A year ago I found myself blogging about how “my” baseball team messed up things, some not its fault, some self-induced with the selection of a new manager. Perhaps fitting under the prior never ready for prime time owners. Things changed this off-season, perhaps not soon enough, but certainly in satisfying ways for most, if not all, fans of my team which (obvious to most readers) plays at Citifield.

This year some signings – a well-regarded catcher and a talented relief pitcher with a dynamic and welcoming social media presence – and then a major trade that brings a multi-talented shortstop with a commanding presence and consistent top of the rotation starter – bring a real sense of optimism about the new season.

Yes this new owner “consults” with the fanbase. Yes this team surveys its fans about their comfort levels to return to Citifield. But most of all a level of professionalism throughout the team, not just among its players but all throughout the team starting with ownership and the front office.

Absent any further moves, a potent lineup looks like this (whither DH in the NL):

Lindor SS

McNeil 2B (or LF if there’s a DH)

Alonso 1B/DH

Conforto RF

Smith LF (or 1B if there’s a DH)

Davis 3B

Nimmo CF

McCann C

(and if there’s a DH) Guillorme 2B

And the batting order above looks rather can probably work just as well with the pieces moved around some (I know one tribal member who advocates Nimmo leading off.).

Got this correspondent looking forward to the season. #LGFM

Put me in coach I’m certainly ready.....