t handled it perfectly.
That being said, I’m not going to chastise Harvey for the way he has handled things.
Players have a right to look out for the betterment of their long term career. If it’s a business for the general managers and owners, its just as well a business for the players.
As people, players have a right to be scared.
I’m not in Matt Harvey’s mind, but when someone you respect (Boras and possibly Dr. James Andrews) are telling you something you’re about to do (pitch past 180 innings) is dangerous, it’s going to make you stop and think.
That’s exactly what Matt Harvey did Saturday.
When asked in front of reporters, Saturday, Harvey never said he wouldn’t pitch in the playoffs – nor did he say he would. He simply refused to give an answer on the subject.
It was Boras whom made the outlandish remarks about Harvey being completely shut down. Not Harvey.
I don’t know what the long term future of The Dark Knight on the Mets holds. I can’t say if everything will end up happy-ever-after between Harvey, Boras and the Mets.
What I do know is if you want to belittle Matt Harvey, call him two-face, a fraud, a phony — you’d be best advised to wait until when/if he deserves it.
For now Matt Harvey is still the Dark Knight.
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