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Coleman: Mets' Syndergaard Ready To Bring The Thunder

By Ed Coleman
» More Columns

Last year he wasn't ready, by his own admission and in the judgment of others. This year he is, meeting the approval of those same higher-ups and, most importantly, in his own mind.

Yes, Noah Syndergaard is prepared to make his major league debut, and he will do exactly that on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

With the Mets in the midst of 20 games in 20 days, at some point they were going to need a pitcher to step in and give the top five starters a blow. When Dillon Gee's Sunday start was thrown in jeopardy by his groin pull, the Mets pulled the trigger, and general manager Sandy Alderson explained why Syndergaard got the call.

Sandy Alderson On Syndergaard

Last year, Syndergaard appeared apprehensive at times, a little overwhelmed by his surroundings. This year, he seems to have matured and appears to be much more at ease, as evidenced by his re-telling of how he got the word he was heading to "The Show."

Noah Syndergaard On Getting The Call

When you're young, big, strong and possess a great fastball like Syndergaard, sometimes you forget how to be a pitcher, and become too reliant on your strength. Syndergaard now is a more well-rounded pitcher.

Syndergaard On Focus, Getting Comfortable

And how has that manifested itself on the mound during games for him.

Syndergaard On Game Plan

Just like many Mets fans, manager Terry Collins is looking forward to seeing what Syndergaard can do. Collins is a fan too, yes -- but he's a manager first.

Terry Collins 'Excited' For Syndergaard Start

Collins does have rather definitive ideas on how Syndergaard should approach his debut on Tuesday, and he has gotten that across to the young man.

Collins On Mindset

Syndergaard has spoken highly of both Triple-A Las Vegas manager Wally Backman and pitching coach Frank Viola and how much they've helped him mature personally and professionally, and he feels that staying in the minors last year was a tremendous learning tool.

Syndergaard On Seasoning

Collins relies on the input of both Backman and Viola, and he spoke about what he believes is the biggest difference in Syndergaard from last season to now.

Collins On The New Noah

That challenge presents itself tonight in Chicago. It's "Thor" Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

C U soon
Eddie C

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