|
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B_vlvLe5jtqI6bto8uZrmkmK16o=/0x0:2490x1660/1200x800/filters:focal(714x158:1112x556)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62317545/usa_today_11288624.0.jpg
A new regime can be Hell on rye for guys on the MLB bubble. Think Brodie brings a new fresh approach? A different set of eyes? Ask Kevin Plawecki how that's working out for him. Hell, ask T.J. Rivera.
Or you can ask me. I'm Jacob Rhame, and I was the player to be named later when the Mets dealt Curtis Granderson to the Dodgers after the 2017 trade deadline. I obviously made it through waivers, but the Mets must've seen something, because they not only called me up in September, they also included me on the 2018 opening day roster. But I didn't exactly flourish and the Mets sent me down, and called me back all year long. I don't know if set any kind of record for being a human yo-yo, but man, did I log a lot of miles between Vegas and New York.
Thursday, August 2, 2018: New York Mets optioned RHP Jacob Rhame to Las Vegas 51s.
Sunday, August 5, 2018: New York Mets recalled Jacob Rhame from Las Vegas 51s.
Monday, August 13, 2018: New York Mets optioned RHP Jacob Rhame to Las Vegas 51s.
Thursday, August 16, 2018: New York Mets recalled Jacob Rhame from Las Vegas 51s.
Friday, August 17, 2018: RHP Jacob Rhame returned to Las Vegas 51s from New York Mets.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018: New York Mets recalled Jacob Rhame from Las Vegas 51s.
Thursday, August 30, 2018: RHP Jacob Rhame returned to Las Vegas 51s from New York Mets.
Friday, August 31, 2018: New York Mets recalled RHP Jacob Rhame from Las Vegas 51s.
Now, I'd frankly love to be a yo-yo right now. Instead, I'm a middle-of-the-pack Syracuse reliever with a shlubby ERA after the first week. I get it. Brodie is new and he has no stake in my success or failure.
I've known adversity before. Did you know I had a scholarship to play ball at Oklahoma U., but I was cut after one year for being too fat? IT'S TRUE! While others were packing on what they call "the freshman 15," I gained 60 pounds. It turns out, Chipotle and beer isn't the best diet.
But I transferred to JC, and pitched my way back enough to become a sixth-round pick of the Dodgers. That's me, overcoming adversity. Some might say I've pitched enough to prove I don't belong, but I don't see it that way. I think I've got something more. I'm controlling my fastball better, and I think that's the skill that makes or breaks a Met pitcher. What it does to me has yet to be seen, but it hasn't broken me yet.
First you control your fastball, then you control your fate. That's what Mr. Miyagi taught me. How will that work out in 2019?
Goofy glasses for everybody!!
| 
